Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Celebrated UK-based DJ and cultural ambassador, DJ Remmy (Remigius Onyemesim), has clinched the Best DJ of the Year title at the 2025 Ebony Ambassadors African Youth Empowerment Awards (EAAYE). The prestigious ceremony took place on June 7th, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, London, gathering some of the most influential figures across Africa’s creative and cultural landscape.

The EAAYE Awards honour exceptional Africans and allies in the diaspora whose work uplifts communities, inspires positive change, and celebrates cultural heritage. DJ Remmy’s recognition is a testament to his dynamic artistry, deep cultural awareness, and unwavering commitment to using music as a tool for connection and empowerment.

Known for his genre-blending sets and magnetic stage presence, DJ Remmy has become a driving force in championing African music and identity on global stages. His craft extends beyond entertainment; it builds bridges. Whether behind the decks or mentoring young creatives, Remmy continues to inspire through his innovation, mentorship, and advocacy for unity.

His Best DJ of the Year win acknowledges his remarkable impact in shaping contemporary African sound and his dedication to nurturing creativity within his community. The Ebony Ambassadors Awards continue to celebrate visionaries like him who redefine excellence and leadership within the African and diaspora experience.

Based in Bradford, UK, DJ Remmy is a culture-conscious DJ and creative known for his electrifying fusion of Afrobeat, Amapiano, Dancehall, and global club sounds. Deeply rooted in his Nigerian heritage, he brings a sense of home and belonging to every performance.

He has performed at notable events such as the Nigerian Festival UK and Blankets and Wine African Festival, consistently creating spaces of joy, unity, and shared identity. Beyond his performances, DJ Remmy actively promotes mental health awareness and creative wellbeing, using music as a healing language that crosses borders and generations

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of ex-governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others has claimed that the transactions carried out in accounts belonging to the state government violated no known banking regulations.

The witness, Mrs. Abimbola Williams, who is a Compliance Officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), featured as the third prosecution witness.

Bello is being prosecuted before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He is being prosecuted with Umar Oricha (Director General, Kogi State Government House) and Abdulsalami Hudu (an Accountant with the state government).

The EFCC is, in the 16-count charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion.

Under cross-examination by the lawyer to Bello, Joseph Daudu, Williams said she was not the relationship or account manager of the Kogi Government House account.

She added that the account is domiciled in Lokoja (the capital of Kogi State), while she works in Abuja.

The witness said the banks do not enquire from customers the purpose for which they were making cash withdrawals, but that such a question could be asked when making transfers, and the relationship with the beneficiary in cases of high-volume transactions.

Mrs. Williams said that as a compliance officer, her duties involve protecting the integrity of her employer from legal penalties, reputational damage, and financial losses.

She said no withdrawal went beyond N10 million in all the transactions presented before the court, adding that she has worked with UBA for 19 years.

The witness, who said she was familiar with the duties of a cashier, which she said included paying cash and receiving cash, added that a customer could withdraw his/her money as much as he/she prefer as long as the mandate is correct.

The witness told the court that she had not met Bello in person before and that she had equally not met or had business dealings with Oricha.

Under cross-examination by lawyer to Hudu, A. M. Aliyu (SAN), the witness was handed a bank statement which reflected the various withdrawals made.

She stated that the narration on the credit entry in the statement was the governor’s security fund, adding that it was a credit entry of N100 million, in two tranches of N50 million each.

On whether she could state that the funds were not used for security purposes, the witness said: ‘My Lord, I am not privy to the details of the transaction and cannot categorically answer that question.’

Earlier, while being led in evidence by the lawyer for the prosecution, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Mrs. Williams was handed documents relating to the account of the Kogi State Government House.

The lawyer took the witness through the documents from which she narrated how withdrawals were allegedly made by Hudu.

She said cheque transactions totalling 64 at N10million per transaction, amounting to N640 million, were allegedly made within six days (between 31st July and 6th August, 2019) by Hudu.

She added that she was not in a position to know why the withdrawals were made.

She also confirmed transfers, in tranches, by one Bello Abdullateef, on July 5, 2019, but noted, on cross-examination, that her bank did not breach any regulations in allowing the withdrawals or transfers.

