Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Abike Dabiri first made her name as one of the shining stars of Broadcast Journalism in the 90s with NTA Network Service. Her knack for breathing life into what might have otherwise passed as nondescript features made her stories for Newsline, the popular human angle Sunday night programme on NTA, unforgettable.

She became the natural choice to take over as Anchor of the programme after the departure of the effervescent Frank Olize.

Abike had a heart for people, her strong sense of empathy evident in the stories she took on. She had a passion for the underprivileged and she demonstrated that not just in the stories she brought to our screens, but the humanitarian interventions she championed.

It wasn’t just the stories though, it was her way of telling them, leaving no one in doubt about the kindness of her heart and the genuineness of her connection with the people involved in the stories was never in doubt.

She wrapped her heart around the subjects of her stories, which were often ‘ordinary’ people that viewers often found themselves emotionally entangled thirsting for more. I was only just cutting my teeth in broadcast journalism at the time, and she was one of the people I paid close attention to and looked up to.

Even though I would eventually step aside only a few years after, it just happened that I didn’t fully disengage from the industry. Soon after, I was back, moonlighting as Producer of MEE and YOU Show for MEE Mofe-Damijo, even with a full-time job with a Bank.

It was in the course of producing the TV programme that our paths formally crossed.

She had only just launched the story of the ‘miracle baby’. An intriguing story that would capture the imagination of all for almost a decade, a story that would define her sterling career as a Broadcast Journalist, cementing her place in the history of Journalism in Nigeria.

It was the story of the 65 year-old Mama Wuraola Abayomi, who claimed to have miraculously given birth to a baby. When that story broke, it sent quite a few tongues wagging, including that of the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council.

I remember accompanying Abike Dabiri along with officials of the NMDC, led by Dr Nwokoro, to her home in Ojota, where the Doctors conducted a check on her in our presence, which didn’t suggest that Mama could have been the mother of the baby.

But Mama insisted she was the mother of the baby, even when she, along with the proprietress of the clinic, Mrs. Esther Kobari, appeared on our programme, despite the pointed questions by Doctors from the

Nigerian Medical and Dental Council who were also present.

The story would eventually become a full-blown saga, with 3 women – Mama, Folashade Adeyemi and Kikelomo Obikoya laying claim to the ‘miracle baby’. It took years and a forensic test for the matter to be eventually. The baby was found to belong to Kikelomo. Mrs Kobari ended up in jail.

For Abike Dabiri, it wasn’t just a story that ran for years, it was a commitment to the child caught up in the saga. She took up responsibility for the education of Mary, the miracle baby, seeing her through graduation from school.

It was no surprise to see Abike Dabiri take to politics, seeing the ease with which she connected with people at the grassroots. Three terms in the House of Representatives. She had distinguished herself as Chair of the Committee on Information and Spokesperson of the House, and it was a surprise when she was assigned to the Committee on Diaspora Affairs, which, at the time, looked more like a posting to Siberia.

But Abike Dabiri would make lemonade of the lemon handed to her. She deserves credit for virtually single-handedly taking diaspora affairs mainstream. Perhaps on account of her record in the House, she was appointed in 2019 by President Buhari as Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, and in 2019, as Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

The passion and dedication she brought to the assignment was such that many erroneously assumed her as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, passing onto her responsibilities that were not directly hers.

In many instances, she rose to the occasion, taking on an often enhanced mandate to the best of her ability despite the limitations and challenges that inevitably come with that. Also, often in the face of criticism from people with limited or inverted understanding of foreign affairs and her mandate.

But she has largely taken the pressure and criticisms that have come in her stride, occasionally responding to traducers who often argue that the public official is only allowed to receive, and not hit back. For someone who has been in the public space for a long time, it is to her credit how she has been able to maintain her steeze, delivering on the different assignments she has undertaken.

It is also interesting to see that many of those who troll her on social media know next to nothing of her journey and record, with their frame of reference often limited to post-2015. Yet, by all standards, Dabiri’s record as a Journalist, Politician and public official has been exemplary.

As I have always argued, the media doesn’t celebrate its own enough, which might be the reason why there is not in the public space enough about her to let some of the new-age cynics better know her. Glad that Afe Babalola University deemed it fit to honour Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa with Doctor of Letters, D.Lit (Honoris Causa).

