Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The federal government has dismissed recent claims by Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, suggesting that the ongoing $1 billion Lagos Port modernisation project reflects a bias toward ports in the South-West.

In a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, special adviser to the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the ministry described Obi’s comments as incorrect and misleading, stressing that the federal government’s port modernisation efforts are nationwide and inclusive.

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of Marine and Blue Economy, reiterated that the Lagos project is only one component of a broader, coordinated national strategy to revitalise maritime infrastructure across Nigeria.

According to the statement, the Ministry has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne ports. These, it said, are being undertaken alongside the Lagos port initiative to enhance efficiency, trade competitiveness, and regional economic growth.

The Ministry also highlighted ongoing collaborations with state governments and private investors on several deep seaport projects, including the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers, and a proposed deep seaport in Cross River.

Each of these, the Ministry noted, reflects the federal government’s commitment to balanced development and regional inclusion within the framework of the national blue economy. Furthermore, the statement pointed to the Onitsha River port in Anambra State, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), as evidence of efforts to decentralise port operations and extend maritime access beyond Lagos.

‘The Lagos ports modernisation project is a necessary intervention given the age and scale of trade handled through Apapa and TinCan Island. However, it is by no means the sole focus of the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive.

‘The Ministry’s ongoing efforts to upgrade, modernise, and expand other ports outside Lagos clearly affirm a nationwide commitment to developing the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner,’ the statement read.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, accountable, and equitable maritime governance, adding that all ongoing reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the blue economy.

It assured Nigerians that every region of the country will benefit from the opportunities and investments being driven through the nation’s expanding maritime sector.

Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of Aviation, has described Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State as a divine gift whose emergence marks a new era of peace and inclusion after years of division and bloodshed.

Fani-Kayode made the remark at the Diocese of Kafanchan, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), during the 2025 Synod and 35th Anniversary celebration. He said the governor’s inclusive leadership style is helping to rebuild trust and restore unity in a state once known for ethno-religious crises and political discrimination.

‘There was a time when all 17 security chiefs in the country were Muslims from the North, and Christians were openly discriminated against, especially in Kaduna State,’ he said. ‘But with the coming of Governor Uba Sani, things have begun to change for the better. What he is doing should serve as an example to the rest of the country.’

The former minister, who described Sani as a close friend, said the governor’s leadership reflects divine intervention and the result of persistent prayers by Christians seeking justice and peace. ‘He is not an ordinary person. The governor you have today came as a consequence of prayer,’ he added.

Recalling the Christmas Day massacre of December 25, 2016, in which more than 800 Christians were killed across four local governments in Southern Kaduna, Fani-Kayode described the incident as one of Nigeria’s darkest moments. He said victims were abandoned, hospitals shut down, and communities left in despair. He noted that Christian traditional rulers were killed and their people treated ‘like filth,’ adding that the ordeal strengthened the faith and resilience of the Christian community. ‘To be a Christian is not to be a second-class citizen or a slave,’ he said. ‘We prayed for deliverance, and God sent Uba Sani as an answer to those prayers.’

Fani-Kayode also commended Governor Sani for taking deliberate steps toward unity, citing the creation of the Kaduna Elders’ Forum with Christian representation and efforts to bridge religious divides. He said killings in Southern Kaduna have stopped since Sani assumed office, describing the state as more peaceful and united.

He praised the governor’s humility and respect for all faiths, recalling a moment when Sani removed his cap during a church service as a sign of reverence. He urged Christians and Muslims to embrace reconciliation, saying, ‘If you lost a child during the time of terror, adopt a child from the other faith. In faith, we are one. The overwhelming majority of Muslims are decent, God-fearing people who wish to live in peace with everyone.’

Fani-Kayode lauded the people of Southern Kaduna for their resilience, patience, and enduring faith despite years of hardship, describing them as ‘extraordinary’ and encouraging them to continue on the path of peace and forgiveness.

Nigeria’s livestock sector came into focus on Tuesday as the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) convened donor agencies, international partners, and development institutions at a high-level workshop in Abuja to explore collaborative opportunities for transforming the industry.

The event, themed ‘Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Livestock Transformation,’ brought together key stakeholders to align strategies for sustainable growth in the sector.

Declaring the workshop open, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, minister of Livestock Development, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to repositioning the livestock industry as a catalyst for economic growth, food security, and national stability.

He said the creation of the ministry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July 2024 underscored government’s resolve to transform the sector into a $74 billion industry by 2035, contributing substantially to Nigeria’s projected $1 trillion economy by 2030.