The prosecution also called in its fourth witness, Jesutomi Akanni, a Compliance Officer with Ecobank.

The prosecution tendered a 13-page statement of accounts from 2016 to 2024 and some other documents through the witness.

The witness gave details of some transactions in the account, following which the defence lawyers cross-examined the witness.

The prosecution called its fifth witness, Victoria Oluwafemi, who, like Akanni, was a subpoenaed witness from Polaris Bank.

Earlier, Daudu informed the court about his client’s pending application, challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

He urged the court to hear the application, a request Pinheiro objected to, arguing that it was not ripe for hearing.

Hearing in the case, before Justice Maryanne Anenih resumes on Thursday.

Thousands of residents received free medical care, including fibroid, hernia and eye surgeries at the Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Bayelsa Mega Axis, with the headquarter at Okaka, Yenagoa during an outreach.

The free medical outreach backed up with healing prayers was aimed at giving hope to the medically challenged.

The health programme included general consultations and laboratory tests, surgical interventions in gynecological cases, obstetrics and ophthalmic, among others.

There was also general health education and counselling especially for communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS. Those with serious ailments that cannot be treated at the field offices were referred to tertiary health institutions for more comprehensive care.

At the week-long medical mission, the sick and infirm from several communities in Bayelsa state and beyond, came out in search of healing.

The church MFM Okaka, and designated Health facilities for the medical outreach and surgeries was swarming with activities as the sick and their caring relatives thronged the place for medical attention from the visiting medical team.

The crowd of the old and the young was attended to by medical team put together by the church’s medical professionals.

According to the Mega Regional Overseer (MRO), MFM Bayelsa Mega Regional Headquarter, Pastor Emmanuel Akinola, the free medical services fully sponsored by the church ensured that individuals/residents accessed quality healthcare.

He emphasised that those unable to afford medical care received the necessary attention, diagnosis, and treatment as well as surgeries and free recommended glasses.

He added the gestures were part of the Explosive Evangelism Initiative (EEI) of the church to capture more souls for Christ there by depopulating the kingdom of darkness.

Akinola, said gesture was in line with the vision of the General Overseer, MFM Worldwide, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, which was to touch lives beyond denomination and religious biases as well as to capture souls for Christ, added that the medical outreach along with other humanitarian programmes are part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the church.

He thanked Olukoya and wife for their utmost passion to ensure that souls are won for Christ, souls are delivered from the jaws of darkness, lives are transformed positively, while needs of the people are also met physically.

The MRO said Olukoya has given a marching order to the churches across the world to ensure that lives are touched physically through different corporate social responsibility programmes apart from the Biblical teachings and Deliverance prayers the church believes in.

Akinola informed the MFM Bayelsa Mega Axis has been involved in several CSR such as food evangelism, foodmart, scholarship to indigents but brilliant and different skills acquisition.

He said the church has empowered and engaged youths in taking them off the streets while teenagers have been empowered capturing them for Christ.

The medical outreach, according to Akinola, targeted the vulnerable members of the community, the state at large particularly women, children, men and youths as well as the aged who cannot afford the cost of medical attention.

Beneficiaries, thanked God as well as the church for bringing health care services closer to the people at no cost it .

Some stated that if not for the free medical outreach carried out in they would not bother testing for malaria or typhoid but would rather self diagnose and treat malaria and typhoid themselves.

Majority of Nigerian workers will not pay tax on what they earn when the new law takes effect in January.

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said about 98 per cent of Nigerian workers will be exempted from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) .

Oyedele spoke during a session at the ongoing 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31) in Abuja.

Under the new tax structure, he said, poor Nigerians would be exempted from personal income tax, while high-net-worth individuals would be subject to higher rates.

‘The poor will not pay personal income tax,’ he said.

‘Those who earn more and have greater means will pay more. That is how fairness works in a modern economy.’

Oyedele stated that small and low-income companies would also enjoy tax exemptions to strengthen their operations and create more jobs.

He said: ‘We are considering tax-exempt stickers for nano businesses to protect them from harassment by state and local government officials.

‘These are the smallest operators – street vendors, petty traders, artisans – they should be allowed to thrive.’

