Category: The Nation – Nigeria

A group of tenants in the Ijero area of Ebute-Meta (West), Lagos State, have taken their landlord and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to court over what they described as an unlawful eviction and demolition of their residence.

The nine tenants filed a suit before the Magistrate Court in Yaba, accusing LASBCA and the estate of the late Razak Apara – along with Rasheed, Kehinde, Fatai, and Sueba Folashade Apara – of violating their fundamental rights to shelter and fair hearing.

They also petitioned the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of Iponri Division, alleging unjust and inhuman treatment.

According to court documents, the dispute began after LASBCA issued a quit notice on October 10, 2025, to occupants of a 10-room bungalow located at 24 Ijero Street, Ebute-Meta (West), citing structural distress, cracked walls, and a tattered roof. The agency gave the residents seven days to vacate.

A follow-up notice, dated October 21, 2025, ordered the immediate sealing and demolition of the property.

Counsel to the tenants, Mr. Solomon Fasanmi, argued that the eviction violated the Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2011 and due process for property recovery.

‘Even where a building is marked unsafe, there are established procedures the government must follow. Due process cannot be ignored in a democracy,’ Fasanmi stated, describing LASBCA’s actions as unconstitutional, oppressive, and a breach of his clients’ right to dignity under the 1999 Constitution.

He urged the court to restrain the agency and the defendants from executing the demolition order.

One of the tenants, Ustadz Muiz Subair, said the notice came without prior warning.

‘They came early in the morning and pasted a seven-day notice, claiming the bungalow was distressed. How can a bungalow be distressed when it’s not even a storey building?’ he asked.

Subair appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene, describing the rising cases of forced evictions in Lagos as alarming.

‘Rent in Lagos keeps increasing, yet tenants are being rendered homeless by state officials,’ he lamented.

Responding to the allegations, Mrs. Adetoye Aderinsola, District Head of LASBCA, Ebute-Meta (East), denied any wrongdoing, saying the agency acted in the public interest.

‘A bungalow can be distressed if not properly maintained and if there are visible cracks. The building in question showed signs of structural weakness, and our actions followed standard procedure,’ she explained.

She also dismissed claims that LASBCA acted on behalf of the property owner, saying, ‘I’m hearing that for the first time. There is no truth to it.’

The case is currently before the Yaba Magistrate Court for hearing.

The Federal Government has allocated fertiliser worth over ?450 million for sale to farmers in Jigawa State at subsidised rates.

The drive, according to Governor Umar Namadi, is part of ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He spoke at the Citizens’ engagement programme in Miga, the headquarters of Miga Local Government Area.

According to him: ‘Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has allocated 20 trucks of fertiliser to Jigawa State to be sold at subsidised rates to farmers.

‘This initiative is aimed at supporting farmers with essential inputs and equipment to enhance food production and agricultural business across the state.’

Namadi noted that Miga, being an agrarian area with vast arable land suitable for year-round farming, stands to benefit significantly from the Federal Government’s agricultural support.

He explained that his administration’s 12-point agenda aligns with the Renewed Hope vision, with agriculture and food security as top priorities.

‘To complement President Tinubu’s efforts, we have introduced several innovations to modernise and transform traditional farming into a mechanised system,’ he said.

The Governor also revealed the establishment of the Jigawa State Farm Service Mechanisation Company Limited, to provide affordable and efficient mechanisation services to farmers across the state.

‘The company will operate a network of service centres equipped with modern tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural machinery. We are also seeking qualified and motivated individuals to manage and operate these centres effectively,’ he added.

Reigning champions Rivers Hoopers launched their 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League Final Eight Playoffs campaign with a commanding 73-50 victory over Hoops and Read, thanks to an explosive first-quarter performance which helped the KingsMen lead from start to finish.

The defending champions started hot, opening up a 12-0 lead inside the first four minutes, thanks to four consecutive shots from deep courtesy of Mustapha Oyebanji and Isaiah Williams. That twelve-point lead grew to eighteen at the end of the first quarter as the score stood at 29-11.

Speaking after the game, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu said his team’s strong start was crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

‘We started off really strong, and I think that determined the direction that the game was going to go. Even though the guys took their foot off the pedal at some point in the game and almost let the opponents come back. It’s something I’m going to have to address going forward.’

