Category: The Nation – Nigeria

As Big Brother Naija Season 10, tagged ’10/10,’ draws to its thrilling conclusion tonight, October 5, 2025, nine housemates – Imisi, Dede, Koyin, Isabella, Jason Jae, Kaybobo, Kola, Mensan, and Sultana – are set to compete for the coveted N150 million grand prize and a lasting place in BBNaija history.

Following 72 days of intense drama, alliances, and viral moments since the July 26-27 premiere, fan predictions point to Imisi, Dede, and Koyin as the leading contenders for the crown.

Imisi remains a fan favourite, known for her relatable personality, social media dominance, and ability to spark online trends.

Dede follows closely, winning hearts with her lively spirit, strategic gameplay, and strong performance in house tasks.

Koyin has also garnered support for his calm, level-headed approach and consistent performance throughout the show.

Other finalists – Sultana, Kola, Isabella, Jason Jae, Mensan, and Kaybobo – each bring unique strengths.

Sultana’s composure and strategic thinking, Kola’s honesty and openness, Isabella’s humour, Jason Jae’s energetic performances, Mensan’s creativity, and Kaybobo’s wit have all earned them admiration from fans.

The highly anticipated grand finale, airing live from Lagos, promises thrilling evictions, surprise performances, and the announcement of the Season 10 champion, who will walk away with N150 million and a springboard to stardom.

The Vice Chancellor of Atiba University, Oyo, Professor Sunday Okeniyi, has enjoined the newly employed staff of the institution to develop the spirit of teamwork, respect, and discipline, which are the hallmarks of every successful institution.

Okeniyi disclosed this during the orientation programme for the newly employed staff of the institution.

While welcoming the newly employed staff, he also congratulated them on their successful appointment into the fast-rising institution. ‘Your joining us today is not by chance, but by merit, commitment, and the will of God. Atiba University is a citadel of learning and character formation, envisioned to nurture and produce men and women of excellence, integrity, and service. By becoming part of this family, you are now co-builders of this noble vision.’

The V-C said the orientation programme was a deliberate initiative of the management to formally integrate the new staff into the University system. ‘It is designed to give you a clear understanding of our mission, vision, core values, rules, and operational culture. Our goal is not just for you to work here, but for you to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and leave an indelible mark on the growth and transformation of this University.’

He explained that the university places a premium on academic excellence, innovative research, moral uprightness, and community development. These values define the identity and are the standards the staff must all uphold in their respective assignments-whether as academic staff shaping young minds or as non-teaching staff providing essential support services that make our work possible.

While admitting much needed to be done, Okeniyi said the institution has recorded remarkable progress within a short time. ‘The future we envision-a future of global competitiveness, leadership in innovation and knowledge, and impact within and beyond Nigeria-requires the collective commitment of every member of staff. That includes you. Your dedication, creativity, and professionalism are needed to propel us forward,’ he said.

In a bid to recognise and celebrate the achievements of African entrepreneurs, the Africa Trade Award is set to take place in November, alongside the launch of the book ‘Africa Disruptors’.

The prestigious award aimed to honour 23 exceptional individuals from six African countries – Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya – who have made significant contributions to their respective industries and communities.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Executive Officer, Ikeanumba Media Ltd, publishers of The Lagos Times newspaper and Ikeanumba Africa magazine, Mr. Ayobama Ikeanumba, explained that the nominees were selected through a rigorous research and findings process, representing various sectors, including business, technology, and innovation.

These entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable resilience, creativity, and determination, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

One such entrepreneur is Alhaji Aliko Dangote, whose impact on Nigeria’s fuel supply has been transformative.

Before the Dangote refineries came on board, Nigerians spent weeks, even months, waiting in fuel stations. Today, thanks to Dangote’s game-changing intervention, fuel shortages are no longer a major issue, although price remains a concern.

The Africa Trade Award seeks to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes, encouraging them to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring others to do the same. By sharing their stories, successes, and challenges, the award aims to foster a sense of community and promote entrepreneurship across the continent.

Also commenting, Amb. Cornel Udofia, CEO of Cornel Media, noted that, ‘When you’re doing things, you may not know that people are watching and feeling you,’ adding that the Africa Trade Award is a testament to the power of intentional action and its impact on communities and societies.

