Crude Oil Output Drops By 26%

Crude oil production declined by 25.92 percent, from 24,857,477.52 barrels in the first half of 2024 to 18,415,410.74 barrels in the first half of 2025.

The decline, revealed in the 2025 Semi-Annual Report by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), highlights the country’s struggle to attract new investments in the upstream petroleum sector, with no new petroleum agreement signed since 2018.

Speaking at a press briefing on the report’s findings, PIAC Vice-Chair, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, urged government and relevant agencies to take urgent steps to reverse the downward trend and attract more investment into the country’s oil industry.

‘The Committee observed that, for period-by-period comparison, crude oil production declined by 25.92 percent, from 24,857,477.52 barrels in H1 2024 to 18,415,410.74 barrels in H1 2025,’ the report stated.

Covering the period January to June 2025, the report examines key aspects of petroleum revenue management, including production data, liftings, total revenue accrued to the State, allocations, utilisation of the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA), and the management of the Ghana Petroleum Funds.

The Committee recommended that government focus ABFA allocations on fewer, well-defined infrastructure projects, funding them from start to finish, and ensure completed projects are properly branded.

It also urged that more ABFA resources be directed toward completing the Agenda 111 project for the benefit of citizens.

‘The Committee reiterates its earlier recommendation that the country should develop a broad-based, long-term national development plan approved by Parliament to ensure continuity in the use of national resources, including the ABFA,’ the report noted.

PIAC also revealed that the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) had reported centrally earmarked projects to be financed from the ABFA, a practice deemed non-compliant with Article 252(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that monies accruing to the Fund be distributed among all District Assemblies.

Additionally, the report disclosed that no expenditure was incurred under the government’s ‘Big Push’ programme for infrastructure development, despite an allocation of US$146.36 million from petroleum revenues during the review period.

The Committee assured the public that, although its mandate is primarily advisory, it remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure that revenues generated from the country’s petroleum resources are used effectively and transparently.

’Serial Killer Confesses’ To Killing 15 People

The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested two men, Sherif Abdulai, 30, and Mahamuda Lamin, 25, in connection with some murder cases recorded in the region since 2021.

The suspects were arrested following investigation into the recent killing of a night security guard.

Speaking with the media, Upper West Regional Police Commander, ACP Francis Yiribaare, said one of the suspects has confessed to killing 15 people.

According to him, the suspect admitted during interrogation that he has killed 15 people in the Wa Municipality since 2021, prior to the recent murder of Yahaya Issah, and confessed that he usually targets watchmen and sometimes mentally challenged persons.

‘He confessed that he had killed three mad men and two watchmen at Bole, one mad man in Banda Nkwanta and a mad woman in Bambs, both in the Savannah Region. He carries victims on his shoulder and buries them in bushes unnoticed,’ ACP Yiribaare stated.

ACP Yiribaare disclosed that the cases under investigation include some 15 murder cases recorded in the region between 2021 and 2022, and the recent case involving the murder of a watchman, Issah Yahaya, at Wa-Dobile on September 21, 2025.

He explained that in most of these cases, the victims were watchmen who were attacked while on duty, and they were either strangled to death or suffered head injuries from being hit in the head with blocks.

He revealed that following a careful review of the cases and the pattern that seemed consistent in all the cases, the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tettch Yohuno put together a team of intelligence officers and investigators from the National Headquarters and dispatched them to the Upper West Region to work with the regional team.

He disclosed that based on initial forensic analysis and acting on credible intelligence, the police arrested suspect Mahamuda Lamin on October 3, 2025, who led them to the second suspect.

He noted that the second suspect, Sherif Abdulai, an ex-convict who goes by aliases, Saani, Mohammed and Critos, was arrested at Adabiya, a suburb of Wa on Monday, October 6, 2025.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander also disclosed that a search conducted on him led to the retrieval of a Villaon keypad mobile phone and an X-Base solar-powered portable radio. Both items were later positively identified as property of the deceased, Issah Yahaya, and upon interrogations, the suspect claimed that he had bought the phone from a galamsey site in Bole.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander said both suspects are in the custody of the police assisting with investigation, adding that suspect Mahamuda Lamin was put before the Wa Magistrate Court, where he was remanded into police custody to reappear on October 21, 2025.

