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ýTo mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Ademola Adeleke the governor of Osun State has granted amnesty to 36 convicts currently serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife.

ýThe gesture, according to a statement by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson, was made in line with the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), follows the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

ýAdeleke, in a proclamation issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, dated September 24, 2025, declared that: ý’WHEREAS, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria has granted amnesty to the convicted persons listed and attached hereto, who are subject to the jurisdiction of Osun State; NOW KNOW YE THAT I, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.

ýý’By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof. AND FOR SO DOING, this shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.’

ýOlawale further revealed that the beneficiaries include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences. ýFrom the Ilesa facility, those pardoned include Kehinde Ganiyu, Isiaka Mohammed, Oluwatosin Femi, Adebisi Adeniyi, Rotimi Paul, Oyewole Sunday, Ojo Adewale, Tajudeen Ridwan, and Jokotola Quadri, Akinola Taofeek, Onibukun Adebisi, Azeez Afeez, Abdulgafar Quadri, Udoh Monday O., Babawale Saheed, Olasunkanmi Wasiu, Adetoro Toheeb, Mudashiru Lawal, and Ismaila Wahab, as well as Yinka Oyeniyi, Olaniyan Taofeek, Sheu Mumini, Ololade Bashit, Musibau Abdulkareem, Jamiu Sulaeeb, Jeremiah Ayuba, Abimbola Samad, Oladeji Tosin, and Mathew Samuel.

ýFrom the Ile-Ife centre, the amnesty covers Yusuf Ola, Oyedeji Sunday, Ojo Olaoluwa, Ogunola Rafiu, Ayomide Amos, Usman Adefisan, and Adedigba Abiodun.

ýThe governor emphasised that the decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents.ý

ýHe added, ‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals.’

Social media has become deeply involved in debates and disagreements surrounding the imbroglio between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery. While some support PENGASSAN, citing the right to free association and assembly, others argue for the refinery’s economic contributions.

Until PENGASSAN’s threat and directive to its members in seven firms to withhold essential feedstock from the refinery.

People now reference Abacha’s proscription of PENGASSAN on 18 August 1994. They also mention laws they suggest the president utilise to resolve the conflict.

The Nigerian Trade Disputes (Essential Services) Act of 1976 grants the President power to proscribe trade unions or associations in essential services that engage in disruptive activities or fail to follow dispute settlement procedures. Key provisions include the power to refer disputes to an Industrial Arbitration Panel, penalties for disrupting the economy, restrictions on forming new unions after a proscription, and the forfeiture of property and cancellation of registration for proscribed unions. Officials of proscribed unions face permanent barring from leadership positions.

Key Provisions:

Power to Proscribe Unions: The President can order the proscription (dissolution) of any trade union or association whose members work in an essential service if they are involved in industrial unrest or actions that disrupt such services.

Referral to Industrial Arbitration Panel: The Act permits the special referral of trade disputes in essential services to an Industrial Arbitration Panel for resolution.

Penalties for Disruptive Acts: There are penalties for acts calculated to disrupt the economy or the smooth functioning of essential services.

Restrictions on Proscribed Organisations:

Property Forfeiture: Proscribed unions forfeit their property to the Federal Government.

Loss of Legal Status: The proscribed organisation ceases to exist.

Formation Restrictions: Members are prohibited from forming or joining another union for a period of at least six months.

Official Disqualification: Officials of a proscribed union are barred from holding leadership positions in any other union in an essential service.

Property Registration: The Act includes provisions for the registration of property and indemnity related to these disputes.

Detention: Individuals involved in acts prejudicial to industrial peace after a union’s proscription may face indefinite detention.

Comrade Festus Osifo, national president of PENGASSAN

Ramifications and implications of the PENGASSAN versus Dangote Refinery conflict

The dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has escalated into a major crisis with immediate nationwide consequences. The federal government has stepped in to mediate, aiming to prevent severe economic disruption and energy shortages.

PENGASSAN’s Position

a. Dismissal of over 800 workers for joining the union, violating constitutional rights to freedom of association.

b. Accuses the refinery of replacing Nigerian workers with foreigners and providing poor working conditions.

c. Nationwide strike; directive to cut off crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery.

Dangote Refinery’s Position

a. A ‘minimal number’ of staff were let go during an internal reorganisation to improve safety and efficiency, denying that it was due to union membership.

b. Union’s actions are ‘lawless,’ ‘economic sabotage,’ and ‘terror tactics’.

c. Accuses PENGASSAN of a history of sabotaging national projects and serving the interests of its leaders over Nigerian workers.

Immediate National Implications

The strike actions have moved beyond the refinery’s gates and are now affecting the broader Nigerian economy and populace.

