Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Sir: The Trade Disputes Act (TDA) sets out exactly what must happen before workers in essential services may lawfully cease work. In particular, Section 18 demands that parties must seek to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration before any strike or stoppage. Strikes – or the shutting of valves – in essential sectors must follow that strict path. Then, Section 41 of the TDA mandates that any worker in essential service who stops work must give fifteen days’ notice to employer and government, unless they can prove they were unaware that closing operations would substantially deprive the community of an essential service. (TDA Section 41(1)).

These rules exist for good reason: a refinery is not like a picket line in hospitality. Its operations connect to national supply chains, foreign exchange balances, fuel distribution, and ultimately, the stability of the naira. When PENGASSAN ordered the halt of crude and gas supply to Dangote – without any public record that the 15-day notice was given or that all mediation/arbitration steps were exhausted – it risked acting as a rogue actor above the law.

Indeed, recent court injunctions restraining union leaders from blocking supplies suggest that the judiciary already finds merit in the claim that PENGASSAN’s actions skirt legal boundaries. Yet in public statements, union leaders justify the shutdowns as necessary pushback against alleged mass dismissals of unionised workers and what they see as a betrayal of promise. On their side, Dangote management insists it must preserve operational integrity, guard against sabotage, and protect shareholder capital in the midst of global margins and foreign exchange volatility.

Both sides carry legitimate concerns. Workers deserve fair treatment and enforcement of union rights; investors demand certainty and rule of law. But in this conflict, PENGASSAN’s approach is legally untenable. The law does not permit unilateral shutdowns in essential services while alternative dispute resolution is ongoing, and while notice obligations remain unmet.

More than that, this refinery is not just a factory: it is Nigeria’s industrial reputation on the line. We must force ourselves to see it as a shared national asset. For years, the country has imported refined petroleum despite exporting crude – bleeding forex for lack of domestic refining capacity. Dangote built one of the most ambitious refineries on the continent precisely to reverse that paradox. If this refinery fails now, the message will be chilling: even when we build, we cannot protect.

Yes, the union is powerful. Yes, the grievances may be real. But rule of law is higher. If the law means nothing, then industrial peace means nothing. If unions may break the rules when pressured, management might act with impunity when threatened, and governance systems unravel.

We cannot accept a system where a union, by decree, shuts down oil production without due process. That is tantamount to running a nation hostage. The president, as commander-in-chief and guardian of stability, must intervene decisively. He must compel all parties to resume fair process and stop any action that threatens national supply or economic order. He must declare that no actor, whether corporate or union, is above legal obligation.

Nigeria owes itself (and Africa) a demonstration that we can build and manage projects of scale in a lawful, disciplined way. Dangote Refinery represents one of our clearest chances. It is too valuable to collapse under dispute tactics. The refinery must not die because we treat laws as optional.

We must demand: follow the protocol. Respect workers. Protect infrastructure. Build trust and enforce accountability. Only then will Nigeria prove that its industrial dreams are not built on fumes and fantasies, but on integrity, process, and shared resolve.

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has recognised education as a pillar of national development. It equips citizens with the skills needed for economic growth, social cohesion, and innovation. Post-independence, efforts shifted from colonial models to building inclusive, locally relevant systems. Unity schools, polytechnics, and universities were rapidly established, alongside agencies like WAEC, JAMB (1978), NERDC (1988), and the NUC (1962) to guide and regulate education.

Policies such as the National Policy on Education (NPE) and programmes like Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Basic Education (UBE) aimed to make education free, compulsory, and standardised. The 1969 National Curriculum Conference sought to modernize learning content to reflect national values and development needs. Mass literacy campaigns were also launched across regions.

However, many of these reforms were undermined by inconsistent implementation, political interference, and poor infrastructure. Overcrowded classrooms, lack of electricity and internet, and shortages of trained teachers-especially in technical and vocational fields-continue to hinder progress. Regional disparities also persist, leaving rural and northern areas at a disadvantage.

Today, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, fresh reforms are underway. These include increased education funding, the introduction of a student loan scheme, curriculum revisions, and nationwide digital skills training. The administration is pushing to integrate digital literacy across schools and boost technical and vocational education to meet modern demands. With over 170 universities now operating across the country, the focus is gradually shifting from expansion to improving quality and equity.

