Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The campaign Organisation of Senator Sharafadeen Alli the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State has dismissed allegations by Bimbo Adekanmbi against the senator as falsehoods aimed at undermining his growing popularity.

The organisation in a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Media and Publicity Mr Bisi Oladele accused Adekanmbi of concocting lies to smear Senator Alli’s image and distorting historical facts to score cheap political points rather than presenting credible plans for the development of the state.

It said the allegations made during a radio interview reflected the desperation of the opposition to discredit Alli ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The statement recalled that Alli while serving as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government maintained a record of prompt salary payments and workers’ welfare which earned him an award from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State.

It explained that the financial difficulties experienced by local governments following the January 1993 Federal Military Government policy on staff promotions and salary increases were a nationwide problem caused by inadequate allocations to implement the policy.

According to the organisation the crisis persisted beyond Alli’s tenure and was eventually addressed through institutional measures including the establishment of the National Primary Education Commission in 1997 and the introduction of first-line charges for teachers’ salaries by 1999.

The SSACO challenged Adekanmbi to produce the report supporting his allegation of corruption against Alli or face a defamation suit. The campaign organisation accused Adekanmbi and his political associates of exploiting historical challenges to mislead the electorate insisting that no amount of alleged blackmail would diminish Alli’s political standing.

It further accused the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of weakening local government administration in the state thereby denying residents at the grassroots the benefits of effective governance.

The statement said Alli if elected governor would revitalise the 33 local government areas strengthen their administrative and financial capacity and ensure that they effectively address the needs of their communities.

It added that his proposed priorities include reconstructing feeder and access roads to improve movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities across the state.

The organisation expressed confidence that the electorate would reject Adekanmbi and Makinde in the 2027 elections insisting that the campaign would remain focused on restoring effective grassroots governance.

It challenged Adekanmbi to engage in issue-based political discourse rather than what it described as attempts to rewrite history for partisan advantage.

ESDIAC Global Systems Limited has secured a licence to operate in Nigeria’s data market marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion of telecommunications and digital communication services across the country.

A statement in Lokoja by the company’s Chief Executive Austin Ugbebor confirmed the development.

The statement revealed that the licence enables ESDIAC to provide cross-border data solutions international connectivity data top-ups and global eSIM services to Nigerian consumers and businesses through retail and merchant networks.

Founded by Nigerian-born entrepreneur Austin Ugbebor ESDIAC was established to address the high cost and limited accessibility of international communication for diaspora communities and globally connected consumers.

The statement added: ‘Through its international calling platform Wi-Fi connectivity solutions and global mobile network partnerships the company serves tens of thousands of users worldwide.

‘The new licence strengthens ESDIAC’s ability to participate directly in Nigeria’s domestic data market while supporting its broader purpose: making communication more affordable accessible and inclusive for individuals families and businesses across borders.’

ESDIAC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for advancing policies aimed at liberalising Nigeria’s communications and digital economy. The administration’s reforms including the deregulation of the airtime credit and data advance sector are creating new opportunities for indigenous technology companies to compete.

innovate and contribute more meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

‘We commend President Tinubu for his vision and determination to create a more open and competitive communications industry.

‘These reforms send a powerful message that Nigerian companies can build world-class technology solutions compete globally and create lasting value at home said Austin Ugbebor Founder and CEO of ESDIAC.

It declared: ‘The company is particularly focused on extending affordable data and communication services to underserved communities Nigerian businesses and the global Nigerian diaspora. ‘Our purpose is to connect people opportunity and markets.

‘This licence allows us to deepen our contribution to Nigeria’s digital transformation while building a more inclusive communications ecosystem for the future’Ugbebor added.

ESDIAC is a Nigerian technology company specialising in telecommunications and data-driven solutions. Founded with a mission to make international communication accessible and affordable the company serves business and consumer customers across more than 150 countries and 400 cities worldwide.

Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested Shobande Taofeek aged 36 over the alleged vandalism and theft of railway infrastructure along the Arigbajo axis of Ogun State.