Operational Shutdown: The Dangote Refinery has reportedly been ‘100 per cent shut down,’ and operations at its fertiliser plant have also been significantly halted. The union has also directed its members across all oil and gas installations to go on strike.

Threats to Fuel and Power Supply:

Fuel Crisis: The disruption risks a return of fuel scarcity. The refinery has been supplying an estimated 17 million litres of fuel daily to the Nigerian market; cutting this supply could spark a 32% shortage and drive up prices.

Electricity Instability: The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has warned that the dispute poses a serious risk to the national grid. As the grid relies heavily on gas-fired power plants, any sustained disruption to gas supply could lead to widespread blackouts.

Severe Economic Loss: Nigeria risks a daily loss of $110.8 million in crude oil export revenue and an estimated N14.7 billion in domestic losses, exacerbating existing economic pressures.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, founder and CEO, Dangote Refinery

Government Intervention and Legal Context

The federal government is taking urgent action to mediate the dispute and prevent a national emergency.

High-Level Mediation: The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, chaired a meeting of a steering committee to address the issue, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the naira-for-crude policy and energy security. Separately, the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Dingyadi, has appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend the strike and has called for a conciliation meeting with both parties.

Broader Labour Movement Stance: The Trade Union Congress (TUC), an apex labour centre to which PENGASSAN is affiliated, has condemned the refinery’s actions. The TUC has demanded the immediate reinstatement of the workers and has placed its affiliates on ‘red alert,’ signalling readiness for a wider industrial action if its demands are ignored.

Legal Perspectives: A public interest lawyer analysed that while the dismissal of workers for joining a union ‘falls short of the provided constitutional safeguards,’ PENGASSAN’s directive to cut off supplies might itself be unlawful as it affects ‘essential services,’ which requires a 15-day notice for industrial action.

What to Watch For

The situation remains fluid. The key developments that will determine the outcome are:

The result of the conciliation meeting called by the Minister of Labour.

Whether PENGASSAN will heed the government’s appeal to suspend the strike to allow for dialogue.

Whether Dangote Refinery shows flexibility regarding the reinstatement of the dismissed workers.

Deeper Dive: The Legal and Constitutional Tension

The conflict lies at the intersection of constitutional rights, labour laws, and national economic security, creating a complex legal landscape.

The Core Legal Violation: PENGASSAN’s main argument is that dismissing workers for unionising violates Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of association and assembly. Additionally, it breaches Sections 9(1) and 12(1) of the Trade Unions Act, which safeguard workers from victimisation for joining a union.

PENGASSAN’s ‘Nuclear Option’ – A Legal Grey Area: While Dangote Refinery labels the directive to cut off crude supply as ‘economic sabotage,’

PENGASSAN’s action is a classic, if extreme, form of sympathy or solidarity strike. The legality of this is murky:

Against PENGASSAN: The refinery could be classified as an ‘essential service,’ and the Trade Disputes Act requires a 15-day notice before industrial action in such sectors. By acting immediately, PENGASSAN may have technically acted outside the strict letter of the law.

For PENGASSAN: Unions argue that the right to strike is a fundamental corollary to the right to associate. By allegedly engaging in mass anti-union dismissals, Dangote Refinery is perceived as having provoked an unprecedented situation that demands an equally unprecedented response, justifying immediate and widespread action to protect the very existence of union representation within the critical refinery.

The legal battle, if it proceeds to the National Industrial Court, will likely centre on balancing the company’s operational prerogatives against the fundamental rights of workers to organise.

A Pivotal Moment for Nigerian Industry

The PENGASSAN vs. Dangote dispute is more than just a labour disagreement. It serves as a crucial test case for Nigeria’s goal to shift from a crude oil exporter to a refined products powerhouse.

The resolution will set a critical precedent on several fronts:

1. The Power of Labour: It will define the limits of union influence in the ‘new’ Nigerian oil industry, which is controlled by private entities such as Dangote.

2. Investor Confidence: The balance between protecting workers and ensuring operational stability will be a key factor for future investments, both foreign and domestic.

3. Governance: It assesses the government’s capacity to mediate complex disputes without resorting to heavy-handed force that might escalate tensions.

The central conflict is between the ‘right to manage’ claimed by a private enterprise and the ‘right to organise’ claimed by labour. How this conflict is resolved will influence every major industrial project in Nigeria for years to come.

As the nation celebrates 65 years of independence, Umaru Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State, has announced the state’s economic turnaround, saying its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rose from ?6.2 billion in 2019 to ?16.2 billion in 2025, giving credit to fiscal discipline, digital reforms, and improved transparency.

The governor pointed out that independence becomes tangible when good governance is translated into real development.

