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The wave of insecurity in parts of the North Central region has once again sparked outrage following reports of deadly attacks in Kogi and alleged bandit control of several communities in neighbouring Kwara State.

In a statement on Sunday, Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, expressed deep concern over what he described as the ‘tragic and senseless’ killings in Kogi State’s Yagba West Local Government Area, where more than 27 people were reportedly killed by armed bandits.

‘I am deeply disturbed by the tragic reports of yet another senseless attack in Kogi State’s Yagba West Local Government Area, where over 27 innocent Nigerians were killed by armed bandits,’ Obi said.

‘The images are heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire people of Kogi State.’

Obi also cited reports indicating that nine of Kwara State’s 16 local government areas were under the siege of bandits who now ‘demand food and drinks as ransom.’

The affected local governments, according to the reports he referenced, include Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Kaiama, Oke-Ero, Patigi, and Irepodun.

‘The security situation is now a national emergency,’ Obi warned. ‘It is deeply troubling that insecurity has become a normal occurrence in our nation, where our citizens die daily more than in countries at war. This is not normal. Our citizens cannot sleep in their own homes in peace, our farmers are being driven away from their lands by bandits, our children are living in fear of being attacked, and our nation continues to bleed.’

He urged the government to prioritize the protection of lives and property, describing it as ‘the most basic duty of any government.’

However, the Nigerian Army debunked reports suggesting that troops were overrun by bandits in parts of Kwara State, dismissing such claims as ‘false and misleading.’

In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, deputy director of Army Public Relations for the 2 Division, the Army said: ‘Contrary to the sensational claims, troops of 148 Battalion (Rear) conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States have continued to record significant operational successes.’

The statement added that ‘in a recent engagement, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara-Ekiti border axis, where they neutralized two armed bandits and recovered two brand new AK-47 rifles.’

The Army insisted that ‘at no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements, as mischievously reported by the online platform.’

It described the publication as ‘a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine the morale of gallant troops diligently working to restore peace and stability in the region.’

The military assured the public of its continued commitment to tackling insecurity, stating that ‘the Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring that all forms of criminality are decisively dealt with across the country.’

It urged citizens to ‘disregard the false report and continue to support the military with timely and credible information that would aid ongoing operations.’

‘The Nigerian Army also reiterates its readiness to sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining states are dismantled,’ the statement concluded.

Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are dominated by entrepreneurs in their prime working years, underscoring the age-driven dynamics of the country’s enterprise sector.

Fresh data from Intelpoint show that nearly two-thirds of MSME owners are between the ages of 26 and 45. Of this group, 33.3 percent are in the 26-35 bracket, while another 33.8 percent fall within 36-45. By comparison, only 12.1 percent of entrepreneurs are aged 18-25, 14.6 percent are between 46 and 55, and just 6.2 percent are above 56.

Intelpoint noted that ‘the age distribution of Nigerian MSME entrepreneurs shows a clear concentration in the 26-45 age bracket, which makes up roughly two-thirds of the population.’ It added that while very young adults represent just over 12 percent, ‘most business ownership starts after early adulthood,’ with the mid-life group (46-55) at nearly 15 percent and older entrepreneurs (56+) as the smallest segment.

The findings reinforce the centrality of MSMEs to Nigeria’s economy, where they contribute about half of GDP and over 80 percent of employment.

But the uneven age spread raises structural concerns. Despite their familiarity with digital tools and with high unemployment rates, young Nigerians remain underrepresented as business owners. Limited access to finance, weak entrepreneurial education, and a challenging business climate are barriers keeping them from scaling up ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Intelpoint’s analysts observed that ‘MSME activity is largely driven by individuals in their prime working years, reflecting a combination of energy, experience, and capacity to manage small and medium-scale businesses.’

