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The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has reaffirmed that its law enforces a 10-year prohibition on strikes and lockouts within all Free Trade Zones in the country.

Olufemi Ogunyemi, managing director of NEPZA, made this known in a statement signed by Martins Odeh, head, corporate communications, in Abuja following recent union activities at the Dangote Refinery, warning that external union interference in Free Zone operations contravenes Section 18(5) of the NEPZA Act.

The NEPZA boss stated that the recent escalation of the trade dispute between the zone and the PENGASSAN, particularly given the refinery’s status as a Free Trade Zone, was worrisome.

According to him, the trade union should have directed its concerns through NEPZA, as required by law, as the Authority operated a One-Stop-Shop administrative model to fast-track processes.

‘Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones (NEPZA) Act provides that ‘there shall be no strikes or lock-outs for a period of ten years following the commencement of operations within a Zone, and the Authority shall resolve any trade dispute arising within a Zone,” he said.

He added that the above provision imposes a 10-year prohibition on strikes and lockouts within Free Zones while still allowing workers to join or form trade unions and engage in collective bargaining.

‘We are pleased that the conflict has been de-escalated. Dangote Refinery is a declared FTZ that continues to benefit from tax incentives and customs duty waivers to support the economy, and NEPZA regulates it.

‘The Free Trade Zone scheme in Nigeria is slightly over 30 years old, and we ought to be familiar with the scheme and the global rules that guide the operation of this world economic model, which aims to accelerate economic development and industrialisation.’ He explained that the NEPZA Act requires, along with all instruments of the corporate government system within the industry, government agencies, and relevant sectoral and specialised bodies, to honour the Authority’s ‘one stop shop’ status in overseeing the scheme.

Ogunyemi further reiterated that trade disputes originating within a zone must be referred to the Zone Authority for resolution, adding, however, that this restriction applied exclusively within the Free Zones and did not extend to the broader Nigerian economy.

The NEPZA Chief Executive also pointed out that Section 24(1) restricted excessive interaction between external laws and the operation of the scheme, as laws applicable within the customs territory can only be operational within Free Zones to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the NEPZA Act.

‘Consequently, in cases of conflict between the Trade Unions Act (TUA) or Trade Disputes Act (TDA) and Section 18(5), the provisions of Section 18(5) take precedence as the more specific regulation governing Free Zones.

‘It is a sign of President BAT’s maturing democracy that this has been resolved quickly without deleterious effects on our economy,’ he said.

Solomon Ighrakpata, Chairman of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS), has expressed delight over the court ruling, ordering Nigitrade International Company to remit the sum of N1,433,309,286.88 to the State Revenue Service, being unpaid taxes due to the service for the period of 2015 to 2020.

Justice Champion Umukoro of Delta Revenue Court sitting in Warri, had ruled in favour of the DSBIRS while delivering judgment on the case of tax evasion the Service levelled on the company, a labour providing firm to Chevron Nigeria Limited in the EGTL Project at Escravos, in Suit No: RCW 01/ 23.

According to Justice Umukoro, ‘Prior to the institution of the case in the court, the Defendant was served several notices for payment of their staff’s Personal Income Taxes amidst other taxes which they neglected, failed and refused to remit to the Service.’ Justice Umukoro stressed that Nigitrade International Company, by their deviance to the subpoena, ran foul of sections 54, 57, 59 and 78 of PITA and 44 ( 1) of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Law.

He reiterated that the defendant went on to file a preliminary objection where they stated that being a contractor to Chevron Nigeria Limited and that their taxes ought to have been paid by Chevron. Responding to this objection, Counsel to the Service stated that Chevron Nigeria Limited confirmed the defendant to being their contractor, but that Chevron has no responsibility over the internal affairs, staffing, remuneration and taxes of the defendant’s staff.

Consequent upon the submissions, Justice Umukoro had the preliminary objection filed by the defendant struck out, thereby upholding the allegation of tax evasion against them. He, therefore, pronounced judgment against the company in favour of the DSBIRS. Ighrakpata, the DSIRS boss, in his reaction, expressed delight at the judgment. He described the verdict as a landmark ruling, noting that it would act as a deterrent to other erring organisations.

He assured that the recovered funds would be channelled towards critical infrastructural projects in the State.

While reiterating the Service’s commitment to curbing tax evasion across the State, he advised corporate entities and individuals to regularise their tax obligations voluntarily to avoid the severe penalties, enforced recovery actions, and possible prosecution that accompany default.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, pardoned Mamman Vatsa, who was sentenced to death over a treason charge in 1986, under the regime of former President Ibrahim Babangida.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on information and strategy, in a statement, said Vatsa has received a posthumous pardon from President Tinubu.

