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The Chairman National Population Commission (NPC) Nasir Isa-Kwarra has ended his five-year tenure.

He handed over leadership of the NPC to the Federal Commissioner Muhammad Dattijo, who represents Niger State.

Dattijo will serve as acting Chairman until Aminu Yusuf is sworn in as Chairman by President Bola Tinubu.

The brief handover ceremony at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja, was attended by Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, Directors, and Commission staff.

In a statement by the Commission on Wednesday, Kwarra thanked his colleagues and subordinates for their cooperation during his tenure.

The statement reads: ‘Hon. Kwarra expressed appreciation to the Federal Commissioners, Management and Staff of the NPC for their unwavering support and dedication throughout his five-year tenure, highlighting the commission’s strides in strengthening data collection systems, digitizing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system and advancing preparations for the forthcoming national Population and Housing Census’.

He added the achievements recorded under his leadership were made possible through collective commitment and professionalism, the statement noted.

The occasion was marked by emotional farewells and tributes, including the signing of the official handover notes, the presentation of a gift to Kwarra, and a group photograph to commemorate the day.

Kwarra, appointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, led the commission during one of its most critical periods, the build-up to Nigeria’s first population and housing census in nearly two decades.

The last national census was conducted in 2006, making the forthcoming exercise a key national priority.

The Final Award in the arbitration initiated by General Hydrocarbons Limited against First Bank of Nigeria Limited, issued by Sole Arbitrator Hon. Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, was published today the 28th, October 2025,

General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) was represented by Messrs. Paul Usoro SAN and and Abiodun Layonu SAN. First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN) was also represented by Messrs Gbolahan. Elias, SAN; Babajide Koku, SAN and Victor Ogude, SAN.

The Tribunal dismissed GHL’s case in its entirety, affirming FBN’s financing obligations as conditional, finding no breach or entitlement to damages by GHL, and ordering GHL to bear the costs of arbitration.

The dispute arose from the Subrogation Agreement dated May 29, 2021, under which GHL undertook the repayment of an outstanding debt of $718 million and FBN undertook to provide additional loans to finance the development and production of OML 120 in line with the provisions of the Subrogation Agreement.

GHL alleged that FBN breached the agreement by failing to provide absolute and timely financing, sabotaging alternative funding efforts, and causing losses including liabilities to third party and leading to loss of productive time in the development of OML 120.

FBN argued its financing obligation was conditional and not absolute but subject to review and professional discretion in line with banking policies and regulatory guidelines.

The key Findings of the Tribunal are as follows:

1. FBN has a conditional, not absolute, obligation to finance OML 120 development. It must review and evaluate financing requests and may attach competitive terms as deemed suitable.

2. GHL failed to prove any breach by FBN. FBN made several financing offers totaling $185 million, and delays alleged by GHL were not found unreasonable or in breach.

3. Introduction of an Independent Asset Manager as a financing condition by FBN was consistent with the agreement and not a breach.

4. Allegations of FBN sabotaging alternative financing arrangements were unsubstantiated and dismissed for being devoid of any merit.

5. All reliefs sought by GHL, including declarations, damages for unpaid contractor fees, losses, and termination of the Subrogation Agreement, were refused.

6. FBN was adjudged entitled to recover reasonable legal and arbitration costs from GHL, amounting to $112,100 and N111,250,000, payable within 30 days with interest on late payment.

The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, has said Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries are leading Africa’s entertainment growth, with the sector projected to reach $100 billion by 2030.

He said the latest PwC report placing Nigeria ahead of other African nations with an 11.2% growth rate last year reaffirmed the strength and potential of the country’s entertainment and media ecosystem.

Asika, who spoke on Arise News at the weekend, said: ‘I think the PwC numbers are saying $25 billion by 2025, but for us in the sector, we’re trying to get to $100 billion by 2030.

‘We just completed a significant mapping of the sector for the very first time, supported by Big Win Philanthropy, covering ten sectors. Our target is to add two million jobs by 2030, but the data shows we can actually add up to three million.’

He noted that the report underscored how the creative industry continues to lead Nigeria’s economy even in difficult times, noting that technology remains the key driver of scale.

‘Technology enables scale, but can you imagine a digital platform without our content? It’s dead. This sector animates everything – news, music, entertainment, podcasts, art – all come from it. That’s why these PwC numbers and even Spotify’s figures show how powerful the sector has become,’ he said.