At the other end of the spectrum, the marginal role of older entrepreneurs suggests gaps in succession planning and business continuity. With fewer Nigerians above 56 engaged in small-scale entrepreneurship, opportunities for intergenerational transfer of knowledge and wealth remain underdeveloped. This may also reflect broader issues around retirement savings, health security, and reduced risk appetite in later years.

Experts argue that broadening the entrepreneurial base will require targeted interventions. For younger entrepreneurs, easier access to credit, digital infrastructure, and mentorship could improve entry and survival rates. For older business owners, policies that bolster advisory roles, family succession, and financial support could help preserve enterprise knowledge and ensure stability in key sectors.

The Intelpoint survey, which covered 600 MSMEs across Nigeria’s six regions with an 84.4 percent response rate, is part of a wider effort to track how small businesses manage finance, revenue, and support systems. Its results highlight the need for tailored policies that recognize the age dynamics of Nigeria’s enterprise economy and unlock participation across all demographics.

Nigeria’s financial sector stands at a pivotal moment, with opportunities to chart a bold new path. For years, innovation has powered remarkable progress, expanding access, deepening inclusion, and reshaping how millions of Nigerians interact with money. Yet, as we prepare for the next chapter, one truth has become clear to me: innovation alone will not sustain our growth.

The industry must now embrace three intertwined pillars: innovation, collaboration, and compliance, if we are to build a financial ecosystem that is not only dynamic but also resilient and trusted. This is the conviction behind TechConnect 5.0, Interswitch’s flagship industry forum, which we are convening this October across Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos under the theme ‘UNITED FRONTIERS: Growth Powered by Innovation, Collaboration and Compliance’.

For over two decades, Interswitch has provided the rails for Nigeria’s digital payments, and as the landscape evolves with new entrants, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, and shifting consumer expectations, redrawing the boundaries of the future, the question is not how much more we can innovate, but how we can innovate collectively, responsibly, collaboratively, and sustainably.

This is why collaboration matters. The financial ecosystem is not a collection of silos but an interdependent network of banks, fintechs, regulators, corporates, and service providers. One player’s failure can ripple across the entire system. If we are to harness the full potential of digital finance, we must break down walls, share knowledge, and co-create solutions that lift the industry as a whole.

Equally, compliance can no longer be treated as a hurdle. It is, in fact, the foundation of trust. In an era of rising cyber risks, data privacy concerns, and intensifying regulatory scrutiny, compliance is what assures customers that their money and their data are safe. It is what attracts investment and enables long-term growth. Seen this way, compliance does not stifle innovation; it enables it.

TechConnect 5.0 has been designed as more than just another industry event. It is a platform for dialogue and action, where stakeholders across the value chain can engage directly with new solutions, share lessons from real-world deployments, and forge partnerships that will outlast the forum itself. By staging it across three cities, including Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, we are intentionally decentralising the conversation, ensuring that Nigeria’s financial future is shaped inclusively, not only from Lagos but from every region, driving growth.

As I reflect on the sector’s trajectory, I am convinced that Nigeria’s digital economy will not be defined solely by the speed of its innovation but by the strength of its collaboration and the depth of its compliance. Innovation will always spark the journey, but collaboration and compliance will determine how far and how sustainably we go.

The challenge before us is clear. If we want a financial ecosystem that is future-ready, globally competitive, and inclusive, then we must stop treating these three principles as optional. They are the united frontiers on which our future must stand.

That is the conversation we will drive at TechConnect 5.0. And that is the conversation I believe the entire industry must embrace urgently, collectively, and decisively.

The tragic death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a 29-year-old lawyer and news anchor with Arise TV, during a robbery at her residence in Unique Estate, Katampe, has cast a harsh spotlight on the deteriorating security situation in Abuja.

Maduagwu succumbed to injuries sustained after armed robbers invaded the block of six flats where she lived in the early hours of Monday, 29 September. According to Ajao Adewale, the FCT Police Commissioner, she lost her life while attempting to escape the intruders by jumping from the balcony of her top-floor apartment in the three-story building.

