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A multi-million-dollar deal was recently sealed by Veritasi Homes and Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited (COOPLAG) who also turned the sod to develop 11-floor luxury residential tower in the highbrow Ikoyi neighbourhood.

The new development, known as Allied Towers, is a new addition to the numerous luxury residential developments stats in this neighbourhood. It will be bringing 26 premium apartments and penthouses to the market.

The 11-floor project, sitting on a 1,431-square metre prime plot on McGregor Street, is part of a multi-million dollar partnership deal between Veritasi Homes and COOPLAG.

It is backed by a consortium of major financial institutions and marks a multi-million-dollar partnership aimed at redefining urban living and cooperative investment in Nigeria.

The Towers is strategically nestled amidst high profile neighbours, including Ikoyi Golf Club, Microsoft Head Office and the new US Consulate General, blending cutting-edge architecture with premium amenities.

The developers assure that residents will enjoy premium amenities, including a gym, relaxation area, dedicated recreational floor, landscaped grounds and secure parking for residents.

The chief promoter, Veritasi Homes, is recognized by the Financial Times as one of Africa’s fastest-growing firms, and by this new development, it continues its innovation-driven expansion with over 1,000 homes delivered and 12 landmark projects launched in just seven years.

Nola Adetola, the chief executive officer of Veritasi Homes, says the project is a bold new chapter in Lagos’ skyline.

‘Today, as we break ground on Allied Towers, we are declaring possibility and our determination to do something meaningful with it. Together with COOPLAG, we begin a new chapter in Lagos’ skyline, in Nigeria’s housing story, and in Veritasi’s journey,’ he noted.

Adetola recalled, ‘Eight years ago, we looked at Nigeria’s real estate market and asked: Can we do better? That question gave birth to Veritasi Homes.

‘Guided by integrity, innovation, and customer-centricity, we began in 2017 with a small team and a big vision: to create developments that deliver value as reliably as they deliver shelter,’ he stated.

Projecting into the future, the chief executive said, ‘We envision a Veritasi that spans continents, a brand so trusted that wherever you see ‘Veritasi,’ you expect quality, innovation, and integrity. COOPLAG, we are honored to have you walk this journey with us. To our investors and future homeowners, this is your opportunity to own a share of Lagos.’

Francis Adeoye, President of COOPLAG, underscored the significance of the project and the vision behind it.

According to him, ‘Today, we are not just breaking ground, we are breaking barriers. We are laying the foundation for a future where cooperative strength meets architectural excellence, where innovation meets legacy, and where our members and stakeholders can aspire to live in spaces that reflect their values, ambitions, and achievements.’

‘This is the realisation of a shared dream, a dream to redefine urban living and empower our members. For over three decades, COOPLAG has stood as a beacon of cooperative strength, financial empowerment, and community development,’ he added.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it has observed a resurgence in activity within the country’s upstream oil and gas sector, with the rig count rising from 8 in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025.

The Commission in a statement to mark its 4th year anniversary, signed by Eniola Akinkuotu, the head of media and strategic communication, said that the increase shows a renewed investor confidence in Nigeria. The latest rig count according to the commission, comprises 40 active rigs, eight on standby, five on warm stack, four on cold stack and 12 on the move.

‘The number is expected to increase even further in the coming months. This shows a renewed investor confidence in Nigeria. The success aligns with the charge of President Tinubu that Nigeria is ready for business and that the right investment climate prevails now in the Nigeria upstream as daily actioned by the NUPRC,’ it stated.

Also among the activities of the commission, since its inception is the implementation of ‘Drill or Drop’ policy which prescribes that unexplored acreages are to be relinquished.

The policy which is in line with the PIA, 2021, is designed to ensure the optimal use of oil assets and prevent dormant fields from tying up potential reserves. With this policy, the Commission said it has identified 400 dormant oil fields and has also propelled complacent oil companies to take quick action.

As part of its achievements in past four years, the Commission said, ‘To give meaning to the intent of the PIA, 2021, the Commission in consultation with stakeholders has developed 24 forward-thinking Regulations. So far 19 have been gazetted while five await gazetting. These forward-thinking Regulations serve as tools for transparency and creation of enabling investment climate and benchmark best practices.

