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The Oyo State House of Assembly has defended the approval of a N100 billion loan facility for the state government.

It described criticisms of the decision as products of ignorance and political mischief.

The legislature explained that the facility obtained from United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc would provide additional funding for critical infrastructure projects while a separate N300 billion facility would enable the government to refinance an existing contractors’ facility obtained from Access Bank at a lower interest rate.

Gbenga Oyekola representing Atiba State Constituency said concerns that Governor Seyi Makinde was imposing excessive financial obligations on the incoming administration failed to consider the purpose and structure of the financing arrangement.

‘People may think the governor is making a huge financial commitment for the incoming administration but my colleague has explained the reasons behind the House’s approval of the loan’ Oyekola said.

He explained that the existing N300 billion contractors’ finance facility attracted an interest rate of 26 per cent under Access Bank while UBA had offered to take over the facility at 22 per cent representing a four-percentage-point reduction. Oyekola said the refinancing arrangement should be considered alongside the state’s infrastructure needs noting that the additional N100 billion was intended to support ongoing development projects rather than merely increase the existing borrowing.

‘So in essence we are talking about N100 billion in additional financing. My point is that both the N100 billion and the N300 billion should be a shared responsibility’ he said.

The Atiba lawmaker acknowledged the government’s infrastructure efforts but expressed concern about the politicisation of development projects particularly the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road whose cost he described as substantial.

He argued that public discussions about infrastructure should consider project costs expected benefits and the need to ensure that development spending reaches communities across the state.

Also defending the approval Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation Finance and State Economic Planning Sunkanmi Babalola representing Egbeda State Constituency urged critics to seek clarification before commenting on issues they might not fully understand.

‘Where there are issues they do not fully understand it is better to seek clarification calmly so that we can explain the situation as an institution’ Babalola said.

He explained that reducing the interest rate on the existing N300 billion facility from 26 to 22 per cent could lower the government’s borrowing costs and potentially free up resources for other developmental priorities.

‘The difference is four per cent. When you calculate four per cent of N300 billion you will realise that it represents a substantial amount of money. The savings from the lower interest rate can be channelled into other developmental programmes that will benefit the people of Oyo State’ he said.

Babalola added that the executive returned to the Assembly for approval after obtaining the improved refinancing offer describing the process as a demonstration of respect for legislative procedure and democratic governance.

He also dismissed concerns that the additional N100 billion facility would be used for recurrent expenditure insisting that it was intended to support critical capital projects across the state.

‘It is important to emphasise that this money is not intended for overhead expenditure or consumables. It is meant for critical capital projects across Oyo State’ he said.

Among the projects cited by the lawmakers were the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Oyo town the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road and the Ido-Eruwa Road alongside other ongoing road and healthcare infrastructure projects across the state.

Babalola also referenced the Gintola International Airport project in Ibarapa expressing the government’s commitment to completing it before the end of Makinde’s administration in 2027.

He said adequate funding was necessary to complete ongoing projects improve connectivity expand access to public services and ensure that communities outside Ibadan benefited from government investment.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and 19 other opposition candidates have signed a peace accord to ensure peace and order in the forthcoming 2027 General elections.

The accord was signed on Tuesday during an Election Security Summit organised by the Zamfara Police Command in Gusau.

The Peace Accord signing ceremony aimed to ensure peace and order for all political parties in the country as preparation for free and fair 2027 elections.

Governor Lawal along with all contestants in the governorship national and state assembly elections was invited to sign and promise not to violate or work against any election process before during and after the elections.

The governor as one of the contestants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) signed the accord and prayed for peace and free fair elections and all the political parties did the same.

The Commissioner of Police Mr Ahmad Bello said the initiative followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police to ensure peaceful credible and violence-free elections.

‘We are public servants not public bosses but we will not tolerate lawlessness’ he said.

‘We cannot afford to add electoral violence to banditry. Every candidate must caution his supporters’ Bello said.

The agreement involved chairmen and candidates of all registered political parties contesting governorship National Assembly and State Assembly elections.

