Category: News

The European Union- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance EU-IIDEA, along with relevant stakeholders, has called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s Social Development Act (SDA), stressing the country cannot achieve inclusive growth or protect vulnerable groups under the current fragmented framework.

The call for reform was made at the National SDA summit, organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) and funded by the European Union under its CSOs-Bridge Strengthening Project, in Abuja.

The SD Act was first conceptualised in the 1970s and enacted in 2004, as the central framework for coordinated and inclusive social development in Nigeria.

Project Manager of the EU Strengthening Bridge (EU-Bridge) Project, Mr Idem Akpan Udoekong, said the summit was convened to revive national attention to the long-standing but underutilised Social Development Act of 1974 and the Social Development Policy.

According to Udoekong, both instruments are crucial for improving coordination and strengthening the legal recognition of civil society organisations, particularly those working with women and vulnerable groups.

He explained that the goal of the engagement was to gather insights that would inform the reform of the Social Development Act and potentially lead to the development of a new national policy or bill. Such reforms, he noted, would place CSOs in a stronger position to contribute more meaningfully to social development, given the country’s pressing challenges.

Udoekong stressed that “CSOs were already playing an indispensable role in society beyond the common perception of advocacy. He recalled joining a youth club at the age of 14, an experience he credited with shaping his values and leadership skills. From cooperative societies to community-based groups and professional associations, he said CSOs were supporting education, healthcare, civic values, and community development, often stepping in to provide services that were ordinarily expected of the government.

On expectations from the summit, which coincides with the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, he said updating the SDA will enhance coordination on gender issues, support efforts to address gender-based violence and strengthen responses to other social concerns.

Delivering the keynote address, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender, and Social Development, Hon. Valentina Enih, said the existing Act, originally enacted as Decree 12 in 1974 and later reissued in 2004, no longer reflects the country’s realities.

She said, “The Act is older than many of us. Outdated provisions and emerging social challenges demand urgent reform.”

She stressed that unity among civil society organisations (CSOs) remained essential for progress, noting that personal interests often overshadowed collective objectives.

“One stick is easily broken, but a bundle of broomsticks is not. We must speak with one voice,” she said, while also appealing to lawmakers to increase funding for ministries responsible for women’s affairs, poverty eradication and social protection. “Many times, we use our personal resources just to ensure the work is done,” she lamented.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Civil Society Organisations and Development Partners, Hon. Victor Obuzor, acknowledged the legislative gaps that have hindered effective coordination of social development nationwide.

He said the National Assembly had made the Act’s review a priority. “Fragmentation, institutional reassignments and multiple regulatory frameworks have weakened the effectiveness of the Social Development Act.

“Our Committee is reviewing historical gaps, engaging stakeholders and supporting the development of a modernised civil society regulatory bill,” he stated.

According to him, the revised law would create more precise lines of authority, harmonise federal and state mandates and institutionalise civil society participation.

For his part, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Peter Audu, said the forum aligns with federal reforms targeting gender equality, social protection and national cohesion.

He noted that the government was committed to building stronger collaboration across ministries, development partners and state institutions.

“This forum provides an important opportunity to consider proposed amendments and develop a national coalition for sustainable financing and measurable results,” he said.

The CEO of the Accountability and Transparency Initiative, Dr Fumi Akinyele, called for the revised law to embed gender responsiveness from the design stage.

She noted that many rural women were excluded from social protection programmes due to requirements such as smartphones, bank verification numbers and digital literacy.

“Inclusion must go beyond words. We need clear definitions, gender-responsive budgeting and disaggregated data. Committees must be balanced so that different voices are heard,” she said.

The Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network, Prince Chris Azor, shared experiences illustrating the challenges faced by sub-national CSOs, including inconsistent regulations that once led to the closure of community organisations’ bank accounts.

“We were stranded. Even the registration processes were unclear. When grassroots operators cannot function, you are shrinking the civic space,” he said.

He urged that the amended Act provide states with a clear legal framework for social protection and participation by civil society. “We want a standing law that expands the civic space and ensures citizens are part of governance.”

In the same vein, Harry Udo, Team Lead of the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative, said that the summit was timely, as it revived national attention to the long-neglected Social Development Act, which he described as critical for strengthening civil society operations at the sub-national level.

