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The European Union (EU) has promised to support Nigeria with the deployment of X-Road model of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) similar to the model deployed in Finland and Estonia.

Mr Gautier Mignot, Ambassador of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made this known in Abuja during the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards 2025 organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.

The theme of the conference was ‘Redefining Possibilities: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Public Service Delivery and Socio-Economic Development.’

The X-Road (DPI) is an open-source software framework that acts as a digital public infrastructure layer for secure, real-time data exchange between different information systems.

He announced that the initiative would be supported with the deployment of 90,000 extra kilometers of fiber optic cables, enhancing digital literacy, building skills, supporting digital transformation centres, coupled with their initial £8 million grants and loans for the development of the Nigeria Digital Economy Initiative.

Mignot said the model could connect all the public sector systems while ensuring data protection, and boost the country’s economic and social activities.

He said: ‘The model is done in a way that protects your data, in the sense that you are not really exposed to knowledge of your data beyond what is strictly authorised by the user.

‘The system prompts you, whether it’s about a school registration or your insurance or whatever, the system will help you follow up on whatever you need to do with the public authorities.

‘We are looking at it as it is applied in Estonia and Finland and other European countries.’

Dr Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of BPSR, said they had infused different initiatives to enhance digitalisation in government to improve efficiency.

‘Going further, we must now begin developing emerging technologies from artificial intelligence,machine learning to robotics, process automation and blockchain.

‘In partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission, BPSR commenced this process about three years ago, and we are glad these things are now becoming part of the policies of federal government of Nigeria.

‘We are also actively working to integrate distributed ledger technologies into the operations of BPRS to simplify routine task, secure sensitive letter, optimise resource allocation for more effective service delivery,’ Arabi said.

According to him, we must invest in people, the true enablers of innovation and that is why we are committed to training over 500,000 public servants on digital literacy and emerging technologies, equipping them to manage and sustain these technologies for long term impact.

Also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF),Dr George Akume said major reforms were underway to strengthen interoperability of government platforms and enhance digital identity.

Represented by Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Akume said digital governance required an enabling environment to strive and deliver target goals.

‘This is why government continues to prioritise policy and legal framework that foster aggregation, ensure data protection and encourage private sector participation, capacity building to equip public servants with digital skills for effective performance.

‘By digitising government services, we reduce the cost of living, ease of business, eliminate bottlenecks and create a transparent environment that attracts investment, create job opportunities and unlock the innovation potential of the ecosystem,’ Akume said.

The Federal Government has asked tertiary institutions to submit reconciled reports of all unutilised funds received from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) within 30 days.

The government said the reconciled reports would be ‘jointly verified’ at the end of the submission.

Education Minister Olatunji Alausa said this at a meeting with heads of federal tertiary institutions, bursars and procurement directors on unutilised funds yesterday in Abuja.

The minister announced that at the end of the meeting, the Federal Ministry of Education would issue directives to ensure effective use of TETFund resources.

He said: ‘Education remains the bedrock of national development. As a nation, we commit substantial resources to strengthening infrastructure, human capital, research, and the learning environment across our tertiary institutions. TETFund plays a pivotal role as the vehicle through which the Federal Government channels support to our universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

‘However, one recurring challenge that has continued to undermine this investment is the existence of unutilised balances – funds released for specific projects or interventions that are either not deployed on time or not fully expended before new allocations are made. Over time, these idle funds represent lost opportunities – resources that could have improved laboratories, classrooms, ICT facilities, research centres, faculty development, and more, but did not, due to process delays, weak absorptive capacity, or compliance and accountability gaps.

‘Institutions must submit reconciled reports of all unutilised funds within 30 days, which will be jointly verified. Unused funds may be redirected to priority projects, and carrying them over without strong justification will no longer be allowed.

‘Procurement plans must align with approved interventions, and approvals should be fast-tracked to prevent delays.’

Alausa said the government would introduce capacity-building programmes to strengthen project management, compliance, and reporting, alongside mentorship initiatives.

The minister also hinted at the government’s quarterly reviews to track the progress and compliance with sanctions for institutions that fail to utilise funds effectively.

According to him, heads of institutions, bursars, and procurement directors will be held responsible for slippages.

Alausa said: ‘Finally, transparency will be enhanced through a public dashboard showing disbursement and utilisation data, and institutions will be required to publish project progress reports.