‘We developed the Nigeria National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS 2025-2035) – a comprehensive, market-oriented, private-sector-led and public-sector-enabled roadmap,’ Maiha stated.

‘The National Economic Council has approved this strategy, which rests on ten pillars – from livestock value chain development, feed and fodder, animal health, finance, infrastructure, and women empowerment to peace-building and social cohesion. Delivering on these pillars is not optional – it is essential.’

Highlighting early progress, the minister disclosed that the government had resuscitated over 400 grazing reserves, validated the National Animal Feeds and Fodder Policy, and established eleven trans-boundary disease control posts along international cattle corridors.

He further revealed that Nigeria had secured USD 2.5 billion in investment commitments from leading Brazilian livestock companies – including JBS, one of the world’s largest meat processors – following discussions at the G20 Summit in Brazil.

‘These partnerships are catalytic,’ Maiha noted. ‘They signal to the world that Nigeria’s livestock sector is ready for investment, innovation, and impact.’

The minister urged partners to align their support with the NL-GAS framework, saying the workshop was not merely a meeting but ‘a milestone to establish formal engagement mechanisms, harmonize donor programmes, and mobilize resources, technology, and expertise.’

‘From the NL-GAS, choose where you want to be, what you want to do, and what legacy you wish to leave behind,’ he challenged development partners. ‘Together, let us transform Nigeria’s livestock sector – one vision, one platform, one future.’

In her welcome remarks, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, permanent Secretary of the Ministry, described the workshop as ‘a declaration of intent’ to move from fragmented donor interventions to coordinated impact. ‘Over the past two decades, donor investments have supported animal health, dairy development, and conflict mitigation,’ she said. ‘Yet, despite these contributions, the sector remains undercapitalized vis-à-vis its potential – signalling both a gap and an opportunity.’

Citing IMF and World Bank projections that Nigeria’s economy will grow between 3.9% and 4.2% in 2025-2026, Akujobi emphasized that aligning donor investments with the NL-GAS could triple current development partner support, catalyze private co-investment, and create millions of jobs.

‘This workshop is our opportunity to move from parallel projects to shared outcomes – from goodwill to coordinated impact,’ she stressed. ‘The ministry stands for transparency, accountability, and measurable results.’

Speaking at the event, Hussein Gadain, country representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), commended Nigeria for establishing a dedicated livestock ministry and a clear national strategy.

‘The FAO welcomes the NL-GAS as a visionary and inclusive framework,’ the representative said. ‘We are committed to working closely with the ministry and partners to strengthen animal health systems, enhance feed and fodder production, and promote climate-smart livestock practices.’ The representative also assured that FAO would continue to provide technical assistance, policy advisory, and capacity-building support to ensure sustainable implementation of Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda.

Participants at the workshop included representatives of the World Bank, IFAD, African Development Bank, USAID, FAO, ECOWAS, and major international NGOs, among others.

Stakeholders resolved to establish a joint coordination platform for donor-government collaboration and to align upcoming projects with the NL-GAS 2025-2035 roadmap.

The event marks a major step toward realising Nigeria’s ambition of building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive livestock sector that contributes to food security, rural prosperity, and national peace.

The federal government reaffirmed its readiness to work transparently with all partners to ensure measurable results that will make Nigeria a regional leader in livestock and dairy production.

On a good day, an average Lagosian, especially those within government circles, will tell you Lagos is a smart city in league with Zurich, Oslo, and Singapore-the world-acclaimed smart cities.

However, the common people on the street would quickly dismiss that view, insisting that Lagos is just another city where life is a struggle for many of its residents, particularly those living in slum areas like Makoko, Ajegunle, Ilaje, Amukoko, etc.

Ikoyi mansions, Banana Island castles, Eko Atlantic skyscrapers, and many upcoming island communities, including Gracefield Island, Orange Island, among others, which underpin Lagos’s New Urbanism, actually give the impression that the city has ‘arrived.’

But concerns remain. There’s so much that could and should still be done. One is urban regeneration. Another is opening up the hinterland to decongest the city centre, which is already bursting at its seams.

What is currently happening in bits and starts across the city, largely at the individual level, is gentrification, not regeneration, which is an urgent necessity. The focus of regeneration should be Ajegunle, arguably the largest slum area in Lagos, with a very high density of the city’s expanding population.

To do this, the city authorities need to invest time and resources to understudy and learn from what is happening at Paddington in Central London. This part of London, like Ajegunle in Lagos, is significant in several ways. ‘Historically, Paddington was best known as a transport hub where Queen Victoria’s first train journey departed from in 1842, and the Heathrow Express cemented its reputation in 1998,’ Ugo Arinzeh, Onyx Property Team lead, explains.

