Category: News

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria to adopt a new agenda that goes beyond routine advocacy and monitoring, and to embrace knowledge-driven leadership in the governance of the country’s extractive industries.

Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, made this call on Monday, September 8, 2025, during a courtesy visit to the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in Abuja.

Dr. Orji said the evolving realities of global energy transition, fiscal pressures, and governance challenges demand a stronger role for civil society in shaping extractive sector reforms.

“Civil society must move from simply demanding accountability to providing knowledge-based, evidence-driven, and solution-oriented leadership that adds real value to governance,” he said. “This new agenda calls for leadership in energy transition accountability, fiscal justice, contract analysis, and vigilance in curbing illicit financial flows.”

He highlighted ongoing institutional linkages by NEITI, including collaborations with the EFCC, ICPC, NFIU, and NNPC Ltd., as well as the establishment of a Data Centre to provide real-time disclosures on revenues, ownership, and host community funds. According to him, these platforms are open opportunities for CSOs to deepen their civic impact.

The NEITI boss specifically challenged CISLAC to take the lead in driving civil society’s contribution to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process. He recommended that CISLAC expand its information platforms from bulletins to peer-reviewed scholarly journals that could support research, teaching, and global thought leadership.

In his welcome address, CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Hon. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, reaffirmed CISLAC’s long-standing partnership with NEITI and its role in establishing Nigeria’s EITI framework. He noted that the collaboration between both institutions has historically advanced transparency and accountability in the oil, gas, and solid minerals sectors.

Rafsanjani acknowledged NEITI’s contributions through data disclosures and reforms, while stressing the need for stronger accountability at sub-national levels and tangible benefits for communities in extractive regions.

“Today, Nigeria is navigating complex challenges—declining oil revenues, energy transition, and governance risks in the solid minerals sector. This makes our collaboration with NEITI even more urgent,” Rafsanjani said.

He outlined areas of future partnership, including tracking audit recommendations, legislative advocacy, capacity building for journalists and parliamentarians, and safeguarding civic space in extractive governance.

Both leaders agreed that the future of Nigeria’s extractive governance depends largely on how civil society evolves from watchdogs to solution providers, and from observers to reform architects.

The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations, recording significant successes between September 1 and 5, 2025. The operations led to the neutralisation of four terrorists, arrest of 64 criminal suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of weapons, ammunition, and logistics.

In the North East, troops of 117 Task Force Battalion, supported by Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilantes, engaged terrorists at Yimurmuze in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one and seizing an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 24 rounds of ammunition. Similarly, troops of 159 Battalion in Geidam LGA neutralised another terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle with two magazines. In Adamawa State, 115 Task Force Battalion apprehended eight suspected cattle rustlers in Askira Uba, recovering a Dane gun, cartridges, knives, bows and arrows, and mobile phones. Troops also discovered improvised explosive devices in New Marte, disrupting planned attacks.

In the North West, airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with ground troops, destroyed terrorist hideouts at Zango in Katsina State. Intercepted communications confirmed up to 15 terrorists were killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds. In Sokoto State, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion arrested two terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Gudu LGA.

In the North Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised an armed herder in Logo LGA, Benue State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. In Niger State, soldiers rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered 28 rustled cows during coordinated air and ground operations in Mariga LGA.

Elsewhere across the country, the Army also recorded major breakthroughs. In Kaduna State, 19 suspects were arrested in raid operations across Unguwan Dosa, Rigasa, Mando, and Tudun Wada. In Rivers State, troops uncovered 35 sacks of illegally refined petroleum products, amounting to about 1,750 litres, and arrested a suspect despite stiff resistance from bunkerers. In Delta State, soldiers working alongside the NDLEA apprehended three drug peddlers in Sapele, seizing cocaine, tramadol, and other illicit substances, while in Oshimili South LGA, two suspected IPOB/ESN members linked to improvised explosive device production were arrested.

Operations also extended to Lagos, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory, leading to the arrest of armed robbers, kidnappers, and drug dealers, with recoveries of firearms, ammunition, and narcotics.

The Army said the sustained operations are part of efforts to stabilise communities, dismantle criminal networks, and create an enabling environment for agricultural and socio-economic activities in support of the Federal Government’s drive for food security.

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a De Minimis Threshold Value of $300 for low-value consignments, in a move aimed at simplifying clearance procedures and boosting trade facilitation in line with global best practices.

The decision was reached at the Board’s 63rd regular meeting, held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. The policy takes effect from Monday, September 8, 2025.

Explaining the framework, the Board noted that the $300 threshold will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage, with a restriction of four importations per annum. Goods falling under this category will be exempted from import duties and taxes, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items.

The Service also clarified that consignments within the threshold will enjoy immediate clearance without post-release documentation. However, it warned that strict enforcement measures would be applied against any attempt to manipulate invoices or evade duties. Penalties include forfeiture, arrest, and sanctions under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

To ensure smooth implementation, the Service announced plans to establish multi-channel helpdesks that will serve as engagement points for stakeholders, providing compliance guidance and resolving complaints. The initiative is expected to stimulate cross-border e-commerce, reduce delays, and consolidate Nigeria’s position as a leader in trade facilitation across the region.

Beyond policy decisions, the Board also addressed disciplinary cases involving officers, following viral social media videos showing acts of misconduct. Two officers were demoted and subjected to mandatory medical re-evaluation, while two others were reinstated after a favourable review of their cases.