Through this award and the ‘Africa Disruptors’ book, the organisers hope to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with hard work, innovation, and dedication, anything is possible. By highlighting the achievements of Africa’s most impactful entrepreneurs, the award aims to drive economic growth, promote sustainable practices, and empower communities across the continent.

Sixty-five years ago, on October 1, 1960, the green-white-green flag was hoisted in Lagos amidst jubilation and boundless hope. With pride Nigeria stood at the threshold of greatness, a giant awakening from its colonial bonds. The air was thick with promise-promises of prosperity, unity, and continental leadership. Recently, as we marked another independence anniversary, those promises still ring hollow, echoing through the years a collective disappointment, like a dirge for dreams deferred.

The indices tell a story our patriotic songs and anthems cannot drown out. A nation blessed with abundant crude oil reserves remains trapped in fuel queues. A country with some of Africa’s most fertile lands cannot feed its people. A populace that produces some of the world’s brightest minds watches helplessly as millions of its youth flee in waves of desperation, seeking dignity in foreign lands. This is not the Nigeria our founding fathers envisioned. This is not the beacon of black excellence that Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta, Nelson Mandela and millions across the African diaspora looked toward with anticipation.

The most painful indictment of post-independence Nigeria lies squarely at the feet of our political elite and leadership class-a brotherhood that has consistently chosen self-enrichment over nation-building. From military dictators to civilian kleptocrats, Nigeria’s leadership has exhibited a breathtaking capacity for plunder and an equally stunning deficit of vision.

Our leaders inherited institutions, infrastructure, and an economy that, while nascent, held promise. What have they bequeathed to succeeding generations? An educational system in ruins, where universities are shuttered for months due to strikes while politicians’ children study abroad. A healthcare sector so decrepit that those who govern it flee to foreign hospitals at the first sign of illness. An infrastructure deficit so profound that businesses generate their own electricity, build their own roads, and provide their own security-essentially paying taxes for services never rendered.

The political elite have perfected the art of primitive accumulation. They loot treasuries with impunity, stash billions in foreign accounts, and when caught, receive mere slaps on the wrist. They weaponize ethnicity and religion to divide the populace, ensuring that Nigerians fight each other rather than demand accountability from those who govern. They have transformed public service into private enterprise, viewing political office not as a call to duty but as an opportunity for wealth extraction.

Sixty-five years ago, on October 1, 1960, the green-white-green flag was hoisted in Lagos amidst jubilation and boundless hope. With pride Nigeria stood at the threshold of greatness, a giant awakening from its colonial bonds. The air was thick with promise-promises of prosperity, unity, and continental leadership. Recently, as we marked another independence anniversary, those promises still ring hollow, echoing through the years a collective disappointment, like a dirge for dreams deferred.

The indices tell a story our patriotic songs and anthems cannot drown out. A nation blessed with abundant crude oil reserves remains trapped in fuel queues. A country with some of Africa’s most fertile lands cannot feed its people. A populace that produces some of the world’s brightest minds watches helplessly as millions of its youth flee in waves of desperation, seeking dignity in foreign lands. This is not the Nigeria our founding fathers envisioned. This is not the beacon of black excellence that Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta, Nelson Mandela and millions across the African diaspora looked toward with anticipation.

The most painful indictment of post-independence Nigeria lies squarely at the feet of our political elite and leadership class-a brotherhood that has consistently chosen self-enrichment over nation-building. From military dictators to civilian kleptocrats, Nigeria’s leadership has exhibited a breathtaking capacity for plunder and an equally stunning deficit of vision.

Our leaders inherited institutions, infrastructure, and an economy that, while nascent, held promise. What have they bequeathed to succeeding generations? An educational system in ruins, where universities are shuttered for months due to strikes while politicians’ children study abroad. A healthcare sector so decrepit that those who govern it flee to foreign hospitals at the first sign of illness. An infrastructure deficit so profound that businesses generate their own electricity, build their own roads, and provide their own security-essentially paying taxes for services never rendered.

The political elite have perfected the art of primitive accumulation. They loot treasuries with impunity, stash billions in foreign accounts, and when caught, receive mere slaps on the wrist. They weaponize ethnicity and religion to divide the populace, ensuring that Nigerians fight each other rather than demand accountability from those who govern. They have transformed public service into private enterprise, viewing political office not as a call to duty but as an opportunity for wealth extraction.

