Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has entered into a strategic partnership with Bumpa, a prominent digital platform, to empower 200 youth-owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria in this pilot phase.

This collaboration, implemented under the Youth and Skills Thematic Area of the Bank, according to the bank aims to address the critical challenge of market access for young entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools and training needed to manage their operations efficiently and boost productivity.

In a statement, the bank said the initiative also seeks to drive innovation and enable these businesses to reach a broader customer base.

With many MSMEs in Nigeria still relying on manual record-keeping and offline selling methods, which limit their ability to scale and access credit, BOI stated that the partnership will solve the problem by enabling youth-owned businesses to digitise their operations, manage sales and inventory, and connect with more customers, all through their mobile phones.’In recognition of the critical role of MSMEs in job creation, the Bank will be sponsoring a six-month free subscription to Bumpa’s suite of business management tools for selected participants. These tools will support the digitisation of operations, enhance sales performance, and drive sustainable growth for MSMEs,’ it said.

Key features include: the ability to create and manage an online store, receive digital payments, track inventory, and gain insights through detailed business analytics.

The platform also facilitates multi-channel integration, customer engagement via bulk SMS and emails, and provides multiple payment options with multi-currency support for cross-border sales. These features are designed to streamline operations and significantly improve business performance.

‘By equipping youth entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to succeed in the digital economy, the partnership aims to foster entrepreneurial development , expand access to financial literacy, and promote inclusive economic growth,’ the statement said.

The family of the late Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello has expressed disappointment over the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of her husband.

In a statement released on Monday, signed by Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed (Dangaladiman Gwandu) on behalf of the family, the relatives of the deceased described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant Sanda clemency as a ‘cruel reopening of healing wounds’ and a grave injustice to the memory of their loved one.

Bilyaminu’s family said they are deeply hurt by Maryam’s release, describing it as an attempt to appease her family while disregarding the lasting anguish inflicted on the victim’s relatives, friends, and associates.

Sanda, 37, was among 175 convicted persons granted presidential pardon and clemency last Thursday under the Prerogative of Mercy powers.

The list, released by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, included individuals serving sentences for various crimes – from illegal mining and drug offences to capital offences such as murder.

On the list are illegal miners, white-collar convicts, drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, as well as capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa, and the other Ogoni eight.

The move followed the Council of State’s endorsement of recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Onanuga said the pardons were based on reports indicating that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct.

The presidential pardon has sparked public outrage and renewed debate about the fairness and moral implications of Nigeria’s Prerogative of Mercy process.

Maryam Sanda’s conviction for the culpable homicide of her husband, whom she stabbed to death during a domestic dispute in their Abuja home, remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile cases of domestic violence and spousal murder.

Sanda was arraigned before an FCT High Court, where she maintained her innocence throughout the trial.

After a protracted legal battle that drew nationwide attention, Justice Yusuf Halilu, in January 2020, found her guilty of killing her husband and sentenced her to death by hanging. She had spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.

‘Her release, worst injustice for any family’

Bilyaminu’s family said Sanda’s release represents ‘the worst possible injustice any family could be made to go through for a loved one,’ describing her as a ‘certified convicted murderer’ who had shown no remorse throughout her trial and appeals.

Out of respect for the two innocent children left behind, Bilyaminu’s family said they had chosen silence since the tragic incident of November 19, 2017, despite several false narratives allegedly sponsored by Sanda’s camp.

They stated that they had placed their faith in the judicial system, which upheld the FCT High Court’s death sentence through rulings by the Court of Appeal in December 2020 and the Supreme Court in October 2023.

The family noted that those judgments offered a measure of closure, even though Sanda never showed remorse.

However, they said the recent presidential pardon has painfully reopened old wounds, describing Sanda’s release as a grave injustice that makes the victim’s life seem insignificant.

The family also faulted the rationale behind the pardon, allegedly influenced by appeals from Sanda’s family, stressing that Bilyaminu was equally a beloved son, friend, and associate who was ‘grievously denied the opportunity to live and raise his children.’

They said they sought solace in divine justice, expressing faith that ‘ultimate justice resides with the Supreme Judge and Creator,’ and prayed for the repose of Bilyaminu’s soul and strength for his children and loved ones to bear the pain of his loss.

