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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu ‘to urgently disclose details of the selection and appointment process for the successor to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu whose tenure as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will end in November 2025.

SERAP urged him ‘to disclose the number and names of candidates for INEC chairman and whether the Council of State has been consulted or would be consulted in making the appointment, as constitutionally required.’

SERAP also urged him to use the opportunity of the appointment of a new INEC chairman to reconsider your appointment of at least three alleged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the INEC and to nominate non-members of a political party as replacement.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu will leave office as INEC chairman in November, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years. President Tinubu is expected to appoint his successor soon, subject to a Senate confirmation.

In the letter dated September 27, 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: ‘The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be ‘a closed shop.’ A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interests.’

SERAP said there is a strong correlation between transparency in the selection and appointment process of INEC chairman and the ability of the commission to perform its constitutional and statutory duties in an independent and impartial manner.

According to SERAP, ‘INEC plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic process. Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process would improve public trust in the commission’s independence and impartiality and citizens’ participation in the electoral process.’

The letter, read in part: ‘Transparency in the process would also ensure that competent and impartial people are appointed and reduce the risks of conflict of interest. It would allow Nigerians to scrutinise, monitor, and engage with the process.

‘In electoral management, perception matters greatly. It is more important for the selection and appointment process to be objective and fair and to be seen to be objective and fair.

‘The manner in which elections are managed, including how officials managing elections are chosen, would contribute significantly to the sustenance of a democratic culture in the country.

‘A transparent selection and appointment process would strengthen democratic and electoral processes. Making the procedural details public would improve public confidence in the process.

‘Secrecy in the selection and appointment process would be inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. It would undermine the independence, autonomy and accountability of INEC and the right of Nigerians to a free and fair election.

‘Electoral body is independent where it has administrative and financial autonomy; and offers sufficient guarantees of its members’ independence and impartiality.

‘Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement and the appointment of a competent, independent and impartial chairman would also help to address the perception of bias which characterised the operations of INEC including during the 2023 general elections.

‘Section 154(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that the Chairman of INEC ‘shall be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.’

‘Subsection 3 provides that in exercising his powers to appoint a person as Chairman of INEC, ‘the President shall consult the Council of State.’

‘Section 153(1) (f) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that ‘There shall be established for the Federation the following bodies, namely – (f) Independent National Electoral Commission.

‘Under Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, ‘The appointment of a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall be in compliance with section 14 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

‘The nomination, confirmation and appointment of the alleged APC members as RECs for INEC is a breach of Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Section 156(1)(a) and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution.

‘Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party guarantee the right of every citizen to participate freely in the government of his/her country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives.

‘The combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international standards is the requirement that elections must be organized by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.

‘The status, powers, independence of INEC, and the impartiality with which it acts and is seen to be allowed to act, are fundamental to the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and effectiveness of citizens’ democratic rights. INEC ought to be the primary guarantor of the integrity and purity of the electoral process.

‘Your government has the constitutional responsibility to ensure openness and transparency in the selection and appointment of INEC chairman. The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend mostly on the independence and impartiality of those appointed to manage the process.

‘Without an independent and impartial INEC, the democratic rights of Nigerians would remain illusory.

‘Anyone to be appointed as INEC chairman must clearly be non-partisan, independent, impartial and neutral. INEC chairman and other officials ought to be able to discharge their legal duties and implement the Electoral Act without fear or favour.

‘Nigeria’s electoral body must enjoy independent from direction or control, whether from the government or any other quarter. It must be accountable to the electorate, and act accordingly.

‘We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

‘Public perception of the independence of INEC is also essential for building public confidence in the electoral process. Where Nigerians have doubts about the independence of INEC, they are more likely to have less confidence in the electoral process, thereby undermining democracy.

‘The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.

‘These constitutional provisions, international standards and commitments impose a fundamental obligation to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection and appointment process for a new INEC chairman.

‘According to our information, the tenure of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu will end in November 2025, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years. His successor is expected to assume office immediately.’

‘SERAP also notes that messrs Etekamba Umoren; Isah Shaka Ehimeakne; Anugbum Onuoha; and Bunmi Omoseyindemi were part of the ten persons nominated by you and confirmed by the Senate on 25th October, 2023 as RECs of INEC.’

