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Former Nigeria internationals, Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Anichebe, have been named among the Premier League’s all-time top 10 super substitutes, with Kanu ranking second and Anichebe ninth.

The ranking recognises players who made significant contributions after coming off the bench in England’s top-flight league. Former England striker Jermain Defoe tops the list with 24 goals scored as a substitute.

Kanu scored 17 Premier League goals as a substitute and provided 12 assists in that role. Anichebe scored 13 goals and recorded five assists after coming off the bench.

The list also features Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge, Olivier Giroud, Tore Andre Flo, Javier Hernandez, Edin Dzeko and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as part of Premier League super subs.

Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott completes the top 10. Although he holds the record for the most times substituted off in Premier League history, having been taken off on 168 occasions, the ranking focuses on his impact when entering matches.

The former Arsenal, Everton and Southampton forward recorded 14 assists as a substitute, the highest tally in Premier League history. He also scored 10 goals from the bench, placing him fourth for overall goal contributions in that role.

Victor Anichebe

Anichebe ranks ninth after scoring 13 Premier League goals as a substitute, placing him joint-eighth on the competition’s all-time list for goals scored by replacements. The former Nigeria international played for Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland.

Half of Anichebe’s 26 Premier League goals came after he entered matches from the bench, the joint-highest percentage among players who scored at least 20 goals in the competition. He also recorded five assists as a substitute.

Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge occupies eighth place. The former England international played for Manchester City, Chelsea, Bolton Wanderers, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

Sturridge scored 17 of his 76 Premier League goals as a substitute and provided seven assists from the bench. His 24 goal contributions in that role came at a rate bettered only by Edin Dzeko and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Tuesday, joined former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and their counterparts from Borno, Bauchi, Taraba and Plateau States at a special lecture organised to mark Umar Fintiri’s 59th birthday.

The event was attended by prominent political leaders, statesmen, traditional rulers, academics and other dignitaries to celebrate the Adamawa State Governor and reflect on issues of leadership, governance and national development.

Former Vice President Osinbajo delivered the birthday lecture, titled Democracy and Development: The Imperative of People-Centred Governance,’ at the Banquet Hall of the Adamawa State Government House, Yola.

Ahead of the event, the Gombe Governor had, in a goodwill message published in national newspapers, paid tribute to Umaru Fintiri, congratulating his Adamawa counterpart on the milestone and acknowledging his contributions to governance.

He wrote, ‘Today, we join your family, friends and well-wishers in celebrating a life defined by service, commitment and an enduring passion for the development and progress of Adamawa State, the Northeast and Nigeria at large.’

‘We are profoundly grateful to Almighty Allah for the gift of your life, the wisdom He has bestowed upon you, and the compassion and sense of responsibility that continue to distinguish your leadership,’ he added.

The Governor added, ‘Over the years, we have been privileged to travel this path together, not only as colleagues, but as brothers united by a shared commitment to the growth, peace and prosperity of the Northeast’.

Inuwa Yahaya prayed to Almighty Allah to continue to grant Fintiri good health, wisdom, strength, and renewed energy to keep serving his people and contributing even more to the advancement of the North-East and Nigeria.

The Governor was accompanied to Yola by APC Governorship Candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, House of Assembly Member, Hon. Ali Baba Manu, President of Velocity Group, Engr. Aliyu Mohammed Combat and Alhaji Mala Sheriff, among other officials and aides, as contained in a statement signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General ( Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, led an assembly of high-profile dignitaries to celebrate Prof. Akin Osibogun as he officially retired from public service on Tuesday.

The gathering took place at the Old Great Hall of the university’s College of Medicine in Idi-Araba, Lagos, during a valedictory lecture held in honor of the world-class Professor of Public Health and former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

The event drew a massive audience from academia, the medical community, and traditional institutions.

Among the prominent figures paying tribute were Dr. Abayomi Finnih, who served as the chairman of the occasion; Dr. Dere Awosika, renowned public administrator; Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, the current Chief Medical Director of LUTH; Prof. Ademola Oremosu, Provost of the College of Medicine.