Our tolerance for dysfunction has become legendary. We have normalized the abnormal. We celebrate citizens who provide basic amenities in their communities-water, roads, electricity-things that governments should provide as a matter of course. We have become so accustomed to failure that we praise minimal competence as extraordinary achievement. We have set the bar so low that it now lies buried underground.

Furthermore, too many Nigerians have become complicit in the system of exploitation. From the civil servant who demands bribes to process legitimate documents, to the police officer who extorts motorists at checkpoints, to the lecturer who demands gratification for grades-corruption has metastasized from the political class into the social fabric. We have created a society where cutting corners is celebrated as smartness, and integrity is dismissed as foolishness.

But Nigeria need not remain trapped in this cycle of mediocrity and failure. The dreams of our founding fathers-Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and others-were not foolish fantasies, nor were they tales of Sugar Candy land. They were achievable visions grounded in Nigeria’s enormous potential. What we lack is not resources or capability, but the political will and moral courage to build the nation we deserve.

The founding fathers believed in Nigeria. Marcus Garvey dreamed of it. W.E.B. Du Bois anticipated its greatness. Millions of black people worldwide once looked to Nigeria as proof that black self-governance could succeed, that we could build nations rivaling any in the world. That faith, though battered, is not dead. But it requires resurrection through action.

This resurrection demands transformative leadership that prioritizes education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. It requires leaders who understand that development is not about white-elephant projects but about creating systems that work for ordinary citizens. It demands an end to impunity and the establishment of true accountability. Most fundamentally, it requires a commitment to building a genuine nation where every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or religion, feels valued and protected.

Sixty-five years of failure is enough. Nigerians deserve better. Africa deserves a Nigeria that fulfills its promise. The world deserves a black nation that will raise it’s brows at the maltreatment of any black man in any part of the world. The question is whether those in positions of power and influence-political leaders, business elites, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and every citizen-have the courage to make it happen.

The independence blues need not be our permanent state. But changing the tune requires each Nigerian to demand more from our leaders and from ourselves. The giant of Africa must finally awaken, not to rhetoric and empty promises, but to purposeful action and genuine transformation. Our founding fathers lit a torch sixty-five years ago. It is time we stopped letting it flicker and instead let it blaze, illuminating a path to the Nigeria that was promised, the Nigeria that is possible, the Nigeria that must be.

A major human foible is the tendency to pursue symbolism at the expense of substance. It is not a particularly Nigerian flaw. But the desperation that has characterised our politics, especially amongst the opposition, often makes it seem so.

An example is the criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s inability to personally attend the recently concluded 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80).

Meetings are memorable, not just for the faces present, but also for the things said. Those who take unnecessary umbrage should look for something else to do with their time.

The point should not be about the President’s presence or absence at the UNGA annual global event; it should be about the content, the quality of the country’s national statement, and the President’s message at that extraordinary gathering of world leaders.

Held under the theme, ‘Global Partnerships, Local Prosperity,’ this year’s session of the United Nations provided a platform for Nigeria’s leaders to promote reforms, woo investors, and assert Africa’s place in global decision-making, international finance, and trade.

Vice President Kashim Shettima led the Federal Government delegation to the talks. As he did last year at the behest of President Tinubu, the vice president was in his best elements as he delivered Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday, September 24, on that global platform.

In that national statement, President Tinubu restated his advocacy over which he had been vocal and consistent: reform of the world body to include a permanent seat for Africa, particularly Nigeria, at the UN Security Council; nuclear disarmament; equitable access to global trade and finance; debt forgiveness; and climate justice, among others.

President Tinubu is passionate about these issues and never misses any opportunity to highlight them. The President has utilised every forum, including the 78th UNGA, which he attended a few months after his inauguration in 2023, and the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2024, to advocate for these demands strongly. He restated them in the message delivered by Vice President Shettima in 2024 at the 79th session of UNGA and in his message to a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2024 in Kampala, Uganda, among others.

President Tinubu must underscore these issues repeatedly in a bid to promote global peace, stability, and economic growth. The continental imbalance in representation at the UN, the imbalance in international trade among the regions, the Israeli genocide in Gaza, wars and threats of war in some parts of the world, among other agonising global issues, deserve to be stated, restated, and frontally tackled.

Delivering Nigeria’s national statement, Vice President Shettima said, ‘We are here to strengthen the prospect for peace, development, and human rights. Madam President, I would like to make four points today to outline how we can achieve this. First, Nigeria must have a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. This should take place as part of a wider process of institutional reform. Second, we need urgent action to promote sovereign debt relief and access to trade and financing. Third, the countries that host minerals must benefit from those minerals. And fourth, the digital divide must close. As our Presidential Secretary-General has said, AI must stand for Africa Included.’

