ICI asks NBI to probe, prosecute parties behind ‘misleading’ article

THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate and file criminal charges against those behind the circulation online of a ‘malicious’ and ‘misleading’ article that undermines the commission’s mandate.

The ICI was referring to online reports claiming that it has tapped the assistance of Task Force Kasanag International, a nongovernment organization led by a certain John Chong, in its ongoing probe into the multibillion anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects of the government.

‘The commission categorically denies this claim. The ICI has not authorized, deputized or engaged Task Force Kasanag International, or any group led by Mr. John Chong, in any capacity related to its investigation,’ the ICI said.

‘This report is entirely untrue and should not be given credence,’ it added.

The fact-finding body assured the public that it is pursuing its mandate with ‘independence, impartiality, and professionalism.’

It added that appointments to the ICI or partnerships with other groups will be made public through the commission’s authorized channels.

The ICI was created by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. following reports of ghost flood control projects and other anomalies in the government’s infrastructure projects.

It is chaired by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes, with former Public Works Secretary Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singson and SGV and Co. country managing partner Rosanna Fajardo as members.

Former Supreme Court Public Information Chief, lawyer Brian Keith Hosaka, was recently appointed as ICI’s Executive director and spokesman.

Prior to his appointment, Hosaka served as commissioner of the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC).

Beyond measure: The impact of associations on society

I oftentimes hear the expression ‘beyond measure’ in religious and poetic contexts. It means to an extreme or immeasurable degree; something that is so great, intense, or vast that it cannot be quantified or fully expressed.

In a world driven by metrics and key performance indicators, the phrase ‘beyond measure’ reminds us that not everything that counts can be counted. Associations, which are mission-driven, member-based organizations, are prime examples of entities whose true impact often defies simple quantification. While reports, surveys, and dashboards can capture the breadth of their activities, the depth of their influence is often intangible, yet deeply transformative.

As I wrote here in my earlier 3-part article series on ‘Why Associations Matter,’ associations play a pivotal role in shaping industries, advancing professions, and strengthening communities. They serve as platforms for collaboration, hubs of knowledge exchange, and catalysts for innovation. But their value extends well beyond the numbers and beyond membership tallies, event attendance, or revenue growth. Their work touches lives, uplifts standards, empowers individuals, and inspires collective action in ways that are difficult to fully measure.

Consider, for instance, a medical association that updates clinical guidelines to improve patient outcomes. The direct output may be a published document, but the real impact lies in lives saved, suffering eased, and futures secured. Or a teachers’ association that advocates for better education policies whose influence may ripple through generations of learners, shaping mindsets and unlocking potential. These outcomes, though profound, rarely show up neatly in quarterly reports.

Moreover, associations often serve as guardians of ethics and stewards of trust within their sectors. They uphold codes of conduct, champion sustainability, and promote inclusivity: principles that contribute to the moral fabric of a profession or industry. This cultural and ethical leadership cannot be easily quantified, but it is essential to long-term progress and integrity.

The phrase ‘beyond measure’ also reflects the passion and dedication of association leaders and volunteers. Their work, often behind the scenes, is fueled not just by duty, but by a deep sense of purpose. They give of their time, talent, and resources to build something bigger than themselves. The sense of belonging, mentorship, and shared mission they foster among members has lasting emotional and professional value.

In an age of data-driven decision-making, it is important to recognize and celebrate the qualitative impact of associations. While it is necessary to track metrics and outcomes, it is equally important to listen to stories, gather testimonials, and capture the spirit of what these organizations achieve. Their influence, while hard to plot on a graph, is real and resonant.

As associations continue to navigate a rapidly changing world, e.g., adapting to digital shifts, responding to global challenges, and meeting the evolving needs of their members, they must not lose sight of this deeper impact. Their ability to inspire, to connect, and to lead with heart is what sets them apart.

In the end, the most meaningful legacies of associations are often those that can be felt but not counted. Their contributions, like trust, hope, and progress, are truly beyond measure.

How Nigerian SMEs can build continuity plans that thrive

As fuel prices fluctuate, the foreign exchange market remains volatile, and government policies shift with little notice, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria remain uncertain of their next move.

Despite accounting for 96 percent of all businesses, contributing 48 percent to national GDP, and providing 84 percent of employment, SMEs face a complex and demanding operating environment.