Asika disclosed that Spotify paid Nigerian artists N58 billion in 2024, with over 1.2 million Afrobeats playlists hosted on the platform – a sign, he said, that Nigerian content has fully validated itself on the global stage.

‘Our music is no longer in the phase of validation – it’s already validated,’ he added.

He however warned that to sustain the boom, Nigeria must invest in infrastructure, regulation, and local platforms to ensure artists and creators benefit directly.

‘We want to see more domestic digital platforms built. There’s nothing wrong with YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, but we must develop our own ecosystem and capture our own value.

‘The key question is retaining that value domestically. A mix of policy, digital and physical infrastructure investment will take us there,’ he added.

Highlighting Nigeria’s immense creative talent, Asika said soft power through the arts had already proven its worth globally.

‘Nigerians need to be celebrated. Our creativity has penetrated everywhere with very little investment. Government can’t claim to have done much yet – maybe we’re just coming to the party.

‘There’s talent everywhere – in Kafanchan, Onitsha, Enugu, Kaduna, Ibadan – not just in Lagos or Port Harcourt. The question is how to create platforms and give opportunities for exposure and growth,’ he said.

On the forthcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), holding between November 22nd and 29th in Enugu State, he said:

‘Come to Enugu, he said, ‘Governor Peter Mbah has promised it will be the biggest and best ever. We’re expecting all 36 states and the FCT, and Katsina is even bringing 100 horses for the first-ever Durba in the Southeast.

‘People don’t even realise that the Durba is the same as the Ofala or Ojude Oba – moments when the king comes out to greet his people. That’s why our theme this year is Connected Culture.’

Asika expressed excitement about the recently reopened National Arts Theatre in Lagos, describing it as a game-changer for the sector.

‘It’s a world-class venue, and once programmed properly, it’ll transform the landscape. My colleague Tola Akerele already has nine months of programming lined up, and from November 1st, you’ll start seeing what’s coming,’ Asika said.

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the standard and quality of completed and ongoing projects executed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in all Tertiary Institutions across Nigeria to ensure value for money.

In its resolution following a motion sponsored by Aderemi Oseni (APC, Oyo), the House asked the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission, TETFund, and Development Partners to work out modalities to refurbish the First-Generation Universities to restore the glory and quality of the Universities.

Leading the debate on the motion, Oseni recalled that First-Generation Federal Universities in Nigeria in the early 60s exuded glory, glamour, quality and class from inception, and were also the pride of the nation in those days, adding that the standard and quality of these first-generation universities, in terms of quality of teachers,

students and infrastructure attract them to foreign students and international recognitions across the world.

He expressed concerns that these first-generation universities which include the University of Ibadan, the University of

Nigeria, Nsuka, and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, amongst others, seem to have lost the glory they exuded in the 60s due to years of neglect and unintended abandonment of infrastructure and facilities in the Universities.

He alleged that these years of neglect have resulted in decay and dilapidated infrastructure of the institutions’ lecture halls, hostels, auditoriums, etc. The beautiful zoos in the Universities that attracted tourists from far and near are either empty or non-existent.

He said Tertiary Education Trust (TETFund) intervention projects initiated to ameliorate the infrastructure gap in the universities, have executed a number of projects in selected Universities, which are of poor quality, with newly completed works deteriorating faster

than projects built over 60 years ago.

He said there was the need for the Federal Government to refurbish the First-Generation Universities in Nigeria to return to their former the glory and investigate the quality of works executed by TETFund to justify value for monies spent on the projects.

The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (T.A.T), has assured all stakeholders of an inclusive governance process in the preparation of the 2026 budget, describing the engagement as a defining moment in deepening participatory governance and ensuring community ownership in budget formulation.

He further assured participants that all inputs deliberated and tabled during the forum would be fully considered in the drafting of the 2026 fiscal document.

Taiwo affirmed that the 2026 budget has been strategically designed to capture the priorities of residents while aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the THEMES Plus developmental focus of Lagos State.

According to the council boss, the 2026 Appropriation Bill, titled ‘Budget of Renewed Hope and Inclusive Growth,’ is a practical and people-centered roadmap aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, expanding access to healthcare, empowering the youth, stimulating local economic growth, promoting environmental sustainability, and advancing digital innovation and civic participation in governance.