Expatiating on this, he said the United Nations would recover its relevance only when it reflects the world as it is, not as it was. ‘Nigeria’s journey tells this story with clarity. When the UN was founded, we were a colony of 20 million people, absent from the tables where decisions about our fate were taken. Today, we are a sovereign nation of 236 million people, projected to be the third most populous country in the world, with one of the youngest and most dynamic populations on Earth, a stabilising force in regional security, and a consistent partner in global peace-making.’

The Vice President followed up his presentation with a meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, where he further reiterated the demands.

Given the UN Secretary-General’s temperament and positive posture towards reforms, Nigeria’s demands must have struck a resonant chord. Elected Secretary-General in October 2016, succeeding Ban Ki-moon, Guterres reformed the UN and addressed multiple global refugee crises.

On the sidelines of the 80th UN session, Vice President Shettima addressed a Global Champions Roundtable on Housing, led bilateral talks with investors on agriculture, solid minerals, and technology, and engaged with Nigerians living in the United States.

Two other important side events, among others, took place on the sidelines of UNGA 80 leaders’ talks. One was put together by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, to showcase investment opportunities in Nigeria and demonstrate that the country is ready for business.

The other, the 2nd Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) High-Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development in Africa, which Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, chaired, stood out this year.

The vice president attended both events and delivered important statements on behalf of President Tinubu.

At the first event, the consensus was that Nigeria has become one of the best places to invest, given its reform momentum and investment profile-namely, a large consumer market of over 200 million people, an over $280 billion economy, the largest in West Africa, and a 4.23% GDP growth rate that is still accelerating, among other things.

President Tinubu, in a message delivered by VP Shettima, canvassed a total re-drawing of the global financial architecture for Africa’s mineral resources, saying it was time for its nations to begin not only financing their mineral sector but also asserting their influence and power in the global supply chains of African products.

According to the President, this has become necessary if the sovereignty of African nations is to be protected. He recommended collective action by development allies and partners to bring Africa’s mineral economy to reality for the benefit of the continent and its people.

It was just as imperative for Alake, Solid Minerals’ minister and AMSG’s chair. He called for cohesion among African nations, saying that with a determined focus and a reinvigorated sense of partnership and transparency in the minerals sector, Africa will harness the benefits of a sustained, deepened, and well-harmonised mineral sector in all ramifications. ‘These resources are indispensable for global sustainable development and remain catalysts for Africa’s rapid industrialisation,’ he said.

Indeed, from the intermittent applause that greeted the delivery of Nigeria’s national statement on the floor of the UN General Assembly and the overwhelmingly favourable response to the country’s presentations and positions on issues canvassed at the side events held on the margins of the conference, there was little doubt that Nigeria’s messages resonated well at UNGA 80. That is indeed what matters, not whether President Tinubu physically attended.

-Rahman is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Special Duties.

When Jimmy Eboma, Chairman and Founder of EmoSIM, found himself stranded in Ukraine struggling to make a simple phone call home, he had no idea the frustration of that moment would spark one of Nigeria’s most ambitious telecom innovations.

‘It was not just about buying a SIM card,’ Eboma recalled. ‘There were endless requirements, ID, proof of address, long forms. Individually, these are not a problem. But when you are a traveler rushing through an airport, it becomes exasperating. That was when I thought, is this what millions of Africans go through every time they travel? I knew something had to change.’

That personal struggle became the seed of EmoSIM, Nigeria’s first outbound travel eSIM provider, a solution designed to remove the bottlenecks of traditional roaming and SIM purchases, while giving travelers seamless connectivity across the globe.

Eboma’s entrepreneurial instincts had been sharpened years earlier by Nigeria’s telecommunications revolution under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. ‘That era opened our eyes to what was possible. We just needed the right technical partner who shared our vision of a truly global service,’ he explained.

That partner came in the form of Tata Communications, a global telecoms giant. After rigorous background checks, they gave EmoSIM the go-ahead to launch. ‘It was not easy, getting the MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) license was just one step. Finding the right partner who could help us scale globally was the real challenge. But once Tata signed on, we knew we were ready.’

