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Music and love are inseparable, each inspiring the other and shaping the hearts of those who feel deeply. For Nigerian singer Tony Frank, that connection is personal, emotional, and central to his artistry.

‘Yes, I’m gonna be Frank with you, like my name, Tony Frank. Or should I say, to be Frank, it’s Tony Frank. Being an artist definitely shapes how I experience love. As a creative, I tend to feel emotions very deeply, and that reflects in how I connect with people. Love, for me, isn’t just about romance; it’s inspiration, vulnerability, and storytelling,’ Tony shared.

Known for soulful songs like Call My Baby and Fall, Tony explains that both the highs and lows of love fuel his music. ‘Sometimes it makes the highs even more intense, because I don’t just live the moment-I also translate it into music. And the lows-heartbreak, distance, or challenges-they also become fuel for creativity. Love doesn’t just shape me as a person; it shapes my art, and my art gives me a deeper way to process love,’ he adds.

Being in the spotlight comes with challenges. ‘Things I used to do freely, like moving around unnoticed or keeping my personal space, are different now. There’s more pressure to always be mindful of how I carry myself, both online and offline. Fame also shows you how differently people treat you. Some genuinely support you, while others are drawn to the image of success rather than the person behind it,’ he notes.

Sacrifice is central to his journey. ‘I once sold my family’s land to promote a song with Timaya. I even put my car up as collateral. The sacrifice is worth it. Although I’m not where I want to be, I’m not where I used to be,’ he says.

Tony navigates music promotion strategically: ‘Social media is a huge tool. I create content that connects with people and lets the music spread organically. I also build good relationships with DJs, influencers, and media houses, which reduces costs.’

Looking ahead, he hoped for a fairer system. ‘Nigeria has so much raw talent, but many voices are silenced because they can’t afford promotion.’

Tony Frank said that love and music are inseparable. Every note he sings and every emotion he shares is a story lived, boldly and unapologetically.

An Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court has remanded a leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Shamusideen Oladiti, for alleged assault and murder of a tricycle driver.

The Lagos State Police Command arraigned Oladiti, 55, for alleged assault and murder of the driver, Omale Samuel, before Mrs A. O. AKinde of Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court, who ordered his remand in the custody of Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

The defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge offence in charge number BG/B53/25 bordering on assault and murder contrary to sections 223, 411 and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Police prosecutor, Anthony Iyeye said the offences were related to two crimes on Lagos Island involving a case of murder and another of assault occasioning harm.

The charges stated: ‘That you Shamusideen Oladiti on August 27, 2025 on Lewis Street, Lagas Island, did unlawfully beat Imam Ramon with fist blows all over his body, which caused him harm and was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, Marina Lagos where he later died and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos Stale, 2015.

‘That you Shamusideen Oladitl ‘m’ and others at large, on September 17, 2025 at Lagos Island Lagos in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit grievous harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

‘That you Shamusideen Oladiti and others at large, on the same date, time and place, did unlawfully beat Omale Samuel with fist blows which caused him grievous harm all over his body and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The court did not take the plea of the defendant after the charges were read.

Chief Magistrate Akinde ordered the case file to be duplicated and forwarded to the Director, Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

She ordered the remand of Oladiti in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) pending legal advice.

The case was adjourned to October 28.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said he thought the Boko Haram insurgency would end during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Jonathan made the revelation when he spoke at the public presentation of ‘Scars’, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja, on Friday.

Reflecting on the insurgency that defined much of his presidency, Jonathan said his administration devised several ways to curtail the insurgency, but with little success.

He explained that during one of the processes aimed at getting the terrorists to surrender, the insurgents nominated former President Buhari as their preferred negotiator.

Jonathan admitted that with such developments, he believed Buhari’s presidency would eventually bring an end to the insurgency.

He said, ‘One of the committees we set up then, the Boko Haram nominated Buhari to lead their team to negotiate with the government.

‘So I was feeling that, oh, if they nominated Buhari to represent them and have a discussion with the government committee, then when Buhari took over, it could have been an easy way to negotiate with them, and they would have handed over their guns. But it was still there till today,’ he said.

Jonathan noted that the inability of Buhari to eradicate Boko Haram terrorists showed that the crisis was more complex than often portrayed.

