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Sanjo Faniyan, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) National Consultant on Food Security and Food Systems analyst, has said that Nigeria was making significant progress in implementing the United Nations Food Systems Transformation pathways.

Faniran, who is the immediate past National Convenor for the Implementation of UN Food Systems Transformation in Nigeria, spoke on the sidelines of the Southwest Zonal Review Meeting held in Lagos.

According to him, the food systems transformation initiative started in 2021 on the recommendation of the UN Secretary-General, directing member countries to examine issues affecting their food systems.

‘The food system is the interconnectedness of all the food value chains. It’s not only agriculture; we are looking at all the food value chains. Nigeria went around all the states and came up with recommendations which were presented by President Muhammadu Buhari in New York on September 23, 2021,’ Faniran explained.

He noted that it was thereafter agreed that every two to three years, there would be a review of implementation by all UN member countries. The first review was held in 2023 and the second in 2025, both led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

On implementation so far, Faniran said: ‘So far so good. States have cooperated.’

He disclosed that to ensure nationwide coverage, the country adopted a geopolitical zonal arrangement with one coordinating state per zone – Lagos for South-West, Kano for North-West, Borno for North-East, Enugu for South-East, Cross River for South-South and Kwara (Ilorin) for North-Central.

‘With this arrangement, it is easy to decentralize coordination. The report on implementation will be obtained from the coordinating states and all states in the zone will come together to give information on what they have done so far, where are the gaps, capacity requirements and how the federal government and development partners can support,’ he said.

Faniran stressed that the focus goes beyond production to processing, storage and other components of the food value chain, adding that Nigeria has been ranked by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub in Rome as one of the serious and committed countries.

Speaking on post-harvest losses, he said storage remains a major concern of the current administration. ‘The issue of storage has become very important. At the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, it is taken as an important segment of controlling food wastages. Lagos State is an example – it has created market hubs where agric products that would have been destroyed are taken for people to buy, sometimes subsidised by government,’ he said.

On how food systems translate to health, he noted that the end product of the food system is healthy diets and nutrition. ‘We are looking at food systems from farm to dining table. At the dining table, the food should be healthy. Good diet gives improved nutrition; improved nutrition improves human capital capacity. When you are healthy, productivity level is higher and contribution to economic growth is guaranteed,’ Faniran stated.

He also said the issue of insecurity affecting farming is being taken seriously by President Bola Tinubu, noting that recent presidential directives show renewed commitment to secure farmers and farming communities.

Isiaka Ibrahim, Food Systems and Nutrition Specialist with the FAO of the United Nations, said tangible steps have been taken by the Federal Government in collaboration with technical partners to transform Nigeria’s food systems.

He said after the 2021 zonal dialogues which culminated in the development of Nigeria’s Food Systems Pathways, 78 priorities were set for implementation.

‘This is a collaborative effort that all stakeholders participated in, including government. Secondly, the Federal Government validated the National Agric Food Investment Plan. Even if tangible transformation is not yet fully seen, key steps have been taken by government in collaboration with technical partners like FAO,’ he said.

Ibrahim noted that globally, the focus is now on technology, climate-smart agriculture, precision agriculture and innovation, including school farms and rooftop farming, as against practices that degrade the soil.

‘The way to go is to embrace technology and innovation and at the same time ensure facilities and infrastructure are in place to ensure timely processing and availability of all-year-round food,’ he said.

He disclosed that FAO is one of four key UN agencies implementing the Agrifood Systems Transformation and Innovation Project initiated by the Food Systems Coordination Hub in Rome, alongside UNICEF and others.

‘One of the key result areas is strengthening of food systems coordination in the country and that is what FAO is implementing. We want to take stock of progress Nigeria has made since the 2021 stock-taking and development of pathways – what achievements have been made by the coordinating states, what are the challenges, capacity gaps and how to develop state capacity, because implementation of food systems is actually at sub-national level,’ Ibrahim added.

The Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA) runs 25-26 November at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel. The Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) organises it, with support from SolarPower Europe. It follows editions in Cape Town, Nairobi and Accra.

The forum is under the patronage of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Abba Aliyu, managing director of REA, will give the keynote at the opening plenary on 25 November.

A market that has grown quickly

Nigeria is West Africa’s largest solar market, with about 618 MWp of operational capacity. That ranks first in the region and eighth in Africa. It leads the continent in mini-grids with 132 MWp, more than double second-placed Angola. It is fourth in Africa for commercial and industrial solar, with roughly 385 MWp tracked by AFSIA. About 76% of operational capacity was commissioned from 2022 onwards.

Policy and money are following. REA’s $750 million World Bank-backed DARES programme targets 1,350 solar mini-grids and better electricity access for 17.5 million people. Construction has started in several states, helped by new NERC Mini-Grid Regulations issued in April.

The $300 million Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund, run by NSIA and Africa50, launched commercially in September. It will finance mini-grids, standalone solar and other distributed projects.

On manufacturing, Nigeria’s first privately owned 100 MW module assembly plant is operating in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. REA, InfraCorp and Solarge are developing a 1 GW factory. REA has committed to buying at least 200 MW of its modules a year for five years.

Under NERC’s Net Billing Regulations 2026, eligible solar customers can export surplus power to the grid and earn credits. Oversight of electricity markets has also passed to 16 states, Lagos among them. For single-state projects, licences and tariffs now come from state commissions.

What’s on the agenda

Sessions will cover why permitted, contracted utility-scale projects are still waiting for financial close, and how productive-use loads improve mini-grid returns. They will also look at corporate power purchase agreements and storage, and at why telecoms, mining and data centres are becoming bankable power customers. Other streams cover e-mobility fleets, blended finance structures for currency and offtake risk, and counterfeit solar products. B2B matchmaking runs on both days alongside an exhibition.