Arinze, a Nigerian realtor based in London, notes that despite its prime Zone 1 location, property prices in Paddington lag behind its neighbours such as Marylebone and Notting Hill, adding, ‘That is changing fast; analysts are now predicting strong growth as the new lifestyle and business infrastructure takes shape.’ Today, according to her, Paddington is undergoing one of the most exciting regeneration projects in central London, pointing out that with over £825 million invested in new developments, the area is being completely reimagined.

‘This is more than a facelift; it’s a full transformation into a vibrant residential, commercial, and cultural hub. The regeneration has already delivered over two million square feet of commercial space and more than 1,300 new homes,’ she reveals.

This is a huge lesson for Lagos with respect to Agengule. Like Paddington, Ajegunle is steeped in history and is located in Lagos city centre. It represents the undying spirit of Lagos. Ajegunle typifies the rough and rugged Lagos neighbourhood where one might be tempted to ask, as in biblical parlance, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’

Despite its prime location in the city centre and also being close to the busiest seaports in Nigeria-Tin Can and Apapa Ports-Ajegunle still lags behind Apapa, which is its immediate neighbour, in terms of property values due largely to its lack of proper planning, as reflected in congestion and overcrowding.

Curiously, as Nazareth paradoxically produced the Saviour, Jesus Christ, Ajegunle has also produced some of Nigeria’s famous and iconic sporting and entertainment stars. These include Ras Kimono, Majek Fashek, Daddy Showkey, Samson Siasia, and Taribo West. It is a breeding ground for sporting and entertainment entrepreneurs in the country.

A walk through this neighbourhood, described as one of Nigeria’s most notable urban slums, reveals a frenzy of urban renewal which is gradual, almost silent, yet so conspicuous it cannot be glossed over.

The House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security has disclosed that it received threats from terrorist groups to bomb the National Assembly complex.

Garba Muhammad, chairman of the committee, made the revelation on Tuesday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish a Legislative Security Directorate for the National Assembly.

Muhammad said the Parliament had faced rising security challenges in recent months, including theft, vandalism, and unauthorised entry by individuals posing as visitors or using fake identity cards.

He warned that the threats, if not addressed urgently, could disrupt legislative activities and undermine national stability.

‘The National Assembly is going through a lot of security challenges; we have experienced car thefts, motorcycle thefts, vandalism, fake identity cards, and unwanted visitors accessing the National Assembly without documentation,’ Muhammad said.

‘We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the Assembly. Legislators are also exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access into their offices without formal appointments’, he added.

He expressed concern that the ongoing security lapses could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic process if not urgently addressed.

‘It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, they will truncate legislative activities in the National Assembly. And if activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all. That will destabilise legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of our nation,’ he cautioned.

The proposed bill (HB 1632) seeks to establish the Legislative Security Directorate to professionalise and coordinate all security operations within the National Assembly complex. It will also set qualifications and conditions of service for the Sergeant-at-Arms and other personnel under the Directorate. According to Muhammad, the Directorate would adopt global best practices in parliamentary security management to ensure a balance between accessibility and safety.

‘Effective security management needs a total approach that requires various elements to be integrated together to secure our environment for legislative procedures to function effectively and maximally,’ he explained.

‘This bill is very important because it seeks to address all the challenges I mentioned and adopt world best practices of parliamentary security procedures and architecture’, he added.

While acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining public accessibility to the legislature without compromising safety, the lawmaker stressed the need for robust yet inclusive security reforms. ‘The need for effective security measures in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasised. Parliament has to remain accessible to the public to uphold democratic values, but this makes it difficult to implement stringent security measures without affecting others’ interests,’ he said.

He urged State Houses of Assembly across the country to adopt similar measures to strengthen internal security in their legislative chambers.

‘I also want to admonish our State Houses of Assembly to imbibe the same,’ Muhammad added, wishing participants a ‘peaceful and fruitful hearing that will ultimately bring a turnaround in National Assembly security architecture.’

The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on the ban of single-use plastics in Nigeria has proposed the introduction of a green tax on manufacturers of polypropylene – a common plastic used in packaging, disposable cups, woven bags, and household items.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the committee’s inaugural meeting, Terseer Ugbor, chairman of the panel, said the house would also consider legislation to regulate polypropylene production and promote recycling as part of a national strategy to curb pollution and protect public health.