Vatsa, a poet, was among the 17 people who received presidential pardons following the endorsement of the National Council of State, which met in Abuja on Thursday.

President Tinubu also granted a posthumous pardon to Herbert Macaulay, a Nigerian nationalist and co-founder, along with Nnamdi Azikiwe, of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).

Macaulay was the party’s first President, which played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence.

He was however, believed to be unjustly convicted in 1913, by the British colonialists and banned from public office.

Macaulay died in 1946, but the stigma of being an ex-convict was not exorcised from his records until now.

President Tinubu also pardoned four former convicts, including former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, Anastasia Nwaobia, Hussaini Umar and Ayinla Alanamu.

The statement said they were pardoned to enable them to integrate into society, having demonstrated sufficient remorse.

Nweke Chibueze, serving a life sentence for cocaine, was pardoned, along with Nwogu Peters, who had served 12 out of his 17-year sentence for fraud.

The President also extended the clemency to the Ogoni Nine, Ken Saro Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine were formally pardoned on Thursday, and whose pardon was ratified by the National Council of State,

At the same time, the President awarded national honours to the Ogoni Four- Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage.

In exercising his constitutional power of mercy, President Tinubu granted clemency to 82 inmates and reduced the prison terms of 65 others. He gave a reprieve for seven inmates on the death row by commuting their sentences to life imprisonment.

President Tinubu acted on the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM). The committee has 12 members, with the Attorney General and Justice Minister, Lateef Fagbemi, as chairman.

The other members are Akinlolu Olujinmi, Alkasum Abba; Nike Ijaiya; Augustine Utsaha; and the Secretary, Onwusoro Maduka, a former Permanent Secretary. The institutional representatives on the Committee are: the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs; representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service, National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The committee’s final report was presented to the Council of State on Thursday in Abuja, as required by the constitution.

The report noted, ‘A total of 175 inmates were interviewed, and 62 applications were received on behalf of 119 inmates considered by the committee, making it a total of 294.

‘One hundred and sixty of the inmates interviewed were male, while 15 were female. Eighty-two inmates were recommended for clemency; two (2) for pardon; sixty-five (65) inmates for reduction of their terms of imprisonment, and seven (7) inmates on death row for commutation to life imprisonment.

‘Also, fifteen (15) ex-convicts were recommended for Presidential Pardon, eleven (11) of them are deceased (including Ogoni 9). The Ogoni four (4) were also recommended for the Post-Humous National Honours Award.

‘On the whole, a total of one hundred and seventy-five (175) beneficiaries are recommended.”

The committee had acted on the following criteria: old age (60 years and above); ill health likely to terminate in death; young persons (16 years and below); long-term convicts who have served prison terms of 10 years or more with a good record; and convicts serving three years or more

‘Those who have been in Custodial centres, learnt sustainable vocational trades capable of keeping them away from crime; those who are adjudged remorseful; those who Correctional Officers recommended for exemplary behaviour and Nigerian prisoners deported from other countries.’

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM) on January 15, 2025, as a significant step towards promoting justice, rehabilitation, and human rights in Nigeria.

FACTS

Adcem Pharmaceuticals Ltd (the Applicant) entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GMBH (the Respondent) for the purchase and distribution of medical equipment and disposable products in Nigeria. The agreement was initially for a fixed period of two years, renewable by mutual consent, and was subsequently renewed by the parties upon the expiration of each term. Pursuant to its terms, the Respondent supplied the products to the Applicant, who in turn received invoices reflecting the purchase prices of the goods supplied. Payments were made on several of these invoices, but an outstanding balance of USD 922,512.62 remained unpaid as at the material time.

The Applicant alleged that due to the continuous devaluation of the Nigerian Naira and the volatility in the foreign exchange rate, it faced serious financial difficulties, which occasioned a delay in the full settlement of the invoices. Nonetheless, the Applicant emphasised its commitment to fulfilling its financial obligations and sustaining the long-standing commercial relationship between the parties, which had endured for more than three decades. Over this period, the Applicant asserted, it had consistently provided valuable services to the Respondent, significantly enhancing the latter’s market presence, reputation, and profitability within Nigeria’s dialysis sector, where the Applicant maintained a dominant position as distributor.