Hoops and Read tried to find a way back into the game but could only reduce the deficit by two points at halftime, as the hosts took a 41-25 lead into the break.

Both teams seemed to have gone cold following the break, as they could only manage ten points apiece in a combative third quarter, before the KingsMen wrapped up the win with an improved fourth-quarter showing.

Despite the twenty-three-point demolition of their opponents, for coach Odaudu, picking up a vital win to start the playoffs was what really mattered.

‘For us, it doesn’t matter the number of points we win by; just a win is good for us. We’ll take a one-point lead; we’ll take a half-point lead; a win is a win. ‘We’re happy with how it ended,’ he emphasised.

Overall, it was an all-round team performance from the defending champions, as ten out of the eleven KingsMen who made the matchday roster scored points, with thirty-five (35) points coming from the bench.

Captain Victor Anthony Koko alongside Oyebanji led the KingsMen with eleven (11) points apiece, while the energetic Victor Sunday dropped ten (10) points along with five rebounds and five steals. Isaiah Williams scored nine (9) points on his Rivers Hoopers debut, as Peter Olisemeka recorded a game-high twelve (12) rebounds.

Kelvin Amayo, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2024 NBPL Finals, scored nine (9) points on his return to basketball in Nigeria and relished the support of the Port Harcourt crowd, which cheered on the team to victory.

‘To be honest, playing in PH (Port Harcourt) is always the best to me. The fans always do a great job; they love watching us play. I’m just happy to be here and be able to showcase what we’ve been working [on] throughout the season and off-season, to come here and give them a show,’ he revealed.

Rivers Hoopers will next be in action this evening , 28th October, as they take on Kano Pillars in a matchday two encounter.

DAY 2 -28TH OCTOBER:

11:00am: Kwara Falcons vs. Lagos Legends

1:00pm: Nigeria Customs vs. Gboko City Chiefs

3:00pm: Nile University vs. Hoops and Read

5:00pm: Kano Pillars vs. Rivers Hoopers

All games will be played at the Basketball Stadium, #59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt, and Rivers State.

Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday held a solidarity march to back the governorship aspiration of the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO) and re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The supporters converged on Osogbo City Stadium and marched through Ayetoro, Igbona, Olounkoro, Old-Garage, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Fakunle, to Ogo-Oluwa, which covered five kilometres before they stopped at Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office.

They described the NIWA boss as the best aspirant, who had the capacity to deliver victory for the party if given the governorship ticket for the 2026 election.

Former Speaker of House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye said the walk was not just a show of strength for Oyebamiji, but also a reaffirmation that APC remained the party to beat in Osun.

He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and performance, saying his achievements had rekindled faith in the party across the country.

‘This Unity Walk is to tell Osun people that APC is united and ready for 2026. Asiwaju Oyebamiji stands out as a competent, tested and trusted aspirant with a track record of performance as a two-time commissioner and as managing director of Osun Investment Company Limited,’ Owoeye said.

Addressing reporters, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Adebayo Adeleke, said the large turnout of APC members to support Oyebamiji was a testament that he was loved by all ahead of December 13 primary.

‘It is obvious that Oyebamiji is an aspirant to beat in the APC primary election. We are happy for this large turnout. We are ready and prepared for the primary election. There is no aspirant in APC that is not competent. They are all competent. But what we are saying is Bola Oyebamiji is above all when it comes to APC. He is more acceptable, a gentleman, knowledgeable and a financial expert. He is the one that can strengthen the economic situation of Osun State.’

ýKehinde Ayantunji, special adviser to former Governor Oyetola, lauded President Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Oyetola for their continued support for the APC since 2022.

He said their efforts had strengthened the party and rekindled public trust.

Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) on Wednesday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pitched tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He blamed internal wrangling and a collapse of discipline and unity within the party for his actions.

In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senator said his defection marked ‘a time for change’ in his political journey, describing the PDP as a party that had lost its cohesion and purpose.

‘This is a notice of my defection from the PDP to the All Progressive Congress. The Bible says that there is a time for everything,’ he said.

