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May Agbamuche-Mbu, acting chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness for the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

Speaking during the quarterly consultative meeting with political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, she said 10 out of 13 activities outlined in the election timetable had been completed, with all non-sensitive materials already delivered to the state.

She assured that the Commission would adhere strictly to its schedule and urged political parties to end campaigns by the November 6 deadline.

Agbamuche-Mbu also highlighted preparations for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council Elections set for February 21, 2026, covering six chairmanship and 62 councillorship positions.

She noted that eight of the 13 scheduled activities had already been concluded, with INEC committed to maintaining transparency and inclusivity in all electoral processes.

On voter registration, the Acting Chairman disclosed that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which resumed in August, had witnessed impressive public participation.

The exercise, which runs until August 2026, allows online and in-person registration nationwide. Weekly updates, she said, are published on INEC’s website to ensure transparency and public accountability. She further announced that out of 171 applications received for registration of new political parties, 14 had met the requirements to proceed to the next stage.

Agbamuche-Mbu also paid tribute to the immediate past INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, commending his legacy of innovation and institutional integrity. In his remarks, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, national chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), congratulated Agbamuche-Mbu on her appointment and pledged continued collaboration with INEC to deepen democratic governance.

He urged the National Assembly to expedite constitutional and electoral reforms proposed by IPAC, including the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions, establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, and enhanced inclusivity for women.

Dantalle said Nigerians expect credible and transparent elections, adding that the Anambra governorship poll would be a major test for the new INEC leadership.

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for facilitating the safe return of Israeli hostages from Gaza and advancing peace in the Middle East.

Freeman made this known in a statement issued on Monday by the Embassy of Israel in Abuja.

The envoy commended Trump’s friendship with Israel and his courage in standing with Israel, saying such will never be forgotten.

He said: ‘Today, we welcome home the 20 living hostages who have endured the unendurable. We give thanks for their survival and we pray for their healing’. He expressed sympathy for those who did not make it home, saying, ‘We renew our commitment to bring back the bodies of the 28 remaining hostages who were murdered by Hamas.’

Freeman further said, ‘Israel did not seek this war. It was forced upon us by terror, hatred and darkness, but after 738 days, we also see light, the light of freedom, truth and hope. ‘The release of the hostages will bring the end of the war. The end of this war must bring an end to Hamas’s reign of terror and open the door to a future of security, dignity, and coexistence for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

‘We extend our deepest gratitude to President Trump, whose steadfast leadership, moral clarity, and tireless diplomacy played an instrumental role in bringing our hostages home and in advancing peace in the Middle East. Freeman stressed that Trump’s friendship with Israel and his courage in standing with the Israeli people will never be forgotten.

‘The Embassy joins the Israeli people, the global Jewish community and all people of goodwill in celebrating the release of 20 Israeli hostages who returned home after 738 days in captivity under Hamas.

‘This long-awaited moment is one of profound relief, national unity, and moral victory. It reminds the world of Israel’s enduring commitment to the sanctity of life and to the defence of its citizens against terror and tyranny.

Speaking at the Science, Energy, and Technology (SET) committee of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) 3rd Circular Economy Conference, themed, Creating Value Through Circular Supply Chains’, the experts stated that rethinking how materials are produced, used, and recycled could unlock new opportunities for job creation and industrial competitiveness.

‘By embedding circularity into our supply chains, we can reduce material waste and energy costs, stimulate new business models such as repair, remanufacturing, and recycling, strengthen local production ecosystems, and create green jobs in logistics, waste recovery, and product innovation,’ Gabriel Idahosa, president of LCCI said.

According to Idahosa, the concept of the circular economy represents a significant shift from the traditional take-make-dispose model, to a system where resources are used more efficiently, waste is minimised, and value is created at every stage of the product life cycle.

He noted that circular supply chains determine how materials flow, how waste is generated, and how value is shared.

‘The private sector must take the lead in this transformation. Manufacturers must redesign their products for durability and recyclability; distributors must rethink packaging and logistics; and investors must recognise the value of sustainability as a business strategy, not just a cost,’ Idahosa said.

He, however, said that to make this work, there must be fiscal incentives for green production, import policies that discourage wasteful practices, and clear standards for waste segregation and recycling.

