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OpenAI will start applying a 7.5 percent value-added tax (VAT) to its paid services for users in Nigeria starting from November 1, 2025.

This adjustment affects all paid subscriptions, including ChatGPT Plus and other billable OpenAI offerings.

The company, in an email sent to users, stated that the new charge complies with Section 10 of the Value Added Tax Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as amended), and the FIRS Information Circular 2021/19.

The firm urged customers to include a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) in their account payment settings to facilitate proper tax documentation, a shift which reflects Nigeria’s intensified efforts to regulate tax compliance among foreign digital service providers.

Digital platforms such as Google, Netflix, Amazon, and Facebook have already started charging VAT to Nigerian users. Recent reports suggest that Nigeria collected as much as N600 billion in VAT from such companies.

As a result of the new VAT inclusion, existing ChatGPT Plus users who currently pay N31,500 (˜ US$20) will see their monthly bill rise to N33,862.50 (˜ US$22.43) once VAT is added.

OpenAI has also introduced a lower-cost subscription tier for Nigerians at N7,000/month as a partial buffer against the price hike. This price increase is likely to ripple through the local AI ecosystem as startups built on OpenAI infrastructure (for example, Decide and ChatATP) may face higher operating costs.

A group known as Nigeria First Project Initiative, has urged the Presidency and the Nigerian judiciary to disregard agitations by some individuals and groups calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu who is being arraigned by the Department of State Services on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, illegal possession of firearms and managing an unlawful organisation among others was first arrested in 2015 and a second time in 2021.

Briefing newsmen at a press conference in Katsina on Monday, Hamza Saulawa, the National Coordinator of the group, , expressed fears that even if released, Kanu will continue to incite violence against the Nigerian state.

According to him, ‘Kanu was granted bail in 2017 but he arrogantly flouted the bail conditions and even jumped bail and fled the country where he continued sending inciting and hateful messages through social media channels.

‘These messages led to more killings of security agencies and hundreds of ordinary Nigerian citizens including those of Southeast origin.

‘It took the grace of God for the Nigerian government through international collaboration and intelligence sharing to rearrest Kanu in 2021 and bring him back to Nigeria to face charges of terrorism’, Saulawa said.

He accused Kanu of being behind the continued operations of IPOB despite its proscription and designation as a terrorist organization by the federal government.

Saulawa also lamented the compulsory sit-at-home order imposed by the group in the Southeast and parts of South-south zones, paralysing business, educational and social activities and causing untold hardship on ordinary citizens.

While describing Kanu as a divisive figure, Saulawa expressed the fear that ‘if freed or released on bail, the IPOB leader will continue to promote hate, violence and terrorism and attempt to undermine the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’.

The group urged the convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoloye Sowore, and other individuals and groups to desist from organising protests to call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Similarly, the group condemned the rumoured coup plot and commended the proactiveness of intelligence agencies against the plot, stating that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.

Nigeria First Project Initiative described the coup plot as ‘part of the grand design to achieve a sinister agenda by a retrogressive section of the Nigerian elites who are hell-bent on truncating our hard-earned democracy.

‘Nigerian democracy is indeed thriving as we just recently marked a milestone of 26th year anniversary of uninterrupted democracy, only apologists of totalitarianism and anarchists will wish the reversal of this great feat in our democratic journey,’ Hamza Saulawa stressed.

The donation of N10bn by Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) in Asaba, during the Delta State Security Fund (DSSF) seems to ring bells around the oil region especially in Rivers State.

This is because Sobomabo Jackrich, a high chief in Rivers State and paramount head of ‘Da lke Group of Houses and Communities’, has described the whopping donation for security support as a defining investment.

The high chief reacted after the Thursday October 16, 2025 launching in Asaba where Tompolo, also a high chief and ex-agitator, boosted security drive in the state and region with the N10 billion donation as chief launcher.

The launching was organized by the Delta State Government under Gov Sheriff Oborevwori. The high chief said: ‘This gesture is not only commendable; it is a profound demonstration of lasting commitment to peace, security, and progress in Delta State, across the Niger Delta and for Nigeria as a whole.’

At the event, Keston Pondi, who is the managing director of Tantita Security Ltd, spoke on behalf of Ekpemupolo during the formal launching/fundraising held at Government House, Asaba.

He said, ‘What we are launching today go es beyond a financial contribution, it is a strategic investment in peace, progress, and the protection of lives and property.’