The full statement from Bilyaminu’s family.

When Prerogative of Mercy Inflicts Inexorable Pain

In exercise of his discretionary power and authority to grant clemency under the Prerogative of Mercy principle, His Excellency, Mr. President, recently granted Presidential pardons to a total of 175 convicted persons serving jail sentences for various criminal offences. Some of those on the list included individuals on death row, and others who were pardoned posthumously.

One name that stood out for us as a family is that of Maryam Sanda, a lady convicted and sentenced to death by the FCT High Court on Monday, 27th January 2020, for the premeditated and cold-blooded murder of her husband and beloved family member of ours, the late Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello.

Considering the delicately sensitive nature of the situation involving two innocent children of the deceased victim, the family has deliberately refrained from making any public statement or comments since the unfortunate, sad incident, which occurred on that fateful night of Sunday, 19th November 2017. This was despite several sponsored write-ups from the accused perpetrator’s camp containing series of falsehoods against the deceased, without factoring the children’s best interest. We, instead, placed our trust and abiding confidence in the nation’s judicial process to run its full course and deliver justice for the deceased victim and his family.

The appeals process reaffirmed the FCT High Court’s death sentence through the Federal Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judgements of Friday, 4th December 2020, and Friday, 27th October 2023, respectively. Satisfied that justice had finally been served, the judgment provided some closure of sorts in the circumstance, if ever there could be one. Although the perpetrator had shown no remorse even for a fleeting moment throughout the saga, the grieving family took solace in the judgements and moved on, having painfully come to terms with the fate that life had thrust upon one of our own.

This latest turn of events, coming just a few years after the dastardly crime that cruelly cut short Bilyaminu’s life has, however, expectedly reopened our healing wounds. To have Maryam Sanda walk the face of the earth again, free from any blemish for her heinous crime as if she had merely squashed an ant, is the worst possible injustice any family could be made to go through for a loved one.

We are, therefore, compelled to issue this formal statement to humanise Bilyaminu, who is now suddenly being made to appear as if he is just another faceless anonymous individual in the long line of victims of crimes in the country: a mere statistical figure.

The alleged grounds for Maryam Sanda’s release were predicated on appeals from her family, amongst other considerations. It is pertinent to stress that Bilyaminu was also our cherished family member who was profoundly loved and deeply mourned by his teeming relations, friends and close associates following the unfortunate incident that resulted in his gruesome murder eight years ago. Maryam, let’s not forget, had earlier on denied the same children now used to elicit sympathy and secure her release, the opportunity to know what a father’s love and care means.

Bilyaminu’s family is deeply hurt by this latest development, which we interpret as primarily driven by the sole motivation for appeasing Maryam’s family members by way of extending mercy to a certified convicted murderer, while at the same time overlooking or conveniently ignoring the corresponding inexorable pain that has now been inflicted on the victim’s teeming grieving family members, friends and associates arising from the action.

We take solace in the simple fact that in such matters, the ultimate comprehensive justice resides purely with the Supreme Judge and our Creator, who will dispense this matter on the Day of Recompense where no one can be at liberty to intercede on behalf of anyone else.

We beseech Almighty Allah SWT to grant the soul of our dear Bilyaminu eternal rest and grant us the fortitude to continue to bear his sad loss even in the light of this latest development. May Allah also be there at every turn of his children’s needs and raise them to be good obedient Muslims and patriotic Nigerians, Ameen.

Lawyers react

Two lawyers have expressed differing opinions on the presidential pardon granted. Ebuka Nwaeze, Esq., stated that the power of pardon lies solely within the discretion of the president or a state governor, depending on the case, and does not legally require the consent or input of the victim of the offence.

‘The moral consequences of how the president exercises that power are for the voting public to decide,’ he said.

However, E.M.D. Umukoro, Esq. argued that while the law does not explicitly mandate consultation with victims before granting a pardon, those exercising such powers should consider the victims’ interests and feelings.

‘The framers of the law expected the exercise of discretionary powers to be guided by purpose, sincerity, impartiality, justice, and truth, ensuring that victims are neither humiliated nor disregarded,’ he said.