He added that advances in digital technology, renewable energy, and materials science offer practical tools for circularity.

‘From AI-driven waste tracking to blockchain-enabled supply chain transparency, innovation can help businesses close the loop efficiently. ‘The Chamber recognises this and continues to champion innovation-led industrialisation, ensuring that Nigerian companies not only adopt circular practices but also develop indigenous technologies and solutions,’ Idahosa said.

Mark Walsh, executive director, ENL Consortium Limited, speaking during the panel session, called for sustainable port operations stating that while terminal operators aim to maximise profit, they must begin aligning operations with sustainability goals to protect the environment and reduce long-term costs.

Walsh urged the government to provide clear sustainability standards for port operators, stating that renewable energy should be adopted within port terminals as part of this circular transformation.

‘Why don’t we look at the ports being completely solar powered so that we don’t have to use diesel? I run diesel, it’s a huge cost, but it’s also a huge impact on the environment,’ he said.

Walsh stressed the need for localised recycling within port areas to cut transport costs and reduce carbon emissions.

‘There’s no reason all the port’s waste should be taken out somewhere way outside Lagos. It should be done inside the port so that there’s really no movement of carbon, a lot less expense for everybody,’ he said, adding that this model, if supported by regulation, could generate carbon credits and new economic value.

Ini Abimbola, founder, ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited (TPC), urged Nigerian businesses to view sustainability not as charity but as a profitable business strategy, stating that sustainable supply chains can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and add long-term value.

‘Sustainability is not charity, it’s a business strategy. You must think of the language of business and be able to say it in such a way that boards and executives understand,’ Abimbola said.

She also called on manufacturers, telecoms firms, and other sectors to integrate recycling and waste reduction into their operations.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has called for the domestication of the technologies, industries, and capabilities required to build a resilient renewable energy hub.

Abba Aliyu, managing director of REA, who made this call in Abuja on Tuesday, said that across the world, the energy transition is accelerating, driven by advances in solar technology, battery storage, and digital energy systems, hence the need to focus on building local capacity.

Aliyu, speaking at the Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025, noted that even though the African continent holds nearly 60 per cent of the world’s solar resources, it currently attracts less than 3 per cent of global renewable energy investment.

‘The challenge before us is clear: we must convert this immense comparative advantage into competitive strength – by building industries, nurturing innovation, and driving the kind of local value creation that secures our place in the clean energy economy. For Nigeria, this moment is especially urgent.

‘The theme for this year, ‘The Nigeria First Policy’, could not have come at a better time. It captures our collective aspiration to domesticate the technologies, industries, and capabilities that will power our energy future.

‘For years, Nigeria has deployed renewable energy systems in thousands of communities, institutions, and industrial clusters. But to secure our long-term sustainability and economic competitiveness, we must now go further – to ensure that what we deploy is increasingly designed, assembled, and manufactured in Nigeria.

‘At the Rural Electrification Agency, we see this shift as both a necessity and an opportunity,’ he said.

He noted that with an active project portfolio and pipeline exceeding $3 billion, spanning programs such as Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP) and the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), REA’s responsibility now extends beyond electrification.

For him, the Agency’s task is to ensure that this pipeline generates the highest possible domestic value by catalyzing local industries, supporting innovators, and unlocking green jobs across the value chain. ‘That is precisely why the NREIF was established – to bring together the entire renewable energy ecosystem: from innovators to financiers, from academia to regulators, from manufacturers to developers – all working together to ensure that Nigeria captures the full value of its energy transition.

Also speaking at the event, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power said that the commitment to domestic manufacturing and innovation is being reinforced by the efforts of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as it continues to extend access to unserved communities, promote mini-grids and Distributed Renewable Energy.

According to him, together, the Ministry and the REA are shifting the national narrative, from energy access to energy industrialization, and from deployment to local value creation.

He said, ‘In the power sector, the Nigeria First Policy reflects our determination to ensure that the next generation of clean energy technologies; from solar panels to battery energy storage systems deployed across the country proudly carry the label ‘Made in Nigeria’.

He explained that the Federal Government is pursuing a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency, and growth.

