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Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has conferred the traditional title of Kuliyan Sokoto on the immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, in recognition of his contributions to education, Islamic affairs and national development.

The turbaning ceremony took place on Sunday at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto, while a reception was held at the Command Guest House, attracting prominent Nigerians, traditional rulers, government officials, academics and religious leaders from different parts of the country.

Speaking shortly after receiving the title, Oloyede described the honour as a special blessing from Almighty Allah, saying it represented a combination of his religious, traditional and personal aspirations.

He said the recognition was particularly significant because he was a Yoruba man from Egbaland being honoured by the Sultanate of Sokoto.

‘Alhamdulillah. My description of today is to thank Almighty Allah for this honour because it is three in one. I am a Muslim by faith, and I am a Yoruba man from Egbaland. This title combines my aspirations because we Yoruba people value chieftaincy,’ he said.

Oloyede explained that the title was not merely a traditional honour but also carried religious responsibilities, particularly because it was conferred by the Sultan, who is the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

‘It is not just a traditional title; it is also a religious duty. To say you are Kuliyan Sokoto is enough for anybody who has achieved something in life. You do not need to look for any other traditional title anywhere,’ he said.

He expressed gratitude to the Sultan for finding him worthy of the recognition, admitting that he did not consider himself deserving of the honour.

‘I do not think ordinarily I deserve it. But in his wisdom, he decided to give me this honour. I appreciate him, and I have not taken it for granted. I thank him, the government and the people of Sokoto,’ he added.

The former JAMB registrar also acknowledged the goodwill message from the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, saying it made him feel proud of his roots.

In the goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Alake by retired Navy Captain AbdulRasheed Adisa Raji, the monarch described Oloyede’s recognition as a testament to his integrity, scholarship and distinguished public service.

He recalled Oloyede’s achievements as the eighth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and his transformative leadership at JAMB, where he introduced reforms that strengthened transparency and accountability in the admission process.

The Alake said the honour demonstrated that hard work, honesty and selfless service transcended geographical and cultural boundaries.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Professor Yusuf Ali ( SAN) commended the Sultan for recognising Oloyede, describing the conferment as a demonstration of the monarch’s commitment to national integration.

He said the recognition of a Yoruba man by the Sokoto Caliphate showed that Nigerians could rise above ethnic and regional differences to promote common interests.

‘This recognition has shown that we can unite for noble causes as a people and as a nation. It has shown that there are no boundaries in brotherhood and friendship and that we can rise above our base sentiments to act and work as Nigerians,’ he said.

He described Oloyede as a nationalist whose record of service and commitment to truth had earned him the recognition.

He added that the new title would make the former JAMB registrar an ambassador of the Sokoto Caliphate, enabling him to project its positive values wherever he went.

Similarly, Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola, OFR, said the title reflected the Sultanate’s recognition of Oloyede’s knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and contributions to national development.

Ishola recalled his achievements as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, particularly his efforts in improving the institution’s academic standing, as well as his reforms at JAMB.

He said the Sultan expected Oloyede to bring the same commitment and dedication to the Sokoto Caliphate.

‘As the Sultan said, the essence of the title is that we have seen what you have done for Nigeria, and we want you to come and do something similar for us in this emirate,’ he said.

He described Oloyede as an honest and knowledgeable individual who stood for justice and fairness, expressing confidence that he would fulfil the responsibilities attached to the title.

The current JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, also congratulated Oloyede on behalf of the board, describing the recognition as a source of pride to the JAMB family.

Aina said the honour demonstrated that Oloyede’s contributions to national development were appreciated beyond his immediate professional and geographical environment.

‘On behalf of the JAMB family, I would like to warmly congratulate you on this honour. It speaks volumes that we have left Ilorin, Egbaland, Bwari and Abuja, and you are being celebrated and honoured here in Sokoto,’ he said.

He described Oloyede as a father and mentor to many, praying that Almighty Allah would continue to guide and strengthen him in his service to the country.

