Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Super Falcons forward Gift Monday has expressed her emotions after missing out on Nigeria’s campaign for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite putting up a historic performance in the United States.

Speaking after her record-breaking display in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the striker described playing for the Super Falcons as ‘a very big honour’ and reaffirmed her desire to return to the national team setup.

‘I am always more than happy to represent the green white green. I’m doing what I can to get my feet together and hopefully get called up. I am so, so glad to give Nigeria this precious gift,’ she said.

While her current exploits have grabbed global attention, Monday revealed her biggest motivation remains wearing the Nigerian jersey again. Having missed out on the recent WAFCON 24 campaign in Morocco ,she believes her form could soon open the door for another Super Falcons call-up ahead of the WAFCON qualifiers second round double header against Benin Republic next month

23-year-old Monday’s last involvement with the Super Falcons was in October 2024, when the Super Falcons faced Algeria in a two-legged friendly.

Team Brady leads by just a single point over Team Rafa at the top of the Championship standings as the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF heads to Lagos this weekend for its historic African debut, setting up a thrilling penultimate round in the battle to crown the 2025 ‘Champions of the Water’.

The E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank takes place from 4 to 5 October, with only 21 points covering the top four teams and everything to play for ahead of the season finale in Miami.

Team Brady sits atop the standings with 135 points, closely pursued by Team Rafa on 134, Team Aoki on 125, and Team Blue Rising on 114, making the rivalry at the top fiercer than ever.

Following dramatic showdowns in Monaco and a high-speed crash between Team Rafa and Team Brazil that cut qualifying short, the Championship fight has reached boiling point.

African football legend Didier Drogba, co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa along with Gabrielle Lemaire, is expected to attend the race weekend – adding star power to a pivotal moment in both the championship and E1’s global expansion.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Lagos Lagoon, the event showcases the thrills of electric racing to West Africa while highlighting the region’s blue economy potential.

The Championship’s revolutionary E1 RaceBirds – all-electric powerboats that fly above the water at racing speeds – will provide spectacular racing action for the thousands of expected spectators.

The race will further help position Lagos as a growing hub for international sporting events while demonstrating the city’s commitment to green innovation for regional waterways.

Rodi Basso, founder and Chief Executive Officer of E1, said: ‘Bringing E1 to Africa represents a pivotal moment in our mission to grow electric racing globally. Having Didier Drogba and Gabrielle Lemaire – who perfectly embody E1’s values – at the heart of this journey makes it even more meaningful.’

Continental Civil, a leading Nigerian engineering and construction company, and Qshelter, a premium real estate services firm, have announced the groundbreaking of Lagos 2004 Estate, a transformative residential development poised to redefine urban living in Lagos. Inspired by the iconic 1004 Estate in Victoria Island, this modern replica project combines innovative design, strategic accessibility, and flexible financing to deliver sustainable, community-oriented housing.

Strategically positioned along Monastery Road near Novare Mall, Lagos 2004 Estate offers residents exceptional connectivity with just a 23-minute drive to Victoria Island via the Coastal Road. This prime location combines suburban tranquility with urban accessibility, making it an ideal choice for discerning homebuyers both locally and in the Diaspora.

Recognising the financing challenges facing prospective homeowners, Lagos 2004 Estate offers innovative payment solutions designed to make quality housing accessible:

Flexible Payment Plans: 50% initial deposit with the remaining balance due upon delivery

Long-term Mortgages: 20-year financing options with competitive single-digit interest rates

Government-backed Programmes: Access to 6% rates through the National Housing Fund and 9.75% through the MREIF programme

Customised Solutions: Tailored payment structures to meet individual financial circumstances

Drawing inspiration from Lagos’s iconic 1004 Estate, this development combines prestige with contemporary design principles. Lagos 2004 Estate will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, comprehensive security systems, and community-focused amenities that foster neighbourly connections while maintaining modern lifestyle standards.

‘Lagos 2004 Estate represents more than a housing development; it’s our commitment to building sustainable, thriving communities that honour the prestige of the original 1004 Estate while addressing the evolving needs of today’s urban residents,’ said Dare Makinde, Chief Commercial Officer of Qshelter.

Makinde further emphasised Qshelter’s comprehensive approach: ‘Our role extends far beyond traditional sales and marketing. We’re committed to ensuring a seamless homeownership journey through affordable financing solutions and exceptional customer service that supports buyers from initial inquiry through move-in and beyond.’