He commended Gov Oborevwori for institutionalizing a framework that enables coordinated private-sector participation in tackling security challenges.

Other Delta State big guns supported the effort. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Chairman of Access Holdings and chairman of the occasion, said the launch was a defining moment in the state’s history even as he applauded Gov Oborevwori’s leadership which he said had transformed Delta into one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and progressive states.

Aig-Imoukhuede announced a personal donation of ?100 million to the Fund on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, and expressed optimism that the initiative would mobilize up to ?100 billion in 2025.

Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)

On his part, Governor Oborevwori recalled that the Security Trust Fund established by law in 2013 was designed as a collaborative platform for mobilizing resources from the private sector to complement government’s investment in security.

He explained that the fund would focus on acquiring modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, and communication tools, as well as supporting the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas of the state.

He said his administration rebranded Operation Delta Hawk as Operation Delta Sweep and as a joint task force involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps.

Jackrich, co-exagitator, impressed:

Soboma Jackrich, co-exagitator, applauding Tompolo

The huge donation seems to arouse the respect and excitement of co-exagitators around the oil region.

Jackrich, now a paramount rule like some others, said: ‘As colleagues who shared in the Niger Delta struggle, we are proud of what Tompolo is doing. His actions repeatedly show that true leadership is measured in deeds that secure people, empower communities, and strengthen national stability. By directing such an immense financial commitment towards the security of his state, Tompolo reaffirms a simple truth: peace in Delta state means peace for the entire Niger Delta and, by extension, for Nigeria.’

He said Delta State occupies a strategic place in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry. ‘Between November 2023 and September 2024, it produced about 99.9 million barrels of crude oil and condensate, making it the nation’s top-producing state. Together with Bayelsa and Rivers, Delta accounts for roughly 85 percent of Nigeria’s petroleum output, the lifeblood of our national economy.

‘It follows that securing Delta is tantamount to securing the heartbeat of Nigeria’s revenue base. When insecurity chokes production, the whole economy suffers; when stability is restored, oil flows, jobs return, and investor confidence rises.’

Jackrich said the impact of improved security in the Niger Delta was already visible. ‘Thanks to Tantita Security Services, a Tompolo security initiative, Nigeria’s oil production recovered from a low of about 650,000 barrels per day to over 1.8 million barrels per day in recent years, with official records showing an average of around 1.71 million barrels daily as of mid-2025.

‘This recovery has strengthened the naira, boosted revenues, and restored investor confidence. Curtailing oil theft and pipeline vandalism benefits every Nigerian, and Tompolo has been at the forefront of that turnaround.

‘What distinguishes Tompolo’s approach is its inclusivity. Unlike other vendors who operate in isolation, Tantita has built a participatory system that brings together key stakeholders across the Niger Delta. Its operational framework ensures representation and active involvement of all ethnic nationalities – Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, and others across the Niger Delta region.’

He said this collaborative model has improved operational efficiency and helped heal divisions, fostering unity in once fragmented communities. ‘The result is growing peace and improved productivity across the region.

Tompolo’s commitment extends well beyond surveillance and patrols. Through Tantita, he has funded community infrastructure and human-development projects that strengthen law enforcement, promoting rehabilitation and education.’

Amb. Jackrich said Tantita’s portfolio reflects Tompolo’s philosophy of building peace through progress, saying the company has quietly and consistently invested in human capital, community infrastructure, and nationwide faith-based projects:

‘Ugborikoko Divisional Police Station, Uvwie, in Delta State: Built and fully equipped by Tantita with modern offices, CCTV systems, 30 KVA solar and generator backup, computers, vehicles, and living quarters to strengthen law-enforcement capacity and morale.

‘Education and rehabilitation at Warri Correctional Facility: An 8-classroom block supports inmate education and reintegration, a true investment in lasting peace.

‘Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Okere-Urhobo: Donation of a 45 KVA inverter, 98 solar panels, 40 desktop computers, and a 29-seater bus to ensure sustainable power and improved education delivery.

‘Sustainable Rice-Farming Initiative: In partnership with SDN and Ecosus Pro Nigeria Ltd., Tantita pioneered large-scale rice farming in Bayelsa and Delta, creating alternative livelihoods for former oil-bunkering youths.

‘Empowerment of FUPRE Students: Tantita awarded #10 million to outstanding students at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), promoting academic excellence among Niger Delta youth.’