Delivering his address, he urged citizens to reflect on the nation’s journey while recommitting to the ideals of justice, unity, and development.

He further reminded citizens that while Nigeria has endured decades of challenges from civil war to dictatorship, poverty, and insecurity the true measure of independence lies not in survival, but in progress.

‘Survival is not success,’ the Governor said. ‘Independence without progress is only a symbol. Real freedom is measured by how it transforms everyday lives.’

He emphasised that in Adamawa State, his administration has sought to translate that belief into tangible action. From educational reforms to healthcare revitalisation, from improved infrastructure to job creation, Fintiri detailed a range of initiatives aimed at improving quality of life for residents across the state.

Fintri announced the ongoing recruitment of 12,000 qualified candidates into the Adamawa State Civil Service, including 5,000 in MDAs, 5,000 in Post-Primary Education, and 2,000 in the Health Sector as part of dividends of democracy. ‘This is not just a job drive it is an investment in efficiency, public service, and the future of our youth,’ he stated.

In a direct appeal to the youth, the governor encouraged them to take ownership of the country’s future, declaring, ‘Your time is not coming your time is here.’ He urged young people to channel their energy into building bridges rather than walls, and to let their actions speak louder than their posts on social media.

Fintiri also underscored the importance of unity, especially in a diverse state like Adamawa, where multiple cultures, languages, and faiths coexist.

‘That diversity must never be our weakness it must be our strength,’ he affirmed. ‘A divided Adamawa like a divided Nigeria cannot stand.’

He called for every Nigerian to contribute to building a nation where ‘no one is left behind and nothing is left untouched,’ affirming that true independence must be seen and felt in the lives of everyday people

Earlier,James Iliya, Commissioner of information in his speech states that with the theme of this year’s independence celebration ‘ All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation’, is both a reminder and a call to action.

Iliya further pointed out that building a great nation is not the work of one person or one group but a collective effort, stressing that patience and teamwork solve even the hardest problems.

He also commended the government for ensuring that information flows freely, citizens are heard and development reaches every community, investing in education to prepare youths for the future.

Nigeria is facing a silent but significant workplace crisis: employee disengagement. Recent data compiled from 2022 to 2024 reveals that only 17 percent of Nigerian workers are truly committed to their jobs. The remaining 83 percent are either not engaged, putting in time but lacking energy and passion, or actively disengaged, working in ways that may even undermine their organisations.

This troubling trend mirrors a global pattern. According to Gallup’s latest workplace report, global employee engagement dropped to 21 percent, while the United States, often considered a benchmark, recorded just 31 percent engagement, with 17 percent actively disengaged. These figures highlight a widespread leadership and cultural challenge that transcends borders and industries.

In Nigeria, the implications are particularly stark. In most offices, only about one in six employees genuinely cares about their work outcomes. The rest are either going through the motions or, worse, actively resisting organisational goals. This disengagement is not just a morale issue; it’s a productivity crisis. When employees are psychologically detached, mediocrity becomes the norm, innovation stalls, and performance suffers.

The cost of disengagement

The economic impact of disengagement is staggering. Gallup estimates that disengaged employees cost the global economy $8.8 trillion annually, equivalent to 9 percent of global GDP. For Nigerian businesses, this translates into missed opportunities, reduced competitiveness, and a growing talent drain as top performers seek more fulfilling work environments elsewhere.

Disengaged employees are not just unmotivated; they are often resentful, feeling that their needs are unmet and their contributions unrecognised. This can lead to toxic workplace behaviours, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates. In contrast, engaged employees act as psychological ‘owners’ of their work, driving performance, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Leadership at the core of the problem

Gallup’s research points to a clear culprit: leadership. Their article, Anaemic Employee Engagement Points to Leadership Challenges, emphasises that 70 percent of the variance in team engagement is directly linked to the manager. Yet many managers are not equipped to lead in today’s dynamic, purpose-driven work environment. Traditional top-down management styles are failing to inspire, connect, or retain talent.

In Nigeria, decades of HR initiatives, team-building retreats, and management training have yielded limited results. The problem isn’t just about skills-it’s about connection. Employees want to feel seen, valued, and aligned with a greater purpose. They want leaders who coach, not command, and who listen, not lecture.

A new approach: Everyone has

Organisational development expert Kemi Buluro, a frequent speaker at global conferences hosted by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI), believes it’s time for a new approach. Her platform, every1has, is designed to tackle disengagement by focusing not on fixing managers but on strengthening team camaraderie.

‘Disengagement is so widespread that in most Nigerian offices, only about one in six employees truly cares about their work outcomes,’ Buluro explains. ‘We need to stop treating engagement as a management problem and start treating it as a team dynamic issue.’

