Category: The Nation – Nigeria

To boost innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s energy industry, FOSL Upstream Limited, a subsidiary of Ailes Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with Knox Western – Didwania Group, a global leader in compressor systems and engineered energy solutions.

The partnership is focused on the manufacturing, supply, sales, and maintenance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and cryogenic compressor pumps, combining world-class engineering expertise with local capacity to deliver efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

According to the partners, the collaboration brings together Knox Western – Didwania Group’s global technical excellence and FOSL Upstream’s operational strength and strategic market presence across Africa. And it’s to deliver end-to-end solutions that enhance energy accessibility and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.

On the partnership, Dr. Michael Onuoha, Chairman and CEO of Ailes Group and FOSL Upstream Limited, said the alliance marks a milestone in the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

‘This partnership is a significant step in our mission to champion innovation within the energy landscape. By aligning FOSL Upstream’s operational strengths with Knox Western – Didwania Group’s engineering heritage, we are set to redefine compressor technology, reliability, and service delivery,’ Dr. Onuoha said.

‘Beyond technology, we are also committed to developing local capacity through training, technology transfer, and creating job opportunities that will strengthen indigenous participation in the energy value chain.’

The partnership, he added, reflects both companies’ shared vision for a sustainable energy future built on innovation, operational excellence, and strategic collaboration.

FOSL Upstream Limited, part of the Ailes Group, is a Nigerian energy services company known for delivering advanced technical solutions in upstream oil and gas operations. The firm has built a reputation for innovation, local content development, and strategic partnerships that promote sustainable growth in the sector.

Knox Western – Didwania Group, on its part, boasts decades of global experience in CNG and cryogenic technologies, providing reliable and efficient products for industrial and energy applications worldwide.

Both companies say their collaboration will set new standards for energy efficiency and sustainability, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global drive for cleaner energy solutions.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Wale Edun, on Thursday, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working to sustain growth in the 46 sectors of the economy towards lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

Edun spoke when he led some members of the economic team of the present administration to an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance.

The Senate also gave Edun two weeks to make available to it, performance reports on the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets.

In his opening remarks before the session resolved into a closed door session, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sanni Musa (APC – Niger East), noted that the

fiscal pressures confronting the country presently called for ‘frank discussion, coordinated responses, and above all, renewed discipline in public financial management.’

Over the years, according to him, the country made commendable progress in strengthening its budget frameworks.

‘But recent realities – declining revenues, rising debt service costs, and unpredictable oil receipts – demand a fundamental rethink of how we plan, allocate, manage, and communicate transparently, so that we can all understand where we are.

‘Our focus must now shift from an envelope-based budget to a performance and priority-based system, where every Naira is linked to a measurable outcome.

‘Fiscal sustainability can no longer be a slogan. It must be the guiding principle of our budget processes and decisions.

‘We must also address revenue leakages, improve expenditure efficiency, and strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office. Greater transparency and accountability will restore public confidence and ensure that monetary allocations translate into tangible developmental impacts.’

He reiterated the commitment of the Committee, to support the ongoing fiscal reforms; to working collaboratively with the Ministry and the Budget Office; and to ensuring that what happened in 2024 and 2025 will not happen in 2026.

‘Our budgets must truly reflect national priorities and deliver measurable results for the Nigerian people,’ he said.

He said the meeting became necessary for the Minister of Finance to brief the Committee on the 2024 national budget – ‘which is an Appropriation Act and therefore, the law of the land.’

‘Where are we in its implementation? We are in October, the last quarter of the year. We should already be preparing for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which by law ought to have been presented by now.

‘The reason for convening this meeting, therefore, is to know the status of the 2024 and 2025 budgets and to understand progress toward the 2026 MTEF and national budget. We will soon begin planning for the 2026 budget.’

In his response, Edun said that major distortions in the economy are being corrected and with declining inflation.

He said the economy witnessed a 4.23% growth in the second quarter, noting that the focus of the present administration is to sustain present economic growth with the aim of lifting millions of Nigeria out of poverty.

Edun said: ‘At this point in time, we all agree that we have an economy where major distortions are being corrected – an economy that is stabilising, with inflation beginning to decline and growth accelerating across sectors.

‘In the second quarter of 2025, the economy grew at 4.23%. However, when you disaggregate that growth, you’ll see that the job-creating industrial sector grew by over 7%, specifically 7.45%. That is significant because it doubles the population growth rate and helps generate income to lift people out of poverty.

‘Against that backdrop, our focus remains on sustaining broad-based growth across all 46 sectors of the economy to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

‘With regard to the 2024 and 2025 budgets, we have maintained relatively high levels of performance, particularly under the capital component, which runs until the end of this year. We are committed to ensuring full implementation of the 2025 capital budget as well.