The attack also left one of the two private security guards wounded by gunfire, further underscoring the brutality of the incident. This disturbing event has drawn renewed attention to Nigeria’s growing insecurity, especially within the nation’s capital.

When BusinessDay visited Unique Apartments in the Gishiri/Katampe area of Abuja-a complex of six flats-one resident, Chukunguike, who lives on the top floor of Block B7, shared his harrowing experience during the incident.

‘I woke up around 2 a.m. and was working on my laptop when I heard a woman scream for help,’ he recounted. ‘Moments later, there was a loud noise, which I suspected could have been a gunshot.’

At first, he locked his doors, assuming the disturbance was coming from elsewhere. But soon after, he heard footsteps and movement around the estate, which comprises two blocks. ‘The noise started in the first block where the victim lived and moved closer. At that hour, it’s unusual to hear such activity, so I knew something was wrong.’

Chukunguike and his cousin went into hiding after seeing intruders entering through the window. Eventually, the robbers broke into their rooms, took their phones, demanded passwords, but left without harming them. He could not confirm the exact circumstances of Maduagwu’s death but heard she fell from her balcony.

Residents of Katampe and neighboring communities described their neighborhoods as being under siege, plagued by frequent armed robbery attacks over the years. Despite numerous appeals for help, many say the police response has been inadequate or entirely absent.

A resident who spoke anonymously said, ‘Recently, two houses on the same street where the presenter died were robbed, along with other locations around here.’ Another resident, Musa, recounted his ordeal during a robbery at his boss’s house on the same street, where expensive property was stolen while his boss was away.

Fatima, another Katampe resident, expressed fear, saying, ‘I’m losing my sanity. We can’t sleep at night due to these armed attacks. It’s worse during power outages or rain, and no one is being arrested. The police seem incapacitated or unwilling to act.’

The pattern is similar in surrounding areas like Mpape, Gishiri, and Apo Resettlement-communities close to Nigeria’s seat of government yet living in fear as criminals operate with impunity.

In some communities, residents have organised vigilante groups to fill the security vacuum. However, their success has been mixed. While vigilantes in Gishiri have made some arrests, in other areas, their presence has sometimes worsened disorder.

Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, denied reports of ongoing robberies in these communities, questioning the communication between residents and security agencies.

FCT Police Commissioner, Ajao Adewale, also said that intelligence and operational assets are being deployed to address the security challenges. Still, many residents remain unsettled, with some temporarily relocating. One resident lamented, ‘This place is supposed to be secure, but insecurity is no longer confined to one location-it can happen anywhere in Abuja.’

Residents also complain of understaffed and ill-equipped police posts. A trader in Gishiri said, ‘We have only one police post with two or three officers who don’t even have rifles. We rely on Mabushi Police Station, but even they don’t respond adequately.’

Musa, a security guard at the unique apartments revealed that when the police were called during the robbery at his boss’s home, they cited lack of fuel for their vehicle and did not respond. Vigilante groups, he noted, sometimes catch criminals only to see them released by the police.

BusinessDay had published stories on rising insecurity in Abuja, including in Grow Homes Estate, located in Kubwa area, were residents were held hostage for over an hour between midnight and 1:30 a.m. by a group of heavily armed kidnappers who invaded the estate and abducted some residents.

A BusinessDay staff member also recounted how his own street, located in the Durumi area was targeted by robbers for five straight days, during which the intruders dismantled and stole his solar inverter and batteries.

Kabiru Adamu, a security analyst and Managing Director (CEO) of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited has raised concerns over the increasing insecurity in the nation’s capital, calling for reforms and investment in public safety infrastructure. His comments follow an incident in Bwari where a man was reportedly killed and his three children abducted.

In an interview with BusinessDay, Adamu criticized the authorities for failing to address the growing security challenges in Abuja and surrounding areas. ‘Abuja is not secure,’ he said. ‘Anyone who wants to carry out an attack can do so and get away with it.’