The Zamfara chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called for a level playing field urging the police to remain neutral and professional.

Representatives of the Labour Party New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Democratic Congress (NDC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) also pledged to sensitise supporters.

Africa’s leading integrated agricultural commodities company Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited (‘Sunbeth’) has signed the transaction documents for its N150 billion Commercial Paper note the first series under its approved N500 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme.

The transaction will provide short-term working capital for Sunbeth’s cocoa procurement activities during the 2026/2027 cocoa season. It will also support inventory requirements for the company’s 70000-metric-tonne-per-annum processing facility which is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of next year.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Victoria Island Lagos Adeyemi Aduwo Chief Financial Officer of Sunbeth Global Concepts explained that the transaction would provide timely funding for the company’s procurement activities and broader processing ambitions.

‘The 2026/2027 cocoa season presents a critical procurement window and this transaction gives us the working capital to respond efficiently to that opportunity supporting our transition towards greater value addition.’

Sunbeth has established a track record in the domestic debt capital market following the successful redemption of its debut Commercial Paper issuance in which the first tranche was oversubscribed by 65 per cent. The new N500 billion programme provides a structured framework for the company to access short-term funding in line with its seasonal working capital requirements.

The first tranche of N150 billion saw keen investor activity with an oversubscription of 45 per cent further demonstrating Nigeria’s capital markets’ ability to provide sustainable financing models for productive activity in the agricultural sector.

Through the issuance Sunbeth continues to strengthen its integrated agricultural platform spanning sourcing aggregation and international trade while advancing its plans to increase value creation within Africa’s agricultural economy.

The Commercial Paper is issued in three series with a minimum bid of N5 million and tenors of 180 270 and 364 days. The timing and size of each tranche will align with cocoa procurement requirements and prevailing market conditions.

Sunbeth maintains national-scale credit ratings from established African rating agencies with long-term ratings ranging from BBB to BBB+ and a short-term rating of A2.

Nigeria’s leading enterprise rewards platform SureGifts has added Konga MedPlus and i-Fitness to its growing merchant network as total gift card and voucher redemptions on the platform surpass 1.3 million nationwide. The additions further expand a network of more than 400 merchants across Nigeria with redemption activity spanning major cities and states nationwide.

The expansion reflects the growing business demand for rewards that give recipients more choice in where and how they spend.

Through SureGifts businesses can reward employees customers and partners through a single rewards network. Recent additions of Konga MedPlus and i-Fitness will broaden the network across online shopping healthcare and wellness joining brands including Market Square in groceries SLOT in electronics Domino’s Pizza in food Filmhouse Cinemas in entertainment ORIKI and Swarovski in lifestyle and Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company in utilities. Rewards can be redeemed online and in-store with further merchant and category expansion planned for Q4 and beyond.

David Fisayo Managing Director of SureGifts said: ‘One of the first questions employers ask us is simple: where can my people actually spend this? That’s the question our network answers. Whether it’s groceries medication a flight a night at the cinema or paying the electricity bill a SureGifts reward works for everyday life across Nigeria. Bringing on brands like Konga MedPlus and i-Fitness makes that answer even stronger and we’ll keep expanding the network.’

Cyprian Eneh Corporate Sales Manager Sundry Markets Limited (owners of Market Square) said joining the SureGifts network has driven strong customer footfall to Market Square stores.

Olabode Abraham Head of Finance at Jendol Superstores also noted that SureGifts has expanded its customer base by bringing in first-time shoppers who have become repeat customers.

SureGifts’ proprietary technology platform supports issuing distributing redeeming and reporting rewards at scale across more than 400 merchants and over 1000 corporate clients.

SureGifts is Nigeria’s leading enterprise platform for rewards incentives and loyalty. Since 2014 it has served more than 1000 corporate clients and partners via www.suregifts.com.ng with over 400 merchants across Nigeria and Kenya powering one of Africa’s largest merchant-backed rewards ecosystems.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said accessing its student loan scheme is voluntary and not compulsory for all tertiary students.