‘As the Chairman rightly noted, we must put an end to the culture of budget overruns and repeated extensions of capital implementation. That is a collective commitment.’

The Federal Government has directed all tertiary institutions to submit reconciled reports of unutilised funds received from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) within 30 days.

According to the government, the reconciled reports will undergo joint verification after submission to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of the intervention funds.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, gave the directive during a meeting with heads of federal tertiary institutions, bursars, and procurement directors on unutilised TETFund allocations, held in Abuja on Thursday.

Alausa stated that following the meeting, the Federal Ministry of Education will issue new directives to ensure more effective use of TETFund resources across the nation’s tertiary institutions.

He emphasized the central role of education in national development, saying, ‘Education remains the bedrock of national development. As a nation, we commit substantial resources to strengthening infrastructure, human capital, research, and the learning environment across our tertiary institutions. TETFund plays a pivotal role as the vehicle through which the Federal Government channels support to our universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.’

‘However, one recurring challenge that has continued to undermine this investment is the existence of unutilised balances – funds released for specific projects or interventions that are either not deployed on time or not fully expended before new allocations are made. Over time, these idle funds represent lost opportunities – resources that could have improved laboratories, classrooms, ICT facilities, research centres, faculty development, and more, but did not, due to process delays, weak absorptive capacity, or compliance and accountability gaps.

‘Institutions must submit reconciled reports of all unutilised funds within 30 days, which will be jointly verified. Unused funds may be redirected to priority projects, and carrying them over without strong justification will no longer be allowed.

‘Procurement plans must align with approved interventions, and approvals should be fast-tracked to prevent delays.’

The minister noted that capacity-building programmes will be introduced to strengthen project management, compliance, and reporting, alongside mentorship initiatives.

He also hinted of quarterly reviews that will track progress and compliance, with sanctions for institutions that fail to utilise funds effectively.

According to the minister, heads of institutions, bursars, and procurement directors will be held responsible for slippages.

Alausa said, ‘Finally, transparency will be enhanced through a public dashboard showing disbursement and utilisation data, and institutions will be required to publish project progress reports.

‘The success of this initiative depends on strong collaboration. TETFund must lead with professionalism, enforce compliance, and ensure transparency.

‘Institutional heads should drive urgency and accountability, while bursars, procurement officers, and project coordinators must plan and report diligently. Auditors and oversight bodies are expected to monitor activities and flag irregularities. All stakeholders must uphold a sense of stewardship, recognising that every TETFund naira represents public trust.

‘Let us seize this moment to turn the narrative around. Let unutilised balances no longer be a recurring embarrassment, but rather the catalyst for improved governance, greater productivity, and transformative impact in our tertiary education system.

‘Our students, faculty, and the future of our nation depend on it. With your cooperation, sincerity, and commitment, I am confident that every fund allocated will translate into tangible outcomes – classrooms built, laboratories equipped, research enhanced, faculty developed, and students empowered.’

After six years of rigorous research, scientists at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have revealed that although most herbal medicines circulating in Nigeria are safe for consumption, their effectiveness in treating diseases remains largely unproven. The findings, unveiled last week during a media briefing by the Centre for Research in Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine at NIMR, Yaba, highlight a growing gap between the popularity of herbal products and the scientific evidence supporting their therapeutic claims.

According to Dr. Oluwagbemiga Olanrewaju Aina, Deputy Director of Research in the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition at NIMR, the conclusion emerged from a comprehensive safety and efficacy evaluation of 46 herbal formulations conducted since 2019. ‘All the 46 herbal products evaluated over the last six years were found to be safe in toxicity studies using animal models. However, none of them passed efficacy tests,’ Aina disclosed.

The tested formulations-ranging from painkillers and anti-malarials to anti-COVID and cancer remedies-were subjected to acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, confirming that they posed no harm at standard dosages. Some of the products examined included Kampe Bitters, Divine Herbal Eye Medicine, Yusram Colon Cleanser, COVID Organics Herbal Tea from Madagascar, and Vernonia Antiviral Herb. While none of the products demonstrated harmful effects, Aina cautioned that safety alone does not equate to effectiveness. ‘Just because a product doesn’t harm you doesn’t mean it works,’ he warned. ‘There is a growing trend of herbalists making unverified claims-and, in some cases, adulterating their preparations with conventional drugs.’

Aina, who is also an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences, noted that the Centre played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic by evaluating several herbal and pharmaceutical formulations, including Virucidine, Ivermectin, and protein-based immune therapies. However, none of the trials demonstrated statistically significant clinical benefits over standard treatments.

