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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, says the Nigeria Police Force suspended the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991 to protect public interest and allow due legal process.

Egbetokun explained that the decision on the suspended tinted glass permit followed discussions with a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP said the suspended tinted glass permit would remain in place pending the outcome of a court hearing scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State.

The statement read, ‘The Nigeria Police Force, while noting that there is no clear court order stopping the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, has, out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians, and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association, temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Act, pending the outcome of the hearing of the Motion on Notice slated for 16th October 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.

It explained that the visit, which centred on issues surrounding the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, by the Force, provided an opportunity for robust deliberations on issues of mutual concern, particularly the need for synergy between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence.

It added that to further strengthen the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association, a Police-NBA committee had been inaugurated to enhance collaboration between the police and the bar.

The statement however urged all vehicle owners and motorists to take advantage of this window to regularise their documentation and ensure full compliance with all relevant laws regulating the use of motor vehicles with shaded or tinted glasses in Nigeria.

IGP Egbetokun, reiterated the resolve of the Force to enforce all extant laws with fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of all citizens while maintaining effective collaboration with critical stakeholders in the administration of justice.

The Credence Awards, a leading Nigerian impact-focused award, is proud to announce Adeshina Lasisi as the winner in the Innovation and Product Impact category. After a rigorous nomination and review process, the judging experts affirmed Mr. Lasisi’s selection as one of Nigeria’s leading professionals in backend engineering and product innovation, recognizing a career defined by technical excellence, strategic vision, and measurable market outcomes.

Across his career, Mr. Lasisi has designed, built, and scaled enterprise-grade financial and capital markets systems that handle high-value transactions and drive tangible business impact. At Africa Prudential, he led the design and delivery of platforms that process billions of naira across equity transactions, rights issues, and offer management systems that set new industry standards while delivering clear business results. His leadership of Greenpole (V2) mitigated regulatory risk valued at up to ?1 billion, drove significant revenue growth, and materially improved operational efficiency, demonstrating an uncommon ability to translate deep engineering work into organizational resilience and commercial value.

The judges highlighted Mr. Lasisi’s role in bringing Invearn to market, an accessible customer-facing platform that has surpassed 10,000 downloads and broadened direct capital market access for thousands of Nigerians. At Nomba, he led the creation of NombaQR, the technology that powered the company’s first cross-border expansion, scaling usage to more than two million active QR codes, processing billions in transactions, and onboarding hundreds of thousands of customers. His introduction of multi-account management (personal and business) and multi-currency Nomba Cards, available in both physical and virtual forms, significantly advanced cross-border commerce and strengthened financial inclusion, empowering users previously excluded from traditional banking services.

His contributions at Waya include engineering, building, and driving the end-to-end development of the checkout payment experience, which supports multiple payment methods: cards, digital wallets, phone numbers, direct bank debits, USSD banking, and payment links. This solution enabled customers to pay easily through their preferred channels while empowering merchants to accept payments effortlessly, manage recurring transactions, handle subscriber billing, and oversee settlements. At Airtel, he led the engineering of HBB v2, the upgraded Home Broadband service, and enhanced critical internal systems such as Airtel KYC and USSD network reporting tools, resulting in improved service reliability, greater operational visibility, and a better overall user experience. At MTN, he contributed to the development and scaling of the MTN MADAPI platform by building distributed services that strengthened transaction reliability, system interoperability, and resilience for millions of users.

Beyond technical delivery, the judges recognized Mr. Lasisi’s commitment to product stewardship and team development. He is credited with consistently mentoring engineers, enforcing engineering best practices, and engaging directly with customers to secure adoption and long-term product success. His work exemplifies a rare combination of deep backend engineering expertise, mastery of distributed systems and cloud-native architectures, and a user-centered approach that prioritizes security, scalability, and long-term value.

This award affirms Adeshina Lasisi’s professional credibility and authority as a senior backend engineer, product leader, and community-minded technologist. His contributions have disrupted legacy paradigms, delivered measurable business growth, and improved financial accessibility across sectors in Nigeria and beyond.

‘We celebrate Adeshina’s accomplishments and look forward to the continued influence of his work in advancing innovation, financial inclusion, and scalable product engineering,’ said David Ajayi, Chair of the Judging Panel.