When President Bola Tinubu signed the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025 into law on June 26, he ushered in one of the most ambitious fiscal reforms in Nigeria’s modern history. Alongside the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, this landmark legislation is not merely a consolidation of tax laws, it represents a structural re-engineering of how Nigeria mobilises, administers, and sustains its domestic revenue base.

At its core, the NTA 2025 seeks to modernise the tax framework, broaden the tax base, and align domestic practice with global norms, including the OECD’s minimum tax standards. It consolidates income classifications, introduces controlled-foreign-company (CFC) and top-up tax rules, reforms capital gains and corporate taxation, and streamlines administrative processes through enhanced automation and digital compliance.

Yet, even well-intentioned reforms can generate friction. Rapid transitions unsettle both administrators and taxpayers, particularly in a system already grappling with weak institutional capacity and uneven digital infrastructure. The challenge, therefore, is not whether Nigeria can reform its tax system; it’s how to transition painlessly from enactment to execution.

The case for careful transition

Fiscal transitions of this magnitude must balance ambition with realism. If rushed, reforms risk undermining business confidence, distorting cash flows, and triggering avoidable disputes. But if phased and well-communicated, they can achieve three goals simultaneously: boost revenue, build compliance culture, and foster trust between taxpayers and the state. Therefore, transition planning matters because the NTA changes are structural, not cosmetic. The Act redefines taxable income, alters reporting formats, and imposes new obligations on multinational groups. Without clear operational guidance, both small businesses and large corporates may misapply provisions – leading to revenue loss for government and compliance stress for taxpayers.

Principles for a smooth rollout

To achieve a seamless implementation, five guiding principles stand out:

Clarity First: Tax laws must be understood to be obeyed. The FIRS and State Revenue Services should publish plain-language guidance, worked examples, and industry-specific FAQs. Ambiguity fuels litigation; clarity fuels compliance.

Phased Implementation: The most disruptive provisions such as CFC computations and top-up taxation should be introduced gradually. A phased rollout allows taxpayers and administrators to align systems, test software, and adjust accounting models.

Technology-driven administration: End-to-end digital filing, e-payment systems, and automated data matching should replace paper-based and discretionary processes. These tools reduce leakages, improve audit efficiency, and minimise human interference.

Stakeholder partnership: Early collaboration with professional and industry bodies like ICAN, CITN, and chambers of commerce will make compliance pathways practical, not punitive. Consultation turns stakeholders into co-implementers rather than spectators.

Fairness and predictability: Transitional relief, clear grandfathering rules, and temporary compliance leniency should help businesses plan. Reform should encourage voluntary compliance, not breed fear.

Four-phase roadmap

Phase one – preparation and communication: From now until two months before the law’s effective date, the priority is communication. Authorities should issue explanatory notes and sectoral guides covering typical transactions from capital gains on asset disposals to cross-border profit allocation. Town halls, webinars, and consultations with key stakeholders will help surface ambiguities before enforcement begins. Draft regulations and operational rules delegated to the executive should be published early for review.

Phase two – pilot testing and capacity building: Pilot testing complex provisions will help refine compliance templates and tax forms. Volunteer firms can participate in ‘sandbox’ simulations of CFC computations and global minimum tax filings. Simultaneously, FIRS officers, helpdesk teams, and dispute resolution staff need intensive training, while SMEs should be supported through simplified filing tools and one-on-one clinics.

Phase three – soft launch and supportive enforcement: Implementation should begin with an assistance-first approach. In the initial months, taxpayers who make genuine filing errors should receive corrective notices rather than penalties. Complex provisions can be introduced in stages, giving firms time to recalibrate. Dedicated sectoral helpdesks such as for oil and gas, financial services, and digital firms should provide prompt responses to industry-specific issues.

Phase four – full enforcement and continuous improvement: After stabilisation, enforcement should become data driven. Risk-based audits and analytics can prioritise high-value or high-risk cases, while fast-track dispute resolution and expand tax tribunals can handle inevitable disagreements efficiently. The publication of monthly performance dashboards showing filings processed, refunds issued, and query turnaround times will promote transparency and trust.

