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Nigeria has officially exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list following sustained implementation of strategic reforms to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) framework.

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) confirmed the development, describing it as a significant milestone for the nation’s financial system and international reputation.

The decision was formally announced at the FATF plenary held in Paris, France.

According to the NFIU, the removal of Nigeria from the grey list followed a rigorous mutual evaluation process which reviewed the country’s compliance with global standards for preventing illicit financial flows, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

The statement noted that Nigeria’s exit was achieved through ‘consistent inter-agency collaboration, decisive leadership, and the adoption of modern tools and technologies to strengthen financial intelligence gathering and enforcement.’

The FATF grey list is reserved for countries with strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes. Being removed from the list means Nigeria has demonstrated sufficient political commitment and technical progress in addressing all identified deficiencies.

Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, described the achievement as ‘a collective victory for Nigeria’s financial system,’ adding that it signals renewed confidence from international partners and investors.

She stated: ‘Our removal from the FATF grey list reflects Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in financial transactions.

‘This outcome is the result of years of hard work, collaboration among regulatory and law enforcement agencies, and the support of the Presidency.’

Bakari also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, noting that his administration’s support accelerated the completion of the FATF Action Plan and ensured compliance with international standards.

The NFIU commended the efforts of key institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), among others.

According to the Unit, these institutions worked tirelessly to address FATF’s 30-item action plan, which included strengthening supervisory oversight, improving risk-based assessments, enhancing information sharing, and ensuring effective prosecution of financial crimes.

The agency noted that Nigeria’s successful exit from the grey list will have positive implications for the economy, including increased investor confidence, reduced transaction costs for Nigerian businesses abroad, and improved access to the global financial system.

‘The FATF’s decision restores global confidence in Nigeria’s financial sector and signals that the country is a responsible member of the international financial community,’ the NFIU said.

It added that Nigeria will continue to engage with the FATF and its regional body, the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), to sustain progress and prevent relapse.

The FATF, an intergovernmental body established in 1989, sets international standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

Nigeria’s exit from the grey list marks the culmination of sustained reforms initiated after the country was placed on the list in February 2023, when FATF identified strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime. With all action items now successfully addressed, the country returns to full compliance with FATF recommendations.

The NFIU assured that it will continue to strengthen the effectiveness of its operations through advanced analytics, information sharing, and collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s financial system from abuse.

Tinubu welcomes Nigeria’s removal from grey list

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday hailed Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s journey toward economic reform, institutional integrity, and global credibility.

President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the decision followed Nigeria’s successful and timely completion of its FATF Action Plan after more than two years of sustained reforms, coordination and enforcement improvements in its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

‘In February 2023 when Nigeria was placed on the grey list, the global community demanded more vigorous enforcement, better coordination, and greater transparency.

‘Rather than treat it as a setback, we viewed it as a call to action-and today’s result reflects our resolve to reform and strengthen our institutions,’ the President noted.

He said under his administration’s strategic leadership and the broader economic transformation agenda, Nigeria implemented far-reaching legal, institutional and operational measures coordinated by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), in collaboration with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Minister of Interior.

President Tinubu commended the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Ms. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, and her team for their diligence and sacrifice in ensuring the complete implementation of Nigeria’s Action Plan.

He also applauded the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministers of Aviation, Defence, Budget and Economic Planning, Foreign Affairs, Solid Minerals, and State for Finance, as well as the National Security Adviser and the leadership of the National Assembly and the Judiciary, for their contributions.

‘Without their dedication and sacrifice, today’s success could not have been achieved. I thank them for their efforts and urge other stakeholders to emulate their standards,’ he said.

The President further praised all ministries, agencies and private-sector representatives who participated in the National Task Force on AML/CFT, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Corporate Affairs Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Department of State Services, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, among others.

He acknowledged the technical support provided by the FATF, the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), and international partners such as the governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations, and the European Commission.

