Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Genesis Energy said it is finalizing plans to issue a N500 billion local bond to expand clean energy projects across the country, building on the success of its N13 billion bond issued in 2019.

Chairman, Genesis Energy Group, Akinwole Omoboriowo II, who disclosed this while speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the Nigeria Energy Conference in Lagos, also commended the Federal Government for enacting the Electricity Act 2023. He described it as a game-changer that has fixed long-standing regulatory bottlenecks and opened the sector to broader participation.

‘Every kobo of that ?500 billion will go into power infrastructure – gas, solar, hydro, and hybrid projects in different states. In Port Harcourt, we’re scaling an 84 Mw gas plant in partnership with NNPC to 200MW, while Katsina will get 100MW of solar capacity,’ he said.

He noted that the Electricity Act 2023 has created an enabling environment for aggregation and economies of scale, making energy investment more viable and affordable.

‘Fixing the regulatory framework is key. When you aggregate power, you achieve economies of scale that lower investment costs and lead to competitive energy prices,’ he said.

He highlighted three major impacts of the Act to include the empowerment of subnational, private sector participation in transmission, and market-driven tariffs and forex stability

Omoboriowo II noted that the law allowed state governments to generate, distribute, and manage power within their territories.

‘Nigeria’s 36 states can now take charge of lighting up their communities. Katsina, for example, powers its hospital and school complex with solar, saving over ?3 billion. That’s real impact,’ Omoboriowo explained.

He said the Act democratises investment opportunities across the value chain-generation, distribution, and now transmission-making it possible for both small and large investors to participate.

He praised the government’s courage in introducing market-reflective tariffs and unifying foreign exchange platforms, which he said are crucial for investor confidence. ‘Before now, it was impossible to recover investments in the power sector. These reforms have restored credibility,’ he added.

Omoboriowo 11 dismissed concerns about defects in the new Electricity Act, saying it represents a significant improvement over the 2005 reform law. He, however, noted that the law will evolve with time.

On why he remained passionate about the energy sector, he said: ‘Energy is life, and life is energy; without energy, there can be no life. My mission is to give life to energy.’

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Preparedness for the Single-Use Plastics Ban in Nigeria has proposed the introduction of a green tax on industries involved in the production of polypropylene – one of the most widely used materials in plastic manufacturing.

According to the committee, the move aims to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic waste crisis and ensure that manufacturers bear responsibility for the environmental costs of their operations.

Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja, Chairman Hon. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue) said the House will also consider legislation to regulate polypropylene production and promote recycling as part of a broader national strategy to reduce pollution and protect public health.

Ugbor described plastic pollution as a growing menace, warning that the unchecked use of polypropylene-based products has placed enormous pressure on Nigeria’s already strained waste management systems.

‘Polypropylene’s environmental impact is substantial and disturbing,’ he said. ‘During production, it releases toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, putting workers and nearby communities at risk. It is responsible for enormous carbon emissions and relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to resource depletion.

‘As waste, polypropylene isn’t biodegradable, it lingers in landfills for up to 500 years, polluting our oceans and harming marine life in the process.’

The lawmaker said the committee will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to design policy frameworks for the proposed green tax and integrate polypropylene recycling into the national waste management system.

‘Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this path of environmental neglect,’ Ugbor added. ‘Our industries must take responsibility for the ecological footprints they leave behind.

This committee will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions are not just recommended but implemented.’

Nigeria ranks among the top 20 countries globally contributing to marine plastic pollution. Studies by the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimate that the country generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with less than 10 percent being recycled.

Major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are the worst affected, with clogged drainage systems and waterways littered with plastic waste contributing to frequent flooding and water contamination.

Environmental experts warn that improper disposal of polypropylene and other plastics contaminates soil, groundwater, and food sources, while burning plastic waste releases toxic emissions that worsen air quality and increase respiratory illnesses.

Only a few private firms currently engage in large-scale recycling, while the absence of a coherent national policy continues to hinder sustainable waste management efforts.

With the committee’s proposal, lawmakers hope to stimulate investment in recycling, strengthen enforcement of environmental standards, and align Nigeria’s waste management policies with global climate and sustainability goals.