He explained that the tax reforms are designed to protect low-income earners and those living around the poverty line, while ensuring a more equitable and efficient tax system.

‘The more inequality you create, the more time bomb you have,’ Oyedele said.

‘These reforms are designed to strengthen governance around revenue generation, improve accountability, and ensure that tax revenues are effectively utilised.’

According to him, the comprehensive tax reforms, which form part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader fiscal policy agenda, aim to enhance Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating, lower borrowing costs for both government and businesses, and stimulate private-sector investment.

Oyedele said the reform effort was not without personal risk, revealing that he had received death threats because of his role in driving the initiative.

‘Reform is tough,’ he said. ‘I have suffered all kinds of things, including death threats. But I am not scared. I recently celebrated my 50th birthday.

‘Even if anything happens, I have done my bit. The reforms belong to Nigerians. The reforms don’t belong to Mr. President.’

He said the reforms seek to build a fairer system in which wealthy individuals and large corporations contribute more to the country’s development.

‘If we don’t pay our taxes in an orderly manner, we’ll pay them in a disorderly manner.

‘We’ve seen that in the past few years with over N30 trillion printed, which is part of the inflation we’re dealing with and the devaluation of the naira.

‘We don’t want that to happen. We’ve seen countries like Zimbabwe where prices double every other day.’

Responding to concerns that state and local governments might resist the reforms, Oyedele assured that members of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), representing all 36 states and the FCT, were fully part of the committee’s deliberations and had expressed support for the new framework.

According to him, the new system would not deprive states of revenue but would, in fact, help them earn more from the Federation Account without burdening vulnerable citizens.

‘Last year, all the states generated N3.36 trillion from taxes imposed on their people,’ he said.

‘If that N3.36 trillion is not generated in 2026, the states will not do worse. We are convinced that no state will be bankrupt. We can’t do better by not taxing our most vulnerable.’

Oyedele cited recent improvements in national revenue distribution as evidence that the fiscal reforms were already beginning to yield results.

‘Last month, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared N2.2 trillion to the three tiers of government,’ he said.

He also criticised outdated and regressive tax provisions that burden the poor, citing examples such as the so-called ‘wheelbarrow tax.’

‘Some of the tax provisions in our constitution are retrogressive,’ Oyedele said.

‘How will you ask anyone to pay wheelbarrow tax? That is why we have sent ten amendment proposals to the National Assembly to amend sections that need to change in line with the tax reforms.’

According to him, the committee is also working on expenditure reforms to ensure that tax revenues are used efficiently and transparently.

‘We have worked on the expenditure side,’ he explained.

‘We are working seriously on fiscal regimes to ensure transparency and prudence in government expenditure so that Nigerians get full benefits of their taxes.’

Veteran Scrabble player Chinedu Okwelogu, fondly known as Chinedu Thorpe or Sidespin, is brimming with excitement at the prospect of representing Nigeria at the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) in Ghana.

While many of his contemporaries are settling into retirement and grandparenthood, the 60-year-old Okwelogu is defying age barriers and proving that scrabble is a lifelong sport as he prepares to battle it out on the world stage against some younger opponents.

Sidespin is one of the 15 players selected by the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), to represent the country at next month’s biannual competition holding in Accra, Ghana.

For Okwelogu, the thrill of competing among the best minds in global scrabble is not just about personal glory-it is a testament to the longevity and employability that the game offers.

Having first picked up Scrabble tiles in 1973 before a decade-long detour into table tennis, Okwelogu turned professional in 1983.

His love for the game eventually helped him achieve academic success, earning his O-Levels in 1986 after several unsuccessful attempts.

His passion for scrabble also opened professional doors, leading to his employment within the Scrabble community in Kano State.

Now set to retire from the Federal Civil Service on November 7, Okwelogu remains fully active in the sport as a Tournament Scrabble Consultant, illustrating what he calls the ‘uncommon reality’ of scrabble as a lifelong profession.

‘Scrabble can employ a human being for life in multiple capacities,’ he said. ‘I’m fulfilled just by being an example of that truth.’