‘The Commission approved divestments running into billions of dollars in 2024. From the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to Oando Energy Resources; Equinor to Chappal Energies; Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energies; and Shell Development Company Nigeria Limited to Renaissance Africa Energy. The divestment is about investor portfolio re-ordering to focus on deep-offshore development.

‘The NUPRC completed awards of flare sites to successful bidders under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP). The programme is aimed at eliminating gas flaring and attracting at least 2.5 billion dollars in investments.’ It also announced that the Host Community Development Trusts have remitted N122.34 billion, while dollar contributions stand at over $168.91 million as of October 2025. This translates to a combined remittance of over N358.67 billion based on the prevalent exchange rate.

‘Still on host community, the NUPRC is overseeing at least 536 projects at various stages of completion including schools, health centers, roads and vocational centers. These are being funded by the trust fund. The achievement has tremendously curbed crude oil theft.

‘In 2021, the average daily crude oil losses stood at 102,900 barrels per day or 37.6 million barrels per year. However, due to combined efforts of the General Security Forces and Private Security Contractors (TANTITA) as well as collaborative effort of the Commission this has reduced by 90 percent to specifically 9,600bpd in September 2025.

‘Furthermore, two pioneer regulations introduced by the Commission have also contributed to the success, namely: The Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulation respectively, have contributed as pioneer efforts at achieving transparency in hydrocarbon accounting.’

Highlighting transparent bid round as part of its achievements, the Commission explained that prior to its establishment, the licensing rounds were opaque and beclouded by political influence which made the process lack credibility.

It noted that with the support of President Bola Tinubu, the process has been transformed to be fully digital thereby enhancing transparency and credibility.

‘It was the most transparent bid round on record in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum history as it leveraged digital technology, devoid of any human interference, in a manner adjudged to be in line with global best practices which was even attested to by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI),’ it added.

The longlist for Quramo Writers Prize (QPW) 2025, a manuscript prose fiction writing contest and critical creative component of the nine-year-old Quramo Festival of Words (QFest), has been unveiled after a month-long rigorous judging process by a three-man jury that comprises of Aduke Gomez, jury head, with Wase Aguele-Konu and Anote Ajeluorou as members. The longlist of five outstanding manuscripts from which a further shortlist has emerged are: ‘Black Bird’ by Chioma Jane Okeagu; ‘Kaku’ by Esther Eniola Oyeleye, ‘Moon Child’ Abiola Junaid, ‘Son of the Harem’ by Harry Onyeogo and ‘What Breaks, What Binds’ by Hubaidat Oyinkansola Ishola. The longlist was derived from 34 manuscripts submitted for the prize this year.