He cited recent incidents, including the killing of a security guard and the abduction of a journalist’s children, as evidence of structural weaknesses in the FCT’s security framework.

Adamu faulted the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for not adopting the national emergency numbers like 112 and 199. ‘They use an 11-digit number that even they can’t memorize. What about a woman in the market?’ he asked.

He stressed that an effective public safety system must be built on three key elements: people, systems, and technology. He also highlighted the lack of coordinated security across the FCT’s six area councils and poor emergency response in rural areas. ‘In some areas like Kwali, it can take two to three hours for security to respond to incidents,’ he said.

Adamu pointed to geographic challenges, especially in areas like Katampe Extension, which are surrounded by mountainous terrain. These areas, he noted, connect to states such as Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi, which have high levels of criminal activity. ‘These routes make it easy for criminals to enter and leave the FCT without detection,’ he said.

He urged the FCTA and the Minister of the FCT to coordinate ongoing efforts into a single, functional system capable of deterring and responding to threats. ‘Security has six components, and they must be built on people, systems, and technology,’ he said.

Referring to the recent death of a security staff member and repeated robbery incidents in Katampe, Adamu said residents had reported these to the police, but little had been done. ‘This is not just the police’s responsibility. All security agencies must work together under FCTA coordination,’ he added.

He noted that while the attack on a journalist’s family gained attention due to the victim’s profession, similar incidents happen regularly without coverage or official response.

Eze Onyekpere, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Justice, has raised concerns over growing insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying recent criminal incidents reflect broader weaknesses in Nigeria’s security system.

Onyekpere was responding to reports of a man killed in Bwari with his children abducted, along with robberies at hotels in Gwarinpa and Dutse.

‘This shows the security situation in Nigeria is worsening. We’re not even talking about insurgency or terrorism – these are basic armed robberies,’ he said. ‘We assumed armed robbery was declining, but it reappears whenever there’s an opportunity.’

He attributed the persistence of such crimes to weak deterrence and enforcement. ‘These crimes happen because people believe they can commit them without consequences. If there were functioning CCTV systems and suspects were arrested and punished, others would think twice,’ Onyekpere stated.

He referred to a failed CCTV project in Abuja, financed by a Chinese loan during the Jonathan administration, which he said was mismanaged and left incomplete. ‘The money was misused. Nothing was installed, and we’re now seeing the consequences,’ he added.

Onyekpere stressed that effective policing today relies on technology. He cited examples from the United States and United Kingdom, where authorities use surveillance footage, fingerprint databases, and other digital tools to track and apprehend suspects – even years after a crime.

‘Police in Europe and America aren’t magicians. They use systems that work – databases, fingerprint records, video evidence – to catch people, even after a decade,’ he said.

Reacting to recent remarks by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who maintained that Abuja remains safe, Onyekpere urged caution. ‘Even if one person is killed, that alone shows there’s a problem. It’s not helpful to dismiss public concerns when lives are being lost,’ he said.

He called for more investment in surveillance, better coordination among security agencies, and greater responsiveness from government officials. ‘We need more vigilance and efficiency. Abuja and Nigeria as a whole need improved security systems,’ he added.

While acknowledging that no city is entirely crime-free, Onyekpere said continuous improvement is essential. ‘If we’re at 50%, we must aim for 60%. Even at 99%, we should still improve,’

However, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, insists that Abuja remains safe.

‘If there is one safe city in this country, I think Abuja is that city,’ he said. ‘The problem is when one incident happens, people forget that for months nothing happened. We are doing a lot to keep Abuja safe,’ he had said publicly.

While acknowledging occasional incidents, Wike urged the public to recognize the efforts of security agencies and not to label the entire city unsafe.

A group of housing sector stakeholders has urged Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to halt the allocation and conversion of designated green areas in Abuja for other uses.

