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The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission to improve revenue generation, enhance national security, and safeguard public safety through tighter monitoring of imported communication devices.

Adeniyi made the commitment in Abuja when he received the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, and his team.

He said the Service was already looking beyond revenue to the security implications of unchecked importation of mobile devices, stressing that closer synergy with the NCC would allow both agencies to strengthen their monitoring systems.

Adeniyi explained that technology-related imports, such as mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecom equipment, must be subjected to proper certification and classification under the Customs’ tariff regime, noting that such measures would ensure only authorised importers are permitted to bring them into the country.

Adeniyi also highlighted that the Service would work with NCC to train its officers on certification processes and align tariff codes with regulated devices to curb abuses at the borders, adding, ‘Both for effective security and revenue, we will be committed to deepening collaboration.’

On broader safety issues, the CGC noted the growing need for cooperation in maintaining facilities in highly populated urban areas. He observed that the concentration of high-rise buildings in Abuja, coupled with places of worship and sensitive institutions, demands vigilance and shared learning between both agencies to prevent disasters.

Earlier, the NCC boss congratulated Adeniyi on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, describing it as recognition of his leadership both at home and abroad.

Maida emphasised that the NCC’s Device Management System, a platform designed to track imported phones and block substandard devices, would not only help Customs boost revenue but also enhance the quality of service for telecom subscribers.

‘One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself. If a subscriber is using a substandard phone, no matter the investment operators make in their networks, service quality will remain poor. That is why the DMS project is critical,’ he said.

He, however, raised concerns over the uncontrolled use of network boosters, which, though sometimes helpful to individuals, often distort signals and reduce overall network quality.

He called for Customs’ support in restricting the importation of uncertified boosters and ensuring only approved devices enter the market.

Maida also added that both agencies must continue to sustain the ‘spirit of collaboration’ already established, assuring that the NCC would work closely with Customs to tackle the dual challenges of revenue leakages and consumer protection.

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to reject proposals for the creation of State police in Nigeria, warning that such a move would endanger democracy, minority groups, and religious freedom.

The forum, in a statement on Friday through its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC campaign council in the 2023 elections, reacted to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent declaration that ‘the time for state police has come’ during a court session marking the 2025/2026 legal year in Jos.

Rejecting the proposal, the Forum argued that state police would worsen insecurity, encourage impunity, and destabilize democracy.

‘State police will only lead to anarchy and increased impunity across the country, and as a result, these calls should be rejected by all right-thinking Nigerians,’ it said.

The group alleged that governors already exploit the Federal police despite lacking direct control, and warned that giving them full command of state police would be disastrous.

‘As we speak, most governors are using the machinery of the state to intimidate, oppress, and harass minority groups and the opposition. We are afraid of how far they will go when they now have a full-fledged police force at their beck and call. State police will give them the license to do and undo,’ the statement read.

The Forum noted that Federal police are already being misused to destroy businesses and properties of opponents, raising fears of far greater abuse.

‘What they are doing now will be child’s play compared to what they will do when they have their own police force,’ it warned.

According to the Forum, State police would become a weapon of oppression, ‘State police will derail the democratic system as it will be used to suppress dissent and turn governors into dictators.

‘With state police, anybody seen as an opponent of government would be hounded, jailed, or worse still, lose their lives. Opposition will be criminalized.’

The Forum also expressed fears over religious implications in the North-Central region, warning, ‘We don’t want state police in the North-Central, which is a secular region with minority groups and diverse religions.

‘We have observed that some governors in the region don’t want to accommodate minorities, including their religious practices.

‘If you arm these governors with state police, they will criminalize the traditional practices and religions of minority groups.’

It further accused some governors of prioritizing religion over governance, emphasising that, ‘One of the biggest problems in Nigeria at the moment is that most governors are practicing religion more than governance.

‘They believe in religious doctrines more than the Constitution. If you give them state police armed with AK-47s, what will be the fate of those who do not agree with them?’

The Forum maintained that creating State police would be counterproductive and could plunge Nigeria into crisis, urging President Tinubu, lawmakers, civil society groups, and Nigerians to resist the proposal.

‘These are the reasons why we, the North-Central APC Forum, are urging President Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly, especially senators and representatives who have the interest of the country at heart, to reject calls for state police.

