The feds finally handed over the compliance certificate for the Bakassi Deep Seaport. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the paper to Cross River State's Governor, Bassey Otu, in Abuja. This follows a sign-off from the Federal Executive Council. Officials are framing this as a big win for President Tinubu's economic plans.
Oyetola called the port a key national project that could make Nigeria a major player in shipping and logistics. He promised continued federal support to get it built. Governor Otu treated the certificate as a historic step toward unlocking Nigeria's maritime economy. He thanked Tinubu for creating the ministry and appointing Oyetola to run it.
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory...
First Bank's CEO says its new digital hubs won't cut jobs. Olusegun Alebiosu made this statement during the launch of a Digital Xperience Centre at the University of Benin. He described the innovation as a flexible complement to traditional branches, not a replacement.
The center allows full banking services at any hour, aimed at students and the local community. Alebiosu emphasized that this model addresses crowding in bank halls and expands access. It supports the bank's environmental and social governance goals through financial inclusion.
The Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN welcomed the facility. Prof Edoba Omoregie stated it would benefit university staff and students by improving operational convenience. The bank sees these digital...
The Tin Can Island Port customs command has trained another group of maritime journalists. Over a hundred reporters have now completed this capacity-building program. Customs Area Controller Comptroller Frank Onyeka stated that an informed press is essential for transparency during the service's modernization push.
The workshop covered new regulations like the Customs Act of 2023 and the automated B’Odogwu management system. Officials explained that these tools aim to streamline cargo clearance and align with international standards. Presentations also addressed programs for authorized traders and studies on port release times.
A media publisher challenged journalists to improve their professional character and reporting standards...
The National Agricultural Development Fund held a meeting with agribusiness processors to review a farm input program. Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim acknowledged challenges during the pilot phase, which affected planting and yields. He stated the fund remains committed to improving the system through evidence and efficiency.
Industry representatives at the Lagos roundtable praised the initiative's goals. They requested more timely delivery of supplies before future planting seasons. One processor noted the program helped secure enough cassava for production across several states.
A NADF planning official said the next phase aims to reach five million smallholder farmers. The fund will use private sector processors to distribute...
Nigeria LNG has officially marked the departure of its Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila. He will leave the company at the year's end for a leading role at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Qatar. Engineer Adeleye Falade was appointed as his successor, set to begin next April.
Company executives praised Mshelbila's leadership through major challenges like the pandemic and global energy disruptions. They highlighted his efforts to secure new gas supply agreements with third parties, diversifying the company's sources. His tenure also emphasized sustainability and emissions control initiatives.
In his response, Mshelbila thanked shareholders and staff for their support. He stated he would promote natural gas as a stable energy...
President Bola Tinubu has appointed a new board for Nigeria's power regulatory agency. The Senate confirmed the members for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. Dr. Mulisiu Olalekan Oseni will serve as Chairman, with Dr. Yusuf Ali as Vice Chairman.
Other board members include Nathan Rogers Shatti, Dafe Akpeneye, Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello, Dr. Chidi Ike, and Dr. Fouad Animashaun. Several are serving second terms. Animashaun is a new appointee with a background in energy economics.
Tinubu directed the board to continue reforming the national power sector. He emphasized strict compliance with current electricity laws. The administration aims to improve power supply and attract investment through stronger regulatory oversight.
A West African financial watchdog says heavy reliance on cash is a major problem. The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering, or GIABA, cites this as a key factor enabling crime in Nigeria and the region. Acting Director of Policy Dr. Jeffery Isima discussed this at a Lagos forum on women and transnational crime.
He explained that cash transactions are hard to trace, making illegal activities easier. GIABA is pushing for more financial inclusion and electronic payments to combat this. The group also highlighted human trafficking as a pervasive and devastating issue in West Africa, with children comprising most victims.
The head of Nigeria's Financial Intelligence Unit, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, noted that trafficking...
The BNP has called the recent attacks on media offices and cultural centers a conspiracy. Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that these violent acts aim to destabilize the upcoming national election. He made these remarks following a party standing committee meeting.
He condemned the assaults on specific newspapers, cultural institutions, and the killing of a man in Mymensingh. Fakhrul also denounced the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, demanding the arrest of those responsible. He called for unity among all opposing political and social forces to resist what he termed an evil conspiracy against the democratic process.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's health has shown some improvement. Her personal physician stated her condition is more stable now than in previous weeks. She underwent a minor surgical procedure today at Evercare Hospital.
A medical team with foreign and local doctors continues her treatment in a specialized critical care unit. She was originally hospitalized last month for several serious ailments. Her family and party have requested the public's prayers for her recovery.