Acknowledging its indebtedness, the Applicant entered into settlement discussions with the Respondent. As part of these negotiations, the Applicant proposed structured repayment plans, which were duly communicated, supported by documentary evidence, and accompanied by part-payments made in good faith. It was the Applicant’s expectation that, consistent with the parties’ established practice and long history of cooperation, the Respondent would accept its repayment proposals and preserve their mutually beneficial business relationship. However, while discussions were still ongoing and without concluding negotiations, the Respondent unexpectedly commenced arbitration proceedings before the Deutsche Institution fr Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit (DIS), the German Institute of Arbitration, and served a request for arbitration on the Applicant.

In reaction to the Respondent’s request for arbitration, the Applicant approached the Nigerian court, seeking a declaration that the notice of arbitration was incompetent and premature, arguing that there was, in fact, no live dispute capable of reference to arbitration. One of the issues submitted for determination was: Whether an arbitrable dispute had arisen between the parties so as to justify the activation of the arbitration clause contained in their agreement.

ARGUMENTS

Learned Silk for the Applicant argued that the foundation of arbitration is the existence of a genuine dispute between parties to an agreement. He submitted that in the present case, there is no dispute within the meaning of the law because the Applicant has at all material times admitted its indebtedness to the Respondent. He explained that the Applicant has not denied liability, nor has it raised any issue of fact or law as to the debt owed. Instead, the Applicant has consistently acknowledged the outstanding sum and has, in good faith, proposed structured repayment plans and even made part-payments towards liquidation of the debt. Learned senior counsel stressed that arbitration is a consensual process designed to resolve genuine controversies between parties, not to be employed as a mechanism for debt recovery in circumstances where liability is undisputed. He argued that the invocation of the arbitration clause in such a context would amount to a distortion of the spirit and purpose of the agreement, as the clause could not be triggered in the absence of a bona fide dispute

Learned Silk further submitted that the Respondent’s decision to resort to arbitration in these circumstances amounted to a misuse of process and an abuse of the parties’ agreement. According to him, by initiating arbitration despite the absence of any genuine controversy or disagreement between the parties, the Respondent was attempting to convert an admitted debt into an artificial dispute where none truly existed. He explained that such a step was inconsistent with the spirit and intention of the contractual provisions governing their relationship and constituted an improper use of the arbitral process. Learned Silk maintained that the Respondent’s action was unnecessary, unwarranted, and contrary to the understanding reached between the parties regarding the settlement of the outstanding indebtedness. He therefore urged the Court to hold that the arbitration clause had not been validly invoked, since no arbitrable dispute had arisen between the parties. In response, learned counsel for the Respondent contended that the parties’ long-standing commercial relationship was governed by a written agreement which expressly provided for arbitration in the event of any dispute. He maintained that a dispute had indeed arisen between the parties concerning the outstanding trade debt, and he pointed out that the Applicant itself had previously acknowledged the existence of such a dispute in the course of their correspondence. Counsel further submitted that the Respondent was merely exercising its contractual right to refer the matter to arbitration and that steps had already been taken to commence arbitration in line with the contractual agreement before the Applicant instituted the present action in court.

Learned counsel emphasised that the Respondent’s actions were consistent with the terms of the distribution agreement freely executed by both parties, and that by filing the request for arbitration, the Respondent had simply followed the procedure mutually agreed upon for the resolution of disputes arising from the contractual relationship. Counsel also noted that the correspondence exchanged between the parties clearly indicated areas of disagreement on the debt, particularly regarding payment timelines and fulfilment of contractual obligations, which in his view constituted sufficient grounds to activate the arbitration clause. He submitted that the Respondent had at all times acted in good faith by resorting to arbitration in accordance with the agreement, and that the commencement of arbitral proceedings was not premature but a necessary and proper step in ensuring that the dispute was resolved through the mechanism chosen by the parties. On this basis, he urged the Court to recognise that a dispute existed between the parties and to allow the arbitral process to run its course.

DECISION OF THE COURT

In resolving this issue, the High Court held that:

Where a party has clearly and unequivocally admitted indebtedness or liability, even if no payment has been made, the matter ceases to be a dispute capable of resolution by arbitration. The Court added that arbitration is intended to resolve genuine disputes and not to serve as a mechanism for debt recovery. Once liability is unequivocally acknowledged, the matter ceases to qualify as a dispute capable of reference to arbitration.