The Board issued a stern warning against substance abuse and other unethical conduct among personnel, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Reaffirming its stance, the Customs Service pledged continued commitment to accountability, discipline, and integrity, with reforms designed to strengthen public trust and ensure fairness in operations.

The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide operations against terrorism and criminality, recording significant breakthroughs between September 1 and 5, 2025. The operations led to the neutralization of four terrorists, arrest of 64 suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of weapons, ammunition, and other logistics.

In the North East, troops of 117 Task Force Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilantes, engaged terrorists in Yimurmuze, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one terrorist and seizing an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 24 rounds of ammunition. Similarly, troops of 159 Battalion in Geidam, Yobe State, neutralized another terrorist, recovering weapons and ammunition, while 115 Task Force Battalion in Askira Uba, Adamawa State, arrested eight suspected cattle rustlers with assorted weapons and communication gadgets. Soldiers also discovered improvised explosive devices in New Marte.

In the North West, coordinated strikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and ground troops targeted terrorist hideouts in Zango, Katsina State, killing up to 15 insurgents, according to intercepted communications. In Sokoto State, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion arrested two terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Gudu Local Government Area.

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North Central region neutralized one armed herder during a gun duel in Logo, Benue State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. In Niger State, joint air and ground operations in Mariga LGA led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims and the recovery of 28 rustled cattle.

Similar successes were recorded across other regions. In Kaduna State, 19 suspects were arrested during raids in Unguwan Dosa, Rigasa, Mando, and Tudun Wada. In Rivers State, soldiers uncovered 35 sacks of illegally refined petroleum products, amounting to about 1,750 litres, and arrested a suspect despite resistance from bunkerers. In Delta State, troops working with the NDLEA arrested three drug peddlers in Sapele, seizing cocaine, tramadol, and other illicit substances. In Oshimili South LGA, troops arrested two suspected IPOB/ESN members linked to improvised explosive device production.

Further operations in Lagos, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory also led to the arrest of armed robbers, kidnappers, and drug traffickers, as well as the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and illicit substances.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security across the country and creating a safe environment for farming and other socio-economic activities, in line with the Federal Government’s agenda on food security.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced live operations of its Automated Excise Register System (ERS), marking a significant step in its ongoing trade modernisation agenda aimed at strengthening excise administration and transparency.

According to the Service, the ERS officially went live after the successful conclusion of a pilot phase carried out between July and August 2025. The system has now been deployed at three strategic excise factories — British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) PLC in Oyo State, International Tobacco Company (ITC) Limited in Kwara State, and Leaf Tobacco & Commodities Nigeria Ltd in Kaduna State.

The facilities were selected as pilot sites due to their prominence in the excise sector and their capacity to provide a strong foundation for nationwide implementation. During the test phase, the system recorded a 75 per cent efficiency score at BATN, integrated production and reporting systems across the factories, and improved collaboration between Customs officers and factory management teams.

With the system now live, all excise-related transactions at the pilot factories — including the recording of production figures, computation of excise duties, and generation of statutory reports — will be conducted exclusively through the ERS. The NCS stated that the platform is expected to drastically reduce manual documentation, eliminate inconsistencies in data reporting, and enhance transparency within the excise value chain.

The Customs Service added that insights gained from the pilot will guide the system’s nationwide rollout, with plans to extend its coverage to other excise-regulated industries such as beverages, spirits, and segments of the manufacturing sector.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the ERS is a central pillar of the NCS’s broader Trade Modernisation Project. He called on industry operators and stakeholders to embrace the reform and provide constructive feedback to support the system’s nationwide expansion.

“The Service seeks stakeholders’ support in building a more robust and transparent excise regime that fosters compliance, enhances operational efficiency, and guarantees sustainable revenue growth for the Federal Government,” he stated.

The Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to equity, transparency, and inclusiveness in governance, calling for stronger collaboration with civil society organizations in promoting awareness and accountability across Nigeria.

He made this known while welcoming members of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) during an advocacy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Highlighting the FCC’s constitutional mandate, the Chairman explained that the Commission’s role extends beyond Abuja and federal ministries, stressing that equity in appointments, promotions, and resource distribution must be reflected at all levels of governance.

“Our jurisdiction goes beyond federal institutions. At the state level, governors must ensure diversity in governance, while at the local government level, recruitment and projects must reflect fairness across wards and communities. Even in the private sector, corporations employing thousands of Nigerians are expected to embrace inclusivity in their workforce and leadership,” he said.

According to him, the federal character principle is not an administrative exercise but the foundation of national unity in a diverse country of over 250 ethnic groups. “Equity must be systemic. It must flow from the centre to the grassroots, touching every Nigerian where they live and work,” he added.

On the role of civil society, the FCC Chairman emphasized that NGOs are indispensable partners in bridging the Commission’s limited reach. He noted that groups like CISLAC play a vital role in sensitizing citizens about their rights, monitoring compliance, and raising alarms where exclusion or imbalance occurs.

“Civil society creates trust between institutions and citizens. When groups like CISLAC stand beside the FCC to advocate fairness, Nigerians are reassured that inclusivity is a shared value,” he said.

Calling for stronger partnership, the Chairman urged CISLAC to help expand grassroots awareness of the federal character principle and to hold institutions at all levels accountable. He assured that the Commission remains open to collaboration and committed to enforcing equity across public and private sectors.

The advocacy visit, he noted, underscores the importance of working together to ensure that no Nigerian feels excluded and that opportunities are fairly shared as part of a collective effort to strengthen national unity.