He said each of these projects is a statement of intent, a demonstration that true peace is achieved not merely by military patrols, but by providing education, jobs, faith, and dignity.

‘I want to commend the organizers of the epoch-making Stakeholders Appreciation Lunch event in Port Harcourt, sponsored by Maton Engineering and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, themed ‘Stronger together: Building Community Sustaining Partnership’. The quality of the programme, the diverse participation, the mutual respect and the energy of dialogue showcased a renewed commitment to regional peace and development, as well as the height of administrative prowess of both Engr. Matthew Tonlagha and High Chief Kestin Pundi.

‘Let me wholeheartedly congratulate Matthew Tonlagha, Chairman of Maton Engineering Nig. Ltd, and Kirston Pondi, the MD of Tantita Security Services, for their unwavering commitment to inclusivity in the ongoing surveillance contract.

‘To other service providers in the security surveillance space: Tantita’s model should be emulated. The era of sharp practices and the so-called ‘419 approach’ must end. Let accountability, fairness, and stakeholder inclusion guide every engagement. When communities are carried along, trust is built and national security objectives are more effectively achieved.

‘Tantita’s success is not accidental; it is the product of deliberate vision, inclusive strategy, and patriotic leadership. Its multidimensional approach spanning security, education, rehabilitation, infrastructure, agriculture, and faith-based development offers Nigeria a model worth replicating nationwide.

Tompolo’s N10bn donation is more than money: it is a symbol of faith in the idea that peace can be built from within by those who understand the terrain and the people. Every kobo invested in peace creates ripples of progress; every strengthened community becomes a fortress for national stability.

‘This noble gesture also aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly his focus on peace, security, and sustainable economic growth. Tompolo’s action mirrors the President’s vision by transforming personal success into public good, demonstrating that patriotic citizens and institutions can directly contribute to stabilizing and growing the nation.

‘For those of us who shared trenches with Tompolo in the Niger Delta struggle, this moment is deeply inspiring. We fought for dignity, inclusion, and justice, and today those ideals are translating into tangible structures of peace and progress.’

He said Tompolo has proved that true warriors not only resist, they build. ‘Through his leadership and stakeholder collaboration, he has positioned himself as a statesman and dependable partner for peace, security, and economic growth in Nigeria, a legacy that will endure. This is also a clarion call on all leaders of the Niger Delta Struggle to eschew division and work in Collective Synergy to build the region.’

The donation in Asaba has continued to make waves in Nigeria’s security circles as a demonstration of commitment to peace in the oil region. Now, many ex-agitators seem eager to make positive contributions to show that ‘agitation does not only destroy, it builds’.

CivicHive, a CivicTech and innovation hub nurturing civic-tech leaders and promoting participatory governance, has announced the formation of its inaugural Advisory Board, a move that marks a new phase of strategic growth and expanded impact across Nigeria and Africa.

The newly inaugurated Advisory Board, which will serve from 2025 to 2027, brings together five professionals with global and local expertise in urban development, artistic activism, climate strategy, technology, and intellectual property.

The board will provide strategic guidance to amplify CivicHive’s initiatives aimed at empowering citizens, strengthening civic institutions, and leveraging technology and creativity for social change.

The appointed members include Oluwaseun Muraina, lecturer and researcher in real estate and infrastructure finance and DAAD Scholar, who will serve as board chair; Stephen Duncombe, professor of media and culture at New York University and co-founder of the Center for Artistic Activism; Michaela Koke, senior manager (award selection) at Climate Breakthrough; Austin Ifedirah, co-founder and managing partner at Bandika IoT; and Shukurat Amosa, founder of Dintangible Nugget Intellectual Property Academy (DINIPA).

Also joining the board as observing members from CivicHive’s leadership are Joseph I. Amenaghawon, Oluseun Onigbinde, and Joseph Agunbiade.

Joseph Amenaghawon, head of CivicHive, described the establishment of the Advisory Board as ‘a testament to CivicHive’s growth and our commitment to sustainable, strategic impact.’

‘We have moved from a simple idea to a robust ecosystem of fellows, tools, and initiatives,’ Amenaghawon said. ‘The diverse expertise of Oluwaseun, Stephen, Michaela, Austin, and Shukurat will be invaluable as we navigate this next chapter of scaling our work and strengthening our influence in the CivicTech landscape.’