Furthermore, the High Court held that the Applicant had at all times admitted its indebtedness to the Respondent, made part-payments, and proposed structured repayment plans. There was therefore no conflict of facts or law between the parties on the issue of liability. The mere reference to the matter as a dispute in correspondence did not transform the admitted debt into an arbitrable controversy, since the substance of the communication revealed continuous negotiation, not contention. The Court reasoned that to hold otherwise would be to elevate form over substance and permit parties to manufacture disputes where none truly exist. Having admitted liability for the ensuing trade debt, the proper step open to the Respondent was to commence a debt recovery action summarily, either in Germany under the governing law or in Nigeria under the applicable jurisdiction, rather than invoke an arbitral process meant for genuine disputes.

Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Kaduna State deputy governor, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment under Senator Uba Sani’s administration to building a resilient and inclusive health system capable of effectively responding to public health challenges and improving access to quality healthcare for all residents.

Balarabe disclosed this when she declared open the 13th Kaduna State Council on Health, in Kaduna on Thursday.

The two-day meeting, themed ‘Global Health Security: Strengthening Health Systems for Resilience in Kaduna State,’ brought together members of the state executive council, heads of health agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders in the health sector. She noted that ‘a strong and resilient health system is not a luxury, it is a lifeline,’ adding that the government will continue to invest in health financing, innovation, technology, and human capacity to ensure that every citizen enjoys access to quality healthcare. The deputy governor also commended the support of development partners for their continued collaboration in advancing the state’s health agenda.

As part of the opening ceremony, Balarabe launched a set of policy documents produced by the State ministry of health, including the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint and other operational frameworks designed to guide implementation and coordination within the sector.

She described the Council as the highest decision and policymaking body, serving as a platform for stakeholders to review progress, address challenges, and develop actionable strategies toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and strengthening health security across the state.

As more Africans seek opportunities beyond their borders through investment immigration and wealth diversification, a new player has entered the market to meet that demand. The Premiere, a luxury wealth preservation and global mobility firm, has officially launched operations in Lagos, positioning itself to serve the continent’s rising class of globally minded investors.

The company’s entry comes amid a surge in Africa’s high-net-worth population pursuing residency and citizenship-by-investment programmes, driven by economic uncertainty, currency risks, and the desire for access to international education, healthcare, and real estate markets.

Marking its debut during Customer Service Week, The Premiere commissioned its Lagos office in what its executives described as a symbolic alignment with the company’s service-driven philosophy.

‘The fact that we are launching at the start of Customer Service Week is no coincidence , it is a beautiful alignment of purpose,’ said Dr. Jane Kimemia, Chief Executive Officer of The Premiere. ‘We built this company on service, trust, and excellence, ensuring that every client experience reflects those values.’

The event drew top business leaders, international partners, and clients, underscoring the growing attention on Africa’s participation in global investment migration.

Chairman Chief Austin Albert said The Premiere aims to become a pan-African brand connecting African investors to global opportunities in wealth preservation and luxury real estate.

‘The Premiere is positioned to be a global company that will expand into other African countries,’ he said. ‘We want to serve Africans who seek international investment opportunities, diversified real estate portfolios, and sustainable wealth structures.’

The ceremony’s highlight was the ribbon-cutting by Mr. Elias Igbinakenzua, Managing Director and CEO of Globus Bank, who served as the Special Guest of Honour. He praised the leadership of The Premiere and expressed confidence in its strategic direction.

‘With such exceptional leadership, I have no doubt that The Premiere will stand out as a trusted leader in investment immigration and wealth management,’ he said.

The Premiere’s services span Investment Immigration, Professional Permanent Residency, and International Real Estate, offering tailored solutions to help clients secure global access, diversify assets, and build lasting legacies. Supported by an international partner network, the firm seeks to act as a bridge between African ambition and global opportunity.

With its launch, The Premiere joins a growing ecosystem of firms enabling African investors to participate more actively in global wealth and mobility markets, a trend that is reshaping how the continent’s elite plan for the future.

Africa faces unprecedented threats from violent conflicts, and the continent needs conflict prevention to achieve peace and security, UN Special Representative to the African Union (AU), Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, has said.

Onanga-Anyanga was speaking at a Security Council meeting focused on the key issues faced by Africa and cooperation between the UN and the AU.

The UN envoy also said conflicts in Africa cannot be solved through military solutions.

According to him, peace and security on the continent ‘demands a proactive preventative’ approach.

He warned that ‘concerns remain in some parts of the continent about the number and complexity of conflicts.’

He said these conflicts were often worsened by ‘weak or ineffective state authority, violent extremism conducive to terrorist activities and the inequitable management of natural resources’. The other reasons fuelling violent conflicts, he said, are ‘organised crime, the impact of climate change, acute food insecurity and, in some cases, denial of fundamental human rights’.