‘The success of this initiative depends on strong collaboration. TETFund must lead with professionalism, enforce compliance, and ensure transparency.

‘Institutional heads should drive urgency and accountability, while bursars, procurement officers, and project coordinators must plan and report diligently. Auditors and oversight bodies are expected to monitor activities and flag irregularities. All stakeholders must uphold a sense of stewardship, recognising that every TETFund naira represents public trust.

‘Let us seize this moment to turn the narrative around. Let unutilised balances no longer be a recurring embarrassment, but rather the catalyst for improved governance, greater productivity, and transformative impact in our tertiary education system.

‘Our students, faculty, and the future of our nation depend on it. With your cooperation, sincerity, and commitment, I am confident that every fund allocated will translate into tangible outcomes – classrooms built, laboratories equipped, research enhanced, faculty developed, and students empowered.’

The Managing Director, Brass and Castles Homes, Peacemaker Afolabi, has said that about 28 million Nigerians lack shelter.

Afolabi said this while handing over 16 units of flats to individuals in Ilasan, Ikate, Lekki as part of its contribution to reducing housing deficits.

The units were the fourth in the last three years in the series of affordable homes to be delivered by the company.

Afolabi added that the flats which were purchased by individuals based on down payment of a token and subsequent installment payment policy will reduce housing deficit in Lagos.

He said 52 units had been delivered in the last three years, adding that there is ongoing construction of another 18 units which will allow more Lagosians to have access to affordable homes.

‘Today we are handling the units purchased from us. For us, we are here to solve the housing deficit. We know there is a shelter deficit in Nigeria to the tune of almost 28 million but as a company, we can only add our own quota to reduce it whether at advisory level or advocacy level or by building more units,’ he said Nigeria, there should be collaboration between government and the private sector.

The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) recorded over ?673 million worth of diaspora investment deals in 2024, according to the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Dabiri-Erewa also revealed that since its inception in 2018, the Summit has contributed more than ?500 million to Nigeria’s local economy through payments to service providers, creatives, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged around the annual event.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the 2025 edition, she said the forthcoming summit aims to build on previous successes and further deepen diaspora participation in national development.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to serve as the guest of honour at the 8th edition of the Summit, which will take place from November 11 to 13, 2025, in Abuja.

This year’s event, themed ‘Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,’ is projected to attract no fewer than 3,000 participants, both physically and virtually.

She said, ‘We are determined to build on this momentum. This year, we will continue to spotlight sectors critical to Nigeria’s transformation: Finance and Fintech; ICT; Creative Industries, Sports and Entertainment; Agribusiness; Healthcare; Education; Real Estate and Infrastructure; Manufacturing and Energy.’

Dabiri-Erewa added, ‘We are honoured that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will once again serve as the Special Guest of Honour, and we anticipate the participation of distinguished business leaders, diaspora investors, policy champions, and creative icons who continue to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s potential.’

Dabiri-Erewa informed that since its inception in 2018, the NDIS has become a trusted platform that fosters ‘direct, credible and impactful investments’ from the Nigerian diaspora into the local economy.

She highlighted the success of the 2024 edition, saying, ‘The last edition of the Summit, held in November 2024, showed just how much momentum NDIS has built over the years as it welcomed above 1,500 participants, both online and physically, including 236 investors, 1,197 business owners, and 168 government officials. Over the course of the Summit, a total of 56 pitches were presented across eight key sectors, which highlighted the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians. These ideas were not just pitched but attracted about 168 deals worth about N673 million.

‘The Creative, Entertainment, and Sport sector stole the spotlight with 39 deals, showing just how much talent and energy Nigeria has to offer. But when it came to big money, Infrastructure and Real Estate led the way, securing about ?201 million across 22 deals. Energy, though quieter with just four deals, still drew an impressive ?172 million. Agribusiness made its mark too, with 28 deals bringing in ?103 million. While the numbers are impressive, the true story lies in the impact these investments are having on everyday lives in Nigeria.

They are helping to create jobs for young people, giving them opportunities to learn new skills and earn a living. They are helping businesses expand their operations, reach new markets, and become more competitive. For example, GAIN Business Incubator raised over ?200 million to expand its operations. Xtralarge Farms secured international distribution deals through connections made at the Summit. Filmmakers like JohnMark Iyoo found mentors and pathways to bring Nigerian stories to a global audience.’