According to CivicHive, the board’s formation builds upon the organisation’s 2022-2024 report, which highlights its role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s CivicTech ecosystem. The advisory board will further help refine CivicHive’s programmatic approach, strengthen its research and sustainability models, and build on its momentum in regional and international collaborations.

As the innovation arm of BudgIT Foundation, CivicHive was established in 2017 to build the next generation of civic-tech leaders and create data-driven solutions for better governance.

Through fellowships, research, and community-building programs, the organisation continues to foster citizen participation and drive public interest in governance and accountability.

Tango Brook Technologies Limited, a digital payment solutions company, moves to strengthen its commitment to protecting customer data and maintaining the highest standards of information security with new ISO 27001:2022 certification.

‘Security is the bedrock of digital trust. Our ISO 27001:2022 certification goes beyond compliance – it’s a powerful pledge to protect customer data with unwavering diligence,’ Obi Wemambu, MD/CEO, Tango Brook Technologies, said in a statement.

According to Wemambu, the new certification is a testament to the company’s dedication to implementing robust security measures, managing risks, and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of customer information.

‘With the Tango Fuel Card, we’re redefining fuel payments through transparency, top-tier security, and smart rewards, ensuring every transaction drives confidence and value,’ said Wemambu.

He disclosed further that the certification is a significant achievement for the company following its recent launch of the unified smart fuel management system – Tango Fuel Card.

According to him, Tango Fuel Card is a technology-driven fuel and fleet management platform empowering consumers and businesses with smarter tools to get best value for their everyday fuel purchases and consumption.

‘ISO 27001:2022 is the global standard for how organisations protect information and manage security risks,’ Omobolanle Pase, head of legal at Tango Brook Technologies, said.

According to Pase, the new certification will help guide how the company identifies potential threats, put the right safeguards in place, and keep its systems resilient. ‘For us at Tango, achieving this certification wasn’t just a box to tick; it reflects our commitment to keeping customer data safe and building lasting trust.’

The ISO 27001:2022 certification is a significant achievement for Tango Brook Technologies, demonstrating its proactive approach to managing information security risks and protecting customer data.

This accomplishment reinforces the company’s position as a trusted leader in the digital payment industry and underscores its commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and innovative solutions to its customers.

Kazfield Integrated Services Limited has launched Àdàbà Farm and Resort, a sprawling 202 hectare-coconut plantation in Owode, Ogun State, in a bold move to unlock coconut plantation potential and reshape the country’s agricultural landscape.

Kazfield is a trailblazing real estate and agribusiness firm that specialises in innovative, scalable solutions that drive agricultural productivity, economic inclusion, and environmental stewardship across West Africa.

This ambitious project directly tackles Nigeria’s embarrassing $9,495,210 annual spend on coconut imports, primarily sourced from neighbouring Ghana and the Ivory Coast, positioning the nation to capture a slice of the booming global market and deliver extraordinary long-term returns to investors.

Nigeria, currently ranked 19th among global coconut suppliers, lags far behind top producers Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Brazil, which dominate with vast plantations and efficient supply chains.

Despite favourable tropical climates, domestic production falls short, forcing reliance on imports to meet rising demand for coconut products. Adaba Farm changes that narrative by leveraging sustainable, high-yield farming techniques to produce premium coconuts for export and local markets.

Kazeem Yekini, the company’s CEO, noted in a statement that the global coconut market is exploding, valued at $14.18 billion in 2025 and projected to surge to $33.71 billion by 2034, driven by a compound annual growth rate fueled by health-conscious consumers worldwide.

‘Coconut water, a natural electrolyte powerhouse, serves as an ideal rehydration solution for athletes and everyday wellness enthusiasts, while virgin coconut oil and derivatives boost immunity, support heart health, and enhance skincare. This superfood trend, amplified by post-pandemic health awareness, underscores the untapped opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog competitors and generate billions in forex earnings,’ Yekini explained.

According to him, Àdàbà Farm and Resort integrates advanced agronomy, including drought-resistant hybrid varieties, precision irrigation, and organic pest management, to ensure bountiful harvests across its 500 acres.

‘The project will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Ogun State, empower rural communities through training programmes, and stimulate ancillary industries like processing and logistics,’ he added.

Yekini hopes that, by slashing import bills and boosting exports, the project aligns with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, enhancing food security, reducing trade deficits, and contributing significantly to GDP growth.