Student loan, curriculum review and reduced strikes

The landmark Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024, marked a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to higher education funding. Through the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Act provides interest-free loans to students enrolled in both tertiary and vocational institutions, covering not only tuition but also living expenses. Since disbursements began in February 2025-following the launch of the application portal in May 2024-NELFUND has disbursed over N107.6 billion to 581,878 students. Of this amount, N61.3 billion was paid directly to 231 approved tertiary institutions for tuition and fees, while N46.3 billion was distributed as monthly upkeep stipends of N20,000 per student, credited directly to their bank accounts.

In parallel with its funding reforms, the government has intensified dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions. These engagements have yielded agreements aimed at resolving longstanding disputes and preventing strike actions. By settling part of the earned academic allowances and reopening negotiations, the administration has so far averted nationwide university strikes. However, this effort now faces a critical test. ASUU, during its recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Abuja, issued a 14-day ultimatum over lingering demands, signaling renewed tensions in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has completed a far-reaching curriculum review designed to align education with contemporary skills and economic demands. Rolled out in the current academic year, the revised curriculum places stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, civic education, and practical skills acquisition. It reduces content overload and promotes hands-on learning across all levels. Key subjects like English and Mathematics remain central, while trade subjects for senior secondary students have been strengthened. History has also been reintroduced.

New focus areas now include programming, artificial intelligence, and other digital competencies, shifting towards a student-centered, competency-based approach. According to policy experts, the curriculum now better reflects labour market realities. In addition, plans are underway to upgrade medical schools and technical colleges. These reforms are reinforced by the government’s DOTS policy-covering Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Development, and Skill Acquisition-to revitalise the broader education sector.

On the curriculum review, the Vice Chancellor African School of Economics, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, said: ‘I deem the reform one of the best to happen to the education sector. I consider it a smart curriculum for smart students. I believe efforts are on to train teachers, who will in turn train their colleagues in the TTT format. Everything doesn’t have to be ready immediately.

‘I remember that when the Computer-Based Test first started as an approach of screening undergraduate students, people were concerned about students from rural areas and infrastructure. Today, everyone is used to it. What is important is to start from somewhere. I have a positive mental attitude that objectives will be met. Whatever can be conceived and believed can as well be achieved.’

Budget and infrastructure spending

The 2025 federal budget reflects a significant increase in funding for the education sector, with N3.52 trillion allocated-up from the previous year. Of this, N826.90 billion is earmarked for infrastructure, representing 23.5% of total sectoral spending, a slight rise from the 23% allocated to capital projects in 2024. This boost underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving learning environments by reconstructing dilapidated classrooms and building new schools nationwide.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the budget also supports university research and the creation of innovation hubs. While these initiatives mark progress, critics argue that overall education spending still falls short of the UNESCO-recommended benchmark and point to persistent challenges, including delayed implementation of some projects. Through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the government has approved major research grants over the past two years. In August 2025 alone, N4.2 billion was allocated for 158 university research projects. Additionally, 18 innovation and entrepreneurship hubs are being established across the six geopolitical zones. These hubs will feature facilities for technology, robotics, and design. Select institutions have received substantial funding, with some universities getting N1 billion each, while polytechnics and colleges of education were awarded N750 million each.

Despite these investments, the administration’s education agenda has faced criticism. Many educators argue that the increased budget remains insufficient to resolve deeply rooted systemic problems. Notably, severe teacher shortages and training gaps persist, particularly in basic education. Although some state governments have announced teacher recruitment drives, progress has been slow.Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to grapple with a staggering out-of-school population. Over 18.3 million children remain out of school, the highest number globally. This crisis, driven by poverty, insecurity, and poor infrastructure, presents a serious threat to national development and underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive and sustained reforms.

Stakeholders weigh in

The Northern Progressives Coalition hailed the Tinubu administration for initiating policies that have positively transformed the region’s education system, including 101 Almajiri centres. NPC’s Convener, Usman Abdullahi, described the administration as ‘the most dependable leadership’ in Nigeria’s 65-year post-independence history. Among other things, Abdullahi outlined sweeping education reforms as a major achievement of the current administration.