President Tinubu described the delisting as ‘not just a technical accomplishment but a strategic victory for our economy and a renewed vote of confidence in Nigeria’s financial governance.’

‘The exit from the FATF grey list marks the beginning of a new chapter in our financial reform agenda.

‘Nigeria will sustain institutionalised reforms, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and continue to build a financial system that Nigerians and the world can trust,’ he added.

FATF president hails Tinubu, praises two years of reforms

At the FATF plenary in Paris, France, where the announcement was made on Friday, the organisation’s president, Elisa de Anda Madrazo, congratulated Nigeria for demonstrating ‘strong political will and inter-agency collaboration’ under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, Madrazo said: ‘Nigeria has demonstrated strong political commitment to fight financial crimes. But it is not only that we have seen political commitment to exit the grey list; it is because we have seen real change and the political measures put in place.’

She noted that after sustained efforts spanning just over two years, Nigeria has shown ‘a stronger capacity to investigate and prosecute,’ which, she said, is helping the country focus resources on crimes that most harm its communities, such as drug trafficking and terrorist financing.

Madrazo also commended the Tinubu administration for implementing ‘government-wide policy reforms, stronger inter-agency coordination and cooperation,’ while highlighting major improvements in the transparency of beneficial ownership structures and supervision within non-financial sectors, especially real estate.

The FATF President added that the plenary agreed Nigeria had ‘fully addressed its action plan’ and encouraged the country to continue its good work for the benefit of its people.

Three other African countries-Mozambique, Burkina Faso, and South Africa-were also removed from the FATF’s list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring.

She noted that the presence of three Nigerian ministers at the week-long events in Paris reflected the country’s strong commitment to combating illicit financial flows.

The Nigeria Interministerial Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/PF) is chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, serving as alternate chairs.

Speaking on behalf of Nigeria at the plenary, Edun said the delisting was both an honour and a validation of Nigeria’s reform path.

‘We are honoured to be allowed to contribute our expertise and experience to the global fight against serious crimes that threaten the shared security and prosperity of the world,’ Edun said, expressing gratitude to international partners including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Commission for their steadfast support throughout the process.

‘With the resolve and dedication of the men and women back home, we will continue to work towards a safer and more secure Nigeria,’ the minister added.

The Nigerian Secondary Schools Flag Football League (NSSFFL) has reiterated its dedication to youth development and nation-building through flag football, as it unveiled preliminary plans to kick start the season 4 championship during a press conference held in Lagos.

No fewer than 1,300 athletes across 11 active states, each fielding at least ten competing teams, are expected to participate.

Powered by the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), the NSSFFL has become one of the fastest-growing grassroots sports initiatives in the country, using the values of The HUDDLE Way – Health, Unity, Diversity, Development, Livelihood, and Entertainment – to redefine school sports development across Nigeria.

Secretary General of the NSSFFL, Lawrence Ojaide emphasized the league’s vision of using sports as a tool for education and national transformation.

He said, ‘The NSSFFL remains steadfast in its mission to build a strong foundation for youth engagement through sports, we are not just developing athletes but shaping future leaders who will embody values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Kelechi Iheanacho has suffered an injury setback at new club Celtic just when he was getting into his groove at the Scottish champions.

He was forced out by a suspected hamstring injury after only four minutes of action in the Europa League tie against Sturm Graz Thursday night.

He is now a major doubt for a top-of-the-table clash against Hearts this weekend.

Before this latest setback ‘Senior man Kels’ has netted three goals and made an assist in seven appearances for Celtic.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said access to safe, unadulterated, and nutritious food is a key pillar of public health.

The executive vice chairman of the Commission, Mr. Olatunji Bello, stated this in a one day sensitisation campaign on food quality standard, safety regulations and safe business practices.

Bello, who was represented by the director, Quality Assurance and Development, Dr. Nkechi Mba, also said ‘Food is not merely for sustenance or a commodity; it is a fundamental human right.’