In his welcome address on behalf of the Oloyede family, Professor Abdulkarim Oloyede described the title as an Amanah, meaning a sacred trust, rooted in the values of wisdom, learning, integrity and service associated with the Sokoto Caliphate.

He expressed the family’s appreciation to the Sultan, the Sokoto Sultanate Council, the state government and the people of Sokoto for the honour and hospitality extended to them.

The family prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the new Kuliyan Sokoto good health, long life and wisdom to discharge the responsibilities attached to the title.

The ceremony brought together prominent personalities from the North and South, highlighting the role of traditional institutions in promoting national unity, religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.

The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based recruitment, professionalism, and institutional collaboration as the 45th Annual National Council of Civil Service Commissions of the Federation commenced in Asaba, Delta.

Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission, Ibraheem Zakariyya, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, noting that this year’s meeting is expected to further strengthen inter-Commission cooperation and provide an avenue for advancing shared priorities towards building a more effective and result-oriented Nigerian Civil Service.

He disclosed that the five-day meeting began with the arrival of the advance party of the FCSC at the headquarters of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, where the delegation was received by the Permanent Secretary of the host commission, Mr Fredrick Yoro.

Yoro, who welcomed the delegation on behalf of the host commission, expressed appreciation for their safe arrival and emphasised the importance of effective communication and coordination among participants to ensure smooth logistical arrangements and a successful conference.

According to the statement, the annual council meeting provides a platform for the Federal and State Civil Service Commissions to exchange institutional experiences and deliberate on critical issues relating to public service administration, personnel management and the strengthening of civil service institutions across the country.

‘FCSC reaffirms commitment to promoting professionalism, merit-based recruitment and institutional collaboration as essential pillars for an effective and result-oriented Nigerian Civil Service.

‘The 45th annual council meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for participants to explore strategies for improving public service delivery and strengthening personnel management across the federation,’ Zakariyya stated.

Dangote Cement Transport (DCT), Obajana, has launched a one-month Solar Installation and Maintenance Training Programme in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The programme was a major highlight of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Week, which featured initiatives focused on youth empowerment, road safety, employee engagement and environmental responsibility.

It is providing practical renewable energy skills to 10 youths selected from the Obajana, Jakura, Iwaa, Oyo and Apata host communities, with the aim of improving their employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Speaking on the initiative, the Divisional Director of Transport (DDT), Col. Hemant Rana, reaffirmed DCT’s commitment to translating its sustainability goals into practical actions that benefit employees and host communities.

‘At Dangote Cement Transport, sustainability is about creating measurable and lasting value for our employees, host communities and the wider society. By equipping young people with practical solar energy skills, we are supporting employability, entrepreneurship and the transition to cleaner energy solutions. We will continue to promote initiatives that positively impact lives while strengthening the sustainability of our operations,’ Col. Rana said.

As part of the Sustainability Week activities, employees also participated in a debate on the topic: ‘Driver Behaviour Has a Greater Influence on Road Safety than Truck Technology.’

The debate provided an opportunity for employees to examine the importance of responsible driving behaviour and the role of technology in improving road safety across transport operations.

Joan Imoke, a Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) staff member from the IT Department, emerged as the winner of the competition.

Commenting on the debate, Rana said: ‘Technology remains an important tool for improving fleet safety, but its effectiveness depends largely on the people operating the vehicles. Building a strong safety culture requires disciplined driving behaviour, continuous training, compliance with established procedures and responsible use of available technology.’

The programme also featured a sustainability lecture delivered by Associate Professor Habeeb Ayinla of the Federal University Lokoja.

The lecture focused on sustainable business practices, environmental responsibility and the importance of translating corporate commitments into measurable action.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has said he and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are committed to national unity, improved security, increased investment in healthcare and education, and policies aimed at reducing poverty.

At an NDC town hall meeting, held in Owerri on Saturday, Obi raised concerns about poverty and insecurity and urged voters to protect their ballots.

