Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has thrown his hat into Davido’s proposed $1 million hit-song battle, claiming he has more hit songs than the Afrobeats star.

Davido recently sparked a debate among music lovers after declaring that he was willing to stake $1 million against any artiste who believed they could match his catalogue of hit songs.

During an online stream, Davido maintained that no contemporary artiste had more hits than him and challenged anyone willing to prove otherwise.

Portable has now accepted the challenge, insisting that his singles and collaborations have produced several hit songs.

‘I am here to challenge Davido say I get hit songs pass am. My featuring, my single was a hit. I get hit pass Davido,’ he said.

The singer also credited artistes including Olamide and British rapper Skepta for contributing to his catalogue through collaborations.

Portable rose to mainstream prominence following his collaboration with Olamide and Poco Lee on the hit song Zazoo Zehh. He has since continued to boast about his ability to produce hit songs consistently.

Denge Josef Onoh, Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly and former South-East spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, has rejected South Africa’s demand that Nigeria reimburse it for the cost of repatriating foreign nationals amid its recent immigration crackdown.

Onoh, in a statement made available to journalists from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, described the demand as an ‘illegal levy’, arguing that Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, should not be compelled to reimburse expenses incurred by the South African government.

His reaction followed reports that South Africa had written to Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia seeking reimbursement for expenses associated with the accommodation, transportation and repatriation of foreign nationals.

The South African authorities reportedly said the expenses covered transportation, temporary repatriation centres, accommodation and staff overtime, describing the costs as unforeseen and unavoidable.

But Onoh said Nigeria would not pay any part of the R292 million ($18.5 million) bill.

‘As an independent sovereign nation, Nigeria firmly rejects this illegal levy, which directly violates international law, the principles of continental solidarity, and the fundamental rights of African citizens,’ he said.

Onoh argued that South Africa’s request failed to take into account what he described as substantial financial losses suffered by Nigerian investors and traders during episodes of xenophobic violence and attacks on foreign-owned businesses.

He said Nigeria should instead seek compensation for losses allegedly suffered by its citizens and businesses in South Africa.

According to him, hundreds of foreign-owned small businesses, manufacturing equipment, vehicles and real estate assets had been looted, vandalised or destroyed during anti-immigrant attacks.

Onoh also alleged that Nigerian business owners and other African professionals had been forced to abandon their homes, businesses and investments because of threats of violence.

He accused the South African government of failing to adequately protect African migrants and said the activities of anti-immigrant groups, including Operation Dudula, had contributed to an increasingly hostile environment for foreign nationals.

Onoh said Nigeria was consulting with the governments of Malawi and Ethiopia, as well as affected victims, as part of efforts to assess the extent of the alleged losses.

He said that, if necessary, Nigeria could present a counter-demand for compensation from South Africa to cover losses suffered by Nigerian citizens and businesses.

Onoh further warned Pretoria against using African migrants as scapegoats for domestic security and economic challenges, arguing that such policies could damage South Africa’s diplomatic and economic relations with other African countries.

He also linked the dispute to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying hostile treatment of African migrants could undermine the spirit of continental economic integration.

Onoh said Nigeria had historically provided substantial financial, diplomatic and political support to the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.

He claimed that Nigeria’s cumulative support between 1960 and 1994 amounted to more than $61 billion, covering financial, military and diplomatic assistance, as well as safe havens and other support for South Africans during the liberation struggle.

‘If a refund is what Pretoria seeks, South Africa must deduct this repatriation bill from its massive, outstanding historical indebtedness to Nigeria,’ Onoh said.

He warned that Nigeria would explore international and multilateral channels to protect its citizens and pursue what it considers legitimate claims against South Africa.

Onoh said Pretoria should reconsider what he described as its ‘xenophobic diplomatic tactics’, adding that reducing relations between the two countries to financial transactions could force Nigeria to present its own ‘historical invoice’.

Actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has raised concerns over what she described as alleged plans against her, saying she remains firm despite the situation.

Ojo expressed her concerns in a recent post on her Instagram page, where she referred to alleged secret moves and visits by unnamed individuals.

The actress said she was aware of what was happening and would continue to speak out while relying on the rule of law and due process.

‘I’m aware my detractors are plotting. I’m solidly on ground!’ she wrote.

She added, ‘As a law abiding citizen, we shall keenly observe adherence to the rule of law, compliance with due process and institutional independence.’