This approach he said, spans critical pillars which include legislation, policy reforms, infrastructure development, energy transition and access expansion, and local content and capacity development with each designed to address structural challenges, unlock private capital, and enhance service delivery across the electricity value chain.

Speaking on legislation, the minister said the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 remains a major milestone, providing a robust governance and regulatory framework for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

‘The Act devolves regulatory powers to the states, enables subnational markets, promotes competition, and empowers private participation across the value chain. This represents a clear shift towards a liberalized and investment-friendly electricity market.

‘ Since its passage, 15 states have received regulatory autonomy to establish subnational electricity markets with one fully operationalized. We are working actively with these states to ensure strong alignment between the wholesale market and the retail market,’ he said.

Nigeria’s political and business community turned out in full force on Tuesday at the Los Angeles Events and Conference Centre, Abuja, for the public presentation of two new books by Dakuku Peterside, former member of the House of Representatives and public policy thinker.

The books, ‘Leading in a Storm’ and ‘Beneath the Surface’ were described as ‘instruments of national rebirth’, praised for their timely and practical insights into leadership and national development by eminent Nigerians, including several governors, ministers, and the Chief of Defence Staff. The book launch raised over N200 million.

Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State governor, represented by Aniekan Umanah, the Commissioner for Information, commended Peterside’s ‘outstanding contribution to leadership thought and national development.’

He particularly reaffirmed servant leadership as the core of development, noting that his administration’s Arise Agenda is rooted in the same philosophy of placing people at the heart of governance. Agbu Kefas, the Taraba State governor, aligned the books’ insights with key State initiatives, including agro-processing hubs and cross-border trade formalisation. He called ‘Leading in a Storm’ a practical manual for navigating today’s ‘new normal’ of constant crises.

Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, lauded the works as ‘field-ready guides for a world where uncertainty is constant.’

He also announced a Defence Headquarters partnership with Peterside to roll out crisis-leadership training across major military formations and confirmed the procurement of 200 copies as ‘core resources for officers and soldiers.’

The book launch reportedly raised over N200 million, funds which were largely contributed by governors and high-ranking officials.

Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State, purchased five copies for N5 million, while the Governors of Kano, Katsina and Taraba States, pledged to purchase copies for all members of their respective Executive Councils.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of conducting its ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise in secrecy, calling for transparency in the selection process.

The group also alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is perpetuating what it described as a pattern of systemic marginalisation and exclusion of the Igbo from key federal appointments and national structures.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, challenged the Customs Service to publish the full list of candidates who participated in the recently concluded Computer-Based Test (CBT), along with their scores and states of origin.

He said the refusal of the agency to release such information undermines the principles of fairness and federal character as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

According to HURIWA, the association had received numerous complaints from candidates and members of the public over a purported state-by-state shortlist circulating online, which appears to favour certain regions.

The group argued that the NCS should not dismiss the viral list as fake without publishing the authentic version.

‘If the list currently circulating online is fake, where then is the authentic version? Nigerians deserve to know the truth.

‘Those who sat for the recruitment examination have a right to see their results and how they were evaluated. Anything short of transparency and accountability in this process is unacceptable’, Onwubiko said.

The rights group maintained that employment into any federal agency must reflect the spirit and letter of the Federal Character principle, warning that the culture of secrecy and favouritism in recruitment processes has bred resentment, inequality, and distrust among citizens.

‘Opacity in recruitment is not just a bureaucratic flaw; it is a constitutional infraction. The Customs Service cannot be funded by taxpayers from all parts of the country yet conduct its employment exercises like a private estate’, he said.

Beyond the recruitment controversy, HURIWA accused Tinubu’s administration of perpetuating what it called ‘systematic political and economic marginalisation’ of the Igbo and the South-East region.

The group alleged that key appointments in security, revenue, and economic institutions have consistently excluded qualified Igbo officers, while tenure extensions have been used to block their progression.

It cited the recent one-year extension granted to Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs as an example, alleging that an Igbo senior officer due for promotion was sidelined.

Similar extensions, the group said, have occurred in the Nigeria Police Force to prevent eligible Igbo officers from assuming leadership roles.