A cash prize of one million naira will be awarded to the winning manuscript plus a publishing deal. Dear Zimi by Chizeterem Chijoke won two years ago and was published last year. It earned Quramo Publishers a shortlist position in the USD$20,000 worth CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa 2025, won by South Africa’s Karavan Press for In Silence My Heart Speaks, by Thobeka Yose. ‘Black Bird’, ‘Moon Child’s and ‘What Breaks, What Binds’ are the shortlisted manuscripts for QWP 2025! The winner will be awarded the ?1,000,000 cash prize plus publishing deal. Apart from the prize, QFest 2025 has revealed the books and the writers that will feature in this year’s festival. They include: Hubris: A Brief Political History of the Nigerian Army by Dr. Akintunde Akinwumi; My Name Is Okoro by Sam Omatseye, chairman, editorial board, The Nation Newspaper; Across the Gulf and Shadows and Ashes by Dul Johnson, a professor at University of Jos. The books dwell on the infamous 30-month Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. Interestingly, the books constitute the nucleus of this year’s Quramo Festival of Words (QFest) 2025. For Gbemi Shasore, festival convener, it is about time to heal historical pains from the war, so that the country could move on in its march to a glorious future. According to her, ‘It is great when we talk about stories that tie to the Nigerian Civil War. Don’t forget, our name is Quramo Festival of Words. Very many things happen with words. Words provoke, words heal, words challenge, words nurture, words archive, words do a lot of things. As a publisher, as a filmmaker, I am thrown into words, flowery, unsavoury, humorous words, and so we thought about the civil war. We are not coming to it from an accusatory point of view. We are coming from the position that a lot has been written about the civil war, either to purge, to heal; either to come to terms, loads of fiction books, non-fiction books, entries into journals, gazettes in government documents; things have been written, words have been written about the civil war. ‘One thing is for sure; I lived the end part of the war as a child, and I think I was about seven or eight, because I remember I was trying to get a grip of my trainer bike, learning how to ride without trainer wheels when the war ended, when we heard the war had ended, and I know that it is not a place that Nigeria ever wants to go back to. So, let’s sit down in a very lovely environment where we have respect for one another and we are mindful of one another, our various interpretations of what we have heard and our various experiences and talk about it. ‘It is no longer the elephant in the room that nobody can talk about. We do not want to go back there. If you look at how we have public holidays for June 12 and even Independence Day on October 1, we should be able to have a day that we can apologize to one another, whether we did it or not. Apologize for the pain that the country went through, that our brethren went through, that we went through, and apologize and move on, because whether we like it or not, we are together, and the things that unite us are far better and more than what can divide us. Look at Ukraine and Russia; they were once a part of one another, but look at how they’re going at each other. If we all go three ways, maybe more ways, we would be more of a threat divided, in my own opinion, and so we will never get back there.’ Other personalities and books of the festival include: Mazi Nwonwu and his How to Make a Space Masquerade and Dele Sijuade’s Orisa will be in conversation for the speculative fiction panel. Also, Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor’s See Morocco See Spain, Silva Nze Ifedigbo’s My Mind Is No Longer Here and Samuel Monye’s Give Us this Day, Henry Akubuiro’s Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel will feature in the children’s session, among others. Also, Moonbeam: An Anthology of Short Stories by Nigeria’s Foremost Culture Journalists (published by Narrative Landscape Press) will be unveiled at QFest 2025, with some of the contributors like Sam Omatseye, Adeniyi Kunu, Okechukwu Uwaezuoke, Terh Agbedeh and Henry Akubuiro featuring, and moderated by the editor Anote Ajeluorou. They will speak on ‘The Place of Anthologies/Collection of Short Stories in a Literary Ecosystem’. This anthology, the first by 15 culture journalists united in their singular passion for culture reporting such as Jahman Anikulapo, Toni Kan, Molara Wood, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Nehru Odeh, Evelyn Osagie (rest her soul), Sumaila Isa Umaisha, Greg Nwakunor and Akeem Lasisi, has been hailed as a bold cultural shift and boundary-defining.

Anata Nigeria, one of the country’s most dynamic real estate investment firms, is expanding its portfolio with high-value residential and commercial projects aimed at High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and global investors.

Through strategic estates and mixed-use developments across Lagos and beyond, the company offers investors sustainable rental income and strong capital appreciation.

Victory Johnson, Chairman/CEO described the vision as ‘building platforms for wealth, security, and legacy’ by creating investor-ready communities backed by transparency and trust.

Anata Nigeria’s proven models – land banking, rental properties, commercial leasing, and hybrid real estate ventures – provide both steady cash flow and long-term growth. Industry analysts highlight Lagos growth corridors like Badagry, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe as Africa’s top real estate hubs. Anata Nigeria leverages these opportunities through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) that secure each project with physical assets and investor agreements.

While Lagos is the core focus, Victory Johnson confirmed upcoming projects in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other fast-emerging cities.

We are more than developers; we are partners in nation-building,’ Victory Johnson said. ‘Every project creates jobs, attracts capital, and secures the future for investors and communities.’

As global capital turns to Africa, Anata Nigeria is positioning itself as the trusted gateway for HNWIs, private equity firms, and international partners. Anata Nigeria – Building Wealth. Developing Communities. Powering Africa’s Future.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a radio presenter greeted his many fans and listeners with ‘Which Way Nigeria?’, a song released in 1984 by Sonny Okosun, a late musician.