At the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) the Pro-Chancellor Abiodun J. Aluko yesterday described NELFUND as historic helping indigent students especially to access education without stress.

Aluko a surveyor noted that the fund has brought great relief to thousands of students across the country.

NELFUND urged students to apply only if they genuinely need financial assistance.

In a statement by its Director of Strategic Communications Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi NELFUND said its interest-free facility was designed to remove financial barriers to higher education and ensure that eligible students are not denied access because of financial constraints.

It stressed that students who do not require financial support are under no obligation to apply adding that making the scheme compulsory would contradict its purpose. NELFUND explained that beneficiaries are required to repay the loans in accordance with the Student Loans Act advising applicants to understand the terms and conditions before applying.

The agency also urged tertiary institutions student leaders and other stakeholders to provide accurate information about the scheme and guide students who require assistance.

It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent eligible Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

Also Aluko spoke yesterday in Ilorin at the 41st convocation ceremonies of 16125 graduates of Unilorin.

The pro-chancellor also expressed his excitement over the sustained intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in infrastructure and research.

But he maintained that sustained investment in research remained essential to consolidating the gains recorded by Nigerian universities.

Aluko who is also the council chair of the institution celebrated Unilorin’s improved international rankings describing them as evidence of deliberate efforts to strengthen research output academic visibility citations and the quality of teaching and learning.

According to him the university rose from 37th position in Nigeria in the previous year to fifth position in the 2026-2027 U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities Rankings.

He added that the institution ranked first in Nigeria and 18th in Africa in Aquaculture under the 2026 SCImago Institutions Rankings.

‘This giant leap is not by luck. It is the result of deliberate focus on research output academic visibility citations and the quality of our staff and students’ Aluko said.

The pro-chancellor noted that the institution which began about five decades ago with 200 students and a handful of staff operating from a temporary site has grown into one of Nigeria’s most sought-after universities with more than 50000 students.

Reflecting on the university’s golden jubilee celebrated in November 2025 the council chairman said its core values of integrity discipline and excellence have continued to guide its development.

He particularly celebrated the institution’s uninterrupted academic calendar spanning more than two decades describing its stability as an important achievement in Nigeria’s university system.

The council chairman also commended the relative industrial harmony in the education sector noting that improved relations between the government and university-based unions had helped institutions sustain their academic calendars without disruption from strikes.

Aluko also announced that several members of the university’s academic and non-academic workers had been appointed to leadership positions in other institutions including vice-chancellors registrars bursars and provosts.

Describing Unilorin as a training ground for leadership the pro-chancellor said the development reflected the institution’s commitment to producing competent professionals equipped with integrity and excellence.

‘Unilorin is a leadership factory. When you train people in excellence and integrity the world comes looking for them’ he said.

Congratulating the graduands Aluko urged them to uphold the university’s values and represent the institution positively in their respective professions and communities.

Two buildings allegedly used separately for cult-related activities and organ harvesting in the Edo Central Senatorial District have been demolished by the Edo State Government.

The demolition was part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s resolve to tackle the twin crimes of cultism organ harvesting and ritualism.

One of the buildings a bungalow and boys’ quarters belonging to a 40-year-old man Ebhata Eromosele was allegedly used for organ harvesting and ritual activities.

Eromosele was alleged to have used the building located at Uwalor-Oke in Uromi as a hideout to harvest the organs of three young ladies.

One of the victims a woman reportedly died in the process and her body was dumped by the roadside.

Two other victims were said to have been hospitalised.

The other building located at Idi-Negbon Eguare Ewatto was used for cult-related activities.

The Edo State Special Security Squad codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists carried out the demolition in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps the Nigerian Police Force and other sister security agencies under the supervision of the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the governor.

Amiolemen Idemudia Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad operation to flush out kidnappers and cultists said Eromosele engaged in ritual activities before nemesis caught up with him.

‘A lifeless body killed and dumped was traced by the Edo State Security Corps to this bungalow apartment used by the suspect.