The operation recovered 16 railway iron rods and two gas cylinders.

A statement by the Command Spokesman Oluseyi Babaseyi said the Command arrested the suspect following intelligence on the vandalism and theft of railway materials.

He said ‘On 23 October 2026 SWAT operatives intensified surveillance and patrols in the affected area leading to the suspect’s arrest. He later led the operatives to an unfinished building where they recovered the stolen items as exhibits.

‘Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect allegedly confessed to involvement in similar offences on three previous occasions. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected with the crime and recover any additional stolen property.’

He said the Commissioner of Police in the State Bode Ojajuni has reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting public assets safeguarding critical infrastructure and bringing perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice.

He however urged residents to cooperate with the police by providing timely credible information to support crime prevention and ensure safer communities across Ogun State.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has attributed the delay in opening the Opebi-Odo Iya Alaro Bridge to the installation of a 25-metre steel monument designed to reflect the area’s cultural heritage.

Sanwo-Olu spoke during an unscheduled visit to the bridge to inspect the installation progress handled by construction firm Julius Berger.

The governor explained that the monument was not part of the original bridge design and was introduced toward the final stage of construction delaying the opening that was originally projected for the end of September.

He said the monument was conceived to preserve the area’s history as a cane market with four steel structures representing the hands involved in cane weaving.

According to him the installation involves about 300 tonnes of steel and stands approximately 25 metres high.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the installation was 80 per cent complete with three of the four steel components already assembled and installed. He said work on the final component would begin before the completion of other proposed features.

He appealed to residents to be patient assuring them that the government would not compromise safety in delivering the project.

The governor acknowledged that the bridge missed its earlier opening target adding that the extra time was necessary to ensure the monument was safely installed before opening the facility to traffic.

He commended officials from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure as well as construction workers for their efforts and urged them to accelerate work on the outstanding components.

Sanwo-Olu said the bridge would ease motorists’ movement and improve connectivity along the corridor.

He added that the monument could transform the location into a destination for recreation tourism and cultural appreciation.

The governor assured residents that the bridge would be opened to traffic before Christmas.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 34-year-old South African woman Qhina Beauty with 36.65 kilograms of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos and a 62-year-old Nigerian-American grandmother Anetor Gloria Ubong with 9.45kg of high-grade cannabis loud imported from the United States.

Femi Babafemi Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters Abuja disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Babafemi said that in separate operations across the country NDLEA officers also recovered tons of illicit drugs in Kano Lagos Bauchi Niger Edo Ondo Taraba Oyo and Delta states.

He said Qhina was arrested in the departure hall of the Lagos airport on 7th October 2026 while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight to South Africa via Doha.

Babafemi said a search of her two travelling bags led to the recovery of 30 blocks of cocaine weighing 36.65kg laced with dried pepper wrapped in cellophane tape and packed into seven separate parcels.

According to the statement during her interview she told operatives she arrived in Nigeria on 30th September specifically to pick up the consignment.

Babafemi said ‘She said she was recruited by another South African lady who promised her R20000 on successful delivery. She claimed she was introduced to two other syndicate members: one based in the United States and the other a Lagos-based car dealer.

‘Investigations later led to the arrest on 14th October of the 46-year-old car dealer Uchenna Victor Umunnakwe who was intercepted at Apple Junction Ago Palace Way Lagos after days of surveillance at his Shasha residence. He admitted receiving Qhina at the airport lodging her at Santiago Hotel in Amuwo-Odofin and later moving her to Cynarisso Hotel near the airport ahead of her departure.’

Babafemi said that in another interdiction operation at the Lagos airport NDLEA officers on Wednesday 21st October arrested a 62-year-old grandmother Anetor Gloria Ubong a realtor based in Richmond Texas who holds both Nigerian and US passports.

‘She was arrested following her arrival on a United Airlines flight from Houston. A search of her two checked-in boxes uncovered 18 parcels of loud a synthetic cannabis weighing 9.45kg concealed with gift-wrapping paper in a box. She claimed her daughter and the daughter’s future brother-in-law delivered the box to her home in the US for onward delivery in Nigeria to her daughter’s fiancé Jibola.’