Long-term survival remains a significant challenge, with only 5 to 20 percent making it past the five-year mark, according to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN). These pressures continue to constrain the growth potential of one of the country’s most vital economic segments.

Sopirinye Millar-Jaja, management systems analyst at Phillips Consulting Limited, said, ‘This is where business continuity becomes essential. It’s more than just disaster recovery; it’s a proactive approach to ensure critical operations continue, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.’

‘Whether it’s a power outage, cash crunch, or policy change, continuity planning helps businesses bounce back quickly with minimal downtime. Simply put, it’s about ensuring the company keeps going, no matter what,’ she said.

Many Nigerian SMEs operate without safety nets, emergency funds, or backup systems. The impact of the recent naira redesign, fuel shortages, and sudden regulatory shifts has demonstrated just how vulnerable small businesses are.

To build resilience in this unpredictable environment, SMEs must take small but deliberate steps. Continuity planning is about knowing your business well enough to protect what matters most. Here are six lessons that offer a practical path forward for SMEs seeking to prepare, adapt, and stay operational amid uncertainty:

Understand and map your critical operations: The first step is awareness. SMEs must identify the parts of their business they can’t afford to lose. This Business Impact Analysis (BIA) doesn’t have to be complex; it’s listing key products, services, people, and processes, and asking: If this stopped today, how long could I stay afloat? For instance, a logistics business should have a fuel backup plan or alternative transport options mapped out to maintain delivery timelines during scarcity.

Don’t rely on just one source: In a volatile economy, diversification is a survival tactic. Over-dependence on a single supplier, payment method, product, or major client is a fast track to collapse. SMEs should source from more than one vendor, offer multiple payment options (bank transfer, POS, USSD, QR codes), explore alternative sales channels like WhatsApp storefronts, and look into digital exports if their offerings have diaspora appeal. Business continuity means having options and flexibility.

Embrace technology for flexibility: Simple digital tools can make a significant difference during disruptions. Technology ensures businesses stay connected, remain organised, and can continue service delivery even when things are unplanned. SMEs can leverage WhatsApp Business for orders, Google Drive for business records, and diverse digital payment methods like USSD and POS (now used by 45 percent of Nigerian adults for digital transactions) to keep operations fluid. Medium-sized businesses can benefit from cloud tools like Microsoft 365 or basic accounting platforms for remote financial tracking.

Build a financial buffer, even if it’s modest: Since disruptions come with immediate costs (repairs, stock replacement, salary coverage), a small financial cushion can be the difference between shutting down and staying open. SMEs should set aside a portion of profits monthly, cut back on non-essential spending, and explore cooperative or micro-savings platforms. Being financially equipped is essential for handling unexpected challenges.

Train your people and build leadership depth: A plan is useless without people who can execute it. Operations should not pause just because the founder is unavailable. SMEs must cross-train staff, enabling them to step into each other’s roles. This includes creating a basic crisis communication plan (who notifies customers/partners), sharing access to key tools with trusted team members, and fostering a culture of responsibility. Prepared systems are important, but so are prepared people.

Document and communicate your continuity plan: A disruption often escalates because teams are unsure what to do. The plan doesn’t need to be technical; it can be a simple checklist outlining steps for common disruptions like payment platform failures, staff absence, or inflation-driven price hikes. What matters is clarity. Who to contact first? What are the backup options? Where are essential documents stored? The plan must be shared, understood, and easy to activate by staff, partners, and vendors to be effective.

Yellow Card’s mission to democratize finance earns Money20/20 spotlight

Yellow Card, a leading Pan-African fintech firm, has been named a finalist for the Payments Category at the inaugural Money Awards, hosted by Money20/20, the world’s premier fintech conference.

The recognition, to be celebrated at the event in Las Vegas on October 26, underscores Yellow Card’s bold mission to democratize financial access across Africa and emerging markets, placing it among global innovators reshaping the future of financial services.

Founded with a vision to level the financial playing field, Yellow Card is building critical payments infrastructure that empowers entrepreneurs in cities like Lagos and São Paulo to compete globally with the same opportunities as those in London or New York.

The fintech’s nomination highlights its rapid growth, strategic partnerships with industry giants like Visa and Fireblocks, and its expansion into new markets over the past year.

In response, Chris Maurice, CEO and co-founder of Yellow Card, said the company’s vision has always been bigger than just payments.