‘A search of this residence revealed a bloodstained bedspread and other incriminating evidence indicating that Ebhata is into ritual activities and organ harvesting.’

Speaking on the cult issue Idemudia said a cult clash in Ewatto disturbed the peace of the community.

He said one Bright Ejetuwamen used his properties at Ewatto for cult-related activities.

‘Governor Monday Okpebholo will not spare any hideout or properties used to perpetrate crime as they will be demolished. The cultist has been apprehended. All criminals must leave Edo State.’

Zonal Commander Edo State Security Corps SP Johnson Oyameda (rtd) said the success in arresting the ritual suspect resulted from over one month of surveillance.

‘The body of a lady mutilated and dumped in a drain was recovered while still alive. Not two weeks later another body was recovered and these incidents led to increased surveillance around the area which paid off.

‘Ebhata Eromosele murdered a lady and dumped the body but my men on surveillance saw him and trailed him to this apartment which was demolished today.’

The Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Seyi Makinde has said the Southwest will have to choose between him and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Makinde who is also the governor of Oyo State defended his decision to contest the presidency despite Tinubu an indigene of the same geopolitical zone seeking re-election.

He spoke on Thursday in Akure the Ondo State capital at the zonal town hall meeting of the opposition APM.

Makinde who attended the meeting alongside his running mate Mamman Lawal Daura and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed argued that the emergence of two presidential candidates from the Southwest would not be unusual.

He insisted that voters should be allowed to choose their preferred candidate based on merit rather than regional considerations.

Makinde recalled the 1999 presidential election when the Southwest geo-political zone produced Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Oba Olu Falae as the candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Alliance for Democracy (AD).

Makinde said the precedent showed that the region could produce multiple presidential candidates without undermining its political interests.

‘People have been asking me: why are you contesting in this election when the Southwest already has somebody seated on that seat? And I have explained to them we do have an example here in the Southwest.

‘When in 1999 the entire Nigeria ceded the presidency to the Southwest and we had two of our fathers Baba President Obasanjo and our Baba Olu Falae they contested the presidency both from the Southwest.

‘And heaven did not fall. As a matter of fact what Southwest did was to present two of their finest two of their best candidates for Nigeria to choose from. Is there anything wrong with that this time around?’ he asked.

The APM candidate dismissed concerns that his ambition could jeopardise the Southwest’s chances of retaining the presidency arguing that the region should not be restricted to supporting a single candidate.

He also promised to revive the country’s economy and address challenges confronting key sectors if elected president in 2027.

Makinde said his proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda would focus on economic recovery education security prosperity and the country’s socio-political environment.

‘The Reset Nigeria Agenda will fix our economy educational system security architecture expand our economy tax prosperity and socio-political environment. We want to reset Nigeria and the Southwest Zone. We are very much ready to reset Nigeria. I am a reset agent’ he said.

He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) saying the country needed a system that worked for everyone rather than a privileged few.

‘All of you get into the scheme. Be a reset agent get your PVC and we will reset Nigeria. We want a Nigeria that works for everybody. It is not Nigeria that works for very few. We said no to a turn-by-turn Nigeria’ he said.

According to him the agenda would prioritise taxing prosperity rather than poverty and protecting the democratic and federalist principles established by the country’s founding leaders.

‘Our forefathers worked really hard to give us federalism to give us multi-party democracy’ he added.

Earlier Mohammed said the APM was determined to reset the country promising that a Makinde-led administration would create jobs for unemployed youths.

Mohammed who is also the party’s national leader warned individuals allegedly working against Makinde’s leadership to stop actions capable of creating divisions within the party.

He accused some individuals of attempting to infiltrate the party and destabilise its ranks urging members to remain vigilant against such efforts.

The Bauchi governor said those seeking to undermine the party’s leadership would not succeed adding that the party was prepared to take lawful measures against them if they failed to desist.

‘I would like to remind all of us to beware of detractors. Some people out of desperation have already started or resorted to trying to infiltrate our ranks to cause some kind of destruction’ he said.