Everyone has offered a fresh perspective by providing insightful data on the unique talents, values, and interpersonal dynamics within teams. It helps organisations understand who works best with whom and how to build trust and collaboration from the ground up. Rather than relying on generic training, it empowers teams to self-organise around shared strengths and mutual respect.

The platform also encourages peer recognition, a powerful yet often overlooked driver of engagement. When employees feel appreciated by their colleagues, not just their supervisors, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed.

The way forward

The disengagement epidemic is not just a Nigerian issue; it’s a global leadership challenge. But it also presents a unique opportunity. By embracing human-centred, team-first solutions, Nigerian companies can leapfrog outdated models and build workplaces where people thrive.

To move forward, organisations must:

-Invest in leadership development that prioritizes emotional intelligence, coaching, and communication.

-Create feedback-rich cultures where employees feel heard and valued.

-Recognise and reward contributions in meaningful ways.

-Foster psychological safety, allowing employees to take risks and speak up without fear.

-Leverage technology like everyone else to build stronger, more connected teams.

As Gallup notes, ‘Flattening engagement reflects a shift in how leaders must manage performance.’ For Nigeria’s future-focused organisations, the message is clear: engagement isn’t a perk-it’s a strategy. And the time to act is now.

Kemi Buluro is an Organisational Development Consultant who helps global companies, from Fortune 500s to startups, simplify processes, strengthen collaboration, and drive innovation. She designs simulation-based learning experiences, including one used by Air France-KLM to train teams in consultative selling. Kemi is also the author of Sales Start with the Customer, a narrative-style business book that teaches customer-centric thinking through reflection and storytelling.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) partnered with the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt and District to train 180 female entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta.

The training took almost all of one-week last week and ended with a colourful graduation ceremony at the impressive Horlinks Event Centre in the Marine Base area of the Garden City.

Amaka Ekaba, a fellow of ICAN, who is the Rapporteur-General of SWAN, produced a report that was read and adopted at the closing ceremony with huge applause. The report recognized Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, NDDC Governing Board; Samuel Ogbuju, Managing Director/CEO, NDDC; Boma Iyaye, Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NDDC; Victor Antai, NDDC Executive Director, Projects; Ifedayo Agbegunde, Executive Director, Corporate Services, the entire NDDC management team; captains of industry; ICAN Chairmen; members of SWAN; and the distinguished lady entrepreneurs. Ekaba’s report said the workshop, held at the NDDC Event Centre, Port Harcourt from 22nd-25th September 2025, was attended by 180 Niger Delta Women Entrepreneurs, 20 SWAN members (including facilitators and organizers), NDDC Directors and 11 CID staff daily for quality assurance. ‘It was declared open by Ogbuku, (MD, NDDC), represented by Antai (ED Projects).

‘In their opening addresses, Ogbuku, Ehiorobo Friday (Director, CID), and Isioma Onwo (Chairperson, SWAN) emphasized the importance of financial literacy and capacity building for women entrepreneurs, affirming that empowering women translates to empowering families and the wider nation. Participants were urged to take the training seriously for business growth and sustainability.’

On the technical papers, Ekaba reported thus: ‘Seven technical sessions were held during the training. Paper one was: Introduction to Bank and Social Media Account Opening by Franca Ikhinwmin. Bank and social media accounts are vital for SME growth, providing credibility and market access. Participants were introduced to Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X, and guided on leveraging these platforms to promote their businesses.

‘Paper two was on Introduction to Bookkeeping by the 29th Chairman of ICAN Port Harcourt and District, Helen Irobuisi. Bookkeeping involves systematic daily recording of financial transactions, including tracking income, expenses, and filing source documents. Participants were advised to open key books of accounts (Cash Book, Sales Book, Purchase Book, Stock Register, etc), pay themselves salaries, and separate personal finances from business finances.

‘Paper three was on Tax Awareness. Anchored by the Pioneer Chairman of ICAN Obio Akpor and District, Chioma Ojukwu.

Nigeria’s tax system and the 2025 Tax Act reforms were explained, highlighting new exemptions, levies, VAT changes, and mandatory e-invoicing. Participants were urged to record all business expenses for tax deductions, seek professional tax advice, and consider upgrading from enterprise to limited liability company.’

The report went on to state how Paper four reviewed Record Keeping and Filing by Eme Akpa. ‘Effective record keeping requires tools such as cloud storage, scanning apps, backups, and organized physical files. Participants were cautioned against poor practices such as reliance on memory, scattered files, and lack of proper backups.

‘Paper 5 – Introducing Accounting Applications: Excel and Quick Books by Victoria Adele. Participants were introduced to Excel and QuickBooks for bookkeeping, financial reporting, and preparation of statements. Both tools were emphasized as critical for improving speed, accuracy, and automation, while reducing manual errors.’

