Category: News

The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, DSS, embarked on a familiarisation visit to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lekki and Naval Base Epe as part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational synergy and gain firsthand insight into activities within bases under the Command.

The visit commenced at FOB Lekki, where the FOC was warmly received by the Commanding Officer, Commander BC Bulus. In his briefing, Cdr Bulus highlighted the operational activities, recent achievements, and strategic contributions of the base in safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment especially Dangote Refinery, which is a National Strategic Asset. He emphasized the unit’s successes in anti-smuggling operations, maritime patrols, and collaborative efforts with other security agencies. The FOC thereafter undertook a guided tour of the base’s permanent site, inspecting key facilities and assessing operational readiness.

Similarly, Rear Admiral Mustapha proceeded to Naval Base EPE, where he was received by Commander Captain SO Ohunenese. A detailed presentation on the base’s operations, accomplishments, and ongoing infrastructure development was then delivered by Lieutenant EN Adekolurejo. The FOC also conducted a guided inspection of the permanent site, commending the personnel for their efforts in maintaining standards and ensuring sustained operational effectiveness.

In his remarks at both locations, the FOC applauded the dedication and professionalism of the officers and ratings, urging them to remain committed to their duties in line with the strategic mandate of the Nigerian Navy. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to continue supporting the bases to enhance their operational capabilities.

The familiarisation visit concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the FOC and group photographs, marking a successful and impactful engagement with personnel of FOB Lekki and Naval Base EPE.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has charged newly promoted soldiers of Headquarters 81 Division to continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline, hard work, and dedication in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army “Major General Mijinyawa gave the charge on 18 November 2025, at the Division’s Headquarters Complex, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the decoration ceremony of the newly promoted soldiers.

At the ceremony, Staff Sergeant Babagana Abacha and Staff Sergeant Kassim Musediku were decorated with the ranks of Warrant Officers. In addition, six Sergeants were elevated to the rank of Staff Sergeant, four Corporals to Sergeants, while three Lance Corporals were decorated with the rank of Corporals.

While congratulating the soldiers on their well-deserved promotions, the GOC commended their high sense of discipline, commitment, and professional conduct. He stated that their dedication has significantly contributed to the Division’s success in achieving the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy for the year.

The GOC further emphasized the critical role of clerks in the Nigerian Army, urging those among the newly promoted soldiers to remain diligent, as their efforts continue to play a vital role in the Division’s administrative efficiency. He also appreciated the families of the celebrants for their continuous supports, noting that their encouragement has enabled the soldiers to excel in their duties.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the newly promoted soldiers, Warrant Officer Babagana Abatcha, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for making the day a reality. He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for finding them worthy of elevation, and the GOC for his consistent guidance, support, and mentorship.

Warrant Officer Abatcha pledged that he and all the beneficiaries would justify the confidence reposed in them by being more dedicated, committed, and ensuring that their families feel the positive impact of their promotion and new rank.

The ceremony was graced by the Chief of Staff Headquarters 81 Division, Commanders, Staff Officers, families, friends and well-wishers of the celebrants. It concluded with a group photograph to mark the memorable occasion.

In the gleaming corridors of JP Morgan Chase in New York, among the elite trading floors where fortunes are made in milliseconds, a young man from Nigeria was quietly revolutionizing how performance and leadership were understood. This was no ordinary banker. This was Ugochukwu Omeogu—a man who would go on to become one of Africa’s rarest and most transformational business consultants and life coaches, touching lives from Dallas to Johannesburg, from London to Kuala Lumpur.

But what makes Ugochukwu’s story truly extraordinary isn’t just his impressive résumé—training executives at Fortune 500 companies, consulting for the Central Bank of Nigeria, ExxonMobil, Nigeria LNG Limited, and the American Embassy. It’s the radical philosophy he brings to every engagement: a philosophy that challenges the very foundation of how Africans think about wealth, identity, and success.