REFA says earlier editions drew 325 attendees, 41 speakers and 25 partners, and led to 972 B2B meetings. Developers and financiers made up more than half of 2025 attendees.

On the evening of 25 November, the AFSIA Awards will honour projects and companies across 14 categories.

Industry voices

‘Nigeria’s clean energy ecosystem is growing at an unprecedented pace,’ Aliyu said. ‘The nation’s transition to a sustainable energy future requires more than ambition; it requires investment, strong partnerships, and the development of our local manufacturing ecosystem.’

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, called Nigeria ‘one of West Africa’s most dynamic markets for renewable energy development,’ with momentum around solar, storage and local value creation.

Olamide Niyi-Afuye, CEO of the Africa Minigrid Developers Association, said distributed renewables are increasingly positioned to power productive enterprises and support Africa’s industrialisation ambitions.

Equipment makers are also backing the event. Jinko Solar is Diamond Partner. JA Solar, AIKO, Zimmermann PV-Steel Group, AlphaESS, KUKA Cable and Sungrow are also partners. Max Luo, regional manager at AlphaESS, said storage can help businesses ‘get more from solar while using less diesel.’

Oluseyi Olosunde, Health officer at the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, has said that Nigeria remained a leading contributor to global maternal mortality, requiring urgent intervention.

The health officer said disclosed this during a three-day capacity-building workshop for healthcare workers aimed at combating postpartum haemorrhage, held at the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria headquarters in Bauchi.

He highlighted that the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has prioritised maternal mortality reduction in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to him, ‘We have identified that postpartum haemorrhage is a major contributor to maternal mortality,’ Olosunde said.

‘UNICEF is supporting the Bauchi State Government to empower health workers and refresh their capacity around postpartum haemorrhage management. Once their capacity is enhanced, they will provide better support during delivery and postpartum services.’

Addressing clinical indicators, Olosunde explained that blood loss exceeding 500ml during childbirth constitutes a medical emergency. While some blood loss is inevitable during delivery, proper clinical management is vital to preventing fatalities.

He further noted that multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) has replaced traditional, separate prescriptions of ferrous sulfate, folic acid, and multivitamins.

‘Multiple micronutrient supplementation combines all the essential micronutrients and multivitamins the body needs into a single commodity,’ Olosunde said.

‘If a woman has sufficient blood levels, the challenges associated with blood loss during childbirth are significantly minimised.’

Also speaking during the occasion, Emmanuel Agbogo, an obstetrician with the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, explained that the training is designed to equip healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, diagnose early, and properly treat postpartum hemorrhage.

He noted that the training was organised to guide health workers through the World Health Organization (WHO) bundle protocol for tackling postpartum hemorrhage one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, and particularly in Northeast Nigeria.

According to Agbogo, ‘The workshop is to equip health workers to acquire all the knowledge required to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. If they cannot prevent it, they should be able to detect it on time and treat it according to standard protocols. This will minimise the morbidity associated with it for women coming to deliver in hospitals, especially considering the rural nature of the Northeast.’

He added, ‘This training is not the first of its kind, but there are still unreached areas in the Northeast, particularly in some of our primary healthcare centers across all states in the region.’

Agbogo also identified anemia during pregnancy as a major risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. He pointed out that due to low literacy levels and poverty, many women cannot afford proper nutrition, despite their increased nutritional needs during pregnancy.

He further noted that the introduction of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) has helped many women reduce the severity of anemia during pregnancy.

Emmanuel Agbogo concluded that tackling this risk factor directly translates to a reduction in postpartum hemorrhage cases during childbirth.

Aradel Holdings Plc grew revenue more than sevenfold in the nine months to September 2026, but the expansion did not translate into stronger bottom-line earnings as rising finance costs and tax expenses weighed on profit.

The oil and gas group reported revenue of N3.95 trillion for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, compared with N538.81 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. Gross profit rose to N1.66 trillion from N234.73 billion, while operating profit increased to N1.56 trillion from N167.53 billion.

However, finance costs climbed sharply to N841.13 billion from N21.39 billion, while tax expenses rose to N721.41 billion from N55.56 billion. Consequently, profit after tax fell 82.3 percent to N43.30 billion from N245.13 billion.

Profit after tax declined by 82.3 percent to N43.30 billion from N245.12 billion, while earnings per share dropped to N32.57 from N55.90.

The increase in finance costs was driven largely by the N529.10 billion unwinding of contingent consideration linked to the acquisitions of ND Western and Renaissance, alongside N251.06 billion in interest on bank borrowings. The unwinding charge is an accounting expense and should not be interpreted entirely as cash interest paid.

The revenue expansion also reflects a significantly larger business following Aradel’s acquisition of ND Western and Renaissance, completed on December 31, 2025. The 2026 figures therefore include businesses that were not consolidated on the same basis in the 2025 comparative period.

The enlarged group’s balance sheet reflected that expansion. Total assets rose to N10.76 trillion at September 2026 from N1.96 trillion a year earlier, while total liabilities increased to N8.81 trillion from N459.56 billion. Shareholders’ equity grew to N1.95 trillion from N1.50 trillion.

Cash and cash equivalents increased to N2.00 trillion from N411.83 billion. However, total borrowings also rose to approximately N1.51 trillion from N206.51 billion, reflecting the group’s larger financing structure.

Cash generation strengthened during the period. Net cash from operating activities reached N2.46 trillion, compared with N205.41 billion in the corresponding nine months of 2025. This was supported partly by a N1.38 trillion increase in trade and other payables, while the group paid N690.32 billion in taxes.

Investment spending also increased, with purchases of property, plant and equipment rising to N570.64 billion from N116.54 billion. Net cash used in financing activities widened to N1.32 trillion from N54.46 billion, reflecting outflows including interest, dividends, borrowing repayments and contingent consideration payments.

The company is generating substantially more revenue and operating cash, but facing a much heavier finance and tax burden as it integrates its enlarged business.