Ojo also said she was monitoring what she described as ‘crooked plans and camouflaged visits’, suggesting that she was aware of conversations taking place behind the scenes.

‘Our eyes are seeing the crooked plans and camouflaged visits. Our ears are hearing the silent whisperings,’ she stated.

Despite her concerns, the actress said she would continue to speak publicly about the situation.

‘And likewise, our lips won’t cease to speak to the consciousness of the society,’ she added.

Addressing her fans and family, Ojo expressed confidence that the truth would eventually prevail, regardless of how long falsehood persisted.

‘My beautiful fans and family, irrespective of how far falsehood may travel, the truth shall catch up with it! The truth shall emerge in earnest,’ she concluded.

Ojo did not identify the individuals she referred to as her detractors or provide further details about the alleged plans in the post.

Redeemer’s University has announced that eight of its Accounting students passed the May 2026 qualifying examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The university disclosed the achievement in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, noting that the successful candidates were drawn from the 200, 300 and 400 levels.

The successful students are Daramola Mary (200 Level); Adekanla Ayomide and Ojedele David Olatomiwa (300 Level); and Odeyemi Moyinoluwa Elizabeth, Ijiola Olatomiwa Feyisola, Oyelayo Goodness Oyedamola, Taiwo Tomilola and Medal Praise Olabisi (400 Level).

Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, said the results reflected the institution’s commitment to producing future professionals in the accounting field.

‘The results further reinforce Redeemer’s University’s standing as a formidable nurturing ground for future chartered accountants in Nigeria,’ he said.

The Programme Coordinator of the Department of Accounting, Dr. Temitope Worimegbe, congratulated the students on their success, describing the feat as a proud moment for the university.

‘Hearty congratulations to all our students for their success in the May diet examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Of course, you have made the centre, department and university proud! Keep soaring higher. Congratulations!’ she said.

Worimegbe also appreciated the university management for its unwavering support for ICAN-related academic initiatives, noting that the accomplishment reflected the institution’s commitment to professional excellence.

The university said the success of students across different academic levels highlights the Department of Accounting’s efforts to integrate professional accounting qualifications into its undergraduate curriculum, preparing students for careers in the accounting profession.

The Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo (Home Headquarters), the umbrella body of socio-cultural organisations in Ogbomosoland, has kicked against an alleged plan by the Oyo State Government to allocate portions of the Ogbomoso Farm Settlement (Agric) to private investors and developers.

The group, in a letter addressed to the Oyo State Government and signed by its Chairman, Prince Aderemi Olude, and Secretary, Mr. Johnson Adekunle, described the alleged move as unacceptable and warned that it could trigger crisis if not addressed.

According to the group, the controversy is no longer based on mere rumours, as farm settlers allegedly affected by the development have confirmed that surveyors from the state government have begun making incursions into the land.

The body said many of the settlers had spent more than 60 years on the land and opposed any attempt to displace them.

It said Ogbomoso Farm Settlement was established in the early 1960s for crop and livestock production after government acquired about 1,602 hectares, with compensation reportedly paid to the original landowners.

The group said the settlement had sustained generations of farmers and was part of the agricultural legacy associated with the development vision of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

It, however, raised concerns over alleged encroachment on the farm settlement by the Onpetu, noting that the matter had previously been reported to relevant authorities.

The group also recalled that a portion of the land known as the Old Farm School had been the subject of litigation, with the Supreme Court reportedly awarding the Onpetu 45 per cent of the Old Farm School.

Stressing that its objection was not against investment or development, the community body urged the state government to consider revitalising the farm settlement instead of allocating it to private investors.

It proposed the retraining of farmers, establishment of cattle ranches, development of modern mechanised farms, agricultural institutes and agro-allied industries, including cashew and mango processing factories.

The organisation said such initiatives would create employment, increase agricultural production and generate greater value for Ogbomoso and the state.

‘Rather than turn over the place to the so-called investors, why isn’t it revitalised?’ the group asked, stressing that many people still actively farm on the land.

It warned that evicting the settlers from the farm settlement could amount to destroying a valuable heritage that had served generations.

The group urged Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and prevent what it described as a potentially contentious development, stressing that there were other locations that could be considered for investors rather than land already occupied by farmers.

‘We therefore on behalf of the vast majority of the people of Ogbomoso declare that we reject this move in its entirety,’ the letter stated.

The organisation appealed to the governor to consider its concerns and help prevent a crisis, while reaffirming its support for his administration and his preferred candidates in the forthcoming general election.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Inspector-General of Police, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Area Commander, Ogbomoso, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.