He also addressed concerns about electoral transparency, while urging residents to participate in the 2027 general elections.

He advised the people to remain at their polling units to monitor the process until the final results were declared.

The former Anambra governor described protecting votes as an important responsibility of citizens exercising their democratic rights.

He thanked party members, candidates, organisers and supporters in Imo State for participating in the meeting, describing national development as a collective responsibility.

The Owerri engagement forms part of the NDC’s ongoing political outreach ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He criticised President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s economic record.

Obi said that President Tinubu had not spent a night in the state despite spending more than 260 days abroad.

He also accused the administration of accumulating substantial debts without delivering corresponding improvements in citizens’ living conditions.

Obi cited poverty, hunger, insecurity and the number of children outside the education system as major national concerns.

The NDC candidate revealed that more than 140 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty, adding that approximately 18 million children were out of school.

On arrival, Obi visited the Relief Market in Owerri, where he interacted with traders, buyers, and other residents about their experiences with the current economic situation.

Oando Plc has increased its average daily oil and gas production by 14 per cent to 42,985 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in the first nine months of 2026, as revenue rose by nine per cent to N2.78 trillion on the back of higher crude oil liftings, increased gas and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) sales, and improved realised prices.

According to the company’s unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, operational performance improved across its upstream portfolio, with growth in crude oil, natural gas, and NGL production.

Average daily production rose from 37,614 boepd in the corresponding period of 2025 to 42,985 boepd in 2026, reflecting increased investment, improved operational efficiency, and better facility reliability.

Crude oil production also increased by 12 per cent to 12,193 barrels per day, while gas production rose by 13 per cent to 28,689 boepd.

Its NGL production recorded the highest growth, increasing by 53 per cent to 2,103 barrels per day.

The improved output also translated into higher sales volumes. Crude oil liftings increased by 43 per cent to 3.97 million barrels, while natural gas sales rose by five per cent to 34.01 billion standard cubic feet (Bscf).

NGL sales surged by 90 per cent to 0.57 million barrels, pushing total exploration and production sales volumes up by 21 per cent to 10.21 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Commenting on the performance, Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, said the results reflected the impact of disciplined execution under the company’s operatorship and renewed investment drive.

He said production growth was supported by improved efficiency, higher facility uptime and lower operating costs across the company’s expanded upstream portfolio.

According to him, facility uptime improved to 96.1 per cent from 85 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025, while production operating costs declined by 22 per cent to $15.39 per barrel of oil equivalent.

The company, according to him, also recorded a significant improvement in profitability, moving from an operating loss of N109.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 to an operating profit of N159.7 billion in the review period.

Gross profit increased by 483 per cent to N174.5 billion from N29.8 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Tinubu attributed the improvement to higher production, better operational reliability, lower unit costs and increased efficiency across the company’s assets.

On its investment programme, he said the company had committed N110.7 billion to capital expenditure during the period, largely directed towards drilling activities across Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 60-63.

‘The company’s seven-well drilling programme for 2026 is progressing across its operated assets. Two wells, Idu 6ST and Idu 15, have been completed and brought on stream, while workovers at Samabri 4T and Samabri 7T have also been completed.

‘ Drilling is ongoing at Idu T and Samabri A50, with the final well, Ogbainbiri, scheduled to commence in December,’ the company said.

On completion, the company said the drilling campaign is expected to add between 16,000 and 20,000 boepd gross production, helping to offset natural field decline and sustain output growth.

The programme is also expected to support Oando’s medium-term ambition of increasing production to approximately 100,000 boepd within the next four to five years.

Meanwhile, the company reported that total borrowings declined to N2.16 trillion, representing a 22 per cent reduction from the peak recorded at the end of 2024.

Cash generated from operations stood at N285 billion during the review period.

In the clean energy segment, Oando’s electric mobility partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) recorded more than 212,000 passenger journeys in the first nine months of 2026, with average capacity utilisation of 73 per cent.