‘If you conduct research and interview many people, you will only get part of the story, but never the full story of Boko Haram. I was there. Boko Haram started in 2009 when I was vice president. I took over in 2010 and spent five years battling the insurgency until I left office.

‘I thought that after I left, within a reasonable time, General Buhari would wipe them out. But even today, Boko Haram is still there. The issue of Boko Haram is far more complex than it is often presented.

‘So, it’s a bit complex, and not a matter of a single story. But I believe, as a nation, we have to look at the Boko Haram issue differently from the conventional approach. I believe one day we’ll overcome it. Once again, let me thank General Irabor for this, because I always appreciate people who document events clearly. That way, when we write our own accounts, we can borrow from such documentation. I also believe that all the military officers involved in the Boko Haram saga should provide information about what the group truly stood for,’ he said.

Jonathan also said the issue of Boko Haram was beyond hunger, adding that his administration employed so many strategies but did not work.

He said, ‘If it was only about hunger-because we tried different options-I don’t want to sound like I’m defending my government. That will be left for history when we document our books. But I believe we did our best: we set up different committees and tried various approaches during the five years I was in office. I believe the late Buhari too, must have tried his best.

‘I believe the government-luckily, with the Defence Minister here and the service chiefs represented-must adopt a slightly different approach. God willing, we will be able to resolve this crisis.’

The former president described the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 as a permanent scar on his administration.

He added that he hoped some leaders of the insurgent group would eventually document their actions, similar to how key actors of the Nigerian Civil War wrote their own accounts, to provide clarity on the insurgency’s motives.

He said, ‘One of the major scars on my government-and it will remain on my face, as Bishop Kukah said, no plastic or cosmetic surgeon can remove it-is the issue of the Chibok girls.

‘It is a scar I will die with. But perhaps later, more details may become known, and that too has to do with Boko Haram.

‘What did they really want? Our chairman once raised the issue when he interviewed some of them, and they gave him certain perspectives. But I pray that one day, some of the Boko Haram leaders may be literate enough to document what they have done, so that people will truly understand what they want. It is similar to the story of the Nigerian Civil War.’

Jonathan urged the current administration to consider the carrot and stick approach to address the insurgency that has lasted over a decade.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger collaboration among state emergency management agencies (SEMAs), to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to disasters.

He made the call at the maiden national State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) conference held in Ikeja, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the summit’s theme: ‘Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria’, underscored the need for coordinated strategies to confront floods, epidemics, fires, industrial accidents and the growing threat of climate change.

He said resilience at the national level depended on how prepared state-level agencies were to manage emergencies.

Highlighting Lagos’ own interventions, the governor said his administration had upgraded Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with new rescue equipment, digital monitoring tools, improved toll-free emergency lines and a mobile app with GPS tracking.

He also listed the establishment of a Simulation Centre for scenario-based training, expansion of Lagos Response Unit (LRU), with modern ambulances and fire trucks synchronisation of hospital management services with emergency response to monitor availability of bed spaces and closest facility to offer needed care to victims, as well as partnerships with international agencies and grassroots volunteer networks.

Sanwo-Olu recalled LASEMA’s swift response during last year’s flash floods and a recent building collapse in Mushin, saying the outcomes demonstrated the value of preparedness, coordination and technology-driven response.

‘Emergencies require more than just a reaction; they call for preparedness. The true strength of our nation lies in our shared readiness and unity when facing challenges,’ he said.

Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, hailed Lagos for its pioneering efforts in deploying technology, decentralising response units and building resilient communities.

She noted that emergency management must move from being reactive to predictive, preventive and participatory.

Umar said NEMA would continue to strengthen early warning systems, improve data management and expand grassroots capacity building in collaboration with state agencies, private sector partners and communities.

She stressed the need for effective policy creation, urging states to identify their peculiarities and take steps to address them, rather than seeing SEMA as a palliative agency.

Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Olugbenga Oyerinde, noted it was the first time leaders of SEMAs of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC), federal institutions, private sector leaders, international partners and frontline responders would gather under one roof to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emergencies and disasters.

He said the conference marked a historic shift from a culture of reaction to a new era of readiness, recovery and resilience.

‘When sub-national agencies are strong, Nigeria is strong. The recent loss of lives to avoidable disasters underscores the urgency of convening experts to identify solutions and prevent future tragedies.

