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ADC membership flooded with fake identities – VP Shettima slams opposition

Vice President Kashim Shettima has taken a swipe at opposition parties, accusing them of thriving on “lies and hypocrisy.”

He insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is in a stronger political position than in 2023.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at an interfaith breaking of fast for Ramadan and Lent held at the State House, Shettima criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its push for electronic transmission of votes.

He alleged that when the party opened its portal for membership registration, it was “overwhelmed by an avalanche of fake names and fictitious identities.”

“The same people who were adamant that we must have electronic transmission of votes opened their portal for membership registration, and it was flooded with fake names and fictitious identities,” the Vice President said.

Taking a broader swipe at opposition politics in the country, Shettima declared that misinformation has become their driving force.

“You and I know that, as Winston Churchill once said, ‘truth is so precious that it must be surrounded by a bodyguard of lies.’ Lies, lies, lies that is what is driving the opposition in this country,” he stated.

Addressing the gathering of political and religious leaders, Shettima urged party faithful to remain united as the political season approaches.

“Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the political season is around the corner. We are all political actors. We have to sell our government. We have to stand behind our administration,” he said.

He further maintained that the APC is now more politically comfortable than it was during the 2023 general elections.

“Politically speaking, we are in a more comfortable position now than in 2023,” he said.

On the recent wave of defections into the ruling party, Shettima insisted that governors joining the APC were doing so voluntarily.

“Nobody is coercing the governors of Rivers, Delta, Kano or any other state to join the APC. It is at their own volition because they have seen the light,” he added.

admin by — March 5, 2026 in News 0
2027: We have 31 govs in APC, more still coming — Gov Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has boasted that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has 31 governors, stressing that more are expected to join.

Okpebholo said this on Wednesday during the official reception of defectors in Benin City, the state capital.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the people of Edo State over their support for the ruling party.

“Let me start by thanking Edo people for the unity that is binding us together and making us one party.

“We now have 31 governors in the All Progressives Congress, APC. And I want to tell you that more governors are still coming to join us.

“I want to also express my profound gratitude to our father, for whom we are here today, President Bola Tinubu.

“He’s being so good to us and we promise to deliver Edo State to him come 2027 general elections,” the governor said.

admin by — March 5, 2026 in News 0
Abia govt seals hotels, water factory for EIA default, unwholesome channeling of waste

Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, has sealed up eight facilities in Umuahia, the State capital, for alleged failure to comply with Environmental Impact Assessment.

Some of the sealed facilities were also alleged to have channelled their wastes improperly in a way they polluted the environment and were consequently sealed by ASEPA, with a court order.

The affected companies included Pros P and Nova Heaven Apartment Hotels Amakama, Rich Vision Water, Confidence Hotels, Waveron Gas, Delatinos Event Centre, Hilltop Hotels and Bar, among others.

Explaining the action of his office, the General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Mr Ogbonnaya Okereke, said the action followed a court order.

Mr Okereke, who spoke through the Head Monitoring and Revenue ASEPA, Mr Okpara Macauley frowned at the attitude of owners of the sealed property for allegedly operating without due authorization and without obtaining Environmental Impact Assessment.

Okereke also said that the facilities did not have an Environmental Evaluation Reports, and also channelled wastes from their facilities wrongly.

He advised those establishing eateries, hotels, among other companies, to ensure that they obtained the necessary requirements, warning that failure to comply attracts penalty in line with the law.

One of the sealed hospitality companies was ordered to pay N2.5 million fine to the State government and another N50,000 to the Abia State Judiciary account as penalty.

admin by — March 5, 2026 in News 0
Nigeria Police understaffed, underfunded – Inalegwu

Former Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Wilson Inalegwu, says the Nigeria Police Force is understaffed, underfunded and under-equipped.

Inalegwu stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

He also said that the job of the Nigeria Police Force is done by the military and other security agencies.

The ex-Police Commissioner was reacting to the demand for the creation of state police in the country, which has become a national debate.

DAILY POST recalls that the newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, on Wednesday threw his weight behind the creation of state police.

Airing his own opinion, Inalegwu said, “State police in itself is not a bad thing. The big question is that- is state police responsible for the challenges of insecurity that we have Today?

“The problem is because the police are understaffed, underfunded, unequipped, and so ordinarily the job that should be that of the Nigeria Police Force is now ware-housed in the military.

“One of the critical challenges of security management is coordination and collaboration. The Constitution is very clear. Section 214 states that there shall be one established federal police in Nigeria.”

admin by — March 5, 2026 in News 0
Tinubu renews NIPSS DG appointment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renewal of Prof. Ayo Omotayo’s appointment as Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, granting him a final four-year term.