Umukoro further stressed that the president should have provided justification for the clemency, such as new evidence or errors in the original trial, to show that the pardon was not arbitrary.

‘It is important for the victims of these crimes that certain explanations are given; otherwise, it could be seen as a miscarriage of justice, a charade, and a disregard for the rule of law,’ he added.

No release date yet – NCoS

Meanwhile, speaking to Daily Trust, the spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Umar Abubakar, said the service was yet to receive the list of inmates to be released.

‘It was a presidential pronouncement, but we have not received the official communication yet,’ he said, adding that ‘sometimes, it takes time.’

He, however, promised to our reporter when his office officially receives the list.

However, a source who spoke with Daily Trust last night stated the procedure for release of beneficiaries of such pardon. He said following the pronouncement, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation will write to the Minister of Interior, who will thereafter give a directive to the Controller-General of Corrections on the issue.

He said the Controller-General of Corrections will then disseminate information across custodial centres in the country, directing them to check and take action. The source confirmed that this has not yet been done.

Civil society organisations, community networks, and grassroots movements across Africa have launched the 5th Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation, calling on governments to end private control of water resources and strengthen public systems to ensure equitable access for all.

The week-long campaign, which runs from October 13 to 18, is being coordinated under the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC) with the theme ‘Public Water for Climate Resilience.’

The coalition said the mobilisation aims to resist the growing trend of water privatisation and promote public, democratically managed systems that can withstand climate shocks.

Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Mr. Oluwafemi Akinbode, said the coalition’s position remains firm that water is a human right, not a commodity for profit.

‘We are witnessing an alarming pattern where governments use climate change as a justification to hand over public water systems to private corporations,’ he said, adding, ‘Africa must invest in strong, publicly governed systems capable of protecting lives under climate stress, not surrender control to profit-driven interests.’The OWORAC statement noted that climate change is worsening water scarcity across the continent, from droughts in the Horn of Africa to floods in Nigeria and Mozambique. It warned that private desalination projects being promoted as climate solutions are energy-intensive, environmentally damaging, and often lead to higher tariffs for citizens.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, aligned with the coalition’s stance, stressing that water should never be treated as a commercial good.

‘Publicly managed water systems are the foundation of climate resilience. When profit becomes the priority, people are left behind,’ he said.

Neil Gupta, Water Campaign Director at Corporate Accountability, described water privatisation as a global crisis fuelled by powerful corporations in the Global North.

‘Multibillion-dollar companies like Veolia and Suez have turned essential water services into profit-making ventures, with the support of institutions such as the World Bank and IMF,’ he said. Gupta cited examples of foreign-backed water schemes in Lagos and Kenya as evidence of continued external interference in Africa’s water policies.

In his remarks, Professor Adelaja Odukoya, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lagos, said water privatisation represents a form of ‘disaster capitalism’ that exploits public suffering for profit. ‘Privatisation is wired to produce poverty, inequality, and exclusion,’ he said, adding, ‘Water justice is environmental justice. We must end corporate control and reclaim water as a public good.’

The coalition called on African governments to stop tying public water access to financial returns and urged international institutions to end loan conditions that promote privatisation.

It also recommended greater investment in renewable energy, protection of watersheds, and community-led governance of water resources as pathways toward sustainable water management.

The member representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal conflicts and factionalism within the party.

In a letter dated October 13, and addressed to the PDP Chairman in Hanwa Ward, Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Abdullahi said the prolonged crisis in the party had hindered his ability to perform effectively.

He wrote that ‘In view of the prevailing situation, and after wide consultations with key stakeholders and political associates, I have come to the difficult but necessary decision to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.’

Abdullahi, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), thanked the PDP for the opportunity to serve under its platform.

Although Abdullahi has not disclosed his next political move, his resignation mirrors a growing trend among PDP lawmakers from Kaduna State. At least three other PDP members of the House of Representatives from the state – Amos Gwamna Magaji (Zangon Kataf/Jaba), Jallo Hussaini Mohammed (Igabi), and Hussaini Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South) – had earlier defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His exit also comes on the heels of the suspension and subsequent resignation of Sa’idu Adamu, the former state secretary of the PDP, deepening concerns over the party’s internal stability in Kaduna.