He noted that although the Act empowers state governments to confer legal personality on civil society organisations, many state-registered CSOs currently lack the legal status required to open bank accounts or access financial systems. According to him, this gap has forced many grassroots groups to seek registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) merely to obtain the documentation required for basic financial operations, resulting in widespread financial exclusion and operational hardship for organisations delivering essential services within states and local communities.

Udo explained that harmonising registration and regulatory procedures under the Social Development Act would allow states to grant CSOs the same corporate status enjoyed by CAC-registered entities, thereby expanding the civic space and improving the operating environment for organisations working on social, economic and humanitarian development.

He expressed hope that the discussions would culminate in a declaration that would guide states toward creating a more coherent, supportive and enabling environment for civil society nationwide.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has charged newly promoted Army Warrant Officers (AWOs) and Master Warrant Officers (MWOs) of 81 Division Nigerian Army to demonstrate exemplary leadership and live up to the expectations of their new ranks.He gave the charge during the decoration ceremony of the newly promoted AWOs and MWOs held at the Division’s Headquarters Complex, Victoria Island, Lagos on 25 November 2025.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, “the event followed the Nigerian Army’s recent promotion of deserving personnel across the ranks, as approved and promulgated by the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), Army Headquarters.

In his remarks, Major General Mijinyawa commended the beneficiaries for their unwavering dedication to duty and remarkable service to the Nigerian Army and the nation. He urged them to continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and loyalty, stressing that their conduct must reflect the prestige of the ranks they now wear.

He encouraged them to build legacies worthy of emulation, stating that their actions should serve as guiding examples to the younger soldiers coming behind them. The GOC also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for approving a significant number of promotions vacancies for personnel within the Division during this year’s exercise resulting in the elevation of two MWOs to AWOs while thirty two WOs were promoted to MWOs.

Major General Mijinyawa also reminded them that their elevation comes with greater responsibilities. He charged them to rise to the occasion through renewed commitment and dedication, emphasizing that the Nigerian Army expects more in return of the confidence reposed in them.

He further encouraged the beneficiaries to provide quality mentorship to their colleagues, particularly junior soldiers, in order to strengthen leadership culture within the Nigerian Army.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, AWO Aminu Yunusa expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for finding them worthy of elevation. He also thanked the GOC for his continuous support, guidance, and encouragement, assuring that the privilege of their promotion will not be taken for granted. He pledged increased hard work, dedication, and commitment to duty.

The ceremony was graced by the Chief of Staff Headquarters 81 Division, Commanders of 81 Division , Commander 70 Supply and Transport Command, Staff Officers, Commanding Officers, Officers, soldiers as well as families and well-wishers of the beneficiaries. The event featured words of advice from senior officers, exchange of felicitations, and a group photograph to climax the memorable ceremony.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested twelve (12) suspects in connection with circulating handbills and posters information on social media attributed to “OJE PARAPO OF OREGUN”. The publication from this group was warning and restricting the general public from freedom of movement, expression, and dignity to human persons.

Speaking through an official press statement, SP Abimbola Adebisi, ANIPR, MIPRA, the Police Public Relations Officer, emphasized that the Command will not tolerate lawlessness in any part of the State, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has therefore directed the suspension of this festival, which is likely to lead to disturbance of public peace, safety, and public order in the State.

This restriction suffices to make it clear that no group should take laws into their hands and prevent other Nigerians from movement around and throughout the State at will at any time. The Lagos State Police Command will continue to firmly protect the fundamental human rights of everyone in the State. The Command further warns anyone planning unauthorized gatherings or activities that are capable of threatening public peace and safety to desist forthwith from such plans.

With regard to the publication of the Oregun traditional Egungun festival, scheduled as seen in the handbills and posters for 27th and 28th November 2025. The Lagos State Police Command has assessed the level of fear and apprehension already generated among residents because of the publication of restrictions against the fundamental freedoms and rights of the people of the State and has hereby declared that the event must not hold. This is done to ensure public safety, law and order, and protection of life and property of the people of the State. No festival that can risk destabilising the peace or heightening tension in the State will be permitted under any circumstances.