He said, ‘The National Student Loan Scheme, financing over 396,000 students, has seen Northern students account for 55 per cent of beneficiaries, receiving over N45 billion of the N77 billion disbursed by NELFUND. Education reforms have been a cornerstone, with over 120 learning centres established across Northern senatorial districts, equipped with solar power and safe water systems.

‘The partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission has revitalised 101 Almajiri and Tsangaya education centres in states like Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano.’

In an interview with The Nation, Congress of University Academics (CONUA) National President, Dr ‘Niyi Sunmonu, said at 65, Nigeria must recognise that education remains the bedrock of sustainable national development. He said to secure the future, three urgent priorities stand out.

‘First, sustainable funding of the education sector, from the foundational to the tertiary level, must be guaranteed. This requires not only increased government investment but also the exploration of credible alternative funding sources. Such funding must prioritise adequate remuneration of personnel. The current reality, where Nigerian university academics are among the lowest paid globally, is both shameful and dispiriting. It undermines morale, weakens research, and poses a grave risk to the nation’s development agenda.

‘Second, a national stakeholders’ convocation on university education is imperative. This forum should revisit critical questions: What kind of university system does Nigeria need? To what end should our education be directed? What should be the national research policy and its alignment with developmental priorities? Strengthening governance and policy direction in education will help reorient the sector toward national needs.

‘Third, Nigeria must embrace technology and innovation as catalysts for growth. Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and other emerging technologies should be strategically integrated into teaching, research, and national development frameworks. These tools hold immense potential to accelerate progress, boost competitiveness, and place Nigeria on a forward-looking trajectory.

‘At 65, education must move from rhetoric to structured action. A well-funded, well-governed, and technologically-driven education system is not optional; it is the indispensable foundation for Nigeria’s renewal and advancement,’ he asserted.

Also, the National President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Nigeria, Chief Yomi Otubela, lauded Nigeria’s educational trajectory in the last 65 years. He said from a handful of universities and colleges at independence, Nigeria today has hundreds of tertiary institutions, tens of thousands of primary and secondary schools, and millions of children enrolled across the federation.

‘There has also been gradual inclusion of vocational and technical education in curricula, alongside the recent introduction of trade subjects and a comprehensive review of the national curriculum to reflect the needs of a changing society.

‘Growing recognition of private schools as indispensable partners in national development has also helped to widen access, absorbing the demand government schools alone cannot meet.

‘On higher education, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a welcome initiative.’

Despite the progress, Otubela noted that the challenges remain glaring.

‘For the future, we must place education at the heart of governance and national planning,’ he asserted.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will embark on special patrols to manage the traffic and ensure that motorists conform to traffic rules and regulations during the Independence Day celebration.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC announced this in his Independence Day message on Wednesday.

The FRSC boss noted that this period is an opportunity for citizens to rededicate themselves to nation-building, patriotism, and peaceful coexistence, and urged them to celebrate with prayers and caution.

Mohammed said, ‘Independence anniversary celebration is one of the events in the FRSC’s operational calendar when we anticipate increased human and vehicular movements to mark the joyous event. Consequently, the Corps normally organizes special patrols to manage the traffic and ensure that motorists conform to traffic rules and regulations.

ý’This year is not an exception, even though there are no major national programs to mark the event. Everyone must, therefore, adhere strictly to the laid down rules of the road and avoid acts capable of compromising safety.’

ýHe warned that any traffic violator whose vehicle is apprehended due to identified traffic offences would have his/her vehicle impounded to serve as a deterrent for others.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and celebrate with care.

Media personality DJ Cuppy has celebrated Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post, proudly declaring that she would still choose to be Nigerian in her next life.

Cuppy praised the resilience and spirit of Nigerians, noting their ability to persevere and find joy despite challenges. She described Nigeria as her ‘birthplace,’ ‘home,’ and ‘country,’ sentiments that echo her message during last year’s independence celebration when she called Nigeria her ‘superpower’ and ‘piece of hope.’

As a public figure, she added that being Nigerian is central to her identity and brand, allowing her to carry a piece of the nation with her wherever she goes.