Ugbor said the committee would also hold public hearings with manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental experts to ensure that any proposed levy or regulation is both effective and fair.

‘This is not about taxation,’ he emphasized. ‘It is about responsibility, sustainability, and protecting the future of our environment and our people.’

An indigenous tech firm, AbaaTech Solutions Limited, has unveiled the first app that performs three functions, Abaaly.

The app works for socialisation, communication, and financial transactions.

At the unveiling of the app yesterday in Lagos, its Founder/CEO, Mr. Power Aden, said the innovation strongly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Digital Economy Policy, which emphasise unity, inclusion, and digital empowerment as pathways to national prosperity.

Aden said by promoting communication, entrepreneurship, and creative expression, the initiative supports the President’s goal of building a diversified, innovative, and people-centred economy.

‘It complements government’s efforts while remaining independent, citizen-driven, and innovation-led, showing that private sector leadership can work hand-in-hand with public vision to build the Nigeria we all desire,’ he said.

The AbaaTech Solutions chief executive assured users that Abaaly would propel Nigeria to enter a new era of digital transformation and national pride with technology transformation.

According to him, the app is a groundbreaking innovation proudly built in Nigeria by Nigerians for Nigerians and the world.

Aden said: ‘This revolutionary secure platform represents far more than technology; it is a movement of unity, inclusion, and creativity, designed to connect every citizen, strengthen trust, and project Nigeria’s true image to the world. It is the only platform that comes with its security platform.

‘Abaaly brings together the essential elements of daily life, social interaction, communication, and financial transactions into one secure and accessible platform.

‘It allows citizens to chat, share, buy, sell, and pay effortlessly, enabling communities, businesses, and institutions to thrive together.

‘Whether you are in Lagos or Lafia, Sokoto or Port Harcourt, this technology works for everyone. It works both online and offline, ensuring Nigerians can connect, communicate, and transact even in areas with limited internet access across every social and economic class.’

The company chief executive described the platform as a unifying space that gives all Nigerians equal access to tools that simplify life, foster connection, and create opportunity.

He said the launch was a national call to action to all Nigerians who create, build, and inspire.

‘We call on content creators and artistes to develop and share authentic Nigerian stories, music, films and cultural content that reflect our identity and values.

‘Entrepreneurs and brand leaders to build and promote local products, fashion, food, and technologies that strengthen Nigeria’s economy and global reputation; writers, film makers, and musician to project our unique voices and reclaim our national narrative; innovators and technologies to design homegrown solutions that solve local challenges and show the world what Nigerian intelligence can achieve.

‘We all have a shared responsibility to promote our culture, our creativity, and our collective pride.

‘By building and sharing local content, we are not just telling our story, we are reshaping how the world sees Nigeria,’ he said.

According to him, the app is a bridge of trust between people and the nation, stressing that it enables easier communication, greater transparency, and stronger connection between people, government, and institutions.

Aden said it represents a future where every Nigerian can participate fully in the nation’s digital economy and social progress where technology strengthens unity and restores faith in our shared potential.

‘We are not just launching an app, we are launching a national vision. A vision where Nigerians connect, create, and thrive together. This is how we tell our story, this is how we build our future,’ he said.

Also, the Head of Atlanta Georgia, U.S.A office, Dr. Kazeem Bello, said the app has brought transformation to the world in the digital space.

According to him, the Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, is excited about the new innovation.

Bell said the app would prove to the world that there is nothing that can be done in the U.S., Canada or even India, reputed to be global tech capital, that young tech-savvy Nigerians cannot do. ‘There is no app anywhere in the world that can match the Abaaly super app,’ he said.

The Chief Operating Officer at AbaaTech Solutions Limited, Dr. Ola Raheem, described the app as a wholly Nigerian technology developed for the global tech ecosystem which is a mega export product for the country.

He said the app is the first of its type with its unique features, projecting that very soon, it will provide jobs for about 10,000 Nigerians.

Raheem said the company is working hard to ensure that content creators are paid in US dollars.

The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, has said Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries are leading Africa’s entertainment growth, with the sector projected to reach $100 billion by 2030.