The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Chief Emeka Obegolu said in the past 20 years of the chamber’s existence it has facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investment, partnerships and provided visibility for SMEs by enabling them to access new markets.

Obegolu disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair with the theme: Sustainability, Consumption, Incentives and Taxation, stating that, this is not just the opening of another fair, it is the celebration of a historic milestone, 20 years of consistent commitment to trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.

He said: ‘The Abuja International Trade Fair has grown from a modest local exhibition into Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform, one of Africa’s most recognised trade events.

‘Over the past two decades, the Fair has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It has attracted more than 1.5 million visitors across multiple sectors, facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships.

‘It has provided visibility for SMEs, enabling them to access new markets, strengthened collaborations with over 40 diplomatic missions, trade agencies, and international business associations.

‘These achievements underscore the pivotal role of the AITF as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth and Africa’s integration into the global economy.’

He explained that the theme of this edition: ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,’ reflects the country’s collective resolve to address pressing economic and environmental challenges. As Nigeria’s economy expands, our priority must be to ensure that growth is sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven.

This Fair will serve as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners to examine how consumption patterns, incentives, and taxation can be strategically aligned to promote responsible production, attract investment, and encourage environmental stewardship.

The National President Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Jamil Ibrahim applauded ACCI for sustaining this platform and reaffirming NACCIMA’s shared commitment to positioning Nigeria as a $1 trillion sustainable economy by 2030.

Nigeria he said has made progress with the Business Facilitation Act the BFA 2023 which is for the ease of doing business as much more is needed to strengthen competitiveness and full alignment with AfCFTA.

Which he added as unlocking a continental market of 1.4 billion people deep reforms under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement to improve Nigeria’s low ranking on cross-border trade indicators and ensuring all policies reflect a Nigeria-first agenda.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the closure of the application portal for the 2024/2025 academic session from today.

The agency said the closure would enable it to conclude the processing of pending applications and upkeep payments.

It said the loan portal will reopen in the second week of October for fresh applications and remain open until January 2026.

NELFUND’s Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr announced this while addressing rporters yesterday in Abuja.

The agency boss also announced the timelines for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, in line with NELFUNDs mandate to expand access to higher education through interest-free student loans.

Sawyerr said: ‘NELFUND remains committed to removing financial barriers for students and working with institutions to ensure that no eligible student is left behind.

‘These timelines provide clarity for students, parents, and institutions to plan ahead and participate fully in the process.’

The managing director directed institutions to update their students’ records on the Student Verification System (SVS) to enable applicants to access the scheme.

He said all unverified applications for 2024/2025 would be automatically cancelled after October 8, adding that affected students would be required to reapply under the new session.

Sawyerr warned that institutions that failed to verify students’ records risk being publicly listed for non-compliance.

Commenting on the upkeep stipends for students, the NELFUND boss explained that payment for the 2024/2025 session would continue until November.

According to him, students are expected to reapply for the 2025/2026 to continue receiving payments.

Sawyerr stressed that the scheme remained interest-free, with repayment to begin two years after the students would have completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), while employers would deduct 10 per cent of beneficiaries’ salaries.

The NELFUND managing director expressed concern over arbitrary hikes in tuition and ancillary fees by some institutions.

He said a committee set up by the Minister of Education was working with regulators to harmonise and standardise fee structures nationwide.

Responding to concerns about upkeep stipends, the NELFUND boss said the current N20,000 monthly allowance would not be increased immediately.

Sawyerr announced that an ongoing review of cost-of-living indices across regions could lead to weighted adjustments in the future.

If all Enugu State is getting from the country’s national grid now is a paltry 70MW, then there is nothing wrong in describing the state government’s proposed target of 1,000MW as ambitious. This is 300MW over and above the 700MW that the government had in mind as at last year.

But that was then. The dream is even bigger today, with the state government eyeing about 1,000MW generation capacity.

What is more? The proposed 1,000MW is expected to be powered with coal, a mineral resource that the state has not only in abundance, but also of a high quality.

Governor Peter Mbah disclosed the new plan as guest of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) ‘Meet The Governor Series,’ where he presented a business case for investing in Enugu State. The event held in Lagos on September 25.