‘It is about creating a level playing field where an entrepreneur in São Paulo or Lagos has the same opportunity to scale globally as one in London or New York. Being a finalist at Money20/20 tells us the world is not just watching, but recognizing the importance of that mission,’ Maurice averred.

Justin Poiroux, CTO and co-founder of Yellow Card, added, ‘From an architectural standpoint, our innovation lies in making the complex feel simple. Businesses don’t need to be crypto experts to benefit from the speed and efficiency of stablecoins.

‘We built an infrastructure layer that handles all the back-end complexity. This nomination recognizes that a powerful customer experience is just as critical as the underlying technology. We’re building the financial layer to enable businesses around the world to harness the power of stablecoins and emerging market rails alike.’

JAC Motors, Elizade deepen partnership for Nigeria auto growth

JAC Motors International has moved to deepen its partnership with Elizade Autoland Limited, as both firms reviewed strategies to expand market share and improve after-sales service in the country’s auto market.

Speaking during a visit to Elizade JAC Autoland Limited, which is also the sole distributor of JAC’s passenger, commercial and light-duty vehicles in Nigeria, Oscar Yu, general manager JAC Motors International, expressed the company’s strong confidence in Nigeria’s automotive potential

‘Nigeria is one of our most important markets in Africa. We are here to reaffirm our long-term commitment, strengthen our partnership with Elizade JAC Autoland, and ensure that Nigerian customers enjoy cutting-edge mobility solutions that combine durability, affordability, and modern technology,’ Yu said.

The visit highlighted the deepening collaboration between both organisations and their shared vision of delivering world-class vehicles tailored to the Nigerian market.

The visit also provided an opportunity to review strategies for expanding market share, enhancing after-sales service, and introducing more innovative models that suit the needs of Nigerian customers.

Demola Ade-Ojo, managing director/CEO of Elizade JAC Autoland Limited, described the visit as a significant boost to the brand’s growth in Nigeria

‘This visit from JAC Motors International is a powerful testament to their trust in us and the Nigerian market. Together, we are committed to not only providing Nigerians with high-quality vehicles but also ensuring excellent after-sales service, spare parts availability, and customer satisfaction at every touchpoint,’ Ade-Ojo said.

According to the company, the partnership has introduced models such as the JAC T9 Pickup, JS8 Pro, and the 1.5 Ton CNG truck.

The company added that the visit sets the stage for even greater innovation, investment, and customer-focused initiatives aimed at solidifying JAC’s position as one of Nigeria’s most reliable automobile brands.

Nigeria gains coveted vote of confidence from BlackRock’s Bayo Ogunlesi

President Bola Tinubu has secured a powerful endorsement from Nigerian-American billionaire and global infrastructure titan, Adebayo Ogunlesi, a development that could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s investment story.

Renowned for overseeing the acquisition and management of landmark assets including London’s Gatwick and City airports, Ogunlesi- the founder and chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), now a unit of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager- has revealed plans to channel billions of dollars into Nigeria’s energy, aviation, and port sectors.

His backing signals a growing conviction among heavyweight investors that Tinubu’s sweeping economic reforms are not only restoring confidence, but repositioning Africa’s largest economy as an emerging magnet for private capital.

Ogunlesi said the country is at a point where it needs to encourage international investors, adding that there are ‘lots of investment opportunities in Nigeria.’

‘We’re making investments in Nigeria. We’re exploring additional opportunities. Nigeria is now a place that’s exciting to invest in,’ Ogunlesi, who’s worth $2.5 billion said after meeting with President Bola Tinubu Tuesday.

‘We will invest in energy, renewables. The aviation sector is also an area of interest to us. We’re also looking at bringing ports to Nigeria.’

Nigeria has undergone a series of reforms including phasing out fuel subsidies, liberalising the foreign exchange market and overhauling its tax laws, moves that resulted in ‘fundamental transformation’ of the economy, according to Ogunlesi.

The Nigerian economy is fast becoming a magnet for foreign investments as macroeconomic stability continues to grow, giving investors the needed confidence to pour in scarce capital.

Hakeem Bello-Osagie who doubles as chair, Metis Capital Partners and FSDH Group said President Tinubu’s policies have made Nigeria ‘investable’, urging Nigerians both home and abroad to invest in the country.

‘I think when Nigerians in Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora invest in Nigeria, it can only be a great signal for the international community to invest in us and make our country greater,’ Bello-Osagie said.

