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As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, attention is shifting toward the next phase of freedom – one defined not just by political sovereignty but by economic and industrial self-reliance. In the transport sector, NEV Electric Ltd is emerging as a key player shaping that vision, using local manufacturing and clean energy to solve Nigeria’s mass transit challenges.

For decades, Nigeria’s public transport system has relied heavily on imported vehicles and fossil fuels, exposing citizens to fuel price shocks and rising costs. NEV Electric is changing that narrative through an integrated model that combines local assembly, increasing local content manufacturing, and sustainable infrastructure deployment.

The company currently builds its electric buses with 30% local content, incorporating Nigerian components, materials, and labor, with a clear roadmap to reach 70% local content as domestic supply chains expand. This strategy ensures more value remains within the economy, fueling industrial growth, job creation, and technology transfer.

‘True independence means being able to design, build, and power what we need with our own hands,’ says Mosope Olaosebikan, Founder of NEV Electric. ‘We’re not just assembling buses; we’re building Nigeria’s transport future – powered by clean energy, local innovation, and sustainable systems.’

So far, NEV Electric has assembled over 120 electric buses in-country, with plans to scale up to 300 units in its next production phase. The company is also deploying 160kW high-capacity fast chargers across Abuja and Lagos – the largest in Nigeria – to support fleet operations and reduce range anxiety for operators.

To make electric mobility affordable, NEV Electric has introduced a Pay-As-You-Drive financing model that enables transport operators and state agencies to adopt EVs without heavy upfront capital. The plan bundles access to the bus, charging, maintenance, and battery into one predictable payment, ensuring smooth fleet transition and easier adoption.

Beyond vehicles, NEV Electric is investing in training programs for Nigerian engineers and technicians in EV assembly, maintenance, and conversion – empowering a new generation of green-skilled workers.

Aligned with Nigeria’s industrialization goals, NEV Electric is positioning the country as a regional hub for electric mobility. The company’s vision extends beyond Nigeria, with plans underway to export its electric buses and technology solutions to other African markets, contributing to the continent’s clean mobility transition.

By integrating local manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and innovative financing, NEV Electric is delivering a homegrown solution to Nigeria’s urban transport needs – one that reduces emissions, lowers operating costs, and builds local capacity.

As the country looks toward a more sustainable future, NEV Electric represents the promise of a new kind of independence – powered by Nigerians, built in Nigeria, and soon exported to Africa.

‘Every bus we build is a statement of what’s possible,’ Olaosebikan says. ‘We’re proving that Nigeria can lead Africa’s clean mobility revolution – not by importing the future, but by building it.’

Peace has finally returned to the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) after a protracted leadership crisis that lasted for years.

Iniobong Ekong, commissioner for trade and investment, brokered the truce during a meeting with the warring factions in Uyo, the state capital

At the meeting, which lasted for more than four hours, Ekong stressed that a strong and vibrant NASSI was key to the success of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda on entrepreneurship and small business growth.

He expressed the hope that the peace would be sustained to enable the association to benefit from the credit facilities intended to boost small businesses in the state.

Speaking also, Solomon Vongfa, the National President of NASSI, commended the commissioner for being a ‘peacemaker’ whose maturity and commitment restored harmony to the association.

Meanwhile, tree planting has been described as a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges confronting the state. Kufreabasi Edidem, deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, stated this during an open forum on environmental issues organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Uyo.

Edidem, who also chairs the House Committee on NDDC and Regional Development, said tree planting was a simple but powerful practice that every citizen can embrace to restore ecological balance.

‘We will continue to align with the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to make laws that promote a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment,’ he said.

‘Everyone can cause a change from their little corner for a better environment.’

He commended Chiedu Evie, Chairman of NDDC, for inaugurating new projects across the region since assuming office, and applauded the commission’s effort in bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, civil society, communities, and schools, to reawaken the culture of tree planting..

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to establish an endowment fund for the creative sector following the completion of the National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

Speaking at the official reopening of the iconic facility in Lagos, the President said he would personally contribute to the proposed fund, which is aimed at supporting long-term growth and sustainability in Nigeria’s creative industry. Tinubu also urged citizens to shift their mindset, emphasising the importance of telling positive stories about Nigeria and fostering belief in the country’s potential.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, speaking at the event, revealed that the Bankers’ Committee invested N68 billion in the restoration and modernisation of the National Theatre complex.

Shabana Mahmood, the United Kingdom’s (UK) Home Secretary, has confirmed that the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will soon be doubled to a ten-year qualifying period and subject to new ‘contribution-based’ requirements.

In her inaugural conference speech as home secretary, the Labour MP confirmed the significant policy shift, arguing that the public’s loss of faith in the immigration system was creating an environment where Britain could no longer afford to be ‘open, tolerant and generous’. End of automatic settlement

Mahmood further outlined plans to introduce a series of new, stringent ‘good citizen’ tests which migrants must pass to earn permanent residency.

‘We will soon increase the time in which someone must have lived in this country to earn indefinite leave to remain from five years to ten,’ she said.

‘And as part of that consultation, I will be proposing a series of new tests.’