“Your effort is not the problem,” Ugochukwu tells his clients with disarming clarity. “You are trying—you’re making efforts. What is limiting your actions is the frame of thought and the identity you have.”

This single insight—that identity, not strategy, is the cornerstone of extraordinary success—has become the bedrock of a pan-African movement that is reshaping how businesses operate and how individuals pursue greatness.

*Impact at a Glance*

15+ Years Global Experience 8 Countries Served
500+ Organizations Transformed 100,000+ Lives Impacted

*From Adversity to Eminence: The Making of a Visionary*

Born with polio in Nigeria, Ugochukwu Omeogu’s early years were defined by physical challenges that would have crushed lesser spirits. Polio affects the nervous system and can cause muscle weakness and mobility limitations—obstacles that could have easily become excuses for a limited life. But Ugochukwu refused to allow his physical condition to define his potential.

“While many saw limits, I discovered resilience,” Ugochukwu reflects on those formative years. That resilience propelled him from overcoming early physical challenges all the way to the trading floors of one of America’s most prestigious financial institutions. His journey stands as living proof that physical limitations need not constrain mental excellence or professional achievement.
At JP Morgan Chase, Ugochukwu served as Lead Facilitator in Performance Management Review, where his unique ability to see beyond surface-level metrics and into the core drivers of human performance began to crystallize. Later, as Regional Group Leader with World Lending Group in Dallas, Texas, he mentored junior officers while serving as Organizational Strategist and Senior Customer Relationship Manager—roles that allowed him to test his emerging theories about leadership and value creation.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Ugochukwu pioneered the establishment of a Regional Private Banking Unit in Port Harcourt for one of the country’s leading banks and facilitated their Culture Integration Training. But it was what came next that would truly define his legacy.

“We all live on the same earth. We don’t live in the same world. The world is our imagination about what we think is possible.”

The Revolutionary Philosophy: Beyond Strategy to Identity

In boardrooms across Africa and beyond, Ugochukwu delivers a message that initially unsettles, then transforms: “Most leaders don’t fail because they lack vision. They fail because their vision gets stuck at execution—and it’s through execution that vision manifests into reality.”

As Chief Visionary Leader of MERIGNOS CONSULTING AND MENTORING LTD, he leads a pan-African company that is fundamentally redefining how organizations approach talent development, strategic management, and sustainable wealth creation.

But Ugochukwu’s approach goes far deeper than conventional consulting. While others focus on tactics and techniques, he addresses something more fundamental: the construction of identity itself.

*The Executive Mindset: Paid to Think, Not Do*

One of Ugochukwu’s most powerful concepts challenges everything most professionals believe about career advancement. “Higher-level management is compensated for thinking, not for doing,” he asserts. “Conceptual understanding and the ability to define and sequence these concepts are the most critical assets for an executive.”

According to Ugochukwu, a person’s worth is determined not by the work itself, but by the size of the vision that originated it. “Every task in a visionary company holds inherent power because of the greater purpose it serves,” he explains, fundamentally reframing how individuals see their roles.

This philosophy has profound implications. In Ugochukwu’s framework, those lower on the organizational ladder are simply implementing what has already been strategically determined. The real value—and the real compensation—comes from the ability to conceive, strategize, and architect outcomes before they manifest.
Transforming Africa One Mind at a Time

What sets Ugochukwu apart in the crowded field of business consulting is his unwavering commitment to generational impact. He doesn’t simply train employees; he transforms wealth creators. He doesn’t just optimize businesses; he constructs identities that transcend circumstances.

“Don’t quit your job. Don’t fire your boss,” Ugochukwu counsels, going against the grain of popular self-help rhetoric. “Transform your outlook from that of an employee to a wealth creator and vision sharer within your current workplace. Every job serves as an invaluable business school where one can practice influence and facilitate transformation.”

This counterintuitive wisdom has helped countless professionals break free from the limiting identity of “employee” without abandoning the valuable learning ground their positions provide. By shifting perspective, Ugochukwu teaches, individuals move from being mere employees to becoming high-value vision sharers whose drive aligns with organizational vision and creates exponential impact.