The economy expanded at its quickest pace since 2021 in the second quarter of this year at 4.23 percent. The naira which is prone to volatility has become more stable and predictable than at any time in the past two years.

Prices are equally moderating, easing for the fifth consecutive month to 20.12 percent in what’s given monetary authorities a leeway to cut interest rates by half point to 27 percent to boost economic growth amid record tightening in borrowing costs.

How Nigeria can become hub for halal tourism in West Africa – Agboola

No doubt, Nigeria sits at the intersection of faith, culture, and commerce; obvious potential that is very much untapped.

In addition, the country has one of the world’s largest Muslim populations, a thriving creative sector, and a rich heritage stretching from the Sahel to the Atlantic coast.

The above, according to Elizabeth Agboola, CEO, NTT Global Destinations, are the ingredients Nigeria needs to become the Halal tourism and creative economy powerhouse of West Africa.

Agboola, a promoter of the halal economy, regretted that the above potential remains largely untapped.

Drawing from her experience in developing and marketing tourism products and services that meet Islamic standards, the NTT Global Destinations CEO, cited instance with Malaysia, Indonesia, and the UAE, who are currently dominating the global halal travel circuit, while Nigeria, which has even more potential in the sector, is still playing catch-up.

In spite of the challenges, the dynamic tourism entrepreneur, cultural diplomat, and educator talks, insisted that Nigeria can still rise to become West Africa hub for halal tourism and creative exports if the necessary things are put in place.

To thrive in halal tourism, Agboola noted that Nigeria needs a national strategy, supportive policies, and dedicated infrastructure.

With the above in place, she assured that the country will reposition to capture billions of dollars lost to other markets in halal tourism and creative exports.

She also offered more insights on the emerging tourism offering, explaining that halal tourism is more than pilgrimage.

‘Halal tourism is often narrowly defined as pilgrimage, such as Hajj, Umrah, or religious conferences. But in reality, it represents a values-driven lifestyle market,’ she said.

Speaking further, she noted that halal tourism spans family-friendly vacation experiences, private beachfront and secluded accommodations, alcohol-free or ‘dry’ hotels, culinary trails celebrating halal regional cuisines and religious heritage tours and landmarks.

It also offers platforms for modest destination weddings and honeymoon; hence she considered the northern part of the country as better positioned to lead the shift.

With the Durbar Festival, the Argungu Fishing Festival, centuries-old mosques, Islamic architecture, rich culinary traditions, and northern-style weddings that combine elegance with modesty, the northern region, according to Agboola, can become a magnet for halal-conscious travellers.

Pointing to where creative exports fit into the halal tourism value chain, she noted that tourism is not just about movement; but also, about cultural immersion and that Nigeria’s creative economy offers a unique advantage.

‘Kannywood films, modest fashion lines, Islamic literature, music, poetry, and culinary arts can provide global audiences with halal-conscious content that reflects Nigerian identity,’ she said.

Explaining further, she said that the above creative exports include promoting Nigeria’s soft power abroad; serve as cultural bridges for diaspora engagement and complement physical travel with stories, entertainment, and design.

‘When paired with tourism, Nigeria’s creative industries can drive a holistic halal economy, elevating both culture and commerce’.

Further pointing the way forward, the NTT Global Destinations CEO said that it is not just developing a National Halal Tourism and Creative Export Strategy, but ensuring that they align with global best practices. As well, the country needs to create state-level halal heritage corridors with dedicated infrastructure; establish robust halal certification systems for hospitality, cuisine, and travel; and designate tourism investment zones in Northern Nigeria with strong security frameworks.

Again, she suggested the launch of Nigeria Halal Culture Week to showcase halal food, fashion, film, and festivals, as well as forge partnerships with OIC member states for joint tourism packages and creative collaborations.

In her conclusion, she insisted that Nigeria has everything it needs to lead: faith, food, fashion, festivals, and storytelling.

But unlocking the above potential, according to her, demands deliberate policy, bold investment, and infrastructure upgrades.

Also, with the right strategy, she thinks that Nigeria can welcome Muslim travellers seeking authentic, safe, and meaningful experiences, while exporting creative expressions that amplify her cultural identity.

‘It is time to move from the sidelines to the centerstage of the halal economy. Nigeria can, and should, become the gateway to halal tourism and creative exports in West Africa,’ Agboola insisted.

EiE expands #myLGA project to Osun to deepen grassroots civic engagement

Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), a network dedicated to promoting good governance and public accountability, has announced the expansion of its #myLGA Project to Osun State, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots civic participation and accountability at the local government level.

The initiative, implemented by the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room in partnership with EiE and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), comes shortly after a similar expansion into Ekiti State. Both states are gearing up for off-cycle gubernatorial elections.

Highlighting the importance of the project, the network quoted Nigerian professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, saying: ‘For democracy to work, the people must be empowered to participate in the process, and the process must be transparent, credible, and free from manipulation.’

In Osun, EiE will collaborate with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) to confront the ongoing local government crisis that has weakened service delivery. The programme will feature weekly civic education radio broadcasts in English and Yoruba, as well as stakeholder engagements and community sensitisation campaigns.

‘The local government crisis in Osun is a stark reminder of how fragile governance can become when the tier closest to the people is undermined. With the #myLGA Project, we want to show that citizens are not powerless in the face of this dysfunction. By creating spaces for dialogue, civic education, and accountability, we can mainstream the issues and strengthen participation where it matters most – in people’s immediate communities,’ said Ufuoma Nnamdi-Udeh, deputy executive director (Programs), EiE Nigeria.

The project will adopt a multi-stakeholder approach by working with government institutions, including the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Osun State House of Assembly, alongside civil society organisations, traditional leaders, market associations, and the media.

According to Akindeji Aromaye, senior media associate at EiE Nigeria, the initiative seeks to connect elections with governance outcomes. ‘Elections are a critical entry point for citizen participation, but they are not the end goal. The #myLGA Project in Osun aims to help citizens connect the dots between voting and everyday governance. Off-cycle elections may bring attention to the state, but what truly matters is whether communities see transparency, accountability, and service delivery after the votes are counted,’ he said.

EiE is well known for its #RSVP – Register, Select, Vote, Protect campaign, Nigeria’s longest-running get-out-the-vote initiative. The organisation also played a key role in the #OccupyNigeria movement in 2012 and continues to drive citizen-led campaigns such as #OpenNASS and #OfficeOfTheCitizen.

Tripperz Way, Medplus partner to link travel with wellness

Tripperz Way has entered into a strategic partnership with Medplus, a leading health and wellness retail chain in Nigeria, to connect travel with health-focused solutions.

The agreement will see both companies work together to provide travellers with curated travel kits and wellness initiatives that promote safer and more convenient journeys. The move reflects a wider shift in Nigeria’s business landscape, where companies are collaborating across industries to improve customer experiences.

At the signing ceremony, Toba Subair, Founder of Tripperz Way, described the partnership as ‘a step toward setting new standards in the travel industry, where wellness is integrated into every stage of the journey.’ He explained that the partnership was designed to go beyond convenience, creating travel experiences that prioritise the wellbeing of both individual and corporate clients.

For Medplus, the collaboration introduces a new way to connect with consumers by embedding its health and wellness products directly into the travel space. The company noted that the partnership is consistent with its broader vision of being more than a pharmacy, positioning itself as a partner in daily living.

Industry observers see the partnership as part of a trend where companies combine resources to deliver practical solutions that address customer needs. By linking travel with wellness, Tripperz Way and Medplus are filling a gap in the Nigerian market while demonstrating how collaboration can shape new business models.

The partnership also highlights Tripperz Way’s strategy of building alliances to expand its footprint and strengthen its role in redefining travel across Africa.

NASS tightens security, bars aides from Senate chamber corridor

The National Assembly has reinforced security measures by restricting access to parts of the Senate chamber and its adjoining corridors.

In a memo dated October 2, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of Senate Services, Brigadier General Etido Ekpo (rtd), the Sergeant-at-Arms announced that the long corridor in front of the Senate President’s office, stretching from the White House lobby, will henceforth be accessible only to Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.

‘All aides or personal assistants will not be allowed into the said corridor,’ the circular stated.

According to the Sergeant-at-Arms, the move is part of efforts to ensure a secure and safe environment for legislators to carry out their duties.

The memo further requested senators to inform their aides and personal assistants of the new restriction.

Ekpo assured lawmakers of his ‘humblest regards’ while stressing that the measure was necessary in the interest of ‘enhanced security around sensitive parts of the National Assembly complex.’