The decision was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the President’s spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the renewal underscores the administration’s confidence in Omotayo’s leadership and his contributions to strategic policy formulation and national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Omotayo was first appointed to the position in November 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

His appointment was subsequently confirmed by the Senate in February 2022.

A Professor of Environmental Sustainability, Omotayo holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Ibadan, where he studied between 1980 and 1990.

He began his academic career at Lagos State University in 1985 and rose swiftly through the ranks, becoming a Senior Lecturer in 1992 at the age of 30.

He later served as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences from 2012 to 2017 and, prior to his appointment as NIPSS Director-General in 2021, was Director of the Centre for Planning at Lagos State University.

NIPSS, Nigeria’s premier policy think tank, plays a pivotal role in training senior public officials and fostering informed discourse on national policy and strategic governance.

admin by — March 5, 2026 in News 0
NIPCO to deploy 20 new CNG stations nationwide

cngNIPCO Gas Limited has announced that it is constructing 20 additional compressed natural gas stations across Nigeria as part of efforts to deepen gas utilisation and support the Federal Government’s clean energy and post-subsidy reform agenda.

The Managing Director of NIPCO Gas Limited, Nagendra Verma, disclosed this during a media engagement held recently at his office in Lagos, where the company outlined its ongoing expansion initiatives within Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

“Aligned with the Federal Government’s clean energy and post-subsidy reform agenda, NIPCO Gas Limited, in a joint venture with NGML, is currently constructing 20 additional Compressed Natural Gas stations across Nigeria,” Verma stated.

He added that the expansion also includes the development of strategic compression hubs to support distribution nationwide. According to him, the nationwide rollout is designed to improve access to gas-powered mobility infrastructure along critical routes and urban centres.

Verma elaborated, “In addition, CNG mother stations located at Lekki and Ore are at advanced stages of completion.

These facilities will serve as primary compression and dispatch hubs, enabling the efficient supply of CNG to daughter stations and industrial customers across various regions.

“The nationwide expansion is strategically designed to ensure broader coverage along key transport corridors and high-traffic urban centres, thereby improving accessibility and affordability of CNG for commercial vehicles, fleet operators, mass transit systems, and private motorists.”

He explained that the company would leverage a network-based distribution model to extend supply beyond pipeline-connected locations.

“Through the mother-daughter network model, reliable gas supply will be extended to areas not directly connected to pipeline infrastructure,” he added.

Verma stressed that all facilities under development are being executed in line with regulatory and safety standards, adding that the expansion would have broader economic and environmental benefits.

“This expansion is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, reduce transportation fuel costs, stimulate enterprises within the mobility value chain, lower carbon emissions, and contribute to improved air quality,” he highlighted.

Emphasising the company’s wider commitment to Nigeria’s gas development agenda, Mr Verma said NIPCO Gas remains well positioned to advance energy security and sustainable growth through continued infrastructure investments.

Beyond the CNG rollout, the company is also expanding pipeline and distribution infrastructure in the South-West. Mr Verma disclosed that, pursuant to a mandate granted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NIPCO Gas Limited, in partnership with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, is constructing an 18-inch, 80-kilometre natural gas pipeline from Sagamu to Ibadan.

He stated that the project is scheduled for completion by June or July 2026 and is expected to improve gas availability for industries and commercial consumers in Ogun and Oyo states, as well as adjoining areas.

“This critical infrastructure will enhance manufacturing competitiveness, reduce production costs for industries currently dependent on alternative fuels, and stimulate regional economic growth,” he asserted.

The firm is also developing gas distribution infrastructure from Sagamu to Abeokuta in Ogun State to deepen gas penetration within the South-West.

admin by — March 5, 2026 in Business 0
Fidelity Bank Advances Financial Inclusion in Kebbi as Community Celebrates New Branch Launch