In Nigeria, strikes have become familiar in the public university system – empty halls, locked laboratories, and displaced students every now and then.

For decades, ASUU has used strikes to demand better funding and welfare, but each action leaves behind frustration and academic disruption.

Today on Nigeria Daily, we ask: Have ASUU’s strikes truly achieved their purpose?

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has backed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) proposed directive, which compels banks to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine transactions within 48 hours.

In a statement on Monday signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission described the CBN’s Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria as a timely and long-awaited intervention that aligns with ongoing efforts to protect consumers in the financial services sector.

The draft guideline, released last week, follows the FCCPC’s Consumer Complaints Data Report published in September 2025, which revealed that the banking and fintech industries accounted for the largest volume of consumer complaints nationwide.

The statement read, ‘The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission welcomes the Central Bank of Nigeria’s draft guidelines requiring all banks to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine transactions within 48 hours.

‘The exposure of the CBN’s Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria follows the FCCPC’s Consumer Complaints Data Report published in September 2025.’

‘3000 complaints against banks’

According to the report, more than 3,000 complaints were recorded against banks between March and August 2025, with the Commission facilitating the recovery of over N10bn for consumers across 30 sectors.

The findings highlighted recurring issues such as failed transactions, unauthorised deductions, and prolonged refund delays, the very challenges the new CBN policy seeks to resolve.

‘The report, which covered the period from March to August 2025, showed that the banking and fintech sectors accounted for the highest number of complaints nationwide, over 3,000 cases in banking alone, with about N10 billion recovered for customers across 30 sectors. The findings highlighted recurring issues such as failed transactions, unauthorised deductions, and delayed refunds, all of which the CBN draft guidelines seek to address,’ the statement added.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, hailed the CBN’s move as ‘a timely and long-awaited correction to a persistent consumer challenge.’

‘It is consistent with what the FCCPC has been advocating, given the volume of complaints we receive about failed transactions. We commend the CBN for this decisive step, which will ease the burden on consumers and rebuild trust in financial services,’ Bello said.

He added that the initiative demonstrates improved coordination among regulatory agencies committed to consumer welfare, even at the draft stage.

Nigeria’s electronic payments landscape has grown rapidly in recent years, with 200 million cardholders and rising reliance on digital banking, but network failures, poor infrastructure, and delayed reversals have continued to undermine confidence.

The fresh guidelines, coming eight months after a revision of ATM fees, are expected to streamline service delivery, enhance transaction security, and hold banks accountable.

Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback ahead of the final policy adoption, which could take effect before the end of the year.

The National Assembly has proposed an amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act to provide for the conduct of presidential and governorship elections six months before the expiration of the tenure of incumbents across the country.

If the proposed Act is eventually passed and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the next general elections would likely hold in November 2026 instead of February and March 2027.

The amendment proposal was contained in the Reviewed Highlights of the Amendment of the Electoral Act obtained yesterday by Daily Trust during a public hearing in Abuja. It stipulates that elections into the offices of the president and governors must be conducted ‘not later than 185 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.’

The hearing was organised by the National Assembly Joint Committees on Electoral Matters in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), during which stakeholders, including lawmakers, political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), and electoral experts, made extensive submissions.

The 10th National Assembly commenced the fresh round of electoral reform following the lapses witnessed in the 2023 general elections and mounting pressure from political actors, CSOs, and other Nigerians to improve the integrity of the process ahead of 2027.

According to the draft, the provision also extends to elections into the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly, which must now be held ‘not later than 185 days before the date on which each of the Houses stands dissolved.’

It adds that where a vacancy occurs in any of the Houses more than 90 days before the general elections, such vacancy must be filled within 30 days of its occurrence. The amendment also seeks to align the new electoral calendar with constitutional changes to Sections 76, 116, 132, and 178, which now delegate election timelines to the Electoral Act rather than the Constitution.

Efforts to get reactions from the major opposition parties, the PDP, ADC and LP yesterday were unsuccessful.

Extended election timeline unnecessary – Rafsanjani

However, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, criticised the proposal to hold elections six months before the expiration of tenure, describing it as ‘unnecessary and potentially counterproductive.’