Reducing the pain points

Even with the best preparation, implementation will still test institutional resilience. The government must therefore deploy targeted relief measures to ease pressure on vulnerable sectors.

Transitional pricing and grandfathering: Allow pre-effective-date contracts to retain prior tax treatment to avoid retroactive shocks.

Support for small businesses: Offer simplified regimes, temporary deferments, or tax credits to offset compliance costs.

Public education: Use radio, social media, and local-language campaigns to demystify registration, filing, and payment procedures.

Technology partnerships: Encourage fintech and accounting software providers to release NTA-compliant tools early. Private innovation can bridge administrative capacity gaps.

Cross-government coordination: Align FIRS, Customs, and state tax agencies to prevent double assessments and inconsistent interpretations.

Tracking Progress

Progress should be measured against tangible Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

At least 80% of filings processed without manual correction within six months.

Average response time to taxpayer queries under seven business days.

90% of pilot-identified issues resolved before enforcement begins.

60-80% SME compliance uptake in the first year.

A higher ratio of corrective guidance to penalties, signalling education over punishment.

Such metrics transform implementation from aspiration to accountability.

Beyond revenue: Building trust and competence

The ultimate success of the NTA 2025 will not be judged by how much revenue is collected in its first year, but by how efficiently and fairly the system functions. Nigeria’s tax culture has long been weakened by mutual distrust; taxpayers suspect inefficiency or arbitrariness, while authorities assume evasion. The new regime offers a chance to reset this relationship. Thus, implementation should therefore be viewed as a partnership, not a confrontation. The tax authority’s role is evolving from a mere collector of revenue to a facilitator of compliance, a custodian of fairness, and a driver of national growth.

Done right, the NTA 2025 can strengthen domestic resource mobilisation without discouraging enterprise or investment. Done poorly, it risks litigation, economic distortion, and erosion of confidence. The difference lies not in the text of the law, but in the discipline of its execution. Undoubtedly, Nigeria has taken a bold step toward a modern, inclusive, and globally aligned tax system. The next test perhaps the most important is ensuring that this reform journey is guided by clarity, compassion, and competence. That is how transformation becomes progress.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara Chapter, says it remains unshaken in spite of defections from the party to All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Mr Halliru Andi, the Publicity Secretary of the party.

While the PDP is the ruling party in the state, APC holds sway at the federal level.

The party was reacting to the defection of Maharazu Faru, representing Maradun II constituency in the State House of Assembly.

Faru, who joined the APC together with PDP executives in the five wards among others, hinged his defection on Gov. Dauda Lawal’s inability to meet his campaign promises.

‘Dauda failed to address challenges ranging from insecurity which is the main reason people voted for him,’ the lawmaker said.

However, the PDP said it was not perturbed by Faru’s excuses for his action.

‘The PDP under the able leadership of Dr Jamil Jibo Magayaki has noted the defection of Hon. Marahazu Faru, member representing Maradun II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘While we respect his personal choice, we are not surprised.

‘History has shown that those who put personal interest above the collective will of the people often find themselves on the wrong side of history.

‘The PDP remains the only party with genuine commitment to the rescue and rebuilding of Zamfara State,’ he said.

He said Gov. Dauda Lawal’s leadership was steadily restoring hope, rebuilding institutions, and securing the lives and livelihoods of the Zamfara people.

‘The ongoing reforms and development initiatives are clear proof that the PDP is the party of progress and compassion.

‘We are confident that Hon. Faru will soon regret his decision, as the people of Zamfara have already made up their minds to stand firmly with the PDP.

‘Come the next elections, our party will win overwhelmingly at all levels -from the wards to the national stage because the PDP remains the true party of the masses.

‘We call on our members and supporters to remain steadfast and proud. No defection can shake our foundation or stop the will of the people.

‘The PDP remains strong, united, and deeply rooted in the hearts of Zamfara people,’ the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP still maintains majority with 14 members while the APC now has 10 lawmakers in the State House of Assembly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise local refining and allocate 100 percent of the nation’s crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery to enable full-scale production and self-sufficiency in fuel supply.

The students, armed with various placards and banners, made the call during a peaceful protest on Wednesday from the Millennium park to the Unity Fountain, as security agents did not allow the protesters storm the National Assembly as earlier scheduled.