He urged herbal medicine producers to go beyond anecdotal evidence by conducting efficacy studies and identifying the active ingredients in their formulations. ‘We advise producers of herbal medicines to isolate and characterise active ingredients in their preparations. More importantly, they must demonstrate that these ingredients work-not just that they don’t kill,’ he said. Aina also called for greater investment in research infrastructure, better access to laboratory equipment, and the establishment of standardis ed animal facilities to support preclinical studies. Beyond its herbal research, the Centre has in the past six years evaluated 46 herbal medicinal products, conducted multiple preclinical and clinical trials, and trained over 500 industrial trainees, 150 project students, 50 interns, and 80 PhD students. It also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s COVID-19 response and maintains collaborations with several universities locally and abroad.

Despite these achievements, Aina noted ongoing challenges, including limited funding, inadequate laboratory infrastructure, and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, which remains an active focus of his broader research. He concluded by reaffirming the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science. ‘Traditional medicine remains a vital part of African healthcare culture,’ he said. ‘But science must validate tradition-not replace it. Herbal therapy has its place, but it must be backed by evidence. That is the only way forward.’

Sir: It was only a matter of time. Everyone paying close attention knew that Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, could not survive the certificate forgery storm. The handwriting was on the wall, and yesterday, it finally happened. Nnaji bowed out.

The truth is simple and damning: Nnaji himself admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate. So the million-naira question is, where did the one he brandished come from?

UNN has washed its hands off the matter. The institution categorically stated that Nnaji never completed his studies and was never awarded a degree. In short, the certificate he paraded is fake.

And that’s not all. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has also distanced itself from Nnaji’s so-called NYSC certificate, describing it as ‘strange.’ A Premium Times investigation revealed yet another oddity, Nnaji’s NYSC record shows that he supposedly served for 13 months. Thirteen months! Even the NYSC found that hard to explain.

Of course, Nnaji claims that political enemies are behind his ordeal. But even he knows the truth; no opponent can forge a certificate on your behalf. He laid the trap himself and walked right into it.

Let’s remember the facts. Nnaji was admitted into UNN in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and was expected to graduate in 1985. But he reportedly failed some courses and never graduated. That means for over 40 years, Uche Nnaji neither regularized his academic records nor obtained a valid certificate , yet he rose through political ranks, occupying sensitive positions and waving fake credentials. Nnaji was careless, so to speak

Forty years of deception finally caught up with him. And this time, not even political connections could save him.

But beyond Nnaji’s personal fall lies a bigger question, how many more ‘Nnajis’ are out there, quietly occupying sensitive positions in government, hiding behind forged papers and political influence? Some commentators are beginning to say that Nnaji’s case might just be the tip of a very large iceberg.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has assured foreign investors that Nigerian sea ports are viable and safe for investment opportunities.

Dantsoho spoke yesterday in Japan, on the sideline of the World Port Conference holding in Kobe.

The NPA boss, apart from meeting world-class investors on port development to boost the nation’s economy and seeking partnerships to enhance NPA’s infrastructure and equipment renewal across Nigerian ports, he reiterated the Federal Government’s readiness to cooperate and welcome investments for the development and management of infrastructure in its port system.

The theme of the event is: ‘Reinvention and Prosperity in Turbulent Times and brings together port executives, policymakers and industry leaders from over 89 countries to tackle pressing maritime sector challenges.’

Dantsoho said the government was working to digitise and automate all port processes to reduce human and physical interface to the barest minimum

It was learnt that key discussions on energy transition, decarbonisation, digitalisation, and resilience align with the NPA’s commitment to port automation and its recent MoU with APMT terminal, Apapa, to electrify container freight to reduce the carbon emissions footprint.

Dantsoho is scheduled to tour Kobe’s port facilities, gaining insights into seismic-resilient infrastructure and smart logistics, which are directly applicable to NPA’s ongoing port modernisation programme across the country.

NPA has been actively seeking to attract private investment by emphasising ongoing reforms, a commitment to developing the nation’s maritime sector, and the vast investment potential of Nigeria’s eastern ports, which include opportunities in infrastructure, equipment, technology, and human capital development.

Six-time champions Argentina eliminated Nigeria from the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile on Wednesday evening, winning their Round of 16 tie in Santiago 4-0 to avenge the Flying Eagles’ own triumph over them at the same stage when the Argies hosted the tournament two years ago.

Alejo Sarco scored Argentina’s first as early as the second minute, before Maher Carrizo doubled the advantage from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, disrupting Nigeria’s game-plan. Maher Carrizo’s goal came following a challenge by midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box.

An appeal for penalty award from Nigeria was waved off by the referee despite Ramirez’s clumsy challenge on Salihu in the vital area. Oseer Achihi was a constant threat from the left wing of play, as his crosses into the box forced the Argentines to defend stoutly, conceding throw-ins and corner-kicks to relieve them of the pressure.