Efforts by the Oyo State Government and the Hospital Management Board to prevent resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LTH), Ogbomoso, from resuming industrial action may have suffered a setback.

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LTH, Ogbomoso, has threatened to resume its suspended industrial action on August 28, 2026, if the state government and hospital management fail to resolve its outstanding welfare demands.

The association made this known in a statement signed by its President, Dr Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr John Stephen, on Thursday.

The doctors suspended their industrial action on June 27, giving the hospital management and relevant authorities eight weeks to address their concerns.

Speaking on the development, Mustapha said the planned resumption of the strike was a valid warning to the government and other stakeholders to resolve the issues before the deadline.

However, a top source in the institution told The Nation on condition of anonymity that the management had been appealing to the doctors to show understanding, but that its efforts had not yielded results.

The source said a meeting was held at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, earlier in the week to appeal to the doctors to give the government more time to conclude ongoing discussions.

According to the source, the doctors remained firm on their position that all their demands must be addressed or they would resume the strike.

The association said it suspended the action ‘in good faith’ to maintain industrial harmony, support the progress of the institution and prevent disruption of healthcare services to residents.

It, however, said several critical issues remained unresolved as the agreed eight-week period drew to a close.

The outstanding demands include full implementation and release of the Medical Residency Training Fund, implementation of the new Professional Allowance table, payment of minimum wage arrears, and urgent recruitment of resident doctors and other critical manpower.

The association said the welfare situation at the hospital had become increasingly difficult, stressing that its demands were neither excessive nor unreasonable.

‘These demands are neither outrageous nor unreasonable,’ the doctors said, noting that several of the welfare packages had been implemented in other healthcare institutions for years.

The ARD also raised concerns over the severe shortage of medical personnel at LTH Ogbomoso, saying the situation had left the available doctors overworked and overstretched.

‘The Hospital is experiencing gross manpower shortages, while the inability to attract and retain resident doctors is further worsened by the prevailing welfare conditions,’ the association said.

It added that prolonged and frequent call duties had increasingly become the norm for the few doctors available.

The doctors warned that the manpower crisis could have implications for patient care and safety.

‘This is not merely a matter of doctors’ personal comfort. The welfare of healthcare workers is intrinsically linked to patient safety, quality of care and the sustainability of healthcare services,’ the statement said.

The association appealed to the Oyo State Governor and relevant government authorities to urgently intervene and resolve the issues.

‘We particularly appeal to the governor to safeguard the future of LTH Ogbomoso and salvage the increasingly critical situation within the institution by ensuring the prompt resolution of these outstanding welfare concerns,’ it said.

The doctors maintained that they had no desire to disrupt healthcare services or inconvenience residents of the state, saying their preference remained dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution.

‘Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution,’ the association said.

However, it warned that its patience had limits, noting that it had already demonstrated restraint by suspending the earlier strike and allowing sufficient time to address the issues.

‘We therefore wish to state clearly that if these outstanding demands remain unresolved, the Association shall resume its suspended industrial action effective 28 August 2026,’ the statement said.

The ARD urged the hospital management and Oyo State Government to take decisive action before the deadline to avert another disruption of medical services at LTH Ogbomoso.

The association said it remained committed to the progress of the hospital and the provision of quality healthcare, stressing that ‘a well-motivated, adequately staffed and properly supported workforce’ was essential to achieving those objectives.

Transactions at the Nigerian stock market must be fully paid not later than 5.00 p.m. on the first business day after the transaction in a definitive move that ensures that investors get full value for their transactions within a strictly defined period.

In a circular yesterday, Nigeria’s apex capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), set the 5.00 p.m. deadline for settlement of transactions in equities and commodities.

The deadline redefines the T+1 settlement cycle, which ordinarily stipulated that transactions at the market must be settled a day after the transaction day.

According to SEC, the new deadline was part of the implementation of the T+1 settlement cycle in the Nigerian capital market.

SEC emphasised that all transactions in the affected securities must be fully paid by 5:00 p.m. T+1 to ensure compliance with the standard Delivery versus Payment (DvP) settlement procedure.

The commission warned that where a broker or dealer’s trading account was not adequately funded to meet its settlement obligation within the prescribed period, the default would be managed in line with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Default Management Procedure and the applicable transaction settlement guidelines of the relevant exchange.