Aradel Holdings currently trades at N1439.9 and has a market capitalisation of N6.3 trillion; it has remained one of the most performing stocks on the stock exchange, returning 99.9 percent.

Taiwo Akinola, the presiding bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, has called on the government, political leaders, institutions, and citizens to renew their commitment to justice, accountability, national unity, and people-centred governance, as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Akinola said Nigeria possesses enormous human and material resources, and urged the government to prioritize citizens’ welfare. ‘Nevertheless, persistent insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, healthcare deficiencies, substance abuse, and threats to food safety demand urgent and coordinated responses,’ he said.

According to him, the 2027 general elections offer Nigerians another opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and demand responsible governance. He therefore urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders to work towards peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible elections.

‘Vote-buying, intimidation, electoral violence, religious manipulation, and misinformation must be firmly discouraged. Young people as well as senior citizens, should complete the necessary voter registration procedures, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards where applicable, and participate responsibly in the electoral process,’ Akinola said.

He reiterated that the Church must remain non-partisan but never indifferent to justice, truth, and good governance. According to him, the Church must educate consciences rather than dictate political choices. ‘The true measure of political leadership is not the volume of campaign promises but the tangible improvement in citizens’ lives,’ Akinola said.

The Archbishop said the 2024 World Bank’s development indicators, which puts Nigeria’s life expectancy at birth to approximately 54.6 years, underscores the need for sustained improvements in healthcare delivery, nutrition, sanitation, and living conditions.

He added that healthcare expenditure must produce measurable improvements in service delivery, and that no Nigerian should be denied essential medical attention merely because of poverty.

Akinola reiterated that a healthy population is indispensable to human dignity, national productivity, and sustainable development. He said further that greater investment in preventive healthcare, immunisation, nutrition, sanitation, and mental health services is equally necessary.

‘We urge the government at all levels to prioritise functional primary healthcare centres, affordable health insurance, essential medicines, maternal and child healthcare, emergency services, and improved welfare for medical personnel.’

Speaking on the church’s forthcoming convention themed, ‘More Than Conquerors,’ Akinola, who is the Pastor-General, Rhema Christian Church and Towers, said the 35th convention of the ministry will bring believers from diverse backgrounds for spiritual renewal, sound biblical teaching, fervent prayers, worship, and life-transforming encounters with the supernatural power of God.

According to him, the theme reminds the congregation that national challenges, however formidable, must not become excuses for despair or inaction. He reiterated that the theme reminds the church and Nigerians at large that adversity cannot extinguish hope; difficulties must not destroy faith, and believers can triumph through the unfailing grace and power of Jesus Christ.

‘At a time when individuals, families, and nations confront formidable economic, social, and spiritual challenges, this message is particularly timely. For thirty-five years, God has graciously sustained this ministry in its divine assignment of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and raising a people of His power, purity, and purpose,’ Akinola said.

Yomi Akinyemi, chairman, Rhema World Convention 2026, said daily sessions will be held at 6:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m., with a special Hosanna Night of Power and Praise on Friday, November 6, by 9:00 p.m.

According to him, the grand finale will be held on Sunday, November 8, with special thanksgiving and special impartation service. ‘As we celebrate thirty-five years of God’s faithfulness – our message, ‘More Than Conquerors’ is one of faith, responsibility, courage, and hope. We call on political leaders to rise above selfish interests, institutions to rise above negligence, and citizens to rise above apathy,’ he said.

Otto Canon is a global sustainability leader committed to combating environmental degradation through recycling, tree planting, and policy advocacy. With over a decade of experience in social entrepreneurship and community development, he has collaborated with multilateral organisations to advance sustainable development. He is the founder and executive director of CleanCyclers; founder of SustainabilityUnscripted, and convener of the Global Sustainability Summit and Awards. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), Canon is dedicated to raising sustainability champions and building a planet where people and nature can thrive. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he spoke on how sustainability can become Africa’s next trillion-dollar economic opportunity rather than just an environmental agenda and greatest potential to drive sustainable economic growth across Africa over the next decade. Excerpts:

How can sustainability become Africa’s next trillion-dollar economic opportunity rather than just an environmental agenda?

Sustainability has never been simply about protecting the environment; it is about building economies that can endure. It involves creating jobs, improving healthcare, strengthening food security, expanding energy access, restoring ecosystems and ensuring long-term prosperity. When sustainability is viewed as an economic strategy rather than a cost, the conversation changes completely. Africa has the world’s youngest population, abundant renewable energy resources, vast agricultural potential and extraordinary biodiversity. These are not merely challenges to manage; they are competitive advantages that can be transformed into economic wealth.

The next trillion-dollar opportunity lies in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, circular manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, healthcare innovation, green logistics, climate technology, carbon markets, sustainable finance and nature-based solutions. Each of these sectors can generate investment, create jobs and stimulate industrial development.

A good example is the 100 million Tree Planting Initiative, recently launched at the Global Sustainability Summit at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London. The initiative will include food-bearing and commercially valuable trees such as mango, avocado, cashew, cocoa and coffee.

Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative is designed to support economic development through agroforestry, improved food security, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and green employment. It also presents opportunities to strengthen rural livelihoods and develop carbon-market activities, subject to appropriate verification and regulatory requirements.

The Global Sustainability Summit has also evolved beyond a conference into a platform for action, facilitating bilateral, trilateral and multilateral partnerships among governments, businesses, academia, investors, development institutions and civil society. These collaborations span renewable energy, healthcare, environmental restoration, the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, climate finance, innovation and education.

Ultimately, sustainability must be understood as an engine of investment, diplomacy and economic transformation. I often say that sustainability is not simply about saving the planet; it is about creating a future in which people, businesses and nations can thrive together. When we align people, planet and profit, sustainability becomes one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities.

Which industries have the greatest potential to drive sustainable economic growth across Africa over the next decade?