‘Our target is to see how we can use our coal to generate at least 1,000 megawatts of power. We do have technology today that makes coal utilisation less adverse to the environment. Essentially, that is the direction for us’, the governor said at the forum.

Enugu State may not be the first state in the country to take advantage of the further liberalisation of the power sector by the immediate past Muhammadu Buhari administration, and consolidated with the Bola Tinubu government’s Electricity Amendment Bill.

But the state, particularly under the Mbah administration, has shown so much enthusiasm in the power sector.

One critical factor that the state government wants to leverage on is its abundant coal deposits. This is significant in two ways: one, it speaks to the diversification of the source of power supply in the country, a thing many power consumers have always craved for.

Second, it puts into use a nearly-forgotten mineral resource that the south eastern part of the country was renowned for: coal. And the governor has rightly noted that they would no longer treat the resource as a ‘stranded asset’ without adequate compensation.

We are happy to note Gov. Mba’s efforts to get his state off the national grid which has become antiquated and inadequate to cope with the demands of a power-starved country like ours.

It was this passion that drove the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to come up with its own template on power tariffs, a thing which led to brickbats between the agency and, by extension, the state government, on one hand, and the generating and distribution companies, on the other.

The two entities disagreed with the EERC tariff template on the basis that the agency could not determine the price of power it does not generate.

This would sound a reasonable argument but it does not wholly explain the situation. Not a few Nigerians see exploitation, incompetence, corruption and bad faith in the modus operandi of the present players in the power sector, all of which Nigerian consumers are fated to pay for.

So, it would not be a bad idea for people who want genuine transformation in the power sector and are indeed desirous of determining the tariff, to go into actual power generation.

This is part of the beauty in the Mbah 1,000MW proposal.

Enugu State government should press on with the proposal. Indeed, power generation should be a major component to consider by any investor who truly wants to be in charge in the power sector.

We have said it several times; and it bears restating that Nigeria cannot go far with its ambitious programmes if things are left entirely in the hands of the present players in the sector. If 13 years after the so-called liberalisation of the sector we are where we are, we need no expert to tell us to change tactics.

We can understand Gov. Mbah’s plight: he has ambitious programmes to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in eight years. Here, power supply is key.

The governor needs all the support and encouragement. Others should emulate him.

The NetClan Initiative has achieved another significant milestone in its quest to promote gender inclusion in technology with the graduation of its second cohort of the Ladies in Network Engineering (LINE) programme, where the majority of participants became Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA).

Founded by Abigail Jeffiah and Theodore Chukwudi, the initiative aims to provide opportunities for aspiring network engineers, particularly women, to establish careers in a field often overshadowed by software development and cybersecurity.

‘There was no platform where network engineers could motivate each other to upskill,’ Jeffiah explained.

‘We observed more individuals leaving network engineering for other fields, creating a gap, because at the end of the day, every organization requires a network engineer. That is why we started NetClan-to build that missing community.’

According to Jeffiah, the initiative has steadily grown, with over 30 women sponsored for certification exams since its inception. In the recently concluded cohort, more than 20 participants received full sponsorship, while others were provided vouchers covering up to 50 percent of their exam fees.

‘Seeing another set of students graduate means a lot to me personally,’ she said.

‘This initiative is dear to my heart because, as a female network engineer, I was often the only woman in technical workshops. Now, more women are embracing the field, and we are changing the narrative.’

For Emmanuel Samuel, one of the instructors, the achievement of the cohort reflects the power of mentorship and inclusivity.

‘This milestone is highly significant because it signifies the growing inclusion of women in a field traditionally dominated by men,’ he noted.

‘Seeing a majority of women succeed as CCNA holders demonstrates that, with the right support and opportunities, women can thrive in technology.’

Graduates of the program also attested to its impact. Network Security Engineer Odoh Ifunanya JaneFrances described her experience as transformative.

‘I joined because I wanted to understand the underlying operations of networking, especially after failing a job interview,’ she said.

‘Through this program, I gained more than I expected, and it played a key role in helping me land my first job. My advice to aspiring students is that joining NetClan might be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make in your career.’