‘Meanwhile on Friday 23rd October operatives of a special operations unit in NDLEA arrested Eletu Rasheedat 41 at Eti Osa in Lagos where they recovered 5820 diazepam pills 780 tramadol tablets 3.7kg of skunk and 230.25 litres of skuchies.

‘In Delta a suspect Peter Ugochukwu 51 was arrested in Warri with a huge cache of pharmaceutical opioids including 29350 tramadol capsules; 6620 200mg tramadol tablets; 4116 bottles of codeine syrup; 11340 Rohypnol tablets; 3500 diazepam tablets; 300 pentazocine ampoules; 200 diazepam ampoules; and quantities of tramadol 225mg Molly and Cocodamol.

‘He was transferred along with a white Hummer bus from the Nigeria Police Force Delta State. In a separate arrest at Enhere Junction Warri a 46-year-old physically challenged woman Helen Bakporo Samson was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Monday 19th October with 6.0kg of skunk.

‘A 41-year-old suspect Fajana Dada Oluwaseyi was arrested on Monday 19th October in Adamasingba Ibadan following his initial escape from arrest. NDLEA officers had seized 197.8kg of cannabis sativa from his house on 16th September.’

Babafemi said that while a raid in the Gerawa area of Kano on Thursday 22nd October led to the arrest of Murtala Lawan 30 and the seizure of 159 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 97.2kg NDLEA officers at the Lankaviri checkpoint Yorro LGA Taraba on Friday 23rd October arrested Raiyanu Misa 39 with 95 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 60.175kg.

He said that on the same day the Nigeria Police Force handed over a suspect arrested at Dakka village Bali LGA with 112 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 81.49kg.

He said that in Niger State Emmanuel Ekene 26 was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Monday 19th October on the Sabo-Kainji road Borgu LGA with 64000 opioid pills including tramadol and diazepam while officers arrested Jamilu Mustapha (aka Last Card) 45 on Wednesday 21st October at Nasaru Town Ningi LGA Bauchi State where they seized 379kg of cannabis sativa packed in seven jumbo sacks.

‘Acting on intelligence NDLEA officers on Tuesday 20th October raided a farm at Board-Ala Akure South Ondo State and recovered 56 bags of abandoned cannabis sativa weighing 583kg. Two cannabis farms in Ugbada Forest Uzebba Owan West LGA Edo State with an estimated yield of 2023.14kg were destroyed on Sunday 18th October by NDLEA operatives who also burnt 450kg of processed cannabis at the site and took 97kg as exhibit.

‘In a related operation at Ewe community Owan West Mary Edokhai 42 was arrested with 35kg of the same psychoactive substance’ he said.

Babafemi said that with the same vigour the Agency’s commands and formations across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities in schools worship centres workplaces and communities among others over the past week.

These he said include WADA enlightenment lectures to students and staff of Oje Grammar School Ibadan Oyo State; Government Day Secondary School Kwamba Niger State; Baptist Primary School Olorunda Ogun State; Government Secondary School Yalea Kano; Community Secondary School Igogoro Enugu; Urban Girls Secondary School Onitsha Anambra; and Kelebe Community Grammar School Osogbo Osun State among others.

‘While commending the officers and men of the MMIA Kano Lagos Bauchi Niger Edo Ondo Taraba Oyo and Delta Commands for their vigilance diligence professionalism and intelligence-driven approach to the successful operations Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) urged them and their colleagues across the country to sustain the tempo of the war against drug trafficking and substance abuse’ Babafemi said.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has assured women in Northern Nigeria that they will enjoy greater dividends of democracy and economic prosperity if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term in office in 2027.

The minister acknowledged the economic hardship currently being experienced by Nigerians but expressed optimism that the difficulties arising from the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration would soon give way to improved living conditions and prosperity.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim gave the assurance while addressing a stakeholders’ engagement with women at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall Murtala Square Kaduna on the sidelines of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off.