He explained that the budget is anchored on the S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda, a localised development framework designed by his administration to address key areas including security and safety of residents, improved healthcare delivery, renewal of public infrastructure, advancement of education and youth development, environmental preservation, economic empowerment of local entrepreneurs, and the integration of digital solutions to enhance service delivery and strengthen civic engagement. ‘The proposed budget will prioritise road rehabilitation, drainage construction, primary healthcare enhancement, the establishment of entrepreneurship hubs, provision of educational resources and ICT centres in public schools, and the creation of platforms that enable citizens to participate actively in governance,’ he said.

The council boss noted that the forum represented a collaborative exercise aimed at co-creating a budget that speaks directly to the needs of the people. He encouraged residents, associations, and stakeholder groups to submit their proposed projects for consideration, reaffirming that the administration is committed to initiatives that improve quality of life and promote sustainable development.

He also appealed to residents to support government initiatives through the prompt payment of rates and levies, emphasising that adequate revenue generation is essential to delivering the projects and programmes outlined in the proposed budget.

Taiwo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and policy direction, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire progress across all tiers of government and drive development at the grassroots.

The Council Manager, Mr. Olusegun Ajagunna, stated that the stakeholders’ forum was convened to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and adequately reflected in the forthcoming 2026 budget.

Ajagunna emphasised that the council places a high premium on participatory governance, adding that the forum serves as a vital platform to identify the pressing needs, priorities, and aspirations of every community within the council.

Head of the Budget, Planning and Statistics Department, Mrs. Lambo Oluwabunmi, said the forum reflected Aare Taiwo’s commitment to inclusive governance and equal representation in addressing the needs of residents at the local level.

It is crucial to start this by acknowledging the importance of Dangote Refinery as a turning point in Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector. For nearly 40 years, the country has relied on imports to meet its energy needs, even though Nigeria is a major crude oil producer and the government has built three refineries.

This situation has caused a lot of contention for the country, including the introduction of fuel subsidies to provide a cushion for impoverished citizens in the country at the mercy of international markets.

The completion of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery is a monumental achievement. With a projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, it is the largest single-train refinery in the world and a symbol of industrial ambition with the potential to change the lives of Nigerians for the better or worse.

The Dangote Refinery can become a catalyst for healthy competition, accelerating the development of the downstream sector, or a monopolistic force that stifles competition, dictates prices, and undermines the broader goals of economic inclusion. The direction the refinery takes will be decided by the actions of Nigeria’s regulatory agencies.

The Promise and the Peril

The Dangote Refinery promises to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. We can already see the added benefits of local production in the stabilisation of the naira against the dollar as the country saves billions in foreign exchange and reduces its reliance on imported refined petroleum products. But, there have also been concerns about how the Dangote Refinery, which, despite its scale, intends to achieve vertical integration, will stay profitable without artificial market dominance.

Moves made in the company’s first year of operations suggest the Dangote Refinery is looking to replicate its attempts at a forced monopoly in other sectors in the downstream oil and gas sector. The refinery has already sought to disrupt the complex logistical network that ensures petroleum reaches final consumers by introducing a ‘free’ delivery service targeting major retailers, in a bid to incentivise them to ditch their long-term relationships with importers and depots and to buy products exclusively from the refinery. Industry stakeholders have condemned this move as predatory.

The Dangote Refinery has also been accused of abruptly lowering ex-depot petroleum prices and bearing the cost differential to undercut importers who cannot bear the losses incurred by this tactic. Already, many major importers and depots have been forced to shutter their businesses or risk bankruptcy. When challenged on the integrity of its tactics, the Dangote Refinery has defended its actions as healthy market competition.

A monopoly, even one born from private investment and innovation, can distort markets. It can lead to price manipulation, limit consumer choice, and create barriers for new entrants. In the absence of robust regulatory oversight, the very infrastructure meant to empower the economy could end up concentrating power in the hands of a few.

The Mandate of Regulators

Nigeria’s regulatory bodies, particularly the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), have a constitutional and moral obligation to safeguard the principles of fair competition.

It is their responsibility to ensure transparency in all business practices, monitor market behaviour and intervene when predatory actions are taken against competitors or consumers, even when they are ‘legal’. They must also enforce anti-trust laws and deter larger corporations from engaging in anti-competitive practices that marginalise smaller marketers. But most importantly, it is their responsibility to provide a favourable environment for new entrants into the downstream sector, and by doing so, ensure the energy sector remains resilient and dynamic.