Other facilitators highlighted the distinct contributions of women in the cohort. Ketcha Karen, a network and network security engineer, praised the collaboration and openness that defined the class.

‘The women demonstrated remarkable teamwork, consistency, and confidence,’ she observed.

‘When women publicly share their achievements, it inspires others to join and assures them they won’t be isolated. That sense of belonging can break barriers in tech.’

Mayaki Ujeh Emmanuel, a network operations engineer, explained that his teaching approach for the second cohort went beyond theory, emphasizing real-world application. ‘Networking is more than configuration and labs. I pushed the ladies to also understand sales, which exposes beginners to different technologies,’ he said.

‘We also gave group projects to build teamwork because, in reality, they will always have to work with others.’

On the value of CCNA, he added: ‘Though it is entry-level, CCNA amplifies knowledge in networking and is highly recognized across the IT industry.’

Mentorship was another key pillar of the program. Olumayowa Akinkuehinmi, one of the mentors, described it as a fulfilling experience.

‘Watching mentees grow from curiosity to earning certifications like the CCNA and building confidence in tech has been rewarding,’ he said.

‘My advice to the next generation is to stay curious, keep learning, and focus on real-world problem-solving-that’s where the opportunities lie.’

Looking ahead, NetClan plans to expand its offerings beyond the LINE program. Theodore Chukwudi revealed that Cohort 3 will maintain its intensive training format but the organization is also working toward establishing a NetClan Institute to provide more intensive training on cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and artificial intelligence.

‘We are also introducing the NetClan Community, where engineers can specialize in subfields like wireless networking, programmability, and DevOps,’ as shared by Theodore

‘Through partnerships with Cisco Networking Academy, we hope to run bootcamps, competitions, and workshops that showcase the importance of network engineering.’

Despite the numerous challenges posed by limited resources, Chukwudi emphasized that the primary focus continues to be on making a significant impact rather than merely counting numbers.

‘We are not driven by social media posts but by actionable and measurable results,’ He stressed.

Edo State Government said its deployment of technology and innovation would help it to meet targeted N100billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by December ending.

It said it had made gains in the area of increasing the state IGR and being able to manage some of the challenging issues with tax evasion and tax avoidance.

Executive Chairman of Edo Internal Revenue Services (EIRS), Otunba Bamidele Bankole-Balogun, in an interview, said the state was making steady progress through audit processes, assessments and good use of the courts.

He said the state’s IGR at the end of August was N74billion and had hit N79billion at press time.

Bankole-Balogun said the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration inherited a virtually non-existent digitalised system.

The EIRS boss said his team was working assiduously to digitalise revenue collections in Edo State such that in future, cash collections and manual collections would be reduced to the barest minimum.

He said: ‘At the moment, Edo State Internal Revenue Service is making tremendous gains in the area of increasing the state’s IGR. There are many components to our taxation and each and every part of this mix is seeing significant improvement as compared to last year in review.

‘There are other companies that are lined up and individuals lined up somewhere. It has been traditionally difficult, as you say, to come to grips with high net worth individuals. They have all the resources to evade and avoid tax, but we’re on top of it.’

He expressed the state’s preparedness for the new tax regime from January 1, 2026.

‘As you know, the new tax regime that will come in on the 1st of January 2026 places very little emphasis on the low income and places a lot of emphasis on the high income. Our objective is to tap into the high net worth individuals who are able to pay much more than the lower income, so as to harness that group and maximise the potential from the group.

‘Digitalisation is on top of it. Tax bodies are on top of it. The FIRS, which will now be the Federal Revenue Service, is also on top of it. Edo State Internal Revenue Service is also on top of it. Technology will help and as you know TINs, BDNs and NINs are going to be critical to doing any financial transaction in Nigeria from the 1st of January. So all of these mechanisms put together, hopefully, will help us to get more from these people who can pay more actually to give everybody a better life.’

Barau FC head coach, Ladan Bosso, has praised his players for their resilience and determination following the club’s first-ever victory in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

In the battle between two newcomers, Barau defeated Kun Khalifat 3-1 in a Matchday 6 clash at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, to register their maiden win of the season.

An elated Bosso lauded the collective effort behind the result.