In addition, the NiDCOM Chairman noted that several state governments, including Ondo, Nasarawa, and Borno, have leveraged the Summit in previous years to attract investors and advance major development projects, such as Ondo’s port initiative, which later gained Federal Government approval.

She pointed, ‘These outcomes show that NDIS is more than a conference; it is a catalyst for enterprise and sustainable partnership.’

She therefore called on Nigerians in the diaspora and those at home to seize emerging investment opportunities through the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) and invest massively in Nigeria’s economic development.

She asserted that NDIS has grown beyond being a conference but as a catalyst for enterprise and sustainable development, which has fostered job creation, youth empowerment, and connecting Nigeria’s enormous talent pool to its development agenda.

Also speaking, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, Chairperson of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), noted that over the years, the summit has served as a vital bridge, attracting investments and unlocking the vast potential of the diaspora for Nigeria’s development.

She added that this year’s theme aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to diversify the nation’s economy and drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Dr. Adejugbe-Williams also encouraged new sponsors, investors, and media partners to amplify the message of the Summit and take advantage of the opportunities it presents.

Organised by NiDCOM with NDSI, the Summit connects Diaspora investors with local entrepreneurs across key sectors, including Finance and Fintech, ICT, Creative Industries, Sports, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Education, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, and Energy.

Coach Eric Sekou Chelle, and team captain William Troost-Ekong have both emphasized focus, discipline and intensity as Nigeria face-off today with Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture in Polokwane, South Africa .

Speaking at the pre-match press conference yesterday, Chelle underlined the importance of approaching the encounter with total concentration, noting that unpredictable factors could shape the outcome of the game.

‘Things can happen during the game because of the weather, referees, injuries and so on. So we need to stay focused about what we want from this game,’ Chelle stated. ‘We must strive to get the three points and then think about the next game. Lesotho is a good team with a good coach. We must start the game very well and play it with high intensity and aggressiveness.’

Nigeria, who are looking to reignite their qualification hopes after a slow start to the campaign, face a confident Lesotho side that has proven difficult to beat at home. The Crocodiles held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in Uyo earlier in the series and have shown steady improvement under their current manager.

Captain Troost-Ekong echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing the team’s determination to approach the match with the same commitment and tactical discipline that earned them a strong display against South Africa in their last outing.

‘We are approaching the game the same way we did against South Africa. It is important for us to play to win and secure the three points,’ the former PAOK Salonika defender said. ‘We have to show Lesotho some respect knowing that they have done well in the group. They even picked a point against us.

‘It is going to be an important game for both teams. We are just focused on our preparations now and looking forward to the game tomorrow (today).’

With the stakes high and only a few matches left in the qualifying series, Nigeria know that nothing short of victory will suffice if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

The Super Eagles are expected to field a strong lineup when they take on Lesotho today at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with fans hoping for a convincing performance to restore confidence in the team’s qualification campaign.

The Federal Government has launched National Digital Trustmark for online companies in collaboration with key government institutions like the Corporate Affairs Commission, (CAC) the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

The Trustmark would curb online frauds, identity theft, scamming and forgery and ensure trust, competitiveness, integrity and confidence in Nigeria online and digital business platforms.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Malam Kashifu Inuwa announced this in Abuja at a news conference, saying that the National Digital Trustmark has become imperative considering the concerns globally over online and e-commerce business activities with Nigerians and in Nigeria.

Inuwa said it was saddening for Nigerians to be classified as scammers and fraudsters especially in relation to how online businesses are conducted, stating that there were times citizens would make payments for goods online only to be blocked thereafter, or cases where whatever citizens purchased online were not delivered according to specifications.

He said the National Digital Trustmark is being facilitated by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, (NACIMMA) to care of challenges in the sector.

He explained that it would come in form of a security seal granted by NITDA for certification and authentification of online or digital business outfits. The security seal would be embossed on the platforms, letters heads and pages for authentication and identification as true registered companies or entities operating in Nigeria with at least one known office.

He announced that the initiative, though not compulsory would come with charges depending on the size of the business entities and their areas of specialisations, while the portal would be open next for outfits to commence registration.