Minority Blows Alarm Over NDC Foot Soldiers’ Recruitment

The Minority in Parliament has criticised proposals by some Majority Members of Parliament (MPs) calling for an increase in the enlistment age into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), describing it as an attempt to smuggle ‘overage party foot soldiers’ into the military.

The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee and New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, said the suggestion was a ‘misconceived and misguided populist agenda’ that would undermine professionalism in the security services.

Reacting to public statements by Sam Nartey George, MP for Ningo-Prampram and Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi and Majority Chief Whip, Rev. Fordjour declared, ‘We will resist every attempt by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to load their overage foot soldiers into the Ghana Armed Forces.’

‘The Armed Forces is not a dumping ground for overage NDC foot soldiers. It is extremely backward and dangerous to force unqualified people into the military as a reward for party patronage,’ he asserted.

He further cautioned NDC leadership, including Cabinet Ministers and parliamentary leaders, against what he called ‘undue interference’ in the ongoing recruitment exercise by the Ghana Armed Forces, which he said must remain credible and professional.

His comments come after Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, in a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), compared Ghana’s military recruitment age limits to those of other countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.

According to Mr. Dafeamekpor, while the country’s upper age limit for enlistment is currently below 30, many nations allow recruits up to 35 years or older.

He cited examples such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, and Togo, where maximum enlistment ages range between 30 and 35 years, and others like Germany, Australia, and the United States, where limits extend even higher.

‘So, in Ghana, we can extend our age limit to say 35 years or even 40 years depending on medical fitness and non-combatant roles. We need new ways of doing things,’ MP Dafeamekpor suggested.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Sam George argued on Facebook that many Ghanaians in their thirties remain physically fit and mentally capable of serving the nation, and should not be excluded from enlistment based solely on age.

‘I honestly believe it is time for our beloved nation to re-examine the maximum age for enlistment into our military services,’ he wrote.

‘There are people in their 30s who are physically fit and sound enough to serve. We must not deny them this opportunity simply because of their age. An upper limit of 35 years would serve our young people better,’ he added.

However, Rev. Ntim Fordjour dismissed the call as politically motivated, warning that any attempt to alter the recruitment standards for partisan gain would be met with firm resistance from the Minority.

He insisted that recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces must remain strictly merit-based, transparent, and insulated from political interference to safeguard national security and the integrity of the institution.

Health Minister Bemoans Cervical Cancer Mortality Rate

The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has expressed deep concern about the high mortality rate associated with cervical cancer.

He revealed that out of 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer recorded, 2,000 patients die from the disease, which represents a staggering 66% mortality rate.

‘Every year, we record three thousand new cases. And out of the three thousand new cases, I saw in my speech that the mortality rate is about two thousand. The mortality rate for Cervical Cancer is very high, and therefore, we must not be divided in the fight against the HPV,’ he said.

In response to this alarming situation, the Ministry of Health launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in Accra on October 8, 2025. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, and with this vaccine, the ministry hopes to reduce the number of cases.

He assured that the vaccines are safe and effective, and asked that any conspiracy theories be ignored. He also mentioned the successes of other countries that have been using the vaccines, and added that the vaccines have been piloted since 2013.

‘Any time there’s the introduction of any new vaccine, then the conspiracy theories start, and it has already started. Let me assure you that this HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and Ghana is not the first country to administer HPV vaccines. We’re joining other African countries like Rwanda, South Africa, and Botswana. This vaccine has been approved by our Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and World Health Organisation (WHO),’ he explained.

Mr. Akandoh also pointed out that this was the beginning of the government’s free primary health care, and beseeched parents to allow their girls between the ages of 9-14 to get the vaccines.

‘This is the beginning of free primary health care, to give preventive health care its true meaning. Today, I’m excited to tell you that HPV is preventable. Parents, caregivers, please with the greatest of respect, let’s support and bring our girls between nine and fourteen for this vaccination,’ he said.

Kelvynboy Throws Jabs On X

Afrobeat star Kelvynboy has stirred social media buzz after firing off a sharp jab at an unnamed individual in a now-deleted post on X on Tuesday.

In the fiery post, the ‘Down Flat’ hitmaker accused the unnamed person of fabricating claims that he wanted to kill them, while also alleging that the same individual had once sent ‘goons’ to attack him.