The song, which underscored a sense of directionlessness that still defines Nigeria’s political landscape after 65 years, also set the mood for the usual calls and commentaries by the listeners. But the listeners’ views were mixed, with more seeing no reason to celebrate that day, especially as the government cancelled the colourful parade, which many look forward to on Independence Day.

But away from the less cheers of October 1, 2025, the positive energy of the over 40,000 people, who gathered at the Lagos Race Course (now Tafawa Balewa Square) in October 1, 1960 to witness the lowering of the Union Jack and the raising of Nigeria’s new green-white-green flag, still speaks volumes on hope for the country.

As some observers have noted, the country may have seen more challenges in the six and half decades of her existence, but it is not all negative for these past years.

In the 65 years of independence, Nigeria, according to some observers, has faced legions of socio-economic and political adversities, especially a terrible civil war at the infancy, a number of economic recessions, political and social upheavals, religious riots and deepening trust deficit.

Also in the last 65 years, social cohesion has remained a scarce commodity in the country as it battles ethnic divisions and dangerous rhetoric from people of various ethnic hue, the observers pointed out. But their excitement is that the country has continued to trudge on despite her many challenges.

‘No African country, even across the world, will still be standing for 65 years with all the challenges Nigeria has faced and is still facing,’ Andrew Osaghele, an assistant director at a federation government parastatal, said.

‘I think, those who call us ‘Giant of Africa’ are seeing what we citizens do not see. We are truly a giant that has refused to go down despite the persistent attacks’.

Toeing the same lane, Olumide Ibidapo, economist and academic, noted that in 65 years, Nigeria has survived eight economic recessions, yet still standing.

‘From our first recession in 1967, we have had others in 1975, 1978 and 1981. But our worst have been the 2016 and 2020 recessions, yet we survived them. We have reasons to celebrate, at least, being together at 65 and still pushing harder. It is not all about negative things,’ Ibidapo said.

Though Nigeria lost its place as the largest economy in Africa to South Africa, and falling further to the fourth position, Ibidapo assured that the country will regain its continental economy leadership position soon.

‘South Africa is just the largest economy in Africa by nominal GDP, by the time the reforms of the current administration start yielding results, Nigeria’s economy will pick up and we will rise again. Don’t forget, we have fallen on that rating before and also regained it. We will rise soon,’ he noted.

Looking back at the country in 1960, Simon Pam, a Kaduna-based serial investor, noted that even the colonial masters will commend the strides achieved since then, especially in infrastructure.

‘There was no Abuja in 1960. Every visitor commends the city’s beautiful landscape, serenity, sense of organisation, more civilized style and security.

‘So, let’s be proud of something and not always complaining when outsiders are even envying what we look down on,’ Pam said. Pam, a Vom, Plateau State-born hotelier, manufacturer and an agro-entrepreneur, insisted that Nigeria has recorded remarkable growth in her 65 years nationhood, just that the rate has not been as fast as many desired.

‘You cannot say that Nigeria is stagnant for 65 years. I used to live in Lagos, when my father was serving in the army and I know how things have changed for good now.

‘Just go to Banana Island or Lekki, which used to be all swam till Eleko, the development will amaze you. Then, Eko Atlantic City is rising to become the future capital of Africa. It is twice the size of Victoria Island and the cranes have been raising the skyscrapers there. Let’s be hopeful for our country and do our part,’ Pam urged.

Citing example with Kaduna State, he noted some governors are doing even better than the president.

‘Since Uba Sani took over, insecurity has declined tremendously in Kaduna State without the huge budget spent in the past by Governor El-Rufai. The federal government should learn from him.

‘I learnt that the Oyo, Abia and Enugu governors are doing well. These are good leadership example to cheer for in our 65th independence,’ he said.

For Kenneth Orhue, a youthful returnee, the job opportunities in the country are huge draws for the diaspora.