He said the latest PwC report placing Nigeria ahead of other African nations with an 11.2% growth rate last year reaffirmed the strength and potential of the country’s entertainment and media ecosystem.

Asika, who spoke on Arise News at the weekend, said: ‘I think the PwC numbers are saying $25 billion by 2025, but for us in the sector, we’re trying to get to $100 billion by 2030.

‘We just completed a significant mapping of the sector for the very first time, supported by Big Win Philanthropy, covering ten sectors. Our target is to add two million jobs by 2030, but the data shows we can actually add up to three million.’

He noted that the report underscored how the creative industry continues to lead Nigeria’s economy even in difficult times, noting that technology remains the key driver of scale.

‘Technology enables scale, but can you imagine a digital platform without our content? It’s dead. This sector animates everything – news, music, entertainment, podcasts, art – all come from it. That’s why these PwC numbers and even Spotify’s figures show how powerful the sector has become,’ he said.

Asika disclosed that Spotify paid Nigerian artists N58 billion in 2024, with over 1.2 million Afrobeats playlists hosted on the platform – a sign, he said, that Nigerian content has fully validated itself on the global stage.

‘Our music is no longer in the phase of validation – it’s already validated,’ he added.

He however warned that to sustain the boom, Nigeria must invest in infrastructure, regulation, and local platforms to ensure artists and creators benefit directly.

‘We want to see more domestic digital platforms built. There’s nothing wrong with YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, but we must develop our own ecosystem and capture our own value.

‘The key question is retaining that value domestically. A mix of policy, digital and physical infrastructure investment will take us there,’ he added.

Highlighting Nigeria’s immense creative talent, Asika said soft power through the arts had already proven its worth globally.

‘Nigerians need to be celebrated. Our creativity has penetrated everywhere with very little investment. Government can’t claim to have done much yet – maybe we’re just coming to the party.

‘There’s talent everywhere – in Kafanchan, Onitsha, Enugu, Kaduna, Ibadan – not just in Lagos or Port Harcourt. The question is how to create platforms and give opportunities for exposure and growth,’ he said.

On the forthcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), holding between November 22nd and 29th in Enugu State, he said:

‘Come to Enugu, he said, ‘Governor Peter Mbah has promised it will be the biggest and best ever. We’re expecting all 36 states and the FCT, and Katsina is even bringing 100 horses for the first-ever Durba in the Southeast.

‘People don’t even realise that the Durba is the same as the Ofala or Ojude Oba – moments when the king comes out to greet his people. That’s why our theme this year is Connected Culture.’

Asika expressed excitement about the recently reopened National Arts Theatre in Lagos, describing it as a game-changer for the sector.

‘It’s a world-class venue, and once programmed properly, it’ll transform the landscape. My colleague Tola Akerele already has nine months of programming lined up, and from November 1st, you’ll start seeing what’s coming,’ Asika said.

Nigeria is seeking partnership with Denmark’s richest man and Chief Executive Officer of Bestseller Group, Mr. Anders Holch Povlsen.

Yesterday, the President met with Povlsen, accompanied by Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Bach Hansen, at the Presidential Villa.

Other senior officials of the global fashion and philanthropy group were also on the delegation.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, writing on his X handle @aonanuga1956, the meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The Bestseller Foundation, a private philanthropic arm funded by Denmark’s Bestseller A/S, focuses on driving social and environmental impact-particularly across West Africa-and supports entrepreneurs and ventures that combine social progress with sustainable financial outcomes.

Before the meeting with President Tinubu, Mr. Povlsen and his delegation were received by Gbajabiamila and Dr. Tijani at the State House.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria says it has expanded its operations to include oil and gas in close proximity to Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), free of charge.

The company, primarily in the Eastern Corridor of Trans Niger Pipeline said it is doing this in the interest of national development.

Head of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Akpos Mezeh, addressed stakeholders from host communities of TNP in Bayelsa, urging them to scale up real time information around critical assets for optimum protection.

