Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Akinwole Omoboriowo, the chairman/CEO, Genesis Energy Group, has reiterated that the energy company will leverage public/private collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and expand access to reliable power.

According to Omoboriowo, collaboration between the public and private sectors has become more critical than ever, as Nigeria continues to advance toward achieving steady electricity supply.

‘At Genesis Energy, we remain committed to powering progress through strategic partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and expand access to reliable power,’ Omoboriowo said in a statement, expressing the company’s dedication to leveraging innovative clean energy solutions to power Nigeria’s industrial and economic advancement.

He emphasised that the collaboration with NNPC Ltd. exemplifies pragmatic innovation – leveraging existing assets to expand energy access, enhance refinery productivity, and contribute to national development.

‘This project goes beyond megawatts; it is powering jobs, industries, and communities. One key example is our partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited). A milestone initiative enabling the supply of excess power from our Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) facility to the national grid,’ Omoboriowo stated.

He stated that the partnership was undertaken in alignment with the Federal Government’s Power Sector Reform and Energy Transition Agenda, is designed to optimise Nigeria’s domestic generation capacity, enhance grid stability, and expand nationwide electricity access.

According to him, the facility supplies dependable and sustainable energy to the PHRC – significantly improving refinery operations, strengthening local energy security, and reducing dependence on diesel and grid instability.

The 84MW off-grid Independent Power Plant (IPP) operated by Genesis Energy is located within the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) as the largest licensed private off-grid clean power plant, which Omoboriowo described as the company’s pioneering clean energy investments in Nigeria.

Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, stated that the Federal Government remains committed to fostering a business environment that attracts and protects private-sector investment in the power industry.

According to him, the government alone cannot fund the energy sector, hence collaboration are essential to closing infrastructure gaps and delivering reliable power to industries, businesses, and households nationwide.

‘We are ready to do everything possible to attract investors to support us so that industries, businesses, and households can have uninterrupted, functional, and reliable electricity,’ he stated.

The minister noted further that collaboration would serve as proof of concept for integrating excess capacity into the national grid and could lead to an additional 120MW expansion once the pilot phase is concluded.

‘We have put in place a comprehensive policy and consistent regulatory framework that ensures private sector investors can operate confidently, recover investments, and contribute meaningfully to national growth,’ Adelabu stated.

When a Nigerian entrepreneur looks at the nation’s business terrain, he stands at the intersection of promise and pressure. The terrain is rugged,defined by erratic policies, infrastructural decay, fluctuating currency, and a work culture shaped by survival. Yet, in this seeming chaos lies the furnace that forges some of the most resilient business minds on the continent. I have seen this firsthand in the manufacturing corridors of Lagos, the oil fields of Niger Delta, and the concrete plants that keep our economy growing. This is where true leadership in Africa must be redefined,not by imported doctrines, but by the realities of our soil.

When Dr. James Mwangi of Kenya’s Equity Bank built his empire on empathy and inclusion, he did what few dared: he led with heart in a system long ruled by hierarchy. In Nigeria, this principle remains just as vital. Many of our industries were built on sheer determination, often without institutional support. From construction to energy, our progress has been driven not by policy but by people,ordinary Nigerians whose will to survive has become an economic engine. Leadership in such an environment cannot be transactional; it must be transformational in the truest, contextual sense.

Too long have we mistaken leadership for authority. In our boardrooms, ego often overshadows empathy, and control replaces creativity. The Nigerian business landscape punishes rigidity. Those who lead through fear or title soon discover that influence fades faster than trust can be built. The old Western corporate models, rigid and hierarchical, cannot flourish in a terrain that is fluid and relational. Ours is a people economy; our success depends on trust and adaptability. Leadership here must understand that power is not to be exercised but to be stewarded.

That is why I speak of contextual leadership,leadership born of clarity, community, and character. These are not mere ideals; they are survival principles in Africa’s unpredictable markets. Clarity is the compass. You must know your ‘why,’ for storms will come. In the factory floor, when machines break down and FX volatility shakes your cost structure, only clarity of purpose keeps vision alive. Community is our strength. Nigeria’s informal sector proves that relationships move markets faster than policies do. True leaders build partnerships, nurture networks, and empower teams. Finally, character is the cornerstone. Integrity is not a virtue here,it is capital. In a nation weary of inconsistency, a leader’s word must be his bond.

