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Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday, charged stakeholders in the ongoing development of the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030) to incorporate strategies to address new and emerging threats to the elimination illicit drug trade in Nigeria.

Marwa gave the admonition in Niger state, at opening of a five-day workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan for the country.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, in a statement, said that the residential retreat, funded by the ECOWAS Commission with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Marwa noted that, ‘The task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic,’ adding that ‘drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response.’

Drug trafficking in Nigeria has continued unabated despite the stiff measures put in place by the federal government.

As part of the measures, the NDLEA has embarked on high level sensitisation and public enlightenment, targeting schools at the primary levels.

According to him, ‘The NDCMP 2026-2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned.

‘It must build on the achievements of the past, while boldly addressing new and emerging threats, from synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.’

He reminded all the stakeholders that the workshop offers the rare opportunity to deliberate, analyse and agree on strategic priorities that will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s response for the next five years.

‘It is here that we will identify what has worked, acknowledge the gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future’, he added.

He urged all participants to bring to bear their expertise, experience and commitment, adding that the workshop is not just about producing another document but about charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security and wellbeing of Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination and technical support to ensure that the new Master Plan is not only developed but also effectively implemented.

‘I also pledge that we will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partners, both within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders.’

He commended the ECOWAS Commission ‘for sponsoring this workshop, and all our partners – the European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector – for their continued collaboration.

‘Together, we are shaping a future where Nigeria and West Africa will be safer, healthier and more secure.’

Speaking at the workshop, Cheikh Ousmane, the UNODC country representative, who was represented by Akanidomo Ibanga, commended Nigeria’s drug control efforts so far.

‘Yet, we are all aware that the drug situation continues to evolve. Global and regional dynamics – whether related to new psychoactive substances, organized crime networks, or the impact of conflict and economic pressures – all shape local realities. Our response must therefore be adaptive, coordinated, and inclusive.

‘The Master Plan is the instrument through which this can happen.

‘This workshop offers a unique opportunity to review the draft chapters, harmonize perspectives, and ensure that the priorities identified reflect both national realities and international standards, including those enshrined in the three international drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control’, he stated.

While commending the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as all members of the inter-agency working groups, for the dedication and expertise they bring to the process, he said that their work will serve as a compass for coordinated action over the coming years.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commission Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, represented by Daniel Amankwaah noted that Nigeria, as a key stakeholder in regional drug control efforts, has taken proactive steps to develop national strategies aligned with international best practices.

‘The Nigeria’s current National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) will expire this year and a new plan needs to be developed to address the emerging drug threats, trafficking patterns, and the increasing burden of substance use disorders. The new NDCMP will effectively respond to current and future drug-related challenges.

‘The ECOWAS Commission, in line with its mandate to support Member States in addressing drug-related issues, is providing technical and financial assistance to Nigeria in the elaboration of the new NDCMP. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Programme and the broader regional efforts to strengthen drug demand and supply reduction mechanisms.

‘This support is a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework and aligning it with regional and international best practices.

He assured that ECOWAS Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria in this effort, ensuring that the new National Drug Control Master Plan is robust, evidence-based, and effectively addresses the country’s drug-related challenges.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the ceremony include representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning as well as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and NFIU.

Pension fund managers under the umbrella body of the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) have blamed lack of bankable projects to low investment in infrastructure.

They also blame tight regulation and risk aversion as reasons for low investment in infrastructure, according to the inaugural PenOp report on role of pension funds in infrastructure investment in Nigeria’s economy released weekend.

According to the report, another 50 percent of the fund managers also said their preference was investing in either power or transportation, while also expressing their preference to debt infrastructure as against equity infrastructure.

The report sponsored by Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund underscores the importance of infrastructure investment for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, and outlies challenges and strategies for pension fund managers to engage more actively in infrastructure investment and diversify their portfolios for stable and long-term returns.

‘100 percent of the respondents outlined that they were either considering or actively looking for infrastructure investments to add to their portfolio, officers at PenOp who worked on the report also said.

This is as 55 percent believe infrastructure is the most attractive alternative assets class with more than half of pooled managers admitting they actively look for in structure investment opportunities.

Infrastructure investment in Nigeria according to the report is crucial due to its impact on economic growth and development, stating that the lack of adequate infrastructure have direct implications to businesses, poverty reduction, and overall economic prosperity.

The report therefore emphasises the need for investment diversification and notes that investing in infrastructure can provide long-term stable cash flows, inflation protection and essential services.

However the report suggest that credit enhancements, transparent project execution, tax incentives and the proliferation of bankable projects could catalyse pension fund capital into infrastructure.