‘Such tomfoolery. We’re way past good graces. He crossed a line when he lied about me wanting to kill him. He actually sent goons to attack me in Ash. Say what you may, but I no really Dey think about wanna like that. I’ll keep doing what makes smal acc like you cry tho,’ Kelvynboy wrote.

Although he stopped short of naming names, social media users and showbiz observers were quick to speculate that the post may be aimed at Stonebwoy, reigniting rumours of a long-standing friction between the two artists.

Shortly after deleting the post, Kelvynboy returned to X with a more playful message: ‘Since I understood X, tl been fun.’

How to Prepare for Afro Hair Transplant in Turkey

Afro hair’s unique texture demands extra attention and a specialized approach. Unlike wavy or straight hair, they are challenging to handle and need precision and expertise for satisfying outcomes.

That’s why choosing the right clinic is important, but you also need to prepare carefully before traveling to Turkey for the procedure. Here’s how to get ready.

Why Preparation Matters for Afro Hair Transplants

As you’re going to step into a new country for Afro hair transplant, you need to get yourself ready both mentally and physically. Here’s why it matters:

Physical Preparations for Hair Transplant

When your surgery day comes close, you need to do preparations to boost your recovery. This can include making lifestyle adjustments and following a nutrition-rich diet.

You should also talk to the doctor about certain medicines you’re taking and whether you can continue them for a while or not.

Psychological Preparations for Transplant

Psychological preparation is of equal importance. Remember that your hair restoration journey can take time. So you must have the right mindset and realistic expectations for a smooth experience.

Yes, the surgery will improve your appearance, but results will not be instant, and changes can take 9 to 12 months.

Steps to Prepare Before Your Surgery in Turkey

At Asli Tarcan Clinic, experts guide patients through essential pre-surgery steps:

? Don’t Shave Before Your Surgery: Never shave your head before the consultation because surgeons need to design the hairline. So they’ll need to see your actual hairline.

? Avoid Stressful Activities: Don’t engage in any heavy activities before or after the surgery. This is because it can put strain on the scalp and cause excessive sweating in the recovery phase.

? Be Ready For Appointments: Doctors will check on you, even after the surgery, for follow-up visits and proper monitoring. So stay in touch with your specialist, especially while recovering.

? Pack Suitable Clothing: August and July are the hottest months in Turkey. So if you’re planning to come during this time, bring airy or short clothes. Similarly, take jackets with you in winter.

? Check Transplant Costs: Talk to the clinic’s staff to get a quote for your transplant surgery so you’re mentally prepared to pay it off.

What to Expect at Asli Clinic Before the Procedure

Afro hair transplantation suits those with significant hair loss or baldness. Asli Tarcan Clinic never disappoints in meeting its patients’ expectations for positive transformation. You can expect:

? Proper consultation, planning, and scalp examination

? A customized treatment plan according to your needs

? A price quote for the procedure

Even after the process, their team will help you with post-op recovery with follow-up appointments. Also, they specialize in the latest hair restoration methods to prioritize artistry, precision, and patient care.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with Asli Tarcan Clinic specialists today, and thank us later!

Nigeria’s poverty paradox: Growth without prosperity

In a nation where macroeconomic numbers tell a story of recovery, everyday life tells a different one. Nigeria’s policymakers tout easing inflation, modest GDP growth, and a stronger currency as signs of progress. Yet, for millions, these numbers ring hollow. Across the country, families ration food, businesses shut their doors, and survival has become an act of ingenuity.

This contradiction, between official optimism and the daily grind of deprivation, defines Nigeria’s poverty paradox. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, the country remains the world’s poverty capital. More than 133 million Nigerians, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, live in multidimensional poverty, a figure that shames both the state’s potential and its performance.

The paradox is not born of laziness or lack of enterprise. Nigerians are among the most industrious people on the continent, turning adversity into enterprise in markets, motor parks, and informal settlements. The problem lies elsewhere: in an economic structure that creates growth without prosperity and wealth without inclusion.

Nigeria’s poverty problem is not a crisis of effort but of structure. Successive governments have failed to translate resource wealth into sustainable development. Oil revenues have historically benefited a small elite, while public investment in education, infrastructure, and productive employment has lagged.

The economy has averaged about 2 percent growth since 2015, slower than population growth, meaning that per capita income continues to fall. Meanwhile, inflation and a weak currency erode purchasing power, trapping millions in a cycle of precarious survival. The most industrious Nigerians, those driving the informal economy, remain locked out of access to credit, land titles, and formal markets.