President Bola Tinubu has explained reason for his choice of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the appointment was based on Amupitan’s apolitical stance, integrity, and impeccable record of service.

According to him, Amupitan is the first person from Kogi nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical. The President spoke at the State House, Abuja, during the meeting of the National Council of State, which unanimously endorsed the nomination of Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure as INEC Chairman ended on Tuesday.

Council members, including serving and former leaders, backed the nomination, describing the professor as a man of proven integrity. Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, said Amupitan’s track record ‘reflects a deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and national service.’

Following the council’s approval, the President is expected to transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi. A Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau, where he is currently the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun.

House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to probe activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) as well as regulatory agencies over estimated $20 billion decommissioning and abandonment compliance gap in breach of the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance titled: ‘Need to investigate decommissioning and abandonment compliance, in the Nigeria Petroleum Industry in line with Petroleum Industry Act of 2021’, sponsored by Chairman, House Committee on Political Parties, Hon. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa.

In his lead debate, Hon. Nyampa explained that decommissioning and abandonment (DandA) is the process of safely shutting down and dismantling oil and gas facilities, wells, and infrastructure after their productive life is a critical issue in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. ‘The House also notes that globally, the regulatory regimes mandate operators to set aside funds during the productive life of assets to cover future decommissioning, dismantling, remediation, and site restoration costs, which run into billions of dollars, as failure to plan adequately exposes the host communities to massive environmental, financial, and social liabilities.

‘The House is aware that the fund is designed to address the environmental, safety, and financial risks associated with abandoned or decommissioned facilities, preventing state liabilities and ensuring orderly asset closure in accordance with the best global best practices.

‘The House is also aware that in Nigeria, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 (Sections 232-233) and the NMDPRA/NUPRC Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations (2022) require all licensees and lessees to: Establish DandA programmes for their assets, Contribute to DandA Escrow Accounts ring-fenced for dismantling and remediation, Secure regulatory approvals for plans, timelines, and funding, and pay applicable penalties for non-compliance.’

Under the arrangement, the regulatory agencies are expected to mandate the operator to establish a dedicated escrow fund for licensed facilities based on the estimated residual value and projected decommissioning cost of the facility, spread evenly over its remaining operational life; and make mandatory annual payments into the escrow account, impose prescribed penalties for non-compliance.

‘The House is worried that most States in Nigerian are facing increasing risk exposure due to low compliance with decommissioning and asset transfer provisions in the oil industry, including the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, which face decommissioning liabilities and lack formal remediation plans or funding provisions, instances where, International Oil Companies (IOCs) exited assets in the Niger Delta and transferred them to domestic operators without adequate provision for DandA, effectively externalizing future liabilities to the government and Host Communities, leaving behind aging wells, flow stations, pipelines, FPSOs and platforms with few DandA escrow funds established, despite multi-billion-dollar liabilities.

‘The House is also worried that about 90% of operators in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, including refineries, depots, pipelines, gas plants, and retail infrastructure, are non-compliant with PIA provisions.

‘Regulatory bodies NUPRC and NMDPRA have failed to effectively enforce penalties, leading to fiscal leakages, environmental risks, and loss of governance credibility. This inaction threatens Nigeria’s oil sector reputation and sustainability.

‘The House is alarmed that Nigeria’s upstream oil sector, with over 250 OMLS/OPLs, 1,500 producing wells, and hundreds of flow stations, faces financial exposure in Decommissioning and Abandonment (DandA) costs. Data Sourced from Global and Local Platforms such as Wood Mackenzie, IHS Markit, and even NUPRC, data estimates place Dand$500,000 and $1 million per well and $20-50 million per field for associated surface facilities, totaling liabilities of $10-15 billion; however, less than 20% of operators have adequately funded their DandA escrow accounts, leaving cumulative funds supervised by NUPRC/NMDPRA below $1 billion, far short of the requirement.

‘The House is concerned that Nigeria’s midstream and downstream sector faces a potential remediation liability of $4-5 billion due to widespread infrastructure breakdown.