The engagement organised by the Women Mobilisation Committee of the Presidential Campaign Council attracted women leaders party supporters and other stakeholders including a former minister Dr Betta Edu.

Addressing the gathering the minister said the current economic challenges confronting Nigerians were consequences of the reforms being implemented by the Federal Government to reposition the nation’s economy assuring that the pains associated with the reforms were gradually coming to an end.

She urged women particularly those in the northern part of the country not to allow the prevailing economic difficulties to discourage them from supporting the President’s re-election bid maintaining that the administration had laid the foundation for economic recovery and sustainable development.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also dismissed allegations that President Tinubu was pursuing policies and programmes unfavourable to Northern Nigeria describing such claims as false and misleading.

According to her the President has demonstrated his commitment to the development of the North through various infrastructural projects educational and healthcare interventions as well as efforts aimed at addressing the security challenges confronting the region.

She identified road construction and rehabilitation the establishment of universities and Federal Medical Centres among other development initiatives as evidence of the administration’s commitment to Northern Nigeria assuring that the region would receive greater attention under a second-term Tinubu presidency.

The minister further argued that opposition presidential candidates had not presented better alternatives to the economic policies and development programmes being pursued by the Tinubu administration urging Northern women to disregard what she described as misinformation about the President’s disposition towards the region.

She consequently called on women to mobilise their families and communities particularly eligible voters to participate actively in the January 16 2027 presidential election and support the President’s re-election ambition.

Emphasising the importance of women in determining electoral outcomes Sulaiman-Ibrahim claimed that women constituted about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s voting population describing them as a formidable political force whose collective decision could influence the outcome of elections.

The minister expressed optimism that women across Nigeria particularly those in the northern states would remain committed to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid assuring them that they would not regret giving him another mandate to consolidate his administration’s economic reforms and development programmes.

The Director-General of the City Boy Movement (CBM) Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga has described the massive turnout of young Nigerians at Saturday’s flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in Kaduna as an affirmation of the Movement’s sustained grassroots enlightenment and mobilisation efforts in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Shoga said the impressive youth turnout at the colourful political gathering showed growing interest among young Nigerians in the President’s development agenda and their determination to actively shape the country’s political andtical and econom.

In a reflection titled ‘Beyond the Road: Unlocking Opportunities Empowering Young Nigerians and Building a Prosperous Future’ the CBM Director-General attributed the enthusiasm witnessed at the Kaduna rally partly to sustained grassroots engagements including the Movement’s mobilisation activities and street walk in Kano.

‘The City Boy Movement was proudly on the ground engaging with young Nigerians and grassroots supporters who came out to demonstrate their commitment to the future of our country.

‘The enthusiasm witnessed in Kaduna alongside our grassroots engagement and street walk in Kano reinforces our conviction that young Nigerians want to be part of a national conversation about development opportunity and a more prosperous Nigeria’ he stated.

Shoga explained that the Movement’s activities extended beyond mobilising electoral support for Tinubu stressing that its central mission was to educate and empower young people to understand government policies and take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.

He particularly hailed the commissioning of an 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway during the campaign flag-off describing the development as a demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and stimulating economic activities in the North-West.

According to him the strategic road corridor linking Abuja Kaduna Zaria and Kano offers opportunities for agricultural transformation industrial expansion regional trade private investment and employment generation.

He noted that improved connectivity could benefit farmers traders transport operators and young entrepreneurs by improving market access reducing transportation challenges and encouraging investment in logistics manufacturing food processing and related businesses.

‘The objective is not simply to build infrastructure. It is to create the conditions in which people can build businesses earn sustainable incomes create jobs and improve their standard of living’ Shoga said.

He however emphasised that infrastructure development must be complemented by sustained security operations effective intelligence gathering reliable electricity and investment-friendly policies to unlock the region’s full economic potential.

‘A good road connects destinations. A secure road connects people to opportunity. Together infrastructure and security can help unlock the economic potential of an entire region’ he declared.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general election Shoga said the City Boy Movement would intensify its grassroots engagements across the federation educating young Nigerians about the administration’s reforms while encouraging peaceful democratic participation.