Bello in his keynote address at the event held at Novel Suite Rayfield Jos on Thursday noted that the Commission has a statutory responsibility to protect and promote the interest and welfare of consumers as well as ensure fair competition.

He said, ‘Ensuring the quality and safety of what we eat is not a responsibility that rests solely with regulators or manufacturers, it is a shared commitment.’

He pointed out that the issues of food quality standards, safety, and fair business practices are more pressing than ever, but we continue to witness alarming trends like the forceful ripening of fruits using harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, adulteration of food products with dangerous additives and preservative chemicals such as bromate, and improper handling and contamination across the food value chain.

‘These practices not only endanger the lives of millions of Nigerians, but they also erode consumer trust and sabotage the integrity of our food systems.’

He stressed that the FCCPC, as the apex consumer protection body in Nigeria, has the statutory mandate to promote consumer interests, ensure fair market practices, and prevent exploitative or dangerous conduct in all sectors of the economy, including the food and agricultural sector.

He told stakeholders at the event that they are critical to the nation’s food security and health, as they say, ‘you are what you eat’. Therefore, you all have the responsibility and duty of care to the public as every product you put on the shelves for consumers affects a family or a community positively or negatively.

‘Let it be known that any operator who places profit over public safety will face the full wrath of the law.

‘To the food industry stakeholders: note that the future of your businesses depends on your integrity. Upholding food safety and quality is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty.

‘To the consumers: note that knowledge is power. Be vigilant, be informed, and demand the standards you deserve. When you are empowered, you help elevate the entire system by rewarding businesses that act responsibly and discouraging those that cut corners.’

A quiet but bruising war is raging between the governor of a northern state and the Commissioner of Police in the state following the governor’s party’s loss of a by-election that took place in the state recently.

Prior to the by-elections, the warring parties had enjoyed a very cordial relationship, fueling the governor’s assumption that the police would only pander to his promptings during the election.

To his surprise and disappointment, however, the police chose to be neutral during the exercise, consequent upon which the governor’s party and preferred candidate lost.

Their once cordial relationship has since turned sour while the governor is doing everything he can to antagonise the police in the state.

I’ve never met billionaire sports entrepreneur Soname face-to-face for any reason. But I’ve followed his antecedents in sports business with bated breath to see if he can be trusted. Yes, my discreet submission on Soname is that he is an honest businessman who doesn’t punch above his weight. I was bowled over by the fact that he owned a club in Portugal and was deeply involved in the business of football at the nursery level. I probed further and realised that he wasn’t in the nursery business to pluck flowers. He chose to build structures which created the platform to discover, nurture and expose the budding talents that litter the streets in the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.

It isn’t ease to run soccer business in an environment like ours where the administrators run the game by their hunches. The game needs proactive businessmen and women such as Soname to look at the game from the prism of giving back to the community where he has chosen to make his abode. Who won’t choose the community of his birth like Soname has done. Indeed, the tiny Remo land has international acclaim each time Remo FC plays a game either within the country or as our soccer ambassadors. But what thrills me the most is that analysts can at least say that Beyond Limits FC is the genuine nursery of Remo FC both in theoretical terms and practical terms.

The difference between Remo Stars and Beyond the Limits FC is that the owner, Soname faces the latter with all the trappings of any thriving business concern, leaving Remo Stars FC as the platform to give back to society – create a means of getting young Nigerians and the older active ones to earn a living, which is sacrosanct. But there appears to be a growing conflict between Remo Stars and Beyond the Limits FC which only Soname can resolve.