‘Polypropylene’s environmental impact is substantial and disturbing,’ Ugbor said. ‘During the production process, it releases toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, putting workers and nearby communities at risk. ‘It is responsible for enormous carbon emissions and relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to resource depletion. As waste, polypropylene isn’t biodegradable, lingering in landfills for up to 500 years and polluting our oceans and harming marine life in the process.

‘Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this path of environmental neglect. Our industries must take responsibility for the ecological footprints they leave behind.’

Ugbor said the committee would work with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to develop a policy framework for the proposed green tax and integrate polypropylene recycling into the national waste management programme. ‘This committee will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions are not just recommended but implemented,’ he said.

The lawmaker added that the committee will hold a public hearing involving manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental experts to ensure that any proposed regulation is fair and effective.

‘This is not about taxation. It is about responsibility, sustainability, and protecting the future of our environment and our people,’ Ugbor said.

Last year, the House of Representatives urged the federal government to ban the production, importation, distribution, and use of styrofoam and single-use plastics nationwide.

Similarly, the Lagos State government announced a ban on the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics within the state.

Nigeria’s Flamingos were sent packing from the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Italy in their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday night in Rabat, Morocco.

The 2022 bronze medallists came into the match hoping to extend their stay in the tournament, but were outclassed by the clinical Italian side.

Nigeria could have taken the lead midway through the first half when captain Shakirat Moshood forced a superb save from goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni after a fierce shot from the left side of the penalty box. Just before halftime, Anna Copelli gave Italy the breakthrough, weaving through the Flamingos’ defence before slotting past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu to make it 1-0. The Flamingos thought they had drawn level 10 minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun tapped home after a determined effort from Queen Joseph, but VAR ruled that Joseph had kicked the ball from the goalkeeper’s hands.

Italy punished the Nigerians moments later as Caterina Venturelli doubled their lead with a stunning long-range strike that sailed over Echefu and into the net.

Five minutes later, Giulia Robino added a third, before Rachelle Giudici completed the rout in the 89th minute, her goal confirmed after another VAR check.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s campaign at the tournament, as the Flamingos bowed out after a disappointing performance against the in-form Italians.

With the 2025 World Cup journey over, attention now turns to preparations for the next FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying series, with the tournament now set to be held annually.

Waidi Shuaibu (Major General) the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff has spent his entire adult life navigating the sharp edges of Nigeria’s security landscape. Calm in the face of risk and rigorous in pursuit of results, he now assumes the highest responsibility in the Nigerian Army at a time the nation demands renewed strength, trust, and modern military thinking.

Rooted in service and learning

Born on December 18 1971 in Olamaboro, Kogi State, Shuaibu entered the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1989 and was commissioned into the Armour Corps in 1994. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering and postgraduate qualifications in public administration, strategic studies, and security studies earned across institutions in Nigeria, Ghana, and the United States. He has trained in leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and is currently pursuing a PhD in strategic studies at the University of Ibadan.

Shaped by the toughest battles

Shuaibu’s record in the field spans more than three decades. He has served in almost every major counterterrorism and peace support operation launched by Nigeria and the African Union. His rise through the command structure has been steady and earned, from platoon commander in the Armour Corps to brigade commander, general officer commanding 7 Division, and eventually theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East.

That posting in 2023 and 2024 placed him at the heart of the war against Boko Haram and ISWAP. His approach relied on readiness and adaptation. He restored damaged armoured vehicles to service, giving troops renewed strength in mobility and firepower. He tightened coordination with the Air Force, which executed hundreds of sorties providing precision intelligence and strikes in support of ground advances. Security reports during his tenure credited his theatre command with major breakthroughs. Deep clearance operations into Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuktu Triangle disrupted long standing insurgent strongholds. More than 567 terrorists were neutralised in a fifteen month period, while the mass surrender of fighters and their families crossed 121,000, changing the tone of the conflict and opening the door to stabilisation.

Building trust where war has wounded

Shuaibu’s philosophy recognises that insurgency is not defeated by force alone. In early 2024 he launched the Local Community Policing and Peace Enforcement model, designed to bring military operations closer to local realities and strengthen trust with residents. Humanitarian outreach and support for cultural events helped reconnect troops and communities scarred by years of violence.

He improved accommodation, logistics, and morale facilities across the theatre. The Joint Task Force Headquarters in Maiduguri was renovated, and new quarters for soldiers and families were constructed.

These efforts earned continental recognition when his theatre command received the Security Watch Africa Award in 2024 as the most outstanding defence command in Africa.