‘While infrastructure bonds are favoured as a conduit for investment, infrastructure, listed equity is less preferred due to market volatility. ‘Power and transport sectors are preferred choices for infrastructure investment, while agriculture and healthcare also hold potential, but caution was thrown around telecommunication due to concerns about crowding out of investment, according to the report.

Dolu Olugbenjo, chief investment officer, Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund, who spoke on the fund’s performance said it has done very in the first five years of operation.

‘Our average year-on-year return has been around 18 -19 percent, even with a dip in 2023, growing consistently above the benchmark we promised our investors.’

Olugbenjo said the fund has catalysed over N200 billion in projects and the companies it has supported are projected to generate over N500 billion in revenue by year-end.

‘We’ve shown PFAs that infrastructure can deliver strong, risk-adjusted returns, now we need them to seize the moment and allocate more capital.’

‘The deficits we’re addressing are enormous, so we need owners of long-term capital to step up and partner with us, Olubgenjo said.

He said whether its power, ports, healthcare, student housing, or transport, it is ready to curate the right transactions for institutional investors.’

On the potential of these investments, he said, ‘We need refurbished airports, modern transport, reliable energy, and student accommodation, and all of it must be paid for, so the outlook is positive, but it requires a long-term view on Nigeria, not a short-term mind-set.’

‘If we take the long view, the results will come. We’re building what the country urgently needs, one project at a time, the Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund boss said.

Phoenix Steel Mills has revealed significant improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and energy stability following its participation in the Eligible Customer Program of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

Through the program, Phoenix Steel Mills now enjoys direct access to a reliable electricity supply from NDPHC’s generation assets, drastically reducing its reliance on unstable grid supply and costly self-generation alternatives.

According to the company, this intervention has minimised power-related disruptions, reduced operational costs, and enhanced production output, positioning Phoenix Steel Mills to expand its capacity and strengthen its competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Speaking on the development, Jennifer Adighije, Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, hailed Phoenix Steel Mills as a success story of the Eligible Customer Program and reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.

‘The Eligible Customer framework is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial growth by guaranteeing efficient, reliable, and affordable electricity directly from our plants to businesses.

‘Phoenix Steel Mills is a clear demonstration of how stable power translates into higher productivity, cost savings, and stronger value chains for the economy,’ Adighije said.

Phoenix Steel Mills Limited is a leading steel manufacturing company in Nigeria, producing high-quality steel products for domestic use and export. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, Phoenix Steel Mills continues to invest in technologies and partnerships that strengthen its role in Nigeria’s industrial growth and global competitiveness.

Escalating geopolitical tensions, piracy, and environmental threats are putting the world’s most vital maritime oil and gas routes under severe strain, posing a growing danger to global energy security.

Rystad Energy’s latest analysis, the world’s five key maritime chokepoints, narrow sea routes critical to the global flow of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), are becoming increasingly unstable.

In 2023, these chokepoints carried an estimated 71.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil and petroleum products and 26 billion cubic feet per day (Bcfd) of LNG. By 2024, the figures had fallen to 65 million bpd and 24.8 Bcfd, respectively, reflecting the impact of conflict and insecurity on global trade routes.

While part of the decline is due to temporary disruptions such as Houthi rebel attacks near Yemen and tensions between Iran and Israel, Rystad noted a deeper structural shift as vessels and cargoes are increasingly rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope and alternative pipelines.

The US, with its growing domestic production, remains less exposed than Asia and Europe, which rely heavily on the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca for transport, leaving China acutely vulnerable.

‘We have identified the five chokepoints most at risk, assessed the threats they face and outlined the far-reaching consequences for global energy markets,’ said Mrinal Bhardwaj, Senior Analyst, Upstream Research, Rystad Energy.

‘Any disruption at these chokepoints could shatter supply chains, trigger sharp spikes in energy prices and inflict severe economic damage worldwide.’

He added that insurance premiums and freight rates have already surged in response to the instability, warning that a full closure of any chokepoint could lead to extreme price volatility and test the resilience of global supply chains.

About three-fourths of the world’s oil trade passes through maritime chokepoints, with one-fourth via the Strait of Malacca and one-fifth through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Malacca: Asia’s Energy Lifeline

The Strait of Malacca is the world’s largest trade chokepoint, handling approximately 24 million bpd of oil and gas. This narrow passage between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean is a critical corridor for transporting most of the Middle Eastern crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asia, including major consumers China and Japan.