In both Nigerian and international circles, it is not unusual to see players well into their 70s still competing-and winning prize money. Okwelogu takes pride in being part of that enduring tradition.

Looking ahead to WESPAC 2025, the veteran aims to break into the Top 10, determined to better his previous outing at the 2009 Championship in Malaysia, where he finished around 68th position.

Before heading to camp with the rest of his teammates, his preparations have been intense, focusing particularly on mastering two- to six-letter words, a key component of elite-level Scrabble success.

Team Nigeria will be camping in Lagos for about two weeks before leaving for Accra.

As Okwelogu counts down to Ghana, his journey stands as an inspiring reminder that passion and persistence can indeed make age just another word on the board.

By virtue of Nigeria’s leading role and state in the World, the country has been given 15 slots for players representation at the global event which runs from the 9th to 17th November in Accra.

Nigeria is currently ranked second in the World and that’s our lowest ranking in the last ten years.

After a series of National and Continental championships and Qualifiers the most revered and respected NSF Technical Committee has carefully selected 15 players who will represent Nigeria at the World Championship.

The list include, current African Champion, Oluwatimilehin Doko, former African Champion Rex Ogbakpa, PANASA President’s Cup winner Victor Godwin and Africa number two player George Ezinore as well as number three ranked player on the continent and highly rated in the World, Abdulmumin Jimoh.

The rest of Team Nigeria are very experienced serial winners at national and international competitions in the last five years.

TEAM NIGERIA SQUAD

Oluwatimilehin Doko – Continental Champion

John Aiyedun – All Africa Championship winner

George Ezinore – Africa’s No 2 and NSF Green Jacket holder

Victor Godwin – President Cup winner

Rex Ogbakpa – Continental Champion

Abdulmumin Jimoh

Tega Okiemute

Samuel Adebola

Chinedu Thorpe

Emmanuel Umujose – EEAST winner

Larry Etuwa

Ben Quickpen – 2024 NSF golden medallist

Tuoyo Mayuku – The most decorated female of all time in Africa

John Curtis Ebomah

Peter Ebomah

ýThe Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has inaugurated a new electoral committee (SWANECO) tasked with organizing free and fair elections.

ýAt the extra-ordinary congress presided over by Aaron Akerejola, the Interim Chairman appointed by the National SWAN, members nominated and approved the appointment of Patrick Omorodion of Vanguard Newspaper as chairman of the electoral committee. He will be joined by Anulika Menanya of Voice of Nigeria, along with McAnthony Anaelechukwu, Soliu Adeyemo, and Michael Nnabuchi.

ýRising from the congress, the committee was mandated to conduct the upcoming elections strictly in line with the SWAN statute (as amended), to ensure fairness and transparency.

ýSpeaking during the congress, Akerejola thanked members for showing up on short notice, describing it as a positive sign in the collective effort to rescue the association from individuals who have used it for personal gain. He emphasized the need to reposition SWAN to better serve all members, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.

ý’It has been my vision for months to see all parties come together under one umbrella to chart the way forward,’ he said. ‘Our task here is simple. We are to assess the current situation and deliberate on a way forward, in line with the mandate of the National SWAN executive led by Benjamin Isaiah.’

ýThe congress did not hold back in its criticism of the suspended duo, Olatutu Oladunni, Lagos SWAN Chairman, and Bello Omotunde, Secretary, accusing them of deploying intimidation tactics.

ýThese include the use of non-state actors (thugs) and some identified members of the Department of State Security (DSS) who told members they were under strict instructions to stop the planned congress convened in line with the SWAN statutes to determine the association’s future with whatever means necessary.

ýIn a strongly worded resolution, the congress called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi; the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh; and the Area Commander of Area C Police Command to call their officers to order.

The congress urged them to focus on national security and critical internal issues, rather than allowing their personnel to be used as tools for intimidating law-abiding citizens.

ýMeanwhile, the list of newly inaugurated SWANECO members will be communicated to the National SWAN for final ratification, in accordance with statutory provisions. Upon ratification, the Omorodion-led SWANECO will release the final guidelines for the electoral process.

Sir: It was assumed that the launch of Dangote’s $20-billion refinery would be a breath of fresh air – the long-awaited project to finally free Nigeria from decades of fuel import dependency and the grip of vested interests. Right? Wrong.