He commended the thousands of supporters who participated in the Kaduna rally and Kano mobilisation activities describing their enthusiasm as an encouragement to the Movement’s nationwide efforts.

‘Every conversation every community engagement and every effort to educate and mobilise people can contribute to a stronger national movement and a more informed citizenry’ he said.

Shoga urged young Nigerians to assess the administration’s achievements and challenges acquire relevant skills embrace entrepreneurship and make informed political decisions.

‘Our message is simple: Do not sit on the sidelines while decisions that will shape your future are being made. Get informed get involved and make your voice count’ he declared.

He reaffirmed the Movement’s commitment to building a generation of informed enterprising and responsible young Nigerians stressing that the ultimate success of infrastructure development must be measured by the jobs businesses and prosperity it creates for ordinary citizens.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops conducting internal security operations across the country rescued more than 70 kidnap victims in one week and arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin in Niger State.

The military also reported the surrender of 19 terrorist fighters and their family members in Borno State as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition during operations against terrorists and kidnappers across the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja disclosed these developments in a statement detailing the military’s operational successes between October 16 and 22.

Among the rescued victims were 27 villagers abducted in Gamji community Katsina State and 29 residents rescued after terrorists attempted to abduct farmers in Mariga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.

In the North East Onoja said 19 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendered to troops in Bama Konduga Mafa and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State during the period under review.

He said troops also arrested a female suspected collaborator at Ngurusoye in Bama LGA on October 22 while she was allegedly escorting a woman to a terrorist enclave.

According to him troops on October 18 intercepted a resident of Monguno LGA who had escaped after being abducted alongside 11 others around Minati in Kukawa LGA on October 17.

‘Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims’ he said.

Onoja added that troops on October 22 intercepted another abductee who had escaped from Chikide village on the Mandara Mountains along the Guduf-Bubayagwa axis in Gwoza LGA.

The victim was subsequently handed over to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp office in Gwoza.

The military spokesman also disclosed that troops recovered eight AK-47 rifles two pump-action guns 300 rounds of PKT ammunition two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers a handheld radio and a motorcycle following a terrorist attack on a military location in Mairari Guzamala LGA of Borno State.

In the North West Onoja said troops rescued 27 villagers comprising 15 men and 12 women on October 16 after responding to a distress call from Gamji community in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.

Terrorists reportedly abducted the villagers before troops intervened.

In another operation troops between October 16 and 17 tracked kidnappers who had demanded a ransom for a resident abducted at Fanyabo village in Tudun Wada LGA of Kano State.

The kidnappers were traced to Yan Taburmi in Falgore Forest where troops neutralised two of them and rescued the victim.

‘Troops searched the area and recovered Ten Million Naira (?10000000.00) suspected to be the ransom paid by the family’ Onoja said.

He added that the family received the money and the rescued victim in the presence of the district head the head of the local security group and the divisional police officer.

Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator at Anguwan Kwanni in Sokoto town on October 18 he said.

In the North Central Onoja said troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued 29 residents who fled into nearby bushes after terrorists on seven motorcycles attempted to abduct farmers in Magaji Mai Kadarko village Bangi District Mariga LGA of Niger State on October 15.

He however said the attackers killed one resident before the troops arrived.

The military spokesman further disclosed that troops arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and his accomplice at the kingpin’s residence in Mokwa town Niger State on October 18.

During the operation troops recovered four mobile phones and an undisclosed sum of money while efforts continued to apprehend other identified accomplices.

Onoja said troops on October 16 also ambushed kidnappers transporting victims from Kwara State into Kogi State along the route between Okoloke and Isanlu-Esa communities in Yagba West LGA.

The kidnappers were forced to abandon five victims who were subsequently rescued and handed over to community leaders.

In Nasarawa State troops working with local security groups rescued a herder abducted at Kabusu in Karu LGA on October 17.

The victim was found tied up and abandoned under a tree along the Gurku-Kawu grazing route.

