Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Ivorian international Jonathan Bamba has stirred debate after omitting the Super Eagles from list of favourites for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Despite Nigeria finishing as runners-up in the last edition hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, the AFCON 2023 winner, failed to shortlist the three-time African champions among likely to lift the trophy.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Lille forward backed his country to perform strongly despite the fierce competition expected at the continental showpiece.

‘I have an excellent feeling about it. The team is good, with a rotating squad. Despite the injuries, the team remains competitive. It’s great,’ Bamba said.

‘I don’t know if we are favourites, but I have a good feeling about this CAN.

‘We know the favourites – Senegal with its top players, Morocco also present, and Algeria too. But in this kind of competition, you may be the favourite, but it’s the pitch that speaks,’ he noted.

Bamba’s omission of Nigeria – finalists just months ago – has sparked mixed reactions among fans, who believe the Super Eagles deserve recognition after their impressive run at the last edition where they finished with the silver medal.

With the tournament drawing closer, his comments could serve as added motivation for Nigeria as they seek redemption and a fourth continental title in Morocco.

Sir: Nigeria’s agricultural sector is poised for significant investment and growth, with shrewd entrepreneurs already reaping profits despite long-standing challenges like security concerns and multi-faceted production problems. The prevailing narrative of difficulty, while real, masks a vibrant market where opportunity is abundant, particularly for investors willing to back new technology to fast-track development.

For decades, the agricultural community has grappled with formidable obstacles. Security challenges, including banditry and farmer-herder conflicts, threaten farm operations and disrupt supply chains. Furthermore, the ‘multi-faceted problems of producing’ often refer to issues like low-quality inputs, reliance on rain-fed farming, minimal mechanisation, and significant post-harvest losses. Up to 45% of fresh produce can be lost due to poor storage and logistics.

However, a closer look reveals that many Nigerian citizens are making money. This success highlights the immense demand-supply gap in the nation of over 200 million people, making almost any successful agricultural venture highly profitable.

The potential returns in Nigerian agriculture are among the highest in the world because of the sheer size of the market and the current low productivity. Where others see problems, smart investors see a vast, untapped market.

The critical need now is to introduce and scale new technology to propel the sector from subsistence to modern, high-yield agribusiness. Investment in the following areas presents the most significant opportunity for fast-tracking development:

Currently, a large proportion of farming is done with rudimentary hand tools. Agri-tech start-ups are disrupting this by offering cloud-based platforms for shared access to tractors and machinery, making mechanisation affordable for smallholder farmers.

Investing in cold chain logistics and solar-powered cold storage hubs is essential to drastically reduce the estimated $9 billion annual loss in post-harvest waste. Technologies that extend the shelf life of perishable crops like tomatoes and vegetables promise high returns.

High-quality seeds, seedlings, and tailored fertilizers are in short supply. Technology can aid in developing better inputs and using precision agriculture tools like AI and satellite-based monitoring to give farmers real-time advice on resource use, leading to dramatically improved yields.

Instead of exporting raw commodities, investment in local processing facilities-for crops like cassava (into flour, starch), cocoa, palm oil, and dairy-adds value, creates local jobs, and meets the massive domestic demand for processed foods.

For prospective investors, several value chains stand out due to robust local demand and clear opportunities for technological intervention. Nigeria is at a pivot point where technology and smart capital can transform challenges into wealth. By focusing on technological gaps and value addition, investors can not only secure high returns but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s food security and economic diversification.

The Federal Government has concluded plans to partner with the World Bank, research institutions, and coastal communities to promote innovation, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance data-driven planning for fisheries and aquaculture development.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola who disclosed this in Lagos, said efforts are also being directed towards strengthening the cold chain system, promoting value addition through fish processing and packaging, improving access to quality feed and seed, developing functional hatcheries, expanding extension services, and facilitating access to finance for fish farmers and entrepreneurs.

In his keynote during a one-day interactive seminar between Stakeholders and Regulatory Authorities involved in Stockfish and Seafood Import and Export Trade in Nigeria organized by the Norwegian Seafood Council and the Norwegian government in Lagos, he said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy recognizes the importance of seafood trade not only as an economic activity but also as a source of animal protein and a driver of industrial linkages.

‘The seafood sector connects production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing, thereby creating a comprehensive value chain that sustains livelihoods and supports national economic objectives.

‘The Ministry is partnering with development partners such as World Bank, research institutions, and coastal communities to promote innovation, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance data-driven planning for fisheries and aquaculture development. In addition, the Ministry is also working to ensure that fish is affordable and available for the ordinary Nigerian.