Addressing newsmen, President of NAPS, Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan described the Dangote Refinery as ‘a root that has given life to a decaying tree,’ symbolising hope for Nigeria’s long-awaited industrial revival.

According to him, Dangote Refinery was a symbol of Africa’s industrial power and a cornerstone for Nigeria’s ambition to become the refining hub of the continent.

He said: ‘For decades, our nation lived under the shadow of dependency, we were exporters of crude and importers of survival. But today, we have found pride again in an African-built refinery, one that can restore Nigeria’s economic independence.’

Reaffirming their confidence in the Tinubu led administration, the students while praising the President’s investments in education and youth empowerment initiatives, noted that Tinubu ‘understands the suffering of the common man and the Nigerian student, that is why we believe he will listen to our appeal.

‘The Nigerian government should please approve 100% crude oil allocation to Dangote refinery let us refine our destiny at home. When we feed this refinery fully, it will produce more barrel, flood the market supply, decrease the price of fuel and stabilize our economy.

‘We are appealing to the federal government and relevant agencies to prioritize local refined products. Nigerians, we want you to be reassured, Dangote has come to help you and the people that are coming to sabotage this effort are feeding fat on our national failure.’

While commending Dangote for his bold investment in the energy sector, the students urged President Tinubu to take decisive action including the scrapping of anti-development elements within the oil and gas sector who they claim were frustrating national progress.

‘For over 30 years, the nation’s refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri were dead. These same groups did nothing. But now that one man has chosen to rebuild our dream, they have risen against him.’

The students called on their peers across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of technology to defend and promote homegrown innovation.

‘The soul of a nation is not measured by the size of its GDP, but by the strength of its will. When the youth rise to defend productivity, the nation itself will stand tall.’

Preparations are underway for the inaugural edition of À?É10: A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity, a global cultural festival designed to celebrate Yoruba heritage and strengthen connections across the African diaspora.

Organised by SloweGanzi International, the week-long event will hold from November 30 to December 7, 2025, under the royal patronage of Arolé Odùduwà, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojájá II, the 51st Ooni of Ife.

The festival coincides with the Ooni’s 10th Coronation Anniversary, marking a decade of what organisers describe as visionary leadership dedicated to peace, youth empowerment, and the global renaissance of Yoruba culture.

According to a statement from SloweGanzi International, À?É10 represents more than just a cultural gathering. It is a movement to reunite Yoruba people at home and abroad, from Africa to the Americas, the Caribbean, and beyond, in a renewed spirit of shared identity and cultural pride.

The festival will unfold across Lagos and Ile-Ife, combining exhibitions, performances, academic discussions, and traditional ceremonies that highlight the richness of Yoruba civilization.

Activities will include art and cultural showcases, film premieres, scholarly dialogues on Yoruba identity and Pan-Africanism, fashion and culinary displays, as well as music and dance performances blending traditional and contemporary influences.

A royal banquet and fireworks display will crown the week-long celebration in Ile-Ife, often regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people.

In addition to the festivities, organisers will unveil plans for the Yoruba History and Arts Museum, a landmark legacy project to be established in Ile-Ife.

The museum is envisioned as a global center for the preservation and promotion of Yoruba art, history, and philosophy, ensuring that future generations can access and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Speaking on the significance of the event, a representative of SloweGanzi International described À?É10 as ‘a call to reconnect, rediscover, and reassert the power of Yoruba heritage as a global force for unity and peace.’

Her Royal Majesty, Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, also commended the initiative, noting that the Ooni’s decade on the throne has redefined traditional leadership as ‘a living, evolving anchor for culture, unity, and development.’

The organisers said the festival aims to promote cultural preservation, strengthen diaspora bonds, foster economic empowerment through tourism and creative industries, and position Ile-Ife as a global hub for African creativity and identity.

SloweGanzi International has called for participation from traditional rulers, cultural custodians, artists, scholars, entrepreneurs, development agencies, and sponsors across the world.

Based in the United States and Nigeria, SloweGanzi International is a global sports and entertainment event company known for creating transformative cultural experiences that connect communities, inspire engagement, and promote social and cultural growth.

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.