Inuwa announced at the conference which was attended by the president of NACIMMA, Engr Tijani Ibrahim and Representative of GIZ, Barrister Chinedu that the renewal of the Trustmark digital certification would be done yearly to ensure transparency and accountability of the entire process. He said both the public and private sectors with online businesses would be eligible for the security seal, emphasising that the initiative would eliminate fraud, scams and illicit transactions on Nigeria digital space.

He lamented that online frauds have given Nigeria a bad reputation on the global stage, stating that this happened even when it had been established that some foreign nationals were behind some of the frauds.

The President of NACIMMA, Engr Ibrahim who was represented by his Special Adviser on Digital Economy Trade Group Mr Suleiman A. Audu, said the seal mark a major step towards building a safer , more trusted and globally competitive digital economy for Nigeria.

He assured that NACIMMA in collaboration with other stakeholders especially SMEDAN, NAFDAC, SON, among others, would ensure seamless implementation of the policy, saying that it would be devoid of bureaucratic bottlenecks and other impediments.

The stage is set for the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship, with Africa’s finest duos – including Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique, Togo, Benin, and Morocco – learning their group-stage opponents for the highly anticipated global competition taking place in Adelaide, Australia, between November 14 and 23.

The draw, held yesterday, brought together 48 men’s and 48 women’s teams, marking the largest-ever edition of the tournament and the first to be hosted in the Southern Hemisphere. Each gender’s competition features 12 groups of four teams, with the top two and four best third-placed duos advancing directly to the round of 32. The remaining third-placed pairs will contest a ‘lucky losers’ round for the last qualification spots – ensuring ten days of thrilling action across 216 matches.

Nigeria’s women’s pair, Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa have been drawn into a tough Pool C, where they will battle some of the sport’s elite – Nuss/Brasher (USA), Van Driel/Bekhuis (Netherlands), and Vitoria/Hegele (Germany).

The Nigerians face a stern test against the Americans’ trademark power play and the disciplined European sides. However, their recent progress on the African circuit, coupled with growing confidence and experience, gives them a fighting chance to make an impression on the world stage.

Egypt, the most represented African nation with two women’s teams, face a tough draw.

Marwa/Nada (Group B) will take on Carol/Rebecca (Brazil), Davidova/Khmil (Ukraine), and Konnik/Poiesz (Netherlands).

Mahassine/Dina (Group J) are up against Melissa/Brandie (Canada), Vieira/Chamereau (France), and Stam/Schoon (Netherlands).

Mozambique’s duo Vanessa/Mucheza in Group D will clash with Cannon/Kraft (USA), Ittlinger/Grne (Germany), and Placette/Richard (France) in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most challenging pools. Their qualification alone marks a milestone for women’s beach volleyball in Southern Africa.

In the men’s category, three African nations – Togo, Benin, and Morocco – will take on the world’s elite.

Togo’s Kotoka/Samani (Group H) face Perusic/Schweiner (Czech Republic), Plavins/Fokerots (Latvia), and Partain/Benesh (USA) – a baptism of fire for the Togolese, who are making their first-ever World Championship appearance.

Benin’s Yacoubou/Tohouenon (Group F) square off against Diaz/Alayo (Cuba), Pedrosa/Campos (Portugal), and Fuller/O’Dea (Australia) – a balanced group where teamwork could be Benin’s strongest asset.

Morocco’s Ilyas/El Gharouti (Group L) meet Nicolaidis/Carracher (Australia), Bassereau/Aye (France), and Grimalt/Grimalt (Chile) – a pool featuring regional favorites and experienced international campaigners.

Africa’s six-nation representation underlines the continent’s steady growth in beach volleyball, fuelled by increased zonal tournaments, training programs, and grassroots initiatives championed by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB).

While the traditional powerhouses from Brazil, the United States, and Germany remain the favourites, Africa’s duos are eager to show that the gap is narrowing. The World Championship offers them not only exposure but also invaluable experience ahead of upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

As the countdown to November 14 begins, Adelaide is set to host a festival of sand, sun, and spikes – and Africa’s teams, led by Nigeria, will be out to prove that their place among the world’s elite is no accident.

Reform-driven citizens under the banner of the Citizens Connect Conference have lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformative achievements in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the conference held in Lagos, the Convener, Charles Abakpa Onoja, said the President’s reforms have restored national confidence in the sector, setting it on a path of renewal and transparency.