This model of exclusionary growth is not unique to Nigeria, but its persistence in an oil-rich state exposes deep governance failings. For decades, fiscal management has been undermined by poor tax compliance among the wealthy and leakages in public finance. Subsidies, intended to cushion the vulnerable, often benefit those least in need. The outcome is a widening gulf between the nation’s macroeconomic story and the lived experience of its citizens.

‘Redistribution is not a moral luxury but an economic necessity. Countries with robust social safety nets experience more stable consumption patterns and lower inequality.’

There is no shortage of global lessons. China’s rural industrialisation and targeted social programmes lifted more than 750 million people out of poverty in four decades. India reduced its poverty rate from 45 percent in the 1990s to about 15 percent today through employment guarantees and digital cash transfers. These countries demonstrate that sustained investment in human capital, rural productivity, and inclusive industrialisation delivers measurable social returns.

Nigeria’s approach, by contrast, remains reactive. Fiscal incentives are often misdirected; infrastructure projects stall amid cost overruns, and agricultural programmes underperform due to insecurity and weak logistics. Without a coherent social contract, one that prioritises equity and accountability, economic reform will continue to yield cosmetic results.

To reverse its poverty trajectory, Nigeria must align macroeconomic policy with social inclusion. Three priorities stand out.

First, tax reform. Expanding the tax base is essential, but plugging leakages is even more critical. The government’s drive for non-oil revenue can only succeed if tax collection is transparent and progressive. Linking taxation directly to public service delivery, schools, healthcare, and infrastructure, will help restore trust in state institutions.

Second, reprioritisation of public spending. The persistence of fuel subsidies, now largely benefiting middle- and upper-income households, represents a fiscal distortion. Redirecting these funds to conditional cash transfers and employment schemes tied to community projects would deliver a broader welfare impact. India’s rural employment guarantee offers a workable model.

Third, human capital investment. Nigeria’s literacy rate hovers around 62 percent, with more than 10 million children out of school. Education and vocational training remain the most reliable pathways to reducing poverty. Adapting Germany’s apprenticeship model and strengthening technical education can equip Nigeria’s youth for sectors such as agriculture, digital services, and manufacturing.

Beyond these, formalising the informal economy must be a national priority. Simplified registration systems, secure property rights, and microcredit schemes tied to savings cooperatives can help small entrepreneurs move from subsistence to productivity. Unlocking ‘dead capital’, the unregistered assets that dominate Nigeria’s informal markets, would inject liquidity into local economies and expand the tax base.

Redistribution is not a moral luxury but an economic necessity. Countries with robust social safety nets experience more stable consumption patterns and lower inequality. Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme, combining cash transfers with public works, has reduced food insecurity by a quarter in its target regions. Nigeria’s welfare schemes remain fragmented and politicised; digitisation and clear eligibility criteria would improve both reach and credibility.

Ultimately, economic growth that fails to lift the majority cannot be called success. Nigeria’s democracy rests on a fragile foundation when prosperity accrues only to the top percentile. Waiting for wealth to trickle down has long proven futile.

The challenge before Nigeria’s policymakers is to move beyond headline figures and commit to structural transformation, one that rewards productivity, safeguards the vulnerable, and distributes opportunity fairly.

The entrepreneurial young man selling water in Lagos traffic embodies the country’s potential. What he lacks is not ambition but access to credit, to education, and to a fair chance. A state that cannot convert such effort into prosperity will continue to grow poorer in spirit, even when its GDP numbers rise.

Feared or respected? Lessons from African CEOs

Last week, we explored global CEOs and how their leadership styles raised the age-old question: Is it better to be feared or respected? This week, we turned the lens homeward. African CEOs lead in some of the most challenging business environments in the world-markets shaped by volatility, infrastructure gaps, regulation, and intense public scrutiny. In such settings, the temptation to rule by fear is strong. Yet, some of the continent’s most influential leaders demonstrate that respect, grounded in integrity and empathy, creates a more enduring legacy.