He added ‘But I say to them they are late. And I am warning if they do not desist we will definitely take measures as allowed by the law to make sure that we shame them. This is not an empty threat.’

Mohammed urged party members to scrutinise those seeking to associate with them and resist attempts to distract them from their political objectives.

The National Chairman of the APM Yusuf Dantalle said Nigerians needed a change in the country’s political direction insisting that citizens must take responsibility for fixing the nation.

‘It is high time to change the narrative; the will of the people must be done. Nobody will fix Nigeria for us unless we rise to fix the country by ourselves.

‘It’s only Seyi Makinde who can fix the country from the damage being done by the APC-led ruling administration’ Dantalle said.

The Directorate of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has declared its readiness to mobilise at least five million votes to secure a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.

Speaking after the Directorate’s second inaugural leadership meeting in Abuja on Wednesday night the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities Hon. Muhammad Abba Isa said the PWD community remains an integral pillar of the current administration.

Abba Isa commended President Tinubu for establishing a dedicated presidential office for special needs and integrating persons with disabilities into party and government structures at both federal and state levels.

‘I want to use this medium to commend Mr President President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Directorate for Persons with Disabilities in line with the belief that no one should be left behind. The community of persons with disabilities is an integral part of this administration.

‘APC is the only party that has prioritised the rights of the disability community in Nigeria. Currently almost 29 states have signed and established agencies to safeguard the lives of persons with disabilities. The community is ready to come out in force and re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so he can continue his good reforms.’

Addressing questions on voter strength and electoral logistics Abba Isa emphasised that the disability community’s political weight extends beyond standard estimates.

He revealed that active engagements are ongoing with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address accessibility and voting rights at all polling units nationwide.

‘To win an election is all about strategy and organisation and we are well-organised. From our Directorate we will mobilise at least five million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘We have been engaging with INEC to ensure accessibility in the electoral process-how wheelchair users visually impaired voters and others can cast their ballots seamlessly so that no person with a disability is disenfranchised. We are a strong political mass and we are ready to deliver’ Abba Isa stated.

The APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities and Co-Director of the Directorate Aare (Hon.) Durotolu Bankole reiterated the party’s confidence ahead of the general elections saying rival political parties lack the structure to challenge the ruling party.

According to Bankole ‘We are committed to putting in our best to ensure that the re-election of the President and all APC candidates comes with a big vote margin. In APC we are confident. We want to show the world clearly that APC is the only ready party in Nigeria. Others know they are not ready and cannot win this election; they will only make media noise. We are here to strategise and tell the world that come 2027 there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.’

Highlighting gender inclusion within the campaign hierarchy the Deputy Director for Women with Disabilities Hon. Lois Auta-who is also a board member of the Maryam Abacha National Centre for Women Development-lauded the party for giving women with disabilities a prominent seat at the decision-making table.

‘President Tinubu has done remarkably well for persons with disabilities including women. He established the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and work is ongoing on the Reserved Seats Bill for women and PWDs. This is the first time a political party has had a dedicated woman with disability in the PCC Directorate leadership. We are proud of this inclusiveness. We have the numerical strength and the political power to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

Key stakeholders attended the meeting including the Directorate Secretary Misbahu Lawan Didi and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan underscoring the party’s organised structure for mobilising disability support nationwide.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has dismissed claims of a crisis within its ranks insisting that the party remains united despite disagreements involving its South-South zonal chairpersons.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary Abubakar Yusuf in a statement on Thursday described the situation as misinformation blown out of proportion and said the party would resolve the disagreements.

He said the South-South town hall meeting of the party’s presidential candidate Seyi Makinde held in Uyo Akwa Ibom State was a huge success attracting strong support from residents and party members.

According to him Makinde’s longstanding professional ties to the Niger Delta where he worked in Edo Delta Akwa Ibom Bayelsa and Rivers states visited feel like a homecoming. He also noted that the candidate married a woman from the region.

‘We are emboldened by the appreciation of the people of the South-South to welcome home their own with a huge support base’ he said.