A new major policy requiring electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to meet a minimum capital adequacy requirement to qualify for the renewal of their operating licenses is underway. The policy is aimed at addressing the capital adequacy requirement to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made this known yesterday at the opening session of the Nigeria Energy Week 2025 which kicked off in Lagos at the Landmark Event Centre. The summit, organised by Informa Markets, has as its theme: ‘Powering Nigeria through Investment, Innovation, and Partnership.’

According to Adelabu, the sector continues to face challenges of under-capitalisation among several Distribution Companies (DisCos) and a severe debt burden.

‘As the tenure of their operational licenses approaches renewal, the government intends to introduce a minimum capital adequacy requirement as part of the license renewal process, to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities,’ Adelabu said.

The minister also disclosed that prior to the coming of the present administration, Nigerians spent about N15 trillion on diesel and fuel to power their generators in a year because of unreliable public power services.

He, however, said that given the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration the narrative has changed as he claimed that there is better power provision currently.

Adelabu’s disclosure corroborates with the report of the National Bureau of Statistics which stated that the cost of petrol imports rose by 105.3 per cent to N15.42tr in 2024 from the N7.51tr recorded in 2023.

He therefore charged the private investors to invest more in the nation’s power sector, adding that the federal government alone does not have the capacity to fund all the investment needed to make very efficient.

The minister also used the occasion to give updates on critical infrastructure projects. He confirmed that contracts for the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) Phase One have been signed, with the aim of adding 7,000MW of operational capacity to the grid. He also revealed that generation capacity has been sustained at an average of approximately 5,300MW in 2024, up from 4,200MW in 2023.

‘In parallel to the grid expansion, generation capacity is being expanded through the rehabilitation of existing NIPP plants to unlock about 345MW, alongside the successful integration of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant into the grid.

‘Collectively, these interventions have helped sustain an average generation capacity of approximately 5,300MW in 2024 up from 4,200MW recorded in 2023’.

The Minister disclosed further that the government has operationalized the Presidential Metering Initiative, with N700 billion already secured to deploy 1.1 million meters by the end of 2025.

He also noted that the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) into two organisations: the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which manages the operation of Nigeria’s electricity grid and coordinates the electricity market, and the Transmission Service Provider (TSP), which owns, maintains, and expands the physical transmission infrastructure marks a long-awaited and critical structural reform in the power sector.

Adelabu direct appealed for investment, emphasising that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. He pointed to the over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity as a critical opportunity, assuring stakeholders that market fundamentals are improving, policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed.

‘As we commence today’s forum, let me once again emphasise to our investors, financiers, and innovators that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. We recognize that achieving the scale of investment required to transform the sector requires greater private sector participation across the entire value chain, particularly in the transmission segment.

‘A useful reference is South Africa’s ambitious $25 billion transmission grid expansion initiative, which seeks private developers to deliver 14,000 kilometers of new power lines and connect over 59 GW of new capacity within the next 14 years. This is remarkable when compared to Nigeria’s Presidential Power Initiative (the Siemens project) valued at $2.3 billion.

‘In Nigeria today, we have over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity. Energy that could power industries, create jobs, and even support electricity exports to our neighbouring countries through the regional power pool. We are therefore open to strategic partnerships to mobilize the necessary investments and unlock this potential. Our market fundamentals are improving, our policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed to creating the enabling conditions for long-term investment and innovation,’ Adelabu said.

He also spoke of the comprehensive reform agenda for the sector since 2023, describing it as a multi-pronged approach to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency and growth.

He said: ‘This approach spans critical pillars which include legislation, policy reforms, infrastructure development, energy transition and access expansion, and local content and capacity development with each designed to address structural challenges, unlock private capital, and enhance service delivery across the electricity value chain.’

The Minister highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a foundational milestone, which has already granted regulatory autonomy to 15 states. On the policy front, he revealed that the first comprehensive, sector-wide policy in nearly two decades, the Integrated National Electricity Policy, has been approved.

He said: ‘This represents a clear shift towards a liberalized and investment-friendly electricity market. Since its passage, 15 states have received regulatory autonomy to establish subnational electricity markets with one fully operationalized. We are working actively with these states to ensure strong alignment between the wholesale market and the retail market. In this regard, we believe the active involvement of state governments, particularly in the off-grid segment is critical, given the series of roundtable engagements held with governors by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as well as the ongoing efforts to closely track the Distribution Company (DisCo) performance within their respective jurisdictions.

