Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Security has been beefed up at local government secretariats across Osun State, as factional council workers will resume today after eight-month strike over control crisis between All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Nation recalls that members of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) embarked on strike since February 17, when the Appeal Court reinstated APC chairmen, which PDP kicked against, hence, council election was held, and members of the latter emerged.

Since February, councils have been shut, until recently when the Federal Government recognised the APC chairmen by releasing six months of withheld allocation to the local governments’ accounts opened by the reinstated executives.

The development made workers under the auspices of Association of Concerned Local Government Workers to fix October 6 to resume duty.

Osun State Police Command through its spokesman, Abiodun Ojelabi, speaking with The Nation yesterday, said: ‘We won’t have a repetition of February 17 incident in Osun State again on October 6.

‘Even before the issue of the release of funds, we have been on the alert, especially at our local governments. I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police, who has ordered our men to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.’

A new chapter in Africa’s industrial story opened as Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group, led the groundbreaking of a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia.

The project, a partnership between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), with a production capacity of three million metric tonnes of urea annually, is expected to become one of the world’s largest fertiliser complexes.

Strategically located in Ethiopia’s South-East region, it will leverage the country’s abundant natural gas resources from the Hilal and Calub reserves to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs and enhance food security across the Horn of Africa.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, described the fertiliser project as more than just industrial progress, stressing that it symbolises shared responsibility, cooperation and peace. He said the project reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to harnessing opportunities and elevating its presence on the global stage.

‘They embody our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation and promote peace. Hence, I call upon all Ethiopians to continue mobilising in unity for progress. By doing so, we elevate Ethiopia’s presence on the global stage in a way that honours the true spirit of our Ethiopian identity,’ PM Abiy said.

Dangote commended Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and his cabinet for reforms and economic liberalisation that have opened key sectors to private investments and positioned Ethiopia as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for global investors. He lauded the government’s investment in infrastructure, including transport, energy and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which he described as a foundation for the country’s industrialisation.

‘This partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings represents a pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialise Africa and achieve food security across the continent. We are committed to bringing our decades of experience in large-scale industrial projects to ensure this venture becomes a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation,’ ‘ Dangote said.

He disclosed that the Gode project marks just the beginning, with plans to expand into the production of other fertilisers such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK and calcium ammonium nitrate, positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for fertiliser production. He predicted that within five years, Ethiopia could become Africa’s leading agricultural nation.

This investment is Dangote Group’s second major project in Ethiopia. Its cement subsidiary has operated a 2.5Mta plant in Mugher for more than a decade, with an additional $400 million committed to doubling its capacity.

Across Africa, Dangote said the Group’s strategy is guided by the belief that ‘only Africans can develop Africa,’ with a focus on manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports. He highlighted the Group’s role in transforming Nigeria into a net exporter of petroleum products cement and fertiliser, through its refinery, cement plants, and fertiliser expansion, which is set to become the largest in the world at nine million metric tonnes per annum.

‘These investments have already changed Nigeria’s story. We’ve moved from being import-dependent to becoming self-sufficient and even exporters of cement, fertiliser and petroleum products. Our mission is to help other African nations achieve the same transformation.

We strive to make African countries become self sufficient in the production of those goods whose necessary raw materials are readily available. We have demonstrated that feat in the cement sector where many African countries are now net exporters of cement through our investments. We are ready and happy to work with more African countries to drive their industrialization plans and aspirations,’ Dangote noted.

He described the Gode project as a ‘new dawn,’ the first time a private African investor is partnering with an African country to build an industrial complex of this scale. ‘We understand Africa, its challenges, its opportunities and its potentials. And we believe only Africans can truly transform Africa,’ he said.

‘Our mission at Dangote Group is to lead Africa’s industrial transformation,’ he said. ‘This project marks the first time a private African investor is partnering with an African country to build such an industrial complex.’

He hinted at the establishment of polypropylene bagging plant to boost the industry in Ethiopia.

Dangote expressed gratitude to financial institutions including Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, and other indigenous banks for supporting the project.

Meanwhile, the President of the Somali Region, Mustafa Omar, described Aliko Dangote as ‘the anchor investor Ethiopia has been looking for.’