SEC however clarified that foreign portfolio investors are not required to prefund their accounts for trades in the Nigerian capital market, noting that capital market operators facilitating transactions on behalf of foreign portfolio investors must establish and maintain appropriate controls and processes to ensure timely funding and completion of settlements within the prescribed timeframe.

‘The clarification follows earlier SEC circulars on the implementation of the T+2 settlement cycle for equities transactions, issued on June 3, 2025, and the transition to the T+1 settlement cycle, issued on May 15, 2026. The T+1 cycle means that eligible securities transactions are settled one business day after the trade date, reducing the period between execution and final settlement,’ SEC stated.

The commission had described the transition as a significant milestone in its efforts to build a more efficient, resilient and internationally aligned trading and post-trade environment.

According to SEC, shorter settlement cycle would improve settlement efficiency, reduce counterparty risk, enhance liquidity and strengthen the competitiveness of the Nigerian capital market.

SEC noted that the reforms would ultimately improve the attractiveness of the Nigerian market to both domestic and international investors.

Nigeria had on June 1, 2026 made history as the first African country to shorten transaction settlement cycle at its stock market to two days, a milestone that was expected to enhance liquidity and global competitiveness of the Nigerian market.

At a transition ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Nigerian stock market moved from a T+2 or three days to a T+1 or two days transaction settlement cycle. The market had earlier moved from T+3 or four days transaction settlement cycle.

With the transition, investors who sell or buy shares and other securities will have their proceeds or securities delivered within two days, a day after the transaction day. T+1 simply means transaction day and a day.

Stakeholders were optimistic that the transition would impact positively on the Nigerian market performance.

Director-General of SEC Dr. Emomotimi Agama, said the transition was a defining moment in Nigerian market’s evolution.

‘With T+1, all eligible trades executed in the Nigerian capital market now settle one business day after the trade date. What does that mean for a retail investor in Lagos, Kano, or Port Harcourt who sells shares today? It means their cash is available tomorrow. Not in two days. Not in three. Tomorrow. That is capital freed for reinvestment, for consumption, for business decisions – capital that previously sat locked in the settlement pipeline for longer than necessary.’

‘For institutional players and custodians, this shift requires an immediate reconfiguration of operations – faster reconciliation, tighter confirmation windows, and more automated back-office processes. This is healthy pressure. It forces modernisation. It raises the operational standard of every participant in the market.

‘The shorter settlement cycle also saves money by reducing margin requirements – the collateral needed during the settlement window. Processing time drops by approximately 80 per cent, which changes how quickly trades complete and when investors can access their funds. In a market of our scale and ambition, that efficiency gain is not trivial. It compounds across millions of transactions.

‘Most importantly, a shorter settlement cycle dramatically reduces what is known as counterparty risk – the risk that a party to a trade defaults between the time the trade is executed and the time it is settled. Every day that passes between trade and settlement is a day in which market conditions can change, a counterparty can fail, or an operational error can cascade. T+1 closes that window. It makes our market more resilient to shocks, more orderly in its operations, and more trustworthy to the investors we seek to attract,’ Agada said.

Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, said the transition was a key step in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s capital market.

He said the development underscored the shared commitment of stakeholders to strengthening market institutions, deepening investor confidence, and enhancing the market’s role in supporting economic growth and capital formation.

He said: ‘Milestones such as this reinforce confidence in our institutions and demonstrate our collective determination to build a more efficient and globally competitive capital market’.

Chairman, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc and Group Managing Director, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Temi Popoola, said the transition represented a critical step in the broader evolution of Nigeria’s capital market.

He noted that while the achievement marked a significant milestone, it was part of a longer journey toward building a deeper, more liquid, and more globally competitive market capable of supporting sustained economic growth and capital formation.

‘While today is a significant milestone, it is not the destination. It is part of a broader journey toward building a deeper, more liquid, efficient, and globally competitive capital market capable of supporting long-term economic growth and capital formation,’ Popoola said.

Managing Director, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Shehu Shantali said the milestone reflected the strength and operational readiness of Nigeria’s post-trade ecosystem.

He noted that the new settlement cycle would enhance transaction speed, improve liquidity efficiency, and reduce settlement exposure across the market.

‘This transition is far more than a reduction in settlement timelines. It represents a strategic upgrade to market infrastructure and reinforces our commitment to building a more efficient, resilient, and globally competitive capital market,’ Shantali said.