The group, known as Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), explained that such allocation or conversion threatens the city’s environmental sustainability, urban planning integrity, and quality of life of its residents.

A leading civil society organization, HDAN, which champions housing rights and sustainable urban development in Nigeria, raised an alarm when it observed that parks, gardens, and buffer zones originally reserved as green areas of the city are now being eroded through indiscriminate land allocations for commercial and residential developments.

The group said this trend, if left unchecked, could plunge the capital into severe environmental, social, and infrastructural crises.

‘Abuja was carefully planned with specific provisions for green areas to ensure a healthy living environment. Unfortunately, we are witnessing the gradual encroachment on these spaces, which not only violates the city’s master plan, but also endangers its future sustainability,’ Festus Adebayo, the group’s executive director, noted.

Adebayo noted further that green areas are essential for regulating urban temperature, improving air quality, reducing flooding, and providing much-needed recreational spaces for families and communities, warning that turning such spaces into concrete jungles poses long-term dangers to the environment and undermines Abuja’s original vision as a model city.

He disclosed that HDAN has received multiple reports from stakeholders in housing, real estate, and environmental protection sectors, raising concerns about the increasing loss of green zones.

‘The destruction of these areas is not just an environmental issue, it is also a governance and accountability matter,’ he emphasized, noting that preserving green spaces is vital to ensuring that Abuja does not become a city defined by congestion, pollution, and poor livability.

Residents have also raised alarm over the conversion of Abuja’s designated green belts into estates and private developments. In several districts such as Guzape, Maitama, Wuse, Katampe, and Kado, areas originally mapped as utility corridors and environmental buffers have been fenced, cleared, and built upon.

This trend is already taking a toll on the city, with flooding, burst sewer lines, and worsening air quality becoming more frequent, particularly during the rainy season when natural water channels are obstructed.

HDAN therefore cautions that unchecked development could worsen traffic congestion, deprive children of recreational spaces, and expose communities to health and safety risks.

Environment experts have added that citing structures near waterways and directly under power transmission lines not only violates safety standards but also heightens the risk of disasters. The growing concern is that Abuja is gradually losing its environmental balance and livability due to the erosion of its green areas.

‘The Minister should prioritize strict enforcement of the Abuja Master Plan, ensure transparency in land allocations, and launch a comprehensive audit of all areas designated as green zones,’ Adebayo advised.

He called for stronger collaboration with urban planners, environmentalists, and housing advocates to create sustainable solutions for development without compromising green infrastructure.

‘Cities across the world are embracing greener and more sustainable urban policies, but Abuja risks moving in the opposite direction if this issue is not urgently addressed.

Protecting our green spaces is not negotiable; it is about safeguarding the future of the capital and ensuring the wellbeing of generations to come,’ he said.

While acknowledging the enormous pressures on land in the FCT due to rapid urbanization, the executive director maintained that such challenges should not justify the destruction of spaces that are meant to serve public interest, urging the government to explore innovative housing and infrastructure policies that balance growth with sustainability.

If you are involved in Nigeria’s Commercial and Industrial (CandI) sectors, you understand the challenges businesses face. In a business environment where resilience is crucial, the unreliable national power grid and the rising cost of diesel are not merely inconveniences; they pose serious threats to the sustainability and growth of businesses. For players in these sectors, from manufacturing to logistics, the reality is apparent. You often pay more for inconsistent power, incurring hidden costs such as downtime, generator maintenance, and fuel logistics. This new reality should force a fundamental rethink of your energy strategy.

The Business Pulse: Key Drivers for Energy Strategy

Our recent public poll among business stakeholders highlighted their top concerns regarding their energy needs, revealing the clear motivations driving a shift towards a steady energy supply that allows for a more sustainable business model. A resounding 39% of respondents cited the ongoing need for a consistent and uninterrupted energy supply, particularly in regions with high grid costs and frequent outages. Meanwhile, 33% emphasized the importance of affordability and long-term savings in their transition to sustainable solutions, and 28% identified the growing pressure to meet global ESG standards as a significant priority.