‘State Police is an evil wind that will not blow anyone any good. We also urge civil society organizations and all Nigerians to reject this proposal,’ the Forum noted.

The coronation Jumat Thanksgiving service of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, drew dignitaries, including members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mogajis, senators, and politicians.

The event, held on Friday at the Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan, formed part of the weeklong activities marking the coronation of Oba Ladoja, who was presented with the Staff and Instrument of Office by Governor Seyi Makinde last week at Mapo Hall.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, urged residents and indigenes to support the monarch for a successful reign, cautioning against distractions that could hinder the city’s progress.

He praised Oba Ladoja as a respected leader whose pedigree and antecedents command recognition within and outside Ibadanland, stressing that leadership begins at the family level and requires accountability.

Highlights of the event included special prayers for Olubadan’s reign and the presentation of a gift to him.

Among the dignitaries present were CCII President General, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole; President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori; Senator Sharafadeen Ali; Senator Fatai Buhari; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; ex-lawmaker, Soji Akanbi; former Osun SSG, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade; and ICPI Coordinator, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade.

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said that Leah Sharibu and every Nigerian child still unaccounted for in the war against Boko Haram remain scars on the nation.

Kukah made the remark while reviewing ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, at its official launch.

He said, ‘Now, the issue of Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls, these are what the author refers to as the scars. And in my view, as long as Leah Sharibu is unaccounted for, as long as any of the abducted children in Nigeria is unaccounted for, every child that is unaccounted for is a scar on the face of Nigeria.’

According to him, military action alone cannot end the Boko Haram insurgency, as insurgents are driven by a readiness to die, unlike soldiers who fight to stay alive.

Kukah also faulted the label ‘Boko Haram,’ insisting that such narratives divert attention from the deeper causes of the crisis.

‘And I think this is where the Nigerian government has gotten it wrong. First of all, let’s not forget. We are the ones who gave them the name Boko Haram,’ he said.

‘They didn’t say that they are Boko Haram. We are the ones who gave them the name, and because we gave them the name Boko Haram, we have become comfortable. It has affected our strategy.

‘Boko Haram says their name is Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad. That is their name. And the English translation is that people committed to the prophet’s teachings for the propagation of jihad. The challenge is what context of preaching,’

While charging political leaders to write biographies, he said the nation was already in trouble and needed solutions on the way out.

He said, ‘First, the Nigerian military must be inspired by this book to also create a sense of urgency about returning to the barracks so that their honour, their integrity, their professionalism can be guaranteed.

‘Soldiers have written to say that they are often better off under civilian government than under military government. However, the presence of the military in 36 states out of 36 states in Nigeria makes the notion of democracy an oxymoron.

‘We cannot be in a democracy and be surrounded by soldiers, because increasingly, psychologically, people are beginning to think, see the military as an army of occupation. It shouldn’t be so.’

He also charged the federal government to expand its concept of national security to cover all aspects of security, including food and health.’

Kukah accused northern leaders of using ‘Islamism’ as a tool to grab power, which he said was destructive Islam.

‘I would like to use this opportunity to speak to my Muslim brothers, especially from Northern Nigeria. Islamism is what is called political theology. In Christianity, it could be the same thing, but political theology, that is, the instrumentalization and the skewed usage and manipulation of religion as a tool for governance.

‘Nigeria is a democracy, and there is a way that good Muslims can participate in democracy, and good Christians can participate in democracy. But the idea that we want to use religion to enforce power is what Islamism is all about. It has become destructive to the religion itself. Suddenly now, in this day and age, we are here.’

However, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, faulted Kukah’s claim.

He said, ‘I also want to correct a wrong notion that many non-Muslims hold about jihad. Jihad does not mean a Muslim must kill a non-Muslim. Jihad means ‘to strive.’ In every aspect of life, one strives to be the best they can be-to be a good Muslim, a good Christian, a good farmer, or a good engineer. Jihad is not about killing non-Muslims; that is a misconception that has persisted for decades.