‘Over the next two days, participants will engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions and a large-scale simulation exercise to test coordination in real time.

‘Lagos State Government commends the private sector, civil society and international partners for their support. Disaster management is a collective responsibility that requires inclusiveness and relentless commitment to protect lives and build safer communities,’ he added.

Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, during an interview with reporters, said the agency had concluded plans for the unveiling of its institute tomorrow, adding that the first intakes would commence training by December.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said that the present administration would sustain the dynamics in kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in combating terrorism and other criminalities in the country.

Akume said this in his goodwill message at the launch of a book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja, on Friday.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made tremendous progress towards a secure country in which productivity shall spur us to a Nigeria of our dreams.

Akume praised General Irabor’s distinguished service to the country, particularly as Chief of Defence Staff, which stands as a powerful testament to his patriotism, courage, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and security.

‘At some of the most challenging moments in our recent history, when the fabric of our nation was threatened by insurgency and violent extremism, he stood firmly at the forefront, providing leadership that not only safeguarded lives but also strengthened the resilience of our Armed Forces and our collective will to overcome adversity,’ he said.

Akume described General Irabor’s new book as far more than a memoir, but ‘ a vital reflection on our national journey and a contribution to the ongoing discourse on peace, security, and nation-building.’

According to him, by documenting the complex realities of the Boko Haram challenge and the lessons learned in confronting it, General Irabor is enriching our national memory and equipping future generations with knowledge critical to building a safer and more united Nigeria.

‘As we celebrate his diamond jubilee, we also celebrate a life devoted to service – a life that continues to inspire confidence in the strength and potential of our nation.

‘On behalf of the federal government and the good people of Nigeria, I extend my warmest felicitations and gratitude to General Irabor. May this new chapter of your life bring you joy, fulfilment, and continued opportunities to contribute to our shared dream of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,’ Akume said.

Glovo has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Small and Medium enterprises in Nigeria with the new edition of Glovo Academy in Abuja.

Glovo Academy is an in-person learning and development initiative designed to provide training and digital tools to help local businesses optimise operations, boost their brand, and increase online sales through the Glovo platform.

In this Glovo Academy edition, the Head of Growth, Glovo Nigeria, Reni Onafeko, noted that the company remains committed to empowering SMEs on its platform by offering access to opportunities such as advisory and finance. She explained that with the million of orders delivered since the launch of Glovo in 2022 in Abuja, over N11 billion in value has been delivered to partners.

According to her, the company has recorded 30% increase year-on-year in orders in Abuja, working now with over 1,000 local restaurants. She emphasised the need for SMEs to embrace digital literacy to enable their businesses to expand, formalise their operations, and scale sustainably.

Speaking during the panel session, the Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Industry, Ifeoma Williams, stressed that MSMEs remain the backbone of any economy, noting that current data from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that 40% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product is derived from these small businesses.

While bemoaning poor access to loan facilities from the federal government for many SMEs, she attributed the challenge to a lack of proper structure and the right business plan. She stated that the federal government is doing a lot to provide the right policies for thriving businesses.

Making his contribution, the founder of Ahmad’s Sharwarma, Tijani Mustapha, who delved into the operational challenges confronting SMEs, stated that business owners must have staying power or resilience to overcome the challenges of human resources and quality control.

Mustapha underscored the need for SMEs to invest in technology to stay competitive and grow their businesses.

‘Any business we do today must embrace technology. Through technology, we can gather customer feedback, keep the business in check, and improve,’ he said.

Also speaking at the session, Kayode Meyanbe, Head of ICT, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, stated that through the agency, the federal government is leveraging a partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission to provide free registration for 250,000 businesses.

Kayode urged SMEs to take advantage of the opportunity to formalize their operations and access the opportunities provided.

‘As an agency, we have partnered with banks to provide loans at an interest rate below 10% to support their businesses. Not only that, state governments have also been helping us with funds for these SMEs to access our loan facilities. Beyond that, we have also engaged BDSPs to provide capacity training on how to run businesses for SMEs. We do this through Kaduna Business School and Lagos Business School to dispense need-based skills and curriculum to SMEs,’ he said.

In his remarks, Head of Commercial at Glovo , Nigeria, Kolawole Adeniyi, disclosed that the platform, which registered its presence in 2021 in Africa, has invested 206 million euros in the African continents.