She wrote, ‘Èmi ni Omo Naija. My birthplace. My home. My country. Nigeria turns 65 today.

‘Through it all, our people keep pushing, persevering, and finding joy even in the toughest times.

‘God didn’t rush when He made us. He gave us resilience, spirit, and endless energy. In my next life, I’d still choose to be Nigerian’.

Nigeria’s independence anniversary is marked with various events and activities nationwide.

President Bola Tinubu delivered a national broadcast, urging Nigerians to work together towards building a stronger nation.

Skin care brand, NIVEA, has given N46 million to BRICON Foundation to help cancer survivors.

This was announced at its R.I.S.E. Conference in Lagos.

Raised through NIVEA’s ‘You Buy | You Save | We Donate’ campaign, the funds will be channelled into microloans, training, and emotional care to help survivors live again.

Beiersdorf Nigeria’s Country Manager, Dele Adeyole, said ‘At Beiersdorf, care is more than a brand promise; it is our corporate DNA. By channelling everyday consumer choices into over N46 million lifeline for cancer survivors, we are affirming that care must touch both skin and soul,’ he said.

Marketing Director for Central, East and West Africa at Beiersdorf, Fiyin Toyo, emphasised that cancer support is a cause close to the company’s mission.

‘Most people know NIVEA for skin care, but our mission goes deeper; we care beyond skin. BRICON Foundation is doing good work to help survivors get back on their feet, and this partnership allows us to give survivors dignity.

For the new Managing Director (MD) of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, his success story at the agency would not have been possible, if he was not inspired by President Tinubu’s wife, Sen. Oluremi, he says.

The Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority was established in 1976 as an agency under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

Located along Maiduguri Road, Hotoro area of Kano, the agency is responsible for the development of surface and underground water resources in Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi areas.

President Bola Tinubu recently appointed Bichi, from Kano State, to serve as MD of HJRBDA, and within four months, Bichi has expanded the frontiers of vision for the agency, prioritising water resource management, youth empowerment and agricultural development.

The new MD told The Nation that he drew inspirations from the pet projects of the president’s wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, which he said, align with his passion for driving sustainable development and improving the lives of Nigerians.

‘The reforms we are delivering at the agency are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and the First Lady has inspired us a lot.

‘The First Lady’s vision for a Greener, More Self-Sufficient Nigeria, exemplified by the transformative ‘Every-Home-A-Garden’ project, is a profound inspiration.

‘We at HJRBDA are proud to align with this vision, which complements our enduring mission to promote agricultural growth and sustainable water resource management for the nation,’ Suleiman said.

In November 2023, the First Lady launched the ‘Every Home a Garden’ contest, offering a N20m prize to first-time female farmers nationwide to bolster domestic food production.

Suleiman Bichi, a consummate engineer, has made giant strides in enhancing food production in the catchment areas of Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi.

Through strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure, support services for farmers and sustainable water resource management, the agency is significantly improving agricultural productivity and enhancing food security.

In a chat with The Nation, Bichi outlined his key initiatives to include, among others: Developed Irrigation Infrastructure (canals, dams, water distribution Systems); Support Services (training, extension services, improved seeds, fertilizer and farm equipment); Insured Sustainable Water Resource Management (water harvesting and conservation); and Stakeholders’ Collaboration (government agencies, farmers’ organisations and private sector partners).

Increased Food Production; Improved Livelihoods for Farmers; Enhanced Food Security; and Reduced Hunger and Poverty are some of the impacts of the initiatives on the region.

‘Our plan is to continue promoting agricultural development and food security, to drive even greater success,’ he said.

Another record set by the HIRBDA, under Bichi, is the empowerment of farmers for all year round production of food and cash crops, an initiative the MD said he copied from President Tinubu’s wife.

‘The Authority is doing this through strategic investments to farmers in Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi, particularly enabling them to access improved seeds, fertilizer and farming tools, including tractor hiring and mechanisation services, to improve their efficiency and productivity. In fact, the farmers are supported during cultivation and harvest.

‘We are also promoting crop diversification, enabling farmers to grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits and grains, for enhanced income and food security,’ Bichi said.