In similar circumstances at Mafoluku, Oshodi, within the Makinde Police Division, the Command acted promptly on 23rd November 2025 after similar publications were circulated to instigate disturbance of public order, safety, and other acts capable of disrupting public peace and protection of life and property. Twelve (12) suspects were arrested and are currently under investigation. They will be prosecuted on completion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State CP Olohundare Jimoh, categorically wishes to reaffirm that the Oje PARAPO of Oregun should desist forthwith from holding the Egungun Festival as the security for the festival can no longer be guaranteed. Furthermore, the stress and fear already instilled in residents are unacceptable. He warns that the full weight of the law will be applied to anyone or group that attempts to undermine the peace, safety, or stability of Lagos State.

The general public throughout the State is therefore advised to go about their lawful duties, obligations, and other responsibilities without any fear or apprehension. Members of the public are advised to report any suspicious activities to the Police through any of our emergency numbers 08063299264, 09053872208, 07061019374, 08065154338.

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved the appointment of new management members and special promotions following its 64th Regular Meeting, held on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. Key decisions affecting the Service’s leadership structure and personnel development were considered during the meeting.

The board headed by the Hon. Min of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Wale Edun, confirmed the appointment of five Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs (DCGs) and eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs (ACGs), in line with statutory provisions and the Federal Character Policy of the Federal Government as contained in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Those elevated to the rank of Deputy Comptroller-General include Baba Imam (North-East), Isah Umar (North-West), Tijjani Abe (North-West), Timi Bomodi (South-South) and Oluyomi Adebakin (South-West).

Their appointments follow the retirement of some senior officers and are expected to strengthen strategic leadership across formations.

Similarly, the Board approved the appointment of C.G. Ogbonna (South-East), I. Abba-Aji (North-East), G.M. Haruna (South-South), E.J. Edelduok (South-South), G. Gaura (North-West), I. Isyaku (North-West), M.S. Shuaibu (North-Central) and M.D. Malah (North-East) as Assistant Comptroller-General.

Their elevation reflects the Board’s continued commitment to enhancing policy execution, compliance management, and operational efficiency.

In the same vein, the Board had also approved Special Promotion for ten officers who demonstrated exceptional professionalism, leadership and outstanding service performance.

The promoted were A.C. Fanyam as Comptroller of Customs, G.M. Shidali as Comptroller of Customs, S. Omofoma as Deputy Comptroller of Customs, O.A. Oladepo as Deputy Comptroller of Customs, A.Y. Musa as Deputy Comptroller of Customs, A. Ogboru as Deputy Comptroller of Customs, A.A. Maiwada as Deputy Comptroller of Customs, C.N. Essien as Assistant Comptroller of Customs, H. Aliyu as Assistant Comptroller of Customs, and A.S. Shofadekan as Deputy Superintendent of Customs.

The Special Promotion category, according to the Board, is a recognition reserved for officers whose work has significantly improved operations in their respective commands/units and contributed meaningfully to national revenue and security.

The Board, however, noted that the appointments and promotions were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership succession, enhance morale and ensure that the Service remains responsive to emerging trade, security and administrative challenges.

Fidelity Bank Plc has restated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with a strong focus on supporting indigenous operators. This was highlighted by the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, during a first oil presentation event for Emadeb Energy at Fidelity Place, the bank’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.

At the event, Emadeb Energy’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adebowale Olujimi, expressed appreciation for the bank’s role in enabling the company’s progress.

“What makes Fidelity Bank unique is its willingness to take calculated risks. Many banks prefer to work with companies only after they have achieved first oil because they want already-established customers. Fidelity Bank reviewed our proposal thoroughly, including legal, technical, financial and character assessments. We met these requirements and that is why they supported us,” Olujimi said.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe congratulated Emadeb Energy on its milestone and reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector.

“At Fidelity Bank, we are dedicated to supporting indigenous companies in developing oil and gas assets that enhance energy security and promote sustainable growth. Our interventions include financing Nigeria’s first privately built and operated onshore crude export terminal in over fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in Rivers State.

“We also led funding for the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Terminal in Lekki, Lagos, which improves petroleum product distribution and reduces costs. In addition, we part-financed the production of a 23,000-cubic-meter Liquefied Petroleum Gas carrier for Temile Development Company Limited, which supports cleaner energy use and strengthens local maritime participation,” she said.