He recalled his long service to Bayelsa State under several administrations, including his roles as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism; Executive Chairman of the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board; Special Adviser on Establishment Affairs; and Chief of Staff to the state government.

He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it provided him to serve, acknowledging that his rise to the Senate was made possible by the party and its former leadership.

‘The fact that I stand today as a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is due to the benevolence of the Peoples Democratic Party when it was intact and the goodwill of numerous well-wishers,’ he stated.

However, he lamented that the party had degenerated into chaos.

‘It is most astonishing and deeply disheartening to observe that the world’s proud and largest political party in Africa has been torn into shreds due to internal wrangling,’ he said.

‘The centre can no longer hold. The umbrella has been bastardised, and the umbrella is leaking profusely.’

He further criticised what he called ‘the incongruousness of the opposition in political diplomacy’ within the PDP, noting that consultations across political divides led him to his decision.

‘I have finally arrived at the inevitable conclusion that addressing progressivism, thinking progressively, and acting progressively is the only way to renew hope for all united Nigerians,’ he said.

‘I am therefore constrained to formally declare my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party.’

He announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying, ‘I declare my resignation to the All Progressives Congress from today, the 29th of October, 2025.’

It is crucial to start this by acknowledging the importance of Dangote Refinery as a turning point in Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector. For nearly 40 years, the country has relied on imports to meet its energy needs, even though Nigeria is a major crude oil producer and the government has built three refineries.

This situation has caused a lot of contention for the country, including the introduction of fuel subsidies to provide a cushion for impoverished citizens in the country at the mercy of international markets.

The completion of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery is a monumental achievement. With a projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, it is the largest single-train refinery in the world and a symbol of industrial ambition with the potential to change the lives of Nigerians for the better or worse.

The Dangote Refinery can become a catalyst for healthy competition, accelerating the development of the downstream sector, or a monopolistic force that stifles competition, dictates prices, and undermines the broader goals of economic inclusion. The direction the refinery takes will be decided by the actions of Nigeria’s regulatory agencies.

The Promise and the Peril

The Dangote Refinery promises to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. We can already see the added benefits of local production in the stabilisation of the naira against the dollar as the country saves billions in foreign exchange and reduces its reliance on imported refined petroleum products. But, there have also been concerns about how the Dangote Refinery, which, despite its scale, intends to achieve vertical integration, will stay profitable without artificial market dominance.

Moves made in the company’s first year of operations suggest the Dangote Refinery is looking to replicate its attempts at a forced monopoly in other sectors in the downstream oil and gas sector. The refinery has already sought to disrupt the complex logistical network that ensures petroleum reaches final consumers by introducing a ‘free’ delivery service targeting major retailers, in a bid to incentivise them to ditch their long-term relationships with importers and depots and to buy products exclusively from the refinery. Industry stakeholders have condemned this move as predatory.

The Dangote Refinery has also been accused of abruptly lowering ex-depot petroleum prices and bearing the cost differential to undercut importers who cannot bear the losses incurred by this tactic. Already, many major importers and depots have been forced to shutter their businesses or risk bankruptcy. When challenged on the integrity of its tactics, the Dangote Refinery has defended its actions as healthy market competition.

A monopoly, even one born from private investment and innovation, can distort markets. It can lead to price manipulation, limit consumer choice, and create barriers for new entrants. In the absence of robust regulatory oversight, the very infrastructure meant to empower the economy could end up concentrating power in the hands of a few.

The Mandate of Regulators

Nigeria’s regulatory bodies, particularly the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), have a constitutional and moral obligation to safeguard the principles of fair competition.

It is their responsibility to ensure transparency in all business practices, monitor market behaviour and intervene when predatory actions are taken against competitors or consumers, even when they are ‘legal’. They must also enforce anti-trust laws and deter larger corporations from engaging in anti-competitive practices that marginalise smaller marketers. But most importantly, it is their responsibility to provide a favourable environment for new entrants into the downstream sector, and by doing so, ensure the energy sector remains resilient and dynamic.