I have seen ethical leadership transform industries. Ibukun Awosika’s example at First Bank, Aliko Dangote’s commitment to Nigerian industrialisation, and Paul Kagame’s governance model in Rwanda all point to one truth: leadership that balances profit with purpose creates lasting impact. At Colton Group, and in every business I have been privileged to build, this philosophy stands as our foundation. We pursue excellence not as ambition but as service;service to our people, to our nation, and to God. Because in truth, leadership is stewardship, not status.

Africa’s next leap depends not on stronger men but on wiser models. The African Continental Free Trade Area opens a new frontier for collaboration, yet its promise will be wasted if our leaders continue to think in silos. The future belongs to those who lead with openness;leaders who listen, engage, and trust. In a digital age where reputation travels at the speed of light, humility is no longer weakness; it is wisdom.

Our young entrepreneurs are already rewriting the script. From tech hubs in Yaba to logistics startups in Abuja, the next generation is leading without waiting for titles. They embody the new African leadership,participatory, transparent, and people-centered. The challenge before us is to mentor them rightly;to pass down not just wealth, but wisdom; not just systems, but spirit.

The time has come for Africa, especially Nigeria, to build its own leadership blueprint. One that merges the analytical with the spiritual, the strategic with the humane, and the visionary with the practical. Leadership that recognises business not merely as a path to profit but as a ministry of impact. Because in the end, as Scripture reminds us, ‘the greatest among you shall be your servant.’

The true measure of a leader is not in the wealth he amasses but in the lives he transforms. Africa does not need more powerful leaders; she needs more empowering ones,men and women who see leadership not as privilege, but as purpose.

Nigeria’s stock investors have booked about N859billion loss in two trading this week after weekend’s threat by United States President Donald Trump.

The stock market furthered its negatives by 0.72 percent on Tuesday, the second trading days after Trump’s threat to launch a military invasion of Nigeria. Cumulatively, the market has decreased by 0.97 percent this week, decreasing the record return year-to-date (YtD) to 48.29 percent.

‘The market remains in a stable bullish regime despite recent selling pressure. This pressure appears to be healthy profit-taking, an expected action during a bull run. That said, we cannot rule out the possibility of further downside in a large-cap stock that posted strong gains coming into this week,’ Lagos-based Vetiva research analysts said in their November 3 post-trading note.

The stock market is seeing major pullback in early trading this Month after record rally by 8 percent in October.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will conduct its first Treasury Bills (T-bills) Primary Market Auction (PMA) for the month on Wednesday, November 5, offering a total of N650billion across the three tenors.

The offer ranges from N100billion in 91-day bill, N100billion in 182-day bill, and N450billion in 364-day bill. Maturing bills worth N15.33billion, N38.49billion, and N608.93billion across the respective tenors are expected to improve system liquidity.

Nigerian assets have fallen since this week, confirming investors’ fears that Trump’s threat could raise the risk premium on Nigerian assets, thereby eroding recent gains achieved by the nation’s reforms.

Reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu is close to completing the long-delayed appointment of ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, following months of complaints about the country’s limited diplomatic representation abroad.

The renewed push to formalise the appointments comes amid tension with Washington following Trump’s recent threats of military action over disputed claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

At the Nigerian stock market, the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) and Market Capitalisation depreciated from Friday’s highs of 154,126.46 points and N97.829 trillion respectively to 152,629.6 points and N96.970 trillion. The market’s performance indices had closed Monday at 153,739.11 points and N97.582 trillion.

Vennote Technologies, an African tech integrator, has partnered with Tech Revolution Africa to define how the continent can better leverage technology to build globally competitive economies from consumer to exporter.

The firm’s sentiment reflects a growing consensus that for the continent to secure its digital future, homegrown companies must move beyond simply adopting foreign technology and start developing and exporting their own intellectual property.

‘Our mission at Vennote is simple but bold: to prove that African-born technology solutions can compete globally. Tech Revolution Africa 2.0 is more than a conference; it’s a platform to challenge perceptions, showcase innovation, and co-create strategies that move Africa from technology consumers to technology exporters,’ said Azuka Onyia, CEO of Vennote Technologies.