Conflicts in the Horn of Africa, Sudan, South Sudan and the Great Lakes region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have caused widespread displacement and multiple humanitarian emergencies.

‘No military solution whatsoever can resolve underlying causes of the conflict in the DRC or elsewhere in Africa,’ Onanga-Anyanga said.

‘I call upon this Council to continue to leverage its influence towards the peaceful settlement of outstanding issues between the parties.’

The Special Representative highlighted two critical conflict-related issues to Council members: climate change as a conflict multiplier and the challenges faced by women and girls in battle-scarred regions.

He noted the consistent spillover effects of climate-induced insecurity across all these crises. Speaking for the AU, Amb. Mohamed Edrees told the Council that ‘Africa is facing an unprecedented wave of threats to its security’.

The AU envoy added that ‘solutions are needed to achieve greater stability.’

The UN and the AU have long collaborated on issues affecting the continent.

According to the UN Special Representative, ‘significant progress has been made, particularly in supporting recent free, fair and credible elections across the continent.

Onanga-Anyanga said that fostering consensus was more important than ever.

‘The strong and enduring partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, as well as with other regional organisations, constitutes the foundation of effective and networked multilateralism. He added that the partnership was ‘essential to address today’s complex, evolving and interconnected threats to peace, security, development and human rights, particularly in Africa’.

In December 2023, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution (2719) to enhance cooperation between the UN and AU.

Addressing the Council, Martha Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, said that the resolution was conceived ‘as a means to address a longstanding gap in the African Union’s peace and security architecture’.

Pobee added that the resolution aimed ‘to better respond to armed conflicts on the African continent, with the support of the broader international community, and this Council in particular.’

The efforts ‘seek to ensure that our collaboration is grounded both in strategic vision and in operational practicality,’ Pobee said.

Earlier in the year, the UN outlined financial rules for AU-led missions, now under legislative review.

Some of Africa’s most distinguished figures from business, academia, governance, and humanitarian sectors are set to be honoured at the 2025 edition of the Peace Achievers International Conference and Awards, organised by the Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation and the Peace Ambassador Agency.

In its 15th year, the event has become one of Africa’s leading platforms for recognising individuals and institutions driving peace, unity, and social impact.

The 2025 ceremony, themed ‘Peace Building Through Sectoral Partnerships: Public and Private Sector Collaboration,’ is scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Among the top honourees are Orbby Agwuncha, Principal Partner at Bosslady Law Chamber; Stephanie Nnadi, CEO of One Percent International; and Smelly Dube, CEO of Rivervalley Group of Companies, Republic of Zimbabwe. Other prominent awardees include Prof. Christopher Imumolen, the 2023 Accord Party presidential candidate; Jonathan Ojadah, Chairman, UNIPGC Africa; Morris Jerry Ohwojero, MD/CEO, Bricks ‘n’ More Nigeria Ltd; Chilel Sarr, CEO, Elegance Magazine, The Gambia; Engr. Khadija Kuburat Ibrahim, Founder, Being Human Foundation for the Less Privileged, and Sidi Abdul Bomi Gulu.

Also on the list are Fegho John Umunubo, Chairman, Fegho Umunubo Foundation; Mrs Asu Kunemofa, Director of Finance and Supply, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Christian Eyinnaya Okereke, Chairman, Mute Swan Capital and GMD of Gecenyi Group of Companies; Akerele A. Tobi, CEO, Gidi Real Estate Investment Limited; Hon. Amb. Dr Ginika Florence Tor; Elvis Ebuyere; Candace Ebhomielen-Uaboi, MD, BlueDutch Limited; and Mohammed Abdulrazak Bello, among others.

The event will also feature the conferment of Honourary Doctorate Degrees from the American Management University, California, USA, alongside the prestigious Peace Icon Awards, which celebrate excellence in categories such as Brand Company of the Year, Most Influential Personality of the Year, and Peace Advocate of the Year. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director of the Peace Achievers Awards, said the 15th edition marks a major milestone in the foundation’s mission to promote peace and national cohesion.

‘This event is an opportunity to celebrate a decade and a half of promoting peace and advocating positive change in Nigeria. ‘Each recipient is carefully selected based on verifiable impact, not social status, ethnicity, or religion. Our honours are strictly merit-based, recognising individuals who have contributed meaningfully to peacebuilding and national development’, Amafibe said.

