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Severe funding cuts are threatening vital protection and assistance programmes for 8.3 million refugees and other forcibly displaced people worldwide, the United Nations refugee agency has warned.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Tuesday that its ability to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and stateless people was being severely constrained by a worsening funding shortfall.

The agency said its available funding fell from $5.2 billion in 2024 to $3.9 billion in 2025, while the number of people requiring its protection remained close to historically high levels.

UNHCR said it needed $8.5 billion to carry out its work but had received only $2.7 billion, or 32 per cent of its requirement, by the end of July. This left the agency facing a $5.8 billion funding gap and forced it to scale back programmes across major displacement crises.

Protection services under pressure

UNHCR said it had introduced reforms and prioritisation measures to preserve its most critical operations, but warned that the scale and persistence of the funding crisis meant even high-priority services were now being affected.

According to Dominique Hyde, UNHCR’s Director of External Relations, ‘When registration stops, safe houses close or child protection services disappear, the very risks that people fled – violence, exploitation and abuse – reappear in displacement, trapping families in a cycle of vulnerability and forcing some to move again in search of safety or fall prey to traffickers.’

He added that ‘Protection cannot be reduced indefinitely without systems collapsing. Below a certain threshold, services do not simply reach fewer people; they can stop functioning altogether, leaving those most at risk without the protection they need.’

The agency cited several examples of the impact of the funding constraints. For instance, in Chad, 319,000 refugees faced registration delays, leaving them without documentation needed to access essential services, while about 233,000 children could lose access to child protection services.

In Ethiopia, child protection coverage in some areas has declined by as much as 85 per cent.

In Sudan, UNHCR warned that tens of thousands of survivors of sexual violence and children facing serious protection risks could lose access to critical services.

Nearly 5,000 jobs lost

The funding crisis has also resulted in significant cuts to UNHCR’s workforce.

The agency shed nearly 5,000 jobs in 2025, representing more than a quarter of its workforce, after major donors reduced foreign aid.

The United States, traditionally the agency’s largest donor, has significantly reduced foreign assistance, while other major donors have also tightened spending.

UNHCR said the funding cuts were affecting not only emergency assistance but also efforts to help displaced people move away from dependence on humanitarian aid.

The agency said 117.8 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced at the end of 2025, down from a record 123.2 million in 2024.

Of the 117.8 million forcibly displaced people, 35.6 million were refugees under UNHCR’s mandate. Two-thirds of those refugees originated from Venezuela, Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan and Sudan.

Nigeria faces continued displacement pressure

The funding constraints come as Nigeria continues to grapple with a large displaced population and significant humanitarian needs, particularly in the northern part of the country.

According to UNHCR Africa, the number of forcibly displaced people in Nigeria reached 3.7 million as of April 2025.

In August 2025, the World Bank approved $300 million to strengthen resilience and expand access to essential services for internally displaced people and host communities in northern Nigeria.

The funding aimed to support displaced people and host communities while strengthening their ability to cope with the effects of prolonged displacement.

A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has arraigned a 30-year-old man, Omotoso Ebenezer Ilesanmi, over alleged unlawful obstruction and assault of a police officer.

The prosecutor, ASP Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant allegedly obstructed and assaulted Inspector Akeredolu Odunayo while he was performing his lawful duty on September 27, 2026, at about 5:30pm in Ado-Ekiti, within the Ado-Ekiti Magisterial District.

Oriyomi further alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace.

He said the offences were punishable under Sections 187 and 181(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

Counsel to the defendant, Oluwafemi Alabi, urged the court to admit his client to bail, assuring the court that he would not jump bail and would provide a credible surety.

In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned until October 8, 2026, for hearing.

The Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has pledged the support of the traditional institution to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), while urging the commission to sustain its reform agenda and operational efficiency in the management of Hajj affairs.

The royal father made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, the Emir commended NAHCON’s leadership for its determination to improve service delivery despite the enormous complexities associated with coordinating one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

He noted that the successful management of Hajj operations requires foresight, transparency, discipline, and meticulous planning, particularly in a country with one of the largest pilgrim contingents in Africa.