Beyond the Bill: The True Cost of Unreliable Power

The financial burden of unstable power supply extends far beyond the direct costs of electricity bills and diesel. Nigerian businesses are facing a confluence of economic pressures, including a stubbornly high inflation rate, macroeconomic instability, and increasing compliance costs. While the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that the annual inflation rate had eased from 33.4% in July 2024 to 21.88% in July this year, this rate remains considerably high and continues to erode the purchasing power of businesses and consumers. For energy-intensive sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, and large-scale warehousing, these factors erode profit margins and make long-term financial planning more challenging than ever. As Idris Muhammed, West Africa Commercial Director, Starsight Energy, stated, ‘The cumulative effect of these challenges is that the old way of doing business is simply not sustainable. We are seeing an energy crisis that is not just a problem, but a catalyst for change.’

Data illustrates this pain point with stark clarity. According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), recent tariff adjustments have resulted in a significant increase for Band A customers. For a typical CandI company, consuming around 950,000 kWh per month, this translates into a staggering monthly increase that can add millions to operational expenses. Furthermore, the average price of diesel has surged by approximately 29.72% in the past year, with prices reaching an average of ?1,789.45 per litre in July 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The cumulative effect of these costs is an unviable business model.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Energy Security

The opportunity to escape this vicious cycle is clear, but the solution requires more than just a single alternative. The key is a sophisticated, multi-faceted approach to energy management. As Idris Muhammed noted, ‘We have seen that the best energy plans are now comprehensive. By combining multiple technologies, at Starsight Energy, we provide our clients with an integrated solution that gives them the power, security, and cost predictability they need to thrive in this new reality.’

Power-as-a-Service (PaaS): The Modern Business Model

One of our most transformative solutions is the Power-as-a-Service (PaaS) model. This approach fundamentally shifts the dynamic of energy consumption by removing the burden of ownership from the client. Under the Starsight Energy PaaS model, the service provider assumes responsibility for financing, installation, operation, and maintenance of the energy system. The client simply pays a fixed, monthly fee freeing up capital and internal resources for their core business. This model offers a predictable and cost-effective energy solution, enabling businesses to regain control of their budgets and focus on innovation and growth.

To achieve proper energy security, the solution lies in a model that guarantees resilience and an uninterrupted supply. This is where the Power-as-a-Service (PaaS) model could be a viable approach. This involves intelligently combining multiple power sources, such as solar, battery storage, and a reliable backup like the national grid or a generator, into a single, integrated system. This ensures that a business is never reliant on a single source of power. For example, the system can draw from solar during the day, switch to battery storage at night or during grid outages and use a generator only as a last resort. ‘The key to true reliability isn’t a bigger generator; it’s a smarter system,’ said Idris Muhammed. ‘Our model provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your operations are protected against any single point of failure.’ This approach maximises cost savings while eliminating the risk of downtime, providing a powerful hedge against a volatile energy landscape.

Partnering for a Resilient Future

For project sponsors and owners alike, the opportunity to escape the cycle of unreliable and costly power is clear. The key is to move beyond the traditional models and engage with an experienced energy partner to explore a comprehensive solution tailored to their specific operational and strategic needs. This is where Starsight Energy comes in, providing the crucial first step toward building a more resilient, sustainable, and profitable future. By adopting advanced models like the Power-as-a-Service (PaaS) model, businesses can not only stabilise their operations but also unlock new avenues for growth and competitiveness. This is more than a simple transaction; it’s a strategic partnership in building a future where your business is insulated from volatility, powered by innovation, and positioned for enduring success.