He noted that the non-profit organisation channels proceeds from sponsorships and partnerships into social development initiatives, including the Peace Education Campaign, Health Outreach Schemes, Back to School Campaigns, and other empowerment programmes that support vulnerable groups across Nigeria.

The 2025 edition promises a rich blend of music, fashion exhibitions, and cultural showcases, highlighting Africa’s creativity alongside its commitment to peacebuilding.

‘We are proud that over the past 15 years, the Peace Achievers platform has remained a beacon of unity and progress.

‘This year’s celebration will not only reward excellence but also inspire greater synergy between the public and private sectors for sustainable peace,’ Amafibe added.

Nigeria’s sustainability community is set for a major convergence as the Avant-Garde Sustainability Foundation hosts the ninth edition of its flagship Sustainability Table Series (STS) on October 23, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Themed ‘Sustainability in Action: Scaling Impact for a Thriving Future to Achieve the SDGs,’ this year’s edition will convene policymakers, corporate executives, climate innovators, and impact investors to explore actionable pathways for accelerating Africa’s transition toward a low-carbon and inclusive economy.

The forum, curated by Labake Ajiboye-Richard, seeks to bridge policy, finance, and technology in scaling sustainable solutions as Nigeria intensifies its push toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global climate milestones ahead of COP30.

Rachel Moré-Oshodi, chief executive officer of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments, will deliver the keynote address on ‘Scaling Sustainability Impact in Africa,’ focusing on how private capital and innovative finance can deepen the continent’s green transformation.

‘Our speakers will provide actionable insights, real-world solutions, and policy-driven frameworks to accelerate Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future,’ said Ajiboye-Richard. ‘The time for pledges has passed; this is the era of delivery, bold leadership, and collaborative impact at scale.’

The discussions will spotlight four strategic pillars, including policy and technology innovation, financing sustainability, driving the net-zero transition and ESG-driven transformation.

Confirmed speakers include Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources; Ayaan Adam, Senior Director at the Africa Finance Corporation; Olamide Fagbuji, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations; and Oluwatoyin Emmanuel-Olubake, Chief Investment Officer at the Catalyst Fund.

A highlight of the event will be the launch of the STS 2024 Monograph, which assesses Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and their alignment with the SDGs. The report explores growth opportunities in agriculture, MSMEs, manufacturing, and the creative economy, framing them within a sustainability-driven development model.

Since its inception, the Sustainability Table Series has evolved into one of Africa’s foremost platforms for advancing eco-finance, ESG adoption, and circular economy practices. Now in its ninth edition, STS continues to bridge the gap between corporate commitments and on-the-ground climate action, reinforcing Nigeria’s role in shaping the continent’s sustainable development narrative.

Ajiboye-Richard added that the 2025 edition aims to ‘translate commitments into measurable impact,’ emphasising that collaboration between government, business, and civil society remains central to achieving a just, green, and prosperous Africa.

Contrary to the recent publication credited to Igwe Emeka, the Traditional Ruler of Umueri Community, Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, did not at any point make false claims or misrepresentations regarding the payment for land intended for the airline’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility land in Anambra State, Air Peace said in a statement.

‘To begin with, the Umueri Community was never accused of any wrongdoing by Onyema or by Air Peace. At no time was any statement issued suggesting that the community refused land allocation, received money, or was in dispute with Air Peace over the MRO project. The Igwe’s media release, therefore, is unprovoked, baseless, and entirely misplaced.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, Air Peace’s dealings on the MRO project were solely with the then Anambra State Government, not with any community or group. Payment for the designated land was made directly to the Anambra State Government, and an official receipt for the sum of N100m paid by Air Peace for the land was issued on 26/08/2021 to confirm this transaction. A copy of this is attached to this publication for public verification. Allen Onyema and Air Peace did not lie as the publications suggested,’ Air Peace said in its statement. According to the airline, in addition, a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) covering the same parcel of land was issued on the 14th of September, 2021, thereby completing the legitimate process of allocation and ownership of the land.

‘It must be clearly stated that Allen Onyema does not lie about anything. His personal and professional integrity is evident in his transparent record of service to Nigeria and his unwavering commitment to national development. The statement being circulated in the press that he lied is deliberately calculated to mislead, defame, and malign him. The publication is, therefore, false, malicious, defamatory, and entirely without merit,’ the airline added.

The airline added that Onyema’s vision for the Air Peace MRO remains rooted in patriotism and progress, a project conceived to create jobs, strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry, and position the country as a hub for aircraft maintenance in Africa.