Several industries stand out because they can address multiple economic and social challenges simultaneously.

Renewable energy is fundamental because no economy can grow sustainably without reliable and affordable power. Expanding solar, wind and other clean energy sources can improve electricity access, support industrialisation and reduce energy-related emissions.

Agriculture and food processing also offer enormous opportunities. Africa produces significant quantities of agricultural commodities but continues to face challenges in local processing, food security and value addition. Investing in agro-processing, storage, logistics and modern farming can reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food systems and create employment.

Healthcare innovation and medical logistics will become increasingly important as the population grows and demand for accessible, quality healthcare increases.

The circular economy, including recycling, waste-to-energy, resource recovery and sustainable manufacturing, offers another major opportunity to transform waste into valuable economic assets.

Through CleanCyclers, we are demonstrating how specialised areas such as solar panel recycling can support the recovery of valuable materials, reduce environmental risks associated with improperly discarded panels and create opportunities for skilled green employment. As solar energy adoption expands across Africa, responsible end-of-life management of solar panels will become increasingly important. With the right infrastructure, technology and regulatory support, this could help establish new recycling and resource-recovery industries.

Technology and artificial intelligence will also transform education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental monitoring and financial inclusion. Green construction, sustainable housing, electric mobility, climate finance, carbon markets, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration offer further opportunities.

The key is integration. These sectors should reinforce one another rather than operate in isolation. Platforms such as the Global Sustainability Summit can help connect governments, investors and innovators to develop partnerships, mobilise capital and accelerate sustainable investment.

How can African governments create policies that attract sustainable investment while accelerating economic development?

Investors value certainty as much as opportunity. Governments must therefore establish stable, transparent and predictable policies that encourage long-term investment.

This requires reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, simplifying licensing and permitting processes, addressing corruption and ensuring that regulations are consistently implemented. Investors also need confidence in the rule of law, contract enforcement and the protection of legitimate investments.

Public-private partnerships should play a more prominent role in financing sustainable development. Governments cannot meet all infrastructure and development needs through public spending alone, but they can create an enabling environment that encourages private capital to participate.

The Global Sustainability Summit has highlighted the importance of policy dialogue by facilitating engagements among governments, development partners, investors and private-sector leaders. Such discussions can help identify investment opportunities across renewable energy, sustainable healthcare, environmental restoration, circular economy initiatives and climate finance.

Governments should also consider targeted tax incentives for viable green industries, investment guarantees, improved infrastructure, accessible financing and effective regulatory frameworks. These measures must be transparent, carefully designed and linked to measurable development outcomes.

Most importantly, policymakers must look beyond political cycles. Sustainable development requires continuity, long-term planning and institutions capable of implementing policies consistently, even when administrations change.

Good policies attract investment, while good governance builds the confidence needed to retain it.

What role should African entrepreneurs and the private sector play in building a green economy that creates jobs and prosperity?

Entrepreneurs are not simply participants in the green economy; they are among its most important architects. Innovation often begins with people willing to approach familiar problems differently. African entrepreneurs understand local markets, consumer needs and community challenges, positioning them to develop practical, scalable and commercially viable solutions.

The private sector should invest in clean technologies, sustainable supply chains, workforce development, circular manufacturing and local industrialisation. Businesses must also recognise that sustainability is no longer merely a corporate social responsibility activity. It is increasingly a business consideration that affects operational efficiency, competitiveness, investment and access to markets.

Companies that use resources efficiently, reduce waste and develop environmentally responsible products can create new revenue streams while lowering certain operating costs and environmental risks.

Through CleanCyclers, we are demonstrating how sustainability-driven enterprises can address environmental challenges while developing commercial opportunities. Solar panel recycling, advanced resource recovery and circular economy innovation can help build industries that create employment, recover valuable materials and reduce dependence on virgin resources.

However, entrepreneurs need access to finance, appropriate technology, skilled workers, reliable infrastructure and supportive regulation to scale their businesses.

The most competitive businesses of the future will increasingly be those that combine financial performance with measurable environmental and social benefits.

How can Africa leverage innovation, artificial intelligence and technology to address sustainability challenges and remain globally competitive?

Artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities to accelerate sustainable development across Africa.

AI can improve agricultural productivity through precision farming, support disease diagnosis, reduce energy waste, strengthen disaster forecasting, improve supply-chain efficiency, monitor forests and expand access to education through personalised learning.

It can also improve the management of environmental restoration initiatives such as the 100 million Tree Planting Initiative. Digital tools can help map degraded landscapes, monitor tree survival, assess biodiversity recovery, identify climate risks and measure carbon sequestration. Reliable monitoring and verification would also strengthen transparency and accountability for investors and development partners.

However, technology alone is not the solution. It must address real problems and deliver measurable benefits to communities and businesses.

Africa must move beyond being a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere and become a creator of solutions tailored to its own needs, while also developing technologies that can compete in global markets.

The continent has talented young innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs. What they need are investment, mentorship, reliable infrastructure, research support and opportunities to scale their ideas.

We must also invest in digital skills, data infrastructure, responsible AI governance and affordable connectivity to ensure that technological progress benefits more than a small segment of society.

By combining African creativity with emerging technologies, the continent can strengthen its competitiveness and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability solutions.

Climate finance remains a major challenge. What practical steps can African countries take to attract more investment for sustainable development?

The first step is to develop bankable projects that can meet investors’ financial, technical and environmental requirements.

Although Africa has significant investment opportunities, many projects struggle to secure financing because of inadequate preparation, limited access to project-development capital, regulatory uncertainty and concerns about governance and implementation.

Governments and development institutions should strengthen project-preparation facilities, improve financial transparency, establish credible monitoring and reporting systems, and develop stronger institutional frameworks.