China accounts for the largest share of crude and condensate imports through this route, representing 50 percent of the total volume, while Saudi Arabia is the leading exporter, contributing with 25 percent of the share.

Since the pandemic, oil and gas flow through the Strait had increased by 2.1 million bpd as of 2024. Although the route is known for piracy and theft, no major incidents have been reported this year.

Strait of Hormuz: The World’s Most Critical Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, is particularly vital. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s maritime oil and condensate trade, along with nearly half of the Middle East’s daily oil and condensate production around 14 million bpd, passes through this narrow waterway to major Asian markets such as China and India.

To be more precise, about half of Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s daily oil and condensate exports, and roughly one-fourth of China’s daily oil and condensate demand, are shipped through the strait. It is also a key route for LNG, with about one-fifth of globally traded LNG volumes passing through it.

Qatar exports about two-thirds of its daily gas production, roughly 16.3 Bcfd, through the strait to countries including China, India and South Korea. In the past five years, China’s LNG imports via the Strait of Hormuz have increased by approximately 2.5 times, reaching 2.7 Bcfd.

‘The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz was underscored during the recent Iran-Israel conflict, when Iran’s parliament proposed a bill to close it, although the plan was reportedly deferred,’ said Bhardwaj.

According to him, if the strait were to be closed, it could disrupt nearly half of Middle Eastern oil exports, severely impacting global oil and gas transportation. ‘This would likely lead to a sharp increase in global oil prices and raise energy import costs for dependent nations, affecting the entire oil and gas supply chain.’

To reduce such risks, countries in the region have developed alternative oil transport routes. These include Saudi Arabia’s East West Crude Pipeline, which has a capacity of 5 million bpd, the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, with capacity of 1.8 million bpd, and Iran’s Goreh Jask pipeline, which provides an additional export route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb: Red Sea Instability

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait has become the Middle East’s second major chokepoint and another potential threat to the stability of global oil and gas trade.

The narrow waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, serving as a critical route for ships transiting between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean.

Egypt’s Suez Canal, along with the 2.5 million bpd SUMED pipeline, link the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, forming a vital corridor for global energy flows.

Before a wave of Houthi attacks targeting commercial vessels and tankers in late 2023, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait accounted for around 12 percent of global seaborne oil trade.

However, the surge in attacks in December 2023 caused daily shipping volumes through the Strait to drop by nearly 50 percent within just six months. Traffic has remained below normal levels ever since.

A potential full closure of the strait would force vessels originating in the Gulf of Aden to bypass the Suez Canal entirely, redirecting them around the Cape of Good Hope. This detour significantly increases voyage times and freight costs, adding further pressure to already strained global energy supply chains.

Turkish Straits: Europe’s Strategic Crossroads

The Turkish Straits, a narrow and strategically critical maritime route connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, are key to global energy transportation.

Comprising the Bosporus and Dardanelles, the Turkish Straits handle around 3.5 million bpd of crude oil and 0.5 Bcfd of LNG, or about 5 percent of global maritime oil trade. The route is critical for transporting Russian and Caspian oil to both European and Asian markets.

Transit volumes fell during the Russia-Ukraine conflict but recovered to 3.4 million bpd in 2023. Still, the narrow waterways face risks from congestion, accidents, and political interference. Alternative routes include the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Iraq-Turkiye pipelines.

Cape of Good Hope

At the southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope has re-emerged as a key bypass route amid Red Sea tensions. Once handling around 6 million bpd, traffic surged 50 percent to 8.7 million bpd in 2024 as shippers avoided the Suez Canal.

Around 40 percent of oil via the Cape now goes to China, with about one-third coming from the US and a quarter from South America. Middle Eastern producers like Saudi Arabia and Iraq have also diverted exports to Europe through this route.

Despite longer journeys and higher costs, traders see the Cape as one of the world’s safest maritime routes, higlighting its growing role in ensuring energy security.

Anchored on the theme ‘Africa Unlocked: Capital, Compliance, Connectivity and Market Trends, ‘this year’s edition will explore how evolving regulations, innovative financing models, and shifting sectoral priorities are shaping the future of investment across the continent.

Amala Umeike and Christian Aniukwu will headline as speakers, while the Fireside Chat will feature Ozioma Agu in conversation with Yann Alix. The Panel session will be moderated by Andrew Skipper, and will feature insights from distinguished speakers, Lucy Kavanagh, Daniel Driscoll, Francisca Igboanugo, and Paul Arkwright.

Bringing together investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, Horizon 2.0 is a dynamic platform for strategic dialogue and meaningful connections that will shape Africa’s investment landscape.