‘The House is cognisant that the risk of this inaction will result in abandoned offshore rigs, rusting pipelines, and non-functional refineries, which could lead to oil spills, toxic contamination, and severe ecological damage, which will worsen environmental degradation, fueling unrest and risks of explosions, gas leaks, fires, and pipeline vandalism, endangering lives and infrastructure in host communities.

‘The House is also cognisant that Nigeria’s petroleum industry faces a $15-20 billion decommissioning and abandonment compliance gap, with low compliance risk of abandoned assets, pollution, and stranded costs. However, firm legislative oversight can secure billions in DandA escrow accounts, protecting the environment, communities, and public finances. The National Assembly has a chance to act decisively and establish a legacy of environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility.’

To this end, the House resolved to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate decommissioning and abandonment (DandA) compliance in Nigeria’s petroleum industry in line with the Petroleum Industry Act and report its findings and recommendations to the House within 12 weeks for consideration and further legislative action.

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the arrest of vandals by security operatives and community vigilantes, following a foiled attempt to dismember towers T297, T298, and T299 along the Mando-Jos 330kV Double Circuit transmission line.

TCN’s general manager, public affairs, Ndidi Mbah, in a statement made available to Tribune Online on Thursday in Abuja, said the vandals had removed key tower components, which threatened the structural stability of the towers.

The statement, while commending the swift action of security operatives and members of the host community, which led to the arrest of the vandals and their suspected buyers, added that the suspects are currently in police custody in Saminaka, Kaduna, where they are being investigated. ‘The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public that security operatives, in collaboration with community vigilantes, have successfully foiled an attempt by vandals to dismember towers T297, T298, and T299 along the Mando-Jos 330kV Double Circuit transmission line. The suspects and potential buyers were arrested on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

‘The vandals had removed tower members, compromising the structural integrity of the towers. Fortunately, the line remains intact and did not collapse.

‘To safeguard the integrity of the transmission infrastructure, TCN engineers had commenced emergency reinforcement works on the affected towers. These efforts are aimed at restoring full stability and ensuring continued bulk power delivery along the Mando-Jos power transmission corridor.

‘TCN commends the swift action of security operatives and members of the host community, which led to the arrest of the vandals and their suspected buyers. The suspects are currently in police custody in Saminaka, Kaduna State, where investigations are ongoing.

‘TCN urges communities across the country to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around transmission facilities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office. The company remains committed to working with security operatives to protect Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and ensuring efficient and reliable power delivery nationwide,’ the statement read.

The Lagos State Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to all developers and occupants of structures within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, directing them to approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to regularise their building approvals in accordance with state regulations.

In a statement signed on Thursday by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, the state government reaffirmed its zero tolerance for illegal and unapproved developments within the complex. It stressed that enforcement actions would continue until full compliance with planning laws was achieved to ensure a safe, orderly, and sustainable physical environment.

Olumide stated that the Trade Fair Complex had over time become an enclave of haphazard and unsafe structures, posing serious risks to public safety and emergency response. He said the government’s actions were in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 11 – ‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’ – and the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

He further explained that the move was consistent with the state’s constitutional mandate under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act 1992, as domesticated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019, and reinforced by the 2003 Supreme Court judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation.

‘These legal instruments empower states to regulate physical development within their territories, including federal lands, except for areas under exclusive federal use such as military formations,’ Olumide said.

Clarifying the government’s position, he noted that the issue at the Trade Fair Complex was not about land ownership or title but about the approval status of physical developments. ‘Every structure in Lagos State must obtain a valid planning permit from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in accordance with the law,’ he stated. However, traders at the complex have called on both the Federal and Lagos State governments to resolve their differences amicably.

The Chairman of the Association of Progressive Traders, Trade Fair Complex, Eric Ilechukwu, maintained that all buildings recently demolished within the complex had approvals from the Federal Government agency managing the market.

He appealed for dialogue, saying: ‘They should settle their matter and convey their resolution to us; we are ready to abide. We are traders and investors, we are ready to comply. This is not the time in the history of the country to witness such destruction. Trade Fair Complex was opened in 1977. This is 48 years, so what has suddenly changed now? We can’t fight government, let the two authorities meet and resolve their matter, we are ready to comply.’

Responding to criticisms, the commissioner cautioned political actors – particularly of South-East extraction – against misrepresenting facts and politicising the enforcement exercise.