He warned that the change could undermine the integrity of the process, allowing incumbents to use the extended transition period to frustrate successors. ‘If elections are held too early, incumbents might use the remaining months in office to pile up debts or make mass appointments. We’ve seen this happen in several states,’ he said.

Rafsanjani added that a long gap between elections and inauguration could heighten political tension and policy confusion. ‘Having such a wide period creates room for manipulation. Nigerians already have deep mistrust in the system. Extending the calendar will only worsen it,’ he warned.

Drawing a comparison with the United States, he said, ‘In the U.S., elections are held in November and the new administration takes over in January – barely two months apart. That’s how to ensure a smooth and accountable transition. But in Nigeria, we always find ways to complicate simple processes.’

He urged the National Assembly to weigh the implications carefully and prioritise national interest over political expediency. While supporting the need to conclude litigations before swearing-in, he argued that such could be achieved within the current timeframe.

Key highlights of the proposed Electoral Bill 2025

Highlights of the proposed law include the recognition of voting rights for inmates and the obligation on INEC to register eligible prisoners; the introduction of digital voter identification through electronically generated voter cards with QR codes; and tougher sanctions for electoral offences, including mandatory prison terms for falsifying results or obstructing election officials.

Other provisions include an expanded delegate framework for indirect primaries to standardise internal party representation, mandatory financial audits for INEC within six months of each financial year to promote transparency, and higher campaign spending and donation limits to reflect current economic realities.

The draft also provides for early voting for Nigerians whose official duties prevent them from voting on election day. Section 44(1) of the proposed Act stipulates that a date shall be set aside for early voting not later than 14 days before the main election. Security personnel, accredited journalists, INEC officials, domestic observers, and ad hoc staff are among those eligible.

In line with an existing court judgment mandating INEC to make provisions for prison voting, the bill further states that inmates shall be regarded as ordinary residents of the place where they are lawfully imprisoned or detained.

Another major amendment is in Section 65(2), which empowers INEC to review any declaration or return within seven days if it receives credible reports that such declaration was made under duress or contrary to established procedures.

Stakeholders push for electronic transmission

Meanwhile, various stakeholders at the hearing reiterated calls for compulsory electronic transmission of results in the next general elections.

Some participants also urged the National Assembly to adopt the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais 2008 Presidential Electoral Reform Committee.

However, Daily Trust observed that the proposed bill does not explicitly mandate electronic transmission, as the term ‘transmit’ is defined to include both manual and electronic means.

The amendment states: ‘Presiding officers are to transmit polling unit results, including the total number of accredited voters, to the next level of collation. This replaces INEC’s discretion to decide how results are transferred with a fixed duty. However, since ‘transmit’ is defined broadly, it does not guarantee electronic transmission.’

Professor Abiodun Amuda-Kannike (SAN) insisted on ‘real-time transmission of results’ to ensure credibility, adding that electronic voting should replace manual systems, while state electoral commissions should be scrapped. Similarly, Professor Abdullahi Seun called for the use of upgraded, legally bound technology in the next elections and advocated for holding all elections on the same day.

The Executive Director of the International Press Institute (IPI), Lanre Arogundade, called for electronic transmission of results directly from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, as well as diaspora voting. Representatives of the African Democratic Network and the National Human Rights Commission also echoed the same demand, stressing that electronic transmission was the desire of most Nigerians.

Representatives of civil society organisations also pressed for mandatory electronic transmission of results by INEC to enhance transparency. Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Dr Akin Akingbulu said ambiguity around the current provisions must be eliminated to avoid future controversy.

He proposed that INEC should be required by law to test-run the technology to be used in an election within a defined period before polling day. The CSOs also backed proposals seeking the conclusion of all election-related cases before the inauguration of winners.

Akpabio, Abbas speak

Speaking at the hearing, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, said the amendment process was not a mere legislative routine but a vital part of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the House Majority Leader, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, said the public hearing would help strengthen legislation and provide a legal framework capable of standing the test of time. He assured that the National Assembly would complete work on the amendment early enough for presidential assent ahead of the next general elections.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong, in his welcome address, said the proposal was aimed at addressing the challenges experienced during the 2023 general and off-cycle elections. He added that the new Act was designed to serve the collective interest of Nigerians and not any political party.