This partnership brings together two industry leaders with demonstrated track records:

About Continental Civil – Continental Civil stands as Nigeria’s foremost construction company, currently serving as lead developer for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative. The company’s portfolio includes:

2,800 housing units under construction in Karsana, Abuja

1,000 housing units in Janguza, Kano (60% complete)

Partnership with Nigerian Army Properties Limited on a 120-hectare development in Asokoro Extension, Abuja, delivering nearly 2,000 residential units and service plots for the Army officers, men and general public

About Qshelter -Qshelter operates as Nigeria’s leading digital real estate platform, connecting homebuyers with verified properties and affordable financing options. The company specialises in serving both domestic and Diaspora Nigerian markets through transparent, professional service delivery.

Lagos 2004 Estate represents a new paradigm in Nigerian residential development – one that prioritises community building, financial accessibility, and sustainable urban planning. This model development aims to establish benchmarks for future residential projects across Nigeria.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Mortgage Bank said it has secured over N27 billion in housing loans for 3,427 Nigerians through the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme, describing the milestone as a major step toward bridging the country’s wide housing finance gap.

The bank further disclosed that in addition to the NHF window, more than 6,000 Nigerians have accessed mortgages through the Pension Commission’s Retirement Savings Account (RSA) window in just two years since the initiative was introduced, underscoring its growing role in unlocking affordable homeownership.

The disclosures were made at the commissioning of the bank’s newly built head office complex in Gwarinpa, Abuja. The event marked a new phase in the bank’s expansion drive and was attended by stakeholders in housing finance, top government officials, and representatives of the banking and construction industries.

Chairman of the bank’s Board and Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, commended the leadership of the FHA Mortgage Bank for what he described as ‘resilience, dedication and a practical commitment to delivering housing finance solutions to Nigerians.’

Ojo said the commissioning of the new headquarters is not just an infrastructural upgrade but also a signal of the bank’s readiness to compete nationally. He revealed that one of his top priorities for the institution is to secure a national commercial banking licence to broaden access to housing finance for millions of Nigerians still outside the formal mortgage system.

‘We are determined to see this bank evolve into a truly national player in mortgage and housing finance. That is why we are pursuing the commercial banking licence as a legacy project – to give more Nigerians the opportunity to access affordable housing finance,’ he said.

The Managing Director of FHA Mortgage Bank, Dr Hayatudeen Awwal, described the N27 billion loan approvals as a ‘milestone achievement’ in the bank’s mission to deliver affordable housing finance to ordinary Nigerians. He noted that the approvals are already changing lives by enabling thousands of contributors to the NHF to become homeowners across the country.

‘Through the NHF window, we secured approvals worth N27 billion on behalf of 3,427 eligible Nigerians to own homes nationwide. In addition, through the PENCOM RSA window, we facilitated access to mortgages for well over 6,000 Nigerians within just 24 months of its commencement,’ Awwal stated.

He stressed that the achievement demonstrates the bank’s growing capacity to serve the country’s massive housing needs, particularly among middle-income earners, civil servants, and young professionals, who he said form the backbone of Nigeria’s housing demand but often face the steepest barriers in accessing long-term mortgage finance.

Awwal said the bank’s progress reflects its close collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and other stakeholders in the housing finance ecosystem.

He added that the FHA Mortgage Bank has also been instrumental in delivering residential units in states such as Delta, Kano, Kaduna, Ogun and others, through partnerships with the Family Homes Funds and private developers.

The bank chief revealed that work is already underway to transform the FHA Mortgage Bank into a full-fledged national commercial bank, which would allow it to offer a wider range of products and services to a broader spectrum of Nigerians. According to him, discussions with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the licensing process have commenced.

As part of its growth strategy, Awwal said the bank plans to open at least 20 new branches across the country within the next two years, increase its loan portfolio to N100 billion, and grow its active customer base to over 100,000 families.

He added that the new head office complex in Abuja represents more than a physical expansion; it reflects the bank’s ambition to become a key driver of Nigeria’s housing finance market and a credible partner to federal and state governments, as well as private developers.

Stakeholders at the commissioning event noted that the bank’s recent achievements highlight the importance of robust institutional frameworks for affordable housing delivery.

They observed that Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at over 20 million units, can only be addressed through sustained efforts to widen access to affordable mortgage products, reduce financing costs, and expand the reach of housing finance to underserved communities.

Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka yesterday explained why he accepted the renaming of the National Theatre, Lagos after him.

He said he never believed that the monument could ever be revamped.

He admitted that he accepted the honour with mixed feelings, despite being a critic of many past leaders, who appropriated public monuments.

‘I have to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem very well for me,’ the literary giant said.

Soyinka, who spoke at the reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly National Arts Theatre, Iganmu Lagos), said he accepted to eat his words if the monumental turn-around of the theatre complex is what he would get in return.