*Wealth as a Generational Mission*

Perhaps nowhere is Ugochukwu’s philosophy more radical than in his approach to wealth creation. “True success comes from recognizing that wealth is generational,” he insists. “Instead of working solely for immediate needs like rent and survival, build enterprises with the deliberate intent to transfer the habit and knowledge to future generations.”

He challenges Africans to see beyond the paycheck: “While many people operate primarily as employees— consuming the innovations others have created without building generational impact—the real purpose of working should be to understand how businesses function so one can become a creator and contributor of lasting value.”

This reframe invites professionals to view their roles not as endpoints but as learning laboratories for future wealth creation. It’s not about disdaining employment, but about extracting maximum educational value from it while building toward generational transformation.

This message resonates powerfully across the African continent, where generational poverty has been perpetuated not just by lack of opportunity, but by lack of the right mental frameworks. Ugochukwu’s mission is clear: to reach every African home with wealth education that transforms not just individuals, but entire family lines.

*The Global Impact: From Fortune 500s to African Entrepreneurs*

Ugochukwu’s influence spans an impressive spectrum. As a certified tax specialist and associate faculty at Mastermind Business School in London, he brings academic rigor to practical application. His client list reads like a who’s who of global excellence: JP Morgan Chase Bank, the Angel Foundation USA, Central Bank of
Nigeria, Nigeria LNG Limited, American Embassy, Bank of Industry Nigeria, ExxonMobil, and numerous Fortune 500 companies.

But his impact isn’t limited to corporate giants. As the strategic mentor to the VIVERA ECOSYSTEM INTERNATIONAL, a business learning community, Ugochukwu trains and mentors top leaders across industries through world-class training sessions, masterclasses, and private mentorship programs. He sits on the boards of various companies and runs private mentoring programs for business owners and corporate executives globally.

*Areas of Expertise*

His expertise spans an impressive range:

Strategic Management & Business Development

Leadership & Change Management Training

Sales & Marketing Strategy

Entrepreneurial Development

Customer Service & Relationship Management Excellence

Deposit Mobilization & Wealth Creation Frameworks

With over 15 years of global experience, Ugochukwu’s influence extends across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, South Africa, Ghana, Malaysia, and beyond—impacting over 500 organizations and transforming over 100,000 lives.

“Higher-level management is compensated for thinking, not doing. A person’s worth is determined by the size of the vision that originated the work.”

*The Path to Unlimited Potential*

In his groundbreaking work on unlocking unlimited potential, Ugochukwu outlines a process that addresses the hidden barriers restricting progress. “The primary obstacle is not knowing your limitations,” he explains, “which arise from personal blind spots and a lack of understanding.”

The solution, according to Ugochukwu, begins with developing highly competent skills and expertise. “This competence is the first line of action against limitation and the key to attracting powerful opportunities,” he notes. “One’s skills must be professional enough to draw the attention of men of resources and substance, directly linking expertise to rewards and success.”

This philosophy of competence-driven breakthrough has transformed how his clients approach personal development. Rather than motivational platitudes about “believing in yourself,” Ugochukwu provides a concrete pathway: develop undeniable expertise, and opportunities will find you.
Beyond Strategy: The Identity Revolution

In his revolutionary teaching “Beyond Strategy: The Place of Identity in Building a Successful Business,” Ugochukwu presents 18 comprehensive sections that systematically deconstruct and reconstruct understanding of success. Through powerful examples—from America’s foundational principles to Nelson Mandela’s unwavering character, from apartheid’s systematic identity construction to the philosophical differences that separate nations—he reveals how identity shapes reality in ways most people never consider.

“This is not another business book filled with strategies you’ve heard before,” Ugochukwu declares. “This is a deep exploration into the fundamental operating system that drives all human achievement—the conscious construction of identity that transcends circumstances and creates extraordinary results.”