He noted that Dangote is not only a trusted investor but also one who is highly appreciated by both Ethiopians and Africans at large.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Dr Umaru Kwairanga, has praised Ethiopia’s leadership for its economic strides and voiced optimism about stronger economic relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Speaking on the new fertiliser complex, Dr Kwairanga described it as a ‘gigantic project befitting of Aliko Dangote’s vision and execution capacity.’

He noted that the African industrialist had consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the continent’s self-sufficiency and development.

The event was attended by senior Ethiopian government officials, industry leaders, and financiers.

Across Africa, the Group’s industrial story is expanding. Dangote Cement alone has a total installed capacity of 55 million tonnes per annum across 11 countries. The company also built the world’s largest single-train refinery in Nigeria, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, alongside a one million metric tonne polypropylene plant. Its fertiliser arm, which started at three million metric tonnes, is being expanded by six million tonnes, a move that will make it the largest fertiliser operation in the world.

The Federal Government has expressed delight over the state-of-the-art Tasmania Digestive Centre built by a Nigerian Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Dr Albert Nwaba, in Tasmania, Australia.

During the inauguration, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Australia, Ambassador Jane Bassey Adams, said Nwaba’s establishment of the centre was a shining testament to the power of dedication and community spirit.

Adams also said the hospital singlehandedly built by Nwaba was more than just a building, saying it represented hope, care and compassion. ‘Today, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion – the inauguration of the first private hospital built by a Nigerian in diaspora, a shining testament to the power of dedication and community spirit. This hospital is more than just a building; it represents hope, care, and compassion.

‘I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the visionary founder, whose tireless efforts have brought this project to fruition. Your selflessness and commitment to improving healthcare services in Tasmania are truly inspiring.’

The High Commissioner expressed belief that the hospital will significantly enhance healthcare options for the Tasmanian community, providing access to world-class medical facilities and expertise.

‘It will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region, contributing to Tasmania’s prosperity.

‘This Nigerian-built hospital in Australia symbolises the strong bonds between our nations, fostering cultural understanding and cooperation,’ Adams also said.

While acknowledging the tireless efforts of the hospital’s staff, builders, and all those involved in making the project a reality, the High Commissioner said their hard work and dedication have paid off, saying ‘and today we celebrate your success and we are proud of you.’

Adams said: ‘The government and people of Nigeria are proud of you.

‘As we mark this significant milestone, let us also recognize the potential for future collaborations and partnerships between Nigeria and Australia in healthcare and beyond.’

Delta State-born Nwaba, said the hospital was more than bricks and water.

Nwaba also said it was a promise of better care, earlier detection and improved outcomes for patients and families.

‘It represents progress, compassion and a commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community.

‘As we cut the ribbon today, let us remember that this is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new chapter.

‘May this Digestive Day Hospital serve as a beacon of healing, hope and humanity for generations to come,’ Nwaba prayed.

Mayor of Devonport, Alison Jarman, said it was a real pleasure to be at the ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate the vision and dedication of Dr Nwaba, who has chosen Devonport as the home for his new hospital.

‘We could not be prouder, nor more impressed, by his decision to build such an important facility right here in our community.

‘For too long, waiting lists have been a major challenge across Tasmania, particularly in specialist areas like gastroenterology. Dr Nwaba, the only gastroenterologist on the Coast, has seen this challenge first-hand. He recognised that only one in three category-one patients were being seen within the recommended 30-day timeframe. Instead of simply accepting this situation, he took matters into his own hands. He committed to creating a solution – one that would deliver cheaper procedures, shorter waiting times, and more holistic care for patients,’ Jarman said.

The mayor added that the new 8 million dollar facility on Oldaker Street represented more than just bricks and mortar. ‘It represents hope. Hope that those who need urgent care can be seen sooner, and hope that public hospitals will be freed up to concentrate on emergencies and the most complex cases. By partnering with government and ensuring some public patients can have procedures done here, this centre will benefit the entire North-West Coast.

‘We are particularly impressed by the courage and determination behind this project. As Dr Nwaba has pointed out, building a state-of-the-art facility in regional Tasmania is not without its risks. But his commitment as both a medical professional and a businessman has given him the credibility and drive to see it through.

‘Importantly, this centre will not only serve patients, but also support specialists and nurses across a range of fields – from gastroenterology to general surgery, orthopaedics, urology, obstetrics, and gynaecology. Already, we’ve seen strong interest from nurses wanting to join the team, with 12 applicants responding within just hours of the job advertisement going live. That in itself shows the strong demand for a facility like this.