‘In addition, I want to clarify another issue. When Bishop Kukah spoke about Islamism, he may have used some words in a way that created misunderstanding, making Islam appear negative. But Islamism is not about seeking power for its own sake. Rather, Islam emphasizes good governance in society. Whoever is in power-take, for example, President Goodluck Jonathan-we gave him 100% support throughout his presidency. Nobody said anything negative about him, and he himself knows that.

‘So, Islamism is not what some people think. It is not about seizing power; it is about promoting good governance.’

Perception and image are essential components that form our communications and understanding of life. They impact our behaviours and opinions. If not clear, it can be bad and damaging. Over the years, Nigeria has experienced different perceptions globally and some of that hasn’t been good. Things are about to change for the better, as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Global Reputation Management Project, the country’s official initiative dedicated to shaping and projecting a powerful, positive, and unified image of Nigeria globally, Patricia Obozua is leading this commendable initiative.

The former Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Africa at The Coca-Cola, said ‘Nigeria’s global perception has evolved from being viewed narrowly as an oil-rich but unstable country to being increasingly recognized as a hub of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.’

Patricia says the biggest misconception we face is the tendency to see Nigeria from one dimension. either a nation defined solely by its challenges, or more recently, only by the explosive success of Afrobeats and Nollywood. ‘We need to dispel this oversimplification.’ She stated.

On the primary target audience for this initiative, Patricia says the project’s expected audiences are not fixed groups, but circles that constantly connect and influence each other. For her, a strong global reputation must be built on the solid foundation of domestic reality and pride. According to her, ‘Domestically, our audience includes citizens, the private sector, civil society, and the media. Nigerians must see themselves reflected positively, because national confidence is the foundation of international credibility.’

The project is powered by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and it brings together government, private sector, and cultural leaders to align Nigeria’s national narrative with our economic and cultural realities, ultimately driving investment, tourism, and global influence.

Measurement and data analysis of the initiative is important so progress can be reported. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics, according to Patricia, this will be achieved. From tracking Nigeria’s position in recognised rankings, to measuring tone and volume of international media coverage and social discourse, and monitoring correlations with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and tourism numbers (long-term), the initiative is ready to change the wrong narratives projected about Nigeria.

The goals of the project have been broken down to three. First is to project Nigeria’s strengths. our entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and cultural leadership. Second is to build trust by ensuring that what is communicated abroad aligns with the progress made at home. Third is to create a coordinated platform where government, business, civil society and diaspora voices work together to tell a consistent, compelling story about Nigeria.

On likely challenges, she says the key one will be to provide balance and perspective. ‘I intend to address this by adopting a solutions-driven communications approach. For every story of a challenge, there is a parallel story of resilience, innovation, or progress that deserves equal attention.’

Patricia holds on to the importance of collaboration to make this work. She says the success of the project requires the active involvement of the private sector, development partners, the diaspora, and culture leaders. ‘International collaborations with UN agencies, multilateral banks, and global think tanks will give us reach and credibility.’ Patricia narrated.

She further stated that organisations and individuals can be part of the project through amplifying positive Nigerian narratives within their global networks, joining the project’s working groups or contributing insights as a sector expert, and also partnering if your organisation has a stake in Nigeria’s global standing.

This project is powered by the NOA. The NOA provides the crucial grassroots reach to ensure Nigeria’s international narrative is authentic and reflects the domestic reality.

When he announced the abolition of the fuel subsidy regime on May 29, 2023, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu listed the potential benefits of the measure to include the prospect of increased allocations to the country’s subnational entities (states and Local Governments) for use in strengthening their economies via spending on infrastructure and social services. A long-standing advocate for stronger federating units with robust financial autonomy, the President followed through by approving exponential increases in allocations (comprised of improved earnings from oil exports, a revamped tax code, and other statutory allocations) to the country’s 36 states and 774 LGAs.

Last month (August 2025) alone, according to the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Federation Account Allocation Commission (FAAC) disbursed a total of N2.23trn among the three levels of government. This comprised the following: N1.48trn in statutory revenues; N672.90bn in Value Added Tax (VAT); N32.34bn in Electronic Money Transfer Levies (EMTL); and N41.28bn in the form of Exchange Difference. A breakdown of the allocations shows that from the distributable statutory revenue of N1.48trn, the FG received N684.46bn, states got N347.17bn, and LGs N267.65bn. An additional N179.31bn (representing 13% of mineral revenue) was shared with oil-producing states as derivation. For VAT revenue distribution, the FG received N100.94 bn, while states and LGs received N336.45bn and N235.52bn respectively. From EMTL collections of N32.34bn, the FG received N4.85bn, states got N16.17bn, and LGs took N11.32bn. The N41.28bn Exchange Difference was also shared, with the FG receiving N19.80bn, states N10.04bn, LGs N7.74bn, while N3.70bn was paid as 13% derivation revenues to oil-producing states.