If I were in Soname’s shoes, I will shop for either a credible buyer(s) for Remo Stars or get a business-minded management committee of sports loving people to run it as a thriving concern while I sit back with the Beyond Limits cradle which already has international acclaim in Portugal. If I were Soname, I will get Remo Stars very good Portuguese coaches who would also function as trainers of our domestic league clubs during the off seasons. If I were Soname, I will recruit Barrister Amobi as the CEO of Remo Stars with one resolve – win the CAF Champions League diadem in 2030. I will suggest, dear Soname, the recruitment of Toyin Ibitoye to work with Ameobi to rebrand Remo Stars. I would have suggested Davidson Owumi but he is with NPFL as the C.O.O. We need a few teams to serve as models for other Nigerian clubs to emulate, if we truly want the game to be a beauty to watch across league venues weekly.

I’ve chosen to write about Remo Stars and Beyond the Limits FC because of the unacceptable 5-1 drubbing Remo suffered in the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns FC of South Africa, which has caused uproar among the uniformed. Truth be told, Mamelodi Sundowns and Remo Stars are no mates. Only two weeks ago, the South African side spent $1 million in the transfer of a player. How many Nigerian sides can do that? Certainly not with a shrewd business mogul as Soname who can trade one exceptional good kid from his academy for six or more times that one million dollars.

Nigeria’s champions in the league shouldn’t be beaten 5-1 and we want people to just sigh over it or rein curses. I would rather proffer solutions without trying to curry anyone’s favour. I like the way Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt is been run.

However, I was taken aback by Soname’s claim about the Nigerian economy. I ask the proprietor if his club is quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange? Or is that task also burdened by the country’s economy, Sir? Has the proprietor bothered to find out what European clubs in football crazy nations contribute to their respective country’s economy? They took a plunge into the money spinner that the game is based on well thought out plans. For these clubs, it wasn’t a case of guesswork. Clubs in Europe didn’t wait on their federations’ promptings to seize the bull by its horns. The private sector talk in Nigeria is cheap. The Americans own clubs all over Europe.

According to agency reports: ”In the 2023/24 season, the Premier League generated a record £6.35 billion in revenue, contributing to England’s economy through job creation, significant tax contributions, and substantial investment in the football pyramid, according to reports from theesk.org and the Premier League. This record turnover was driven primarily by rising commercial and matchday income, with commercial revenue surpassing £2 billion for the first time. This financial success allows for reinvestment, supports grassroots football, and maintains the league’s global competitiveness.’

”In the 2023/24 season, La Liga’s standardised revenue exceeded pound 5 billion, a record high that signifies a strong post-pandemic recovery and a significant boost to Spain’s economy. This revenue growth was driven by record stadium attendance, strong commercial income from new sponsorships, and broadcast revenue. The increased financial performance contributes to the sustainability of the Spanish football ecosystem through club investment, but also saw the league’s net debt rise, largely due to long-term financing deals.’

The story is almost the same in other European nations; growth in soccer.

When in 1990 some respected Nigerian soccer administrators conceptualised the Nigeria Professional League body, they were responding to the new trends in the beautiful game in other climes. These men couldn’t stomach the mediocrity associated with the Nigerian game. They wanted a departure from the tardy past to embrace the new dawn where very good players could earn a living outside the country. The wise men foresaw the future where with a new mentality to matches, the country could one day play at the senior World Cup.

The quasi-professional league witnessed a lot of improvement, except that the ownership structures didn’t quite change, with most of the teams owned by the government. The few private clubs (Leventis United FC of Ibadan, Abiola Babes FC of Abeokuta, New Nigeria Bank FC of Benin City, Flash Flamingoes FC of Benin City, Julius Berger FC of Lagos, Iwuanyanwu Nationale FC of Owerri, etc) left their marks, although they were eventually emasculated by the government teams which had tremendous cash which their administrators used to corrupt the system. The thought of having four teams in Benin City didn’t excite the fans as much having only their darling team in the elite class. The private clubs’ owners soon dropped their sponsorship initiatives when they couldn’t cope with the malfeasances of the league.