‘An additional 11 electric buses, the first batch of a planned 50, have arrived in Lagos, bringing the fleet to 13. The expanded fleet is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter, with LAMATA operating the buses on behalf of Lagos State,’ the statement read.

Looking ahead, Oando said it has narrowed its full-year production guidance to between 40,000 and 45,000 boepd, while projecting capital expenditure of $90 million to $100 million for 2026, primarily targeting high-impact, short-cycle upstream activities.

Tinubu said the company’s priorities for the remaining months of the year included completing its drilling programme, sustaining operational reliability and strengthening shareholders’ funds through an impending equity raise.

He added that the initiatives would help reduce leverage, improve the company’s capacity to finance future growth and support potential shareholder distributions.

The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria (AMSN) has installed the former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, as its new president.

Prof. Ahaneku, a renowned consultant chemical pathologist and current Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja, was installed on Saturday in Lagos alongside 11 other executive officers of the Academy. He will serve a two-year term, succeeding Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie.

The Academy also presented its highest honour, the Nobel (Golden) Prize, to Professor Okechukwu Ogah, a distinguished consultant cardiologist and Professor of Medicine at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Professor Ogah received a N10 million cash prize alongside a medal.

Additionally, the Academy conferred its fellowship on 12 professors and one PhD holder who have distinguished themselves in various fields of medical sciences across Nigeria. Their inductions follow the admission of 15 fellows in 2025 and 13 in 2024, further expanding the numerical and professional strength of the body.

Swearing them in at an event held in their honour in Ikeja, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Academy, Olorogun Dr Sonny Folorunso Kuku, stated that the new president, the gold medallist and all 13 inducted fellows were experts in their respective fields.

He noted that they had all undergone a rigorous selection process and fulfilled the stringent conditions set by the Academy. He congratulated the inductees and wished them success in their roles.

The newly inducted fellows include: Professor Sunday Akintoye (Oral Medicine); Professor Emmanuel Balogun (Enzymology and Molecular Biology); Professor Rasheed Balogun (Nephrology); Professor Ene Ette (Clinical Pharmacology/Pharmacometrics); Professor Okechukwu Ogah (Cardiology); Professor Omonike Ogbole (Pharmacognosy/Phytomedicine); Professor Anthony Okorodudu (Pathology/Clinical Chemistry); Professor Olusola Olawoye (Ophthalmology); Professor Adebola Orimadegun (Paediatrics and Child Health/Clinical Epidemiology); Professor Bamidele Owoyele (Physiology/Neuroscience); Professor Wellington Oyibo (Medical Parasitology); Professor Musa Yakubu (Biochemical Toxicology/Reproductive Biochemistry and Ethnopharmacology); and Dr Abiola Adeniyi (Dental Public Health).

In his valedictory address, the immediate past president, Emeritus Prof. Frank Osato Giwa-Osagie, expressed delight at the achievements recorded during his administration, attributing the success to the unwavering support of the Academy’s leadership, fellows and staff.

He emphasised that the selection processes remained transparent and merit-based.

While thanking the members, particularly the foundation president and President of the African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, and the BoT Chairman, Dr Sonny Kuku, Prof. Giwa-Osagie urged them to extend the same cooperation to his successor and the new executive team.

He pointed out that the success and development of the Academy were shared responsibilities.

Underscoring the role of the seven-year-old Academy, he noted:

‘The body is dedicated to promoting excellence in medical research, education and mentorship.

‘It also ensures that research is actively applied to medicine to enhance human health and welfare, while performing advisory roles to the government on national medical issues.’

Another major highlight of the event was the investiture of Deacon Olatunji Kolade Bello, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist, as a patron of the Academy.

In his inaugural speech, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku outlined a vision driven by strategic partnerships and internal mobilisation to steer the next phase of the Academy’s growth. He committed his two-year tenure to consolidating the achievements of his predecessors through a unique ‘horizontal and vertical relationship matrix’.