The Dangote Group is only as big and successful as it is today because regulatory agencies ensured indigenous entrepreneurs were protected from monopolistic manoeuvres from international competitors. The same consideration must now be extended to other players in the energy sector to balance industrial ambition and market fairness. The Dangote Refinery represents a significant advancement towards self-sufficiency, but that doesn’t exempt it from the same standards of accountability that any other market participant must adhere to.

A Delicate Balance

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The emergence of the Dangote Refinery offers a rare opportunity to redefine the country’s energy future. The refinery may be privately owned, but the market it operates in belongs to the people.

The future of the energy sector is the responsibility of the agencies tasked with ensuring that Nigerians reap the benefits of deregulation and that companies maximise the opportunities a free market offers Nigerian entrepreneurs. If local regulators rise to the occasion, they can ensure that this refinery becomes a cornerstone of shared prosperity, not a symbol of concentrated power.

The Final Award in the arbitration initiated by General Hydrocarbons Limited against First Bank of Nigeria Limited, issued by Sole Arbitrator Hon. Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, was published today the 28th, October 2025,

General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) was represented by Messrs. Paul Usoro SAN and and Abiodun Layonu SAN. First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN) was also represented by Messrs Gbolahan. Elias, SAN; Babajide Koku, SAN and Victor Ogude, SAN.

The Tribunal dismissed GHL’s case in its entirety, affirming FBN’s financing obligations as conditional, finding no breach or entitlement to damages by GHL, and ordering GHL to bear the costs of arbitration.

The dispute arose from the Subrogation Agreement dated May 29, 2021, under which GHL undertook the repayment of an outstanding debt of $718 million and FBN undertook to provide additional loans to finance the development and production of OML 120 in line with the provisions of the Subrogation Agreement.

GHL alleged that FBN breached the agreement by failing to provide absolute and timely financing, sabotaging alternative funding efforts, and causing losses including liabilities to third party and leading to loss of productive time in the development of OML 120.

FBN argued its financing obligation was conditional and not absolute but subject to review and professional discretion in line with banking policies and regulatory guidelines.

The key Findings of the Tribunal are as follows:

1. FBN has a conditional, not absolute, obligation to finance OML 120 development. It must review and evaluate financing requests and may attach competitive terms as deemed suitable.

2. GHL failed to prove any breach by FBN. FBN made several financing offers totaling $185 million, and delays alleged by GHL were not found unreasonable or in breach.

3. Introduction of an Independent Asset Manager as a financing condition by FBN was consistent with the agreement and not a breach.

4. Allegations of FBN sabotaging alternative financing arrangements were unsubstantiated and dismissed for being devoid of any merit.

5. All reliefs sought by GHL, including declarations, damages for unpaid contractor fees, losses, and termination of the Subrogation Agreement, were refused.

6. FBN was adjudged entitled to recover reasonable legal and arbitration costs from GHL, amounting to $112,100 and N111,250,000, payable within 30 days with interest on late payment.

Stakeholders in the education sector have urged teachers in the country to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) for future-ready education system.

They made the call during the Train the Trainer-Teacher’s summit 2025 at the weekend in Abuja.

Speaking at the summit, gender advocate, Hansatu Adegbite, underscored the need for teachers to integrate technology into their teaching practices to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

She noted that the future of education depended on how effectively educators adapt to technological advancements and leverage them to enhance learning outcomes.

The keynote speaker noted that AI tools can help teachers personalise instruction, automate administrative tasks, and foster creativity among students, thereby creating a more engaging and efficient learning environment.

Adegbite, who is also the Executive Director, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), urged teachers to view AI not as a threat but as an enabler that can empower them to deliver better results.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Deconstruct the old, define the new’, the gender advocate challenged educators to rethink traditional teaching methods and embrace innovative strategies that align with the realities of the digital age.

She highlighted the critical role of AI and technology in the future of education and the need for teachers to learn and adapt to these changes.

She noted that deconstructing old models of education does not mean discarding foundational values but rather reimagining how those values can be expressed through modern tools and approaches.

The Convener, Train the Trainer Teachers Summit, Dr Onyekachi Onwudike-Jumbo noted the collective responsibility of teachers, parents, and schools in educating children.

She emphasised the importance of a standardised education system that provides equal opportunities for all students.