Also in attendance were Prof. John Obafunwa, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR); Prof. Anthony Nnaemeka Ikefuna, President of the Postgraduate Medical College. Prof. Temitope Ayodeji Esan, Registrar of the Postgraduate Medical College; Prof. Oluwole Familoni, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), UNILAG.

The celebrant’s family was fully represented, led by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Osibogun, and two of their children and a grandchild. The traditional institution also registered its presence with several white cap chiefs representing the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akinolu, alongside other traditional rulers, former students, colleagues, and friends.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented at the event by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, described the retiring professor as a great scholar and an administrator par excellence.

Sharing a personal connection to the medical icon, Mrs. Obasanjo recounted her family’s experience:

‘My association with Professor Akin Osibogun dates back to when my daughter served here during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. She would frequently return home with glowing reports of his exceptional efficiency, profound dedication, and tireless work ethic.’

Mrs. Obasanjo further lauded his capability to rally human resources for institutional growth, calling him a truly outstanding physician who worked harmoniously with a formidable team of doctors, nurses, cleaners, and support staff to elevate LUTH into a radiant center of excellence.

Addressing the celebrant directly, she remarked: ‘Professor Osibogun, though you are officially retiring, I firmly believe you are not yet tired. You still have a vast wealth of knowledge and service to offer. Your career stands as a powerful testament to what it means to be excellent, dedicated, diligent, courageous, selfless, and hardworking.’

In his own tribute, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako-represented by the current LUTH CMD, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo-hailed Osibogun as a ‘super administrator’ who has contributed immensely to humanity and the field of public and community health.

Dr. Salako noted that navigating leadership in a complex healthcare environment demands courage, patience, fair judgment, and the capacity to balance competing demands-traits that Osibogun demonstrated routinely throughout his career.

Highlighting what he considered the professor’s most enduring legacy, the minister pointed to his vast commitment to mentorship, ‘Prof. Osibogun has nurtured an entire generation of doctors, shaping not only their professional competence but also their understanding of responsibility, leadership, and planning. The true measure of a great academic position lies not simply in the number of publications produced or professional roles occupied, but in the lives transformed and the calibre of people produced.’

On her part, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described the former CMD of LUTH as the personification of humanity, greatness, and professional excellence.

Lauding his impactful career, the Vice-Chancellor commended his visionary tenure as LUTH CMD from 2006 to 2014, highlighting historic milestones such as the successful introduction of open-heart surgery and a landmark kidney transplant on a 15-year-old boy.

‘At UNILAG, you have served excellently as a scholar, teacher, mentor, and leader,’ Prof. Ogunsola said, referencing his elevation to the rank of Distinguished Professor of Public Health. ‘Because a goldfish has no hiding place, I know that as you step into retirement from UNILAG, you are simply stepping into higher service.

Your legendary achievements have already gone ahead of you, as evidenced by your recent appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of a new private medical university here in Lagos. So, I believe you will do greater exploits, and I wish you the best in your future endeavours.’

In his response, an emotional Prof. Osibogun, who clocked 70 years, expressed immense gratitude to the audience for the overwhelming show of love and accolades. Reflecting on his career, he described himself as a lifelong beneficiary of God’s grace.

‘I have been a beneficiary of grace. I have never struggled for anything, and that is the grace of God on me,’ he remarked. He expressed deep fulfillment in his academic legacy, noting that his department now boasts up to ten full professors and eight associate professors, many of whom passed through his tutelage.

Prof. Osibogun also extended special appreciation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife for their unwavering support. He recalled that despite having no prior personal relationship, President Obasanjo approved his appointment as CMD and maintained a keen interest in supporting LUTH’s groundbreaking medical advancements.

Two major highlights of the event were the public presentation of Prof. Osibogun’s three new books and the valedictory lecture titled ‘Strengthening Health Systems, Shaping Futures: A Tribute to Leadership in Health.’

The lecture was delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, who paid glowing tribute to Prof. Osibogun’s enduring contributions to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Communities in Birniwa, Guri and Kirikasamma local government areas of Jigawa State have commended the Federal Government for establishing a Mobile Police (MOPOL) base construction of modern barrack in Guri, describing the project as a major step towards addressing longstanding security challenges, including deadly farmer-herder clashes.