On Paper six, ‘Internal Controls was by Peace Wills. Internal controls, including segregation of duties, reconciliations, and safeguarding assets, are crucial for protecting resources, preventing fraud, and building trust. Participants were urged to adopt tools such as vouchers, approval limits, and receipts, and to avoid mixing personal and business finances, with the reminder: What you don’t control will control you.”

Her report said Paper seven dealt with Financial Literacy by Olabisi Bamisile. ‘Financial planning emphasized budgeting, saving, building emergency funds, avoiding debt traps, and teaching financial values. Participants were introduced to a few investment platforms, cooperative savings, and insurance for wealth creation and long-term resilience.

‘Finally, Fidelity Bank Plc also encouraged the women entrepreneurs to take advantage of various packages geared towards supporting their businesses such as the ‘FUNDHER’ package.’

Giving insight into the essence of the training, Onwo, the SWAN chairperson, said: ‘Through our research, we found out that a lot of small and medium sized businesses fail just because of lack of proper record keeping. SWAN PH thought it wise that women entrepreneurs be trained so they can do business more professionally and profitably. For instance, a lot of the participants told us they did not even know they were supposed to keep their personal finances separate from their business finances.’

How do you feel to be named the Cuppy Africa Steinhardt Scholar for a second year in a row?

Honestly, I was shocked, in a good way, though. Being the first recipient last year was already such a huge honour, but winning it again feels like a reminder that the work I’m doing truly matters.

It’s also an encouragement to keep going. For me, this is bigger than an award. It’s about keeping the door open for more Africans who want to explore creative approaches to healing and social impact.

What does this award represent for you personally?

It represents validation of the path I’ve chosen. Drama therapy is not a very common field, especially among Nigerians.

To have my work in this space recognised twice tells me that arts have a rightful place in conversations about health, resilience, and community transformation.

How does it feel to be a trailblazer in drama therapy, being only the second Nigerian to pursue credentialing as a Licensed Drama Therapist in the US?

It feels both exciting and humbling. On one hand, I feel a great sense of pride to be among the very few Nigerians in this field, especially as drama therapy is still emerging globally.

On the other hand, it comes with the responsibility to represent my community well, to pave the way for others, and show that Africans can and should have a place in shaping how creative arts therapies grow worldwide.

I hope my journey helps make this path more visible for future Nigerians who want to combine mental health with the arts.

You’ve often spoken about Arts as a tool for social change. Can you share some examples of your work?

In Nigeria, I directed community theatre projects that addressed societal issues such as gender-based violence and lack of quality education.

Here in the U.S., I’ve worked on performances that talk about gun violence, immigration, and race. The goal has always been the same: to use theatre as a mirror, a voice, and sometimes, a form of healing.

You’ve also had opportunities on the global stage. What stands out for you?

Representing Nigeria at the World Bank Youth Summit in Washington, D.C. was a highlight. I was presenting my research on drama therapy and dementia care at an international medical humanities conference in Qatar. These platforms reminded me that our local stories have global relevance.

What do you envision for the future of your work in Nigeria?

I hope to continue building bridges between Nigeria and the global community in the areas of mental health, creative arts, and social change.

I want my work to inspire conversations about how the arts can serve as a therapeutic tool, not just in Nigeria but worldwide. Whether through collaborations, research, training programs, or advocacy, I aim to spotlight Nigerian voices on international platforms and create opportunities for others to engage with creative arts therapies.

For me, it’s about expanding access and recognition so that more communities, including those in Nigeria, can benefit from the healing potential of the arts.

Telecommunications giant Globacom has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s cultural heritage by renewing its sponsorship of the 2025 Ofala Festival, a vibrant celebration led by Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.

The announcement, made during a press briefing at the Obi’s Palace in Onitsha, underscores the festival’s pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s projected N11.2 trillion tourism sector contribution to GDP in 2025.The Ofala Festival, scheduled for October 17-18, 2025, will feature the Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala, alongside events like the Oreze Art Exhibition, a youth carnival, a medical outreach, and a royal banquet.

Globacom, the festival’s principal sponsor since 2011, emphasized that its support is rooted in the belief that cultural celebrations like Ofala are vital to Nigeria’s economy, identity, and global presence. ‘Nigeria’s tourism sector is expected to contribute N11.2 trillion to GDP in 2025, up from N10.9 trillion in 2024, with domestic tourism expenditure reaching N6.1 trillion and international visitor spending at N803.2 billion. These figures highlight the economic power of culture and tourism. Our investment in Ofala is about building communities, creating jobs, and fostering pride,’ Globacom stated.