Orhue, a software engineer, who works with a tier-1 bank, argued that if the country is that bad, in terms of unemployment and insecurity, why are other nationals trooping in good numbers.

‘Forget about the minimum wage, the plum jobs are here in the country, even in government agencies.

‘We don’t see such opportunities, but the Lebanese, Chinese and especially Indians, are seeing and taking advantage of them,’ he said.

‘I see many of them at Dangote Group, Globacom, Airtel, Lafarge, Indomie and name them. Why are they here if the country is not making any stride? ‘It is our wrong notion that everything good is abroad and also hope that foreigners are the ones to fix the country that are keeping some people down in the country. The country is rising, let’s rise with it, that is why I returned from the UK and I don’t have any regrets living and working here.’

Orhue points to the Lagos and Abuja modern rails as infrastructure to commend, expand to reach more passengers and replicated across cities in the country.

For Chijoke Umelahi, an Abuja-based lawyer, the major challenge the country is facing is just leadership, which, if sorted, the prosperity that will envelope the country, will be tremendous.

In the 65 years, Umelahi noted that Nigeria has witnessed some of the best leaderships in Africa, especially in the First Republic when founding fathers like: Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Michael Okpara, among others, led by example.

‘I urge those who are critical about leadership in Nigeria to check the feats of the premiers of the various regions then. They were all focused on developing their regions, across human capital, infrastructure, industrialisation and they harnessed resources in their regions to fund their developmental needs,’ the former Abia lawmaker said.

‘So, the lack of leadership today is just due to the rot in the system that has been institutionalised, especially among the political elite.

Wilmer, SAM Pharmaceuticals, and Ajeromi Public Health Centre recently held a community health seminar themed ‘Preventing and Managing Birth Complications in Our Community.’ The programme brought together community members and traditional birth assistants for training and awareness.

The panel featured Ahmad Amina of Ajeromi Ifelodun Primary Health Centre; Packson Akhenamen, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at LASUTH; and Glory Chinaecherem Uzoigwe, Nutrition and Health Coach.

Akhenamen discussed danger signs to watch for in pregnant women and stressed the need for prompt referrals to hospitals to avert preventable deaths. Pharmacist Oluseyi of SAM Pharmaceuticals spoke on the dangers of counterfeit medicines in circulation and their risks to mothers and infants.

Uzoigwe’s presentation titled ‘Nutrition in Maternal Health: Preventing Complications Before They Arise,’ she outlined the nutrition-related challenges that affect pregnancy outcomes, including anaemia, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, malnutrition, and iron deficiency. She also trained traditional birth attendants on identifying warning signs that warrant referral and introduced her ‘healthy plate’ model as a guide for expectant mothers.

Highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues, Uzoigwe said: ‘Truth is, all of the nutrition-related maternal complications are urgent, especially those that can affect both mother and child during pregnancy and the birthing process, starting from maternal anaemia, which is essentially iron deficiency. This can lead to haemorrhage, shock, infection and even maternal death. ‘It’s also imperative to add that maternal malnutrition is one of the issues that needs urgent attention as well because this leads to obstructed labour due to small pelvic size, poor wound healing, and increased risk of maternal and newborn death.’

Explaining her healthy plate model, she said: ‘My healthy plate model emphasises variety, grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, which helps cover multiple nutrient needs (iron, folate, calcium, vitamin A, protein, omega-3).

‘All of the aforementioned micro and macronutrients ensure mothers have everything they need during and after the postpartum phase, to support healthy birth weight, encourage variety, and keep energy level up.’

The seminar concluded with a special award presented to Uzoigwe in recognition of her dedication to advancing maternal health.

Ruben Amorim has called for more actions from the Manchester United players following the much-needed win against Sunderland.

He made the call after Mason Mount said Manchester United’s players were ‘100-per-cent behind the gaffer.’

Last weekend’s bruising 3-1 loss at Brentford intensified scrutiny on the Portuguese head coach’s position heading into his 50th match at the Old Trafford helm.

United responded well to that setback as a fine Mount opener and first home goal from summer signing Benjamin Sesko secured a 2-0 victory against newly promoted Sunderland.