Emadeb Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, operator of Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) 236, recently achieved first oil from the Ibom Field, a milestone regarded as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

“Our next phase will be exciting. We plan to drill two additional wells and increase production to 12,000 barrels per day by the end of 2026. After that, we aim to expand our gas business and raise oil output to 30,000 barrels per day,” Olujimi added.

In a significant visit to key operational commands in the Niger Delta, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders to prioritize the welfare of their personnel while sustaining the offensive against crude oil theft and other illegalities.

The CNS issued the directive on Tuesday during an operational briefing at the Headquarters of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Addressing the command, Vice Admiral Abbas commended the efforts of the troops and urged the OPDS Commander not to relent in the critical mission of securing the nation’s maritime environment. He pledged the continuous support of the Nigerian Navy to the joint task force, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in achieving their objectives.

Later, the visit took on a personal tone as Vice Admiral Abbas moved to the Headquarters of the Central Naval Command (CNC), a formation he described as “home.” Recalling his previous tenure as the Command Administrative Officer, Chief Staff Officer, and later Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the CNC, the Naval Chief expressed his delight at returning.

“On the occasion of my first maiden visit to the command as CNS, I am highly delighted to be back ‘home’,” he stated.

He assured the officers, ratings, and civilian staff of his dedicated support, leveraging his intimate familiarity with the command’s operations. The CNS expressed his admiration for the visible developmental projects and the well-maintained aesthetics of the base, commending the FOC and his team for their excellent stewardship.

“I am impressed with the giant strides in developmental projects within the Command HQ. I commend the FOC and his team for maintaining the aesthetics of the Base,” Vice Admiral Abbas noted.

He concluded by thanking the entire CNC personnel for their resilience and dedication and offered a prayer for their continued protection in the discharge of their arduous duties.

The visit, marked by a spirit of camaraderie and forward momentum, reinforces the strategic focus of the Nigerian Navy under Vice Admiral Abbas’s leadership

The attention of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been drawn to a misleading publication circulating online, making unfounded claims about the conduct of officers along the Seme corridor. The Command categorically disassociates itself from the said report and urges the public to disregard it in its entirety.

According to the press statement by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer, Seme Area Command. “Since the assumption of office by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, in September 2025, enforcement activities along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor have been significantly strengthened through enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other sister security agencies. The reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM) has further reinforced joint operations aimed at curbing smuggling.

As enforcement intensifies during the yuletide season, the Command is aware that individuals whose illegal activities have been disrupted may resort to misinformation and sensational reporting. While these attempts are unsurprising, they will not distract the Command from carrying out its lawful duties.

For clarity, between 9 September 2025 and date, the Command recorded the seizure of over 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to approximately seven trailer loads), Five trailer loads of expired flour, endangered species (Lion Cub and Patas Monkeys) over 2000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marjuana), among other seizures. These results reflect the renewed operational drive to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

Under the leadership of Comptroller Adenuga, the revenue of the Command has improved significantly, rising from average of 500 and 600 million Naira monthly revenue collection to over ₦1.5 billion in September and exceeding ₦2.5 billion in October; an increase of more than 300%. This growth is attributed to blocked leakages, strengthened enforcement, and enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade.

The Seme Area Command reaffirms its commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption or misconduct. With the continuous support of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management Team, the Command will sustain its efforts in safeguarding national security, enforcing compliance and facilitating lawful trade through the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.

Personnel of the Zone 2 Command Headquarters, under the leadership of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, participated in a capacity-building lecture on Emotional Intelligence and Effective Cohesive Team Building. The session was facilitated by Dr. Karockas Watkins of Vision Excellence Global, USA, alongside his Africa-based team.

In a statement signed by the Zonal Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayuba T. Umma, anipr “The lecture focused on key themes such as self-leadership, personality types, organizational effectiveness, and trust building. These areas equip officers with the ability to understand diverse human behaviours, manage interpersonal relationships more effectively, and enhance self-awareness in alignment with global best practices.

The seminar was highly educative, engaging, and directly relevant to the daily responsibilities of law enforcement officers. Participants actively engaged during the interactive session, reflecting the practical value of the topics discussed.

AIG Fayoade, while commending the organizers, reiterated the importance of continuous refresher trainings for personnel. He encouraged officers to embrace learning and personal development opportunities wherever they find themselves, noting that such growth is essential for improved professional performance and service delivery.