*A Vision for Africa’s Future*

As Africa stands at a crossroads—blessed with unprecedented youth, resources, and potential, yet still grappling with systemic challenges—leaders like Ugochukwu Omeogu represent a new paradigm. He embodies the possibility of transformation not through external intervention, but through the conscious reconstruction of how Africans see themselves and their potential.

His work with diverse clientele across multiple continents proves that his message transcends geography and culture. Yet his heart remains firmly planted in African soil, committed to ensuring that every African home receives the wealth education necessary for generational transformation.

“We don’t live in the same world,” Ugochukwu reminds us. “The world is our imagination about what we think is possible.” For the thousands of executives, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders who have encountered his teaching, that imagination has been forever expanded.

In an era where Africa desperately needs authentic voices speaking transformation rather than just motivation, Ugochukwu Omeogu stands as a rare breed: a consultant who has walked the halls of global power, yet returns to lift others; a leader who has transcended his own limitations, yet dedicates his life to helping others do the same; a visionary who doesn’t just talk about change, but architects it through the systematic reconstruction of identity.

Today, as he continues to train, mentor, and transform leaders across continents, Ugochukwu Omeogu’s impact ripples through families, organizations, and communities. Each executive trained becomes a multiplier of excellence. Each entrepreneur mentored becomes a creator of opportunities. Each mind transformed becomes a beacon of possibility.

In the final analysis, Ugochukwu Omeogu’s greatest achievement may not be the impressive roster of organizations he’s consulted for, nor the Fortune 500 companies he’s trained. It may be something far more profound: he has shown an entire continent that true wealth begins not with what you have, but with who you choose to become.
And in that choice—that conscious construction of identity beyond circumstance, beyond history, beyond limitation—lies the seed of Africa’s greatest transformation yet.

“Obstacles don’t define you; your response does. That same resilience can power you from any starting point to extraordinary achievement.”

*Contact Information*

For speaking engagements, corporate training, or private individuals are encouraged to connect through MERIGNOS CONSULTING AND MENTORING LTD.

Email: merignos@gmail.com | info@ugochukwuomeogu.com Social Media: @ugochukwuomeogu on all platforms

The revolution of African excellence continues—one transformed identity at a time.

Ugochukwu Omeogu presents revolutionary wealth philosophy to hundreds of business leaders in Abuja

The Social Media Festival (SMFEST) held in the nation’s capital last week became the stage for one of the most thought-provoking business presentations of the year, as renowned Wealth Strategist Ugochukwu Omeogu challenged conventional thinking about success and prosperity.

The event, which drew hundreds of Nigeria’s brightest entrepreneurial minds, featured several high-profile speakers. However, it was Omeogu’s revolutionary approach to wealth creation that left the audience buzzing with a message that could potentially transform how young Africans pursue business success.

Shifting the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Ugochukwu, founder of the Wealthinaire concept—a concept dedicated to teaching sustainable wealth creation principles across Africa—delivered what many attendees described as a “paradigm-shifting” presentation that challenged deeply held beliefs about money and motivation.

“Many people struggle to achieve lasting success because they are ‘struggling to survive’ rather than ‘creating to succeed,’” Ugochukwu told the packed venue. “This distinction makes all the difference in the world.”

The Poverty Trap: When Motivation Becomes the Problem

In what may be his most controversial assertion, the wealth educator argued that using poverty as motivation actually perpetuates it. “If you come from a poor family and for the reason of that poverty you want to become successful, you multiply poverty,” he stated, drawing audible reactions from the crowd.

Ugochukwu explained that when poverty itself becomes the primary motivator, entrepreneurs remain mentally trapped in scarcity thinking. “The more you focus on what you don’t want—the hardship, the lack, the struggle the more that circumstance multiplies in your experience,” he said.

Using a striking analogy, he added: “Poverty is a gentleman that doesn’t disturb those who don’t disturb him.” The message was clear: constantly fighting against poverty paradoxically gives it more power.