The president had charged Bichi to use his wealth of experience in water resource development for irrigation, flood control, and water supply, as well as promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Bichi is also to steer the authority’s implementation of various projects such as building of dams and construction of irrigation systems, while providing technical assistance to local communities to enhance water utilisation for agriculture and other purposes.

As the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Bichi said he was collaborating with all stakeholders to harness the potentials of the Authority under the various efforts of the minister of Water Resources, Professor Joseph Utsev.

He described members of his team as ‘capable hands,’ saying: ‘We shall focus on improving food security and economic development in the region, leveraging the Authority’s expertise in water resources management and agricultural development. This moment is not just a personal milestone, it signifies our collective commitment to national development and community well-being,’ he emphasised.

Bichi’s Key Performance Indicators (KPI) guiding operations include water resource management by 20 percent boost in water-use efficiency, through Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and optimised irrigation systems; increasing coverage from 54,000 to 240,000 hectares, aimed at raising paddy rice production from 216,000 tonnes to 1 million tonnes.

He said: ‘The goal is to bridge the gap between millers’ demand of 7 million tonnes and current national output of 4 million tonnes; dam rehabilitation to enhancing dam water retention capacity via de-silting and other remedial actions; crop yield improvement projected 30 percent year-on-year increase in yields through modern farming practices and improved irrigation technology; community satisfaction targeting 85 percent satisfaction among local stakeholders, being achieved through inclusive planning and a comprehensive basin management strategy.

‘A key focus of the administration is youth empowerment, with plans to train at least 5,000 youths across the three benefiting states in modern irrigation, bookkeeping, horticulture, greenhouse farming, hydroponics and fodder production.

‘The youth are central to unlocking our agricultural potential. With the right skills and innovation, they can overcome the challenges of climate change and low productivity.’

The agency embarks on training programmes in technical skills in irrigation installation and maintenance; sustainable agricultural practices, such as soil conservation and crop rotation; entrepreneurship, with modules in business management and market access; community engagement, to encourage cross-cultural knowledge-sharing and cooperation.

The aim is to strengthen the agricultural value chain, from production to marketing, by fostering partnerships with local businesses and access to finance.

The establishment is working with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), NASENI, and the Ministry for Livestock to support farmers and trainees,’ the managing director said.

Addressing internal workforce, the MD outlined plans for improved staff welfare and transparent postings, anchored on merit and bureaucratic standards.

‘We aim to create a supportive environment that boosts morale, increases productivity, and fosters trust among employees,’ he said, adding that cooperation, not confrontation, will be the guiding principle.’

Bichi was the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket for the 2023 presidential race in Kano state. The president however, said Bichi’s appointment is on account of his cognate experience and management expertise in both public and private sectors.

Bichi, who obtained his BSc at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and MBA at Bayero University Kano (BUK), had served as Secretary to the State Government of Kano State (SSG) from 2011 to 2016, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Urban Development Bank of Nigeria Plc until 2006. He was also Chief Quantity Surveyor at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja; Managing Director/CEO at the Kano State Environmental Planning and Protection Agency (KASEPPA) between 1990 and 2002.

He also served as commissioner, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning in Kano state, Executive Chairman of Crane Builders and Engineering Limited. He also worked at the Infrastructure Bank PLC. and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), serving as Non-Executive Director.

While thanking the president for entrusting him with the leadership of the river basin development, Bichi told The Nation that he is not only promoting food security and environmental sustainability, but youth development across Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi States.

The quiet layers of memory and history came alive at the inaugural Archivist Talk held at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Yaba, Lagos. The event, themed A Collective Remembering, brought together artists, archivists, cultural workers, and journalists to reflect on the role of archives in shaping Nigerian and global contemporary art.

The Archivist Talk is part of the CCA Lagos’ ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of its founder, the late Bisi Silva, whose vision of connecting Nigerian artists to global audiences continues to inspire projects in archiving, documentation, and storytelling.

The session featured interactive activities such as collage-making and digital storytelling, designed to engage participants in new ways of experiencing archival materials. Technology was at the forefront of the conversations, showing how archives are evolving into dynamic platforms of creativity.

Multidisciplinary artist, Rasak Akorede, described the project as inspiring and innovative.