The company’s new entry reflects its growth ambition and commitment to innovation in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.

UAC Foods Limited has entered the highly competitive seasoning segment with the launch of Zuri Seasoning, signaling its intent to diversify and strengthen its product portfolio. The move aligns with the company’s long-term strategy of driving growth through innovation and deeper consumer engagement in Nigeria’s evolving FMCG landscape.

Zuri is born from a deep understanding of the modern Nigerian consumer. We recognized that while cooking is a fundamental act of love and care, it is often perceived as a tedious duty. Zuri challenges this notion. Our mission is to restore fun and creativity to the kitchen, empowering individuals, from homemakers and professionals to students to create extraordinary meals with effortless ease,’ said the Brand Manager, Innovations, Lovelyn Nnamuchi.

The Zuri range comes in four irresistible flavours: Chicken, Beef, Classic, and Jollof flavour, each created to deliver an unmatched taste and aroma that elevates any dish.

During the recent internal launch held at UAC Foods Head Office, the Managing Director, UAC Foods Ltd, Oluyemi Oloyede, said: ‘We didn’t just want to launch any other seasoning but to develop a product that contains a lot of natural ingredients that delivers on taste, aroma, and flavour.’

‘Zuri represents a significant milestone for UAC Foods,’ said Ayo Awosika, General Manager, Commercial. ‘It underscores our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the Nigerian consumer. We are not just launching a product; we are launching a new perspective on cooking, one filled with joy, simplicity, and connection.’

Zuri Seasoning is available in convenient packaging sizes (10g and 100g) across open markets, neighbourhood stores, groceries, and modern trade outlets nationwide.

The Gulf region, is set to launch a schengen-type tour visa called Cooperation Council’s (GCC) Grand Tour visa which will allow travellers explore six Gulf member states.

It is set to commence its pilot phase by the last quarter in 2025.

The plan, often compared to Europe’s schengen visa system, plans to mark a strategic milestone in regional integration. It will allow tourists to travel seamlessly between the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain under a single permit, with a rollout occuring in stages.

Originally approved by GCC ministers in 2023, the system is now in the advanced stages of digital and logistics integration, and will start with a pilot phase at the end of 2025 before expanding across all member states.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE minister of Economy and Tourism, who also chairs the Emirates Tourism Council, stated that the initiative is designed to enhance the Gulf’s collective appeal as a unified tourism destination.

Jassim Al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC, confirmed that the visa framework has reached its final approval and technical phases. The visa application processing will take place through a dedicated digital platform, streamlining access and planning for travellers eager to experience multiple Gulf destinations in one itinerary.

Tourism officials describe it as a key step in positioning the GCC as a globally competitive destination. ‘This visa will enhance cross-border tourism, stimulate economic development, and boost the region’s reputation as one connected market,’ Al Marri said.

Regional tourism network to strengthen

Nigeria was among Dubai’s fastest-growing visitor markets in the years preceding the pandemic. The introduction of the unified GCC visa could now make it easier for Nigerian travellers to combine trips to Dubai with visits to other Gulf destinations, strengthening tourism links across the region.

The Gulf region already represents a major source of intra-regional travel. In 2024, the UAE recorded 3.3 million visitors travelling within GCC countries, accounting for 11 per cent of total hotel guests.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of GCC visitors to the UAE, with 1.9 million arrivals representing 58 per cent of the total. Oman followed with 777,000 visitors, or 24 per cent, while Kuwait contributed 381,000 travellers, making up 12 per cent. Bahrain recorded 123,000 visitors (4 per cent), and Qatar rounded off the list with 93,000 visitors, representing 3 per cent of the total GCC arrivals.

These figures underline the Gulf’s interconnected tourism landscape, which the unified visa is set to further expand by reducing travel friction and encouraging longer, multi-country stays.

As the pilot launch of the unified visa is underway, the Gulf is ready for a new era of regional travel. For the first time, visitors will be able to explore all six countries with a single travel document.

If the rollout proceeds as planned, it could redefine how the region presents itself to the world, transforming six borders into one shared gateway for global travellers.

Football fans in Lagos were treated to an electrifying night of passion and entertainment on Saturday, as MTN hosted a lively English Premier League Watch Party at Cubana Lagos.

The event came alive as Chelsea clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over reigning champions Liverpool, sealed by an incredible stoppage-time winner from 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Estevão.

The atmosphere was nothing short of electric, cheers, chants, and debates filled the air as hundreds of fans followed every touch of the ball as though they were at Stamford Bridge itself. Chelsea’s early dominance set the tone, and the Lagos crowd erupted when Moisés Caicedo fired a thunderous strike into the net in the 14th minute.