Under his horizontal strategy, Ahaneku called on existing and newly inducted fellows to volunteer their time and expertise across various committees and sections to maintain a vibrant institution. He also announced plans to boost the Academy’s visibility across Nigerian universities, tertiary health facilities and research institutes.

To combat institutional fatigue, the new president emphasised the need to actively mobilise younger medical researchers.

‘The average age of the Academy is about 65 years,’ Ahaneku noted, stressing that advocacy efforts would focus on encouraging younger colleagues to join and share in the Academy’s benefits.

Vertically, the president pledged to drive deeper engagement and partnerships with government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, and private corporate leaders to improve infrastructure.

Ahaneku, who humorously referred to his new role as the Academy’s ‘chief beggar’ – a title traditionally passed down by his predecessors – emphasised that resource mobilisation would remain central to expanding the institution’s reach and impact.

He thanked the leadership and fellows for the confidence reposed in him and his team, and extended special appreciation to his family members, particularly his wife, for their unwavering support throughout his life’s journey.

Many eminent Nigerians attended the event, including Elder Felix Ohiwerei and former Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji.

Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has advised Nigerians against voting for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for another term in office, saying doing so will amount to aggravating the levels of poverty and insecurity that have ravaged the country.

The national chairman of PRP, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in a statement titled ‘Tinubu Cannot Stop The Killings, Yet Asks Another Term’ and made available to Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, said that ‘despite all attempts by the APC to hoodwink Nigerians into believing in its acclaimed reforms during its presidential rally in Kaduna, the ruling party’s popularity is waning by the day among Nigerians who have been exposed to kidnappers, killers and crushing poverty under the ruling party’.

Baba-Ahmed, while challenging Tinubu to submit himself for close medical scrutiny and management, said Nigeria needs a strong, healthy and focused leadership as he also called on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute the killers of Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, who was assassinated in his Dutsin-Ma country home of Katsina State last week.

The statement read, ‘The nation watched with deep concern the clumsy and outrageously expensive failure of the APC to sell deep unpopularity to a hostile nation.

‘The lessons of Kaduna are many. One is that APC cannot paper over its failed stewardship and record with money. Nigerians could see through the charade, which was clutching at straws to create fictions that offend our sensitivities. Another is the tragic standard against which the APC leadership holds Nigerians.

‘The contempt in the assumption that splashing a trillion Naira of our money to organise an event in Kaduna will make Nigerians forget unprecedented levels of poverty and insecurity under which we live has been noted. Then, even more worrying, it is safe to assume that APC leaders will continue to spend more and more of public resources to engage embattled Nigerians with their fiction of enjoying popular support.

‘Finally, the brief glimpses of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu at the Kaduna rally suggested that patriotic demand that he should submit himself to close medical scrutiny and management. A nation desperately needing strong, healthy and focused leadership such as ours cannot continue to avoid advising Mr President to ensure that he has the best health available for a stressed and aging leader.

‘Even as APC held its embarrassing launching of its campaign during which policemen protected billboards, bandits were picking local residents from their homes in Kaduna metropolis. Villagers in many parts of Nigeria were paying for the failure of the APC administration to protect them with freedom, ransom, and dignity. Those who wait their turns in fear and uncertainty will not be consoled by the assassination of Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka at his home in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina. For what it is worth, the nation demands the arrest and prosecution of his assassins immediately.

‘More significantly, the nation will continue to demand its right to be protected even where it would have made up its mind that another term for the APC will only deepen our exposure to kidnappers, killers and crushing poverty.

‘In case the APC insists on living out its last few weeks in power in delusion, it should be reminded that a credible election in 2027 will bring an end to its failed leadership. Until then, Nigerians will continue to demand that they are protected and allowed to live a dignified existence.’

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has been included as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Gombe State in the updated list of candidates for the 2027 general elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

His running mate, Haruna Ahmadu Hasan, was also listed.

However, the names of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, and the PDP candidate in Ogun State, Adebutu, were missing from the updated list.