Lalong urged stakeholders to prioritise national interest over partisan considerations, saying the reforms were crucial to consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.

INEC seeks reforms for e-voting, diaspora participation

Representative of INEC and National Commissioner, Professor Abdullahi Abdul Zuru, said the commission had made 75 observations and 142 recommendations from its post-election review of the 2023 polls.

He said INEC was considering diaspora voting and early voting for Nigerians deployed on election duty, including security personnel and election officials. He added that the Commission had also proposed a review of Section 47(1) of the 2022 Act, which currently restricts voting to those with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

‘We think the PVCs are no longer necessary in their current form,’ he said. ‘We are proposing electronically downloadable voter cards to make the process more accessible and remove barriers for eligible Nigerians.’

Zuru emphasised that INEC’s proposals aim to make the electoral process more inclusive, transparent, and technologically aligned with global best practices. ‘These are things that work in other countries. Why not Nigeria?’ he asked.

He commended the leadership of the National Assembly for initiating the amendment process, expressing optimism that the eventual reforms would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and enhance public confidence in the process.

Delivering a goodwill message, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) representative, Cynthia Roll, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s ongoing electoral reform process. She described it as a critical step toward a more transparent and credible democracy.

‘Today’s hearing is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to its democratic processes and institutions,’ she said. ‘It reflects the progress made by the National Assembly in responding to citizens’ voices calling for a more transparent, inclusive, and credible framework.’

She praised the Joint Committee for providing a participatory platform for citizens and stakeholders to shape the nation’s electoral laws. ‘Public hearings give voice to citizens. They ensure reforms are designed not just for the people, but with the people,’ she noted.

Roll commended Nigeria’s democratic resilience, adding that ‘each election and civic debate adds a layer of strength to the country’s democratic story.’ Reflecting on the 2023 elections, she said the polls revealed both the strengths and lessons of Nigeria’s system, which the ongoing reforms aim to address.

‘The decisions made here will have far-reaching implications for campaign financing, electoral offences, early voting, diaspora participation, and dispute resolution,’ she said, urging lawmakers to ensure that credibility and inclusiveness remain at the core of the reforms.

She also pointed to the pending Senate confirmation of INEC’s leadership as another crucial step toward credible elections, describing the process as an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its institutions.

‘Democracy is never finished; it is a continuous act of renewal. As your partner, the UK stands ready to walk this journey with Nigeria,’ Roll concluded.

Nigeria’s World Cup dreams hang by a thread as the Super Eagles prepare to face Benin Republic on Tuesday evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, in their final Group C clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

After a campaign filled with missed chances and frustrating draws, the Super Eagles find themselves in an unfamiliar position – needing both victory and a helping hand from other results to stay in contention for a place at the global showpiece.

Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been rocky. Following their painful failure to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar – losing out to arch-rivals Ghana – few could have imagined the three-time African champions facing the possibility of missing out on consecutive tournaments for the first time since their World Cup debut in 1994.

Heading into this decisive fixture, Eric Chelle’s men sit third in Group C with 14 points from nine matches, having won three, drawn five, and lost one. They have scored 11 goals and conceded eight – a record that mirrors their inconsistency throughout the campaign.

Nigeria trail group leaders Benin Republic by three points and second-placed South Africa by one. To qualify automatically, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda. Even if South Africa win, a two-goal margin could still hand Nigeria a playoff spot on goal difference.

Chelle’s side approach this encounter boosted by a 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday, courtesy of goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams. However, the coach admits that their fate ‘is no longer entirely in their hands’ after a string of late lapses and wasted opportunities earlier in the campaign.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic are on the brink of making history. Under the guidance of former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs top Group C with 17 points from nine matches (five wins, two draws, and two defeats), scoring 12 goals and conceding seven. Their most recent 1-0 win over Rwanda, thanks to Tosin Aiyegun’s decisive strike, solidified their position as surprise leaders.

Rohr’s men have defied expectations throughout the qualifiers – and notably handed Nigeria their only defeat of the campaign, a 2-1 win in June 2024, marking Benin’s first-ever victory over their West African neighbours after seven previous meetings.

Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the 64th minute against Lesotho, triggering a one-match ban under CAF rules. Right-back Ola Aina also remains sidelined due to an injury sustained during the 1-1 draw with South Africa last month.

Despite these setbacks, Chelle has urged his team to stay positive.

‘The team remains focused and confident. Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but we have enough quality to compete effectively. Every player must be ready to step up,’ he said.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi is expected to once again dictate play, while Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s top scorer in qualifying with three goals, will lead the attack alongside Tolu Arokodare. Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are set to operate from the wings, with Troost-Ekong partnering Calvin Bassey in central defence and Stanley Nwabali continuing in goal.

For Benin, Steve Mounie will spearhead the attack, supported by Jodel Dossou, while the back four of Tamimou Ouorou, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Tijani, and Yohan Roche remains unchanged. Marcel Dandjinou is expected to retain his place between the posts.

As both nations prepare for this decisive showdown, the stakes could not be higher. For Benin, it’s a chance to make history. For Nigeria, it’s a battle for redemption – and the desperate hope of keeping their World Cup dreams alive.

The House of Representatives on Monday said it is pushing for stronger legislative measures to guarantee steady crude oil supply to Dangote and other Nigeria’s local refineries, as part of efforts to deepen domestic refining capacity and end the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

Speaking at the ‘Inaugural Annual Downstream Week Summit 2025’ held in Abuja, the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, said the legislature was working on new laws to ensure that local refineries never lack crude feedstock, a problem that has long crippled Nigeria’s refining sector despite huge investments.

According to Ugochinyere, the House Committee is developing legislative measures that will grant local refineries first right of refusal on crude oil allocations, streamline regulations to remove delays, and establish a Refinery Protection and Promotion Bill that will classify refineries as strategic national assets deserving priority protection and support.

‘We are determined to ensure that every barrel of Nigerian crude first serves the Nigerian refinery before any export allocation is made. This is how we can guarantee the survival of our local refineries, create jobs, and strengthen our energy independence. Nigeria must refine what it produces and consume what it refines,’ he said. He noted that one of the most commendable policy steps in recent times was the enforcement of the Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation (DCSO) by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).The policy, according to him, mandates that local refineries, including modular and conventional operators, must be supplied with crude before any is exported.

‘This bold move represents a decisive shift from policy rhetoric to practical support for local value addition.

‘By ensuring that domestic refineries have guaranteed access to crude feedstock, we are laying the foundation for true energy independence and industrial growth,’ he said.

The lawmaker, who represents Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, said the legislature’s plan aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises economic diversification, energy security, and job creation.

He added that the proposed legislative steps would help sustain investor confidence, stabilise operations across the refining value chain, and strengthen the naira by reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

‘We have come a long way as a country. What we must now do is ensure that our refineries never go idle for lack of crude. That is the commitment of the House Committee on Downstream Petroleum Resources – to protect, promote, and empower every refinery operating on Nigerian soil,’ he said.

He commended the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for transforming from a loss-making entity into a profitable and performance-driven enterprise, and for ongoing reforms aimed at stabilising fuel supply and ensuring economic security for citizens.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said the oil and gas industry, especially the downstream sector, is witnessing an unprecedented revival under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Abbas, who was represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, said the effective take-off of the Dangote Refinery marked a turning point in the nation’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.

He also said the anticipated emergence of other private indigenous refineries underlines the need for the National Assembly to continue to create a functional environment for industries to thrive.

He urged the stakeholders to come up with innovative and creative solutions that will revamp the petroleum downstream sector, contribute to the overall development of the economy and positively impact the country as a whole.

A Kano Shari’a Court sitting in the Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State has sentenced one Nasiru Shitu, a 33-year-old man, to eight months’ imprisonment for impersonating a police officer.

Shitu, a resident of Kofar Waika Quarters of Kano city, was arrested on Sunday, September 21, 2025, around 5 pm at Kofar Dawanau, while dressed in a police uniform.

The prosecution counsel, Barrister Zaharaddeen Mustapha, charged him with impersonation, to which the accused pleaded guilty. Delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Khadi Nasiru Ahmad Muhammad, convicted Shitu and sentenced him to eight months in prison with an option of a N70,000 fine.