He explained that before the renovation of the edifice, he thought it was irredeemable, but the Bankers’ Committee ‘made me eat my words.”

He said the Bankers’ Committee had done a great job and brought the edifice to global standards. He said that with the recreation of the edifice, Nigerians can now watch Africa Theatre at home instead of travelling abroad.

The Bankers’ Committee committed N68 billion into the project.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the occasion directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to float a National Arts Theatre Endowment Fund to ensure the maintenance of the national edifice.

Soyinka said: ‘And one of the reasons was I nearly electrocuted two of my actors. That is how they crept into my car. The roofs were leaking, so the pools of water were everywhere. And of course, there were electric wires also.

‘One other reason is nostalgia. I remember this building when it was first erected, when we did it originally. I think we called it General’s Hat, because of the shape of the roof. There’s a constant re-conception very little of what I call the African architectural intelligence in it.

‘Then there’s another reason why I thought I should accept.

Well, I was already ambushed. They shaved my head behind me. I would have raised a squawk. But, then I decided, this building belongs to me. It belongs to me.’

Tinubu directs CBN to float National Theatre Endowment Fund

The promised to contribute to the endowment fund.

Among the prominent persons at the event were First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, who coordinated the Bankers’ Committee, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi, who is a former CBN governor; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.

President Tinubu said there was no controversy in the National Theatre being renamed, adding that he considered Prof Soyinka’s contributions to the arts and culture.

‘Prof. Wole Soyinka is one of the greatest assets of the world. So, the renaming could not have gone to anyone else,’ he said.

The President advised Nigerians to stop talking negatively about the country.

‘Let us all come together to rebuild Nigeria. The youth should also renew their hope in Nigeria and work together for its continued greatness,’ he said.

Cardoso said the Bankers Committee was committed to spending N68 billion in remodelling the edifice.

‘The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers’ Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy came together with a shared purpose to deliver this national project, with the Bankers’ Committee alone committing approximately N68 billion, not as corporate social responsibility but as a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future,’ Cardoso said.

He said that the project stands as proof that when the public and private sectors unite behind a shared national purpose, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve.

The CBN boss stated that 65 years after our nation’s founding, Nigeria’s creative spirit remains alive, pervasive and shaping global culture.

‘This edifice has stood for nearly half a century as a proud symbol of our heritage. Completed in 1976 and inaugurated at FESTAC ’77, it became a beacon of African creativity and a repository of our shared history,’ he said.

Cardoso explained that by renaming the National Arts Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in July 2024, ”President Tinubu charted a bold course to place creativity at the heart of Nigeria’s renaissance.’

Cardoso explained that the Wole Soyinka Centre is more than a renovation; it is a rebirth.

‘Its iconic silhouette has been preserved while delivering world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, and fully modernised infrastructure. The surrounding grounds now offer gardens, outdoor exhibition areas, upgraded access, and seamless integration with the Lagos Blue Line rail, placing culture at the heart of city life,’ he said.

Yiaga Africa and the International Press Centre (IPC) have urged the National Assembly to include provisions for early voting in the ongoing electoral reform process.

Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said that about two million eligible voters, including journalists, election observers, security personnel, and INEC staff, were unable to vote during the 2023 general elections due to the nature of their work.

Speaking at a Consultative Roundtable with media stakeholders on the Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reform, convened by IPC in partnership with Yiaga Africa and the European Union under the EU-SDGNII programme, Mbamalu stressed the need to amend the Electoral Act to allow early voting.

She noted that many Nigerians on essential duties have been disenfranchised for years, a trend also observed in other parts of the world, and urged stakeholders to ensure their voting rights are protected in future elections.

She said, ‘We have never had early voting in Nigeria. This is essential for those who work during elections. It would enhance transparency, inclusivity, and rebuild citizens’ trust in the process.’

Executive Director of the IPC, Lanre Arogundade, called on the media to play a vital role in the ongoing constitution and Electoral Reforms at the National Assembly.

Arogundade said that it had become pertinent to review the proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said, ‘Distinguished colleagues, notwithstanding the considerable efforts invested in advancing the citizens’ memo, we have now reached a pivotal juncture where media support is both essential and highly valued.

‘As the National Assembly reconvenes, it will be reviewing several proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility for enactment within the statutory period required for amendments to take effect before the 2027 general elections.

‘Historical precedent, such as the 12-year campaign for Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act, demonstrates that meaningful reform is often achieved when the media actively champions the cause.

‘Throughout this advocacy effort, the media played a significant role by serialising the bill’s content, publishing editorials, columns, news reports, features, analytical pieces, vox pops, and conducting interviews.