‘It was quite interesting because different people had different reactions. Some were able to ask questions about events as far back as the 1990s, and the archive gave them answers immediately. That shows how technology can change the way we engage with history,’ he said.

Curator and founder of the Arts Bridge Project, Tony Agbapuonwu, stressed the importance of documentation beyond art. ‘This programme shows us the importance of documenting the times we live in and the role of technology in preserving our stories. Beyond art, archives are tools for understanding culture and shaping the narrative of our society,’ he said.

For cultural reporter, Pelu Adegbesun, the event was a timely reminder of the need to embrace archiving in Nigeria. ‘In the past, many people did not pay attention to preserving memory, but with initiatives like this, young people are beginning to take interest in documentation. This is a beautiful development for our cultural heritage,’ he noted.

Project archivist, Jenny Agu, emphasized the continuing influence of Bisi Silva in Nigeria’s art ecosystem. ‘Her legacy is still very visible in the arts community. She believed in connecting Nigerian artists to global audiences, and this project continues that mission by opening access to archives in creative ways,’ she said.

Agu added that the Archivist Talk was not only about revisiting the past but also about shaping the future. ‘Preserving memory gives us a sense of identity. By using art and technology, we are ensuring that today’s stories will be available for generations to come,’ she explained.

Four players of the Golden Eaglets have been selected in the Group Stage’s Best X1 at the ongoing WAFU B U17 tournament by the competition’s Technical Study Group.

Captain David Edeh leads the quartet along with wing dynamite, Boluwatife Thompson, George Agha, the hat- trick hero against Benin Republic and defence marshal, Godwin Menyaga.

Agha won the MVP award in the game against Benin Republic, Thompson repeated same feat in the game against Burkina- Faso.

Yesterday night Nigeria filed out against the Black Starlets of Ghana with a place in the final and qualification for 2026 AFCON U17 tournament to be hosted by Morocco as a reward.

Meanwhile, Cote d’Ivoire booked the first ticket to the grand finale following a 2-1 win over the defending champions, the Young Etalons of Burkina- Faso in the first semi-final of the competition.

The Golden Eaglets lost 2-0 to Ghana’s Black Starlets in the second semi-final.

As the world braces for a looming crisis in aquaculture feed, a group of bright Nigerian students is stepping forward with a solution that could reshape the future of fish farming. Students from Adiaha Obong Secondary Comprehensive School in Akwa Ibom State have captured national attention after winning the Ibom Innovation Challenge with their groundbreaking project, the Remote Fish Farming Monitoring System.

Their achievement comes against the backdrop of a sobering report by global financial services provider Rabobank, which has raised alarm over the growing shortage of fishmeal and fish oil-two key ingredients critical to the survival of the global aquaculture industry.

According to the report, titled Hooked on Scarcity, the supply of these marine-based feed ingredients is under severe strain as demand continues to outpace natural production.

Aquaculture, already one of the fastest-growing food sectors in the world, consumes nearly 90 percent of global fishmeal and about 70 percent of fish oil.

With production of salmon, shrimp, and other aquaculture staples expected to rise by 12 million metric tonnes by 2033, Rabobank warned that scarcity could begin as early as 2028, threatening both food security and livelihoods worldwide.

Against this global challenge, the young innovators in Uyo are offering hope. Known as the ‘Adisco Great Tech Innovators,’ the team’s winning project was showcased during the Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024, where it captured the imagination of judges and audiences alike. The Remote Fish Farming Monitoring System is designed to help fish farmers oversee and control their ponds from a distance, using digital tools to track feeding, water quality, and fish health. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, the system has the potential to make local aquaculture more resilient and sustainable-an innovation with implications far beyond Nigeria.

‘This project is not just a student experiment. ‘It is a practical response to a real problem. The new question for the youth is not ‘what do you want to become?’ but ‘what problem do you want to solve?’ These young people have answered that question brilliantly.’ said President , Ibom Innovation Network, Engr. Hanson Johnson, the organisation behind the challenge.