‘The Ministry is equally working towards streamlining seafood import and export processes, thereby reducing administrative bottlenecks, and ensuring regulatory harmony through collaboration with relevant agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as through the National Single Window platform and the digitalization of the entire fisheries and aquaculture processes,’ he said.

Under the Blue Economy framework, government he said is implementing measures to strengthen monitoring, control, and surveillance systems to address Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing; promote private sector investment in aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure; upgrade fish handling, processing, and certification systems to meet international export standards; and enhance collaboration with international partners on research, innovation, and digitalization of fisheries management.

Oyetola acknowledged the fact that the government alone cannot achieve all the goals, underscoring the need for partnership. ‘Stakeholders must continue to cooperate with regulatory authorities, comply with established standards, and support the implementation of government policies and programmes. I encourage all stakeholders to freely express their concerns and share practical suggestions that will enable Government to address existing challenges and strengthen the regulatory environment.

‘I reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to the development of a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive seafood value chain that will contribute to national food security, employment generation, and economic growth. Working together, we can transform Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a globally competitive industry that not only feeds our people but also advances the national Blue Economy,’ he said.

Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Svien Baera, renewed the call for the inclusion of stockfish and its head in the list of goods with zero import duty to make it affordable in the country.

Baera urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the sustainability of the sector through the zero import duties on stockfish due to the low quota of cod (the primary fish for stockfish) and its subsequent price increase fundamentally due to the forces and demand and supply.

The Norwegian envoy said Nigeria remained one of its largest markets in the world, adding that government intervention would help drive affordability among the large consuming population.

‘Nigeria is consistently one of the largest importers of Norwegian stockfish in the world. It is an important part of the Nigerian kitchen.

‘What started as a trade relationship many decades ago has now grown into something mutually beneficial. This is not just a story of commerce; it is a story of cultural exchange.

‘Both our nations share a strong commitment to sustainability to ensure that our oceans continue to provide for generations to come.

‘As part of this responsible approach, we have in recent years seen a reduction in cod quotas, reflecting the need to protect fish stocks and support long-term marine health.

‘Unfortunately, this necessary reduction has led to increased prices for both stockfish and stockfish heads, impacting both producers and consumers.

‘Hence, we respectfully appeal once again for zero import duty on stockfish heads as a meaningful step towards ensuring continued accessibility and affordability for Nigerian consumers,’ Baera said.

Also speaking on the occasion, both the Director of Africa, Norwegian Seafood Council, Mr Johnny Haaberg, and Fisheries Consultant to Norwegian Seafood Council, Ms. Abiodun Oritsjemine Cheke also supported the envoy’s call for zero-duty on the importation of fish head to promote the health of Nigerians.

‘We try to share our knowledge about aquaculture and management of fisheries, also with Nigeria, and we have been doing that for many years, and we think the cooperation is very good.

‘We have been raising the issue of zero duties for stockfish imports because we think the Nigerian consumers deserve better access to cheaper stockfish heads.

‘Actually, we would wish to have more stockfish heads and stockfish at a good price to offer to the Nigerian market.

‘But because of the lowering of our quotas, the exporters that are here, they sell everything they have, and they are not able to access more,’ Haaberg said.

Ms. Cheke said Norway is ready to increase the training of local fish farmers in the country to increase local export opportunities.

‘In the coming year, we will embark on the training of fish farmers and government officers in fisheries in the sustainability aspect and the documentation aspect of the trade.

‘Nigeria’s product is banned from international trade simply because of documentation, sustainability and quality assurance.

‘So, with this, we intend to leverage it to complement the last training we did for the fish farmers and fisheries officers.

‘And we are also appealing to the federal government that stockfish, especially the heads, is for everybody and is about the cheapest protein in Nigeria.

‘Stockfish heads should be placed on zero per cent import duties for a 150-day period, like the other staple foods. We are also praying for our appeal on zero per cent to be heard and for stockfish heads,’ Cheke said.

Rapper Odumodublvck has addressed the backlash trailing his recent interview with BET Network, where he was quoted as referring to female artists like Bloody Civilian and Smur Lee as ‘Z-list artists.’

During the interview, Odumodublvck spoke on supporting upcoming talents without demanding anything in return.

‘I can help you without taking anything from you, same thing with the girls. I want to be able to give girls deals without having to compromise themselves.

‘The last time a Nigerian girl was number one on the chart, I think it was probably me. I’ve gone number one with two girls, Smur Lee and Bloody Civilian, and they were not A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H artists – they were Z artists. But yes, they went number one. That’s to show you that girls out there, you can do your thing without compromising,’ he said.

His remark sparked widespread criticism online, with many calling him out for seemingly belittling the mentioned female artists.