Consciousness Over Circumstances

At the heart of Ugochukwu’s philosophy lies a simple but powerful principle: “Your consciousness determines your outcome.” He emphasized that the answers to financial questions lie “at the root of your philosophy”—in other words, lasting change begins with transforming one’s thinking before attempting to change circumstances.

“Success is not determined by affirmations or the words you speak,” Ugochukwu clarified. “It’s determined by the consciousness of your prevailing thoughts the beliefs and mental patterns that run constantly in the
background of your mind.”

From Family Survival to Global Impact

The wealth strategist observed a common pattern among Nigerian entrepreneurs: most start businesses driven by personal family needs. “They think: ‘How do I help my mom? How do I help my dad? How do I support my siblings?’” he noted.

While acknowledging these as “wonderful things,” Ugochukwu argued they are rooted in scarcity thinking that keeps entrepreneurs operating at the level of the problem they’re trying to solve.

The transformative shift, he urged, is moving from personal survival to universal value creation. “Instead of asking ‘How do I get my family out of poverty?’ ask ‘How do I create value for people I don’t even know?’”

This seemingly small shift in perspective, according to Ugochukwu, taps into an entirely different level of consciousness—one that naturally attracts wealth and abundance. “When you adopt this value-centric mentality, wealth will come, and taking care of your family becomes a natural thing,” he promised.

Implications for Nigeria’s Economic Future

The implications of Ugochukwu’s philosophy extend beyond individual success stories. Industry observers suggest that if widely adopted, this mindset shift could fundamentally transform Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Currently, much of the nation’s entrepreneurial energy is directed toward survival individuals trying to lift themselves and their immediate families out of poverty. While understandable, this approach keeps thinking small-scale and impact limited.

Ugochukwu’s approach encourages Nigerian entrepreneurs to think in terms of large-scale value creation— building solutions that serve millions and creating systems that generate sustainable wealth through contribution rather than extraction.

A Growing Movement

As a Global Speaker and thought leader in financial consciousness, Ugochukwu has been spreading his wealth education mission across Africa through various platforms, including live events, YouTube, and Wealthinaire’s programs.

His mission is to democratize “wealth education to every home” on the continent, not through complex financial strategies, but through fundamental consciousness transformation. He teaches that before Africans can build wealth externally, they must first become “a solution to other people” internally—in their thinking, philosophy, and sense of purpose.

Audience Response

Attendees at SMFEST expressed strong reactions to the presentation. Many young entrepreneurs indicated they
would be re-examining their business motivations and strategies in light of Ugochukwu’s teachings.

“This completely changes how I’ve been approaching my business,” said one participant who wished to remain anonymous. “I’ve been so focused on escaping poverty that I never considered I might be perpetuating it.”

The Social Media Festival continues to be one of Nigeria’s premier gatherings for entrepreneurs, content creators, and business innovators, providing a platform for transformative ideas that shape the nation’s economic future.

For Nigerian entrepreneurs present at SMFEST, Ugochukwu’s message offered something more valuable than networking opportunities or business strategies—a complete reimagining of what success means and how it’s achieved, one conscious thought at a time.

Ugochukwu Omeogu is a Wealth Strategist, Global Speaker, and Founder of the Wealthinaire concept. He specializes in wealth consciousness and financial literacy education across Africa.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has applauded the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for securing the conviction of Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, over charges of sexual harassment and exploitation of female students.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC described the judgment as a “landmark conviction” that sends a strong warning that abuse of power within Nigeria’s academic system will no longer go unpunished. Rafsanjani noted that sexual harassment constitutes a form of gender-based corruption and stressed that no individual, regardless of office, should misuse their authority for personal favours.

“Lecturers have a duty of care towards their students and must uphold it at all times,” the statement read. “Institutions of learning must remain safe spaces for young people, especially young women who deserve dignity, respect, and protection.”