Africa should also expand the use of green bonds, blended finance, carbon markets, sovereign sustainability funds and regional investment platforms. Blended finance, in particular, can help mobilise private investment by using public or development capital to reduce specific risks that might otherwise discourage commercial investors.

Platforms such as the Global Sustainability Summit can help bridge the gap between project developers and potential sources of capital by connecting African initiatives with governments, development finance institutions, philanthropies, private investors and strategic partners.

However, these connections must translate into well-structured projects, clear financing arrangements and measurable results.

Climate finance should not be viewed solely as aid. It should also be recognised as an opportunity to invest in infrastructure, technology, industrial development and resilient economic systems. Africa must strengthen its capacity to prepare projects, demonstrate returns and build the trust required to attract long-term capital.

Africa is rich in natural resources. How can the continent create more value locally instead of exporting raw materials?

This is one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities. For decades, many African economies have relied heavily on exporting raw materials while importing finished products at substantially higher prices. That pattern limits the value retained within the continent and constrains opportunities for industrial development.

We must invest more in local processing, manufacturing, refining, research, innovation and industrial infrastructure.

Instead of exporting cocoa beans alone, African countries should expand the production and export of processed cocoa products and premium chocolate. Rather than exporting raw minerals without further processing, countries should develop viable mineral-processing industries and, where commercially and technologically feasible, manufacture battery materials, electric-vehicle components and other advanced products.

Similarly, timber-producing countries can develop furniture manufacturing and engineered wood industries rather than relying predominantly on raw timber exports.

The circular economy offers another important pathway. Through the recycling of electronics, batteries and solar panels, Africa can recover valuable materials, reduce waste and strengthen resource security. This can create additional industrial opportunities while reducing pressure on natural resources.

Achieving this transformation requires reliable energy, transport infrastructure, technical skills, access to finance, research capacity and policies that encourage local production without undermining competitiveness.

Value addition creates opportunities for higher incomes, skilled employment, technology transfer and stronger domestic industries. Africa must progressively move from being primarily a supplier of raw materials to becoming a producer of competitive, high-value goods.

How can sustainability empower young Africans, create millions of jobs and reduce poverty?

Africa’s greatest resource is its people. With a large and youthful population, the continent has an opportunity to turn its demographic advantage into an engine of inclusive economic growth.

Achieving this will require investment in green skills, technical education, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and circular economy businesses.

Sustainability initiatives can generate employment across a wide range of activities, from engineering and manufacturing to recycling, environmental monitoring, logistics, agricultural processing and ecosystem restoration.

The 100 million Tree Planting Initiative illustrates how environmental programmes can also support livelihoods. Beyond planting trees, the initiative can create opportunities in nursery development, seedling supply, land preparation, agroforestry, logistics, digital mapping, biodiversity monitoring, carbon measurement and long-term land management.

For these benefits to be sustainable, projects must provide appropriate training, fair compensation and meaningful participation for local communities. Tree planting must also be supported by suitable species selection, land rights safeguards, maintenance and long-term monitoring to ensure that the trees survive and ecosystems improve.

Young people should not simply be beneficiaries of sustainable development; they should be its leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.

With access to skills, finance, mentorship and markets, young Africans can build businesses, create jobs and contribute to reducing poverty. The objective must be to move beyond short-term employment towards productive, dignified work that supports long-term economic security.

If Africa gets sustainability right, what could the continent look like by 2050 economically, environmentally and socially?

I envision an Africa that is energy-secure, food-secure, technologically advanced, economically resilient and globally influential.

It would be a continent where cities are increasingly powered by clean energy, healthcare is more accessible, and agricultural systems can feed domestic populations while supplying international markets.

I see innovation hubs competing globally, local industries creating higher-value products, and circular economy businesses turning waste into resources. I also see restored landscapes, healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities that are better equipped to withstand climate-related risks.

Initiatives such as the 100 million Tree Planting Initiative could contribute to restoring degraded land, strengthening agroforestry, supporting rural livelihoods and generating environmental benefits, provided they are implemented effectively and sustained over time.

I also envision African institutions playing a stronger role in international sustainability discussions, building partnerships that advance investment, research, technology transfer and practical solutions to shared global challenges. Platforms such as the Global Sustainability Summit can contribute by connecting stakeholders and supporting collaboration across borders.

Socially, I see a continent where women, young people and rural communities participate more fully in economic growth, and where more people can find meaningful opportunities within their own countries.

This future will not emerge automatically. It will depend on the quality of leadership, the strength of institutions, the consistency of public policies and the willingness of governments and businesses to make long-term investments.

Africa has the resources, talent and entrepreneurial potential to achieve this vision. The challenge is to convert those advantages into measurable improvements in people’s lives.

What is your message to African leaders, investors and the international community about Africa’s potential to lead the next era of sustainable growth?

My message is simple: Africa should no longer be viewed only through the lens of its challenges. It must be recognised as a continent with significant investment opportunities, entrepreneurial talent, natural resources and the capacity to develop solutions to global problems.

To African leaders, I say: lead with courage, integrity and long-term vision. Invest in people, strengthen institutions, provide reliable infrastructure and create an environment in which innovation and enterprise can flourish.

To investors, I say that Africa offers opportunities to generate financial returns while addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. These opportunities span renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, circular manufacturing, infrastructure, climate technology and environmental restoration. Realising them requires rigorous project assessment, responsible investment and a long-term commitment to local value creation.

To the international community, I say that meaningful partnerships must be built on mutual respect, shared responsibility and shared prosperity. Work with Africa, not merely for Africa.

Through the Global Sustainability Summit, we have brought together stakeholders from different countries and sectors to explore bilateral, trilateral and multilateral partnerships across renewable energy, climate finance, sustainable healthcare, environmental restoration, the circular economy, agriculture, education and innovation. The priority now is to translate these engagements into practical projects, investment commitments and measurable outcomes.