The second edition of TRA, themed ‘The Big Bold Step,’ aims to bring together over 5,000 delegates, including global tech founders, investors, and policymakers, to define how the continent can better leverage technology from AI to climate-conscious innovation to build resilient, globally competitive.

Since its debut in 2025, TRA has established itself as a critical meeting point for the African tech ecosystem.

David Ogebe, co-convener of TRA, noted that the partnership with Vennote reinforces the conviction that Africa needs its own stage to tell its own story.

‘This partnership with Vennote reinforces that belief. Together, we’re inspiring collaboration across the ecosystem to accelerate Africa’s digital leap,’ he said.

Vennote noted that this represents an opportunity to become the technology backbone for Africa’s institutions by backing words with tangible commitment to the ecosystem’s development.

Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged staff of the Commission in Anambra State to ensure flawless logistics and prompt commencement of voting in the November 8 governorship election, declaring that ‘the eyes of the world are on us.’

Amupitan gave the charge on Monday during a meeting with INEC staff at the Commission’s State Office in Awka as part of his final working visit ahead of the polls. The visit followed a series of readiness assessments across the state and coincided with the signing of a Peace Accord by political parties earlier in the day.

Describing the meeting as a ‘family gathering,’ the INEC Chairman stressed that the credibility of the election depends largely on the conduct and professionalism of staff at all levels.

‘There must not be logistics failure. The eyes of the world are on INEC, on the Resident Electoral Commissioner, and on you, the Electoral Officers,’ he warned. ‘Voting must begin at exactly 8:30 a.m. in all the 5,718 polling units across the 21 local government areas. That is non-negotiable.’

He directed that all election materials must leave the Registration Area Centres (RACs) no later than 6:00 a.m. on election day, with all vehicles, drivers, and security personnel deployed to their designated points the night before.

‘If you don’t have to sleep on Friday, don’t sleep,’ he said. ‘The first sign of a credible election is that it starts on time. We will not allow any delay in Anambra.’

The INEC boss disclosed that the Commission had concluded arrangements with the Inspector-General of Police for robust security coverage, including the deployment of over 45,000 police personnel alongside other security agencies.

He noted that training for Supervisory Presiding Officers and Presiding Officers had been completed, while urging staff to promptly report any emerging challenges through official communication channels.

Prof. Amupitan reminded staff of their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that their discipline, integrity, and diligence would determine the credibility of the election.

Turning to result management, he cautioned officers to handle Form EC8A with utmost care, describing it as ‘the pyramid of votes in Nigeria.’ He urged presiding officers to ensure results are correctly recorded, stamped, and signed, and that figures align with BVAS accreditation data.

‘Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,’ he said. ‘Any discrepancies must be corrected transparently in line with the Electoral Act. We cannot afford errors that undermine public confidence.’

On inclusivity, the Chairman reaffirmed that INEC had extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state and made provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to encourage participation.

Expressing concern about declining voter turnout in Anambra, Prof. Amupitan appealed to staff to help mobilise voters.

‘In 2013, turnout was around 25 percent. In 2017, it dropped to about 20 percent, and in the last election, only about 10 percent participated. That is not acceptable,’ he said. ‘We must restore confidence in the process.’

He further warned against malpractice in logistics management, revealing that INEC would audit all transport arrangements after the election.

‘If an election fails to start on time, the Electoral Officer in that local government will have to explain why,’ he stated. ‘Anyone found to have compromised the process will be held accountable.’

Prof. Amupitan said the Commission would recognise outstanding performance by local government teams while sanctioning those who fall short.

‘Excellence must be rewarded, and negligence will not be tolerated,’ he said.

The INEC Chairman concluded with a call for professionalism and commitment, describing the Anambra governorship poll as a defining test for the Commission.

‘Anambra is a microcosm of Nigeria,’ he declared. ‘Whatever happens here will echo across the country. Let us prove that INEC can deliver a credible, peaceful, and transparent election that strengthens democracy.’

The Senate on Tuesday resolved to conduct a comprehensive investigation into railway projects executed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, following recurring derailments, vandalism, and technical failures on the Itakpe-Warri corridor.