The above figures, mind you, are for August 2025 alone. Now, multiply that by the over 25 months since mid-2023, when these disbursements took effect. From 2023, in fact – when total monthly allocations for states and LGs stood at an average of N760bn – the figure surged to N3.2trn in 2024 (an almost threefold increase!). For the first time since the 1960s, the sub-nationals – combined – got more money than the FG, ending the top-heavy arrangement that had prevailed before the Tinubu administration came on board.

Two years on, though, Nigerians are, for the most part, yet to see the tangible benefits of those increases to sub-nationals – whether in new or rehabilitated infrastructural projects, or in the quality of public sector service-delivery, or in the area of social investments. They are, in short, seeing little or no improvements in their standard of living, let alone their quality of life. And across the length and breadth of the country, they are wondering: Where and how is this money actually being utilized? More importantly, what form of accountability mechanisms are in place to ensure that these funds are spent judiciously? For them, these funding increases have become what the street calls ‘audio money.’

No thanks to the dramatic spike in inflation occasioned by President Tinubu’s initial action in pulling the plug on the subsidy regime, Nigerians are asking their respective state Governors to justify the increased allocations. According to them, the majority of state Governors have simply not done enough to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on their citizens. ‘If anything,’ says a spokesman for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) ‘things are getting worse. The quality of life is degenerating at an alarming rate. There is clear and present danger ahead unless [the Governors] change their trajectory.’

On his part,a spokesperson of the Joint Service Council had this to say: ‘Even those of us who are working, our salaries cannot cope with the situation . You can imagine the plight of those who . are jobless.’

No thanks to the sorry plight of the average Nigerian, some stakeholders have now gone as far as questioning the very rationale for the increased (and increasing) allocations in the first place. Why throw money, they ask, at people who are not – by their nature and the lack of strong accountability mechanisms – accountable? It is a sad example, they say, of flushing money down the sink into bottomless pit of corruption.

The recent behaviour of a large number of these state Chief Executives has led critics to charge that most of them are now prioritizing personal luxuries- in the form of choice real estate (in foreign lands), private jets and other personal indulgences – over public welfare. The stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles of Governors, their aides and other associates and hangers-on, on the one hand, and the poverty-stricken nature of the states they’re supposed to be governing, on the other, is too glaring to ignore. As we speak, 20 out of the 36 Governors (accompanied in most cases by their entire families) are reportedly abroad on vacation – jamborees fully funded by their impoverished (but cash-rich) states.

To some observers, most of the monies have also disappeared down the rabbit-hole of patronage networks. ‘Most of the time,’ said one analyst, ‘the money is a consolation prize for political allies through procurements and contracts . State Governors are using these funds to build their political enterprises, not to provide quality basic services .’

Other observers have blamed this cavalier, bull-in-a-china-shop attitude of state Governors and their lackeys to public funds on the lack of strong institutions to monitor disbursements and utilization of the funds – and to hold the culpable to account. As long as there are no consequences for mismanagement of these funds, they say, this malfeasance would not only continue, it will grow into another hydra-headed monster populating the Hobbesian jungle that life in Nigeria has become for the common man. This situation is not helped, they say, by the prevailing perception that even the FG does not appear to show any interest in enforcing accountability at the level of states and LGs.

Though President Tinubu has, on various occasions in the past, appealed to Governors to utilize funds responsibly – to ‘let the poor breathe’ in his own words, and to ‘spend the funds, not the people’ – there is little he can do, short of declaring a state of emergency, or withholding funding to offending states, at least for a while. Even then, he would have to contend with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandates that the country’s funds be distributed among its constituent units (without pre-conditions).

For the time being, then, he – and the vast majority of hapless Nigerians – can only ask the million-dollar question: ‘Where’s the money?’