Describing Hajj as a sacred obligation that deserves the highest standards of care and organization, the Emir emphasized that the welfare, safety, and spiritual fulfilment of Nigerian pilgrims must remain at the heart of every policy and operational decision.

‘We are here to offer our prayers, counsel, and support to NAHCON. We also urge the Commission to sustain its drive toward structural efficiency, early preparations, and transparent communication to overcome recurring operational challenges,’ the Emir stated.

He further assured that the Zazzau Emirate and the wider traditional institution would continue to support initiatives aimed at sensitizing intending pilgrims and promoting compliance with Hajj guidelines, thereby contributing to a smoother and more successful pilgrimage experience.

Responding, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf expressed profound appreciation for the visit, describing it as both historic and encouraging for the Commission’s management and staff.

He noted that the endorsement and counsel of respected traditional leaders provide valuable support for the Commission’s efforts to continually improve service delivery and deepen stakeholder engagement.

The NAHCON Chairman briefed the Emir on a number of strategic initiatives being implemented by the Commission, including policy reforms, digital innovations, and partnerships designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, improve accommodation and feeding arrangements, and ensure a more seamless airlift process for pilgrims.

Ambassador Yusuf reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a modern, responsive, and pilgrim-centred Hajj administration system capable of meeting global best practices and the expectations of Nigerian pilgrims.

He assured the Emir that the observations and recommendations made during the visit would receive due consideration as the Commission intensifies preparations for future Hajj operations.

The Sokoto State Government has moved to support a 16-year-old orphan, Muhammad Sirajo Abubakar, who scored 353 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Higher Education, Ibrahim Iya, the move followed his outstanding performance in the examination and public attention generated by his story.

Muhammad, who lost both parents at a young age, scored 92 in Mathematics, 67 in English, 98 in Physics and 96 in Chemistry in the 2026 JAMB examination.

His WAEC result also showed three As, four Bs and one C, while his Biology result is still awaited. The student is seeking admission to study Mechatronics Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

According to the statement, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Isa Muhammad Maishanu, contacted the state JAMB Coordinator, Ibrahim Muazu Hassan, after coming across Muhammad’s story online.

The commissioner directed the coordinator to reach out to the student and facilitate his visit to the ministry for possible intervention.

Muhammad was subsequently brought to the Ministry of Higher Education on Tuesday, where he was received by the commissioner and officials of the ministry.

Maishanu commended the student for his academic performance, courage and commitment to education despite losing his parents at a young age.

He said the ministry would examine Muhammad’s situation and work towards providing the appropriate support to enable him continue his education.

The intervention, the statement said, was in line with the education priorities of Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration under its nine-point Smart Agenda.

It added that the government would explore necessary support to facilitate Muhammad’s educational journey and enable him pursue his ambition of becoming a Mechatronics Engineer.

The ministry also commended the state JAMB coordinator for his prompt response and assistance in bringing the student to the ministry.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the Appropriation (Amendment) (No.4) Bill, 2025, extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget from September 30, 2026 to December 31, 2026.

This was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement on Wednesday.

The assent, he said, followed the amendment’s swift passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

The extension gives Ministries, Departments and Agencies more time to complete ongoing capital projects and ensures that funds already appropriated are fully put to work for Nigerians, without disrupting critical programmes.

The President commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their prompt consideration of the bill, a further sign of the cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature in the service of the nation.

Some staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), prevented an attempt by some policemen to arrest the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, at his residence in Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday.

The development drew members of the university community, including academic, non-academic staff and students to the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, where they gathered in solidarity and opposed the alleged arrest attempt by the policemen.

Speaking to journalists at his residence in Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Ogunwole said the policemen arrived at his official residence around 6:10am.

Ogunwole said his children woke him up after noticing the security personnel around the house. He said he initially declined to come out because he was unsure whether the men were genuine police officers and wanted to establish the reason for their presence.

‘The police team later told me that they had a warrant, but I insisted that I will not leave the house without first being properly informed of the basis of the arrest.’