The Dangote Group is only as big and successful as it is today because regulatory agencies ensured indigenous entrepreneurs were protected from monopolistic manoeuvres from international competitors. The same consideration must now be extended to other players in the energy sector to balance industrial ambition and market fairness. The Dangote Refinery represents a significant advancement towards self-sufficiency, but that doesn’t exempt it from the same standards of accountability that any other market participant must adhere to.

A Delicate Balance

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The emergence of the Dangote Refinery offers a rare opportunity to redefine the country’s energy future. The refinery may be privately owned, but the market it operates in belongs to the people.

The future of the energy sector is the responsibility of the agencies tasked with ensuring that Nigerians reap the benefits of deregulation and that companies maximise the opportunities a free market offers Nigerian entrepreneurs. If local regulators rise to the occasion, they can ensure that this refinery becomes a cornerstone of shared prosperity, not a symbol of concentrated power.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed that its greatest asset lies not only in infrastructure and technology but in its people, who drive the nation’s maritime growth.

Its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stated this yesterday, during the maiden edition of the National Mentoring Day celebration held at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos.

Represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Vivian Richard-Edet, Dr. Dantsoho said the event marked a significant milestone in the Authority’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting knowledge transfer, and entrenching a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

‘This occasion marks an important milestone in our commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting knowledge transfer, and institutionalising a culture of continuous learning and professional development,’ he said.

He added that while NPA continues to invest in world-class infrastructure and advanced port technology, its most valuable strength remains its workforce.

‘As an organisation at the heart of Nigeria’s maritime economy, we recognise that our true strength lies not only in infrastructure and technology but, more importantly, in our people,’ he emphasised.

Dantsoho also applauded the contributions of young professionals serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the NPA, describing them as the next generation of innovators and change agents who will shape the future of the maritime industry and Nigeria’s economy at large.

‘The young professionals serving here under the NYSC are not just temporary participants; you represent the next wave of innovators, administrators, and change agents who will shape the future of the maritime sector and, by extension, our national economy,’ he said.

Established in 2014 and inaugurated in London in 2016, National Mentoring Day is celebrated globally on October 27 each year. The observance encourages individuals and organisations to participate in mentoring, ensuring equal opportunities for people to realise their potential.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), which seeks to reduce inequalities by promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers through mentorship.

The Federal Government has concluded plans to partner with the World Bank, research institutions, and coastal communities to promote innovation, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance data-driven planning for fisheries and aquaculture development.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola who disclosed this in Lagos, said efforts are also being directed towards strengthening the cold chain system, promoting value addition through fish processing and packaging, improving access to quality feed and seed, developing functional hatcheries, expanding extension services, and facilitating access to finance for fish farmers and entrepreneurs.

In his keynote during a one-day interactive seminar between Stakeholders and Regulatory Authorities involved in Stockfish and Seafood Import and Export Trade in Nigeria organized by the Norwegian Seafood Council and the Norwegian government in Lagos, he said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy recognizes the importance of seafood trade not only as an economic activity but also as a source of animal protein and a driver of industrial linkages.

‘The seafood sector connects production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing, thereby creating a comprehensive value chain that sustains livelihoods and supports national economic objectives.

‘The Ministry is partnering with development partners such as World Bank, research institutions, and coastal communities to promote innovation, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance data-driven planning for fisheries and aquaculture development. In addition, the Ministry is also working to ensure that fish is affordable and available for the ordinary Nigerian.

‘The Ministry is equally working towards streamlining seafood import and export processes, thereby reducing administrative bottlenecks, and ensuring regulatory harmony through collaboration with relevant agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as through the National Single Window platform and the digitalization of the entire fisheries and aquaculture processes,’ he said.

Under the Blue Economy framework, government he said is implementing measures to strengthen monitoring, control, and surveillance systems to address Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing; promote private sector investment in aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure; upgrade fish handling, processing, and certification systems to meet international export standards; and enhance collaboration with international partners on research, innovation, and digitalization of fisheries management.

Oyetola acknowledged the fact that the government alone cannot achieve all the goals, underscoring the need for partnership. ‘Stakeholders must continue to cooperate with regulatory authorities, comply with established standards, and support the implementation of government policies and programmes. I encourage all stakeholders to freely express their concerns and share practical suggestions that will enable Government to address existing challenges and strengthen the regulatory environment.

‘I reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to the development of a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive seafood value chain that will contribute to national food security, employment generation, and economic growth. Working together, we can transform Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a globally competitive industry that not only feeds our people but also advances the national Blue Economy,’ he said.

Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Svien Baera, renewed the call for the inclusion of stockfish and its head in the list of goods with zero import duty to make it affordable in the country.

Baera urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the sustainability of the sector through the zero import duties on stockfish due to the low quota of cod (the primary fish for stockfish) and its subsequent price increase fundamentally due to the forces and demand and supply.

The Norwegian envoy said Nigeria remained one of its largest markets in the world, adding that government intervention would help drive affordability among the large consuming population.

‘Nigeria is consistently one of the largest importers of Norwegian stockfish in the world. It is an important part of the Nigerian kitchen.

‘What started as a trade relationship many decades ago has now grown into something mutually beneficial. This is not just a story of commerce; it is a story of cultural exchange.

‘Both our nations share a strong commitment to sustainability to ensure that our oceans continue to provide for generations to come.

‘As part of this responsible approach, we have in recent years seen a reduction in cod quotas, reflecting the need to protect fish stocks and support long-term marine health.

‘Unfortunately, this necessary reduction has led to increased prices for both stockfish and stockfish heads, impacting both producers and consumers.

‘Hence, we respectfully appeal once again for zero import duty on stockfish heads as a meaningful step towards ensuring continued accessibility and affordability for Nigerian consumers,’ Baera said.

Also speaking on the occasion, both the Director of Africa, Norwegian Seafood Council, Mr Johnny Haaberg, and Fisheries Consultant to Norwegian Seafood Council, Ms. Abiodun Oritsjemine Cheke also supported the envoy’s call for zero-duty on the importation of fish head to promote the health of Nigerians.

‘We try to share our knowledge about aquaculture and management of fisheries, also with Nigeria, and we have been doing that for many years, and we think the cooperation is very good.

‘We have been raising the issue of zero duties for stockfish imports because we think the Nigerian consumers deserve better access to cheaper stockfish heads.

‘Actually, we would wish to have more stockfish heads and stockfish at a good price to offer to the Nigerian market.

‘But because of the lowering of our quotas, the exporters that are here, they sell everything they have, and they are not able to access more,’ Haaberg said.

Ms. Cheke said Norway is ready to increase the training of local fish farmers in the country to increase local export opportunities.

‘In the coming year, we will embark on the training of fish farmers and government officers in fisheries in the sustainability aspect and the documentation aspect of the trade.

‘Nigeria’s product is banned from international trade simply because of documentation, sustainability and quality assurance.

‘So, with this, we intend to leverage it to complement the last training we did for the fish farmers and fisheries officers.

‘And we are also appealing to the federal government that stockfish, especially the heads, is for everybody and is about the cheapest protein in Nigeria.

‘Stockfish heads should be placed on zero per cent import duties for a 150-day period, like the other staple foods. We are also praying for our appeal on zero per cent to be heard and for stockfish heads,’ Cheke said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas have reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to strengthening democracy through education, research, and institutional development.

The National Assembly leaders spoke at the ninth convocation of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

They underscored the role of education, particularly legislative and democratic studies, in fostering accountable governance, improving public service delivery, and sustaining democratic development in Nigeria.

Akpabio, who is the Chairman of the Governing Board of the institute, noted that it was imperative to strengthen the nation’s legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms to ensure effective governance and equitable distribution of public resources.

He promised that the National Assembly would continue to deploy its legislative and oversight instruments to enhance transparency, revenue generation, and service delivery.

Akpabio said: ‘As members of the 10th Senate, we will continue to strengthen existing legal frameworks and enhance our oversight of public institutions to ensure they deliver effective public service.

‘Our efforts have already contributed to increased revenue accruing to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, leading to higher allocations to the states and the federal government.’

The Senate President urged state legislatures to complement the efforts of the National Assembly by holding governors accountable to ensure the prudent and equitable use of the additional funds now available to subnational governments.

Abbas lauded the partnership between NILDS and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for their sustained collaboration in promoting academic excellence in legislative studies.

The Speaker, who was represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvnere, said the NILDS/UNIBEN programmes has produced professionals who are better equipped to confront Nigeria’s governance and institutional challenges.

He expressed delight about the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying key economic indicators were beginning to improve.

Abbas said: ‘Though we may have different experiences, what is clear is that our economy is on a better growth trajectory today than it would have been under a business-as-usual scenario.’