The 100 million Tree Planting Initiative is another expression of this ambition. Beyond its environmental objectives, it has the potential to support food security, rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, green employment and climate resilience, provided implementation is backed by adequate financing, effective monitoring and long-term community participation.

Through organisations such as CleanCyclers, we are also demonstrating how circular economy solutions, including solar panel recycling and advanced resource recovery, can help reduce environmental risks, recover valuable materials and create new industrial opportunities.

Our generation has a unique opportunity to redefine Africa’s development trajectory. If we approach sustainability as a catalyst for innovation, industrialisation, investment and inclusive growth, we can build economies that are more resilient, competitive and prosperous.

Africa possesses the talent, natural resources, entrepreneurial spirit and potential partnerships needed to play a leading role in the next era of sustainable development.

The future belongs to those who build it, and Africa must be ready to lead.

As Nigerians continue to prepare for the forthcoming 2027 general elections, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has warned against actions that could deepen the already strained relations among people of different faiths.

‘We must not allow provocation to draw innocent people into retaliatory actions that could deepen divisions or endanger lives.

‘Young people should be raised to respect human life and the dignity of others, not taught to regard fellow citizens as enemies to be eliminated because of their religious beliefs,’ CAN said in a statement signed by its president Daniel Okoh, in response to the threat to kill Christians in a viral video.

CAN urged Christians across the country to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while the authorities investigate the matter. It also noted that Nigeria has endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat threats of this nature lightly,

‘Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds can be made without consequence. The government must demonstrate, through concrete action, that such intimidation will not be tolerated.’

According to CAN, No Nigerian should have to fear for their life because of their faith or face the prospect of violence simply for gathering to worship, in response to the social media video in which a group of boys were seen chanting and calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos.

‘Such threats must not be dismissed as mere chants or treated as harmless displays of youthful exuberance. They demand urgent attention and decisive action,’ CAN stated, urging the government to act swiftly, through thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

The Christian body insisted that safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable, and that Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack or intimidation. ‘The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored.’

MTN Nigeria’s profit after tax rose 55.3 percent to N1.17 trillion in the nine months ended September 2026, as strong data revenue growth, higher customer usage and improved operating efficiency lifted earnings at the telecommunications company.

The results highlight the growing contribution of data services to MTN’s business, with revenue from the segment increasing 35.8 percent to N2.68 trillion, accounting for about 58.5 percent of total service revenue.

MTN’s active data users increased 12 percent to 57.2 million, while average monthly data consumption per active user rose 16.2 percent to 15.3 gigabytes. This pushed network data traffic up 30.1 percent, according to the company’s third-quarter earnings release.

The figures show that growth is being driven not only by subscriber additions but also by deeper usage of existing services.

Data revenue grew considerably faster than active data users, indicating that increased consumption is contributing to the company’s earnings. However, MTN’s disclosures do not isolate the effects of higher usage from pricing changes or shifts in customer spending.

Total service revenue increased 23.7 percent to N4.59 trillion. Voice revenue grew 11.1 percent to N1.50 trillion, while digital revenue rose 24 percent to N88.3 billion. Fintech revenue, however, declined 25.9 percent to N97.5 billion, reflecting the suspension of its airtime and data credit service between April and June before its resumption under a multi-partner model.

Profitability grew faster than revenue. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 36.8 percent to N2.62 trillion, while the EBITDA margin expanded 5.5 percentage points to 56.9 percent. Operating profit rose 38.2 percent to N1.99 trillion, while profit before tax climbed 59.4 percent to N1.80 trillion.

Operating expenses increased 8.5 percent, below the 23.7 percent growth in service revenue. Lower net finance costs, down 25.3 percent to N277 billion, also supported earnings. However, tax expense rose 67.6 percent to N630.47 billion, limiting the growth in profit after tax.

Rising data consumption has also increased the importance of network capacity. MTN’s capital expenditure, excluding leases, rose 14.2 percent to N864.8 billion. The company said investment supported network coverage, capacity, service quality and home broadband expansion.

Its fibre-to-the-home business carries approximately 13 percent of total data traffic, helping ease pressure on the mobile network, according to the earnings release.

Cash generation remained strong despite the investment programme. Net cash from operating activities increased 48.2 percent to N2.31 trillion, while free cash flow rose 57.5 percent to N1.17 trillion. Dividend payments amounted to about N860 billion during the period.

Total assets increased 10.6 percent to N5.97 trillion at September 30, from N5.40 trillion at December 2025. Property, plant and equipment rose to N2.33 trillion, while shareholders’ equity increased 53.8 percent to N843.91 billion. Borrowings declined to N333.32 billion from N527.67 billion.

Cash and cash equivalents fell to N380.99 billion from N632.50 billion, reflecting investment spending, dividend payments and other cash movements. MTN nevertheless ended September with a net cash position of N47.7 billion. Speaking on the nine-month result, Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘We continue to deliver on our efficiency programme, expanding margins and strengthening cash generation despite energy cost pressures, and these gains are increasingly structural. Our balance sheet is strong, with borrowings fully naira-denominated and at fixed rates, eliminating foreign currency and floating-rate exposure on our debt.

‘We enter the final quarter with confidence and remain on track to deliver our guidance. Our priorities are clear: sustain growth, protect margins, scale home broadband and rebuild fintech momentum, while creating sustainable value for all our stakeholders.’

MTN Nigeria shares trade at N850 currently on the NGX, and they boast the third-largest market capitalisation on the stock exchange at N17.8 trillion and have returned 61.45 percent year-to-date for their shareholders.

Some political relationships are born out of electoral calculations. Others are forged through decades of friendship, mutual respect and shared experiences. The relationship between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Igbo people of Nigeria’s Southeast belongs, in significant measure, to the latter category.