Onoja said troops on October 19 pursued attackers who had assaulted a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba Road in Ijumu LGA of Kogi State.

The attackers were forced to withdraw allowing troops to rescue 11 passengers. The driver and two other passengers who sustained injuries were evacuated for medical attention.

In Taraba State troops on October 19 raided the hideout of the suspected second-in-command to a gang leader allegedly terrorising the area in Kufai Ahmadu community Takum LGA.

‘During the operation troops neutralised the suspect and recovered a pistol 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and charms’ he said.

The Lagos State Government has intensified disease surveillance and preparedness measures after confirming an imported case of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus in Abuja and has assured residents that it has not detected any suspected cases in the state.

The Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi said the state was strengthening surveillance public awareness and collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure early detection and a prompt response to any suspected case.

In a statement Abayomi said the Ministry of Health conducted an assessment and held strategic engagements with airport management Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos.

He said the engagement focused on passenger screening information sharing infection prevention and control and coordination of emergency response measures.

The ministry is also intensifying public enlightenment on the symptoms transmission and prevention of Ebola Virus Disease.

Abayomi urged residents to remain calm but vigilant warning that Ebola is a severe disease that can be fatal.

He said the virus spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected people showing symptoms contaminated materials and the bodies of people who have died from the disease. Transmission may also occur through contact with infected animals.

Symptoms according to the commissioner may appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever severe weakness headache muscle pain sore throat vomiting diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising may also occur.

He advised people who develop symptoms particularly after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission to seek prompt medical assessment.

The commissioner noted that early Ebola symptoms could resemble malaria and other common illnesses urging residents to avoid self-medication.

He added that under Lagos State’s fever-management policy people with fever should undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial drugs. Healthcare professionals should assess those who test negative for other possible causes.

Residents were also advised to wash their hands regularly avoid contact with sick people’s body fluids and potentially contaminated materials and stay away from sick or dead wild animals.

Abayomi urged travellers arriving in Nigeria particularly those from areas reporting Ebola transmission to cooperate with Port Health Services provide accurate travel and health information when requested and comply with public health guidance.

He advised anyone suspecting exposure to the virus to contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

Residents can report suspected cases or exposure concerns via the state’s emergency numbers 112 or 767 or contact the Directorate of Epidemiology Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.

The commissioner said the government would continue to monitor developments strengthen its response capacity and provide updates as necessary.

The Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) invites researchers maritime professionals engineers and industry experts to submit original research papers for its forthcoming NIMENA Conference 2026 scheduled for December 11 2026 in Lagos.

The conference tagged MARVEL Nigeria 2026 will be held under the theme ‘Advancing Maritime Sovereignty: Maritime Advancement through Resilience Vessel Development Energy Transition and Local Capacity.’

According to the institution the event will take place at the Event Hall Naval Dockyard 28 Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island Lagos bringing together maritime stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime industry promote indigenous capacity and advance sustainable development across West African waters.

NIMENA has identified four major research tracks to address critical challenges and emerging opportunities in the maritime sector.

The first track Classification and Standards will focus on local inspection capacity vessel safety and structural requirements suited to West African waters.

The second track Green Shipping will examine vessel retrofits alternative fuels emissions reduction and the technical and commercial viability of cleaner maritime operations.

The third track Cabotage and Shipbuilding will explore domestic fleet development shipyard capacity materials modular construction and the implementation of cabotage policies to strengthen indigenous participation in maritime activities.

The fourth Hydrodynamics of Domestic Craft will address hull design resistance propulsion and stability for coastal inland and shallow-draught vessels.

NIMENA explains that submissions must present clear research questions sound methodologies and findings with practical relevance to maritime development in West Africa.

The institution also notes that authors of selected papers may be invited to submit expanded manuscripts for possible publication in the Journal of the Blue Economy and Sustainable Energy Development (JBESED) or the African Journal of Offshore Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture (AJOMENA).

Interested researchers and maritime professionals should submit 150-200-word abstracts by November 14 2026 and full manuscripts by December 4 2026.