‘Additionally, media organisations and professional bodies contributed to public hearings through formal presentations.

‘The significant influence exerted by the media contributed to the passage and enactment of the FOI bill under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

‘Additionally, it should be noted that the electoral reforms previously mentioned were also achieved with media support, reflecting a pattern observed in other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, South Korea, and several Eastern European nations, where the media serve as key catalysts for legislative and policy advancements.

On his part, a senior lecturer at Paul University, Akwa, Anambra State, Dr Tony Oyima, added that diaspora voting must also be prioritised.

Onyima, a former managing director of The SUN newspaper, said, ‘Nigerians abroad remit millions of dollars to the economy, yet they cannot vote. Early voting would address this injustice.’

A heated altercation broke out between Big Brother Naija housemates Faith and Sultana during a skincare task rehearsal, leaving Sultana with a twisted ankle.

The clash began after Sultana accused Faith of being controlling and insisting on leading the group despite the task not being related to his medical expertise.

The situation escalated when Faith dragged a basket containing group materials, causing Sultana to fall and sustain an injury.

She also claimed her hand was hurt in the process.

Despite interventions from fellow housemate Kaybobo, who briefly took the basket from Faith, tensions remained high. Frustrated, Sultana declared she could no longer work with Faith in the same group.

The incident has sparked outrage among viewers, with many demanding Faith’s disqualification from the show for causing physical harm to a fellow contestant.

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) has felicitated with Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary.

The Firm said this year’s theme: ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands on deck for a greater nation,’ underscores the fact that project of nation-building rests on collective responsibility.

A statement by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha said it remained resolute in its commitment to national development through improved quality power supply, prompt response to customer complaints, and deliberate efforts to bridge the metering gap across its franchise.

According to him: ‘We recognise that a sustainable power sector is central to economic advancement, industrial growth, and improved quality of life.

‘In alignment with the spirit of this theme, IBEDC enjoins its esteemed customers to partner with us in building a greater Nigeria by refraining from energy theft, vandalism of electricity infrastructure, and by paying their electricity bills regularly.’

He urged customers to be safety conscious at all times by properly supervising their children to prevent electrical accidents, refrain from trading under high-tension wires and engaging only qualified electricians to fix electrical faults.

He stated: ‘Our technical teams are fully mobilized and ready to promptly address any faults or service disruptions that may arise during the Independence Day holiday.

‘Customers are also encouraged to make use of our convenient e-payment channels for uninterrupted service delivery.

‘As Nigeria celebrates this historic milestone, IBEDC urges all citizens to embrace unity, responsibility, and collective action in building the Nigeria of our dreams. Together, we can power a greater nation.’

Nearly a week after the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that his government will do more to attract investors into the state.

He stated that the upgrading of the airport has rewritten its 43-year-old history, but his government will not stop just yet, as its vision is to make the facility welcoming to investors, who would come into the state and always wish to come back.

The governor, who spoke on Wednesday at The Jagz Hospitality Conference, held in commemoration of the first anniversary of the hotel in the state, said the government would sustain its policies, which attracted the hotel into the state and have been attracting many other businesses, while it will also up the ante to ensure that more investors are attracted into the state.

He added that the state government would continue to support businesses in the state to thrive, irrespective of the economic challenges in the country.

Governor Makinde commended the management and staff of The Jagz Hotel, charging them not to rest on their oars.

He said, ‘I am glad to be here one year after we commissioned this business. The business has not folded up, and it is still waxing very strong.

‘It is not by accident when you see things happen. It is because people are putting in the hard work. They are putting in everything necessary to keep the venture going.

‘So, the staff members, the management, and even some of you who are patrons here, let me commend you for various roles that you are playing, especially the management. It is not easy.

‘Since that one year, there has been a lot within the economic environment, and that you are still standing shows that you have together a team. And, I can only assure you that as a government, whatever you need from us, please ask, we will oblige.’

The governor equally addressed the issue of import substitution, noting that the theory that the country’s economic challenges would go away once its people focus only on the local economic environment is defective.

He maintained that while Oyo State has remained open to local businesses coming into the state, it could not afford to rely solely on those businesses to bring its vision of economic expansion to reality, hence its decision to upgrade Ibadan Airport to international standards, such that it can accommodate investors from all parts of the world.

‘When we look at our environment, we do have challenges. We have all the building blocks. We have everything that can create success. But when you come into this country, there is a big challenge.

‘When people say that, well, we have a huge population, over 200 million people. So let’s look inward, let’s patronise ourselves. I have news for people with that theory. Nowhere in the world has any country been successful through import substitution by focusing on its local environment. No. And Nigeria will not be an exception.