For investors, Àdàbà offers a groundbreaking farmland ownership model with guaranteed annual yields of N6 million to N12 million per acre for up to 50 years. Backed by insurance against climate risks and expert oversight, this inflation-hedged opportunity provides stable passive income in a volatile economy, far outpacing traditional investments.

‘This initiative is more than a farm; it’s a catalyst for economic sovereignty,’ Yekinni noted, adding, ‘by harnessing the coconut market’s explosive growth-from $14.18 billion today to $33.71 billion by 2034-Àdàbà Farm will position Nigeria as Africa’s coconut hub, fostering wealth creation and sustainable development for generations.’

Security forces in Abuja on Monday dispersed protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), using tear gas before the demonstration fully began.

Omoyele Sowore, Human rights activist was among those present.

The protest, organised under the hashtag #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow, was set to start at Transcorp Hilton and other locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, police officers moved in early, firing tear gas to disperse protesters and bystanders.

Security presence was increased across Abuja ahead of the protest. Personnel from the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to key locations, including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, Federal Secretariat, and roads leading to the Presidential Villa.

The protest took place despite a court order prohibiting demonstrations near government institutions.

On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim order restricting protests around the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Shehu Shagari Way, and Eagle Square. The order followed an ex parte application filed by the Nigeria Police Force and remains in effect pending further hearing.

Organisers under the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign said the protest would proceed in Abuja and other cities.

Damilare Adenola, director of mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, said the demonstration would go on.

‘Our right to peaceful assembly is protected by the Constitution. We will not be intimidated,’ he said.

Legal counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, stated that his clients had not been served the court order. He argued that the protest was a lawful way to express public concerns. ‘The police were notified. Their role is to provide security, not to stop peaceful protesters,’ he said.

Convener Omoyele Sowore, warned that any use of force by security personnel would be recorded and challenged. He said legal, medical, and media teams had been deployed to monitor the protest and assist participants.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also deployed personnel to protect public infrastructure.

FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu, warned against vandalism or violence. ‘The corps will not tolerate damage to property in the name of protest,’ he said.

Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, directed officers to enforce the court order and secure restricted areas.

As the protest began, tensions rose over the potential for clashes between protesters and security personnel.

At the time of filing this report, the protesters were heading to Utako district in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, has approved the reopening of the Sa’adatu College of Health Technology, Mubi, following a comprehensive review by the Committee on the Establishment of Private Colleges of Health Technology.

The governor also issued a 6-12 month ultimatum to eight other private health institutions to upgrade their facilities, staffing, and accreditation status or risk continued closure.

In a statement by Humwashi Wonosikou, chief press secretary to the governor, the affected colleges include:

Savannah College of Health Science and Technology, Yola.

Central College of Health Science and Technology, Yola.

School of Health Technology, Jimeta

NAFAN College of Health Science and Technology, Jimeta.

School of Health Technology, Mayo Belwa.

Humanity College of Health Science and Technology, Hong.

Abubakar Isa Ahmadu College of Health Science and Technology, Mubi.

EYN Brethren College of Health Technology, Garkida.

Fintiri said the move forms part of his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare education and ensuring that only accredited institutions operate in the state.

Meanwhile, the government has ordered 15 other private colleges of health technology to remain shut for failing to meet minimum operational and academic standards.

These include: Fat-Hur Rahman College of Health Science and Technology, Yola; Al-Mashkur International Academy, College of Health Technology, Yola; KSOHT School of Health and Technology, Yola; Bell Dome College of Health Science and Technology, Wauru Jabbe; Guyuk College of Health Science and Technology, Guyuk; College of Health Technology, Daura Shelleng; College of Administration and Human Resource Management, Bambam Gombe State (Numan Campus); City Gate College of Health Science and Technology, Demsa; Dr. Umar Adamu Sanda Sugu College of Health Science and Technology, Ganye; School of Health Technology, Jada; Tikos and Kings College of Science and Technology, Michika; Royal Intellect College of Sciences and Technology, Michika; Professor Jibril Aminu College of Health Science and Technology, Song; Luther College of Health and Remedial Science, Numan; and Pan-Africa College of Health Science and Technology, Gombi.

Fintiri reaffirmed that the state will not compromise on the quality of healthcare education, stressing that institutions must meet regulatory benchmarks to produce competent professionals for the sector.