In response, Odumodublvck clarified the statement on X, explaining that his words were exaggerated and not meant to discredit anyone.

‘BLOODY IS NOT A Z LIST ARTIST. NEITHER ARE THE NAMES I CALLED.

Z WAS JUST AN EXAGGERATION TO AMAZING FEMALE ARTISTS LIKE SMUR LEE, KENKÉ and VALENTINO, WHO ARE MAKING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES. – THE MACHINE.’

The Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Bola Oladunjoye, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

He made this known during the 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the council sectetariat, Obalende.

Oladunjoye described the meeting as an important platform to strengthen collaboration between government and residents, as well as to ensure transparency, accountability, and people-driven decision-making in the budgeting process.

He explained that the purpose of the forum was fourfold – to gather input and feedback from stakeholders on priority needs for the 2026 fiscal year, ensure transparency in the budgeting process, facilitate effective communication between government and the public, and identify critical needs such as infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities for inclusion in the new budget.

‘We are a government of the people, and we value the input of our people in the administration. Our open-door policy is evident in today’s event, where we seek direct input from you in developing an inclusive budget for the 2026 fiscal year. We want to know your priorities, not what we think you need,’ he said.

The council boss emphasised that his administration is guided by the principle of participatory governance, where the people’s voices determine the focus of government actions. He urged residents to actively participate in the consultative forum, noting that democracy thrives when citizens take ownership of governance.

‘This government is your government. It is what you say we should do that we will do. As citizens, you have the power to steer the ship of governance in the direction that you want it to go,’ he noted.

Highlighting the council’s achievements, the chairman listed the ongoing rehabilitation of Lugard Avenue, which is 90 percent completed, and the reconstruction of Polo Club Road, Ikoyi, which has already commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony.

He also noted that the administration had intensified efforts to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through efficient, transparent, and accountable measures. These include branding of revenue officers, purchase of revenue buses, introduction of an electronic billing and payment system, and a comprehensive enumeration of all revenue sources within the council.

On security, Oladunjoye commended residents and security agencies for their cooperation and vigilance in maintaining peace and reducing crime rates within the council area.

He further reiterated the council’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy for environmental infractions, stating that Street Marshals have been deployed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

While assuring residents of continued delivery of people-oriented projects, the council boss appealed to all ratepayers to fulfill their civic obligations, stressing that prompt payment of levies and dues is vital to sustaining developmental efforts.

‘Your contributions are crucial to our community’s growth and development. Together, we can build a better Ikoyi-Obalende,’ he said.

A wave of defection appears imminent in Cross River North Senatorial District of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as key stakeholders of the party have indicated plans to dump it for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

On October 22, 2025, Senator Jarigbe, who represents the district in the National Assembly, visited Aso Rock Villa to inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his defection to APC.

He also paid a similar courtesy visit to the APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba in Calabar, where he pledged readiness to work with the party leadership to consolidate its strength in the northern senatorial zone.

Jarigbe, on Tuesday, in continuation of his consultations, convened a strategic meeting in Abuja with top PDP figures from the zone to review the evolving political landscape and chart a new course.

Special Assistant on Media to the Senator, John Agom Agom, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, confirmed the development.

Agom stated that the meeting which held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja – focused on aligning with what participants described as ‘the progressive direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

The statement quoted Jarigbe while addressing the gathering to have said that his defection was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the President’s vision of national renewal.

‘My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering constituents or embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings in our zone,’ he said ‘Our regular consultations will continue; there are better days ahead.’

Cross River PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, commended Jarigbe for his bold political move and pledged to brief the state executive members for further consultations on the next line of action.

The stakeholders reportedly agreed to formally join the APC with Senator Jarigbe after wider consultations, describing the anticipated mass defection as a ‘strategic realignment to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics.’

Prominent figures at the meeting included Hon. Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Tom Ogar, Mike Aniah, Esq, Dr. Dorn-Klamz Enamhe, Dr. Paul Ibiala, and Hon. Peter Ignodor, among others.

Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has opened up on feeling unhappy about her African heritage while growing up in London to embracing it with pride due to the global impact of Afrobeats.

Speaking at the Unstoppable Africans event, she attributed the genre’s success to its ability to showcase the continent’s positive image.

According to Savage, Afrobeats is the fastest-growing genre in the world, achieving remarkable success despite lacking support and infrastructure.

‘Afrobeats is the fastest growing genre in the world. We kind of created it with nothing; no support, no infrastructure, no real belief even from our own people initially.

‘I remember growing up in London and I was not happy being African. But now I’m so proud because of how big Afrobeats is growing,’ she said.