Respect in action: African CEO stories

Lunga Siyo – Telkom South Africa

Lunga Siyo, CEO of Telkom Consumer and Small Business in South Africa, is known for building what staff call a ‘happy culture’. He instituted ‘Yep Talks’-casual, open sessions where employees across levels share achievements, frustrations, and ideas. By flattening hierarchy and amplifying junior voices, Siyo models a leadership style that dignifies staff. His emphasis on empathy and resource support, even while demanding results, has created a culture where employees work harder not out of fear of punishment but out of respect for his fairness.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede – Access Bank, Nigeria

When Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede became Group Managing Director of Access Bank in 2002, it was a small player in Nigeria’s crowded financial sector. Under his leadership, the bank grew into one of the country’s top-tier institutions. He chronicled this journey in his memoir Leaving the Tarmac, where he candidly admits early mistakes and misjudgments. By showing humility, learning from setbacks, and surrounding himself with people empowered to challenge him, Aig-Imoukhuede built trust both within his team and among investors. Beyond banking, his pivot to philanthropy and governance reform further deepened his reputation as a leader respected for vision and integrity, not fear.

Strive Masiyiwa – Econet, Zimbabwe

Strive Masiyiwa’s story is one of resilience in the face of formidable odds. When he founded Econet Wireless, he faced years of regulatory resistance from the Zimbabwean government, which repeatedly blocked his licence. Rather than bending under pressure or instilling fear in his team, Masiyiwa led through transparency and faith. He kept employees motivated by constantly framing the struggle as bigger than business-about justice, opportunity, and African innovation. Today, Econet is a telecoms giant across Africa, and Masiyiwa is respected globally not only for his business acumen but also for his ethical courage.

‘In African business cultures, hierarchy often creates deference. Staff may bow, nod, and echo ‘yes, sir’ out of habit, not genuine respect. True respect shows when employees volunteer ideas, take initiative, and go the extra mile.’

What these leaders teach small business owners

African CEOs operate under far greater constraints than their global peers. Yet their experiences distil key lessons for small business owners in Nigeria and across the continent:

Respect fosters loyalty, even in hardship. Employees who feel valued will stay and fight alongside you through tough times.

Humility attracts wisdom. Leaders who admit mistakes, like Aig-Imoukhuede, often gain better insights and stronger teams.

Integrity builds reputational capital. In contexts where corruption is rampant, leaders like Masiyiwa demonstrate that respect is earned when values are non-negotiable.

Inclusion drives innovation. Siyo’s ‘Yep Talks’ show that the best ideas often come from the bottom up-if employees feel safe enough to share them.

Respect does not mean weakness. These leaders all held high standards. They balanced empathy with accountability.

The cautionary side

In African business cultures, hierarchy often creates deference. Staff may bow, nod, and echo ‘yes, sir’ out of habit, not genuine respect. True respect shows when employees volunteer ideas, take initiative, and go the extra mile. Leaders must remain vigilant to distinguish between surface-level compliance and deep commitment.

Conclusion

The proverb reminds us: ‘Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.’ No CEO-no matter how visionary-can succeed without others. Fear might secure silence, but respect secures contribution.

For the African small business owner, the path is clear. Respect is not softness-it is strategy. It is what attracts talent, inspires investors, reassures customers, and sustains an enterprise through storms.

Next week, we will bring the conversation even closer to home by examining Nigerian CEOs-leaders whose choices have shaped our industries and whose stories offer sharper lessons for entrepreneurs building legacies in our unique context.

Beyond the Cockpit: NCAA reveals available lucrative aviation careers

The aviation industry is often associated with pilots and cabin crew, but the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is shedding light on the numerous other career opportunities that exist beyond the cockpit.

In a bid to encourage more people to explore the vast potential of the aviation sector, the NCAA has highlighted several in-demand roles that offer job security, growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of a dynamic industry.

From aircraft maintenance technicians to air traffic controllers, these careers are not only fulfilling but also offer opportunities for global employment. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, NCAA says it’s time to look beyond the traditional roles and explore the many career paths that can take you to new heights.

Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, emphasised the importance of researching areas where there are skill gaps and adding value to the industry.

By doing so, individuals can tap into the numerous opportunities available in the aviation sector and build a rewarding career. With the right training and expertise, aviation professionals can explore job opportunities both locally and internationally.

‘Many young Nigerians are investing in cabin crew training. They love the glamour of that career. It is a beautiful line of work. You get to serve people from all works of life. Your patience gets tested as much as your character. You learn to smile whether you are happy or not. You wear cute uniforms and travel freely but there are other careers in aviation that add value and probably have more work openings.