The result helps alleviate the pressure before the international break on under-fire Amorim.

When the United manager was told about the midfielder’s comment, he said: ‘I saw (that) today and I know they want to do their best – and I know they don’t want to change the coach all the time.

‘We need to show with actions. ‘And sometimes when we look at our team I know for sure that when we see the games in the end they know that sometimes we can do better.

‘So, I feel that during the week but we need to show that on the pitch, not just at home but also away.’

Amorim also issued a bizarre rebuttal that his Manchester United side had picked up momentum from their victory over Sunderland, in their best performance of the season.

‘There is no momentum with our team. We know what happens when we win one game. For me the frustration is not to see the same team at home and away.

‘You saw today, we didn’t play well in the second half. But we were focused, we fought the second balls. Ben [Sesko] was there to touch them all the time. So these small things are going to help us to win games,’ he said.

Amorim made five changes to his Man Utd side from last weekend’s loss at Brentford, including handing summer signing Senne Lammens his debut.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper arrived on deadline day from Antwerp and helped United keep their first clean sheet of the season, producing a couple of important saves and showing confidence between the sticks.

Phillips Nto, a university don and agricultural expert, has appealed to President Ahmed Tinubu and governments at all levels to prioritize funding for agriculture to enhance food security.

Nto noted that the call is apt now as preparations for the 2026 budgets get underway.

Nto, who is the director, Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ABIC), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, said that only increased funding of agriculture in the 2026 budgets of all tiers of government would guarantee improved yields, value addition and prosperity for farmers.

While conducting the media around pilot farms of the incubation centre, Nto canvassed for an improved budgetary allocation for agriculture in view of the central role it plays in the development of Nigeria’s economy.

‘Now that Nigeria’s revenue is on the increase, more funds should be invested in agriculture and agribusiness to secure our tomorrow,’ he stressed. Nto, a former commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Abia State, advocated that the increase in funding agriculture should anchor more on value addition to curb post-harvest losses. According to him, the government should consider providing agricultural subsidies to farmers, while the states should revive the agricultural extension services.

‘Agriculture is an evolving sector that requires continuous training of rural farmers. Reviving the agriculture extension services will help farmers adopt new techniques for improved yield.

‘The Agribusiness Incubation Centres across our universities can easily drive this initiative,’ he noted.

He equally canvassed for the setting up of industrial agricultural hubs in the 774 local government areas in the country to be designed in line with the crops grown in each area as a means of sustainable food security. He noted that such hubs could be jointly funded through an integrated scheme by all tiers of government with the expected increase in food production and value addition.

‘This multi-level collaboration will provide government the first hand guide on the agribusiness that is relevant to the need of the local farmers,’ he submitted.

Nto, who is also the immediate past provost, Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, commended the federal government on its tax reforms, which he noted would also impact on the growth of agriculture in the country.

He expressed the hope that whatever the government generates from the new tax laws should be used in funding agriculture, especially in the establishment of the agro industrial hubs in the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

In a confident tone, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his Independence Day speech celebrated what he described as the tangible fruits of his sweeping economic reforms.

‘Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%, Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years, and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years,’ Tinubu declared.

Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has pursued a bold economic reset, removing the decades-old fuel subsidy, liberalising the foreign exchange market, and laying the groundwork for a new tax regime scheduled to begin in 2026.

Economists have described these moves as ‘bold but painful,’ with many Nigerians struggling to cope with the accompanying hardships.

Yet, as the president trumpeted progress on the economy, a growing chorus insists that Nigeria cannot achieve true transformation on the back of economic reforms alone. Across civil society, opposition circles, and international partners, the consensus is that reforms must extend beyond the marketplace to the very heart of Nigeria’s democracy: its constitution and its elections.

‘Economic reforms without political reforms are unsustainable,’ a reform advocate who doesn’t want to be mentioned told this writer.

‘The government must also reform the political system to ensure rule of law, free and fair elections, and human rights are granted. A reformed political system will complement economic reforms, which will eventually boost investor confidence.’ This argument crystallised at the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025 last week, where political leaders, reform advocates, and civil society converged virtually under the theme ‘Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027.’