‘Import substitution or looking at your own local environment will not work. But if you have people coming from all over the world who are interested in coming to our own environment, we can start attracting people within our local environment.

‘Let us say internal tourism, which is what we witness in Ibadan and all over Oyo State. We’ve seen people, mainly from Lagos, who now see Ibadan as their playground. We want them to come and play around here. We will do more to attract them. But that is not enough for us.

‘And that is why, for this administration, it was a thing of joy when, last Friday, the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at Ibadan Airport. And Ibadan Airport was commissioned in 1982. So, the airport is 43 years old, but this is the first time a wide-bodied aircraft has landed here. Yes, it is better late than never. So, we have been able to turn around the disappointment of 43 years.

‘We got that approval in May 2024. So within a year, we have been able to extend the runway such that we can have this wide-bodied aircraft land here. But we are not stopping there. We want to dare to be different. We want to make Ibadan airport more welcoming than any other airport in Nigeria. We want people from across the world to be able to come here, feel welcome, and then come back again.

‘And that is my charge to the management and staff of Jagz. Not satisfied with being the best hotel in Ibadan, I aspire to be the best in Nigeria and even Africa.’

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said the present administration under the leadership of Governor Makinde has expanded the economy through tourism and solid mineral development.

He called on all stakeholders in tourism and the hospitality business to continue to support the government.

On the governor’s entourage were the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda, and the Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Akinade Fijabi, among others.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has said the divestments by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Nigerian petroleum upstream sector have added 200,000 barrels per day to national production.

He also said the divestments have unlocked over $5.5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) within months.

His Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, made this known in a press statement on Thursday.

The statement said, ‘Of particular note were the recent asset divestments by International Oil Companies (IOCs), which the Minister said have unlocked over $5.5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) within months.

‘These are not just transfers of assets; they are transfers of confidence, capability, and ownership. The divestments have already added approximately 200,000 barrels per day to national production.’

Lokpobiri spoke on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa.

He declared that Nigeria is ‘open for business’ and actively pursuing policies that prioritize investment, efficiency, and long-term growth in the oil sector.

‘This gathering is more than a conference, it is a call to action,’ he said, stressing that Nigeria is ready not just to participate in the global energy market, but to lead reform and growth on the African continent.

Lokpobiri outlined the bold policy measures implemented under President Tinubu’s administration, particularly the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which provides a clear and predictable fiscal and regulatory environment for investors.

The PIA has laid the foundation for licensing transparency, host community engagement, strengthened regulatory oversight, and a fair contractual framework. ‘What makes Nigeria now different is the legal, regulatory, financial, and structural transformation we are delivering,’ the Minister said.

Nigeria’s upstream sector is showing signs of strong recovery. The ‘Project One Million Barrels’ initiative, launched in October 2024, has raised daily crude oil production to between 1.7 and 1.83 million barrels per day, with a notable increase of 300,000 barrels per day in July 2025 alone.

Additionally, the number of active drilling rigs has grown from 31 in January to 50 by July 2025, a clear signal that reforms are unlocking value across the sector.

Of particular note were the recent asset divestments by International Oil Companies (IOCs), which the Minister said have unlocked over $5.5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) within months.

‘These are not just transfers of assets; they are transfers of confidence, capability, and ownership.

The divestments have already added approximately 200,000 barrels per day to national production.’

In the broader African context, Lokpobiri urged the continent to retain more value from its hydrocarbon resources by focusing on infrastructure, industrial development, and localized value chains.

He noted that Africa spends over $120 billion annually on hydrocarbons, largely through imports, calling it a missed opportunity for economic transformation.

He advocated for stronger intra-African collaboration and financing, emphasizing that Africa holds nearly $4 trillion in domestic capital, including pension and insurance funds. ‘The question is no longer about the availability of funds, but how we can channel them into productive investments on our continent,’ he said.

Addressing the topic of the global energy conversation, the Minister called for balance and equity. He insisted that the narrative must shift toward a diverse energy mix, not the abandonment of any resource.

‘The focus should be on availability, accessibility, and affordability of all forms of energy,’ he stressed. He made it clear that Nigeria, like other nations, will continue to utilize its oil resources responsibly while building a diversified and sustainable energy base.

Lokpobiri reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as a leading energy player in Africa. ‘We are offering opportunities at scale, reform with consistency, incentives with clarity, local participation with respect, and a vision that modernizes with purpose,’ he declared.

To global investors, he extended a direct invitation: ‘Come to Nigeria. Be part of the energy revolution.’ With strong reforms, ambitious targets, and an open-door policy, Nigeria is charting a bold path forward in Africa’s energy future.