According to Adeniyi, the platform has impacted businesses, with 90% belonging to the SMEs category, and offers N55 billion in direct economic value generated for partners.

At the event, presentations and sessions were held for partners to educate them about the company’s operations and capacity training. The training session and presentation focused on operational excellence, marketing, addressing customer complaints, and capacity-building training on business and financial literacy or management facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University.

Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has showered encomiums on his long-time associate and political ally, Lere Olayinka, on his birthday.

He described him as a ‘man of wisdom, loyalty, and relevance in a heartfelt birthday tribute.

In a voice note made public in a WhatsApp group on Wednesday, Fayose praised Olayinka’s journey from modest beginnings in Okemesi to becoming a respected public figure and household name in Nigerian politics and media.

‘To a great man, young, diligent, submissive, and determined, whom God has raised from Okemesi. A man of stature and relevance. A man of wisdom who knows his onions,’ Fayose said.

The former governor, known for his outspoken political style, described Olayinka as a loyal aide and dependable defender who has consistently stood tall in the face of challenges.

‘From humble beginnings, you have expanded your coast, protected your name, and risen to become a respected figure, all to the glory of God,’ he added. ‘There is no regret in working with you.’

Fayose also highlighted Olayinka’s role as a shining representative of the Osoko Political Family, acknowledging his service, resilience, and faithfulness.

‘Your name has become a household name in Nigeria, and there is no going back,’ he said. ‘This is only the beginning. The future is indeed bright.’

He concluded the message with a personal and symbolic endorsement, referring to Olayinka as ‘my boy, my son, my follower, my brother, my defender,’ and extended warm birthday wishes on behalf of the entire Osoko Political Family Worldwide.

‘Happy birthday and many happy returns,’ Fayose said.

Lere Olayinka currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He has long been a prominent media figure and is a political strategist, both in Ekiti State and across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Two people have been killed and four wounded outside a Manchester synagogue packed with worshippers on a Jewish holiday, United Kingdom (UK) police said, adding they shot dead the suspect in the ‘terrorist attack’.

Two other people were arrested after the car and stabbing attack, which occurred as Jewish communities around the world mark the Yom Kippur holiday, the holiest in the Jewish calendar.

Police said the two dead victims were Jewish, and declared the attack a ‘terrorist incident’ in the northwest English city.

They revealed they had ‘established the identity’ of the dead suspect, but it was too soon to release it publicly.

The attack also came days before the second anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 raids on Israel which sparked a fierce offensive in Gaza, inflaming passions in Britain.

‘It’s a very sad day. I live here for like seven years; I’ve seen nothing but kindness and love from the Jewish community. Very, very good people,’ said engineer Sam Martin, 41.

The European Union Electoral Observer Mission on Friday called for a timely electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The EU team, which is in Nigeria on a follow-up mission, said this was necessary to ensure voter confidence in the country’s electoral process.

The head of the follow-up EU Electoral Observer Mission, Barry Andrews, said the country needed to speed up the reforms, noting that only one out of the 23 recommendations to the Independent National Electoral Commission has been fully implemented.

The EFM found that while two recommendations have been partially implemented, eight are ongoing, three are too early to determine, and nine have not been implemented.

Andrews, who commended the legislature for the amendment so far in the Electoral Act 2025 and the ongoing constitutional review process, pointed out that time is running out.

He also stressed that the country’s resilience depends on reforms that citizens can believe in.

Andrews said, ‘So, the electoral observation mission final report in 2023 made 23 recommendations. 11 require legal changes and 12 are administrative in nature.

‘The mission has identified so far that one recommendation has been fully implemented. Two recommendations have been partially implemented.

Eight are ongoing. Nine are not yet implemented. And in the case of three recommendations, it is too early to determine.’

Andrew also called for political will to implement all the recommendations for the country to avoid falling behind.

‘So, our evaluation indicates that progress in implementing the recommendations has been modest, thus far, and is in serious danger of falling to critically low levels. Avoiding this outcome will require both political will from legislators and urgent coordinated administrative actions by relevant institutions. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the majority of these recommendations are still classified as ongoing.