Residents of Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State have welcomed the opening of a new branch of Fidelity Bank Plc, describing it as a major milestone that will ease long-standing financial and logistics challenges faced by farmers, small-scale traders and individuals in the community.
The Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Dr. Mansur Isah-Kamba, described the branch as a welcome relief after years of limited access to formal banking services. Represented by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, Isah-Kamba noted that residents – including over 83 traditional rulers on the local government payroll—previously travelled long distances to Birnin Kebbi for routine banking transactions.
“With the opening of this branch in our locality, the stress, cost and time associated with banking outside the community will be significantly reduced,” he said. He also commended Fidelity Bank for its foresight and commitment to supporting farmers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
On his part, the Sarkin Shikon of Kamba, Alhaji Mahmoud Zarumai-Fana, described farming as the primary occupation in the area will help improve commercial activities.
“Our people are predominantly farmers. Access to financial services will help them improve productivity and livelihoods. Farmers need support such as pumping machines, fertilisers, and pesticides, and proximity to banking services will make it easier to save, access loans, and participate in agricultural intervention programmes,” he said.
Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony, Regional Bank Head, North‑West Region, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Muhammad Lawal‑Ahijo, highlighted the bank’s commitment to expanding financial access and supporting economic growth across Nigeria.
“Our decision to establish this branch is rooted in our belief that every community deserves access to reliable financial services that enable people to grow, businesses to thrive, and local economies to prosper. Kamba is a thriving agricultural community, and the decision to open a branch here is a strategic investment in the future of its farmers, traders, and households. While the infrastructure is for the bank, this branch belongs to the community. We encourage residents to take ownership by fully utilising the services available.” Lawal-Ahijo said.
He further noted the bank’s overall dedication to empowering informal sector workers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), adding, “Our goal is to bring banking closer to the people and support farmers, SMEs and households with accessible financial services that drive sustainable growth.”
In his remarks, a member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly representing Dandi Constituency, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman-Fana, said the new branch marked a significant step toward strengthening financial inclusion in rural communities.
“This is a milestone for our constituency. Financial inclusion is critical to rural development, and farmers, traders, and youths must take advantage of this opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their economic well-being,” he said.
Residents also expressed delight about the impact the new branch will have on their daily lives. A petty trader, Mrs. Hassana Abubakar, said she previously had to close her shop whenever she travelled to Birnin Kebbi for banking transactions.
“Now I can do my banking here without losing a whole day’s business. This will help my shop grow,” she said.
The opening of the Fidelity Bank branch in Kamba underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to advancing financial inclusion, supporting rural economies and empowering farmers and small businesses across Nigeria.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.
Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
admin by — March 5, 2026 in Business 0
Navy, SIFAX Deepen Strategic Partnership to Boost Maritime Security in Lagos

The Nigerian Navy and SIFAX Group have reinforced their operational partnership in a renewed push to strengthen maritime security and protect critical economic assets within Lagos, Nigeria’s foremost port city.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha, to the headquarters of SIFAX Group in Lagos.
Speaking during the engagement, Mustapha said the visit formed part of sustained efforts to deepen collaboration with key stakeholders operating within the Command’s area of responsibility. He noted that Lagos handles a substantial share of Nigeria’s cargo throughput, making strong cooperation between the Navy and major maritime operators essential.
He disclosed that the Western Naval Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations and expanded its maritime presence to enhance security across the waterways. According to him, maintaining credible security around ports and shipping corridors is vital for uninterrupted trade, energy stability and sustained investor confidence.
“Our mandate is to provide a secure maritime environment where businesses can thrive. We recognise the strategic role SIFAX Group plays in logistics, port operations, oil and gas, hospitality and the broader blue economy. Strengthening synergy with such stakeholders is critical to achieving sustainable security,” he stated.
The FOC further advocated structured information-sharing mechanisms between the Navy and maritime operators, stressing that timely intelligence from industry players serves as a force multiplier in combating criminal activities in coastal communities and along vital sea lines of communication.
Responding on behalf of the Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the Group Coordinating Director, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, reaffirmed the company’s longstanding partnership with the Nigerian Navy and pledged continued collaboration.
She described the Navy as a crucial partner in maintaining operational stability across the maritime value chain and expressed the company’s readiness to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including waterfront development, port expansion and corporate support for national defence initiatives.
“SIFAX Group remains committed to sustaining and strengthening its relationship with the Nigerian Navy.
“Security is foundational to our operations, and we will continue to cooperate in ways that promote safe waterways and national development”, she said.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to institutionalise engagement channels, enhance early coordination on strategic initiatives, and consolidate a partnership anchored on shared responsibility for national growth and maritime security.
admin by — March 5, 2026 in News 0
CBN receives locally sourced LBMA-Standard Gold into foreign reserves