Liverpool, desperate to avoid a third consecutive defeat, fought back in the second half through Cody Gakpo, who bundled home a close-range equaliser after fine work from Alexander Isak. The tension rose as both sides traded chances, but the drama reached its peak deep into stoppage time.

In the 96th minute, after Enzo Fernández had struck the post moments earlier, Marc Cucurella whipped in a low cross that found Estevão, who slid in to stab the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili, sending Chelsea fans at the watch party into wild celebration.

‘See you finish! That’s the Caicedo we paid a hundred million for!’ yelled Chinedu Ofili, a jubilant Chelsea fan, as the venue transformed into a carnival of music, dancing, and laughter.

Speaking during the event, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said: ‘At MTN, we believe every Nigerian deserves to be connected, seen, heard, and celebrated. That’s why we’re taking this experience across the country, from bustling cities to remote communities, ensuring no youth is left behind.’

LASACO Assurance Plc has emphasised the importance of early investment in the future of Nigeria’s next generation and the stimulation of insurance right from the grassroots.

The insurance Company believes that grooming the next generation will require financial literacy and building the right culture through strategic investment in schoolchildren.

Sesan Oki, head, Internal Control and Compliance, at LASACO who represented the MD/CEO during the official commissioning of a state-of-the-art ‘Lasaco Smart Class’ in Agindigbi Junior grammar school, Ikeja emphasized that the project represents more than a donation; it is an investment in the future of Nigeria’s next generation and the stimulation of insurance right from the grassroots.

‘At Lasaco Assurance, we recognize that education and technology are the twin pillars of progress. The Lasaco Smart Class is not only a contribution to improved learning outcomes, but also a deliberate effort to nurture young minds with the values of foresight, security, and preparedness which insurance represents,’ he stated.

By integrating digital literacy with insurance consciousness, Lasaco Assurance is reaffirming its leadership as a forward-thinking organization that goes beyond business to positively impact lives a The launch of the Lasaco Smart Class marks the beginning of a broader CSR agenda focused on education, innovation, and community empowerment.

The Smart Class initiative underscores Lasaco Assurance Plc’s drive to enhance digital literacy, bridge educational gaps, and promote technology-driven learning environments in underserved institutions.

Fully equipped with modern digital tools, the facility is designed to empower students with 21st-century skills, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-first world.

In addition to providing digital resources, the Lasaco Smart Class is also strategically positioned to instil the culture of insurance awareness in young learners, fostering early understanding of the role of insurance in financial security, risk management, and sustainable growth.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, seeking to prevent the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), from releasing his academic records.

Nnaji approached the court for an interim order to stop the university from responding to a request concerning his academic records.

The respondents in the suit are the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN, the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar, and the Senate of the university.

Through his lawyer, the minister sought an interim injunction to restrain the university from releasing or altering his academic records.

He also requested leave to file a writ of prohibition against the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and Senate (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th respondents), preventing further access to or alteration of his records.

In addition, Nnaji asked for a writ of mandamus compelling the university to release his academic transcript.

He further sought an order directing the Minister of Education and the NUC (1st and 2nd respondents) to exercise their supervisory powers to ensure the release of his transcript.

Presiding over the case, Justice Hausa Yilwa denied the request for an injunction.

In her ruling, she stated: ‘I have reviewed the 34-paragraph affidavit, the 6-paragraph affidavit of urgency, the exhibits, and the further affidavit submitted by Martin Luther Akawe. I have also considered the written arguments

‘Based on the affidavits and exhibits, I find that the applicant has sufficient interest in the matter. Therefore, prayers 1, 2, and 3 are granted.

‘However, prayer 4, which seeks an injunction, is denied. The approval of prayers 1 to 3 does not amount to injunctive relief against any respondent.’

The case follows a letter issued by UNN disassociating itself from the minister’s academic credentials. In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and addressed to Premium Times, Vice Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya stated that Nnaji did not graduate from the university.

The letter confirmed that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 under the matriculation number 1981/30725, but that records do not show he completed his studies or graduated in July 1985, as he claimed.

The letter reads: ‘Based on available records, Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji did not complete his academic program at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

‘Therefore, the university did not, and could not have, issued him a certificate in July 1985.

‘This aligns with an earlier letter dated May 13, 2025 (Ref: RUN/SR/R/V), sent to the Public Complaints Commission on the same issue.’

The development has raised questions about the authenticity of the minister’s academic qualifications.