‘What we find especially important is the strong alignment we see between the recommendations of INEC, civil society through the citizens’ memorandum, and those of the EU election observers at the EU election observation mission. Each of these three processes was conducted independently, and yet they point in the same direction. Of course, there are some differences, but the convergence is striking.

‘All three call for greater transparency for stronger accountability for electoral offences, for inclusive representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and for reform that would give INEC the clarity and independence that it needs. This is a powerful signal, we believe, because it shows that Nigerians themselves in institutions and in civil society are calling for the same changes that international observers have highlighted. It shows that there is a broad and shared understanding of what needs to be done to strengthen future elections.’

He stressed, ‘What is now needed is the political will to act on this consensus so that these reforms can be adopted in good time and fully implemented. Since the 2023 elections, important work has been undertaken. The Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 and the constitutional review are ongoing, as you know, and both incorporate many of our recommendations.

‘However, it is clear that the clock is ticking. A particularly positive development has been the constructive cooperation between civil society and the legislature. Civil society organisations have contributed expertise and advocacy, and Parliament has created space for that consultation and engagement.

‘We are encouraged by this constructive cooperation between civil society and members of the legislature, particularly in shaping proposals for a stronger legal framework. However, while we welcome this legislative momentum, time is rapidly running out. Unless these reforms are fast-tracked and concluded soon, there is a real risk of repeating the serious shortcomings of 2023.

‘Political will, more than technical drafting, will determine whether these reforms succeed. We can’t emphasise enough that the country’s democratic strength depends on reforms that citizens can believe in, and we encourage all political actors to seize the current momentum, to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in the 2027 elections.’

He listed the six priority recommendations to include ‘The first priority concerns INEC. Public confidence in the Commission has remained low.

‘A new chairperson will be appointed later this year, and the way this appointment is handled with shape public perception of the institution at a critical time. A transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based appointment process will strengthen INEC as an institution and give citizens greater confidence that the Commission will improve its professionalism, neutrality, and independence. This moment offers a real opportunity for a powerful signal of commitment to a credible electoral process.

‘So I’d like to stress that this recommendation does not require a legal amendment; therefore, the process of appointing the new INEC chairperson could be made more inclusive and transparent by, for example, publishing the names of prospective candidates and inviting civil society organisations, professional bodies, and opposition to provide input. In this way, all electoral stakeholders could be involved. The second priority is transparency in the results process.

‘We all saw in 2023 how quickly confidence can be eroded when polling unit results are missing, uploaded with poor quality, or collation appears disorganised. These deficiencies created doubts that overshadowed the entire process. The 2025 Electoral Act Bill now introduces mandatory electronic transmission of results, alongside manual transmission.

This is a welcome legal clarity and an important step forward. But legislation alone is not enough. Citizens need to see the results themselves. That means the real-time publication of polling unit and collation centre results. Citizens must be able to compare both paper protocols and electronic records to follow and verify the process step by step. Such openness can rebuild confidence.

‘It can also send a very powerful signal of commitment to credible elections in the future. ‘The third priority is ensuring that women are better represented in elected institutions. At present, unfortunately, Nigeria is one of the lowest levels of women’s representation in the world, just over 4% in the National Assembly, which is not reflective of the strength, ability, and leadership that Nigerian women offer in public life.

‘We therefore welcome the reserved seats bill and the current public debate. If passed, it would represent a significant step forward toward a more inclusive political process, ensuring that decision-making bodies better reflect the country’s diversity. International experience shows that when women are present in greater numbers, democratic institutions benefit from broader perspectives, stronger accountability, and more responsive policy-making.

We hope this debate will move forward constructively and that progress will be made on this important issue. ‘Fourth priority, thank you for your patience, is accountability for electoral offences. Stakeholders across the spectrum told us that impunity for offences remains widespread.

Violence, intimidation, vote buying, and misuse of state resources are problems that have persisted for too long. Some steps have been taken; INEC has entered into cooperation agreements with the Nigeria Bar Association and anti-corruption agencies. These are welcome, but they are not enough.

‘Prosecutions remain very low, and justice delayed is just as denied. Establishing an independent electoral offences commission as envisaged in some of the constitutional proposals would be a major step forward and a clear signal that those who break the law cannot act with impunity, and that elections are not a contest without rules but a contest governed by law. Even if such a commission is not established, closer cooperation between INEC, EFCC, the police, and the judiciary would go a long way to addressing impunity.