Onwudike-Jumbo encouraged participants to take action and collaborate to improve the educational system.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba underscored the need for educators to leave a lasting impact and celebrates the ongoing efforts to improve education.

Represented by the Director, Social Mobilisation, UBEC, Dr. Ossom Ossom, the executive secretary highlighted ongoing reforms introduced by the commission, including sharing best practices, and empowering teachers to improve learning outcomes.

She announced plans to train 875,000 teachers and introduce digital pedagogy in learning environments.

‘This initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to enhance classroom learning and ensure they can add value to the educational process,’ the executive secretary added.

Students of tertiary institutions in Anambra State have declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The students, under the auspices of the National Union of Anambra State Students (NUASS), made their position known during a colloquium in honour of Governor Soludo held at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Speaking on behalf of the student body, NUASS President, Comrade Felix Nwachinaemelu, said Soludo’s focus on youth inclusion, skill acquisition, and innovation has inspired students across the state to believe more in governance and their own role in shaping Anambra’s future.

He praised the governor’s visionary leadership and enduring impact on innovation and youth empowerment, commending his people-oriented policies and pledging the union’s support for his re-election bid.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Fred Agbata, commended the students for rallying behind the governor’s second-term ambition, describing Soludo as a visionary leader who has redefined governance through innovation and technology.

Delivering a keynote address on the theme: ‘Rethinking Developmental Governance: The Philosophy of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo,’ Agbata highlighted the governor’s transformative strides anchored on a philosoph Students of tertiary institutions in Anambra State have declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The Super Falcons have booked their place at next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic on Tuesday, completing a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Amazons to secure qualification.

The return leg, played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, saw the Falcons fail to replicate their dominant first-leg display in Cotonou, where they had triumphed 2-0.

Nevertheless, coach Justin Madugu, praised his players’ resilience while admitting that the performance fell short of expectations.

‘It didn’t come as much of a surprise. We knew it was going to be a tough game,’ Madugu said during the post-match press conference.

‘I want to apologise to Nigerians for not meeting their expectations, sometimes, teams zave off days, today was one of those, the girls gave their best, and while the result wasn’t ideal, we are taking it as a wake-up call that there’s still a lot of work to do.’

The coach, who confirmed he has signed a two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) running until October 2027, emphasised that the focus now shifts to preparing the team for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

‘The last World Cup is behind us. Now, as African champions, every team wants to beat us. That means we must double our efforts and keep improving, It’s a new transition phase, and we’ll continue to test players, build depth, and refine our system before the next global tournament,’ he said.

In her own post-match remarks, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade expressed pride qualification and acknowledging that the Super Falcons must maintain focus as stronger in her team’s challenges await.

She said: ‘We weren’t overconfident, we expected Benin to come all out, especially after how they played in the second half of the first leg, today wasn’t our best performance, but we’ll take the lessons and keep improving. We know our standards and must continue pushing ourselves.’

Ajibade, who recently received an individual honour at the Nigerian Pitch Awards, dedicated the recognition to her teammates, coaches, and fans.

‘This award means a lot – not just to me, but to every young girl who dares to dream,’ she said emotionally. ‘I dedicate it to my Super Falcons sisters, my club, the technical staff, and everyone who has supported my journey. To the next generation of girls watching – keep believing, keep working, your dreams are valid.’

For the Benin Republic, the result, though not enough for qualification, was historic. Their head coach, Abdullahi Husseinu, lauded his players’ fighting spirit, describing the draw as a morale booster.

‘We came to Nigeria to win because we always compete to win,’ Husseinu said. ‘Our players showed great character, especially in the second half. Most of them are very young – some are under-17 and under-20 – and this experience will make them stronger. The future is bright for Beninese women’s football.’

He added a personal touch, revealing his emotional connection to Nigeria, where he ended his professional playing career with Sunshine Stars a decade ago.

‘Playing here brought back special memories for me,’ he said tearfully. ‘Nigeria will always have a special place in my heart.’

With the qualification secured, the Super Falcons will now shift focus to preparations for both the 2026 WAFCON tournament and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as they continue to rebuild under Coach Madugu’s leadership and maintain their dominance as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.