For decades, successive governments lavished billions on turnaround maintenance of our comatose refineries, yet not one could produce a drop of fuel for Nigerians. We became a crude oil producer that imported nearly all its refined products- a national disgrace sustained by those who profited from the dysfunction – ‘The owners of Nigeria’.

The Dangote Refinery was supposed to change that. But since its birth, it has faced chaos after chaos. Skirmishes with the NNPC, friction with international oil companies, pushback from petroleum marketers, tanker drivers, depot owners, and now, open confrontation with PENGASSAN. Behind every one of these confrontations lies a common denominator: the owners of Nigeria who have held this country by the jugular for decades. The owners who are furious that the removal of fuel subsidy took food off their greedy tables. The owners who would rather see the country burn than lose control of the taps that enrich them.

Yet, for ordinary Nigerians, the Dangote Refinery offered hope; a promise that gave us a relatively cheaper, more stable fuel and gas supply. But these ‘owners of Nigeria’ have refused. They have sworn that Nigerians must never get relief. It is over their dead bodies.

Check this: in the aviation sector, jet fuel reportedly accounts for nearly 40% of operational costs. Dangote reportedly offered to sell Jet A1 at N980 per litre, down from the N1,240 the cabal currently sells. That’s a 26% reduction, a direct saving that could have made air travel cheaper for millions. The response from the cabal? Rejection, reportedly. They would rather Nigerians continue to bleed.

Or take the case of LPG, i.e., cooking gas. Nigerians currently pay over N1,000 per kg. Dangote reportedly offered to sell at N800 per litre. Again, the ‘owners of Nigeria’ revolted, reportedly. They simply cannot stand the thought of affordability for the masses, not when it cuts into their illicit profits.

And now the queues are back. One kg of gas is now selling between N1500-N3000. Not because of subsidy delays or foreign exchange shortages, but because of deliberate sabotage. A manufactured scarcity by vested interests holding the country hostage under the guise of industrial action. PENGASSAN’s strike may be framed as a workers’ struggle, but its timing and context tell a deeper story, a story that reeks of orchestration. At some point, Nigerians must collectively say ‘Enough is enough’.

The federal government must act more when private interests cripple national progress. The Dangote Refinery is not just a private venture; it is a national asset, a strategic investment that could redefine our economic independence.

The government must make it clear that the refinery’s success is in the national interest. No individual or group should be allowed to weaponise supply chains against Nigerians.

Regulators, too, must rise to their responsibility. The FCCPC should investigate any evidence of collusion or cartel behaviour within the oil and gas distribution chain. It should be made clear that industrial action cannot become a weapon of economic sabotage. There must be accountability for actions that deliberately inflict hardship on millions of Nigerians.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We can either protect the few who profit from dysfunction or empower those who build solutions. The Dangote Refinery, with all its imperfections, represents the latter. To allow cabals to frustrate that progress is to choose national stagnation over renewal.

What is at stake here is not just fuel or gas; it is the soul of Nigeria’s economic independence. If we cannot protect progress when it comes, then we do not deserve it. It is time for the government, regulators, and citizens to draw a line.

Never again should the selfish interests of a few override the collective good of over 200 million Nigerians.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last night accepted the resignation of Mr. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.

It followed allegations surrounding the authenticity of his academic credentials.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the President approved Nnaji’s resignation.

Nnaji, appointed in August 2023, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, attributing his resignation to ‘sustained blackmail and political persecution.’

‘I have been a target of blackmail by political opponents,’ he stated.

The former minister came under public scrutiny in recent weeks after reports questioned the authenticity of some certificates he submitted during his ministerial screening.

Despite repeatedly denying wrongdoing, civic groups and political figures called for his suspension pending investigation.

Onanuga said the President thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.

Nnaji’s exit marks the first ministerial resignation over a certificate-related controversy in the Tinubu Administration.

Other ministers had left the Tinubu Administration under different circumstances.

Among them was ex-Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr. Betta Edu, who left under a cloud of financial impropriety.

Nobody saw Nnaji’s resignation coming because up till last night, he defended himself against allegations that his University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka and the National Youth Corps certificates were forged.