‘The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to attempts by certain political actors to misrepresent facts and discredit the ongoing enforcement at the complex. Such actions are populist, ill-motivated, and aimed at scoring cheap political points rather than advancing the cause of public safety and sustainable development,’ he said.

Olumide reaffirmed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to maintaining an orderly, inclusive, liveable, and sustainable Lagos, noting that similar enforcement actions had been carried out across the state, including at Pelewura Market, Bombata Market, Ilasan Housing Estate, Otumara, Alaba Rago, and Oluwole Market – all without ethnic bias.

He added that states such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo had also embarked on similar demolition exercises for urban renewal, flood control, and master plan enforcement.

‘It is disingenuous and divisive for anyone to resort to ethnic sensationalism whenever enforcement actions involve structures owned or occupied by individuals of Igbo extraction,’ he said. ‘The Lagos State Government will not be drawn into political grandstanding and urges those fanning ethnic sentiments to desist. The actions of the Lagos State Government are always guided by the law.’

The Oyo State Government has renewed its pledge to improve access to affordable and quality eye care services statewide, reinforcing its efforts to eradicate avoidable blindness.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, through her representative, Dr Fola Oni, delivered this commitment on Thursday at an event held at Alesinloye Market, Ibadan. The gathering commemorated World Sight Day 2025, which was observed under the theme, ‘Love Your Eyes: Access to Eye Care for All.’

Ajetunmobi described sight as a priceless gift that must be protected and preserved, adding that improving eye health remains a top priority for the present administration.

‘Eye health is often neglected in public health discourse, yet vision plays a central role in education, productivity, and quality of life,’ she said. ‘In Oyo State, we recognise that improving access to affordable and quality eye care is both a health priority and a moral responsibility.’

The Commissioner noted that the government has taken bold steps to institutionalise eye health through the inauguration of the Oyo State Eye Health Committee earlier in the year. The committee, she explained, is mandated to strengthen coordination, guide implementation, and enforce policies aimed at improving eye health delivery in the state.

She further assured that plans are underway to launch large-scale community outreach programmes in partnership with professional associations and development partners to provide sustainable and impactful eye care interventions.

‘Our goal is clear: to make eye care accessible, inclusive, and affordable for all. We are committed to strengthening health facilities, integrating primary eye care into primary health care, and ensuring that every child, artisan, and elderly person lives free from avoidable blindness,’ she added.

The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Akintunde Ayinde, represented by Fasasi, urged residents to prioritise regular eye checkups and not wait until they experience vision problems before visiting the hospital.

He explained that conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can affect eyesight, emphasising the importance of preventive health checks.

‘The eye is the light of the body and one of its most vital organs. It is important that we care for and protect it,’ he said, noting that the government provides access to qualified eye specialists in several hospitals across the state, including University College Hospital (UCH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.

Also speaking, Dr Sarimiye, Secretary of the National Body of Ophthalmologists in Nigeria, who represented the Chief Medical Director of UCH, commended the long-standing collaboration between the Oyo State Government, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and other partners in promoting eye health.

He noted that the event, which is observed globally on the second Thursday of October, has helped raise awareness about preventable blindness and encouraged residents to make use of free screening opportunities.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Amy Patrick from the National Eye Health Committee, applauded Oyo State for its innovation and for aligning with the federal initiative to strengthen state-level eye health structures.

Similarly, Dr Susan Adepoju commended the government for inaugurating the Oyo State Eye Health Committee, noting that it would enhance quality eye care services across hospitals in the state.

In her goodwill message, Lion Tina, representing the Lions District Governor, Lion Adelaja Ademuyiwa Adeleye, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting humanitarian causes, particularly in vision care.

‘We are proud to collaborate with the Oyo state government and UCH to make a lasting impact on eye health. We urge everyone to take their eye care seriously and to follow professional medical advice,’ she stated.

The event also featured a health awareness session by Dr Oyebode Abiola of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who educated participants on the importance of balanced nutrition and hygiene for maintaining good eyesight.

Free eye screening and medical consultations with free glasses were provided to attendees as part of the activities marking the celebration.

The order will remain in force until tomorrow, Friday, October 10, 2025, when the matter is scheduled for further hearing.