‘These acts clearly violate the spirit of the Federal Character principle and sustain a culture of ethnic preference in governance,’ HURIWA said. Onwubiko also condemned what it termed ‘selective justice’ in the handling of national security issues, noting that while the Federal Government has released and reintegrated repentant terrorists and bandits in the North, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in detention.

‘President Tinubu’s government continues to negotiate with terrorists in the North-West and release insurgents in the North-East, yet Nnamdi Kanu, whose alleged offences are political and non-violent, remains in custody. This is a glaring double standard that must end,’ he noted.

HURIWA further accused the Federal and Lagos State governments of economic victimisation against the Igbo, citing the continued demolition of properties belonging to Igbo traders and landlords in Lagos.

The association described the demolitions as an orchestrated attempt to weaken the region’s entrepreneurial strength and called for an independent probe into all such actions.

The group also lamented the neglect of federal infrastructure in the South-East, particularly the poor state of roads and the absence of new major projects since 2023.

It accused the government of allowing insecurity to persist in the region, thereby crippling commerce and discouraging investors.

‘These manifestations of systemic bias are not accidental. They represent a calculated effort to keep the South-East politically weakened, economically disadvantaged, and perpetually insecure’, HURIWA asserted.

The rights group demanded the immediate publication of a geo-political breakdown of all federal appointments, promotions, and tenure extensions made under the Tinubu administration.

It also called for a judicial inquiry into the Lagos demolitions and an end to arbitrary tenure extensions in security and paramilitary agencies.

To address the growing imbalance, HURIWA proposed the creation of a National Commission on Inclusion and Equity to monitor compliance with the Federal Character principle and ensure fair representation in public service, infrastructure distribution, and access to economic opportunities.

Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria’s unity based on justice and the rule of law, HURIWA warned that the continuous marginalisation of any region poses a serious threat to national cohesion.

‘President Tinubu must realise that no region can be perpetually subjugated. The Igbo have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s development and deserve fairness, not tokenism’, Onwubiko stated.

In a solemn Rose Garden ceremony on Tuesday, Donald Trump, United States president posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, describing him as ‘a true American hero.’

The award, the nation’s highest civilian honour , was presented to Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, on what would have been her late husband’s 32nd birthday. Kirk, founder of the conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. ‘Thank you, Mr President, for honouring my husband in such a profound and meaningful way,’ Erika Kirk said through tears. ‘And thank you for making this event a priority amid the peace process in the Middle East.’

Standing beside the president in a black dress, she accepted the medal on her husband’s behalf, calling it ‘the best birthday gift he could ever have.’ birthdays ‘Today we’re here to honour and remember a fearless warrior for liberty,’ Trump told the audience. ‘He galvanised the next generation like nobody I’ve ever seen before.’

At one point during his speech, the president digressed to comment on nearby emergency vehicle sirens, remarking that they signalled his success in reducing crime in Washington, D.C. ‘You hear those sirens going off? That’s a good sound,’ he said. ‘That means they either got the bad guy or they’re going to stop the bad guy.’ The ceremony coincided with what Trump declared as the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, a symbolic gesture marking both his birthday and his posthumous recognition.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, culture, or other significant public endeavours.

For many in attendance, the moment reflected not only the personal loss of a prominent conservative voice but also a recognition of the polarising impact Kirk had on American youth politics.

As the ceremony concluded, the crowd stood in applause, a tribute to a man Trump described as ‘a patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest calibre.’

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Nigeria for making notable progress in revenue collection and for improving transparency in its foreign exchange and reserve management.

The Fund made these remarks during a press briefing on the Global Financial Stability Report, held as part of the ongoing World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

Those who addressed journalists at the session included Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor and Director of the IMF’s Monetary and Capital Markets Department (MCM); Vamvakidis Athanasios, Deputy Director of the department; and Jason Wu, Assistant Director. The briefing was moderated by Meera Louis, Communications Officer at the IMF.

During the discussion, the IMF officials highlighted that movements in exchange rates play a critical role as a natural buffer that helps economies adjust to external shocks. They explained that a depreciating exchange rate is not inherently negative and can, in fact, be beneficial when it helps restore balance and competitiveness within the domestic economy. The Fund observed that Nigeria has implemented important policy steps aimed at strengthening its macroeconomic framework, particularly in the area of monetary policy. It reiterated its support for Nigeria’s transition toward a more flexible exchange rate regime, describing it as a vital reform that aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the country’s economic resilience.