‘The Tasmanian Digestive Centre also represents an investment in our region’s future. By creating a modern, efficient and cost-effective hospital here in Devonport, Dr Nwaba is helping to make our city a centre of medical excellence. He is also showing that regional Tasmania deserves the same opportunities, the same high-quality care, and the same investment as anywhere else in the country,’ the Mayor of Devonport said.

The decline in Nigeria’s coffee exports may not necessarily signal a fall in agricultural output but rather, the growing strength of the domestic industrial market

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Tayo Aduloju, in interview with The Nation, said the shift in export volume may represent a new dynamic in the country’s export landscape, where industrialisation and value-addition initiatives are diverting primary agricultural products from foreign markets to local factories.

He said: ‘I think we need to do some better analysis. When we see these drops, we have to ask what they mean. Do they mean total productivity output in coffee beans drops? Which could be one problem, of course. Most agricultural output in some parts of the country drops for different reasons-insecurity, climate change, access to credit, etc. But that does not by itself reflect a change in the nominal output’.

He noted that as investors are being encouraged to manufacture finished products within Nigeria, they are increasingly competing with traditional export markets for raw materials such as coffee, cocoa, and shea butter.

‘Some of that coffee, cocoa, soya production, even shea butter production that were purely export are now being competed for by those we ask to invest here.’

This is to do new economic value-added to those products, so that reduces your exports.

‘If you are doing 500 metric tonnes-and this is just hypothetically-of a particular export crop, and then your domestic demand, your industrial demand locally is now 5,000, what you will see on the export side is a drop in reduction. But it does not mean there was a drop in outputs. It’s now that there’s a local industrial demand in a local industrial market that is absorbing all the primary production,’ Aduloju said.

He pointed to visible examples of this trend. ‘I know Nestlé now produces a Nigerian version of some of its coffee, where they are using as much local materials as possible. My guess, for example, is they are using some of our coffees. And then I’ve seen in many of our trade fairs now our local coffee, you know, that we are now selling locally, which is cheaper than your Nestlé and your other brands,’ Aduloju said.

This shift, he argued, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While it may cause a short-term dip in export figures, it highlights the urgent need to scale up production to meet both domestic and export demand. ‘It now becomes a valid point in all to scale up production of coffee beans to a scale that matches domestic, industrial consumption and demand plus export demand. I think that’s where the direction should actually go with most of the export crops. That’s the conversation we need to have next,’ he stressed.

Globally, coffee consumption continues to rise, but Africa is witnessing a troubling decline in production, even as plantations in Asia expand to meet demand. The fall in African output has been linked to land loss to real estate development, as well as the impact of pests and diseases on crops.

Meanwhile, global coffee prices have swung wildly this year, ranging from a high of $4.20 per pound to as low as $2.88 in July, underscoring the volatility of the market.

Currently, Nigeria is not currently among the top 10 coffee producers in Africa-a list that includes Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda. Yet experts believe Nigeria’s overlooked coffee industry has the potential to generate more than $2 billion annually.

Currently, Nigeria’s coffee exports remain modest, with an annual output of under one million bags. Industry stakeholders argue that strategic investments, modernised farming practices, and value-added processing are critical to unlocking the sector’s potential.

Chairman , Board of Trustees , Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr. Victor Iyama, highlighted coffee’s global significance. He noted that it is the second most traded and valuable commodity worldwide and the first among agricultural commodities. However, he expressed concern that structural deficiencies, limited investment, and poor-quality seeds have left Nigerian coffee farmers unable to match the prices and productivity ofitz African counterparts .

While production in Nigeria remains stagnant, consumption is expected to rise. ReportLinker projected that Nigeria’s coffee consumption will reach 8.8 thousand metric tonnes next year, up slightly from 8,000 metric tonnes in 2021. Analysts warn, however, that without urgent investments in high-quality seedlings, advanced farmer training, and modern processing facilities, Nigeria risks missing out on the significant economic potential of coffee.

According to 6Wresearch, a market intelligence and advisory firm, Nigeria’s coffee market could see growth taper between now and 2029. It projects that after starting strongly at 7.74 per cent in 2025, growth will soften to 1.54 per cent by 2029. The firm noted: ‘The Nigeria coffee market is experiencing steady growth driven by increasing urbanisation and changing consumer preferences. Instant coffee dominates the market due to its convenience and affordability, but there is a rising interest in specialty coffee among a niche segment of consumers. Local coffee shops and international chains are expanding, contributing to the development of a coffee culture in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. The market faces challenges such as limited domestic production, reliance on imports, and inconsistent quality standards. However, initiatives to promote local coffee production and improve quality are gaining traction. Overall, the Nigeria coffee market presents opportunities for both domestic and international coffee companies to capitalise on the growing demand for diverse coffee products.’