The communities said the proposed permanent anti-riot police base and modern barracks would strengthen security operations, improve rapid response to emergencies and help prevent recurring violence that has claimed lives and disrupted livelihoods in the affected areas.

They also applauded Senator Amb. Ahmad Abdulhamid Mallam Madori, representing Jigawa North-East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, for facilitating the project as part of efforts to improve security across the constituency.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the BIGUKA Peace Promotion Initiative following a monitoring visit to the project site by representatives of the affected communities.

The statement, signed by Comrade Musa Muhammad Iyanheart, who led the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the site.

According to the statement, residents of Birniwa, Guri and Kirikasamma, as well as neighbouring communities in Yobe State, welcomed the project, expressing hope that it would help address the recurring farmer-herder conflicts and other security threats in the region.

‘The establishment and construction of a permanent anti-riot police base and a modern barracks would help bring an end to the decades-long bloody crises between farmers and herders, which have occurred repeatedly in the area,’ the statement said.

The initiative noted that construction of the MOPOL base had reached an advanced stage, raising expectations that the facility would soon be completed and commissioned.

Beyond tackling farmer-herder clashes, the base is expected to strengthen the fight against armed robbery, cattle rustling and attacks on roads, which have raised security concerns among residents and travellers.

The communities expressed optimism that the presence of a permanent mobile police formation would improve police visibility, facilitate faster deployment of personnel to troubled locations and enhance coordination of security operations across the three local government areas and neighbouring communities.

They further expressed hope that the project would contribute to lasting peace, protect lives and property, safeguard farming and commercial activities, and encourage residents to pursue their livelihoods without fear of recurring violence.

The communities urged sustained attention to security infrastructure and operations in the area, expressing appreciation to the Federal Government and Senator Madori for their roles in advancing the project.

They said the successful completion and effective deployment of personnel to the facility would be crucial to translating the investment into improved security and enduring peace for residents of Jigawa North-East and neighbouring parts of Yobe State.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, unveiled a roadmap aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s electricity grid, expanding transmission capacity, and attracting new investments in the energy sector.

He stated this during the opening of the Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit 2026 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, with the theme ‘Strengthening Power Delivery Through Execution, Coordination, and Performance’.

In his address, Tegbe emphasised the need to shift focus from merely designing reforms to delivering measurable improvements in electricity supply, system performance, and market sustainability.

He outlined four main priorities: enhancing energy zones, strengthening sector liquidity and sustainability, optimising existing assets, and expanding infrastructure to meet future demand.

The framework is intended to address constraints across generation, transmission, and distribution, ensuring that investments lead to more reliable electricity for households, businesses, and industries.

Tegbe identified several major challenges requiring coordinated actions, including gas supply constraints, overstretched transmission infrastructure, distribution losses, and accumulated sector liabilities.

To improve electricity delivery, Tegbe highlighted three priority economic energy corridors: Lagos-Ogun, Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt, and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano.

The strategy aims to align generation, transmission infrastructure, distribution readiness, and identifiable demand to enhance electricity delivery and support industrial productivity.

Tegbe also discussed initiatives to reduce technical and commercial losses. These include the continued implementation of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DSRP), and the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF).

He noted that the government is actively working to resolve legacy sector issues and has allocated N1.23 trillion out of an estimated N3.3 trillion to this effort, while also blocking financial leakages to prevent new liabilities from accumulating.

The minister stressed the importance of optimising existing power sector assets and expanding infrastructure to accommodate future demand.

He stated that the reforms, which align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, must ultimately provide tangible economic benefits by supporting industrial productivity, business growth, investment, and job creation.

The Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit and Exhibition 2026, taking place from October 27 to 29, brings together energy companies, technology providers, and industry stakeholders to showcase solutions and explore investment opportunities across the power and broader energy value chain.