In his opening remarks, Onoja stated, ‘Let us begin where much of Nigeria’s story has always been written – our oil and gas sector. For decades, this sector symbolized both our promise and our pain. We have heard stories of corruption, inefficiency, and missed opportunities. Yet today, there is a new story unfolding – a story of reform, renewal, and restoration.’

He commended the administration’s commitment to implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that under President Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the sector has been revitalized through structured and data-driven governance.

Onoja highlighted that in just two years, the NUPRC generated over ?12.25 trillion in revenue for the federation – an unprecedented milestone that demonstrates the impact of improved monitoring and enforcement systems.

The conference, which drew participants from the six Southwestern states, provided a platform to examine the ongoing reforms and their effects on national development.

Guest speaker Prof. Yemi Oke (SAN) and other experts commended the government’s implementation of the PIA and described President Tinubu’s approach as decisive and reform-oriented.

Prof. Oke outlined the benefits of fuel subsidy removal, noting a 200 percent increase in allocations to states and local governments, as well as expanded funding for road construction, hospital upgrades, power projects, the student loan scheme, and higher NYSC allowances.

He also cited the broader economic ripple effects of the reforms – including Nigeria’s transition toward becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products, increased private refinery investments, accelerated gas and LPG/CNG projects, foreign exchange savings, currency stability, and enhanced fertilizer production.

He said, ‘Dormant oil blocks are returning to productivity, production reporting is now electronic, and field development plans are strictly monitored for compliance. The era of discretionary approvals and rent-seeking is fading away, replaced by process, predictability, and performance.

‘Equally important is the focus on gas-the transition fuel for Nigeria’s economic future. Under the Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, investors are now turning environmental liability into economic opportunity. We are reducing waste, protecting our planet, and creating jobs.

‘These are not abstract policy shifts. They are the building blocks of a more transparent and sustainable energy future-and they are happening under President Tinubu’s watch.’

According to Oke, a reform is only meaningful when it touches lives. He said the Petroleum Industry Act not only restructured institutions; it redefined relationships between government, industry, and the communities that bear the weight of extraction. He said under Komolafe’s leadership, the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) have become the bridge between promise and delivery.

‘More than ?358 billion has so far been remitted to these trusts, funding over 500 community projects in education, healthcare, road construction, and youth empowerment across oil-producing regions. For the first time, host communities are not treated as afterthoughts-they are partners. The principle is simple: those who live with the consequences of resource extraction must share in its benefits.

‘This is what President Tinubu envisioned when he spoke about Renewed Hope. Hope that is not poetic but practical; hope that builds hospitals, powers schools, and brings opportunity to communities long forgotten.

‘Transparency has also become a defining feature of the new order. NUPRC’s electronic reporting platforms allow real-time production tracking and cargo declaration-cutting out leakages that once drained our national purse. The days of guessing how much crude Nigeria produces are gone. The data now speaks for itself.

‘The Commission has also introduced robust systems for measuring flare gas, tracking royalty payments, and enforcing environmental standards. This is governance at work-silent, methodical, transformative.

‘The world has noticed. International rating agencies and investors now describe Nigeria’s oil regulatory framework as more predictable and investor-friendly than at any time in the past decade. The reforms have positioned our country as an emerging energy investment hub on the continent.

‘These achievements did not emerge in a vacuum. They are the product of a reform-minded administration that prioritised competence over complacency. But every reform is a journey, not an event-and journeys can be interrupted.

‘The truth is that what we have gained in the last two years can easily be lost if the focus shifts from reform to rhetoric. Nigeria cannot afford to go backwards. We must protect this momentum by ensuring that the same political will that birthed these achievements is renewed in 2027.’

Leaders of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive action to address the growing insecurity in Yorubaland, citing increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks on rural communities.

The call was made during a peaceful protest held in Lagos on Friday, where members of the group gathered to express their frustration and demand stronger federal intervention.

Speaking at the protest, Arc. Opeoluwa George Akinola, a prominent leader of the movement, described the security situation as ‘unbearable,’ lamenting the continued killings, abductions, and harassment of residents in farming communities.

‘Our people are being killed by armed Fulani groups. Farmers can no longer go to their farms, and our women are being raped daily,’ Akinola said. ‘This crisis has lingered for too long, and we are saying it must end now. No fewer than 24 communities have been affected.’