Nearly one year ago, a newspaper broke the story of his fake university and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

While the university could not confirm the authenticity of Nnaji’s certificate, he challenged them to publish his transcript.

He also accused the Enugu State Government of being behind the strident attacks on him over the issue.

But the government of his home state denied it all.

Nnaji contested the 2023 governorship election in Enugu State against Governor Peter Nmba. He ran on the ticket of the APC.

Minister insists he graduated from UNN

Nnaji maintained that he duly graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1985.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Nnaji’s aide, Robert Ngwu, presented pages of the university’s 1985 convocation brochure showing Nnaji’s name and photograph.

‘He is a proud alumnus of UNN, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Lower Division),’ he said.

Ngwu cited a letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of UNN’s Registrar, confirming that ‘Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji (Reg. No. 1981/30725) graduated in July 1985 with a B.Sc. Second Class (Lower).’

‘This remains the university’s official position – properly stamped and valid,’ he said.

He questioned the motive behind a subsequent letter, dated May 2025, allegedly denying Nnaji’s records.

‘What changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the change of leadership at UNN?’ Ngwu asked.

He claimed that attempts within the university to tamper with the minister’s file prompted a suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Ngwu accused the UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, of fuelling ‘politically motivated media attacks’ rather than complying with the court’s directive.

He alleged that the controversy was a ‘coordinated attempt’ to smear Nnaji and weaken his political influence in Enugu State.

‘This is not about education or integrity – it’s about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry,’ Ngwu said.

‘UNN must restore its integrity by distancing itself from politics. The minister will not be distracted by propaganda.’

Enugu govt: Minister must clear his name

The Enugu State Government distanced itself from the controversy, dismissing claims that it sponsored the allegations against Nnaji.

The state government, through its Director of Information, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nebo, denied the accusation, urging Nnaji to ‘carry his own cross and clear his name.’

‘The Enugu State Government dissociates itself completely from these allegations.

‘The Honourable Minister must clear his name before Nigerians, instead of dragging the government into issues that are entirely personal to him,’ Nebo stated.

Court adjourns till November 10

At the hearing of Nnaji’s suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025), his lawyer, Sebastine Hon (SAN), told the court that all parties had been served.

He accused the UNN Vice-Chancellor of writing to an online newspaper after being served, leading to the publication of a ‘damaging and prejudicial’ story.

‘The publication titled ‘Investigation: The Serial Certificate Forger in Tinubu’s Cabinet’ was made after the defendants were served, contrary to the rule that all parties must maintain the status quo,’ Hon said.

He informed the court of plans to file additional processes on the new development.

Counsel to the university, Mr. E.M. Asogwa, denied the claim but assured the court that his clients would maintain the status quo pending the hearing.

Justice Yilwa adjourned till November 10.

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and local capacity building with over $1 billion in annual local contract opportunities and a 97% reduction in routine gas flaring across its operations in the past decade.

Speaking at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Media Capacity Building Programme held in Warri on Tuesday, Chevron’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu, represented by Akinbola Praise, highlighted the company’s efforts in community development, media training, and environmental sustainability.

‘CNL seeks to make human investments that deliver long-term transformative returns. Through investments in gathering and processing of associated gas, routine flaring has been reduced by over 97% in the past 10 years in CNL’s operations,’ Oduselu said.

He added that Chevron’s local content development strategy currently supports Nigerian employment and contract opportunities across all projects, averaging over $1 billion annually.

The workshop explored the role of the media in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, in relation to sustaining the relationship between International Oil Companies and their oil and gas host communities.

In his lecture titled ‘PIA: Roles of the Media in Educating Host Communities,’ Professor Majority Oji of Delta State University, Abraka, emphasized the media’s role in educating host communities about the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Oji suggested that the NUJ spearhead the education of Niger Deltan on the PIA.

Dr. F. Atubi, also a DELSU lecturer, echoed the call for stronger media involvement in strengthening the relationshipbetween oil multinationals and host communities, noting, ‘The media is to educate host communities, report grievances before it becomes a national concern and put pressure on IOCs to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility.’