In a bold step, the Cross River State government recently partnered with agribusiness firm JR Farms to launch an ambitious project to cultivate 30 million coffee seedlings across the state. Speaking at the launch, Governor Bassey Otu described the initiative as a strategic move to reintroduce and reposition Cross River as the coffee capital of Nigeria and an emerging player in the international market.

‘With 30 million robust and climate-appropriate seedlings being distributed across our 18 local government areas, this project offers much more than cultivation. It is about creating jobs, generating wealth, building sustainable livelihoods, promoting agro-industrial development, and restoring our ecological balance,’ Otu said.

American R and B star Summer Walker has apologised to fans after her highly anticipated performance at the Back to the City concert in Tshwane was cut short, expressing regret for disappointing those who came out to see her live.

Thousands of fans filled the SunBet Arena on Sunday, October 5, hoping to enjoy a full set from the Grammy-nominated singer. However, significant delays earlier in the event left Walker with limited time on stage.

Despite energetic opening performances from Lordkez, who brought out Cassper Nyovest for their hit Aweh, and Jessie Reyez, who thrilled the audience with her high-energy set, tensions rose when organisers announced that Summer Walker would be ‘a bit late.’

When she finally appeared, Walker delivered soulful renditions of fan favourites including Body, Girls Need Love, and Session 32, but performed for less than an hour – prompting disappointment among fans.

Following the event, Walker took to Instagram to issue a heartfelt apology and explain the circumstances behind the disruptions, assuring fans that the situation was beyond her control and thanking them for their understanding and continued support.

‘South Africa, I’m so sorry. I literally don’t understand what happened. I got kicked off the stage. This whole thing was really unprofessional. They changed my time three times, and when I got on stage, I was thinking I’m going to do my full set.’

She continued, ‘They were yelling in my ear to cut my whole set. I didn’t even get to get down and get in the crowd like I usually do because they were telling me to hurry up,’ she said.

She emphasised that the situation was beyond her control.

She continued, ‘I was prepared to do my full hour. The police, the fire marshal, and the promoter were like they were going to get fired if I didn’t hurry up and get off. I got off the stage, and they could’ve just paid the fine’.

She further explained, ‘They know you guys spent your hard-earned money, you drove far, and I saw someone said they sold their house to come here,’ she said.

The singer also clarified that she was on time and ready to perform.

‘I was dressed, ready, and they kicked your girl off, and I couldn’t do anything about that. I don’t want you to think it was on me. They could’ve paid the fine and respected our time, but they didn’t give a damn,’ she said.

She said she’s being unfairly blamed.

She further said that South Africa has been her favourite place in the world.

‘This is my favourite place in the world, I like y’all a lot, don’t do me like that. I will come back and hopefully they will let me do my whole show,’ she said.

Reality TV star and former Big Brother Naija winner, Phyna, has congratulated Imisi, the newly crowned winner of BBNaija Season 10, which concluded on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, Phyna revealed she had been supporting Imisi throughout the season, describing her as her ‘top pick.’

‘In the midst of all, Imisi has been my top pick!!!! Congratulations, my authentic winner. The street has made another queen,’ Phyna wrote.

Phyna, who gained fame for her vibrant and outspoken personality, won BBNaija Season 7: Level Up in 2022, becoming one of the most talked-about contestants in the show’s history. Despite mixed reactions to her win, she has since built a devoted fan base.

Imisi’s victory in the BBNaija Season 10 finale has continued to generate excitement across social media, with fans and former housemates celebrating her success.

Simba TVS, a leading name in Nigeria’s urban mobility sector, has expanded its innovation frontier with the introduction of the Simba TVS Kargo range and the new Ambulance Tricycle, designed to enhance affordable and efficient logistics across the country.

For decades, the company’s iconic TVS ‘Keke’ has been a key part of Nigeria’s transportation landscape. Now, Simba TVS is extending its legacy to address challenges in logistics, healthcare delivery, and rural transportation through its specially designed cargo tricycles.