Justice Akintola said the extension became necessary to ensure that all parties in the case were granted the right to fair hearing in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

‘The case is adjourned till Friday, October 10, 2025, for further hearing, while the interim injunction shall continue to subsist,’ the judge ruled.

Earlier, counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), informed the court that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had filed an application seeking to be joined in the suit.

He, however, disclosed that his team would oppose the application.

‘Even though the PDP has a constitutional right to fair hearing under Section 36, we shall oppose their application for joinder. The case is narrow and straightforward; there is no need for multiple parties,’ Adetunmbi said.

The senior advocate also noted that Mr. Kasim Gbadamosi (SAN), who holds the brief of Kunle Adegoke, SAN, for the APC ex-council chairmen, had filed a fresh application in addition to an earlier one on the same matter of joinder.

Responding, Gbadamosi stated that he intended to withdraw the new application, arguing that the issue of jurisdiction did not require a formal application. ‘I will withdraw the application. The issue before the court is jurisdictional, and as such, it doesn’t require a formal application,’ he said.

He further argued that the case before the High Court amounted to an abuse of judicial process since a similar matter was already pending before the Supreme Court.

‘The matter is premised on a case already before the Supreme Court and should therefore be struck out,’ he added.

Also addressing the court, counsel to UBA Plc, Mutalib Adebayo Ojo (SAN), aligned with the argument, urging the court to adjourn the case sine die (indefinitely) pending the determination of the matter at the apex court.

‘We observe that this suit is predicated upon a case already before the Supreme Court. Consequently, it should be adjourned sine die until the determination of that matter. UBA is not a party to the Supreme Court case; we are merely a neutral party in this process,’ Ojo submitted.

After hearing all arguments, Justice Akintola adjourned the case till Friday for ruling.

It will be recalled that the court had earlier granted the following interim orders as sought by the claimants:

1. An order of interim injunction restraining UBA from paying, releasing, disbursing, or tampering with funds in the disputed local government accounts.

2. An order of mandatory injunction directing UBA to place a ‘Post No Debit’ (PND) restriction on all affected accounts pending the hearing of the substantive motion on notice.

The affected accounts include those of the 30 local government areas of Osun State from Atakumosa East to Osogbo each identified by name and account number with UBA.

The suit, filed as Suit No. 1/1167/2025 before Court No. 5 of the Ibadan Judicial Division, is being handled by Olalekan Adeoye, Esq., on behalf of the claimants.

A second case on the same matter filed by the local government chairmen elected under the PDP was also adjourned for hearing tomorrow.

In a bold move to expand access to technology education across the continent, Axia Africa has announced the launch of its ninth learning cycle, Cohort 9, alongside a groundbreaking new initiative – the AxiaTech4All Scholarship, which aims to empower 100,000 young Africans to pursue careers in technology.

The program, now open for applications, will provide 10,000 fully funded scholarship slots to deserving learners, giving them access to premium tech training without the financial burden of tuition fees.

Building on the success of Axia Africa’s previous women-focused scholarship, which attracted over 21,000 applications and produced 2,000 successful graduates- this new phase represents a wider, more inclusive approach. AxiaTech4All opens opportunities to young Africans of all genders, backgrounds, and skill levels, reaffirming the organisation’s mission to democratize access to quality tech education.

Participants in Cohort 9 will have the opportunity to learn in-demand digital skills across key disciplines such as data analytics, product design, product management, and software development. Each course will include hands-on projects, mentorship from industry experts, and certifications through Axia Africa’s U.S.-accredited partner institutions.

Speaking on the launch, Olawale Samuel, CEO of Axia Africa, emphasised the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and impact.

‘The AxiaTech4All Scholarship is our commitment to ensuring that no young African with a dream in tech is left behind due to financial barriers,’ he said.

Since its inception, Axia Africa has positioned itself as a leading edtech organization focused on equipping Africans with future-ready skills through accessible, world-class education. With the introduction of the AxiaTech4All initiative, the organization aims to scale its reach and empower a new generation of innovators capable of driving Africa’s digital transformation.

Applications for Cohort 9 and the AxiaTech4All Scholarships are now open across Axia Africa’s official channels, with thousands of aspiring learners already signing up to begin their journey in technology.