Daniel Daga’s stoppage-time close range effort on goal was denied by goalkeeper Santino Barbi’s superb save to keep the scoreline 2-0 at half time. Carrizo compounded matters for Nigeria with the third goal in the 53rd minute, after the South Americans broke forward once more.

Second half substitute, Matheus Silvetti beat the offside trap to bend his kick to the bottom right of Ebenezer Harcourt for Argentina’s fourth goal in the 66th minute.

Defeat meant elimination from this year’s championship for two-time silver medallists Nigeria while the Young Albiceleste will now take on Mexico in the quarter-finals.

The Federal Government says it has commenced the final phase of negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, during a meeting of the Technical Working Group on Conditions of Service of ASUU.

Alausa expressed optimism that outstanding issues would soon be resolved to prevent further industrial action.

He said the group was finalising a counter-offer to be presented to the unions through the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Negotiations Committee.

According to him, the committee’s work aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all efforts must be made to keep Nigerian students in school and avoid disruptions to the academic calendar.

‘The President has made it clear that our children must remain in school. The technical working group is working to finalise a component of the condition of service that has to be proposed. They are working to finalise a counter-offer to them.

‘Hopefully by the end of today, or latest tomorrow, the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expected Negotiations Committee will receive that counter-offer to ASUU,’ he said.

The minister noted that about 80 per cent of the unions’ demands were similar across tertiary institutions, with the remaining 20 per cent reflecting sector-specific concerns.

He said that the committee, inaugurated earlier in the week, had begun intensive deliberations to fast-track agreement and implementation timelines.

He added that this current administration had made significant progress already with the payment of the Earned Academic Allowance of N50 billion released by the president.

‘In addition, N150 billion was included in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, and this will be released in three tranches, with the first N50 billion ready.

‘They (lecturers) deserve to be paid so much and our academic and non-academic staff. But then, we can’t give you everything you want at the same time.

‘But it’s the gesture, our benevolence, commitment to at least get substantial benefits and financial reward to you.

‘This government is doing other things to improve your welfare. At this point, we’ve addressed several of the issues that we’ve brought up,’ he said.

Alausa also confirmed that promotion arrears and other outstanding allowances, including teaching and wage awards, had been addressed, while all remaining areas would be cleared by 2026.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to mutual respect and sustainable solutions, he appealed to academic and non-academic unions to exercise patience and avoid strikes as a first resort.

‘We have resolved a lot of these issues. But we know the final part is the condition of service. We will resolve that as well.’

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has praised Lagos State Government for showing exemplary leadership in promoting occupational safety and health standards, describing the state’s efforts as a model for others to emulate.

Speaking at the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health (LASOSH) Conference 2025, the minister hailed the Lagos State Safety Commission and the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their proactive commitment to building a safer work environment.

She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with states, employers, and other stakeholders to strengthen occupational safety and health practices nationwide. She explained that the ministry is aligning its initiatives with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises job creation, economic growth, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.

‘Our goal is to ensure that safety is fully integrated into national efforts on job creation and employability. We are committed to supporting employers with practical regulations that protect workers while enabling enterprise to thrive,’ she said.

She called for greater collaboration among government, the private sector, and civil society in building a safety-first culture that protects every worker – both in the formal and informal sectors.

No fewer than 500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sakwaya Ward, Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The mass defection, which added to the growing wave of opposition members joining the APC across the state’s 27 local government areas, was celebrated by party supporters.

Receiving the new members, Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Abdullahi Tsoho Garba, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to citizens’ welfare and the consolidation of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s development agenda.

Garba highlighted the governor’s inclusive approach to governance, emphasizing progress in infrastructure, human capital development, and service delivery – all aimed at building a prosperous Jigawa State.

He assured the defectors of continued access to the dividends of democracy under the Namadi administration.

Also speaking, the member representing Dutse Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Tasiu Soja, welcomed the new entrants and pledged equal opportunities and fair treatment within the party.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former PDP chairman of Sakwaya Ward, Malam Danazumi Yakubu, said their decision was driven by Governor Namadi’s purposeful and people-centered leadership.

‘We joined the APC to contribute our quota to building a prosperous Jigawa under Governor Namadi’s realistic 12-point agenda. The mission is on the right track, and we don’t want to be left behind,’ Yakubu stated.

Prominent among the new APC members are PDP stakeholder Alhaji Garba Dankwashan (Sarkin Fawa), Ward Secretary Abdulrahim Zobiya, Women Leader Hajiya Mariya, Youth Leader Kabiru Jidawa, and the polling unit chairmen of Gadarawa and Sabon Gari.