‘The state will not compromise on quality. Institutions must meet the required standards for effective training and service delivery,’ he said.

He further directed the Ministry of Health and Human Services to carry out a final verification exercise before granting any further approvals for reopening.

For decades, Nigeria’s oilfields told a familiar story, one of dependence. Foreign rigs dominated the terrain, foreign engineers dictated the rhythm of operations, and innovation was often imported, not developed. Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude producer, supplied the world but depended on others to extract its wealth.

That story is changing. A quiet transformation is reshaping the country’s energy landscape, driven by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010 and the deliberate efforts of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). At the heart of this shift is a growing class of indigenous service companies proving that technical mastery and operational excellence can, indeed, be homegrown.

Among them, one firm has become emblematic of this evolution. Kenyon International, a Nigerian oilfield services company founded in 2015, is spearheading what many now call Nigeria’s ‘brownfield renaissance’, the revival of dormant and mature oil wells through local innovation and expertise.

When Kenyon entered the scene a decade ago, the terrain was dominated by multinational service giants with deep pockets and decades of global experience. To many, the idea that a Nigerian firm could compete on precision, safety, and technological sophistication seemed ambitious at best. But for Victor Ekpenyong, Kenyon’s founder and chief executive officer, the challenge was personal.

‘Local content is ownership of our future,’ he said in a recent interview. ‘When Nigerians are trained to solve complex field problems and manage advanced technologies, we strengthen not just our companies, but the country’s capacity to compete globally.’

That conviction became Kenyon’s blueprint. The company focused not only on acquiring advanced well intervention and control technologies, but also on cultivating a deeply skilled Nigerian workforce capable of deploying them. Its internal training programmes mirror global oilfield standards, combining field experience, simulation exercises, and international certifications.

This investment in people has paid off. In less than a decade, Kenyon has become one of Nigeria’s most trusted names in well intervention, completion, and control services, executing complex field operations once deemed the preserve of foreign contractors.

Kenyon’s defining moment came with a breakthrough project involving Interwell MSAS, a cutting-edge multi-setting activation system used in well intervention. The company deployed the technology to restore over 7,000 barrels per day of oil production-without shutting down operations. It was a first-of-its-kind success for a Nigerian-led team, executed with precision and efficiency that matched, and in some aspects exceeded, international benchmarks.

The achievement carried profound symbolism. For the first time, an all-Nigerian engineering team had executed a world-class well control operation independently. The project demonstrated not only technical capacity but also cost efficiency. Analysts noted that Kenyon’s local-led approach significantly reduced downtime and logistics costs while enhancing safety and operational control.

Since then, Kenyon has extended this model across multiple oilfields, helping operators revive production from wells that had been idle for years. Industry estimates suggest that its interventions have collectively unlocked around 30 million barrels of recoverable crude, a figure that underscores how indigenous expertise is redefining Nigeria’s production potential.

The company’s success mirrors a broader trend across Nigeria’s upstream industry. According to NCDMB data, local content participation reached an unprecedented 56 percent in 2024, up from less than 10 percent a decade earlier. The rise reflects not only regulatory mandates but also the growing technical and managerial maturity of Nigerian firms.

‘Local content has moved from compliance to competitiveness,’ said an energy analyst at Lagos-based research firm. ‘Companies like Kenyon are not just participating; they’re setting new efficiency benchmarks for production recovery and field optimisation.’

With Nigeria’s crude production averaging 1.71 million barrels per day as of July 2025, the pressure to sustain and optimise output remains intense. Years of underinvestment, theft, and pipeline vandalism have eroded capacity. As international oil majors gradually divest from onshore assets, indigenous operators and service companies have stepped in-not as placeholders, but as the new custodians of Nigeria’s petroleum heritage.

Kenyon’s approach has been to blend technical innovation with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s field realities. Its engineers have developed adaptive solutions for aging infrastructure-ranging from wellhead maintenance and idle well management to emergency blowout response. The company’s field teams often work in remote and challenging terrains where logistical improvisation and local insight are as critical as engineering skill.

This blend of innovation and contextual understanding has allowed Kenyon to sustain operational excellence even in volatile market cycles. ‘We design for resilience,’ Dr. Ekpenyong said. ‘Oil prices fluctuate, but competence and efficiency are constant. That’s what keeps production alive in brownfield environments.’