Speaking on the new initiative, Kamlesh Pitale, Head of Institutional Sales at Simba Group, said the company developed the Simba TVS Kargo to support businesses and communities struggling with high logistics costs. ‘It’s a practical, durable, and affordable solution for farmers, traders, and service providers,’ he noted.

With a 400-550kg load capacity, the Kargo tricycles are being adopted across multiple sectors, including agriculture, FMCG distribution, waste management, and healthcare. One of its standout models, the Simba TVS Ambulance Tricycle, is already in use in Taraba State, Port Harcourt, and Lafia, offering a life-saving option for reaching remote areas.

Major corporations such as Multipro and Tolaram have also embraced the Simba TVS Kargo for distribution, replacing older, high-maintenance trucks with more efficient tricycles.

Simba TVS has invested over ?20 billion in after-sales service, with 50,000 trained mechanics, nationwide spare parts centers, and a 24-hour helpline. Its ‘Service on Wheel’ program ensures on-site maintenance to minimize downtime.

The company also partners with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to train and certify young technicians, having already equipped over 15,000 with technical skills.

According to Jide Odelola, Head of Marketing, the Simba TVS Kargo is rapidly becoming a key player in Nigeria’s logistics ecosystem. ‘These vehicles are built for Nigeria’s realities-durable, cost-effective, and reliable,’ he said.

With over 35 years of engineering expertise, Simba TVS is positioning itself as a driver of last-mile mobility solutions in Nigeria-empowering businesses, saving lives, and transforming logistics across the nation.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has warned that Nigeria must create at least 27 million new formal jobs by the year 2030-equivalent to 4.5 million jobs annually-to prevent unemployment from worsening as the nation’s working-age population expands to 168 million within the decade.

This was contained in a new report by the NESG titled ‘From Hustle to Decent Work: Unlocking Jobs and Productivity for Economic Transformation in Nigeria,’ launched at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31) in Abuja.

The report calls for an urgent and coordinated national response to tackle unemployment, raise productivity, and drive economic transformation. It warned that without decisive action, unemployment and underemployment could double by the end of the decade, trapping millions of Nigerians in low-skilled, low-paying, and vulnerable work.

According to the NESG, the future of Nigeria’s workforce depends on how quickly the country can move from a ‘hustle economy’ dominated by informal activities to one that delivers decent and productive employment.

Speaking at the summit, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, Chairman of the NESG, said Nigeria’s next phase of reform must focus on job creation, productivity, and inclusive growth.

‘The challenge before us is to move decisively into the consolidation phase, embedding reforms in ways that drive jobs, growth, and inclusion, while simultaneously laying the foundations for long-term transformation that secures prosperity for every Nigerian,’ Yusuf said.

He stated that while past policies had concentrated on macroeconomic stabilization, the time has come to translate those efforts into sustained job creation and real improvements in living standards.

Presenting the report, Dr. Wilson Erumebor, Senior Economist at the NESG, said the jobs crisis in Nigeria has gone beyond the question of employment numbers and now represents a fundamental development challenge.

‘This is not just a labour market issue; it is a huge development challenge,’ Erumebor said. ‘Without decisive reforms to create decent and productive jobs, an entire generation risks being trapped in vulnerable work that neither lifts families out of poverty nor moves the nation forward.’

He warned that the structure of Nigeria’s economy has created a situation where the vast majority of citizens depend on informal, insecure work to survive.

‘The weak private sector capacity and reliance on the government for wage employment in some states have left millions of Nigerians with the option of finding work in the informal economy,’ he said. ‘The informal sector has become the default employer, absorbing a significant share of the country’s workforce.’

Erumebor noted that informal jobs, often characterised by low pay, limited security, and minimal productivity, accounted for 92.2 percent of total employment in 2023 and rose to 93 percent in the second quarter of 2024.

He described this trend as alarming, adding that it reflects ‘the limited private and public investment in sectors that can deliver quality jobs at scale.’

Citing data from the report, Erumebor revealed that ‘a review of informality across the country shows that in more than 18 Nigerian states, informal employment accounts for over 94 percent of total employment. In states such as Kebbi, Abia, Benue, and Borno, the shares are as high as 98 percent, 97.4 percent, 97.3 percent, and 97.3 percent, respectively.’

According to him, ‘this scale of informality has huge implications. Not only does it limit the country’s productivity growth, but it also undermines revenue mobilisation, particularly taxes.’