These new conditions will reportedly include:

Being at work and making National Insurance contributions.

Not claiming a penny in benefits.

Attaining a high standard of English.

Having no criminal record. Demonstrating that they have truly given back to their community, such as through volunteering. Mahmood stated that those who fail to meet these new conditions should not be automatically granted ILR. The new system will allow high contributors to qualify for settlement in less than ten years, but others could face a longer wait or be barred from ILR entirely.

‘Time spent in this country alone is not enough,’ she asserted. ‘Just like my parents, you must earn the right to live in this country for good.’

The announcement was immediately followed by confusion over whether the stricter rules would apply to migrants who have recently arrived in the UK.

While sources initially indicate that the policy would not apply retrospectively to those already in the country, reports later suggested the government is wrestling with how to prevent a large cohort of recent arrivals from securing automatic ILR under current rules.

Mahmod is considering an emergency retrospective law, changes that could affect around one million migrants, including Nigerians who entered the UK after 2021 under the post-Brexit immigration system.

Insiders suggested the government was prepared to defend the expected legal challenges

However, it has been confirmed that the new ‘good citizen’ tests themselves would be too complex to impose on those already here.

Instead, ministers will seek a separate, faster mechanism to prevent migrants who arrived after 2021 from securing settlement after five years, though this mechanism is expected to be less demanding than the planned new ILR system.

‘Across this country, people feel like things are spinning out of control,’ she said, pointing to the arrivals of small boats and widespread illegal working as key drivers of this distrust.

The proposed changes are subject to a public consultation, following which the government is expected to make its final legislative decisions.

Umar Namadi, the Governor of Jigawa State, has congratulated the government and people of Nigeria on the occasion of the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the day as a reminder of the unity, resilience, and sacrifices that built the country.

In his goodwill message, Governor Namadi said the anniversary is not only a time to reflect on the struggles of the nation’s founding fathers but also an opportunity to renew collective commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity. ‘Today, we celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with pride and gratitude. This day reminds us of the sacrifices of our heroes past, whose vision and courage laid the foundation of our beloved country. As a people, we must continue to uphold the ideals of unity, justice, and service to humanity,’ the governor said.

This is contained in a statement by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Duste.

He noted that despite challenges, Nigeria continues to make progress under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose policies are geared towards strengthening the economy, improving security, and providing better opportunities for citizens. ‘Here in Jigawa, our administration is committed to complementing the efforts of the Federal Government by prioritising the welfare of our people, investing in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and creating opportunities for our youth and women. Together, we will build a stronger state and contribute to the greatness of Nigeria,’ he added.

According to the statement, Governor Namadi urged Nigerians to remain united and hopeful, stressing that the diversity of the nation is a source of strength rather than division.

He called on citizens to continue supporting government policies and programmes for sustainable development. ‘As we hoist our green and white flag today, let us be reminded that the responsibility of building a prosperous Nigeria rests on all of us. With unity, faith, and determination, we shall overcome our challenges and fulfill the dream of a greater nation,’ he concluded.

Nigeria’s U20 side, the Flying Eagles, will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Talca on Thursday night.

After a 1-0 defeat to Norway in their Group F opener, the seven-time African champions are eager to bounce back and keep their hopes of advancing alive.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances in the match against Norway,

Nigeria was unfortunate not to find the equalizer in the second half. The Flying Eagles were denied two penalty appeals by the referee, leaving them frustrated in what was otherwise a promising performance. A win against Saudi Arabia will boost Nigeria’s chances of progressing to the Round of 16, especially with a tough match against Colombia coming up on Sunday.

Head coach, Aliyu Zubair, remains confident that his team has recovered from the disappointment of the Norway defeat.

His focus now is on ensuring the squad delivers the right result against Saudi Arabia. With all key players available,

Zubair is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing attacking play and ball possession.

Irrespective of the time of the year, the social media in Nigeria is abuzz with conversations about the housing conditions in the country. From complaints about the rising cost of house rents across the country, to many sharing some sour experiences in the hands of shylock landlords, and greedy agents.

When the rainy season arrives, as it has already, another question arises. How does the money paid for rents translate into security from the impact of the rains and their attendant floods? BusinessDay’s September TalkExchange Poll aims to capture the reality behind the social media conversations around housing in Nigeria. What is the real cost of housing in Nigeria, and what are the biggest challenges to housing in Nigeria?

The federal government has successfully brokered an agreement between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, leading to a decision to call off the association’s strike action and redeploy disengaged workers of the refinery.

The reconciliatory meetings at the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, had become necessary following the PENGASSAN’s directive to members to stop gas supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and withdrawal their services over what was described as the unlawful termination of over 800 of its members by the refinery’s management.

As contained in communique signed by all parties at the end of the meeting, Dingyadi informed the meeting that unionisation was a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and that this right should be respected.

The communique stated that after examining the procedure used in the disengagement of workers, the meeting agreed that the management of Dangote Group shall immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.

‘Whereas the leadership of PENGASSAN said that the directives given to stop the supply of gas to Dangote Petroleum and withdrawal of services was in response to the termination of appointment of over Eight Hundred members of PENGASSAN by the management of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical on the other hand, explained the reason for disengagement of the workers was as a result of the ongoing reorganization in the company. ‘No worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse between Dangote and PENGASSAN.