The Ibom Innovation Challenge, which has become a hub for nurturing grassroots technological solutions, rewarded the students with a N250,000 cash prize to further develop their idea. In addition to the financial support, members of the Ibom Innovation Network paid a celebratory visit to the school, recognising the team’s ingenuity and reaffirming the state’s commitment to fostering innovation among young people.

The Team leader, Mfoniso Patrick described the win as a turning point in her personal and academic journey. ‘This project has sparked a new interest in the world of technology for me.We started with just an idea, and now we see that it can solve real problems faced by farmers in our community. That is exciting,’ she said.

The Principal Mrs. Theresa Paulinus praised the students for their dedication, calling the achievement a reflection of both their determination and the school’s commitment to nurturing talent. ‘This victory is a testament to what our young people can achieve when they are encouraged to think critically and work together,’ she said.

Teacher and mentor Effiom Ekpo, who guided the team, added: ‘We are very proud of them. They have shown that innovation is not limited to big cities or universities-it can come from anywhere, including a secondary school classroom in Akwa Ibom.’

The breakthrough comes at a time when Nigeria, like many countries, is grappling with how to scale up fish production to meet growing demand. The country is one of the largest aquaculture producers in sub-Saharan Africa, but farmers often face challenges ranging from high feed costs to poor pond management. Observers say the innovation has symbolic value as well. It demonstrates how local ingenuity, when given the right support, can tackle challenges of global scale. While the Rabobank report paints a grim picture of looming shortages, the success of the Adisco team suggests that part of the solution may lie in empowering local communities to innovate.

The Ibom Innovation Network is already looking ahead, encouraging more students to join the movement. Plans are underway for the next Akwa Ibom Tech Week, scheduled for November 3-8, 2025. Organizers say they expect even greater participation from schools, startups, and young inventors, further cementing the state’s reputation as a hub for technological creativity.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, the Arewa Defence League (ADL) has released the Kaduna October Declaration on the Rights of the People of Northern Nigeria, warning that the region is caught in a dangerous ‘polycrisis’ – an intersection of security, economic, and social challenges threatening its stability.

The declaration, unveiled at a strategy seminar in Arewa House, Kaduna, was described as a unified, evidence-driven assessment of the North’s realities and its place in the Nigerian federation. It followed extensive consultations with state coordinators, experts, and stakeholders across all 19 Northern states.

ADL stressed that the North’s polycrisis is not a set of isolated issues but interconnected emergencies feeding into each other. It identified rising insecurity, entrenched poverty, broken infrastructure, and elite impunity as key drivers of hardship and disillusionment.

In its State of the States analysis, the group highlighted insecurity as the most urgent threat, citing insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes as factors eroding state authority and exposing communities. ‘This collapse of safety is a profound failure of the state’s most essential responsibility,’ it noted.

The group also decried economic mismanagement, pointing out that despite the region’s abundant human and natural resources, corruption and poor policies had crippled agriculture, stifled businesses, and left millions of youths unemployed.

On the social front, ADL lamented that the North continues to rank as home to the world’s highest number of out-of-school children, coupled with worsening healthcare shortages and collapsing public services. ‘An entire generation risks being left behind,’ the group warned.

The declaration also faulted a culture of elite impunity and political marginalisation, accusing leaders of enacting policies that serve the few at the expense of the majority. It added that basic human rights, including food, security, and dignity, had been eroded across the region.

While insisting it does not advocate separation from Nigeria, the group said the failures of the Nigerian state in the North had weakened trust in the social contract. It called for a transformative renewal of governance through decentralisation of powers, restructuring of priorities, and restoration of the people’s sovereignty.

Grounded in the principles of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty, the Kaduna October Declaration affirmed that ‘ultimate authority resides with the people of Northern Nigeria, who remain an inseparable part of the Nigerian nation. No authority is valid unless it derives directly from the people’s consent.’

ADL listed the next steps to actualise the declaration, including the formation of a planning committee to convene a Northern Stakeholders’ Conference, drafting of detailed policy documents, and creation of a comprehensive voter education and mobilisation plan ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘The era of empty words is over. The time to act is now,’ said Murtala Abubakar, President of ADL, who signed the declaration on behalf of the movement. He added that the document was both a binding commitment to the people of the North and a constructive contribution to Nigeria’s broader national conversation.