CISLAC called on victims and witnesses of sexual harassment to speak out and encouraged tertiary institutions to strengthen policies and reporting mechanisms that safeguard students. The organisation also highlighted its long-standing collaboration with the ICPC and other stakeholders through advocacy campaigns, sensitisation programmes, and its Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC), which receives complaints, provides free legal guidance, and forwards verified cases to relevant authorities for appropriate action.

Rafsanjani further commended the Senate and House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly for passing the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the bill once it is transmitted to the Presidency, stressing that its enactment would significantly curb the growing menace of sexual exploitation on campuses.

“The bill, once signed into law, will strengthen accountability and ensure that offenders face the full weight of justice,” he said.

CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors, promoting institutional reforms, and ensuring that Nigerian campuses become environments where students can learn without fear of intimidation, exploitation, or abuse.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, 17 November 2025, charged African nations to dismantle inefficient borders, modernise their Customs systems and commit to a unified trade architecture capable of reshaping the continent’s economic future.

Declaring open the maiden Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Africa’s prosperity depends on deliberate reforms that convert its large market and population into a functional economic bloc.

Shettima told delegates that Africa must replace fragmented markets with coordinated policy implementation, stressing that every country must demonstrate political will, institutional alignment and the readiness to deploy technology that simplifies trade.

He said, “The administration’s reform, exchange rate unification, fuel subsidy removal, port modernisation, and stronger Customs digitalisation, were designed to create a trade-friendly environment that could compete globally and power Nigeria’s continental ambitions.”

The VP stated that Nigeria’s National Single Window, set to go live in March 2026, will significantly reduce clearance timelines from 21 days to under seven, thereby fully aligning the country with the AfCFTA’s digital trade requirements and positioning Nigeria as a standard-setter in port automation.

Shettima urged African governments to transform commitments into measurable outcomes that traders, manufacturers and logistics operators can feel daily, saying “Integration cannot be declared. It must be engineered.”

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the extension of his mandate by President Tinubu included key performance indicators directly tied to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He stated that Nigeria’s Customs Service has, over the last three months, intensified its engagement with Customs administrations across Africa to ensure that Customs is properly integrated into the AfCFTA implementation structures.

He recalled recent engagements in Ghana with the AfCFTA Secretariat, emphasising that Customs must drive rules of origin enforcement, preferential duty implementation and trade preference administration, core elements that determine whether AfCFTA works in reality or remains aspirational.

The CGC stated that implementing a free trade agreement requires significant capacity building and a strong political commitment, as it involves the progressive suspension of Customs duties among member states.

He explained that past regional integration efforts, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, suffered setbacks because participating countries failed to implement commitments consistently, stressing that AfCFTA must avoid that pattern.

According to him, African economies are divided into regions with varying levels of readiness. Still, recent engagements have helped build consensus that Customs must sit at the centre of AfCFTA execution.

CGC Adeniyi said his persistent advocacy for Customs inclusion at continental meetings led to the emergence of C-PACT, a framework designed to foster direct partnerships among African Customs administrations, private-sector operators, regulators and international partners.

He said Nigeria’s export volume has increased by more than 30 percent in two years, and the objective now is to redirect more of that trade into African markets where the opportunities are larger and the impact on continental growth more meaningful.

The Customs CG further commended AfreximBank, the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, commercial banks, NPA and other agencies for aligning with the Customs Service to deepen trade facilitation.

He also announced that 30 African Customs administrations have registered for the conference, including 22 represented at the Director-General level, with strong participation from West, Central, East, Southern and North Africa.

He added that for the first time, the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation is attending a Nigeria-hosted Customs conference, signalling strong global support for Nigeria’s leadership role.

He said the conference will begin with private-sector sessions to understand the challenges traders face, including non-tariff barriers, cargo delays and inconsistent implementation of trade preferences across Africa.

Representing the Minister of Finance, Dr Wale Edun, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Anite, stated that customs reforms are central to Nigeria’s fiscal transformation.

She said efficient border operations reduce the cost of doing business, boost investor confidence and help Nigeria compete in regional and global markets.