‘We wish to restate that PINL has taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP ‘Pro Bono’ even though they are not under its current mandate. To this extent, we urge stakeholders to scale up vigilance and real time community intelligence around these assets in the interest of national security, ‘ Mezeh said.

He also disclosed that following from previous meetings, Biseni community has been included in its operations while plans are on to include other communities from Sagbama LGA.

‘Acting on recommendations from our last meeting, PINL has granted the inclusion of Biseni and other deserving communities in its surveillance engagements.

‘Furthermore, recommendations have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for inclusion of more communities that host critical oil and gas assets in the eastern corridor, ‘ Mezeh stated.

Giving a rundown of its successes for the month under review, the PINL official stated that there was no case of pipeline vandalism in the state and on the entire TNP, attributing the feat to the collaboration between the company, security agents and community stakeholders.

He emphasized that there has been sustained oil and gas production in the eastern corridor, increased host community development trust funding and peace in the communities.

Mezeh informed the stakeholders that the company’empowerment for 2000 women and girls from the host communities under the PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing for host communities in Abia, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa communities.

He explained that the program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls, adding ‘Verification of data is ongoing, and beneficiaries will be contacted shortly’.

On scholarship and youth development, he said it is currently being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements by November while new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added.

Some stakeholders at the meeting noted that PINL’s impact was being felt in the host communities.

President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba in his speech thanked PINL for recognising the roles of the host communities and the traditional institution in its operations.

The INC leader appreciated the company for its corporate social responsibility packages for the communities and for the regular stakeholders engagement towards finding solutions to pipeline vandalism in the the area.

‘I thank PINL for bringing us here and we urge all of us to support them because as INC and IYC, we have agreed amongst ourselves that we won’t go on violent struggles anymore, we’ll go on civil engagements, ‘ he said.

On his part, President of Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for nipping in the bud most of the problems that have bedeviled communities in the region.

He praised the collaboration between the company and security agencies in addressing issues of environmental devastation.

‘ I’m happy to acknowledge that PINL has been able to help our communities nip the issues of environmental devastation in the bud through, collaboration and the effort they are putting in by working with security agencies; and other people of goodwill that genuinely care for the Niger Delta environment, ‘ Lokpobiri said.

The IYC leader lauded stakeholders who have been supportive of the company’s activities in ensuring a vandalism-free region.

Also speaking, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Bulodisiye Ndiwari acknowledged that in the last two months, the area has not recorded any case of oil theft or pipeline vandalism.

He also appreciated the company for building the capacity of the region through its skills and empowerment programme for youths and women.

‘We want to appreciate you for this women empowerment and for the scholarship scheme that will take off very soon. You are building the capacity of Bayelsans, Niger Delta and Ijaw nation’ Odiwari said.

Meanwhile, the Project Monitoring Office (PMO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in a goodwill message assured the company that it is in support of their stakeholders’ collaboration in combating pipeline vandalism.

Rapper Erigga has expressed reservations about polygamy, citing the harm it can cause to women and children.

Drawing from personal experience growing up in a polygamous home, he noted that such arrangements often lead to conflict and hurt feelings, with women and kids typically bearing the brunt.

In an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, he said: ‘I am trying not to be like my father. I don’t like polygamy; one person gets hurt, which is the woman. There’s never a polygamous situation where the man gets hurt; it’s always the woman and the kids.’

Erigga stated that he is making a conscious effort to avoid polygamy, opting instead for monogamy, which he believes is a more straightforward and fulfilling choice.

In his view, polygamy can be complex and painful, particularly for the women and children involved.

Performer ‘Fake Flavour’ has responded to allegations of impersonating award-winning highlife artist Flavour N’abania.

Fake Flavour claimed that his stage name is a tribute to the artist he admires and he has no intention of scamming anyone.

‘I’m not using Flavour’s name to scam people; I just love him,’ he said in part.

According to Fake Flavour, his booking fees range from N700,000 to N800,000, which he believes is significantly lower than what the genuine Flavour would accept for performances.

He stated confidently: ‘Flavour would never perform for that amount. People who book me know I’m doing my own thing, and I’m not pretending to be him to get money.’

He maintained that his brand is built on respect and admiration, not deception.