FUOYE Vice Chancellor linked the development to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected with the university, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adeola.

According to him, the dispute arose from an audio recording which he alleged had leaked and which prompted the university management to ask those involved to appear before an investigative committee to explain its contents.

According to him, the matter had subsequently gone to court, while he had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what he described as threats to his life and workplace.

Prof. Ogunwole said he had instructed his lawyers to approach the police to explain that the matter was already before the court and that he was available to respond to any lawful invitation.

He said, ‘There is no turning back. Our mission is to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion. We are resolute.’

Reacting, the Director of Public Affairs and Communication FUOYE, Dr. Sunday Saanu, described the police action as mischievous, saying the Vice Chancellor had earlier honoured the police invitation, ‘ on account of a spurious petition written by some elements in the system.’

‘Thereafter, the Vice-Chancellor instructed his lawyers to represent him. It was therefore shocking to see the police in the Vice-Chancellor residence, saying they needed him.

‘While addressing the workers on Wednesday, the Vice-Chancellor said his administration would not be distracted by the noise in the marketplace.’

According to the VC, ‘This is a passing phase. FUOYE will rise beyond the current resistance of the forces of darkness.’

Also speaking, the FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union was at the residence to oppose what he described as attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Olusola Odumosu, PhD, has ordered the deployment of 3000 personnel in the FCT to enforce law and order as well as ensure a peaceful celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Corps in the FCT, DSC Monica Ojobi, the deployment of officers and men cuts across specialised departments and units of the Corps, including Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad, Agro Rangers, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE), and Counter Terrorism Unit.

‘There is also massive deployment to volatile areas and soft targets such as shopping malls, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, amusement parks and areas housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure,’ the statement said.

‘In a move to ensure proactiveness and prevent emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, men of our undercover unit have already been deployed for covert operations and surveillance.

‘Black spots like uncompleted buildings that harbour criminals are also covered to avert security breaches.’

Dr Odumosu also gave matching orders to all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure their respective area councils are on top of their game and ensure their presence is felt to avoid security hitches.

‘I will not tolerate any form of security breaches; all hands must be on deck; ensure your personnel comply wholeheartedly,’ the statement quoted him as saying.

Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) has won the Grand Prix, the highest honour at the 2026 International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Golden World Awards, held at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, Greece.

Staff members broke into celebration as the trophies arrived at Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the main base of IMPR, the publisher of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest.

The company earned the global prize for its campaign, ‘AI for Crisis Communication: From Study to Strategy,’ which the jury described as representing the highest standards of public relations practice in 2026.

IPRA President Esther Cobbah said the Grand Prix capped IMPR’s outstanding performance at this year’s ceremony, where the firm also won two Golden World Awards in the AI in Crisis Management and Publication categories.

The prix was received by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was honoured with a special award for his contributions to transparent communication, stakeholder engagement and international best practices in public relations.

In his acceptance message, IMPR’s Chief Executive Officer, Yushau Shuaib, described the Grand Prix as a historic achievement for the company and a landmark moment for Nigeria’s public relations industry.

‘After 10 years of participation and multiple wins at the IPRA Golden World Awards, IMPR has, for the first time, been honoured with the Grand Prix-the highest distinction in public relations-in Athens, the historic city where the Code of Athens was adopted in 1965,’ he remarked.

Shuaib said the successful campaign demonstrates how research-driven public relations can inform institutional reforms and address national challenges. ‘This global recognition is a testament to the trust, collaboration and professionalism of our clients, partners and stakeholders across Nigeria.’

The media expert thanked the Federal Ministry of Information, Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Customs Service, media partners, security agencies, and the research team whose input supported the work.

IPRA Secretary-General Philip Sheppard called the winning campaign a pioneering initiative at the intersection of artificial intelligence and public relations, noting that the 2026 Grand Prix was awarded to IMPR for its contribution to the emerging application of AI in strategic communication.

Sheppard announced that the Global Contribution Award, recognising campaigns aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, went to V+O Greece | SEC Newgate for Mastercard’s ReStart employment initiative.