The Speaker noted that inflation had dropped below 20 per cent, while the value of the naira was appreciating against major currencies.

He attributed these developments to the government’s fiscal and tax reforms.

‘The 10th House of Representatives is committed to reforming the budget process to ensure strict adherence to timelines for preparation, enactment, implementation, and oversight,’ Abbas stated.

The NILDS Director-General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said the Institute’s academic programmes were designed to bridge knowledge and capacity gaps in democratic institutions across the country.

He said the NILDS/UNIBEN partnership continued to produce graduates with the skills necessary to strengthen governance, policy-making, and legislative practices.

Sulaiman said a total of 79 students graduated from various programmes, including 19 from the Higher National Diploma (HND) courses, nine from Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programmes, and 51 from Master’s degree programmes in Legislative and Democratic Studies.

The NILDS director general urged the Federal and state governments to prioritise the funding of the education sector in the 2026 fiscal year.

He stressed that inadequate funding would continue to undermine the quality of human capital development across the country.

‘The funding of higher institutions has a direct relationship with human capacity development. Low funding translates to poor-quality graduates,’ Sulaiman said.

‘I also urge the government to find a lasting solution to the incessant ASUU strikes that have bedeviled and distorted our university system.’

The NILDS director general hailed the UNIBEN management and workers, led by its Vice Chancellor Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for their partnership and accreditation support, which have helped the institute to sustain high academic standards.

Sulaiman announced that admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session had begun.

The director general said the institute had been receiving applications for its programmes, such as Master’s degrees in Elections and Party Politics, Legislative Studies, Parliamentary Administration, and Constitutional Law and Development.

The event enabled stakeholders to reflect on the role of legislative institutions in consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.

Speakers agreed that education and capacity building were key to improving governance outcomes and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has restated its commitment to building a transparent, inclusive, and technology-driven tax system that fosters clarity, trust, and shared prosperity among Nigerians.

Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, made this known in his keynote address at the Abuja Edition of the 2025 Emerging Taxpayers’ Tax Clinic, held on Tuesday.

According to Adedeji, the FIRS is focused on bridging the gap between citizens and government through open communication, modernized systems, and simplified processes that make tax compliance easier for individuals and businesses.

‘This Tax Clinic is not just a program, it is a bridge between the government and the governed, policy and people,’ he said. ‘Our tax reforms are designed to simplify compliance, reduce bottlenecks, and build trust with taxpayers. A modern revenue system can only thrive on fairness, empathy, and collaboration.’

He explained that the ongoing tax reforms aim to remove complexities that often discourage compliance, while ensuring that revenue collection supports national growth and development in an equitable manner.

Speaking during a panel session at the event, Mr. Collins Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy to the Executive Chairman, said the FIRS is transforming public perception of taxation.

‘What we are doing is changing the narrative-from tax being seen as a burden to being understood as a shared responsibility for national growth,’ Omokaro said. ‘This Clinic reflects the power of clarity and collaboration.’

The Abuja Tax Clinic featured multilingual community outreach programmes and media campaigns in English, Pidgin English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, ensuring that the message of voluntary compliance and taxpayer support reached Nigerians across different backgrounds.

The event also provided a platform to deepen public understanding of the recently enacted four new Tax Reform Acts: Nigeria Tax Act; Nigeria Tax Administration Act; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act; and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

These laws, described by participants as a landmark in Nigeria’s fiscal framework, are designed to simplify tax administration, harmonize revenue systems, and place taxpayers at the center of policy design and implementation.

According to FIRS, the Tax Clinic continues to serve as a strategic tool to strengthen voluntary compliance, improve service delivery, and foster trust between taxpayers and government institutions.

Participants benefited from expert presentations, interactive service desks, and panel discussions that provided practical guidance on registration, filing, dispute resolution, and available incentives under the new tax administration framework.

There was strong institutional representation from key partner agencies, including the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Joint Tax Board (JTB), Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Also in attendance were major professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

These partners operated service desks at the event, providing hands-on support to taxpayers, responding to inquiries, and offering real-time guidance on various tax-related issues.

FIRS, in a statement, expressed appreciation to its institutional partners, professional bodies, and the thousands of taxpayers who participated both physically and virtually, describing the Abuja edition as ‘a resounding success.’

The Emerging Taxpayers’ Tax Clinic, which has held in several states across the country, forms part of the Service’s broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s tax administration, improve compliance rates, and promote an inclusive, technology-driven tax culture that supports national development.