The controversy has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users finding his honesty amusing and others questioning the potential for public deception.

Nigeria and its Nordic partners have pledged to deepen their collaboration across green energy, digital technology, health, and agriculture.

They also agreed to forge partnerships that promise sustainable impact for years to come.

They made this known at the conclusion of Nordic Nigeria Connect 2025 Business Forum held last week in Lagos under the thematic: ‘Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Impact’.

Organised by the Nordic Embassies in Nigeria and their Trade Offices, the forum, which was the fourth edition, provided a platform for government leaders, innovators, and private sector executives to explore collaboration across four critical sectors: green energy, digital technology, health innovation, and sustainable agriculture.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Samuel Egube, Enugu State Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, State Secretary for Trade and Investment for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark H.E. Lina Gandløse Hansen and Deputy Minister for International Trade in Finland H.E. Jarno Syrjälä were part of dignitaries who attended the event.

Other significant Nordic dignitaries present included H.E. Johan Frisell, Deputy Director-General and Director for Africa at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, H.E. Sanna Selin; Ambassador-Designate of Sweden to Nigeria, H.E. Anna Westerholm; Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, H.E. Jens Ole Bach Hansen; and the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, H.E. Svein Baera.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement the new external Borrowing plan as contained in the 2025 appropriation act to refinance maturing Eurobonds, and issue a debut Sovereign Sukuk in the International Capital Market.

The report of the committee on Loans and Debt was presented to the House for consideration at plenary by the Chairman of the Committee, Hassan Nalaraba.

However, there was a mild drama as the Deputy House Leader, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, who earlier moved for the consideration of the report, also said the report should be stepped down for further consultation.

The Speaker was not pleased with the Deputy House Leader questioning why he should be moving a motion to step down the consideration of the report when he was not fully abreast with the content of the report.

The House considered and approved the Implementation of the New External Borrowing of N1,843,669,786,987.16 (equivalent of USD 1,229,113,000.00 at the Budget Exchange rate of USD1.00/N1,500) provided as New External Borrowing in the 2025 Appropriation Act, to part-finance the Budget Deficit of N9,276,348,934,935.79.

They also approved the request to refinance the USD1,118,352,000.00 Eurobonds (7.625% USD1.118BN NOV 2025) maturing on November 21, 2025.

They also approved the request by the President to access aggregate external capital of USD2,347,465,000.00 (USD1.229BN and USD 1.118BN), through any of the following option(s) in the International Capital Market (ICM): Issuance of Eurobonds, Loan Syndications, Bridge Finance Facility from Bookrunners and Direct Borrowing from international Financial Institutions.

Also approved is the request to issue a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to USD500M in the ICM with or without credit enhancement (Guarantee).

The President had, in a letter read at plenary on the 7th of October sought the approval of the House to implement the new external borrowing planning in the 2025 appropriation act, to refinance maturing eurobond and issue a debut sovereign sukuk in the international market.

The President’s letter dated 22nd September, 2025 was titled ‘Request for the resolution of the National Assembly to implement new external borrowing in the 2025 appropriation act, refinance maturing Euro bonds and issue debt sovereign sukuk in the international capital market.’

President Tinubu said the purpose of the letter is to seek a resolution of the House pursuant to the provisions of sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment, Etc.) Act, 2003 to implement the New External Borrowing of ?1,843,669,786,987.16 (equivalent of USD1,229,113,000.00 at the budget exchange rate of USD1.00/N1,500.00) in the 2025 Appropriation Act for the part-financing of the Budget Deficit.

He is also seeking a resolution to refinance the USD1,118,352,000.00 Eurobonds (7.625% USD1.118BN NOV 2025) maturing on November 21, 2025; access aggregate external capital of USD2,347,465,000.00 (USD1.229bn and USD1.118bn).

The facility is to be accessed through any of the following channels in the International Capital Market (ICM): Issuance of Eurobonds, Loan Syndications, Bridge Finance Facility from Bookrunners and Direct Borrowing from International Financial Institutions.

Also, the request is also for a resolution to issue a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to USD500m in the ICM with or without credit enhancement (Guarantee).