PR professionals from more than 50 countries attended the event. From Nigeria were IMPR Board Chairman Professor Sule Yau Sule; NITDA spokesperson Hadiza Umar; and Emirate Radio’s Managing Director and Emir of Ilorin’s spokesperson, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, among others.

In 2020, IMPR was named the world’s most creative PR agency in the Global Creativity Index published by PRovoke Media. The 2026 prize in Greece began as a project by Mr. Shuaib after he withdrew from the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

The research, in collaboration with the CCC and NITDA, examined the threats of AI-driven misinformation, deepfakes, and digital information disorder, with findings translated into a strategic communication framework to strengthen Nigeria’s crisis-response capabilities.

The recommendations informed the inaugural National Symposium on Digital Innovations in Crisis Communication (in November 2025), which convened security agencies, government institutions, media organisations, civil society groups and technology experts.

The symposium laid the foundation for the proposed Crisis Communication Hub (CCHub), a 24-hour, AI-enabled platform designed for social listening, deepfake detection, misinformation monitoring and coordinated crisis communication.

The increase in crude oil production and the attendant earnings as well as the pipeline protection in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region has contributed to the forex reserves rebound to nearly $55bn.

Checks showed that the huge petrodollar inflows have boosted external reserves position, thereby providing the economy with stronger footings against global shocks.

The Federal Government of Nigeria had appointed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) to protect oil pipelines and other assets, ensuring peace and stability in the Niger Delta, a situation that made Nigeria in recent months earn significantly from ongoing crude oil prices rally.

The Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited operations have bolstered oil production, sustained peace and stability in the Niger Delta region, boosting accretion to external reserves.

Economists say Nigeria’s external reserves are set to hit the $55 billion mark in renewed rally linked to increased earnings from crude oil export due to continued peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

The external reserves crossed $54.8 billion on September 22, representing a $20 million gap to hit the $55 billion mark. The position is currently providing the economy with stronger footings against global shocks, and the success of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited operations remains a significant contributor to the surge in petrodollar inflows and sustained rise in external reserves.

Daily Trust recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed TSSNL led by High Chief, Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, due to trust and track-record of success in achieving peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

The TSSNL operations have also transformed the oil and gas landscape and allowed Nigeria to expand oil production quota and significantly cut rampant oil theft.

As stakeholders advocate for the continued collaboration with TSSNL, the imperative of securing oil infrastructure remains at the forefront of efforts to ensure the nation’s sustainable development.

Nigeria’s position in the reserves movement chart

According to Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) website, the current reserves position is far higher than CBN’s projected $51.04 billion year-end target, and will cover over 13 months import for the economy.

The reserves also provide the CBN with the capacity to support the local currency and meet external obligations, and have continued to rise steadily. Further analysis showed that the liquid portion of the external reserves stood at $54.08 billion.

The reserves started with $49.80 billion in June 2026 and crossed the $50 billion mark by June 5, reaching $50.12 billion.

Progressively, on June 15, reserves had increased further to $50.81 billion before rising to their current position. The reserves stood at $51.9 billion on July 31, and continued.

The sustained increase reflects stronger foreign exchange inflows and improved liquidity conditions in the country’s external sector.

Though, the oil prices have soared to $99.63 per barrel due to ongoing war between the US and Iran in the Gulf region. There are also concerns over potential disruptions to key oil transit routes.

For Nigeria, the current oil price is already impacting positively on export proceeds as seen in the second quarter performance.

The strong export performance, especially the N12.91 trillion (approximately N13 trillion) export earnings in the second quarter showed that Nigeria maintained a sizeable merchandise trade surplus during the quarter, with exports significantly exceeding imports.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data further showed that Asia emerged as Nigeria’s largest export market, receiving goods worth N8.72 trillion, or 32.29 per cent of total exports.

Europe followed with N8.07 trillion, representing 29.87 per cent, while exports to Africa stood at N6.65 trillion, or 24.62 per cent. Exports to the Americas were valued at N3.11 trillion, representing 11.52 per cent, while Oceania accounted for N459.96 billion, or 1.70 per cent.