The decision followed a motion by Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central), who raised concerns over the ‘persistent mechanical faults’ affecting the Warri-Itakpe standard gauge line.

In response, the Senate constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the projects and submit its findings within six weeks.

Presenting the motion, Dafinone noted that the railway line, once celebrated as a milestone achievement, had become a major source of concern due to frequent derailments and service disruptions. He disclosed that the Itakpe-Warri line had recorded at least ten derailments and multiple breakdowns between 2023 and 2025.

‘These recurring incidents endanger passengers, erode public confidence in the rail system, and raise serious questions about project quality, supervision, and maintenance,’ he said.

He urged the Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to commission an independent technical assessment of the line to identify the root causes of the failures and implement corrective measures.

The Delta lawmaker further proposed an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Land Transport to affected areas, particularly around Agbor in Delta State, and recommended the creation of a National Rail Safety and Standards Unit to conduct regular safety audits and ensure compliance with global standards.

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) described the repeated breakdowns as a ‘national embarrassment,’ saying huge loans were secured for railway construction under the Buhari administration, yet the projects were already failing.

‘This is not about politics,’ Ningi said. ‘The government borrowed billions of dollars for these lines, but barely two years after completion, they’re collapsing. Those responsible must be held accountable.’

Supporting the motion, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North) called for a complete overhaul of the NRC, which he said had ‘failed to meet its mandate.’

According to him, fixing the rail system would ease pressure on the roads, reduce accidents, and save lives.

Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West) demanded transparency in the funding and contracting process, urging the Senate to determine how much was borrowed, who handled the contracts, and whether due process was followed.

Other lawmakers, including Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West), argued that Nigeria’s rail failures stemmed from poor project design, weak supervision, and a lack of maintenance culture. Hussaini lamented that the same contractors who delivered reliable rail systems elsewhere in Africa executed substandard work in Nigeria.

‘This inefficiency is why our roads are deteriorating-freight that should move by rail is now damaging our highways,’ he said.

After extensive debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the lawmakers for what he described as a ‘timely and necessary intervention.’ He said the investigation would help recover public funds, improve safety, and restore confidence in the rail sector.

‘This is not a partisan matter,’ Akpabio said.

‘We must uncover what went wrong, from the loans obtained to the project execution and maintenance. Nigerians deserve to know how their money was spent.’

At the end of the session, the Senate directed the Ministry of Transportation and the NRC to immediately repair the Itakpe-Warri line, deploy additional coaches, and enhance safety standards.

It also mandated the Senate Committee on Land Transport to carry out a full-scale probe of all railway projects executed during the Buhari administration, focusing on project funding, contract integrity, and maintenance practices.

The ad hoc committee comprises Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Babangida Hussaini, Adamu Aliero, Wasiu Eshinlokun, Osita Ngwu, Solomon Adeola, Ibrahim Dankwabo, Ireti Kingibe, and Sahabi Yau.

The resolution marks one of the most far-reaching oversight efforts by the 10th Senate, as lawmakers pledged to ‘uncover the truth behind Nigeria’s failing rail system’ and ensure accountability in future transport infrastructure projects.

Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the Brass Gas Projects as part of efforts to industrialise Nigeria through gas utilisation.

Speaking at a two-day All-Party Stakeholders Workshop on the Brass Projects in Abuja, Ekpo said the Brass Methanol Plant, Gas Processing Plant, and the Brass Free Zone Infrastructure will collectively form the nucleus of the proposed Brass Oil and Gas City in Bayelsa State.

‘The Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) remains fully committed to supporting the Brass Projects through policy facilitation, regulatory coordination, and stakeholder engagement,’ Ekpo said. ‘We are particularly focused on ensuring that frameworks such as gas supply and offtake agreements, licensing, and infrastructure integration are streamlined and bankable.’

He tasked participants to focus on actionable outcomes, defining clear responsibilities, closing gaps, and producing a roadmap toward achieving full financial close and project take-off.

Ekpo stressed that the successful realisation of the Brass Projects would not only advance Nigeria’s gas industrialisation agenda but also deliver tangible benefits to the Niger Delta region through job creation, infrastructure development, and community empowerment.

He commended the synergy among key partners – Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Renaissance Joint Venture, Afreximbank, and other financiers – for their sustained collaboration toward bringing the project to fruition.