On May 28, 2025, at a grand unveiling in Lagos, EmoSIM introduced Nigeria’s first outbound travel eSIM. For Eboma, this was more than a product launch.

‘It is a new chapter in Nigeria’s global connectivity story,’ he said at the event. ‘We are giving travellers an easier and more affordable way to stay connected in over 180 countries. Connectivity is not a luxury. It is a lifeline.’

With EmoSIM, there is no need for long queues to buy physical SIM cards, no need for expensive roaming, and no fear of being disconnected abroad. Travellers simply download the EmoSIM app, scan a QR code, buy a bundle, and get connected immediately.

EmoSIM also introduced another important advantage: payment in local currency. This means travellers can use their local bank cards instead of worrying about foreign exchange. ‘This is about protecting our economy as much as it is about giving our people convenience,’ Eboma said.

Cost is another area where EmoSIM is breaking barriers. Even compared to global giants, EmoSIM offers lower prices. ‘Even with the biggest names in the industry, we are still one dollar cheaper,’ Eboma proudly shared.

Security is also a major benefit. If a traveller loses their phone, they do not have to queue for a replacement SIM card. All they need to do is access their email, and their line is restored instantly.

Aditya Raj Kholsa, EmoSIM’s Chief Operating Officer, explained the simplicity: ‘Every modern smartphone today is eSIM-ready. You just download the EmoSIM app, register, choose your plan, and activate. Whether your trip is short or long, there is a plan for you. It is very easy.’

Since its launch in Lagos, EmoSIM has already spread to the Southern African Development Communities, each with a local country manager. But for Eboma, the achievement is about more than expansion.

‘We want Africans to feel proud,’ he said. ‘We are not just chasing money. We are showing the world that a Nigerian company can compete globally. What we need now is for our government to stand behind us, not with money or tax waivers, but by recognising that this is a homegrown innovation.’

With its promise of affordability, seamless connectivity, and continuous innovation, EmoSIM is not just solving the problems of today’s travelers. It is also shaping the future of how Africans connect to the world.

From one man’s frustration to a service that now operates in 180 countries, EmoSIM is proof that even the toughest challenges can inspire lasting solutions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the international community to disregard allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.

Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in reaction to the reports, said the allegation represents a gross misinterpretation of Nigeria’s complex security challenges and an oversimplification of the issues confronting the country.

In an exclusive interview, Ebienfa assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains fully committed to securing every part of the country and ensuring the safety of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s security agencies are working tirelessly to tackle all forms of threats and restore peace and stability nationwide.

He said, ‘I must state categorically that the allegations are false and baseless. The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally refutes these unwarranted allegations in their entirety. They represent a gross misrepresentation of the complex security situation in Nigeria and a dangerous oversimplification of the challenges we face as a nation. Such claims are not only false but are also irresponsible, as they threaten to undermine the unity, interfaith harmony, and national sovereignty of Nigeria.

‘As you are aware, Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious society where over 230 million people of diverse faiths, chiefly Christianity and Islam, have co-existed and thrived together for generations. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for every citizen. The Government remains steadfast in its duty to protect this right for all Nigerians, irrespective of their creed.

‘The Ministry, therefore, calls upon the international community to disregard these unfounded allegations and to instead support Nigeria’s efforts in combating terrorism and banditry. Moreso, we urge our international partners to seek verified information from official channels and to engage in constructive dialogue with the Nigerian government.

‘Nigeria remains a beacon of religious freedom and diversity in Africa. We are committed to fostering a society where all citizens can live in peace and practice their faith without fear. Therefore, we will not be distracted by those who seek to sow division and distrust for their own geopolitical or ideological ends.’

The ministry spokesperson said, ‘The security challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast, North Central, and other regions, are a result of the activities of terrorist groups and criminal elements, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed bandits. These groups are notorious for their indiscriminate violence, which has claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerians, both Christians and Muslims alike, and has led to the destruction of places of worship belonging to both faiths. They do not represent any religion; they are enemies of all faiths and of humanity itself.

‘The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to securing every inch of Nigerian territory and protecting every citizen. Our security forces are courageously engaged in ongoing operations across the country to neutralize these threats. We have made significant strides in degrading the capabilities of these terrorist groups and are continuously adapting our strategies to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

‘Therefore, to attribute the heinous crimes of these terrorists to a state-sponsored policy against a particular religious group is a deliberate and cynical falsehood. It ignores the shared victimhood of Nigerians across religious lines and the tireless efforts of our military and security agencies.’