About Starsight Energy

The Starsight Energy Africa Group is an Africa-focused pure-play commercial and industrial (‘CandI’) renewable energy service provider covering the full scope of CandI projects, from rooftop projects to large-scale corporate Power Purchase Agreement (‘PPA’) backed projects, including power-as-a-service and cooling-as-a-service. It provides carbon reduction, power security and cost savings to blue-chip clients in several key economic sectors, including agro-processing, education, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and data storage. The company’s presence spans three key geographical hubs (Southern, Western and Eastern Africa) with operations in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda. Starsight Energy’s primary objective is to offer complete solar solutions at no upfront cost, enabling its clients to reduce their energy expenses, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce their carbon footprint.

Nigeria’s U20 side, the Flying Eagles, have booked their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in their final group game on Sunday.

The result means the seven-time African champions will face Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago on Wednesday, a repeat of the quarter-final encounter at the 2001 tournament hosted by Argentina, where Nigeria won 2-0 in San Juan.

Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was instrumental in keeping the Flying Eagles in the contest, pulling off key saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to deny Colombia an early lead.

Nigeria, however, looked the more adventurous side, striking the woodwork multiple times through Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani, who kept the South Americans under constant pressure.

Colombia took the lead six minutes after the restart when Kener Gonzalez finished off a clever assist from Neyser Villareal, but the Flying Eagles refused to be deterred, pressing relentlessly for an equaliser.

Defender Odinaka Okoro came close in the 76th minute, seeing his header saved after connecting with a Maigana cross. The breakthrough finally came in the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted from the penalty spot after a Colombian defender handled Maigana’s goal-bound effort.

Nigeria nearly snatched victory late on, but Arierhi’s 89th-minute shot was blocked inside the box, ensuring the points were shared.

The Flying Eagles now shift their focus to a high-profile knockout showdown with Argentina.

The federal government, through the Ministry of Finance, is setting its sights on a crucial next phase of economic reforms: directly translating hard-won macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements for the lives of everyday Nigerians.

This was articulated by Wale Edun, minister of finance, represented by Sanyade Okolie, special adviser to the president on finance and economy, at the recent BusinessDay event themed ‘Reformed to Recovery.’

‘There is a sense of responsibility and recognition that the necessary reforms that have been implemented have made life in the short term more difficult for individuals. And we need to very rapidly ensure that the benefits of these reforms go down to the individual citizens,’ she said.

In 2023, the present administration implemented hard reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy, liberalisation of the foreign exchange markets, and, more recently, the implementation of new Tax acts.

Most of these reforms have come with hard pains but macroeconomic gains; however, these gains are yet to be felt by many Nigerians.

Some of these gains include the appreciation of the naira to N1455/$, the strongest since January 2025. Inflation has also been on a downward trajectory hitting 20.12 percent in September 2025.

The GDP also saw its highest growth in four years to 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025 driven by oil sector as oil production as also increased.

All these have seen the nations FX reserve grow to $42.32 billion as of September 29, the highest in highest in more than five years.

The special adviser highlighted that some of the signs of these gains are moderation in inflation, growth in FX reserves and many more.

‘Inflation is moderating, we did the rebasing, but even if you take out that effect, over the last few months, we see it trending down, and that’s what we expect for it to continue to do. And as the inflation stabilizes, then interest rates will begin to decline, which will just make it so much easier for businesses and essentially de-risk the operating environment here in Nigeria,’

‘We’ve seen the net reserves increase significantly. We are breaking the cycle of macroeconomic instability, and using it as a launch pad for inclusive growth,’ Okolie said.

She explained that the reforms needed to happen, ‘So whilst removing the fuel subsidy was a critical reform, difficult but critical, it had some immediate fiscal implications.’

‘And it also had the broader economic issues that we’ve spoken about. But remember that the fuel and FX subsidies were consuming about 5 percent of GDP. And only a tiny sliver of society was benefiting from these subsidies. It did have to, it had to go,’ she said.

She mentioned that some of the ways that this administration intends to make the reform gains inclusive are an increase in food production, an increase in oil production, efficient electricity, and many more.