More than 200 former councillors and their supporters have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), now the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, pledging to mobilise voters for the victory of all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

The defectors were received by the party’s leadership and chieftains, including the state chairman, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo, and former Senate Leader and Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Teslim Folarin, among others, at the party secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, their leader, Hon. Muili Kazeem Arowodana, said their decision to leave the ruling APM followed years of alleged maltreatment, deprivation and dehumanisation under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

He described Makinde as a difficult person to work with in politics and public administration.

‘We are here at the APC secretariat in Oyo State this afternoon to formalise our status as new members of the progressive family.

‘There is no gainsaying the fact that we have wasted many years in Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omititun camp, where we have been made to suffer untold hardship, dehumanisation and deprivation.

‘We served for three years without anything to show for it in terms of individual gains or the delivery of the dividends of democracy to our people at the grassroots.

‘Allocations to our respective local government councils were hijacked and diverted by the governor and his cronies under the Joint Account operation, while we were paid meagre salaries without any allowances.

‘None of us could attract meaningful projects to our constituencies because the governor alone made decisions on project awards, the choice of contractors and costs. Incidentally, this situation persists in our dear state because the same corrupt leader remains in office.

‘Governor Makinde has deliberately withheld our severance packages, leaving many of our colleagues in financial distress. We have lost some of our colleagues to death because they could not afford to treat even minor illnesses.

‘To make matters worse, the governor has put forward a man who shares his ideology as his likely successor, but this will not happen.

‘We have a far better candidate in Senator Sarafadeen Alli, and we have resolved to work for him and other APC candidates going forward,’ Arowodana said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday backed Senator Magnus Abe’s call on former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to resign as running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Wike insisted that the South must retain the presidency until 2031.

Abe and Wike spoke in Port Harcourt during the official unveiling of candidates of the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition.

Abe said Amaechi should respect his previous position on power rotation between the North and South, arguing that supporting Atiku would contradict that principle.

‘On behalf of all of us gathered here in Rivers State, we want to call on Amaechi to immediately respect his own position and resign as the vice-presidential candidate to Atiku Abubakar, because it is the turn of the South, and Rivers State will stand by the agreement between the North and the South,’ Abe said.

He urged Atiku to respect power rotation and declared support for President Bola Tinubu and the Rainbow Coalition.

In his remarks, Wike called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the country to support Tinubu, irrespective of their party affiliations.

‘Every PDP member in Rivers State, you will support Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Every PDP member in Kwara State, you will support Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Every PDP member in Benue State, you will support Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ he declared.

Wike also questioned Atiku’s political consistency and criticised Amaechi’s record as Rivers State governor between 2007 and 2015.

He maintained that the coalition was committed to uniting politicians from different parties behind Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, while urging stakeholders to avoid actions capable of reigniting tension in the state.

The event was attended by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Abe and other leaders of the coalition.

A group of traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to investigate alleged threats, intimidation and the demolition of commercial buildings linked to a dispute over the leadership and ownership of a market plaza.

The traders, operating under the Association of Modebeb Traders, said they had faced persistent harassment and threats for about two years. They alleged that some individuals had used their connections with security agencies to intimidate members of the association.

Chief Okey Muojekwu, who spoke on behalf of the traders at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said the alleged harassment had affected their businesses and left members concerned for their safety.

He said the plaza where they conducted their businesses was demolished in 2025, worsening the dispute and disrupting their livelihoods.

Muojekwu alleged that four buildings, including properties at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished, affecting traders and other investors who had invested in businesses at the location.

He further alleged that some individuals had altered or forged property documents to change the ownership name from Osumakan Model Ventures, calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and establish the rightful ownership of the property.

The traders also alleged that police personnel, including officers attached to a special anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, had been used to intimidate them.

Muojekwu said he was recently attacked by suspected thugs who allegedly stabbed him with a knife, stating that he escaped and reported the incident to the police.

He, however, expressed concern that, to his knowledge, no effective action had been taken against those responsible, adding that threats against members of the association had continued.

He also raised concerns over an alleged incident involving a man identified as Chris Okon, who was reportedly taken away alongside a woman after some individuals allegedly beat him at his residence.

According to Muojekwu, the woman was detained from Friday until Monday or Tuesday before she was released.