The answer, as the old song goes, is blowing in the wind.

The Delta State Police Command has impounded twenty-five vehicles over the enforcement of the tinted glass permit.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, on Friday ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to suspend the enforcement of the tinted glass permit by vehicle owners.

The court asked the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and ‘respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.’

In April, the Nigeria Police Force announced it had resumed the issuance of tinted glass permits nationwide through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project, after suspending the scheme in 2022.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, initially set an August 12 deadline for motorists to obtain the permits, but later extended it to October 2.

The Police defended the policy as lawful, citing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991 and national security concerns.

A statement on Friday, October 3, on its verified ‘X’ page – @DeltaPoliceNG said, ‘Enforcement of tint permits. Twenty-five vehicles were impounded for driving a tinted vehicle without a tinted permit in Asaba.

‘Visit @POSSAP_NGG website today and get it done or your police state headquarters.’

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his insistence on remaining in the 2027 presidential race, except a younger candidate emerges through a ‘competitive primary.’

Atiku, in a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, dismissed reports that he had offered to step down for younger aspirants under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as false and mischievous.

He clarified that he would only concede if a younger candidate emerged through a fair contest.

Reacting in Abuja on Friday, Okechukwu, a former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), described Atiku’s stance as anti-democratic, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s long-standing zoning and rotation principle, which he said has been the glue holding the Fourth Republic together since 1999.

Okechukwu recalled that Atiku himself benefited from zoning in the past but later campaigned against it, leading to his 2014 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary victory, which had no southern aspirant.

He argued that discarding zoning in favour of ‘dollarised primaries’ amounts to eroding equity, inclusion, and stability.

According to him, Atiku’s position confirms fears that his pursuit of power is not to strengthen democratic institutions but to weaken the very principles that sustain Nigeria’s plural society.

All is set for the flag off of the Ibom Ignite Conference 2025 with a target of empowering over 1500 youths on leadership and entrepreneurship.

A statement by the Chairman of the Central Planing Committee, Pastor Imo-abasi Jacob, indicates that the conference is slated for today Friday and Saturday, October 3 and 4, 2025, and will take place at the

Ibom LED Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Parts of the statement read: ‘Ibom Ignite is the premier youth leadership and entrepreneurship gathering, returning with a bold theme: ‘Ignite to Accelerate.’

‘This conference is set to transform youths in leadership and entrepreneurship in Akwa Ibom State. It will empower over 1,500 participants with the tools, networks, and insights needed to turn ideas into tangible impact.’

The statement also disclosed that registration had long been concluded both for the conference and the highly anticipated Ibom Ignite Entrepreneurship and Innovation Grant, a funding opportunity designed to propel startups and bold ideas into scalable ventures.

The event will feature seasoned speakers, fireside chats, intimate, thought-provoking conversations on leadership, innovation, and resilience, panel discussion sessions, as well as Innovation and Pitch Opportunities.

‘Ibom Ignite is not just an event but a movement of possibilities. To accelerate, you must first be ignited. Ibom Ignite 2025 is about sparking bold ideas and giving them the momentum to grow into solutions that transform communities.

‘The theme, Ignite to Accelerate, captures the essence of the 2025 edition: before acceleration can happen, there must first be ignition, a spark that fuels growth, vision, and transformation,’ the statement added.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Faith, has been warmly embraced by his father following his disqualification from the reality show.

Faith was expelled on Thursday evening after a physical altercation with fellow housemate, Sultana, during a skincare task rehearsal.

He had forcefully dragged a basket containing group materials, causing Sultana to fall and sustain injuries to her ankle and hand.

Offering reassurance, Faith’s father told him, ‘Don’t worry, you’re great. You’ve done well, no doubt about that. You are fantastic. We love you. It shall continue to be well. Nobody can truncate your destiny.’

The disqualification has generated mixed reactions among fans, with some condemning his actions while others argue the punishment was justified. Many also commended Sultana for her composure.

The development came as a major twist, as Faith had already secured a spot among the top 10 finalists – Kola, Imisi, Isabella, Sultana, Jason Jae, Mensan, Koyin, Kaybobo, and Dede – ahead of Sunday’s grand finale.