Also speaking, a technology expert, Philip Nwosu advocated for the integration of artificial intelligence in journalism, saying its use ‘saves time, improves productivity, builds trust,’ but warned that ‘it can make mistakes.’

The programme, which is part of Chevron’s broader strategy to empower over 400 journalists nationwide in 2025 alone, underscores a growing alliance between the oil giant and the Nigerian media to foster transparency, accountability, and sustainable community development.

The World Bank Group has said that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms have led to a significant rise in government revenues at all tiers, resulting in increased spending by both the federal and subnational governments.

This is contained in the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) titled ‘From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home,’ released in Abuja on Wednesday by the World Bank.

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Mathew Verghis, said the reforms are beginning to deliver measurable fiscal outcomes, including improved revenue generation, higher public investment, and signs of macroeconomic stability.

The report stated that subnational governments, in particular, have witnessed an increase in capital expenditure, which now accounts for nearly 60 to 65 percent of their total spending. According to the report, capital spending by state governments rose from about one percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022 to a projected 2.7 percent of GDP by 2025.

Mathew Verghis, however, noted that at the federal level, recurrent expenditure still dominates, with wages and salaries consuming about 70 percent of total spending – leaving limited room for capital investment.

‘Reforms by the federal government have yielded more revenues for all levels of government, leading to higher spending. Subnational governments, in particular, are directing more of their resources toward capital projects, which is a positive development,’ Verghis said.

He explained that Nigeria’s economy has started showing encouraging signs of stabilization, noting that revenue collection is on the rise, debt indicators are improving, the foreign exchange market is stabilizing, reserves are increasing, and inflation is beginning to ease.

‘So these results are exactly what you need to see in a stabilization. These are big achievements,’ he said. ‘However, despite these stabilization gains, many Nigerians are still struggling. Most households are dealing with eroded purchasing power.’

According to the World Bank chief, poverty levels remain deeply concerning, with an estimated 139 million Nigerians projected to live in poverty by 2025.

‘In 2025, we estimate that 139 million Nigerians will live in poverty. So the challenge is clear – how to translate the gains from the stabilization reforms into better living standards for all,’ Verghis stated.

He said the government must take decisive steps to reduce inflation, particularly food inflation, ensure efficient use of public funds, and expand social safety nets to protect the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

‘Food inflation affects everybody, but particularly the poor and has the potential to undermine political support for the reforms,’ he said. ‘Public resources must be used more effectively, ensuring that spending drives real development results that benefit people. Expanding the safety net is also critical so that the poorest and vulnerable get the support they need.’

Presenting an overview of the report, the World Bank Lead Economist for Nigeria, Mr. Samer Matta, said gross revenues shared as federation allocations have increased significantly over the past eight months of 2025.

However, he expressed concern over the high deductions by revenue-collecting agencies, noting that such payments do not contribute to the country’s development. ‘A large portion of what is collected goes to deductions that don’t impact real development outcomes,’ Matta observed.

He described Nigeria’s economic outlook as ‘cautiously optimistic,’ supported by steady growth, easing inflation, fiscal stability, and a strong external position, though risks remain from oil price volatility, reform fatigue, electoral cycles, and climate shocks.

According to the Nigeria Development Update, GDP growth is projected to rise modestly to 4.4 percent by 2027, driven by stronger performance in the services sector, a rebound in agriculture, and improved industrial activity under a more stable macroeconomic environment.

The report also forecasts that inflation will ease to 15.8 percent by 2027, supported by tight monetary policy and reduced supply pressures. Fiscal deficit is expected to average 2.7 percent of GDP between 2026 and 2027, helped by rising tax revenues and lower interest payments.

The Bank projected that Nigeria’s debt would remain stable, averaging in the low 40 percent of GDP range.

‘The outlook is subject to several risks,’ the report cautioned, ‘as growth and disinflation remain vulnerable to oil price shocks, reform fatigue, election uncertainties, and climate shocks.’

Overall, the World Bank’s latest assessment suggests that while Nigeria’s reforms are yielding fiscal and macroeconomic gains, the pressing challenge ahead lies in ensuring that these gains translate into tangible improvements in living standards and poverty reduction across the country.