Nigeria is intensifying reforms in its agricultural seed sector to boost food security, strengthen export competitiveness, and ensure farmers’ access to high-quality inputs as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) begins a fresh evaluation of the country’s seed system.

Speaking in Abuja, Abdullahi Sabi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural base through quality seeds.

‘The very first thing the President said in his agricultural manifesto was: ‘Plant the right seed, feed an entire nation.’ That vision is what drives us.

‘If we are to guarantee our food security, it means farmers must and should have access to affordable, quality seed at all times. Nigeria is more than happy to be part of this ecosystem’, Sabi said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s yield gap remains ‘worrisome’ and blamed poor-quality or fake seeds for limiting productivity.

‘Currently, there are a lot of people who claim to be seed entrepreneurs and they are just giving people grains, not seed. If this scheme can guarantee high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties, then we are in good business,’ he noted.

The Minister further noted concerns about pesticide residues in Nigerian exports: ‘Today’s headlines are about toxic harvests. This is consigning.

‘We cannot allow our hardworking farmers to lose premium prices because of lack of knowledge. Good seeds reduce the need for agrochemicals and improve keeping quality and nutrition’, he added.

On his part, Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari, Director General of the National Agricultural Seed Council described the OECD mission as a ‘historic milestone’ for Nigeria.

‘The OECD schemes provide an international framework for the certification of varietal identity and purity of agricultural seeds in trade. Nigeria was the 62nd country to join, and just one year after accession, we have become the OECD Africa Forum Secretariat,’ Buhari said.

He revealed that Nigeria had already trained seed system actors from Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda, Congo, and Benin Republic, underscoring the country’s emerging leadership in Africa’s seed sector.

‘With OECD membership, Nigeria’s seed companies can now access international markets across Africa and beyond. This positions Nigeria strategically within ECOWAS to influence our neighbours to join the scheme.’

Representing the OECD, Aurelia Nicotte, Programme Manager, commended Nigeria’s progress since joining the seed schemes in 2023.

‘We sincerely believe that the OECD seed scheme contributes to food security goals and to the development of sustainable agriculture,’ Nicotte said.

‘It helps improve farmers’ livelihoods and contributes to economic growth because seed is really the start of the food system. You cannot do anything in agriculture without seed.’

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), in a bid to advance the Nigerian energy landscape, has signed an agreement with Granville Energy (PTY) Limited to design, build, finance, and operate a 100 megawatt (MW) floating solar power plant at the Kainji hydro power plant.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Sani Bello, Chairman, Board of Directors, Mainstream Energy Solutions, said that the project is a significant step forward in the company’s mission to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape.

He explained that when fully operational, the project will provide thousands of Nigerian homes and businesses with clean, reliable energy, supporting economic development while minimising environmental impact.

‘We are proud to partner with Granville Energy (PTY) Limited to design, build, finance, and operate a 100MW floating solar power plant at the Kainji hydro power plant. This pioneer project embodies our unwavering commitment to increasing power generation in Nigeria while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.

‘As an organisation. We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to renewable energy, aligning this with our mission statement and the focus areas of our Corporate Social Responsibility interventions. This MOU signing is a testament to our resolve to drive positive change and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

‘This aligns perfectly with our core objective: powering Nigeria’s economic growth in an environmentally responsible manner,’ he said.

In his remarks, Abba Aliyu, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA) noted that Nigeria currently have the highest number of people without electricity, with most of these people located in the rural and urban areas of the country.

For him, the most economically viable means of providing them with electricity is through distributed renewable energy, through the deployment of renewable sources.

‘For us to have an opportunity where 100 megawatts of renewable energy can be injected into the grid, for us, this is a huge and significant increase in the renewable mix of the country. I will say that apart from the Azura, which was 450 megawatts that was added as a Greenfield, and Zungeru, which mainstream is very much active in managing that, there is no significant renewable capacity that has been added to the grid.

‘Initially, the Rural Electrification Agency is currently working on injecting about 188.4 megawatts through interconnected mini-grids, one of which we intend to be the first to will do the floating solar in the University of Lagos, where we will put the panels by the side of the lagoon to power the University of Lagos.

‘But definitely, the commitment of the mainstream and the partners, Granville Energy, is something that the federal government will always have pleasure in and will always key into it.

He said that Nigeria needs to increase the generation capacity, hence the need to deploy more renewable resources and an innovative model like this that harnesses the space around the hydro and creates a floating solar.

He also advised the companies that the project should come with its own distribution network, SCADA system, and full meters to enhance the commercial viability of the project, adding that without these, the commercial viability of the renewable project can never be sustained.