‘A government that is perceived as lacking legitimacy will never be effective in governing,’ Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy and leader of thought, said at the Independence Day event.

‘Legitimacy is earned when people believe elections reflect their will. If we do not do everything to ensure free and fair elections, everybody loses, including those who think they have power for the moment.’

Utomi went further, urging international pressure on Nigeria’s political class. ‘We should internationalise this problem to the point that our country could face isolation.’ Oby Ezekwesili, a former minister of education, outlined concrete measures, including INEC’s financial and operational independence, mandatory electronic transmission of results, and stronger prosecutorial powers for electoral offenses.

‘Relying on the police and attorney-general for prosecutions has only rewarded bad behaviour,’ she said.

Her critique extended to what she called ‘courtroom democracy.’ ‘Elections are being decided in court rather than at the polling station,’ she lamented.

‘That destroys the spirit of democracy. We need specialised electoral courts, automated systems for assigning cases to judges, and strict timelines for resolving disputes. Right now, elections have become an industry for the judiciary. For as long as our electoral system is a mess, it continues to destroy lives and futures.’

Peter Obi, who himself contested the last presidential election, wants the system to curb defections.

‘Any politician who jumps party after winning an election should lose his seat,’ he proposed.

‘This is a very critical thing that has to happen before our next election,’ he said. ‘Without a proper electoral system that can guarantee free and fair elections, our democracy will remain fragile.’

These voices inside Nigeria are now joined by pressure from outside. The European Union has urged Nigeria to act fast on reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘We recognise that there are certain time constraints, both in terms of judicial reform as well as administrative reform, and of course, constitutional reform, which is much more difficult,’ Barry Andrews, member of the European Parliament and chief of the EU Election Observation Follow-up Mission to Nigeria, said during a meeting with INEC last week in Abuja.

‘But we are making all of these recommendations against international standards that the EU and Nigeria and most countries have signed up to. to support democracy, not just here in Nigeria, not just in Africa, but across the world, and in Europe as well.’

For many Nigerians, the tension is clear. On one hand, the president is pushing through market reforms meant to position Africa’s largest economy for future growth. On the other hand, the foundations of democracy, the rules of the game, the fairness of the vote, and the independence of institutions, remain fragile.

The question looming over the country is whether the political will exists to match the momentum in economics with equivalent ambition in governance.

‘Economic growth without democratic legitimacy is a house built on sand,’ the reform advocate said.

After a long holiday that stretched like an elastic band, Nigeria’s federal lawmakers will finally dust off their agbadas, re-polish their brogues, and head back to Abuja’s red and green chambers.

Yes, dear Nigerians, the National Assembly will be back in session and the city can breathe again as its jolly-jolly lawmakers return from their well-deserved (or so they think) siesta.

It has been over two months since they shut down the hallowed chambers on July 24 for their annual recess.

The rest of the country, meanwhile, trudged along, battling economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment, among many other challenges. But for our lawmakers, it was time to ‘refresh, recharge, and rejuvenate.’ After all, how can one make laws for 200 million people without the occasional extended holiday?

If democracy were a person, it would have been on hold these past ten weeks, lounging somewhere in a recliner, sipping palm wine, waiting for its caretakers to return.

From the outside, it almost seemed as though nothing was happening on the legislative front. Budgets, constitutional amendments, and petitions gathered dust while the lawmakers were on vacation in Dubai, London, and private resorts across Nigeria.

In fairness, some did spend their break ‘consulting constituents,’ which, in Nigerian political lingo, usually translates to attending weddings, funerals, and thanksgiving services.

Others retreated quietly to their farms or businesses. But many Nigerians suspect that, simply enjoy the soft life that has become synonymous with being a legislator in Africa’s largest democracy.

A Soft Life Legislature

Let us not pretend: Nigeria’s National Assembly is not exactly a boot camp. This is the same parliament where plenary sessions often start late, attendance is spotty, and debates sometimes resemble friendly banter rather than heated legislative scrutiny.