A video featuring Chief Dan Ulasi, former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, which I recently stumbled upon, offers a compelling reminder of this relationship and its historical roots. Chief Ulasi recalls how Atiku, as an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, assisted Igbo businessmen in clearing their imported goods during the difficult years following the Nigerian Civil War.

It is a remarkable testimony, not because Atiku is today a presidential candidate, but because the relationship predates his involvement in national politics. It speaks to a time when the overriding concern of the average Igbo businessman was not electoral politics but economic survival.

To appreciate the significance of Chief Ulasi’s recollection, we must revisit the circumstances of the Southeast following the Civil War. When the war ended in January 1970, the Igbo people faced enormous devastation. Businesses had collapsed, properties had been destroyed, families had been displaced and personal savings had been substantially eroded.

To compound their difficulties, the controversial £20 policy meant that many people surrendering wartime currency received a flat payment of just £20, regardless of the amount deposited. Although the policy did not apply uniformly to every bank account, it remains an enduring symbol of the economic hardship that followed the war.

Yet, the Igbo refused to surrender to adversity. With remarkable resilience, they rebuilt their businesses, revived their commercial networks and reclaimed their place in Nigeria’s economic life. From Onitsha to Aba, Nnewi to Enugu, and across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Igbo entrepreneurship flourished. It was during this period of reconstruction that Atiku, who joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 1969, began developing the commercial relationships that Chief Ulasi recalls.

His account portrays Atiku as someone who assisted Igbo businessmen navigating the challenges of clearing imported goods. Here was a young Customs officer from northern Nigeria relating with businessmen from the East, not through the divisive prism of ethnicity or religion, but through the shared realities of commerce and human relationships.

This is the Atiku story that deserves greater attention: a relationship with the Igbo people that did not begin with the search for presidential votes. And it is a relationship that provides an important context for examining Atiku’s economic vision for the Southeast.

Atiku understands that the Igbo entrepreneurial spirit needs more than praise. It requires an enabling environment, reliable infrastructure, affordable financing and government policies that reward productivity.

Consider the plight of businessmen and manufacturers in Aba, Onitsha and Nnewi. A manufacturer in Aba battles unreliable electricity, expensive diesel, inadequate financing and high transportation costs. An industrialist in Nnewi confronts similar challenges while struggling to remain competitive. An importer in Onitsha must contend with the cost of moving goods from distant seaports.

These difficulties are not inevitable. They are problems that purposeful economic policies can address. This explains the significance of Atiku’s commitment to the rehabilitation and development of ports along Nigeria’s eastern maritime corridor.

In August 2026, Atiku reiterated his intention to develop eastern ports and reduce Nigeria’s excessive dependence on Lagos for maritime commerce. He recalled discussions with international shipping and port-development interests aimed at improving the country’s maritime infrastructure.

The commercial implications for the Southeast are considerable. Why should a businessman in Onitsha or a manufacturer in Aba bear enormous transportation costs moving containers from Lagos when functioning ports in Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri and Calabar could offer alternative gateways?

Although these ports are geographically located in the South-South, their rehabilitation and efficient operation would directly benefit businesses throughout the Southeast.

Improved port operations, supported by reliable road and rail connections, could lower logistics costs, reduce congestion, facilitate trade and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers.

Atiku’s earlier commitment to making the Onitsha inland port functional is equally important. Properly developed and connected to other transportation networks, it could become a significant logistics centre for the region’s commercial activities.

The proposed operationalisation of the Abia dry port offers another opportunity. At a presidential campaign rally in Umuahia in February 2023, Atiku pledged to make the Abia dry port operational and announced a proposed $10 billion fund to support businesses, particularly in the Southeast. He recalled an earlier commitment to assist the rehabilitation of businesses in Aba.

These are commitments with potentially far-reaching implications. A properly structured business-support fund, with transparent financing and administration, could help manufacturers acquire modern equipment, expand production, create employment and compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.

The Southeast does not lack entrepreneurial talent. What it needs is an economic environment that allows that talent to flourish.

Aba’s footwear, garment and leather industries deserve stronger industrial infrastructure and access to affordable credit. Nnewi’s automobile-parts and engineering industries require reliable electricity, modern technology and supportive manufacturing policies. Onitsha’s vast commercial networks need efficient transportation, improved logistics and predictable Customs procedures.

Beyond infrastructure, Atiku’s proposals for restructuring and greater devolution of powers provide another important dimension to the development of the Southeast.

For too long, Nigeria’s excessive centralisation has constrained the ability of states to address their peculiar development needs.

A restructured federation, with clearly defined responsibilities and appropriate resources, could give states greater flexibility to develop industrial clusters, attract investment, improve infrastructure and respond effectively to local economic challenges.

Security must also occupy a central place in any serious development agenda for the Southeast. Insecurity, violent attacks, criminal activities and disruptions to commercial life have inflicted considerable hardship on communities and businesses.

No region can realise its economic potential when traders cannot move freely, factories cannot operate consistently and ordinary citizens live in fear.

A credible security framework must therefore combine effective law enforcement, community participation, intelligence gathering and greater cooperation between federal and state authorities.

Equally important is the challenge of political inclusion. The Southeast deserves equitable representation in national institutions, fair access to federal infrastructure investments and the assurance that its people are equal stakeholders in the Nigerian federation.

These are not demands for special treatment. They are legitimate expectations of citizenship.

It is precisely here that the question of national leadership becomes important. Under President Bola Tinubu, the administration has faced persistent criticism over perceptions of ethnic favouritism, religious divisions and unequal political representation. Those criticisms deserve serious examination rather than automatic dismissal as opposition politics.

Nigeria cannot afford a political culture in which ethnicity becomes a measure of loyalty or religion determines who is considered sufficiently Nigerian.

The President of Nigeria is not the President of one ethnic group, one religion or one geopolitical zone. He is President of all Nigerians.

Atiku’s longstanding advocacy of national inclusion and restructuring offers a different framework for discussing these challenges.