Also, Nigeria’s exports to Africa, ECOWAS member states accounted for N3.75 trillion, representing 56.39 per cent. India was Nigeria’s leading individual export destination during the quarter, receiving goods valued at N3.29 trillion, equivalent to 12.17 per cent of total exports.

Further gains for Nigeria

With Brent crude trading above $99.63 per barrel-well above Nigeria’s 2026 federal budget benchmark of $64.85-the current rally in global oil prices is expected to strengthen the country’s fiscal revenues, foreign exchange reserves, and exchange rate stability.

Analysts stated that if tensions continue to escalate into a full-scale conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz-a vital route that carries roughly 20 per cent of global oil supply-Brent prices could rise far beyond $100 per barrel.

‘Higher oil prices typically strengthen Nigeria’s current account balance , improve foreign exchange liquidity and export proceeds,’ the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, stated in a recent policy brief titled ‘Implications of the Iran-US-Israel Conflict on the Nigerian Economy’.

‘This could reduce short-term pressure on the naira and reinforce investor confidence,’ Yusuf, a renowned economist, further explained.

For Nigeria, such a surge in crude prices would sustain ongoing stronger export earnings and improved external balances.

Sustaining surge in export proceeds gains would require sustaining the oil assets protection project.

Already, the battle against oil theft requires not only robust security measures. It extends to assigning critical surveillance roles to institutions with tested expertise and commitment to taming the scourge.

Tantita, recently contracted a hi- tech security company, Textron Systems, to deliver three uncrewed aircraft that would enhance the company’s capacity to carry out its surveillance operations on Nigeria’ s oil.

The contract agreement, which was signed and sealed late last year, mandates Textron Systems, USA, to deliver three Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to the surveillance company.

The systems will be delivered in a fully ITAR-Free configuration designed for ease of export to international customers.

IMF speaks on oil earnings

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted significant recovery in Nigeria’s Balance of Payment (BoP) following the ongoing surge in crude oil prices.

In an interview transcript, the Director of the Communications Department at the IMF, Ms. Julie Kozack said oil exporters may witness improvement in balance of payments because of higher oil prices.

She said: ‘For countries that are energy importers, they may face pressures on their balance of payments. For countries that are oil exporters, their balance of payments may improve because of higher prices. So, we may see a differential effect there. Changes to global financial conditions are likely to affect all countries.

‘Nigeria earns over 90 per cent of its forex from crude oil exports, and with Brent Crude trading above $80, Nigeria’s earnings through crude oil export are bound to rise. Murban crude, also hit $85 and sped past it, reflecting the continued freeze of most tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz over the Middle East crisis.

Kozack said the oil prices rally has impacted equity markets, and led to a surge in bond spreads.

‘We have engaged with finance ministers and Central Bank governors in many countries and regions. We’ve also engaged with regional institutions to discuss and share perspectives on the implications of the conflict and again, how the Fund can best provide support,’ she said.

Continuing, Kozack said that countries are most interested in IMF assessment on the global economy, regional economies, and their individual countries.

‘Our Managing Director has said recently that in an uncertain world, we do see more countries often turning to the Fund for support. We stand ready to provide that support as needed. Right now, we have not received any formal requests for emergency financing. But of course, as I said, as the situation evolves, as countries reassess their financing needs and their policy options, we stand ready to support them using all of the tools that are available to us,’ she said.

Stakeholders speak

An industry expert, Nse Victor Udoh, said pipeline protection enabled national institutions to progress from reactive crisis management to strategic foresight, from temporary containment to durable systems-building, and from uncertainty-driven decisions to calculated national ambition.

According to him, ‘It is important to clarify the role of pipeline surveillance within the wider energy landscape. Energy security encompasses the full value chain, from exploration and production to refining, distribution, pricing policy, and subsidy frameworks. Pipeline surveillance does not manage these domains.