‘On the agricultural side, a lot of the pain has to do with inflation, and a core part of inflation is food inflation. Working on the agricultural side, providing the inputs to farmers, and on a timely basis, so that we can increase the production of food,

‘On the energy security side, we’re taking a dual track. There’s oil and gas.

We intend to increase production. And we’re also looking at the electricity side, the power side, the liquidity challenges that we’re aware of, and there are plans in the immediate, mid to long term, to address some of the liquidity issues,’ Okoli said.

She mentioned that the M300 program, which is part of the World Bank AFDB partnership, aims to power 300 million more Africans, of which Nigerians are a huge chunk.

‘On the infrastructure side, we recorded a major milestone in the last week, and that’s private sector financing of phase one of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

Which is already about 70 percent completed and opens that channel to things produced at the Lagos free zones to get across the country,’ Okolie mentioned.

On education, she said the administration is shifting towards a knowledge-driven economy with a focus on STEM, the science, technology, engineering, maths, and medical sciences. And then also to the technical and vocational educational training.

She also mentioned that on social protection, the administration is scaling up the direct cash transfers to the most vulnerable, using the NIN to make sure that the money gets to the people who need it on time.

Simpa Afadama has facilitated the visit of a delegation of international investors, mostly from Europe, to some Edo State Government Agencies and agricultural organizations.

The visit covered key institutions such as EdoJobs, the Edo State Migration Agency, the Nigeria-Agro Multipurpose Cooperative Society (NAMCS), and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

Chime Chukwuma Tony, Chairman of China-Africa Investment Group and United Nations Ambassador, expressed strong interest in investing in critical sectors, including agriculture, skills development, migration, and energy.

They were warmly received at the Edo State Government House, where presentations were made on potential areas of partnership and collaboration.

Simpa emphasised that their collective goal was to support the economic growth of Edo State and ensure that Africa begin to experience sustainable development through modern innovations, infrastructure expansion and strategic investments.

Special recognition was given to Lady Astrid Arens of the Voice Aid Association, Germany who provided valuable information and insights about the investor companies and the sectors represented.

Her interactive and engaging presentation greatly enriched the session and enhanced collaboration discussions.

But, Richard George, Team Leader of the European investors, said, ‘We believe Edo State has great potential for growth. Our mission is to build long-term partnerships that will foster innovation, infrastructure, and economic empowerment across Africa.’

At a time when cloud vulnerabilities and data breaches continue to test customer confidence, product consultant Qazeem Oladejo believes security must be engineered, not assumed.

Speaking at the Building Products with Trust event, Oladejo urged product teams to move from traditional perimeter thinking to a Zero-Trust approach, a mindset that embeds security into every stage of a software as a service (SaaS) product’s lifecycle.

Oladejo, known for helping teams launch resilient, compliance-ready products, said Zero-Trust is not a tool or framework but a cultural shift. Implementation of Zero Trust for SaaS involves continuously verifying every user and device accessing applications, rather than granting implicit trust.

‘This process includes identifying all SaaS applications, understanding their data flows, and applying granular access controls, often automated, based on user identity, device posture, and risk assessment,’ he said.

He noted that modern Zero-Trust principles focus on protecting resources, applications, and data, not just the network perimeter. Automation, orchestration, and continuous policy enforcement at runtime, he explained, are now essential.

Oladejo outlined several practical steps for SaaS teams: conduct an inventory of all applications, map data flows, and adopt identity-first controls such as strong authentication, least privilege, and role-based access.

He also encouraged teams to use device posture checks and real-time risk signals so access decisions adapt dynamically as threats evolve.

He challenged product leaders to rethink how they measure security success. Zero-Trust, he said, requires visibility at the product level, knowing which SaaS components interact with sensitive data, engineering for fine-grained control, and collaborating closely with IT and security to automate response.

‘When done well,’ he said, ‘Zero-Trust turns security from a blocker into a product differentiator that builds customer confidence.’