Reacting to the South-South chairmen’s actions the spokesperson said the party acknowledged their concerns though their response had gone too far.

‘There is no problem with the action of the chairmen. We agreed to disagree even though they have gone too far. It will be resolved’ he said.

The party maintained that the disagreement did not divide its ranks expressing confidence that it would settle the matter without derailing its political activities.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to Makinde’s Reset Agenda insisting that the presidential campaign would continue despite the controversy.

The spokesperson said the candidate would neither retreat nor surrender in his pursuit of what the party described as rescuing Nigeria from poverty economic hardship and maladministration under the present administration.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria to award more contracts to competent indigenous engineering and manufacturing firms as a Nigerian company moves to unlock the full 2.3 billion standard cubic feet daily gas transportation capacity of the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS).

The President said his administration’s Nigeria First policy must translate into greater participation by Nigerian companies in major energy projects increased patronage of locally manufactured equipment and more skilled employment opportunities for citizens.

Tinubu spoke at the State House Abuja while receiving the Founder and Chairman of Lee Engineering Group Chief Dr Leemon Ikpea whose company is constructing two strategic compressor stations designed to significantly improve gas transportation through the Escravos-Lagos pipeline corridor.

The indigenous engineering firm is handling the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the two midline compressor stations in Edo State a project expected to enable the pipeline to operate at its full designed capacity of 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.

Although the pipeline’s designed capacity was increased from 1.1 billion to 2.3 billion standard cubic feet daily under the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System II expansion the absence of the required compressor stations has prevented the infrastructure from delivering at its full potential.

The ongoing project is expected to address the limitation by increasing operating pressure along the pipeline thereby facilitating improved gas transportation to power plants manufacturing industries and other major consumers.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to harness Nigeria’s abundant gas resources to improve electricity supply accelerate industrialisation create employment and strengthen the country’s export earnings.

The President noted that expanding critical gas infrastructure capacity would also support increased supplies to neighbouring West African countries through the West African Gas Pipeline potentially generating additional export revenue for Nigeria.

He stressed that Nigerian engineering and manufacturing companies that had demonstrated technical competence and the ability to execute complex projects deserved greater opportunities to participate in the country’s oil and gas industry.

Tinubu urged international oil companies to strengthen partnerships with indigenous contractors insisting that local content development should go beyond policy declarations to deliver measurable economic benefits.

He maintained that increased reliance on qualified Nigerian engineering firms would help retain more investment expertise and employment opportunities within the domestic economy while strengthening the country’s industrial capacity.

The President also highlighted the executive orders and presidential directives introduced by his administration in 2024 to strengthen local content compliance reduce contracting costs and shorten approval timelines in the petroleum sector.

He explained that the measures were designed to eliminate unnecessary delays attract additional investments and create a more favourable operating environment for Nigerian businesses seeking to participate in major energy projects.

Earlier Ikpea commended the President for championing the Nigeria First policy describing it as an important initiative for expanding indigenous participation in strategic sectors of the economy.

He said Lee Engineering had deployed its fabrication facility in Warri Delta State to manufacture components needed for the compressor stations.

According to him the facility houses some of the industry’s most advanced fabrication equipment demonstrating the growing sophistication and technical capabilities of Nigerian engineering companies.

Ikpea said indigenous firms had invested substantially in modern equipment technology and skilled manpower positioning them to undertake highly technical Engineering Procurement and Construction projects previously dominated by foreign contractors.

He maintained that greater patronage of competent Nigerian firms would help retain jobs technical expertise and economic value within the country while reducing dependence on foreign contractors to execute critical infrastructure projects.

The Lee Engineering chairman expressed confidence that Nigerian companies can deliver complex energy infrastructure projects and contribute meaningfully to the Federal Government’s ambition to position natural gas as a major driver of economic growth.

The compressor stations are essential to the ELPS II expansion and completing them is expected to improve gas delivery along the Escravos-Lagos corridor and strengthen supplies to domestic power generation facilities industrial consumers and regional export markets.