Anite noted the government’s support for complete digitisation of Customs operations, improved risk management systems and harmonisation with global standards.

On her part, the Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Jumoke Oduwole, said the AfCFTA remains Africa’s most crucial economic instrument but warned that structural delays and outdated systems still hinder its impact.

She highlighted reforms undertaken with the Nigeria Customs Service, including tariff concession schedules and a dedicated air-cargo export corridor to East and Southern Africa.

World Customs Organisation Secretary-General Ian Saunders said Africa’s economic forecast for 2025 shows strong growth, but the continent’s ability to harness that potential depends heavily on Customs efficiency.

Recalling one of the WCO motto: “Borders divide; Customs connects,” Sanders said, the C-PACT aligns closely with WCO’s mission to support Customs administrations globally through standards, capacity building and operational guidance.

Meanwhile, AfreximBank’s Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade, Kanayo Awani, stated that the Bank is supporting Customs modernisation across Africa, including transit-bond guarantees, digital tracking systems, and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund to help countries offset tariff revenue losses.

She said Africa cannot realise the benefits of AfCFTA without harmonised systems and interoperable Customs operations.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said that implementing the agreement’s annexes on Customs cooperation, transit, and trade facilitation requires Customs leadership at every stage.

He praised Nigeria’s leadership and the CGC’s role as Chair of the WCO Council, stating that Africa relies on Customs to translate trade rules into practical border outcomes that lower costs, reduce bureaucracy, and protect market access for African products.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Transparency International – Nigeria, has called on the National Assembly to raise the proposed women’s recruitment quota in the Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill from 15% to a minimum of 30%, in line with the African Union and ECOWAS benchmarks on gender inclusion in security sector governance. The National Policy of Women, adopted in 2000, recommended a 30% reservation for women in appointments.

The Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, made the submission during the Public Hearing organised by the House Committee on Police Affairs at the National Assembly on Monday, 17 November 2025. He was represented by the organisation’s Senior Programme Officer, Gimba Suleiman Hassan, Esq.

In its presentation, CISLAC reiterated that a 30% benchmark is not only globally recognised as the minimum threshold for meaningful representation but a necessary corrective to decades of structural exclusion of women in policing. The organisation emphasised that women currently constitute less than 11% of the Nigeria Police Force, a figure far below regional and international standards for inclusive policing.

CISLAC’s recommendation was met with applause from stakeholders at the hearing, with several panel members expressing willingness to consider a compromise starting point of 20%. The organisation welcomed the openness of the Committee and encouraged lawmakers to be bold and progressive in adopting stronger gender reforms.

During the hearing, the Head of the Legal Unit at the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr Okorie Kalu, announced that the Ministry is developing new Police Regulations to eliminate discriminatory criteria. The new rules, he stated, will remove marital and pregnancy restrictions, abolish gender-based duty assignments, and end gendered dress codes—reforms long advocated by CISLAC.

As part of its broader recommendations, CISLAC also called for:
• Phasing out analogue record-keeping at all levels of the Police Force;
• Establishment of a digital, unified, and perpetual record system for crimes, especially those involving gender-based violence (GBV) and human rights violations;
• Mandatory documentation of investigative outcomes and prosecutions in a transparent and accessible format;
• Creation of a Gender and Inclusion Compliance Directorate with the statutory authority to monitor recruitment, training, postings, promotions, and disciplinary procedures;
• Compulsory gender-responsive budgeting across the Police Force;
• Annual gender audits and public reporting to strengthen accountability.

CISLAC stressed that modern policing in a 21st-century democracy cannot operate on outdated, analogue, or discriminatory frameworks. It noted that a digitised and gender-responsive system enhances professionalism, improves public trust, and strengthens Nigeria’s ability to prevent and prosecute GBV, human rights abuses, and corruption-related offences.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Assembly in developing a more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and rights-based Police Force capable of responding to Nigeria’s security challenges in line with global best practices.

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral CD Okehie, on Tuesday 18 November 2025, flagged off Exercise DIN MINGI. The ceremony was held onboard Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE.