Add to that the generous salaries, allowances, official cars, and endless committee trips, and you begin to understand why Nigerians often describe their lawmakers as the most comfortable public servants in the land.

During recess, stories filtered in of lawmakers spotted at five-star hotels in Abuja, vacationing abroad with their families, or hosting elaborate constituency parties.

And enjoyment, they did, the lawmakers lived the ‘soft life’ while the average Nigerian continued to grapple with harsh realities.

The return parade

Now, as plenary resumes, Abuja will once again witness the familiar spectacle: convoys of tinted SUVs gliding into the National Assembly complex, lawmakers in freshly starched attires waving to cameras, and the business of lawmaking officially kicking off again.

On paper, the agenda is heavy. They must tackle the 2026 budget, vote on constitutional amendments, debate electoral reforms, and push through legislation on local government autonomy. But one cannot ignore the theatre that accompanies their return.

Journalists, staffers, and lobbyists will gather at the chambers to watch who arrives with swagger, who avoids the press, and who is already positioning for the next leadership tussle.

The lawmakers themselves relish the attention. For some, resumption day is almost like the first day of school; a chance to showcase new wardrobes, new alliances, and in some cases, new political hairstyles. Of long breaks and short memories

It is worth remembering that the recess itself is not abnormal. Legislatures across the world take breaks. The difference, however, is in what they leave behind when they pause. For Nigeria’s lawmakers, especially the Senate, recess often feels like an abandonment; critical bills stall, oversight functions weaken, and committees go into hibernation. Take the constitutional review process, for instance. Hearings were held in July, citizens poured out their concerns, and reports were due. Then, suddenly, everything was put on hold for recess. Now, lawmakers will return to hurriedly catch up, as though nothing happened.

One can liken the mode of operation of the lawmakers to that of a student who takes a long break before exams and then tries to read all the notes the night before.

Jolly faces, serious matters

Of course, beneath the satire lies the truth: Nigeria’s challenges are grave, and the legislative agenda awaiting the lawmakers is weighty.

Inflation is biting harder, insecurity has refused to abate, unemployment remains high, and revenue shortfalls threaten governance at every level.

The 2026 budget, which President Bola Tinubu is expected to present soon, will test the Assembly’s seriousness.

So will the push for local government autonomy, a matter the Supreme Court has already spoken on, but which governors continue to resist.

The lawmakers must also revisit electoral reforms, amid widespread calls to strengthen INEC and guarantee credible elections.

But will they? Or will the resumption quickly slip into the usual rhythm of grandstanding, lengthy adjournments, and committee junkets? Nigerians are watching closely.

Behind the scenes, murmurs of discontent over unpaid constituency projects and leadership tussles are growing louder.

There are also whispers of looming defections, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) poised to strengthen its hold. As one insider remarked, ‘Recess was just the calm before the storm.’

A season of defections

Indeed, resumption day may double as defection day. Already, several lawmakers have quietly perfected plans to switch parties, citing ‘constituency pressure’ or ‘irreconcilable differences’ with their current platforms.

In truth, many simply want to align with the ruling party before constitutional votes and budget debates intensify.

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate president, some days ago promised President Bola Tinubu a gale of defections from governors to the All Progressives Congress. This will definitely not leave lawmakers out like we witnessed in Akwa-Ibom and Delta states. Nigerians’ cynical gaze

For ordinary Nigerians, the return of their lawmakers is met with a mixture of resignation and humour.

As the National Assembly reconvenes, the stakes are high. There are important bills to pass, budgets to scrutinise, and reforms to implement.

But there is also the lingering image of lawmakers as lovers of soft life, more comfortable with recess than rigorous lawmaking.

Perhaps this time, they will surprise Nigerians. Perhaps the ‘jolly-jolly lawmakers’ will exchange their recliners for real legislative grit. Or perhaps, as one cynical observer put it, ‘They will just resume planning the next recess.’

Either way, Abuja will be alive again, and the cameras are ready. The lawmakers will be back, starched and smiling, to remind Nigerians that democracy may go on recess, but never really sleeps.