On stabilisation of the market and sector commercialization, he said the government is deepening power sector commercialization to strengthen revenue, liquidity, and investor confidence. ‘Through tariff policy reforms which enabled cost-reflective tariffs for select consumers, supply reliability has improved while reducing energy costs for industries, and industry revenue has increased by 70 percent to N1.7 trillion in 2024 compared to previous year and the revenue is expected to exceed N2 trillion for 2025.’

To stabilise the market, he revealed: ‘Mr. President has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts. Alongside this, a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure a sustainable path toward full commercialisation and viable industry,’ the minister concluded.

Rapper Oladips has recounted his experience with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing how he was picked up during a night raid in his estate and detained for several days.

Speaking in a recent interview, the rapper said the incident occurred around 3 a.m. when officials entered his neighborhood.

‘Nigeria just happened to me. It was just a normal night and they entered my Estate going from house to house. They came to my house as well. It was like 3 a.m. The crazy thing is that I knew they were inside the compound, but I don’t do fraud, I don’t do yahoo,’ Oladips said.

‘I was on my bed pressing my phone because that’s none of my business- na person wey do fraud go dey run. Next thing, I heard a loud noise from downstairs. They broke my kitchen door, entered my house, and were like, ‘Hey, hey, where’s your phone?’ I don’t even have a laptop, just two phones. They collected them and took me to their office.’

He explained that he was detained for several days and later released after the investigation.

‘They didn’t find anything on my phone. One of their oga asked if I pay tax, so they just held me for that. I spent four, five days in that cell,’ he said.

Oladips noted that he considered taking legal action but decided against it due to the process involved.

‘I feel like when I came out I should have sued them because they collected money from me before they released me for nothing, absolutely nothing. I spent four, five days in their cell. But you know Nigeria – before I now sue them and start fighting for the money they collected from me, I’ll spend another money,’ he added.

‘The system is just messed up because I don’t know why I was locked up till date. They suffered me. You know Nigeria, before I’ll sue them and start spending money, it’s crazy. I can’t go through all of that stress, that was why I locked up,’ he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed instruments of clemency and pardon, completing the formal process of exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant relief to selected individuals convicted of various offences.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the move follows consultations with the Council of State and wide public opinion on the subject.

However, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the earlier approved list, invoking his discretionary powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The review led to the deletion of persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms.

Others, previously listed for full pardon, had their sentences reduced or commuted.

‘The decision was guided by the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to respect the rights and feelings of victims, boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations,’ the statement said.

It added that the principle of justice as a ‘three-way traffic’ – balancing the rights of the accused, the victim, and society – also informed the President’s careful approach.

The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.

In a structural reform accompanying the exercise, President Tinubu ordered the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future exercises, mandating compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only deserving persons benefit.

Tinubu appreciated public engagement on the matter and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive judicial reforms and improved administration of justice in Nigeria.

Suspected arsonists have set ablaze a warehouse belonging to one of the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) accredited by the Ondo State Government under the O’DATIWA Metering Scheme, destroying prepaid meters worth over N10 million.

The incident, The Nation learnt, occurred on Monday and leading to the razing of a facility belonging to the Active Achievers Nigeria Limited along Barracks Road, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

Not less than 100 Active Energy Prepaid Meters were lost to the inferno.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday in a chat, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Henry Akinbola Oyinbo, said residents in the area alerted the firm to the fire outbreak.

Oyinbo described the development as a ‘coordinated blaze’, insisting that the incident was an act of sabotage.

‘We were informed early on Monday morning that a raging inferno was consuming our warehouse.

‘Our Active Energy Prepaid Meters, though the best and most affordable in the market, are not inflammable, and as such could not have caught fire without someone deliberately setting it ablaze.

‘It is devastating that agents of darkness could strike in this manner,’ he lamented.

The Managing Director called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into what he described as an attempt to cripple the state’s metering initiative.

Confirming the incident, Ondo Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said detectives have launched an investigation to determine the actual cause of the fire.