He added that workers in the informal economy ‘often lack social protection, healthcare, pensions, and legal rights, leaving them highly vulnerable to economic shocks. For many workers, daily earnings are not stable, and job security is not guaranteed.’

To tackle these challenges, the report introduced the Nigeria Works Framework, a blueprint designed to reposition Nigeria’s economy around productivity, enterprise, and inclusive growth.

The framework lays out a comprehensive Jobs and Productivity Agenda, focusing on the development of skills for productivity, sectoral engines of growth, enterprise-led development (especially for small businesses), upgrading the informal economy, strengthening data and institutional systems, and promoting productivity as the foundation of national prosperity.

According to the report, the framework will serve as a guide for policymakers, the private sector, and development partners to create quality jobs and raise living standards over the next decade.

Erumebor said the NESG envisions ‘a Nigeria where productivity becomes the central metric of national competitiveness-tracked, measured, and elevated as the foundation of shared prosperity.’

The report identified manufacturing, construction, information and communications technology (ICT), and professional services as the sectors with the greatest potential for large-scale job creation and productivity growth.

It stressed that investing in these sectors could accelerate industrialization, drive innovation, and generate millions of decent jobs, particularly for young Nigerians entering the labour market each year.

The NESG urged the Federal Government, state governments, and the private sector to treat job creation and productivity improvement as national priorities, noting that these are the true pillars of economic resilience and social stability.

‘The scale of the challenge demands bold, coordinated action,’ the report stated. ‘Nigeria must adopt a productivity-led growth strategy that expands decent work opportunities and ensures that no citizen is left behind.’

The report also reaffirmed the NESG’s commitment to supporting the implementation of practical policy measures that will strengthen the link between economic growth and employment outcomes.

‘Nigeria’s population will reach 275 million by 2030,’ it stated. ‘To stabilise unemployment at current levels, the country must create 27 million new jobs between 2025 and 2030. Productivity must therefore become the central focus of national planning.’

A British Airways (BA) flight from London to Abuja was forced to make an emergency diversion to Barcelona, Spain, after Prof. Osita Obierika, died mid-air.

Obierika, a retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), was a former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Training Command, Kaduna and a directing staff at the National Defence College, Abuja.

The Octogenarian was said to have been returning to Nigeria from the United Kingdom where he was being treated for cancer.

According to reports, the aircraft departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11pm on Sunday, October 5 and was to arrive Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by 5am on Monday.

However, around 1:30am, the pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted to El Prat Airport in Barcelona, Spain.

A source, who confirmed his death, said there were many senior officers at the Abuja airport awaiting his arrival before news of his death filtered in.

It was gathered that the incident caused distress among passengers especially a pregnant woman said to have required urgent medical attention.

British Airways apologised to passengers for the disruption, assuring them of support and alternative travel arrangements.

The airline said a replacement aircraft was deployed to continue the journey to Abuja, with the flight rescheduled to depart Barcelona at 2:50pm local time and arrive in Abuja around 5:45pm.

It was not immediately clear if Obierika’s remains were deposited in Barcelona or arrangements were made to return his body to Nigeria on the new flight.

A native of Enugu-Ukwu in Anambra State, Obierika was a distinguished elder statesman who was fondly called Prof.

He remained active after retirement, delivering lectures on national security at public events including a 2021 lecture at Baze University on ‘Security Sector Reform in Nigeria and the 4th Industrial Revolution’.

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have destroyed eight illegal refineries and confiscated 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed that the various operations conducted in the region in partnership with other security agencies led to the arrest of many suspects.

He said during the operations around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, the troops dismantled a new illegal refining site.

He named other items destroyed as receivers, ovens, drums, pipes, adding that over 3,500 litres of stolen crude were recovered in the process.

Danjuma said: ‘Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck. The truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, was loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude and was intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting troops.

‘Similarly, clearance operations conducted along the fringes of Imo River resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site, with three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude stockpiled in sacks recovered. Other seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche Local Government Area, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area’.

In Akwa Ibom State, Danjuma said the troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak Local Government Area.

He said two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures, noting that at an abandoned House No 70, Kemezia Road, Biseni Community, in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Danjuma said the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience.

He called on criminal elements in the region to turn a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, insisting that the division under his watch would ensure the forest remained green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage.