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Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III on the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne calling him a symbol of wise leadership faith and national unity.

In a congratulatory message on his X handle Atiku praised the Sultan for his commitment to peace unity and national cohesion over the past two decades.

He said the monarch had consistently used his position and influence to promote peaceful coexistence particularly during periods of tension and uncertainty in the country.

According to Atiku the Sultan’s voice has helped calm tensions bridge religious divides and reinforce the need for Nigerians of different faiths to live together in peace.

He described the monarch’s two decades on the throne as a period marked by wise leadership deep faith and devotion to the country’s unity.

Atiku prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to grant the Sultan wisdom strength and good health as he serves the Sokoto Sultanate and Nigeria.

‘Congratulations Your Eminence’ he said.

The Commission Chief Executive Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan told investors yesterday that Nigeria offers a stable climate amid global energy tensions.

She urged investors to look to Nigeria and take advantage of the 2026 Licensing Round which has 40 oil and gas blocks on offer.

The NUPRC boss also disclosed that the licensing round portal will officially open on November 20 2026.

The NUPRC boss said this during a roundtable discussion titled ‘Energy Sovereignty in an Interconnected World: Aligning National Priorities Markets and Global Security’ at the 2026 ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi on Monday November 2 2026.

She said ‘We are expecting investors to turn to Nigeria. We are going into another licensing round and we will launch our bid portal on November 20. We expect to see interested investors because the environment is a lot more competitive.

‘We have set a very attractive fiscal framework for investors. The overall environment is much more secure. We have been able to manage costs with a lot of incentives for investors and we expect to see investors take up the offer when we open the portal.’

The NUPRC boss noted that since the passing of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021 as well as the executive orders signed by President Bola Tinubu Nigeria has seen an improved investment climate.

Eyesan said that between 2021 and 2026 the NUPRC held at least four successful licensing rounds which brought more investment into the country.

This marks a departure from the pre-PIA era when licensing rounds were less frequent.

The CCE said Nigeria has huge energy potential as it sits on 215 TCF of gas but daily production is barely 7 bcf.

This presents an opportunity to investors especially as key gas infrastructure such as pipelines is being built she said. The stars are already aligned. For gas infrastructure we just completed very major infrastructure projects that will unlock gas supply in the country and the sub-region.’

We have two major projects on the drawing board to move gas through the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline.

Again this gas will go to Europe and will also meet regional demand. So Nigeria is positioned to meet not just domestic supply’ the CCE stated.

Eyesan maintained that as many countries discover petroleum resources the race for investment has become more competitive.

She said Nigeria was already ahead of the game as it had made certain modifications to attract the right capital.

‘We understand that investors will prize execution risk cost delays and also uncertainty and so what we have done in Nigeria is to ensure that we guard against these risks and then attract the investment required to enable us to unlock the huge resources we sit on’ the NUPRC boss said.

Aradel Holdings Plc has recorded a strong performance posting a 633 per cent surge in revenue to N3.95 trillion in the nine months ended September 30 this year.

The output far higher than the N538.8 billion recorded in the preceding period of last year reflects impact from the consolidation of ND Western and Renaissance higher production and a firmer commodity price environment.

The results also showed IFRS profit after tax of N43.3 billion while an interim dividend of N7.00 per share was declared amounting to approximately N30.4 billion.

Speaking in a joint interview the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Adegbite Falade and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Adegbola Adesina highlighted the impact of tax expense and finance costs on profit margins. Falade said net finance costs of N797.3 billion comprise interest on the consolidated borrowings of ND Western and Renaissance the unwinding discount on decommissioning provisions and the earn out charge (unwinding of contingent consideration) of N529.1 billion. The earnout is payable under Renaissance’s acquisition of SPDC and is linked to the seller’s retained economic interest in a defined perimeter in Renaissance’s assets calculated by reference to the net revenue within that perimeter.

He said although there were ongoing engagements to address the imbalance the earnout will continue to accrue for the remainder of 2026 broadly consistent with the run-rate experienced to date.

Profit before tax increased 154 per cent to N764.7 billion from N300.7 billion in 2025. Tax expense stood at N721.4 billion compared with N55.6 billion in the same period of 2025 reflecting the higher tax rates associated with ND Western and Renaissance.

He said crude oil contributed 69 per cent of revenue gas 26 per cent and refined products five per cent. Cost of sales increased by 652 per cent to N2.29 trillion comprising a N455.8 billion stock adjustment arising from an overlift position higher royalty and statutory payments on stronger crude prices and increased field host-community and well maintenance costs.

Operating profit rose 832 per cent to N1.56 trillion from N167.5 billion in the same period of 2025 supported by other income of N253.1 billion principally crude handling fees from third-party use of the Group’s evacuation infrastructure.

The Group’s strong operating performance in the first nine months of 2026 was its first reporting period with ND Western and Renaissance fully consolidated. Production revenue EBITDA and operating cash flow all increased substantially and the Group ended the period with a net cash position of N532.3 billion.

Falade said the first nine months of 2026 demonstrated what the enlarged portfolio can deliver.

‘Group production ran above our full-year guidance range with strong growth in both crude oil and gas output. This drove a step-change in revenue and EBITDA alongside improved margins. Our operations generated substantial cash which allowed us to fund our investment programme reduce our debt and move the Group from net debt to net cash position’ he said.

‘We are well underway in constructive engagements with the seller to address the earnout arrangements to ensure our earnings reflect the significantly improved operational performance.

‘As a Group we remain committed to creating long term growth and sustainability. This is evidenced in the recent major hydrocarbon discovery following successful delivery of the JK-004 exploration well in shallow waters offshore Nigeria in Oil Mining Lease 74 by Renaissance. We also achieved first oil from our recently acquired Olo marginal field. This further deepens our future sustainability by the additional hydrocarbon reserves.

‘Our priorities remain unchanged: optimising our enlarged asset base improving uptime growing production safe operations deepening the share prosperity model with our host communities improving tax efficiency and allocating capital with discipline to deliver sustainable value for all our shareholders’ he stated.

A diesel storage facility in Ndieze Nwankwo along Edibros Road Uruagu Nnewi Anambra State was gutted by fire leaving one person injured and several storage tanks damaged.

The inferno which broke out around 5 pm on Sunday involved storage tanks containing diesel.

Residents alleged that the fire was deliberately ignited by an unidentified individual raising suspicions of arson.

State Fire Chief Engr. Chiketa Chukwudi confirmed the incident saying the actual cause of the fire was yet to be established and that one victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

He advised the public to exercise caution in their daily activities particularly when handling and storing petroleum products.

He also urged them to report fire emergencies promptly by contacting the Fire Service to ensure a timely response and minimise loss of life and property.

He said ‘Anambra State Fire Service has successfully contained a fire outbreak at a diesel storage site in Ndieze Nwankwo along Edibros Road Uruagu Nnewi Anambra State.

‘The distress call was received at approximately 1745 hours on Sunday 1st November 2026 following a fire outbreak involving storage tanks containing diesel at the location.

‘Firefighters immediately mobilised to the scene and worked diligently to contain the fire preventing further spread. Some storage tanks were affected by the fire.

‘The incident was suspected to be a case of arson as it was alleged that an unidentified individual deliberately set the facility on fire. The actual cause of the fire remains subject to investigation.

‘Unfortunately one victim was affected by the fire and was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention.’

The National Assembly has proposed the creation of 74 additional legislative seats for women as part of efforts to address their underrepresentation in Nigeria’s political institutions.

The proposal which is contained in a constitutional amendment bill provides for 37 additional seats in the Senate and 37 in the House of Representatives with one seat reserved for women in each state and the Federal Capital Territory.

Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed this on Monday while speaking at the 2026 Law Week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers Ekiti State Chapter in Ado-Ekiti.

Bamidele who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District said that the proposed amendment was designed to promote women’s participation in governance and ensure they had a stronger voice in decisions affecting the country.

He explained that the arrangement would not displace the existing legislative seats but would provide additional representation for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

According to him the proposal also provides for three additional seats for women in each State House of Assembly and is expected to run for 16 years covering four electoral cycles after which its impact would be reviewed.

Describing the initiative as a historic intervention rather than a partisan project the Senate Leader said a democracy that excluded a significant proportion of its population from decision-making could not be considered fully representative.

‘A democracy that systematically excludes over half of its population from the decision-making tables that determine their future is at best a flawed democracy and at worst a veiled oligarchy’ he said.

The Senate Leader disclosed that the National Assembly had begun engagements with State Houses of Assembly to secure constitutionally required concurrence for the proposed amendment.

He said that the process was being pursued through consultations and consensus-building adding that the legislature was determined to address the longstanding gap in women’s political representation.

He commended the advocacy of the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and said that the 10th National Assembly was irrevocably committed to promoting inclusive governance.

He also identified globalisation artificial intelligence digitalisation insecurity economic instability and climate change as emerging challenges that had increased the vulnerability of women and children.

He said that women continued to face gender-based violence economic exclusion discrimination and inadequate healthcare while children remained exposed to sexual abuse trafficking child labour early marriage malnutrition educational deprivation and digital exploitation.

Bamidele attributed some of the challenges to poverty inadequate social protection unemployment educational inequalities social stigma and weak enforcement of existing laws.

He noted that protecting women and children was not merely a humanitarian responsibility but a constitutional obligation and an investment in national development economic productivity and social stability.

The lawmaker also highlighted some legislative interventions of the 10th Assembly including the four Tax Reform Acts of 2025 which he said exempted sanitary products baby diapers and other essential products for women and children from Value Added Tax.

He described the measure as an intervention aimed at reducing the financial burden on low-income women and families.

Bamidele further disclosed that the National Assembly was considering the National Hospital for Women and Children Abuja (Amendment) Bill 2026 to strengthen the institution’s capacity to provide specialised healthcare services.

He however said the effectiveness of legislation depended on its implementation stressing that justice must be accessible affordable timely and effective for victims of abuse.

He called for stronger collaboration among the legislature executive judiciary security agencies social welfare institutions religious organisations traditional rulers civil society groups and the private sector to improve the protection of women and children.

The Senate Leader urged FIDA to engage the National Assembly in identifying gaps in existing laws proposing reforms and ensuring that government policies and budgetary provisions translated into tangible benefits.

He also challenged the organisation to hold the legislature accountable for the proposed special seats arrangement and adequate funding for child protection women’s healthcare and gender empowerment programmes.

The Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti Professor Smaranda Olarinde called for stronger legal and institutional frameworks to protect women and children against emerging forms of abuse.

Olarinde warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence and digital platforms had created new threats including cyberstalking online harassment deepfake images impersonation and the exploitation of children.

She called for stronger collaboration among government institutions the judiciary security agencies universities religious and traditional leaders the media and civil society organisations to tackle gender-based violence and child abuse.

The vice-chancellor urged FIDA to move beyond advocacy by developing measurable interventions proposing a collaborative Women and Children Access to Justice Action Framework to improve legal protection digital safety and support for survivors.

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State Justice Lekan Ogunmoye commended FIDA for choosing Bamidele to speak on the subject describing him as well positioned to address emerging issues requiring legislative and policy reforms to protect women and children.

The Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation has announced an array of personalities and organisations for its awards.

Among those listed for recognition are First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu veteran media practitioner Elder Kayode Olopade June 12 democratic activist Adewale Balogun as well as several religious leaders faith-based organisations and media establishments.

In a statement the Convener of the foundation Kehinde Oshilaja said the awards were designed to celebrate individuals and institutions whose contributions had positively influenced the society particularly in social inclusion democratic participation religious tolerance public enlightenment and community development.

Oshilaja said Senator Tinubu’s recognition was informed by her interventions in healthcare accessibility and economic empowerment particularly programmes targeting persons living with disabilities.

Among the initiatives highlighted by the organisers is support for health insurance coverage for persons with disabilities alongside empowerment programmes for wheelchair users.

Under one of the interventions 100 wheelchair users reportedly received wheelchairs and N100000 each.

The First Lady’s legislative contributions including sponsorship of several bills during her years in the National Assembly also feature among the considerations for the honour.

Governor Sanwo-Olu is listed for recognition in acknowledgement of his administration’s interventions and policies aimed at improving the welfare inclusion and participation of persons living with disabilities in Lagos State.

The recognition of the two public officials according to the organisers underscores the importance of deliberate government policies and practical interventions in dismantling barriers confronting vulnerable segments of the society.

In the religious category the Christian personalities listed include Apostolic Mother Olatunbosun and Kemi John while Muslim personalities include Alhaji Abu Oyebanji Alhaji Raheem Jaji and Chief Abiodun Kakawa.

Several religious institutions are also listed reflecting the foundation’s recognition of the contributions of faith-based organisations to moral development peaceful coexistence and community engagement.

Among the Christian organisations are the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Headquarters RCCG Alagomeji; Good Shepherd First Square Gospel Church Alagomeji Yaba; All Saints Anglican Church and Ijo Idapo Mimo Aladura.

Other religious institutions listed include Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Ahmadiyya Society of Nigeria Ijo Orunmila ATO and Ijo Adulawo.

The media category features prominently in the awards with recognition extended to organisations and practitioners whose contributions to balanced journalism public enlightenment accountability and responsible information dissemination have been identified by the organisers.

A major award recipient in this category is Elder Kayode Olopade who has also served as the foundation’s media consultant for almost 15 years.

Media organisations listed for recognition include The Nation The Punch Leadership Newspaper Daily Sun Radio Lagos Bond FM Adtoknews Online Publication and People’s Voice among others.

Other individuals listed in the category include Mr Peter Olayinka Opeyemi Makinde and Gbenga Adewale.

Oshilaja said the inclusion of media organisations and practitioners was intended to highlight the indispensable role of journalism in strengthening democratic institutions promoting informed public discourse and ensuring issues affecting segments of the society received adequate attention.

He said a credible media remained an important pillar of democratic governance particularly through its responsibility to hold public institutions accountable amplify citizens’ concerns and provide balanced information on matters of public interest.

In another significant category Osun State is listed for recognition over what the organisers described as its impressive voter participation highlighting the importance of citizens’ involvement in electoral processes and the sustenance of democratic governance.

Also receiving recognition is Comrade Adewale Balogun for his role in the June 12 democratic struggle a defining episode in Nigeria’s political history and its prolonged quest for democratic governance.

June 12 struggle remains an important reference point in the country’s democratic journey particularly in the context of the demand for electoral legitimacy political accountability and respect for the will of the electorate.

Other personalities listed for recognition include Chief Awodiran Agboola and Chief Ifajobi Ifagbemi.

The diversity of the award recipients reflects the foundation’s broad approach to celebrating contributions across sectors of national life bringing together political leadership disability advocacy religious service media professionalism democratic activism and community development.

Beyond the presentation of awards the initiative is expected to stimulate conversations around inclusive governance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities religious tolerance credible journalism and the preservation of democratic values.

For the foundation recognising individuals and institutions making contributions in these areas is also an opportunity to encourage greater public responsibility and sustained commitment to initiatives that advance the collective interests of the society.

Members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State have declared their support for Governor Uba Sani ahead of next year’s governorship election citing his building of roads in their communities.

The residents said they would support the governor at the polls despite their membership of the opposition party noting that his performance in infrastructure development had earned him their backing.

One of them Adamu Danburam a PDP coordinator in his area said he would vote for Sani because the governor had done for his community what the PDP had failed to do.

He said: ‘I am a staunch PDP member but for us politics is about individuals. Although we belong to the PDP I will vote for Sani because he has done for me what the PDP could not do.

‘Even as a PDP coordinator in my area I will vote for Sani because we should vote for someone who knows our community and has done something to improve our lives. I support him because he has constructed a road for us.’

Danburam prayed for the governor to complete his tenure saying residents hoped he would address other challenges facing their communities if re-elected.

He appealed to the governor to provide a hospital electricity and potable water for Birnin Da’a village.

Another PDP member Dogara Mohammed said he had never changed political parties but would vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming election because of the road built through his community.

‘Everybody knows that I have never changed political parties but this time I will vote for APC because of the road he constructed through our town.

‘The road will benefit many people including future generations. It will also help many people across the country especially those who use it to travel’ he further said.

Mohammed added that the residents intended to reward the governor for the project through their votes.

Similarly Hassan Abdullahi said the poor condition of roads had previously made it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets in Soba and other locations particularly during the rainy season.

‘Before the road was constructed we faced serious difficulties because of the poor road network. It was difficult to transport our farm produce to markets especially during the rainy season.

‘But now Governor Sani has built a road linking Gurundafi Soba and Turawa. We can reach our destinations easily within a few minutes.

We are truly grateful’ he said.

The residents described the road project as an intervention that would improve transportation ease the movement of farm produce and support economic activities in their communities.

Kaduna State Government has also built roads in other parts of the state including a 15-kilometre road linking Kasuwar Magani to Wusar in Kajuru Local Government and a 23-kilometre road linking Madaci to Madakiya and extending to Kafanchan in Jema’a Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna.

The Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap has urged personnel of the service to treat Nigerians with respect and eliminate unnecessary delays in their operations especially whilst rendering services directly to the people.

Mrs. Nandap said NIS officers and men should show professionalism in their daily operations and promptly resolve complaints.

The Comptroller-General spoke at the weekend during the closing ceremony of the Nigeria Immigration Service 2026 International Customer Service Week.

The NIS celebrated the week from Wednesday October 28 to Friday October 30 to connect with citizens in promoting excellent service delivery and strengthening customer relations with the NIS. The event with the theme: ‘Going the Extra Mile – Creating a Lasting Smile’ according to the NIS Public Relations Officer Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi featured activities aimed at promoting service excellence professionalism and improved customer relations across the service.

In a statement Akinlabi said Nandap emphasised the need to entrench excellent customer service in the service’s daily operations stressing professionalism timely service delivery prompt complaint resolution and respectful treatment of customers.

The NIS comptroller-general also reaffirmed on-going reforms to improve customer satisfaction and hostmanship charging officers to uphold integrity eliminate unnecessary delays and make customer satisfaction a key performance benchmark.

The Head of Operations at SERVICOM Mrs. Ngozi Akinbodewa praised the NIS for evolving its Servicom Unit noting that this year’s Customer Service Week marked a critical step towards sustaining citizen-focused service delivery in line with global best practices.

She added that the international event provided an opportunity to recognise employees who go the extra mile in exceeding expectations and meeting customer needs.

The Special Adviser to the CG on SERVICOM Deputy Comptroller of Immigration A. M. Abubakar highlighted the importance of accountability responsiveness and adherence to service standards urging officers to continually improve their conduct and prioritise customer satisfaction in the discharge of their duties.

The closing event featured award presentations to deserving officers recognising their outstanding contributions to customer satisfaction and service excellence.

The NIS reaffirmed its commitment to efficient professional and technology-driven service delivery improved customer satisfaction and the entrenchment of hostmanship in the discharge of its core mandates of border security and migration management in support of national security.

Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arrested two suspected members of a cable-vandalism gang and recovered several cut-to-size armoured cables in Guzape Abuja.

The suspects identified as Sagir Abubakar of Kuchingoro Village FCT and Seidu Umar Bello were arrested following a surveillance patrol along Walter Ofonagoro Street Guzape at about 1:30am on October 31.

The FCT Police Command said operatives from Guzape Division spotted a Lexus SUV and a Toyota Sienna parked under suspicious circumstances and approached the vehicles to ascertain the occupants’ reasons for being there at that hour.

However the occupants reportedly sped off upon sighting the police team abandoning one of their accomplices who attempted to escape on foot.

The operatives pursued and arrested him while a search of the surrounding premises led to the recovery of several cut-to-size armoured cables.

The command said preliminary investigations identified Abubakar as a member of a gang allegedly targeting secluded locations across the FCT to vandalise public and private infrastructure.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Bello who had initially escaped from the scene in one of the vehicles.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Josephine Adeh disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

Adeh said investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ activities identify other members of the gang and arrest those still at large.

She added that the suspects remained in police custody and would be charged in court once investigations concluded.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station.

It also provided emergency contact numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has disclosed that settling pension debts of the past is only the beginning noting that for more than a decade the Pension Reform Act 2014 has promised Nigerian retirees a minimum pension guarantee lamenting that since the enactment the promise has never been honoured.

President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF Sen. George Akume disclosed this at the 2026 Pension Week in Abuja he assured that there will be a commencement of the minimum pension guarantee and management care of national retiree well-being program that begins by giving low income retirees access to essential health care.

This he said marks a decisive shift from a system that merely holds servants to the one that guarantees a flow of dignity while explaining that a strong pension system does more than provide income in retirement It mobilizes long-term domestic service deepens financial markets supports productive investments and contributes to sustainable national development.

He said ‘This administration therefore recognises pension as both a social protection imperative and a strategic pillar of economic transformation under the renewed hope agenda. We do not pretend that the work is finished. Not by rising living costs gas income rates employer non-compliance and inadequate retirement incomes which are rare concerns to the government

‘I hear our pensioners and I share their concerns and rightly too which is why our response must be sustained practical and measurable. Government has done its part and will continue to do so. But government cannot deliver retirement security alone.

Having confronted inherited obligations and strengthened the framework I expect every institution in the pension industry to rise to the same standard of responsibility. Pension assets are not numbers on a balance sheet alone.

‘They are the deferred wages. Sacrifices are hopes some millions of Nigerians set aside so that old age would never mean dependence. Those funds must be guarded with the highest standards of governance transparency accountability and risk management and they must be invested with skill and discipline to aim the strongest sustainable risk-adjustment returns consistent with the safety of contributors’safety’.

The President lamented that Preservation without growth is a slow erosion. Retirement savings have failed to keep pace with inflation quietly betraying the very people who served them. Equally the pursuit of returns must never become an excuse for reckless risk-taking. They also must deliver for security of capital and disciplined growth in value. He challenged the pension fund administrators and custodians to deepen investment expertise diversify responsibly drive down costs and strengthen accountability.

The Director General National Pencom Commission Omolara Oloworaran explained that the progress in the Pencom industry means low-paid federal retirees who waited years for justice are seeing their pensions rise by between 67% to 120% and this is through the combined effects of Pension Boost and the consequential increase approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.