Beyond the rig floor, Kenyon has positioned itself as a catalyst for human capital development. Through partnerships with universities and vocational institutions, the company funds scholarships, runs technical boot camps, and mentors young engineers eager to enter the oil and gas sector.

These programmes, often conducted during industry downturns when training budgets are typically cut, have earned Kenyon repeated recognition from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council. For the company, the commitment goes beyond corporate social responsibility-it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s intellectual infrastructure.

‘Sustainability in oil and gas goes beyond barrels and balance sheets,’ said Ekpenyong. ‘It’s about people. When we empower local talent, we guarantee innovation, resilience, and progress that outlasts production cycles.’

Kenyon’s model has also attracted attention for its emphasis on operational safety and global compliance. The company operates under ISO 9001:2015 certification, underscoring its adherence to international quality management standards. It is also recognised as a trusted first responder for well control emergencies-an endorsement that speaks to its growing reputation as a dependable technical partner for both indigenous and multinational operators.

Industry observers note that this rise of indigenous technical competence carries broader economic implications. By reducing dependence on foreign contractors and imported equipment, local service companies like Kenyon help retain value within the domestic economy. The multiplier effect-jobs created, taxes paid, skills transferred-ripples through local communities and the national balance sheet alike.

‘The local content policy has achieved what decades of rhetoric could not,’ said an NCDMB official who requested anonymity. ‘We now have companies that can execute world-class projects end-to-end in Nigeria. That’s structural transformation.’

As Nigeria looks ahead to its energy transition goals, the significance of such transformation cannot be overstated. While the world races toward renewables, oil remains central to Nigeria’s fiscal and export base. The challenge is to extract maximum value from existing reserves while investing in cleaner energy pathways. Indigenous service companies are critical to this dual agenda: they ensure cost-effective production today while building the technical foundation for tomorrow’s diversification.

Kenyon International exemplifies this balancing act. Its focus on brownfield recovery and well optimisation ensures that the country continues to generate vital revenues from mature assets. At the same time, its investments in local capacity and technology position it as a future-ready partner for whatever direction Nigeria’s energy policy may take.

‘The energy landscape is changing,’ Ekpenyong acknowledged. ‘But regardless of the resource-whether oil, gas, or renewables-the principles of competence, innovation, and local empowerment will remain the same.’

Kenyon’s story is ultimately one of belief-belief that Nigerians can lead in an industry long dominated by outsiders; belief that local expertise can match global standards; belief that ownership, when backed by competence, creates sustainable prosperity.

Ten years after its founding, Kenyon International stands as both proof and promise: proof that indigenous capacity can deliver measurable results, and promise that Nigeria’s oil story can finally be one of independence, innovation, and inclusive growth.

In unlocking 30 million barrels from dormant wells, Kenyon has done more than restore production. It has restored confidence in what’s possible when vision meets discipline, and when the tools of progress are held firmly in local hands.

The Nigerian Army on Monday confirmed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled an attack by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group on Friday but added that some Nigerian soldiers were killed during the battle.

The Army also revealed that a lieutenant-colonel and many other soldiers were amongst those killed on Friday during the attack on Boko Haram hideout in Borno State.

The Army spokesperson, Appolonia Anele, a Lieutenant Colonel, said in a statement, that the troops successfully repelled the attack but lost some of the Nigerian soldiers during the battle.

She disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai foiled the planned attack around Kashimri in Bama Local Government Area of Borno, killing several of the insurgents and destroying their camps.

Anele said Commanding Officer of 202 Tank Battalion, Aliyu Paiko, a lieutenant-colonel, and some other gallant soldiers, were amongst those who paid the supreme price during the encounter.

According to her, the operation took place under the coordination of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, acting on intelligence that the terrorists were regrouping to launch attacks on civilian communities and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area.

She said, ‘the troops swiftly moved to the suspected locations and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun duel, neutralising several of them while others fled with gunshot wounds.

‘The operation also led to the destruction of identified Boko Haram camps.’

She also revealed that the Olufemi Oloyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), had extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, describing them as ‘patriots who demonstrated exceptional courage in defence of the nation.’

‘Their sacrifices would never be in vain. The Nigerian Army remains committed to pursuing all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace is restored in the North East and across the country.’, she said.

She also used the opportunity to appeal to members of the public and the media to refrain from circulating images of deceased personnel until their next of kins have been duly informed.

This, she said, is necessary to enable the army protect the dignity of the fallen heroes and the privacy of their families.