‘The fifth priority is to remove ambiguities and inconsistencies in the legal framework. The constitutional review and the electoral bill will address many of these issues and do address these issues, and once again, we have seen constructive cooperation between Parliament and civil society, but timing is everything. INEC cannot operate on shifting ground; it needs a clear and stable legal framework well in advance of the elections, not only to draft its own regulations, but also to plan voter education to secure the necessary budget, which must be requested a year in advance.

‘If reforms are adopted too late, they risk causing uncertainty or even becoming impossible to implement. Complementing this work, sorry, completing this work soon would give INEC the clarity it needs and give all stakeholders the confidence to prepare properly for 2027. ‘Finally, our sixth priority is safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting the media.

‘Journalists are essential to any democracy; they inform voters, hold institutions accountable, and keep public debate alive. Yet we continue to hear troubling reports of harassment, threats, and even violence against media practitioners and journalists. Despite a federal court ruling recognising the state’s duty to act, no comprehensive framework to protect media professionals has yet been created.

‘What is needed is a credible system to investigate and prosecute attacks swiftly and effectively. That would show that freedom of expression is not only guaranteed on paper but also upheld in practice. Without a free and safe media, citizens cannot make informed choices, and democracy itself is weakened.

‘Protecting journalists is therefore not just about individual rights but safeguarding the health of Nigeria’s democracy.’

The Chief of Mission underlined two key issues for restoring confidence in the electoral process:

‘Public confidence in INEC remains low, despite efforts made and progress achieved. In this context, a merit-based and non-partisan appointment process of its new Chairperson would send a powerful signal of commitment to credible elections. Another important step in this direction would be a robust system for real-time publication of polling unit and collation results, allowing citizens to verify both paper and electronic records.’

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) yesterday described Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking and sustainable plan.

It commended the country for its remarkable achievements in the maritime sector in recent times.

IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, said the maritime plan was a laudable initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainability.

Domínguez, who arrived Nigeria yesterday on a working visit, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

He commended the remarkable achievements in maritime security, particularly the zero piracy incident, for over three years.

He said the groundbreaking Deep Blue Project was a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.

Dominguez said the investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, had yielded tangible results in combating piracy and maritime crimes.

He added that these efforts demonstrated Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to ensuring safer seas, not just for its own waters, but also for the wider West and Central African regions.

The Secretary-General also acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the organisation outlining its national and regional security initiatives, stressing the need for continued support in infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment.

He assured that the IMO would remain committed to providing technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

Dominguez expressed admiration for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, especially the training infrastructure.

He urged greater collaboration among the academy, the Ministry of Education and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians in pursuing maritime careers.

Oyetola said the IMO chief’s visit reflected the strength of Nigeria’s relationship with the global maritime body.

He noted that the partnership with the Navy and other stakeholders was pivotal in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Oyetola reaffirmed the country’s determination to consolidate recent gains and expand opportunities in the marine and blue economy.

He commended Domínguez for choosing Nigeria for the visit and expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, presentations were made by top government officials and key stakeholders in the sector.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms and initiatives in security, seafarer welfare and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation.

The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, showcased the academy’s modern training facilities and underscored the importance of international partnerships in cadet exchange and simulator-based training.

The Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Wang Qiang, outlined the port’s role in boosting Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity, creating jobs and attracting long-term foreign investments.

Domínguez also interacted with cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, urging them to embrace emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy, green shipping and maritime technology.

He reaffirmed IMO’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance structures, and drive the sustainable growth of the blue economy,

The Secretary- General said the country’s achievements served as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.

In highlighting the organisation’s ongoing projects, Domínguez referenced a regional conference scheduled for Ghana in January next year on the Safe Seas Project, designed to consolidate contributions from Nigeria and other partner states.

He also announced ongoing discussions with the European Union aimed at launching a new maritime governance project focused on ports and security, as well as two regional projects in Southern and Western Africa where progress would be tracked through defined indicators.

Apart from security, Domínguez emphasised the need for countries to prepare for wider global challenges including the energy transition, the adoption of biofuels, and financing mechanisms, to support the training of seafarers, infrastructure development and the adoption of future fuels.