‘This is an ingenious, complex framework that must be encouraged, and for the Rural Electrification Agency, we would like to be part of this initiative, key into it, support it, and in any way also learn from how we will do that, how we will deploy it at this level of capacity,’ he added.

Also speaking, Tabi T. Tabi, Chief Executive Officer, Granville Energy, said that the MOU commits both parties to the development of the Kainji Floating Solar Plant, which is intended to reach a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts (1 Gigawatt).

He explained that the immediate focus is the rapid deployment of phase one, which will add 100 MW of hybrid renewable power to the grid. ‘This multi-gigawatt vision is a testament to what is possible when two African giants-Nigeria and South Africa-collaborate,’ he said.

Tabi noted that by deploying high-efficiency solar panels directly onto the surface of the Kainji reservoir, the project will deliver a powerful hybrid system. This synergy, he said, ensures that when the sun shines brightest, it generates solar power; and when it sets, or when water flow fluctuates, the stabilised output of the hydro plant and the power from the battery energy storage systems step in, providing consistent, reliable power to the national grid.

‘Floating solar is a win for water management. By covering a section of the reservoir, we drastically reduce water evaporation-a critical benefit for a nation balancing energy production with agricultural and domestic water needs.

‘This first 100 MW phase is the down payment on a larger vision that will, upon completion, provide 1,000 MW of new, clean capacity, dramatically cutting carbon emissions and cementing Nigeria’s commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and its long-term climate targets,’ he said

It is two years since you took over as chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). How has the journey been and what would you give as your achievements in the agency?

When we set out on this journey, our mind was set on reforming the fiscal landscape of Nigeria and consequently changing the revenue structure of the Federation. To the glory of God, two years on, the figures are justifying that the reforms we embarked upon were the right steps to take. Let me start from the latest evidence, for the first time the three tiers of government shared a record monthly allocation in excess of N2 trillion. States and local government councils are now more empowered to carry out their responsibilities to Nigerians in their domains.

Nearly 70 percent of what the three tiers of government gather every month to share comes from tax revenue collected by FIRS. This is an eloquent testimony to the reforms spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, all credits must go to the president for the courage he has demonstrated in leadership by setting the economic fundamentals right in order for the reforms to bring plenty fruits and gains for the federation. By removing subsidy on petrol and collapsing the hitherto dual exchange rate windows, floating the naira consequently, the health of the Federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims that would naturally have depleted the accruals into the pool.

In addition to these, the president in his inaugural speech, promised to make his industrial and economic policy one that will remove hurdles in the way of businesses. As a follow up to that, he set up a committee which worked so hard with other stakeholders to bring about the new tax laws that will go into effect from January next year. This is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem since independence in 1960. The president has fulfilled his promise to make businesses flourish by removing all burdens and hurdles. This has been done with the new tax laws which will eliminate multiple taxes.

The president said we should not have more than single digit tax types and that has been achieved now. The various tax laws which are scattered in several legislations have now been consolidated and streamlined into a single document. Tax is not easy to collect anywhere in the world and it will be made more difficult if taxpayers go through unnecessary hurdles before they can pay taxes. The fact that these laws were scattered in various legislations gives room for different applications and make compliance cumbersome. But all that is history now.

Perhaps the biggest deal for Nigerians is that food, education, shared transportation, agriculture are going to be VAT-free. This will have positive effect on more than 80 percent of Nigerians. This is in addition to the tax adjustment of personal income of those in the low-income brackets. Small businesses with turnover of N50 million will not pay tax. All these go to show that President Tinubu is a compassionate leader who knows there the shoes pinch for businesses. A more business-friendly environment has now been created with these new laws.

As an agency, FIRS has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two years. Carrying out the president’s mandate, we re-structured our internal operations from the functional tax typologies to a customer-centric approach. Now, all tax types are paid at a one-stop shop. How do I mean? We put the taxpayers into the emerging tax, medium and government tax as well as large tax buckets. The categorisation is done according to the turnover thresholds of the companies, with those having turnover of N5 billion and above in the large taxpayers’ bucket.

What this means is that these companies pay all the tax types they need to pay at a single tax office which caters for their categories. We no longer have a situation where several offices or units are writing to the same company and asking for different things about the VAT or CIT and so on. This has engendered a shift in the mental geography of our staff and has seen a transition to a Federal Inland Revenue Service that is customer-focused. We are service providers to the taxpayers rather than coming across to them as a tax law enforcement agency.

Non-oil tax revenue has grown exponentially and for the first time in a long while, we met and surpassed our oil and gas tax revenue target for this year, thanks to the improved security situation in the country which has energised the oil companies to grow and make profits.

Do you think the economy has really turned the corner? Critics say much has really not changed for the country and its citizens since the president took over in 2023.