The conspiracy against the privately-owned teams brought back the sharp practices of the competition, leading to the dearth of new talents. These private clubs couldn’t enjoy the support of the fans in those cities where the state-owned teams operated. Leventis had to manage its relationship with the Ibadan fans. Flash Flamingoes FC went through hell playing inside the Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin. The fans’ favourite was Bendel Insurance FC. The defunct New Nigeria Bank FC had a similar problem of acceptance. In fact, games involving these teams and their traditional local rivals threatened public peace, as the security operatives had to be at their best for peace to reign before, during, and after matches. In one of such needless skirmishes, Bendel Insurance FC’s chairman, the late Major Ojo lost his life in a car crash very close to the stadium while trying to rescue the match referees from being lynched by irate fans. Gallant soldier, if you ask me. May his soul continue to rest in peace.

The House of Representatives has constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the prevalence, regulation and impact of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, illicit trafficking and related abuses on the economy of the nation.

The committee, headed by Hon Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, was set up sequel to a resolution of the House to probe the prevalence of drug abuse by Nigerians.

Hon. Adelegbe said in a statement that the committee has been charged with the urgent task of examining the root causes, identifying institutional weaknesses, regulatory and enforcement gaps and developing practical solutions to combat this menace by strengthening national drug control mechanisms, promoting public health and protecting citizens from substance-related harms.

In view of the mandate and the urgency attached to it, the committee has resolved to interface with relevant stakeholders and other Nigerians with a view to identifying the causes and proffering solutions.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to take advantage of the initiative and submit detailed memoranda stating concerns, recommendations and proposed interventions on the subject matter. This will form the consultative process and guide legislative interventions, he said.

Real Madrid have almost been note-perfect this season, posting 11 wins from their 12 matches in all competitions, with their only defeat coming away to Atletico Madrid at the end of September.

Xabi Alonso’s side have won eight of their nine league matches, with 24 points seeing them top of the table, two points ahead of second-placed Barcelona, and they recorded a 1-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga last time out.

Los Blancos were also 1-0 winners in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Jude Bellingham on the score sheet against Juventus to keep the capital outfit perfect in the league phase of the tournament.

Real Madrid have not been at their best this season, already conceding nine times in their nine matches, but they are the second-highest goal scorers in Spain’s top flight this term on 20, four fewer than Barcelona have managed.

Los Blancos have four more games before the November international break kicks in, welcoming Valencia to Bernabeu on November 1, before the small matter of a trip to Liverpool in the Champions League three days later; Alonso’s side will then head to Rayo Vallecano in the league on November 9.

Real Madrid will have revenge on their minds in this match, as Barcelona won all four matches between the two sides last season – across three competitions – including a stunning 4-0 victory at Bernabeu last October.

Barcelona, meanwhile, were also in Champions League action during the week, recording a 6-1 victory over Olympiacos to return to winning ways in the competition, making it six points from their first three matches.

The Catalan outfit were stunned by Sevilla before the October international break, suffering a 4-1 defeat, but they managed to bounce back against Girona last weekend, securing a 2-1 win, before finding the back of the net on six occasions in the Champions League last time out.

Barcelona’s other dropped points in La Liga this season came away to Rayo Vallecano at the end of August, and injury problems have caused the champions issues early in the campaign – their defence has also been far from water-tight, and that will be a cause for concern ahead of this match.

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not a political slogan, rather, a living testament to visionary leadership, anchored on the empowerment of the Nigerian youth.

This was disclosed by the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo.

According to Oladejo, ‘For decades, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has demonstrated a rare and consistent belief in the energy, intellect, and innovation of young Nigerians. From Lagos to Abuja, his political philosophy has been clear: groom the young, trust their talent, and watch them transform society. Today, that same philosophy has become the foundation of Nigeria’s national renaissance.’

Oladejo noted that while others merely paid lip service to youth development, President Tinubu has put concrete structures in place – from NELFUND (Student Loan Scheme) and CreditCorp, to 3MTT, NITDA Talent Hunt, and the Digital Innovation Support Fund.