‘Actually, I am so happy with the result. Our club proprietor, the general manager, my coaching staff, officials, and players all did well to secure this victory,’ he said.

He added that the team would build on the performance, remain focused, and prepare strongly for their next challenge.

The win lifts Barau FC to 18th place on the table with five points from as many matches.

They will next host Warri Wolves on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata, in Matchday 7.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the world’s largest professional body of management accountants, has awarded 235 accounting and finance professionals in Nigeria Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) certificates, and their CGMA designation at its 2025 convocation in Lagos.

CIMA training, which is recognised in over 170 countries, equips candidates with accounting knowledge, risk management, business leadership, decision-making, performance evaluation, and financial analysis. The 235 candidates will also benefit from the large global community of CGMA holders, granting them access to a global network of business and finance leaders as well as providing them with career support and continuous professional development.

Tariro Mutizwa, vice president Africa, lauded the candidates for their hard work, dedication and commitment in acquiring the knowledge and skills to achieve their CGMA. She assured them that the certification has paved the way for promising careers as they have been equipped to meet not only today’s business demands but also future business needs.

‘I am pleased to welcome a new generation of Nigerian accounting and finance professionals into our profession in Nigeria. Their dedication, hard work, and unrelenting commitment have paved the way for promising careers built on a solid foundation of knowledge and skill,’ Mutizwa said. ‘These future leaders are equipped not only to meet the demands of today’s business landscape but to shape what comes next, driving innovation, integrity, and excellence in their organisations. May their journey be marked by growth, impact, and success.’

Ijeoma Anadozie, Country Director in Nigeria, also praised the candidates. The country director said the certification has positioned the candidates to seize a world of exciting opportunities.

Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board of Trustees (BoT) has said 18 tertiary institutions have been selected to benefit from its sustainable mini grid energy solutions.

The board added that it had also approved mini grid power project under the 2025 intervention cycle, with N70 billion allocation across the instructions.

BoT member, Nurudeen Adeyemi, an engineer; said this yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State, at a town hall meeting for stakeholders of beneficiary institutions and surrounding communities in the Northcentral.

He said the aim ”is to address one of the most persistent challenges facing our tertiary institutions and high cost of electricity.”

Said he: ‘This bold step will ensure a stable, cost effective and renewable electricity supply to campuses, thereby reducing operational costs and enhancing research and learning.

‘In the Northcentral, several projects were extended by the fund under the direction of the board of trustees.

‘Under the special high impact projects, institutions that benefited from the intervention include University of Ilorin, Kwara State, University of Jos, Plateau State, Benue State University, Federal Polytechnic, Ny’Ak Shendam, Plateau State, College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Nasarawa State and Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State.

‘Similarly, Federal College of Education, Odugbo, Benue State, Kwara State College of Education and Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State.

‘This town hall meeting is more than a gathering; it is a partnership for progress.

‘It symbolises the board’s determination to institutionalise transparency, accountability and inclusivity in the way we deliver educational interventions.

‘It also reflects our deep conviction that sustainable solutions must be built through dialogue, trust and collective action.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s readiness to partner with credible global investors, particularly Nigerians in the diaspora and ‘sons of the soil.’

He described such partnership as part of efforts to secure energy independence and deliver modern infrastructure to power prosperity across Africa.

The President made the declaration in Lagos yesterday after separate meetings with two of the country’s foremost global investment figures – Hakeem Belo-Osagie of Metis Capital and Bayo Ogunlesi of Global Infrastructure Partners and BlackRock.

The tips of the engagements were shared on the President’s verified X handle – @officialABAT.

The tweet reads: ‘We agreed on the urgency of unlocking large-scale investments in upstream oil and gas and critical infrastructure to drive Nigeria’s long-term growth.’

Stressing that such partnerships were essential to transform the nation’s economic trajectory, the President noted that his administration’s reforms are already reshaping the investment climate.

‘Our administration’s reforms are creating a better enabling environment whilst opening new frontiers for sustainable financing, global capital, and transformative projects. We are determined to make Nigeria Africa’s premier investment destination,’ the President said.

The engagements with Belo-Osagie and Ogunlesi form part of Tinubu’s ongoing drive to attract investments into Nigeria’s energy and infrastructure sectors, considered critical pillars of his Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).