Akinola also called on the Federal Government to reinstate Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, describing him as a ‘son of the soil’ who could play a vital role in coordinating community-based security initiatives if given institutional backing.

Mrs. Funmilayo Oguniyi, a women leader of the Ifelodun Apapo Omo Yoruba group, acknowledged ongoing efforts by security agencies but stressed that more needed to be done to protect lives and property.

‘Many kidnappings occur around the Yorubaland borders. Our people are abducted while traveling, and many never return. Parents invest so much in their children, only for them to be kidnapped and killed for no reason,’ she lamented.

Also speaking, Prophet Ologun Loluwa, a youth leader and spiritual figure in the movement, described the situation as a ‘national emergency’ and urged leaders to rise above politics to confront the escalating crisis.

‘Insecurity has grown into a monster. From North to South, East to West, we hear daily reports of killings, kidnappings, and terrorism. This is not the heritage our forebears left us,’ he said. ‘We refuse to accept a Nigeria where Yoruba sons and daughters live as strangers in their own land.’

The group vowed to sustain peaceful protests and advocacy until the government takes decisive action to secure the Southwest and protect citizens across the region.

Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Bolade Eyinla, said statistics of Nigerians who turn out to vote have continued to be on the decline, saying an election in which less than 50% of registered voters comes out is tainted by a shadow of legitimacy.

Speaking at the YIAGA Africa 2027 elections scenarios and election manipulation risk in red retreat in Abuja, Prof Eyinla said that available data shows the voter turnout in the presidential elections since 2011 are as follows: 2011-53.7%; 2015-43.6%; 2019 -34.7% and 2023-26.7%.

He said: ‘One major reason adduced for this declining voter turnout are that the introduction of technology for voter authentication and accreditation (SCR in 2015 and BVAS in 2023) made double/multiple voting and ballot box stuffing more difficult, thereby reducing the number of votes cast in relation to the number of registered voters, which some believed is over bloated.

‘Other reasons include voter apathy as a result of evident lack of the dividends of democracy, loss of trust by citizens in the electoral process premised on the believe that their votes do not count or unwillingness, especially among the elite to suffer the inconveniences of voting.

‘Irrespective of the reason(s) for this situation, the percentage of voters turning out to exercise their franchise on Election Day should be a matter of concern to all electoral stakeholders and citizens.

‘Although the electoral system is based on first past the post, an election in which less than 50% of registered voters comes out to vote is tainted by a shadow of legitimacy. It is therefore imperative for INEC to provide votes with pleasant voting experience by removing all known barriers to the ballot box and all stakeholders to up the ante in voter education,sensitisation and mobilisation.’

According to him, any talk of reviewing the process of appointing the Chairman, National and Resident Electoral Commissioners of INEC by removing the power of appointment from the President under the prevailing circumstances is not feasible before the 2027 general elections in view of the tedious process of altering any of the provisions in the Constitution.

He explained that after a review of the 2023 general election, 142 recommendations were made for improving the electoral process, adding that the Commission has taken necessary steps to implement

some of the recommendations arising from the review that requires administrative

action.

He said further the Commission has formulated its position on the recommendations that requires tinkering with the electoral legal framework and submitted same to the National Assembly for consideration.

According to him: ‘It is another matter entirely if the Assembly will act expeditiously and do the needful, especially in regard to such important issues as early voting for election officials, security personnel, accredited observers and journalist on election duty, review of Section 47(1)of the Electoral Act 2022 on the presentation of PVC as a requirement to vote and making electronic transmission of results mandatory.

‘When it is considered that elections are governed by law, the National Assembly must speedily consider the proposed amendment to the legal framework and amend the Electoral Act 2022 or enact a new Electoral Act before the release of the timetable and schedule of activities one year to the election, that is in February 2026.

‘This is to ensure certainty in the electoral legal framework that will govern the election, guide the actions and activities of the Commission and all electoral stakeholders, especially the political parties in the conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates.

‘It will also enable INEC to quickly review its regulations,guidelines and manuals in line with any amendment or provisions in the amended or new Act.’

He said the Commission is also engaging with relevant stakeholders to implement the 48 other recommendations from the review of the 2023 general elections, saying the ‘implementation of these recommendation will require action by key actors in the electoral process including the judiciary, security and law enforcement agencies, political parties, regulatory agencies, the media and civil society organisations.’