She dismissed claims that Afrobeats is declining, pointing to its increasing presence on charts and sold-out stadium performances.

Savage emphasised the genre’s unstoppable momentum, noting that one in every four black persons is either Nigerian or African, which underscores its potential for continued growth.

‘There was a conversation at one point that Afrobeats is going to have its 15 minutes of fame and then fades away. But we are still here. We are not slowing down. In fact, we are filling out stadiums, and we are getting the biggest songs on the charts right now.

‘I don’t know how true this is, but apparently one in every four black persons is a Nigerian or an African.

‘So, we are not going anywhere. As much as they are trying to quiet us down, the music is not going anywhere. We are Africans and we are unstoppable,’ she remarked.

Losing a loved one is hard enough but dealing with paperwork shouldn’t make it harder.

This is why understanding who a Next-of-Kin (NOK) is and how to complete verification is so important. PTAD’s verification process ensures pension benefits go directly to the rightful person without stress.

In this report, PTAD explains everything you need to know about NOK verification, the documents required, and how to handle special cases like being abroad or unfit to travel.

Who is a Next of Kin (NOK)?

A Next-of-Kin (NOK) is the individual chosen by the principal to inherit his or her entitlement in the event of his/her death. The NOK could be the child, wife, brother, parent, friend or any relation of the deceased, selected by the deceased while he/she was alive.

If there are more than one NOK, do we all need to be present for verification?

Yes. You all need to be present as NOKs. Verification can only be successful and recognised when all NOKs are present in compliance to the will of the deceased pensioner.

What are the documents needed for NOK verification?

Depending on the department, documents required for verification of NOKs varies. Here is the list of documents required; Letter/Gazette of 1st appointment/Letter of Enlistment; Letter/Gazette of 1st Confirmation of Appointment; Letter/Gazette of Last promotion; Approved Letter of Retirement/Disengagement.; Severance Pay Slip (Disengaged Retirees Only); Evidence of payment of Gratuity; Computation Sheet stamped and signed by the State Auditor General ( for State pensioners with Federal Shares only); and Death Certificate of the Deceased from a Government recognised hospital or National Population Commission.

Others are Letter of Administration from a Federal High Court; Birth Certificate of NOK; Letter of Introduction from MDA (Death in active service); Record of Service; NOK Identity card (Driving Licence, Int’l Passport, National ID Card or Voters Registration Card); Letter of Introduction from the Command Headquarters (Police); Letter of Introduction from the Association of War Affected Police Officers (AWARPO).; Letter of Amnesty from the Police Service Commission (Police); Joint Account of NOKs(Duly Stamped/Signed); Marriage Certificate (For Spouses); Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Joint Bank Account Statement of the NOK (s) with bank logo; Stamped Bank Verification Number (BVN) Slip print out of the NOKs; One colored Passport Photograph for each NOKs; Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Bank Account Statement of the deceased from retirement till date; Birth certificates/sworn affidavit of the NOKs; Evidence of change of name where applicable); and Evidence of Transfer of Service where applicable).

I am not in Nigeria at the moment and I missed the verification exercise that was previously conducted. My monthly pension has been stopped. What do I do?

You can go to the nearest Nigerian Embassy or High Commission to you, obtain an ‘I am alive’ Certificate, attach your resident permit and data page of your international passport.

Also attach all relevant career progression documents and forward to the Directorate through a third party or email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Consequent upon a successful validation, your monthly pension will be restored pending when you make effort to come into the country for verification.

Customs, Immigration and Prisons, as well as Parastatal pensioners are treated every Tuesday; Civil Service Pensioners are treated every Wednesday while Police pensioners and Parastatal pensioners are treated every Thursday However, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, verification is strictly by invitation. Pensioners must send their documents to [email protected] for review before they are invited for verification

Do I have to submit all my documents when I have a complaint even after I have been verified?

Once a pensioner is verified, the submission of documents is no longer a requirement for forwarding of complaints. It is only the verification slip and statement of account (six months) before the period of complaint that will be required.

Customs, Immigration and Prisons, as well as Parastatal pensioners are treated every Tuesday; Civil Service Pensioners are treated every Wednesday while Police pensioners and Parastatal pensioners are treated every Thursday. However, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, verification is strictly by invitation. Pensioners must send their documents to [email protected] for review before they are invited for verification

I am not living close to any of your Zonal offices. I am frail and do not have the means to travel. How do I get verified? Is there any other medium that I can use to send in my complaints?

The pensioner can still be verified. He or she should send in the required documents with a full sized photograph, complete contact details, career documents and a medical report ascertaining conditions which are against travels to confirm inability to travel to any of our Zonal offices that is close to him/her through a third party, with a request for Mobile Verification. Once the documents are reviewed and found acceptable, a team of mobile verification officers will be sent to verify him or her.