The NDC column for Kano State was left blank, with INEC indicating ‘court Order’ in the comments section. The commission said Gwarzo’s final clearance would depend on the outcome of the pending court case.

INEC also listed former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, as the NDC senatorial candidate for Delta Central and Iyabo Obasanjo as the PDP candidate for Ogun Central.

The electoral commission published the updated list of candidates for the national elections, covering the presidential and National Assembly seats, as well as state elections for governorship and Houses of Assembly, on Saturday.

The inclusion of Omo-Agege and Obasanjo had attracted attention because both were aspirants in their respective parties before joining the NDC and PDP. Their eligibility had been questioned in connection with the Supreme Court judgment on the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act.

INEC also left the Accord Party’s presidential candidate column blank, despite a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja directing the commission to recognise Olawepo Hashim as the party’s candidate.

The party has appealed the judgment, arguing that Hashim failed to meet the deadline for the expression of interest and purchase of nomination forms.

In Kaduna State, where the NDC candidate was omitted from the final list published on October 10, INEC listed Mohammed Sani Abbas instead of Danjuma La’ah, whose name appeared during the claims and objections period.

The updated list contains 20 new governorship candidates. One additional candidate was listed in each of Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Oyo, Taraba and Zamfara states.

Two new candidates were added in each of Kaduna, Cross River and Nasarawa states, while Gombe and Kano had three additional entries each, including the blank NDC slot in Kano.

The number of parties contesting the governorship election in Abia State was also reduced from 15 to 14.

According to the list, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have candidates in 28 of the 28 states where governorship elections will hold, while the PDP and NDC have candidates in 26 states each.

The PDP has no governorship candidates in Kebbi and Ogun states, while the NDC has none in Abia and Ogun. The NDC candidate in Abia, Ndubuisi Ogah, whose name appeared on the earlier final list, was omitted from the updated version.

New NDC governorship candidates included John Odey Upan in Cross River, Shammah Danladi Dodo in Nasarawa and Muktar Farouk Alhaji in Kebbi.

INEC also listed former Minority Whip, Ali Isa JC, as the APC candidate for Balanga/Biliri Federal Constituency in Gombe State, despite a Federal High Court judgment in the state nullifying his nomination and barring him from participating in another primary election.

The commission stated that none of the candidates published before the Supreme Court judgment had been affected by the latest changes.

Confirming the update, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said some petitions submitted by political parties had succeeded while others were rejected.

He disclosed that INEC received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states concerning governorship elections. Of the petitions, 41 were successful, while 28 failed.

For State Houses of Assembly elections, Haruna said the commission received 61 petitions from 11 parties across 11 states, with 25 succeeding and 36 failing.

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to fulfil its promise of providing Nigerians with steady electricity supply.

Atiku said the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council was attempting to divert attention from the administration’s unfulfilled electricity pledge by highlighting legislation, committees, bonds and power projects.

He stated this on Sunday through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, in a response to comments by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on the government’s electricity sector reforms.

Atiku said Nigerians continued to grapple with unreliable electricity, forcing households and businesses to spend scarce resources on alternative sources of power while still paying electricity bills.

‘APC should spare Nigerians spectacle of celebrating paperwork while homes and businesses remain in darkness. After three and a half years, families still struggle to keep their homes lit. Traders and small business owners spend scarce resources on alternative power, yet struggle to keep their businesses alive. Nigerians are billed for electricity they cannot rely on. President Tinubu promised steady power and an end to estimated billing. That promise has not been kept,’ he said.

The former vice-president also faulted the existing electricity band system, arguing that consumers across the different categories continued to experience power failures despite paying varying tariffs.

‘Across Nigeria, consumers are placed in Bands A, B, C, D and E and charged different rates. In many areas, Band A customers pay about N209.50 per unit before VAT. Rates for other bands vary by state and electricity provider. Yet across every band, same hardship endures: power fails, but bill arrives,’ he said.

He argued that households should not have to choose between paying electricity bills and meeting their basic needs, while businesses should not be charged more for electricity they do not receive.