According to the IMF officials, Nigeria has not only improved its capacity for revenue collection but has also made significant progress in increasing transparency around its foreign exchange operations and reserve positions. These actions, combined with tighter monetary policy measures by the Central Bank of Nigeria, have helped reduce inflation from above 30 percent last year to around 23 percent this year while also bolstering the nation’s external reserves. ‘The direction of travel appears to be positive,’ one IMF official noted, expressing cautious optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

Despite the progress recorded, the IMF warned that Sub-Saharan Africa as a region continues to face notable headwinds. It pointed out that although growth across the region has remained relatively robust amid easing global financial conditions and the resumption of capital inflows, the cycle of heavy inflows followed by abrupt withdrawals remains a risk. A sudden reversal, the Fund cautioned, could expose underlying vulnerabilities, particularly in economies that are heavily dependent on foreign investments.

The IMF therefore emphasised the need for countries across the region, including Nigeria, to continue consolidating recent gains by maintaining sound fiscal and monetary policies, improving debt management, and accelerating structural reforms, especially those that boost domestic revenue mobilisation. The officials also called for sustained international support to help African economies navigate emerging risks and maintain their momentum toward stronger, more stable, and inclusive growth.

The federal government has approved a comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements into all tertiary institutions across Nigeria, with the goal of expanding access and admitting an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students each year.

According to a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, ministry of education, the new policy championed by Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at democratizing access to higher education and empowering Nigerian youths through inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.

Alausa explained that the reform became necessary following years of limited access that left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission despite their competence.

He noted that while over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, fewer than 700,000 gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges.

‘This imbalance is not due to a lack of ability, but outdated and unnecessarily stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity,’ the Minister stated.

Under the newly approved National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, English Language remains compulsory for all candidates, while Mathematics will now be mandatory only for candidates applying to Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

The revised framework, which applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs), is designed to remove access barriers while maintaining academic quality and relevance to industry and national needs.

For universities, the minimum requirement remains five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.

For polytechnics and colleges of education, the new guidelines stipulate four to five credit passes depending on the program level and field of study, while Innovation Enterprise Academies are to adopt the same standard as polytechnics for the National Diploma (ND).

In line with the reform, the National Innovation Diploma (NID) previously issued by Innovation Enterprise Academies will be phased out and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity, credibility, and progression opportunities for graduates.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has begun a re-accreditation exercise to align all IEAs with the new ND standards, with non-compliant institutions facing de-accreditation. ‘Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

‘Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programs.

‘Polytechnics (HND Level): Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

‘Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, with English Language mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.

‘Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level): Minimum of five (5) credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, as applicable to the course of study.

‘Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): To adopt the same minimum requirements as Polytechnics for the National Diploma (ND) program. The National Innovation Diploma (NID) is hereby abolished. ‘In addition, the National Industrial Diploma (NID) previously issued by Innovation Enterprise Academies will be phased out and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity, credibility, and progression opportunities for graduates. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is currently re-accrediting all IEAs nationwide to align with the new ND standards. Institutions that fail to transition to full accreditation will be de-accredited,’ the statement reads

Alausa emphasised that the reform is a deliberate and strategic effort to broaden educational access, reduce the number of out-of-school youths, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education system with global best practices.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment, stressing that the move reflects President Tinubu’s determination to provide every Nigerian youth with the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has urged the international community to stand together, be resolute and united to dismantle criminal drug networks that threaten peace, stability, and collective future of nations.

Addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly Plenary Session of the Third Committee in New York, United States on Monday, Marwa said the world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade.

According to him, ‘Given the transnational nature of the drug problem, Nigeria prioritises international cooperation and intelligence sharing.’ He stated that Nigeria had signed Memoranda of Understanding with several countries and maintains strong partnerships with the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, BKA, and others.

According to him, ‘These collaborations have led to major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions – all with full regards to human rights.

‘Madam Chair, the world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade. We must stand together – resolute and united – to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future.’