He stated further that the administration’s renewed focus on free technical education across the nation was strategically geared toward youth empowerment and the promotion of entrepreneurship. ‘This is not charity; it is investment – an investment in skills, in innovation, and in the future of Nigeria’s workforce.

‘By creating avenues for young Nigerians to acquire practical skills and start enterprises, President Tinubu is building a generation that is not waiting for handouts, but creating value, wealth, and opportunities for others.’

The Lagos APC Publicity Secretary further noted that the future is no longer tomorrow – the Future is now, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has boldly redefined the old political cliché that says ‘the future belongs to the youth.’ Under his Renewed Hope Agenda, the future is no longer tomorrow – the future is now.

‘From his cabinet appointments to policy priorities, the President has placed young Nigerians at the center of governance. He has shown that youth inclusion is not an act of benevolence, but a strategy for national greatness. The energy of our young people is now a national asset being fully harnessed – not wasted, not sidelined.’

He took a swipe at the opposition, saying it had no vision, but dwells on criticism without substance.

‘It is ironic that the same opposition that neglected the youth for years now tries to deceive them with shallow activism and social media slogans. The truth is simple: the Nigerian youth are smarter than the propaganda. They have seen who genuinely invests in their future – and who only remembers them at election time.

‘The APC government is not tweeting promises; it is teaching, training, financing, and employing the youth. Every policy under the Renewed Hope Agenda carries one central objective – to build a Nigeria where the youth are creators of wealth, not casualties of unemployment.

‘Here in Lagos, the template is already proven. The Tinubu model of governance – which elevated countless young men and women to positions of leadership – remains the most successful political leadership academy in Nigeria’s democratic history. That Lagos legacy of youth inclusion has now been elevated to the national level, through deliberate policies that merge experience with energy, and wisdom with innovation,’ Lagos APC said.

The Lagos APC scribe, therefore, called on Nigerian youth to rise and take ownership of this defining moment, adding, the Renewed Hope Agenda is your platform, your chance, your movement. Under Tinubu, youth empowerment has moved beyond rhetoric to results – from hashtags to headlines, and from potential to performance.

‘Those who cling to outdated politics of bitterness and blame are free to stay behind. The rest of us are moving forward – building, creating, and leading under a President who has proven that the Nigerian youth are not the leaders of tomorrow, but the champions of today.’

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering people-centred and timely amendments to the 1999 Constitution, as the legislature begins deliberations on the creation of new states and local government areas.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day joint retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos, Senator Barau urged lawmakers to stay focused on their promise to transmit the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of the year.

The retreat, he explained, was convened to enable members of both committees to ‘review the proposed amendments clause-by-clause.’

According to him, a total of 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests are being considered during the exercise.

‘It has been a long journey to bring the Senate and the House of Representatives Constitution Amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters,’ Senator Barau said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.

‘We have been in this process for the past two years, engaging our constituents, critical stakeholders, institutions, civil society organisations and interest groups in town hall meetings, interactive sessions and public hearings – harvesting and synthesizing views and perspectives which have ultimately culminated in what we have here today: 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments and 278 Local Government creation requests.’

As chair of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Barau noted that the committees are expected to harmonise and make recommendations to their respective chambers for further legislative action.

‘It is not going to be a simple task to achieve within two days, but I believe we can do it, especially as we have promised Nigerians that we will deliver the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of this year,’ he said.

‘I believe we can deliver on this promise if we engage the bills and the issues with open minds. I acknowledge we represent constituents with diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic cleavages through different political platforms, but the Constitution is the grundnorm for Nigerian citizens and nationhood, which we must approach with patriotism and nationalism as higher shared goals.’

Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, called on members to focus on the national interest and avoid partisan or competitive debates.

‘We are seated here as one Committee. There should be no ‘we’ and ‘them’; we should be guided by the interests of Nigerians.

‘I wish all of us a very fruitful deliberation and hope for recommendations that will meet the approval threshold of the provisions of Section 9 of the Constitution,’ he added.