On the planned removal of electricity subsidies from 2027, Atiku demanded clarification from the Federal Government on the implications for consumers, despite assurances that there would be no immediate increase in electricity tariffs.

‘Nigerians are entitled to clear answer: what will happen to their bills when subsidy ends?’ he asked.

Atiku said he would work with state governments and regulators, within the provisions of the law, to replace the existing band system with what he described as a fair, transparent and affordable electricity pricing framework that would hold distribution companies accountable for the power supplied.

He also recalled Tinubu’s campaign promise during the 2022 presidential election, when the President reportedly pledged to provide constant electricity within four years.

‘When President Tinubu campaigned in 2022, he made unmistakable commitment. He said: ‘If I don’t give you constant electricity for four years, when I come back for second term, don’t vote for me.’ Nigerians have lived through those four years. They do not need his campaign council to interpret his words for them. They need him to answer for them,’ he said.

The ADC chieftain further questioned the administration’s investment in new electricity generation infrastructure, alleging that it had failed to build a new generation facility to increase the country’s power capacity despite introducing a multitrillion-naira bond programme to settle outstanding debts owed to generation companies.

‘Paying old debts is not same as building new power infrastructure. Bonds cannot be presented as substitute for power in people’s homes,’ he added.

Atiku also expressed concerns over the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity and a provision in the Nigeria Tax Act for a five per cent surcharge on certain fossil fuels, including petrol and diesel.

He noted that although the government had said the surcharge had not been activated and would require a ministerial order, Nigerians deserved clarity on the possibility of additional energy-related charges.

‘Dele Alake’s statement cannot light a home. Signing a law is not electricity. Raising a bond is not electricity. Approving a project is not power delivered. Nigerians cannot cook, study, work or sustain a business on announcements,’ Atiku said.

He maintained that Nigerians expected reliable and affordable electricity, urging the Tinubu administration to account for its campaign promises and the performance of the power sector.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has unveiled a renewed enforcement drive to strengthen regulatory compliance across the state’s commercial transport sector targeting public safety.

The initiative, being executed through its Directorate of Public Transport and Commuter Services (PTCS), is aimed at enhancing public safety, commuter security, accountability and effective enforcement of transportation standards.

Disclosing this, the Director, Public Transport and Commuter Service, Mr. Nuhman Edu, said the new framework captures a coordinated operational synergy between the PTCS, the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

According to him, the collaboration will address critical safety compliance gaps, including; lack of proper commuter vehicle registration, lack of vehicle body tags, stage carriage permits, driver’s badges and conductor badges among commercial drivers.

Edu explained that the synergy with VIS and LASTMA will strengthen verification of safety documents, especially during routine enforcement operations.’Where a vehicle is found to be non-compliant, enforcement or compliance procedures will be initiated strictly in accordance with extant laws, regulations, approved guidelines and established operational procedures,’ he said in a statement signed by Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, Director, Public Affairs.

He stressed that properly identified vehicles and drivers will be traceable, a move that will enhance accountability of transport operators, aid investigation of vehicles used to commit crimes and ensure prompt resolution of commuter complaints.

To ensure effective compliance, Edu noted that the framework will clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all agencies across six key areas: verification of prescribed PTCS products and documentation; recording and documentation of vehicle compliance status; identification and documentation of non-compliance cases; initiation of appropriate enforcement or corrective measures; reporting, information exchange and data-sharing among the agencies; and referral of cases requiring further administrative or regulatory action to the appropriate authority.

The Director added that commuter safety and security remain the major motivation for regulating public transportation. He said the Ministry will engage transport unions and associations through stakeholder meetings, media campaigns and sensitization programs to help operators understand the objectives, requirements and procedures of the compliance initiative.

Edu further disclosed that the Ministry has resolved to establish continuous monitoring, evaluation and assessment of compliance levels statewide, with a clear reporting and feedback mechanism for communicating compliance gaps and emerging issues for timely resolution.