A mandate for modernisation

Now as Chief of Army Staff, Shuaibu carries expectations that extend across Nigeria. The challenges are diverse, from insurgency and banditry to emerging threats that demand technology and intelligence driven responses.

He is viewed within military circles as disciplined, reflective, and direct. He loves reading and is known as a devoted family man. Nigeria’s security environment remains complex, although the elevation of a commander with deep combat experience and strong academic insight suggests a clear direction. The mission before him is to strengthen an Army that must protect a vast nation while earning its trust.

The man accused of assassinating Shinzo Abe, Japan’s former prime minister has pleaded guilty, opening a landmark trial that has revived national debates about gun control and political ties to a powerful religious movement.

Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, stood before judges in the western city of Nara and said in a quiet voice that ‘everything is true.’ He admitted shooting Abe during a campaign event in July 2022, an attack that stunned Japan and the wider world. Abe was Japan’s longest serving leader and a towering figure in both domestic politics and international affairs. He later died in hospital. Yamagami arrived in court escorted by officers, wearing a black T shirt with his hair tied back. Although he acknowledged killing Abe, his defence team plans to challenge some of the charges, including accusations that he violated arms control laws by using a homemade weapon.

The road to trial has been delayed by security scares. In 2023, a suspicious item found at the courthouse forced an evacuation, though investigators later determined it was harmless. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and gun violence is extremely rare. Police at the scene initially failed to recognise the sound of the first shot, a report later found, leading to questions about how such a high profile public figure could be left vulnerable. The killing also triggered a political reckoning. Japanese media reported that Yamagami blamed Abe for promoting the Unification Church, which he said had driven his family into financial ruin. His mother allegedly donated around 100 million yen, a sum that left them bankrupt. The case put intense pressure on Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, prompting several ministers to resign amid scrutiny of their links to the church. Investigations culminated in a Tokyo court order this year to dissolve the Unification Church. The group lost its tax exempt status and now faces liquidation of its assets. Nonetheless, Yamagami’s mother is expected to testify that her faith remains unshaken.

Abe was known for his strong stance on national security and a bold economic programme widely called Abenomics. His death raised fresh questions about how to protect political leaders in public spaces. In response, Japan passed new laws in 2024 to tighten controls on homemade weapons. Publishing instructions on how to make guns or providing information about illegal gun sales online can now lead to fines or jail.

Yamagami’s trial is expected to continue into January. The defence argues that the device he used does not legally qualify as a firearm. Prosecutors will seek to prove not only premeditated murder but also that he broke Japan’s strict weapons laws.

The verdict in this high profile case will not only determine the fate of one man. Many in Japan also see it as a test of how the country balances political openness, public safety, and transparency in its ties with controversial organisations.

HabariPay, the fintech arm of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), has recorded the highest profit value among Nigerian bank-owned payment companies in the first half of 2025, overtaking Access Holdings’ fintech subsidiary, Hydrogen.

According to the banking group’s latest financial statements published on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), GTCO’s HabariPay posted a profit growth of 84 percent, rising to N4.02 billion from N2.18 billion. Hydrogen’s after-tax profit surged by 305 per cent to N966 million in H1 2025, up from N238 million in the same period of 2024.

Stanbic IBTC’s Zest Payments, however, widened its loss to N954 million in H1, compared to N318 million a year earlier. GTCO launched Habari in 2018 as a super-app before pivoting in 2022 to HabariPay, a dedicated fintech subsidiary providing digital payments. Its flagship platform, Squad, combines a payment gateway, e-commerce tools, and a PoS business.

The fintech processes payments through virtual accounts, USSD, cards, and bank transfers for merchants, along with switching services for account-to-account bank transfers and card transactions.

It currently earns revenue from net commissions on merchant transactions and sales margins on bill payments, such as airtime vending and bulk SMS. Operating income has surged more than 10 times to N5.05 billion since H1 2022 (from N447.86 million), while operating expenses have risen 13 times to N1.03 billion from N70.64 million in the same period. As of June 2025, it had a cash balance of N2.18 billion. BusinessDay reported in March that the company had acquired key regulatory licenses from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to facilitate its mission.

These licenses enable the company to process transactions and offer value-added services, ensuring seamless integration across multiple payment channels, including USSD and internet-based transactions.

Eduofon Japhet, managing director of HabariPay Ltd, told BusinessDay of the company’s commitment to building local financial infrastructure to support digital payments.

‘We entered a market that seemed saturated, and we needed to find a place for ourselves,’ she said. ‘Our focus has been on developing infrastructure that supports local transactions, making digital payments more accessible and affordable for businesses and consumers alike.’