‘I would strongly recommend/encourage more young people to train to become any of the following: Aircraft maintenance technician, aerospace engineer, flight instructor, flight dispatcher, marshaller,

Air traffic controller, amongst others,’ Michael Achimugu, director, public affairs and consumer protection, NCAA stated in his X handle.

He advised that if people want to go into aviation, they should research, beyond just their passion, the areas where there are more needs for operators and other service providers.

‘Where is the scarcity? Fill that space and add value. All of the above-mentioned also get job opportunities outside Nigeria. Give it a thought. Aviation is a satisfying industry where all of the parts working together make an excellent whole. Start that training today, Achimugu said.

Tinubu’s reforms are restoring economic stability, investor confidence, says Tuggar

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, has said the country’s foreign policy is now firmly aligned with its economic agenda, as the government works to drive regional integration, attract investment, and strengthen partnerships that promote growth and stability.

Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Tuggar said Nigeria’s diplomacy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration is anchored on ‘economic pragmatism, strategic autonomy, and partnerships of purpose.’

He noted that the annual summit, organised by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), has evolved into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development framework, bridging the gap between policy ambition and real-world implementation.

Tuggar described this year’s summit theme, ‘The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030,’ as both timely and necessary, given Nigeria’s ongoing economic transformation.

According to him, the rapidly changing global economy requires countries like Nigeria to rethink how their economies function and for whom they work.

‘We are fortunate, during this transformative period, to have a President who understands the intersection of Nigeria’s political and economic structures.

‘That is why President Tinubu is implementing bold, people-centred reforms that are catalysing macroeconomic stability, enhancing investor confidence, and reigniting the nation’s productive capacity’, Tuggar said.

He stressed that the reforms being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda are not just improving economic figures, but are beginning to positively impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The Minister said Nigeria’s foreign policy is now strategically aligned with its domestic economic goals through what he described as the ‘4D Foreign Policy Agenda’, focused on Democracy, Development, Demography, and the Diaspora.

‘Our diplomacy continues to unlock trade corridors, attract investment, secure partnerships, and expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses,’ he said.

He explained that the Tinubu administration’s approach avoids rigid alliances, focusing instead on mutual interests.

‘Tinubu’s strategic autonomy is for partnerships of purpose, not alliances of obligations. Nigeria is too big and too significant to engage in band-wagoning. The stories we tell about ourselves as a nation matter’, Tuggar added.

Referencing the Flying Geese Paradigm, which describes how East Asian nations industrialised in structured succession, Tuggar said Nigeria must position itself as the leader of Africa’s industrial transformation.

‘With our demographic weight, market size, and strategic position, we have the scale and potential to lead Africa’s own ‘flying geese’ formation.

‘But leadership must be earned through sound policies, productive investments, regional coordination, and institutional credibility’, he said.

He added that regional integration remains crucial to Nigeria’s economic success, arguing that development on the continent cannot rely solely on donor funding, but must be driven by private sector investment, sound industrial policies, and smart import substitution strategies.

‘Import substitution is not a bad word,’ he said, referencing lessons from Southeast Asia’s industrial rise.

Tuggar also highlighted the recently launched West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) as a vital platform for deepening trade, infrastructure, and policy coordination across the sub-region.

He said WAES reflects the reality that ‘Nigeria’s prosperity is tied to West Africa’s progress.’

‘The more we invest in regional value chains, cross-border infrastructure, and policy harmonisation, the more resilient and competitive we become as a bloc,’ he said.

He further called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, civil society, and research institutions, urging investment in ‘policy intelligence’ to guide Nigeria through an increasingly complex global environment.

Institutions like the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), he noted, must work closely with economic and development actors to translate policy ideas into viable diplomatic strategies.

Tuggar reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s global position through trade facilitation, investment promotion, and climate diplomacy.

‘Whether through advancing trade under AfCFTA, facilitating investment flows, supporting climate finance, or championing Africa’s voice in multilateral fora, our diplomacy must serve the people and priorities of Nigeria,’ he said.

He expressed optimism that the outcomes of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit would go beyond policy declarations to produce actionable, people-centred results.

‘The outcome of this summit must transcend mere policy formulation and translate into collective ownership that delivers tangible dividends to Nigerians,’ he said.