Udoh who is also the President-General, Niger Delta Progressive Alliance added: ‘Its mandate is precise: safeguarding critical infrastructure that transports petroleum resources. Yet this single function has proven foundational. Without secure transportation channels, production targets falter, refining plans collapse, exports decline, and fiscal projections become unreliable.

‘Asset protection, in this context, is not a supporting activity. It is a precondition for economic order. In effect, the pipeline is the hinge on which the entire petroleum value chain turns. When that hinge is weak, every other link in the chain carries strain. When it is secure, the entire system gains coherence.’

The immediate impact has been operational. Sustained monitoring and rapid response systems have sharply reduced pipeline breaches and illegal tapping. Receipt rates have climbed toward full recovery, with national output rising to levels not seen in recent memory. This redirection has restored Nigeria’s credibility in international oil markets, allowing Nigeria to reclaim market share lost to Angola and Libya.

‘Economic stability follows predictability. When crude flows are secure, refineries can plan feedstock intake with assurance. Export commitments can be met without fear of sudden shortfalls. Gas-to-power projects can operate without recurrent shutdown risks.

‘Investors can assess Nigeria’s petroleum sector with clearer risk profiles. Surveillance therefore does more than stop theft. It reintroduces reliability into national energy planning. And reliability is the bedrock upon which sustainable economic growth is built.’

Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has called for sustained investment and expansion of broadband connectivity, while noting that Nigerians consumed about 1.6 million terabytes of data in July 2026.

He said the figure is up from about 1.13 million a year earlier, an increase of almost 47 per cent within 12 months, adding that keeping pace would require sustained investment, both to expand networks and to improve the experience of people already connected.

The EVC spoke at the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum themed: ‘Unlocking Infrastructure Investment through Data, Transparency and Partnerships,’ organised by NCC in collaboration with Swedfund International AB and Ookla on Tuesday in Abuja.

He noted that Nigeria’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing demand for broadband connectivity, digital services, and data-driven innovation across sectors.

According to Maida, while Nigeria has made significant progress in expanding telecommunications infrastructure and mobile broadband access, important gaps remain, including uneven network performance, infrastructure deployment constraints, rising demand for higher quality connectivity, underserved and commercially challenging areas, and the need to mobilise greater levels of private investment in digital infrastructure.

He stated that to address these challenges, more than infrastructure deployment is required, adding that reliable data and intelligence are increasingly important to understanding where connectivity gaps exist, where demand is emerging, what infrastructure constraints affect deployment, and where investment can generate the greatest economic and social impact.

In this context, he said that the NCC is advancing a more data-driven approach to understanding Nigeria’s connectivity environment, drawing on multiple sources of network, infrastructure, coverage, market and other relevant intelligence to support better policy, regulatory and investment decisions.

The forum, according to NCC, is designed to translate Nigeria’s growing body of connectivity, infrastructure and market intelligence into practical investment opportunities, partnerships and actions that can accelerate digital infrastructure development.

‘We can see the demand in our figures. Nigeria has consumed about 1.6 million terabytes of data in July of this year, up from about 1.13 million a year earlier. That’s an increase of almost 47% within 12 months. Keeping pace will require sustained investment, both to expand networks and to improve the experience of people already connected. We have indeed been working to improve the conditions for that investment.

‘The 2025 tariff adjustment addressed the financial pressures on operators and their ability to invest, with a clear expectation of better service for consumers. In 2024, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s designation of telecommunications infrastructure as critical national information infrastructure has strengthened the basis for protecting these assets; our engagement with the subnationals on right of way is also helping to address deployment costs.

‘We know that investors need confidence in how rules will be applied and how decisions will be made. We also know that there is more work to do on the practical difficulties of deployment.

‘This forum is an opportunity to discuss those difficulties openly with the people who can help resolve them. We are making evidence-based decision-making central to how we regulate. For investors, that means a clearer understanding of where the opportunities lie and greater confidence in the basis for our decisions,’ he said

In her keynote address, minister of industry, trade and investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole said digital access is very critical to achieving Nigeria’s $1trn economy, noting that the collaboratipn between NCC and other providers is vital to ensuring the target is met.