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has commenced a comprehensive basic first aid training for Officers and men , with Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba describing the initiative as a crucial investment in workplace safety and operational readiness.

Welcoming the Service’s medical team to the Command, Oshoba emphasized that the programme reflects the priority placed on staff welfare by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

He described first aid knowledge as a universal life skill that every adult should possess, especially officers frequently exposed to high-risk operational environments.

Oshoba noted that simple but timely interventions such as; CPR, bleeding control, choking relief and stroke recognition often determine whether a victim survives, fully recovers, or suffers preventable long-term damage. He warned that the absence of first aid capability during emergencies could lead to avoidable tragedies.

According to him, customs personnel sometimes operate in locations where doctors, nurses and paramedics are not immediately available, making it essential for officers to serve as first responders. “The person standing next to you could be your emergency nurse or paramedic before a doctor is reached,” he said.

He highlighted first aid’s role in reducing injury severity, controlling bleeding, relieving pain and stabilizing victims who may be close to losing consciousness.

While acknowledging that some officers are familiar with first aid procedures, Oshoba urged them to treat the programme as a vital refresher training program. He encouraged first-timers to fully engage with both the theoretical and practical sessions, stressing that hands-on application is key to mastering emergency response skills.

Expressing confidence that the participants would gain valuable competencies, the Comptroller formally declared the training open, describing it as “time well spent” for the Command and the Service at large.

During his remarks, the Medical Team Lead and Zonal Medical Officer for Zone B, Comptroller A.S Aku, guided the officers through hands-on sessions where every participant had the opportunity to demonstrate and practice CPR and techniques to restore someone choking.

“The truth is that when there is an emergency, you are a first responder. What you do in the first few minutes before help comes is very crucial. We are here to practice the basic skills that could save lives.

“At the end of the exercise, we should understand the four goals of first aid and identify the different types of first aid, and when to administer them. We should also know about those techniques that we need. We have been encountering a lot of conditions whereby our bodies, our families, our friends require some form of assistance from us as a first responder. But most times, we panic.”

The medical training included how to do CPR, dealing with bleeding, gunshot incidents, bone and joint injuries, among others.

One of the highpoints of the meeting was the presentation of Customs Medical Corps First Aid manual by the Zonal Medical Officer, Zone B Customs headquarters to the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.

The Nigeria Customs Service has concluded a three-day engagement, tagged the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit, on 19 November 2025 in Abuja. The summit brought together Customs chiefs, policy experts, and private-sector players from across the continent to advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The closing ceremony, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, marked the end of a series of technical sessions and high-level discussions hosted by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and coordinated deliberations throughout the summit.

Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi said the summit had provided Africa with “a credible platform to move from fragmented efforts to collective solutions,” stressing that the resolutions reached would guide Customs administrations in strengthening border procedures, improving compliance systems and reducing the longstanding non-tariff barriers that slow cross-border trade.

He noted that the C-PACT initiative, which Nigeria proposed and championed, will now serve as “a working mechanism for African Customs administrations to engage regularly, share operational experiences and harmonise processes in support of AfCFTA.”

It will be recalled that Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, had urged African countries to dismantle structural barriers to trade and adopt a continent-wide framework that supports competitiveness, industrial growth, and stable cross-border commerce.

Similarly, the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation, Ian Saunders, had reminded participants that Customs authorities remain central to the success of AfCFTA because they “connect borders, enforce standards and determine the practical realities of trade.”

Meanwhile, the Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President, Kanayo Awani, also stressed at the summit’s opening that without modernised and interoperable Customs systems, AfCFTA’s economic benefits would remain out of reach.

During the closing session, participating administrations expressed satisfaction with the depth of conversations held, particularly on rules of origin, transit regimes, risk management, digital documentation, gender inclusion and coordinated border management.

Delegates also agreed that the C-PACT platform should continue as a technical body for reviewing progress and aligning national systems with emerging continental standards.

Private-sector actors, including freight operators, manufacturers, logistics firms, port administrators and exporters, also made contributions during the summit, drawing attention to delays, inconsistent procedures and documentation hurdles that continue to discourage intra-African trade.

On his part, the National President of the Association of Licensed Customs Agents, Emenike Kingsley, stated that the summit provided the first opportunity in years for Customs managers and economic operators to jointly examine operational constraints.