He assured that the CSCS as the nation’s premier central securities depository and a significantly important financial market infrastructure, remains committed to driving the next phase of market evolution.

‘We will continue to invest in innovation, strengthen market infrastructure, deepen collaboration with stakeholders, enhance operational resilience, and support initiatives that improve efficiency, transparency, and investor experience,’ Shantali said.

The Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has said sustained military operations by troops have led to a 213 per cent increase in the number of terrorists and their associates surrendering in the North East Theatre of Operations.

The Command said the number of terrorists who surrendered in the past week rose by 213 per cent compared with the preceding week.

In a statement on Wednesday by its Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the Command said the surge followed sustained ground operations against terrorist positions and logistics networks across the theatre.

It added that intensified attacks and disruption of supply routes were weakening the terrorists’ operational capacity and cohesion.

‘In a further manifestation of this emerging trend, two high-profile terrorist members surrendered to troops today, bringing with them arms, ammunition and other military items,’ the statement said.

‘The recovery of these weapons and ammunition further reinforces indications that sustained military pressure is having a significant effect on the cohesion, morale and operational sustainability of terrorist elements.’

The Command said the increasing defections suggested that terrorist groups were finding it increasingly difficult to retain fighters and maintain their operational structures.

The development came days after another group of terrorists surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama, Borno State.

The terrorists surrendered on August 7 at New Abaram following sustained military operations and internal disagreements within their enclave.

The military said the group was screened, while mobile phones and other items were recovered before they were handed over for further action in line with established procedures.

The Command attributed the rising number of surrenders to its multidimensional approach, combining offensive ground operations, precision engagements and the disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks.

‘The increasing frequency of surrenders underscores the effectiveness of the Theatre’s multi-dimensional approach, which combines offensive ground operations, precision engagements and systematic disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks,’ the statement said.

‘By denying terrorists the opportunity to freely maneuver, regroup and replenish, troops continue to restrict their operational options and undermine their ability to sustain terrorist activities.’

The Command said the development represented more than isolated individual decisions, describing it as ‘the cumulative impact of sustained pressure and the gradual erosion of terrorist capability, cohesion and willingness to continue the fight.’

It reiterated its commitment to maintaining military pressure on terrorist groups while providing channels for fighters and their associates willing to surrender.

The Command also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, while encouraging terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and take advantage of available surrender channels.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved another landmark policy shift in the nation’s oil and gas industry with the new reform expected to unlock $50 billion in deep offshore investments.

The reform under Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, 2026, which replaces project-by-project negotiations with a transparent, rules-based investment framework was designed to restart Nigeria’s large, capital-intensive offshore developments that have remained stalled for decades.

The Presidency, which announced the approval yesterday, stated that the new transparent, rules-based investment framework would support next generation of deep offshore developments, beginning with the $10 billion Bonga South West project.

President Tinubu yesterday said the reform reflected his government’s commitment to attracting foreign and domestic investments by creating enabling environment for private sector development.

He said: ‘The countries that attract long-term investment are not necessarily those with the greatest natural resources. They are the ones that provide the greatest certainty. This reform reflects our determination to build an investment environment defined by clear rules, strong institutions and enduring partnerships.

‘We are creating the conditions for capital to flow, for Nigerian businesses to grow, for our people to prosper and for our natural resources to deliver lasting national value’.

He commended all stakeholders, including Federal Ministry of Justice, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria Revenue Service, NNPC Limited, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, investing partners and others whose collaboration, technical expertise and commitment helped shape the framework.

The new framework followed President Tinubu’s engagement with Chief Executive Officer of Shell Plc, Mr. Wael Sawan, during which the President directed government to develop the next wave of measures required to unlock Nigeria’s deep offshore investment pipeline.

Rather than pursuing project-specific solutions, government transformed that directive into a comprehensive investment framework applicable across multiple categories of qualifying developments.

The Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, 2026, provides transparent eligibility criteria, clear implementation processes and a durable investment architecture that provides greater certainty for investors while safeguarding long-term national value.

The approval also enables NNPC Limited, as government’s nominated counterparty under the Production Sharing Contracts, to proceed with the necessary amendments to eligible Production Sharing Contracts required to implement the framework.

A defining feature of the policy shift is its emphasis on Nigerian industrial capability with projects under the framework expected to maximise commercial and technical execution within Nigeria, thus strengthening domestic engineering, fabrication, marine logistics, technical services and project management.