The traders appealed to the IGP to investigate the allegations, protect them from further attacks and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

Also speaking, the chairman of the market association, Mr Tochukwu Umeh, said the dispute was linked to disagreements over the removal of some market leaders by the state government.

Umeh alleged that some individuals had continued to occupy leadership positions despite the government’s decision to remove them, arguing that the state government had no right to remove leaders elected by market members.

He said the dispute had contributed to the alleged harassment of traders and disrupted market activities, making the administration of the market difficult.

Similarly, a patron of the market, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without following due process and were attempting to force out recognised leaders and traders.

Oguejiofor said some traders had been removed from their positions or threatened with eviction without formal notice or communication.

He alleged that those involved had boasted of their connections with the police and their ability to act without consequences.

According to him, the traders had reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer and had also approached the leadership of the relevant market association, but no lasting resolution had been achieved.

Oguejiofor said some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week before being released, after which they allegedly resumed the activities complained about.

He added that the traders had approached state government officials responsible for trade and commerce, who reportedly urged them to comply with the government’s decision on the removal of the affected leaders.

He appealed to the police and relevant government authorities to intervene, investigate the allegations and ensure that traders could conduct their businesses without intimidation.

The traders said they wanted a peaceful resolution of the dispute, protection of their rights and an opportunity to resume normal business activities.

The third prosecution witness (PW3) in the ongoing trial of a former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), and three others on Tuesday narrated before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) how a company purportedly belonging to politician, Chief Tom Ikimi received the sum of N300 million from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The witness, Msheila Arhyel, compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, made this known in his evidence-in-chief in the ongoing trial.

Yuguda and Dasuki are being prosecuted before Justice Yusuf Halilu, sitting at Maitama, Abuja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on behalf of the Federal Government.

They are being prosecuted alongside former governor Attahiru Bafawara of Sokoto State, his son, Sagir Attahiru, and a company belonging to them, Dalhatu Investment Limited, on an amended 25-count charge bordering misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and receiving stolen money.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them in court.

At the resumed hearing in the case today, Arhyel, while being led in his evidence-in-chief by the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, informed the court that sometime in May, 2026, EFCC wrote a letter to Zenith Bank, requesting for information regarding some of its customers.

The customers, according to the PW3, were ONSA; Jabbama Ada Global Nigeria Limited; Onile Nigeria Limited, which he informed the court had Chief Tom Ikimi as its sole signatory.

‘The request asked for the account opening packages and account statements of the three accounts for the period between 2013 and December, 2017 and the bank responded.

According to the bank official, the transactions in the respective account covered January, 2013 and December, 2017.

Narrating how cash transfers were made into the three accounts, including that of ONSA, Arhyel informed that Ikimi’s Onile Nigeria Limited received a total sum of N300 million from ONSA on two different days.

The PW3 informed that the company received the sum of N200 million from ONSA on February 9, 2015, while another N100 million was transferred into the company’s account on February 18, 2015.

He informed that ONSA’s account with Zenith Bank, which had the former NSA, Dasuki and one Salisu as its signatories then, was credited with N500 million by the Central Bank of Nigeria on March 16, 2015,while the amount was disbursed on March 25, 2015.

According to him, a credit inflow of N5 billion was recorded for the account on April 10, 2015, while there was a debit outflow of N27 million from the account on April 16, 2015, with another outflow of N400 million to Jabbama Ada Global Limited.

He added that an outflow of N12.5 million was sent to Jawas Multipurpose Limited from the ONSA account, while a credit inflow of N2 billion entered the account.

The PW3 informed the court that on February 5, 2015, credit inflows of N2 million and N500 million were sent into Jabbama Ada Global account from ONSA.

On January 6, 2015, the PW3 informed the court that there was a credit of N25 million from the Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) secretariat account with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, while another credit inflow of N38 million came into the account on January 7, 2015 from the FAAC secretariat account.

He informed that there were credit inflows of N400 million and N600 million respectively from the National Security Adviser on April 16, 2015.

While being cross examined by counsel for the former minister, A. O. Ayodele, the witness told the court that he did not know the purpose of the transactions.