Even you journalists know that it will be inaccurate for anyone to come with such claims. Yes, the removal of subsidy on petrol created some disruptions in the living conditions of most Nigerians. Transportation costs went up, as did prices of goods and services. The disruptions can be likened to the pain of a woman in labour. After she is delivered of the baby, comfort and bliss will follow.

To cushion the effect, President Tinubu came up with the compressed natural gas initiative which has seen millions of vehicles converted from petrol to CNG. CNG buses were also procured and distributed to states. From the height that it went earlier in the year, petrol price is coming down. Don’t forget that we also came up with the crude-for-naira initiative which is helping local refiners get access to crude oil in naira. The exchange rate that went up is also coming down.

The FX market has navigated away from arbitrage which used to be the order of the day.

Foreign airlines and others were owed $7 billion by Nigeria. President Tinubu came and cleared the debt. About 90% of revenue was devoted to servicing debt, but the rate has gone down to about 50% in two years. The tax-to-GDP ratio was 10% when we took over, now it is 13.5%. But that is not where we are going. We are aiming to beat Africa’s average of 15% and achieve 18% by 2027. External reserves have climbed up to $41 billion. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) created by President Tinubu has seen almost N90 billion disbursed to over 450, 000 students across the country.

There are many road projects going on and some completed across the country, covering all the six geo-political zones. These roads are opening up economic corridors across the country.

Federal allocations to state have grown by almost 70%, enabling them to enjoy a great level of fiscal stability and debt management. According to the figures from DMO, about 30 states repaid N1.85trillion in debt over 18 months. We should keep these figures in perspective when x-raying this administration.

What is the truth about this 5% surcharge on petrol?

The problem with the people bandying this about is either that they don’t read or they read but do not understand. In my earlier comments, I said there were many laws about taxes which were scattered in various legislations, making compliance difficult for taxpayers. To remove the burden, we harmonised these laws into a single document and one of such laws is the petrol tax. The law had existed under the FERMA Act 2007 and the purpose was to use the money therefrom for road maintenance. The new law lays down the procedure for this provision to come into effect. There must be a commencement order from the minister of finance which will be publicly announced and also gazetted. So, it does not automatically mean that this provision will go into effect from January next year.

Remember, one of the first set of reliefs President Tinubu brought to Nigerians was to remove 7.5% VAT on diesel. Is it that same president that will now impose additional cost on petrol for the citizens at this time?

Why was FIRS changed to Nigeria Revenue Service and what should taxpayers expect from the agency when it goes full throttle next year?

Let me start from what the taxpayers should expect from us. They should expect a fair tax administration that will also come without hassles. Our core mandate is simple: assess, collect and account for revenue accruing to the Federation. In doing this, we will be fairer as a tax authority and continue to provide quality service to our only customers, that is, the taxpayers. The president has done a lot in bringing reliefs to Nigerians and businesses with the new tax laws. Compliance should be easier now and of course our advocacy has been on voluntary compliance. Do the right thing at all times and don’t wait till our tax people visit your premises. If they have any issue, they should get in touch with us. With the new tax laws, evasion will be pretty difficult. Companies should be diligent in their tax planning. Those who still think they can find a way to game the system will find out that evasion or trying to cut corners will be costlier than being compliant and honest.

There is one proverb in my language, ‘If the main course is not satisfying, there is nothing anybody can give you as a gift that will be enough.’ So, if within, we cannot develop Nigeria, nobody will come and develop it for us.

President Tinubu’s mantra has always been: ‘I’m not here to tax poverty; I’m here to tax prosperity. My government will tax the fruits of your investments and not the seeds.’ When companies are doing well and are making profits and are expanding their operations, we will benefit from their doing well.

The tax rate is simple. If the base is 10, we will have three. If the base increases to 20, we will have six. If the base increases to 30, we will have nine. So, if I want to have more, it’s not by going on an aggressive revenue drive. It is to help the companies to do well and that is when I will do well too. So, that is why, for us at Nigeria Revenue Service, we are here to remove all the hurdles in the way of our taxpayers. This is what President Tinubu has done with the new tax laws. He has fulfilled his electoral promise and we should all commend him for being a promise keeper.

On why we are changing from Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Nigeria Revenue Service, the word federal in the name of the agency gives the erroneous impression that we are only collecting tax revenue for the federal government. When you say ‘Inland’, it wrongly means we are only collecting money from Nigeria, which is not what we are doing. I will give you examples. We collect VAT, 90% of which is for states. When you therefore say ‘federal’, it means we are not representing what we do. The new name, NRS, shows we are the sole tax authority for all revenue collection for the Nigerian federation according to our laws.