My spouse is bedridden and cannot attend the verification exercise. How can he/she be verified?

You are required to bring documents with a full sized photograph, complete contact details, career documents and a medical report ascertaining conditions, towards being verified and subsequent enrolment for Monthly Pension (MP). You should arrange all the documents stated and go to the nearest Zonal Office close to you and inform the Team Lead. He will make arrangement for your husband or wife to be verified at home.

The Presidency through the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, has expressed happiness on the smooth screening and confirmation of appointments of the Service Chiefs by the Senate .

Senator Lado in a statement said: ‘As the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, I facilitated this crucial interface to ensure a smooth and coordinated engagement between the Executive and the Legislature, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to effective governance and national security.

‘The appointment of Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major Gen. Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), AVM Sunday K. Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represents a strategic step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and fostering synergy among the Armed Forces for the protection of our nation’s sovereignty and citizens.

‘I extend my profound appreciation to the President of the Senate, the Senate Leadership, and Distinguished Senators for the prompt and thorough consideration that led to the confirmation of the new Service Chiefs.

‘Their commitment underscores the strong collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature in advancing the national interest and ensuring the security and stability of our dear nation’

The House of Representatives yesterday passed for the second reading a Bill to strengthen the recovery and management of the proceeds of crimes in the country.

The Bill, sponsored by Yusuf Adams Gagdi (APC, Plateau), seeks to amend the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management Act Number 92 of 2022.

In his lead debate on the general principles of the Bill, Gagdi recalled that the Bill was enacted to provide a uniform legal framework for the recovery, management, and disposal of proceeds of crime or unlawful activity in Nigeria.

The lawmaker said it was a landmark legislation aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption, money laundering, and economic and financial crimes.

According to him, in the course of implementation, certain legal, procedural, and practical gaps have become apparent.

Gagdi noted that the gaps have limited the effectiveness of the Act in facilitating non-conviction-based forfeiture, protecting whistleblowers, safeguarding witnesses, and ensuring expeditious judicial processes.

He said the amendment Bill seeks to strengthen the Act by closing the identified gaps, enhancing accountability mechanisms, and expanding its operational scope to align with contemporary anti-corruption and asset recovery standards.

Justifying the rationale for the Bill, Gagdi, who heads the House Committee on Navy, said the Bill is rooted in the need to make the proceeds of crime act more effective, responsive, and just in the recovery and management of proceeds of unlawful activities.

He said: ‘The fight against corruption and illicit financial flows in Nigeria must go beyond conviction-based recovery of assets. Many cases of corruption, economic sabotage, and illicit enrichment cannot be effectively prosecuted due to death of suspects, flight from jurisdiction, or complex legal hurdles.

‘Non-conviction-based forfeiture provides an important tool for recovering assets in such situations, while still ensuring due process and judicial oversight.

‘Furthermore, the amendment seeks to introduce clarity, consistency, and procedural fairness in the operation of interim and final forfeiture orders, admissibility of evidence, and management of forfeited assets, including digital or virtual assets. This is in line with global best practices and Nigeria’s international obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.’

Gagdi said the key objectives of the Bill include strengthening the legal framework for non-conviction-based forfeiture by expressly providing for the recovery of properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds or instrumentalities of unlawful activity, even without a criminal conviction.

The lawmaker said it would provide for whistleblowing and witness protection mechanisms under a new Section 81 of the Act, empowering relevant agencies to receive, investigate, and act on credible information while ensuring the safety and welfare of whistleblowers.

Also, the Bill will streamline judicial procedures by defining clear timelines for publication, response, and hearing of forfeiture applications, ensuring expeditious determination of cases and minimizing abuse of court processes, while recognizing virtual assets and digital proceeds of crime by establishing a National Confiscated Wallet for Virtual Assets to be managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria alongside the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.

Besides, the law, he said, would enhance the admissibility of evidence, including hearsay evidence, where necessary for the effective prosecution and recovery process, consistent with civil forfeiture standards, strengthen institutional coordination by empowering relevant organizations to act efficiently and transparently in the recovery, preservation, management, and disposal of forfeited properties and ensure victims’ rights are protected, by allowing proceeds of forfeited properties to be applied for restitution where applicable.

He described the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as a forward-looking reform aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture.

He said: ‘It will make asset recovery more efficient, enhance transparency and accountability, and build public confidence in the justice system.

‘By supporting this Bill, we will be strengthening the institutional and legal capacity of our nation to trace, recover, and manage proceeds of crime both within and outside our borders.’