But one principle should not be negotiable: no Nigerian should be made to feel like a second-class citizen in his own country.

An Igbo businessman investing in Kano, a Hausa entrepreneur operating in Onitsha, or a Yoruba professional working in Enugu must enjoy equal dignity, protection and opportunity. That is the essence of the Nigerian ideal.

The relationship recalled by Chief Dan Ulasi illustrates the importance of human connections that transcend the artificial boundaries of ethnic and religious politics.

More than five decades after the Civil War, Nigeria should have moved decisively beyond the politics of suspicion, exclusion and historical resentment.

The promise of reconciliation must find expression in economic opportunity, equitable development and national belonging.

There is also an important evolution in the Atiku story. The young Customs officer whom Chief Ulasi remembers for assisting businessmen with the clearance of their goods is today proposing policies intended to address the structural challenges confronting those same commercial communities.

The task is no longer merely to help individual businessmen clear their containers. It is to build a system in which containers move efficiently, ports function competitively, manufacturers enjoy affordable electricity and businesses prosper without unnecessary obstacles.

That is the difference between individual assistance and institutional development.

Ultimately, the Igbo people, like Nigerians everywhere, deserve to assess political leaders by their records, commitments and capacity to deliver meaningful development.

Atiku’s historical relationships, his proposals for eastern ports, business financing, industrial development and restructuring are relevant considerations in that assessment.

Chief Ulasi’s testimony reminds us that political relationships need not begin and end with elections. They can be built through decades of mutual respect, cooperation and shared humanity.

Nigeria’s unity will not be secured by political slogans or forced declarations of patriotism. It will be sustained when every Nigerian, whether Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Tiv, Kanuri or from any other community, experiences the dignity of equal citizenship.

And when the ports work, factories produce, businesses prosper and opportunities become accessible to all, national integration will cease to be merely a political aspiration.

It will become a lived reality. That is the Nigeria worth building. And that is the enduring lesson in the relationship between Atiku Abubakar and the Igbo people.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), has advised President Bola Tinubu to go return home to rest, saying he lacked the energy to govern

Obi made the call on Friday during the commissioning of the NDC State Secretariat and campaign office in Yenagoa, stressing that Nigeria needs a president and capacity to address the nation’s daunting challenges.

He insisted that Nigeria can no longer afford a leadership that lacked the energy required for effective governance and that Tinubu should abandon his re-election ambition.

The former Anambra State governor criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government over poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, poor healthcare and inadequate electricity supply in the country.

He described the prevailing socio-economic situation as troubling, saying millions of Nigerians were struggling to meet their basic needs while access to essential services such as healthcare, education and employment remain major challenges.

‘Today, we have a country that produces the highest number of poor people in the world. Today, we have a country where our people are hungry. Nigerians don’t know where the next meal will come from,’ he said.

Obi expressed worry that some Nigerians had resorted to seeking spiritual intervention instead of medical treatment because of inadequate healthcare facilities, adding that the absence of quality schools and employment opportunities had further worsened the situation.

He assured Nigerians that the NDC is offering an alternative political direction anchored on national unity, security, production, accountability and economic opportunities.

‘We are telling you that NDC is coming to build a new Nigeria that is possible. We want to move Nigeria from consumption to production. We will start by uniting the country,’ he said.

He pledged that an NDC administration would tackle insecurity, strengthen public institutions and ensure that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or geographical backgrounds, feel a sense of belonging.

Condemned the persistent cases of kidnapping and attacks on communities being witnessed across the nation, he promised a more decisive security response if elected.

Obi also promised to make public education accessible, saying his administration would work with state governments to provide classrooms and ensure free basic education at the primary and secondary levels.

On power supply, he pledged that an NDC government would produce, transmit and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity compared to about 4,000 megawatts currently being generated.

He further promised to support industries and small businesses, create employment opportunities for young Nigerians and proposed the development of seaports across the South-South region.

According to him, the proposed ports would serve areas including Warri, Port Harcourt, Bayelsa and Calabar, pledging improved road infrastructure to connect the states and stimulate economic activities.

Obi also took a swipe at the Federal Government over the country’s borrowing, challenging Tinubu to explain how the funds obtained through loans have been utilised.

He raised questions over President Tinubu’s reluctance to visit Bayelsa State for political campaign in spite of the state’s contributions to the country’s oil revenues.

Obi said it was unfair for a president to benefit from the resources generated from the Niger Delta without adequately engaging with the people and addressing their development concerns.

He also criticised Tinubu’s foreign travels, promising that, if elected, his own international engagements would be strictly in Nigeria’s interest and that Nigerians would be kept informed of his whereabouts.

Making a direct appeal for a change of leadership, Obi said: ‘The man is tired. He needs to go home. Tinubu must go and rest. We want him to go and rest.’

He added that Nigeria needs a government that is both accessible and accountable instead of one that is allegedly run around family interests.

Earlier, Henry Seriake Dickson, founder of the NDC and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the Senate, urged Bayelsans to give Obi and all the party’s candidates in the state overwhelming electoral support.

The former governor of Bayelsa State accused the APC of failing to deliver on its promises to the people and criticised the ruling party for what he described as the poor political treatment of some individuals who had served in government.

He called on party members and supporters to mobilise across communities in Bayelsa State to secure support for the NDC candidates.

Dickson also cautioned supporters against intimidation and electoral violence, urging them to remain peaceful but resolute in defending their voting rights.

He said elections should be won through votes rather than the deployment of security personnel to intimidate voters.

‘We don’t do politics with violence. No weapon, no bullet. Overwhelm them with the sheer force in your community. Vote and you declare and you follow up,’ he told supporters.

Dickson said he had worked with Obi for about 25 years, describing their political relationship as one built on longstanding cooperation.

He urged the people to listen to Obi and support the party’s campaign, promising to join the mobilisation efforts across communities in the state.