Significantly, all key stakeholders – including NNPC Ltd., Renaissance JV, Bayelsa State Government, Host Communities, Trafigura (the product offtaker), and the EPC contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) – reiterated their unwavering support for the Brass Gas Projects, pledging to work collaboratively toward achieving financial close and timely project execution.

Ebieri Jones, commissioner for trade, industry and investment, Bayelsa state who represented Governor Douye Diri at the event, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing a peaceful and investor-friendly environment for the successful execution of the Brass Projects.

He noted that the government’s support for the initiative is anchored on the projects’ vast potential to create employment opportunities for citizens and to stimulate broad socio-economic growth and development across the state.

In his remarks, Ben Okoye, the managing director of Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Ltd commended the Federal Government for its renewed drive, noting that the Brass Methanol and Gas Processing Plants will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, foster technology transfer, and stimulate ancillary industries across the Niger Delta.

He described the project as a model of productive partnership between government, private investors, and host communities, urging all parties to remain steadfast in achieving early completion.

There was mild drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday when officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) briefly seized and later released the international passport of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Senator) who was travelling out of the country for what she described as ‘a one-week break.’

The incident, which quickly escalated, saw the Kogi Central senator go live on social media to broadcast her encounter with immigration officers, accusing them of acting without legal authority and at the behest of political interests.

In the viral video, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Godswill Akpabio, Senate President was behind the seizure of her passport, claiming it was part of a wider attempt to intimidate her amid her ongoing legal battle.

‘The officers have no warrant, no justification whatsoever to seize my passport. This is clearly politically motivated. I have never jumped bail or missed any court appearance’, she said.

The senator’s public outburst and the ensuing online attention reportedly pressured the immigration officers to release her passport shortly afterward.

When contacted, an official of the Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed to BusinessDay that the incident was a ‘routine check,’ insisting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s travel document was ‘promptly returned to her after verification.’

PalmPay, a Nigerian digital banking platform, participated in the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) Cybersecurity Awareness Walk in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

The event, themed ‘Secure Our World,’ brought together stakeholders from law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and the private sector to raise awareness on cybersecurity, financial fraud prevention, and safe online practices.

PalmPay joined other organisations in promoting public vigilance and responsible digital engagement. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts that improve cybersecurity and consumer protection in Nigeria’s financial system.

Speaking during the event, Chika Reginald Nwosu, PalmPay managing director, commended the NPF-NCCC for its role in tackling cybercrime and safeguarding consumers. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen the nation’s digital payment environment.

‘We commend the NPF-NCCC for its leadership in promoting cybersecurity awareness,’ Nwosu said. ‘PalmPay remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance digital safety and build trust in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.’

During the walk, PalmPay received recognition for its contribution to regulatory engagement and consumer protection in the fintech sector. The company’s participation highlights its ongoing collaboration with national stakeholders to address fraud and promote safer financial transactions.

PalmPay continues to support programmes that educate users on secure digital practices while developing systems to prevent fraud and protect customer data.

The company operates a digital platform that offers financial services such as mobile payments, savings, and micro-insurance through its app and agent network. PalmPay’s participation in the Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities aligns with its goal of building a secure and inclusive financial ecosystem in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says that 17 ships are being expected at Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from Nov. 3 to Nov 7.

The NPA made this known on Monday in a document it published daily known as the Shipping Position.

The document stated that 13 of the expected 17 ships are laden with petroleum products such as crude oil, diesel, aviation fuel, gas oil, gasoline, and petrol.

It said that the remaining four ships being expected contained containers of different products.

The document noted that, meanwhile, six ships had arrived at the ports, waiting to berth with general cargo, petrol, containers and bulk urea.

It added that 16 ships were at the ports discharging general cargoes, bulk wheat, fresh fish, bulk gas, containers and petrol.

In a related development, a total of 14 ships are expected to arrive at Lekki Port in Lagos between Nov. 3 and Nov. 7.

The NPA said further that the 14 ships would arrive with crude oil, aviation fuel, containers, diesel, petrol, gas oil.

It said that nine ships are already at Lekki Port waiting to berth with crude oil, gasoline, bulk urea, petrol, gas oil and crude oil.