‘The objective is not only to increase investment and production, but also to create skilled jobs, deepen local supply chains and position Nigeria as Africa’s regional hub for deep offshore project execution,’ the Presidency stated.

Outlining the underlying philosophy for his reforms, President Tinubu, who spoke at the Second West African refined Fuel Market Conference in Abuja, said his government has undertaken difficult but necessary reforms to create a more competitive energy market, strengthen the investment environment and reposition energy as an engine for economic growth.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, President Tinubu underlined the importance of transparency, collaboration, commercial pragmatism and constructive engagement with industry in order to build a competitive energy sector.

‘Strong regulation is not measured by the number of obstacles placed in the path of investment. It is measured by the clarity of the rules, the consistency of their application, the quality and timeliness of regulatory decisions, and the confidence the regulator inspires in citizens and investors alike.

‘Investor confidence is not built by lowering standards. It is built by establishing clear standards, enforcing them fairly and ensuring that credible investors can make long-term decisions with certainty. The task now is to institutionalise this approach and ensure that the market experiences it consistently,’ Tinubu said.

He described the conference as timely noting that West Africa’s energy challenge is entering a new phase.

The President said his ambition was to see Nigeria serving as a dependable anchor for a deeper, more competitive and increasingly integrated West African energy market.

‘In order to achieve this, every stakeholder represented here has a role. Financial institutions must develop funding structures that recognise the long-term value of energy infrastructure and support credible projects across the distribution chain.

‘Industry must invest, execute and provide the reliable transaction data required to build confidence in regional price benchmarks. Governments must create predictable policies and remove unnecessary barriers to cross-border trade. And regulators must protect the public interest while enabling investment, innovation and competition,’ Tinubu said.

According to him, the question now is no longer simply whether the region has the resources or refining capacity to meet its energy needs, the more important question is whether West Africa can build the infrastructure, financing systems, regulatory institutions and transparent markets required to move energy efficiently from where it is produced to where it is needed.

‘That is why the theme of this conference is so important. West Africa is not short of demand. We are not short of resources. What has constrained us is the fragmentation of our markets and the absence of sufficient infrastructure to connect supply, demand and capital across the region.

‘Refining capacity alone does not create energy security. A refined product only delivers economic value when it can be financed, stored, transported and distributed reliably. Without infrastructure, supply remains stranded. Without transparent pricing, investors price uncertainty rather than opportunity. Without regulatory coordination, borders become bottlenecks rather than gateways to trade.

‘Price transparency is therefore not simply a reporting exercise. It is essential market infrastructure. A credible regional benchmark cannot be declared into existence. It must be built on actual transactions, reliable data, sufficient market liquidity and confidence in the institutions that support it.

‘Our ambition should be that a product refined in West Africa should not have to leave West Africa before the market can credibly determine its value. Today, Nigeria refines the majority of the petrol we consume domestically. Imports have fallen significantly, while refined products produced in Nigeria are increasingly reaching markets across Africa and beyond.

‘But increased refining capacity also creates a new responsibility. We must build the pipelines, ports, storage facilities, coastal vessels, trucking networks and trading platforms required to move products safely and efficiently. We must expand access to trade and infrastructure finance. We must establish common product standards and strengthen cooperation between regulators, customs authorities and market participants,’ Tinubu said.

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 10,210 personnel to reinforce security operations across Osun State ahead of the election.

According to a statement signed by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the deployment began on Monday and includes personnel drawn from 10 State Commands, as well as specialised tactical and operational units.

The statement noted that the measure was part of the Corps’ commitment to ensuring that voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists, and residents participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.

Babawale explained that about 1,000 personnel each from the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commands were deployed to Osun to reinforce the command-and-control structures already in place.

He added that specialised formations tailored to election security needs-including the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad, and the K9 Unit-would complement regular deployment through intelligence gathering, crime prevention, crowd control, and protection of critical assets.

For effective coordination, the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, DCG Ayuba Phillip, along with designated Assistant Commandants General (ACGs) and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun State to oversee the Corps’ operations.

Prof. Audi assured residents that the NSCDC would remain professional, impartial, and respectful of citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.

‘As an agency responsible for protecting critical infrastructure and national assets, the safety and security of election materials, officials, and voters are paramount. Our personnel have been properly briefed to act professionally, neutrally, and respectfully. Any attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election will be met with the full force of the law as prescribed in the Electoral Act,’ he said.

The NSCDC appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters, and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the democratic process to run its course.