‘PENGASSAN agreed to start the process of calling off the strike. Both parties agreed to this understanding in good faith,’ it stated.

The conciliation was attended by high-ranking officials of government, including the National Security Adviser; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS); Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Also present were the chief executives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), alongside representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the President and Secretary-General of PENGASSAN.

President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerian youths to dream big, innovate and conquer more territories in their various fields of endeavour

The President, speaking on 1st October, nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary, assured the youths of his administration’s support through policies and funding.

‘You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.

‘Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high’

The President cited the creation of the National Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, saying the initiative is to support students with loans for their educational pursuits.

‘ Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.

The President also revealed that Credicorp, another initiative of the administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion in affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more. Speaking on other measures aimed at giving support to young people, the President assured that the ‘YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement’

‘Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of background, has an equitable opportunity to access a better future-thus, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. ‘This initiative is at the cusp of implementation. Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors.

‘Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains.

‘The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.

‘The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities. Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level and local government autonomy are yielding more developments.

‘Therefore, on this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers.’

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, criticised those peddling allegations of religious genocide in the country, saying no religion is under siege.

The president described the allegations as ‘unfounded and misleading, as citizens focus more on harmony and shared prosperity.*

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, in a statement, said Tinubu acknowledges that after 65 years of Independence, citizens have grown to appreciate religious and cultural differences and explore the advantages of diversity in terms of educational, economic, and other productive gains.

President Tinubu allayed fears of religious intolerance in the country at the unveiling of a book on the 10 years of the APC government in Nigeria. It was authored by the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma.

Tinubu was in Owerri to commission projects, such as the Owerri-Mbaise-Umahia road, the Assumpta Twin flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuayanwu Convention Centre.

Nentawe Yilwatda, the All Progressive Congress APC national chairman, two former APC Chairmen, Adams Oshiomhole and Umar Ganduje, governors of APC states, and the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, attended the commissioning of the projects and the book launch.

The event was also attended by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Senate President, former Senate Presidents, Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, and Ahmad Lawan, were also at the event.

Others include the founding Chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande, and former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, as well as traditional and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, student unions, and market associations.

President Tinubu told the crowd at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre: ‘Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded.

‘Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

‘We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.

‘Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength and when Nigeria stands united, no falsehood can prosper against her. So help us God,’ he added.

On the impact of the All Progressives Congress in running Nigeria since 2015, President Tinubu said: ‘Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We promised a change, and I can confidently tell you the worst is over.

‘Ten years ago, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), came into power on the wings of change. Nigeria was at a crossroads. A break from the old order was not only desirable; it had become inevitable to steer our nation away from collapse. ‘Under President Muhammadu Buhari, our party began stabilising Nigeria. We invested heavily in infrastructure, pushed back terrorists, and instilled accountability in public finance. Were there challenges? Yes. Were mistakes made? Yes. But no one can deny that the direction of Nigeria changed for good,’ he added.

‘APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And we will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift,’ the President said.

‘We are not yet where we want to be, but we are no longer where we were. We are building a Nigeria that values productivity above handouts and is a nation prepared for a sustainable future.

The President has a message for the critics of the APC administration: ‘And to those who today parade themselves as prophets of solutions, let me say this: those who wasted sixteen years had their chance. Nigerians remember the broken promises, the broken power plants, the broken roads and the attempts to usurp democratic institutions using corrupt practices and subterfuge.

President Tinubu commended Governor Uzodimma for his scholarship documenting this decade of progressive governance.

‘Hope has given Nigeria a gift: a reminder that nations must write their own stories, and leaders must account for their stewardship.

The President stated that the outlook for the economy had improved across various indicators.

‘I am honoured to stand here in Owerri, in the heart of the South-East, a land of industry, intellect, and resilience. I know there were times when this region felt left out. But under Renewed Hope, no part of Nigeria will be abandoned. The South-East is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth.

‘Believing in true federalism and decentralisation, I have created regional development commissions to bring progress closer to the people. Nigerians have the right to hold leaders at every level (federal, state, and local) accountable. And as leaders, we have the duty to deliver,’ he added.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thanked the President for the initiative of NELFUND, which had encouraged more underprivileged children to pursue their education in higher institutions.

‘Mr President, you have given hope to many young people through the Education funds you provide. You have invested in agriculture to provide food for millions of Nigerians.

‘On behalf of the entire National Assembly, we want to congratulate the performing governor,’ the Senate President said.

The Governor of Imo State, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, stated that the sub-national governments had consistently received increased allocations, enabling infrastructure construction and improving sectors such as education and health.

‘Mr President, we are grateful for your support. It is through your courage and bold policies that our economy is stabilised today. Most of the projects we undertake in Imo are made possible by the continuous funding we receive from time to time.

‘Your consistency in the political trajectory of Nigeria made it possible for the formation of APC, which became a force in the build-up to the 2015 elections. This inspired me to document all these remarkable efforts into a book titled ‘A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria’.