Exercise DIN MINGI, which means “Safe Waters” in the Ibani dialect of Rivers State, is themed “Protecting Critical Infrastructure Through Inter-Agency Collaboration.” The sea exercise is aimed at assessing the operational readiness of the Eastern Fleet and strengthening synergy among maritime security agencies.

The Exercise will feature the deployment of nine Nigerian Navy ships, including NNS SHERE, NNS OJI, NNS EKULU, NNS ZUR, NNS BURUTU, NNS GONGOLA, NNS BADAGRY, NNS OSE and NNS SHIRORO. Additional assets include Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force helicopters, Epsilon EP55 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and multipurpose assault boats from both the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy.

The operations will cover the Eastern Naval Command’s Area of Responsibility and will test the Fleet’s logistical endurance, tactical response capabilities, and command-and-control systems in a simulated multi-threat environment. The Exercise is also expected to deepen collaboration with maritime partners and security agencies, while reinforcing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding mariners and ensuring safe and secure waterways for economic activities.

The Exercise will feature a range of scenarios including anti-piracy and anti-hijacking drills, anti-drug trafficking operations, anti-oil theft and illegal bunkering missions, fleet manoeuvres, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and Flag Officer Commanding Easten Naval Command Rear Admiral Okehie, expressed confidence that the Exercise will sharpen operational readiness, improve inter-agency coordination, and enhance collective capacity to combat maritime crime. He noted that the initiative reflects a shared determination to maintain safe and secure waters.

The Officer in Tactical Command, Rear Admiral KO Oguntuga, in his remarks urged participating personnel to approach the Exercise with professionalism, vigilance, and strict adherence to safety, noting that every operation at sea offers an opportunity to refine skills and strengthen teamwork.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officers and key dignitaries including the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General EE Emekah; the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral EA Zipelle; Group Captain AA Okpaleye Commander 115 special operation Command, Commanders, Commandants and Commanding Officers of Units, Ships and Establisments, The Nigerian Police force, Nigerian security and civil defence corp, National Drug Law enforment agency, Nigerian Liquefied Natural gas amongst others

The event concluded with the official flag-off, a group photograph, and a press briefing by the FOC Eastern Naval Command.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, has renewed the Bank’s call for young Nigerians to embrace a savings culture, urging them to see savings as a lifelong discipline for creating stability and financial resilience.

Mr. Kolawole gave the charge while addressing students of Alvana Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State, as part of the financial literacy training organized by the Bank to mark this year’s World Savings Day.

Represented by Mr. William Odigie, Unity Bank’s Zonal Head, South East/South South, Mr. Kolawole reaffirmed Unity Bank’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion among young Nigerians as it joined global institutions to commemorate this year’s World Savings Day, themed “Beyond Savings – Building Financial Resilience.”

The Bank participated in nationwide Financial Literacy Training sessions held simultaneously across the country, an initiative led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bankers’ Committee, Deposit Money Banks and Junior Achievement Nigeria, aimed at improving financial inclusion and equipping young people with essential money management skills.

Speaking during the training, Mr. Kolawole stressed that “savings is foundational to financial planning, financial management and investment, and therefore the Youth must imbibe the culture of savings not just as mere financial activity, but to enable them to create financial security and independence in the long run”.

He noted that Unity Bank continues to prioritise financial literacy initiatives because early exposure to money management helps young people mitigate uncertainties and economic shocks that may hinder their ability to meeting goals.

The training sessions, facilitated by Unity Bank staff across multiple states, exposed students to practical lessons on budgeting, financial goals and seminar classes and workshops.

World Savings Day, celebrated annually on October 31, promotes the importance of savings as a cornerstone of economic resilience. In Nigeria, Deposit Money Banks collaborate with the CBN and partner organisations to deliver training programmes that equip students with lifelong financial skills.

Unity Bank’s participation reflects its ongoing dedication to supporting youth development and strengthening the financial literacy ecosystem across the country.