He informed the court that Jabbama Ada dealt with general contracts, oil and gas, purchase and resale and transportation.

He told the court that there were some transfers made to the defence headquarters, which he highlighted in court.

Under cross examination by counsel for former governor Bafarawa and his son, Professor James Olatoke SAN, he told the court that he did not know the relationship between ONSA and Jabbama Ada.

Meanwhile, Justice Halilu has adjourned the case to November 17 for continuation of hearing.

The Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms for improving Nigeria’s investment environment, particularly access to foreign exchange.

Rabiu said the reforms were creating opportunities for industrial expansion, as the group advances projects expected to double production capacity across key food manufacturing operations by 2027.

Rabiu stated this while delivering the keynote address at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Growth That Works: Building a New Economic Accord for Nigeria,’ he acknowledged the administration’s foreign exchange reforms, removal of petrol subsidies, fiscal and tax reforms, banking sector strengthening and infrastructure investments, but urged the government to translate the gains into increased production, job creation and improved living standards.

He said improved access to foreign exchange had eased one of the major challenges previously faced by businesses seeking to import machinery and raw materials.

‘Legitimate businesses can now access foreign exchange through the market at prevailing exchange rates, rather than depending on direct allocations from the Central Bank,’ he said.

Rabiu noted that the reforms had made investment planning more predictable, particularly for manufacturers undertaking large-scale projects. However, he acknowledged that households and businesses continued to face difficulties, stressing the need to sustain the reforms while expanding the country’s productive capacity.

‘We must move from reform to results, from stabilisation to expansion, and from economic adjustment to shared prosperity,’ he stated.

Highlighting BUA Group’s performance, Rabiu disclosed that BUA Foods and BUA Cement, both listed on the Nigerian Exchange, had a combined market capitalisation of more than $17 billion. He said BUA Foods was valued at over $10 billion, while BUA Cement had a market capitalisation of approximately $7 billion.

He also outlined ongoing investments in flour milling, pasta, noodles, edible oils, rice milling and feed mills, with projects scheduled for completion in 2027 and expected to double production capacity.

‘These investments will strengthen Nigeria’s food security, create jobs, support farmers and suppliers, and expand our capacity to serve markets across Africa,’ he said.

‘Our ambition is not simply to become bigger. It is to make Nigeria stronger.’

The BUA chairman called for policies that would encourage the emergence of at least 100 more major indigenous industrial enterprises investing in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, technology and other productive sectors.

‘But the question we must ask ourselves is not simply how BUA can continue to grow. It is how Nigeria can create another one hundred BUAs,’ he said.

Rabiu identified access to affordable, long-term capital as a major constraint to industrial expansion, explaining that large manufacturing investments often require 10 to 20 years to realise their full potential.

He called for greater mobilisation of funds from banks, pension funds, insurance companies, development finance institutions and capital markets to support productive investments. He also stressed the importance of policy stability and infrastructure development.

Citing Nigeria’s cement industry, which he said had moved from importing almost 80 per cent of domestic consumption to achieving self-sufficiency and becoming a net exporter, Rabiu said sustained investment in local manufacturing could produce similar results in other sectors.

He also highlighted BUA’s integrated sugar project in Lafiagi, Kwara State, as an example of the opportunities available through agricultural processing and value addition.

‘Nigeria must not remain simply a supplier of raw materials or a market for finished products. We must become a nation that processes, manufactures and exports.’

Rabiu called for a new economic accord among the government, businesses and citizens, anchored on policy stability, productive investment, human capital development, access to long-term capital and shared prosperity.

He also urged Nigerian businesses to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying the country’s industrial future depended partly on greater participation in regional and international markets.

Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects, Rabiu said the country must convert its resources and entrepreneurial capacity into tangible economic outcomes.

‘But potential alone is not prosperity. It must be organised, financed and converted into production.’

‘No one will build Nigeria for us. We must build it ourselves.’

The 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, brought together Vice President Kashim Shettima, senior government officials, state governors, business leaders and policymakers to discuss strategies for accelerating economic growth, productivity and shared prosperity.