…As Cardoso advocates reforms to unlock Nigeria’s mineral potential
 The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken delivery of responsibly sourced gold refined to London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Good Delivery standards into its foreign reserves.
This brings the CBN’s total gold holdings to $3.5 billion, marking a significant step in its reserve diversification strategy.
The gold, sourced in Nigeria, was aggregated by the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) through the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP).
 The programme involves local miners and operates within a responsible sourcing framework aligned with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidelines and the World Gold Council’s London Principles.
Speaking at the one-day Workshop on Strategies to Maximise the Economic Benefits of Minerals in Nigeria on Friday, February 27, 2026, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed that the CBN acquired the monetary-grade gold in Naira at pricing linked to LBMA benchmarks, a structure designed to preserve Nigeria’s foreign exchange holdings while strengthening the nation’s gold reserves. By purchasing domestically refined gold without deploying foreign currency, he said, the transaction enhances reserve accretion and supports broader macroeconomic stability objectives.
Mr. Cardoso also highlighted major shifts in global reserve management strategies, noting their increasing importance amid rising global economic uncertainties. He described the event as a reflection of Nigeria’s shared commitment to responsible and strategic management of its mineral resources. He emphasised that the workshop underscores the nation’s readiness to adapt to the realities of an evolving global economy, where resilience, diversification, and prudent governance have become increasingly vital.
He further explained that the session, convened by the CBN’s Corporate Secretariat and Reserve Management Departments, was designed to create a structured platform for engagement with key players in the gold sector and to deepen understanding of the industry’s current landscape, opportunities, and challenges across its value chain.
The Governor noted that central banks around the world are prioritising economic resilience amid persistent geopolitical and market uncertainties. Gold, he said, has regained importance as a hedge against inflation and volatility, while other critical minerals are increasingly shaping global supply chains and advanced industrial development.
Mr Cardoso emphasised that Nigeria’s immense natural and human resource potential can only be fully realised through prudence, strategic coordination, and long-term planning. He highlighted the need for strict adherence to internationally recognised standards, stressing that institutional credibility depends on strong governance frameworks.
The Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, highlighted that the successful delivery of LBMAstandard gold demonstrates the strength of the organisation’s formalisation framework and supply chain duediligence processes. The World Gold Council’s Director of Central Banks and Public Policy, Ms Kurtulus Taskale Diamondopoulos, commended both the CBN and SMDF for designing the Nigerian Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP) in line with the twelve London Principles for responsible artisanal and small-scale gold sourcing. She noted that the partnership between the CBN as sole off-taker and the SMDF as fiscal and supplychain manager offers a strong model for other countries seeking to strengthen similar programmes.
The President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Samaila Zubairu, reaffirmed AFC’s commitment to financing and formalising Nigeria’s mineral sector, stressing the importance of accurate data and mineral processing infrastructure to attract investment, improve gold recovery, reduce environmental impact and support central bank purchases. Also speaking, the Executive Vice Chairman of Kian Smith Gold Company, Ms. Nere Emiko, underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to build strategic gold reserves and leverage commodity exchanges, noting the country’s low reserve levels relative to peers and calling for greater investment in exploration and transparency.
The Domestic Gold Purchase Programme forms part of the Central Bank’s broader strategy to enhance reserve quality, reduce external vulnerabilities, and position Nigeria’s mineral wealth as a pillar of long-term economic stability.
admin by — March 5, 2026 in Business 0
Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector Loses Foreign Investment Appeal as Capital Inflows Plummet 54% in 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – March 2026 – Nigeria’s manufacturing sector suffered a sharp decline in foreign investment in 2025, even as total capital inflows into the country more than doubled, raising concerns about industrial growth and economic diversification.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), total capital importation surged by 131.96% year-on-year, reaching $16.78 billion between January and September 2025, up from $7.23 billion in the same period of 2024. However, foreign investment in manufacturing plummeted by 54.11%, dropping to just $463.52 million—a mere 2.76% of total inflows.

Quarterly Volatility Highlights Investor Caution

The data reveals erratic trends:

Q1 2025: $129.92 million

Q2 2025: $261.35 million (brief rebound)

Q3 2025: $72.25 million (steep decline)

Meanwhile, overall capital inflows remained strong, rising from $6.01 billion (Q1) to $6.24 billion (Q2) before moderating to $4.53 billion (Q3).

Why Are Investors Avoiding Manufacturing?

Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), blamed structural bottlenecks, inflation, FX volatility, and poor infrastructure for the sector’s declining appeal.

“Foreign investors are wary of long-term manufacturing projects due to high operational risks,” he said. “Unstable power, costly logistics, port inefficiencies, and policy uncertainty make Nigeria less competitive compared to sectors with quicker returns.”

Economic Diversification at Risk

Analysts warn that Nigeria’s reliance on short-term portfolio flows (rather than productive FDI) threatens job creation and industrialization. Manufacturing is crucial for economic diversification, but dwindling investment could:

Stall expansion plans

Reduce capacity utilization

Weaken job growth

What Needs to Change?

Industry leaders urge urgent reforms:

Stabilize FX & Curb Inflation – Restore investor confidence with predictable policies.

Fix Infrastructure Gaps – Reliable power, transport, and port efficiency are critical.

Ensure Policy Consistency – Clear regulations and incentives for value-added production.

Lower Financing Costs – Affordable credit is essential for local and foreign-backed ventures.

The Bottom Line

While Nigeria attracts record capital inflows, the real challenge is channeling funds into factories—not just financial markets. Without decisive action, the manufacturing slump could deepen unemployment and stall economic transformation.

admin by — March 5, 2026 in Business 0