Media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has said that religion and misplaced priorities remain major factors preventing Nigerians from realising their full potential.

Speaking in a recent interview with Chude Jideonwo on YouTube, Daddy Freeze criticised the excessive religiosity of many Nigerians, arguing that most churches fail to inspire genuine transformation among their members.

‘Ten churches on a street, no love,’ he said, describing the situation as a reflection of spiritual hypocrisy in society.

He also referenced chef Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record-breaking cook-a-thon, praising her determination but questioning the crowd that gathered to watch her.

‘I understand Hilda Baci cooking the rice. I understand her trying to break a record. I appreciate that. I respect that. I support that. But you left your house to go and watch somebody cook rice. That part, I don’t understand,’ he said.

Freeze said that while it would have made sense if around 2,000 people attended, the turnout of over 20,000 Nigerians revealed misplaced priorities.

He urged citizens to channel their energy and enthusiasm into productive activities that would contribute to both personal growth and national development.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity across several parts of the country, urging the Federal government to confront the crisis with honesty, urgency, and transparency.

In a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party called on the federal government to first acknowledge the true scale and complexity of the security challenges, instead of making what it described as ‘insensitive claims of progress that mock the daily realities of Nigerians.’

The ADC also urged the government to engage directly with affected states, local governments, and communities, listen to their experiences, and seek local input in developing practical solutions.

It further called for heightened security alertness nationwide, with coordinated military and police operations involving local and state security networks.

The party added that the government should commit to regular public reporting on security incidents and institute a transparent system for tracking and auditing federal security funds.

‘Nigeria is under attack. This administration must stop pretending otherwise. They must stop treating national security as a political talking point and start treating it as a governing priority.

‘The lives of Nigerians must matter more than sound bites and ceremonies. The time for symbolic gestures is over, what the country needs now is responsible leadership, operational urgency, and measurable results,’ Abdullahi said.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu withheld assent to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill due to concerns about its mandate section and the proposed one percent Freight Stabilisation Fee.

Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the visit of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, over the weekend in Lagos, Akutah explained that the issues raised have since been addressed and the revised Bill is currently before the National Assembly for review before being resubmitted to the President.

‘The NPERA Bill was returned by Mr. President to the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for advisory due to issues raised over the mandate section of the Bill, the one percent Freight Stabilisation Fee, and the new role of the Shippers Council as the Port Economic Regulator,’ he said.

Akutah added that the Shippers Council has since met with the Attorney General of the Federation, and all contentious areas have been clarified to ensure the Bill’s smooth passage and eventual assent.

‘Those issues created a little bit of confusion, but that has been resolved because the Gazette of the Presidential Order of 2015 and the regulations of 2015 have all been handed over to the Minister of Justice.

‘So, they have now looked at it again to see that the Council mandate has changed by the order of the president appointing the Shipper’s Council as the Port Economic Regulator.

‘So, those aspects that needed to be corrected have been corrected, and the bill has gone back to the National Assembly on its way back to Mr. President for assent.

‘There was a little bit hitch, but we have overcome that hitch. So, it is now on track heading back to Mr. President. But the National Assembly still has to look at it because of those corrections that were made.

‘You can’t correct a bill that has been passed without the National Assembly looking at it. The corrections are not so many, just a few of them regarding the mandate and then regarding the 1 percent freight fee.

‘The Bill is still with the National Assembly. You know that they have been on recess. They were supposed to resume last week, but I think they moved it forward.

‘As soon as the National Assembly resumes sitting, they will look at this quickly and then do all the corrections and send it back.’

Shedding more light on the corrections done on the NPERA Bill, Akutah explained that, ‘On mandate, the issue was whether the Council has the mandate to become the Port Economic Regulator. That mandate was given to the Council under the Presidential Order of 2015. This fact was not very well known to the Ministry of Justice at the time when the Bill came back to them.

‘Also, the regulations of 2015, which have copiously given the nitty-gritty of what the Port Economic Regulator will do, were also not known at the time when the Bill got to the Ministry. So, the Ministry of Justice called us and we provided all those details to them.

‘Then the provision regarding the 1 percent freight stabilisation fee. The provision appeared to be saying that the freight fee was going to be the funding of the agency, whereas it is the revenue to be generated by the agency. So, those corrections have been made,’ he said.