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We can’t grant you access to El-Rufai – ICPC replies ADC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has denied a request by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to visit Nasir El-Rufai in its custody.
In a letter dated May 21, 2026, and addressed to the National Secretary of the ADC in Abuja, the Commission said the request could not be granted.

According to the letter, El-Rufai is currently standing trial before two courts, the State High Court of Justice in Kaduna and the Federal High Court, both sitting in Kaduna State.

The ICPC explained that although the defendant is in its custody by order of the courts, the matter is fully before the courts.

It added that only specific persons have been granted access to him.

“The court has granted access to the defendant to his family, doctors and counsels. These are the only category of persons granted access to see the defendant in the Commission’s custody,” the letter stated.

The Commission concluded that based on this, the ADC’s application to visit him could not be approved.

by admin — May 23, 2026 in News 0

Chinese investors may acquire 51% stake in PH, Warri refineries

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is considering an NLNG-style equity partnership that could hand Chinese investors a majority stake of about 51 per cent in the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries as part of a broader plan to rehabilitate and commercially reposition the facilities.

Details of the arrangement emerged after NNPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese firms Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co., Ltd. for what the national oil company described as a “potential technical equity partnership”.

The MoU was signed in Jiaxing City, China, on April 30, 2026, by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari; Chairman of Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong; and Chairman of Xinganchen Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi.

Findings by The PUNCH on Thursday showed that the proposed framework goes beyond conventional refinery rehabilitation contracts and may involve long-term equity participation by the Chinese partners in both refining as

Sources at the national oil firm privy to the MoU told our correspondent that the proposed partnership is being structured around an “NLNG-type model” featuring equity participation, joint governance arrangements, and long-term operational involvement.

They disclosed that the structure may be similar to NLNG’s, where investors own 51 per cent equity, participate in governance, and share operational responsibilities over the long term. Under the proposed collaboration, the Chinese firms are expected to support the completion of outstanding work at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

The agreement also covers operations and maintenance services aimed at achieving what NNPC described as “best-in-class, sustainable performance”. According to findings, the planned upgrades would also expand refinery capacity, improve profitability, and raise fuel production standards to cleaner specifications.

The parties are equally exploring expansion into petrochemicals and gas-based industrial projects through the development of co-located industrial hubs around the refinery complexes.

“The scope includes capacity expansion, yield optimisation, petrochemical integration, and compliance with clean fuel standards and exploration of gas-based industrial projects in Nigeria,” an NNPC official said, pleading anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Ojulari described the agreement as a major milestone after more than six months of engagement between NNPC and the Chinese firms. “All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainable profitability of NNPC’s refining assets in Nigeria and the collective weight required for success,” he said.

Ojulari added that the agreement marked an important stage in identifying technical equity partners capable of restarting and expanding the refineries. “The MoU is a significant step on the journey towards identifying potential technical equity partner(s) to restart and expand NNPC’s refineries and to explore opportunities in co-located petrochemical and gas-based industries,” he stated.

Our correspondent gathered that the MoU reflects only the parties’ intention to continue discussions in good faith, with definitive agreements still subject to regulatory and customary approvals.

Further findings showed that the implementation process would begin with technical, operational, financial, commercial, and legal due diligence before binding agreements are executed.

“The agreement is a non-binding framework, meaning it is not yet a final commercial contract. Instead, it establishes a basis for cooperation and creates a pathway toward future definitive agreements. The partnership is expected to cover four major operational areas: Sanjiang/Xinqianchen would participate in completing outstanding engineering, procurement, and construction work at the two facilities. The focus is on improving refinery reliability, safety, and efficiency to ‘best-in-class’ standards.

“Instead of a conventional contractor arrangement, the MoU suggests possible equity participation using an NLNG-type model of joint governance arrangements and a long-term partnership framework. This implies Sanjiang/Xinqianchen may take ownership or operational participation rather than acting solely as an EPC contractor. However, everything is subject to agreement.

“Also, there is a possible transformation of the refineries into commercially driven industrial assets like petrochemical and gas,” the source said.

Analysts said the shift towards an equity partnership structure may signal growing concerns within NNPC over the sustainability of previous refinery rehabilitation arrangements.

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent about the MoU, the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, said bringing in technically competent partners with equity stakes would ensure efficiency and sustainability.

On the structure of the deal, Isong stressed that the key difference is that the Chinese partners are taking equity in the assets as part owners and would want the refinery to work so they get returns on their investments.

“This is an innovative way of getting the assets to work in an efficient and sustainable way. The challenge we knew was that NNPC did not have the internal competence or capacity to run those refineries efficiently. Now, they have brought a third party, and the key difference is that the third party they have brought is taking equity. He’s a part-owner of the refinery and so would want the refinery to work so he can get returns on his investment,” Isong said.

He described the model as innovative, adding that every Nigerian would be happy if the facilities worked again. He said the NNPC did not have the internal competence and capacity to run the refineries without a technical partner.

The Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation project was earlier awarded to Italian engineering firm Maire Tecnimont, while separate rehabilitation efforts had also commenced at the Warri refinery.

The proposed arrangement could also deepen Chinese participation in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum and gas industries if discussions progress into binding commercial agreements.

by admin — May 23, 2026 in Business 0

FG targets 2,322 CNG stations by 2027

The Federal Government has said it is targeting the establishment of 2,322 Compressed Natural Gas stations nationwide by 2027 as part of efforts to deepen the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and expand gas mobility infrastructure across the country.

The Executive Chairman and Chief Executive of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electronic Vehicles, Ismaeel Ahmed, disclosed this during the Nigerian Oil and Gas Midstream and Downstream Summit organised recently by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board in Lagos.

Represented by an official of the agency, Olayinka Rufai, the chairman said the government had made significant progress in expanding CNG infrastructure and vehicle conversion across the country within less than three years.

According to him, at inception, about one state had CNG available commercially, but the gas is now available in 24 of the 36 states of the country.

“Today, in less than three years, we now have 24 states active. We are looking at what goes on elsewhere. I think we can safely say that it is probably the fastest we have seen anywhere in the world, especially if you consider the conditions under which we are doing this, the economy, and everything,” he said.

Ahmed stated that over 100,000 vehicles had already been converted to run on CNG, noting that most of them were commercial vehicles due to the government’s focus on reducing transportation costs for ordinary Nigerians.

“Because of the palliative nature with which we started, the majority of those vehicles turned out to be commercial vehicles, because we intended to make an impact that touched the common man,” he said.

He explained that the initiative was designed to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on transport costs. He disclosed that the initiative had also attracted over $1bn in investments into the CNG mobility sector.

“Also, we have been able to attract over a billion dollars of investment directly into this new industry/market called CNG for mobility,” he stated.

Speaking on infrastructure development, the PICNG boss maintained that Nigeria currently has 72 active CNG refuelling stations and 175 more under development. “And of course, from next-to-zero refueling stations outside of Benin, at our inception, over 72 active CNG stations are in Nigeria today. And believe you me, that number continues to climb,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria also has 28 compression stations in operation and 65 under development to support virtual gas pipeline distribution.

Ahmed further disclosed that more than 350 conversion centres had been established nationwide, describing them as small Nigerian businesses driving the sector’s growth.

“We have 28 compression stations in operation today. There are 65 in development. We have 72 refueling stations, which we call daughter stations, but there are 175 in development. That means that whatever number you see today, we expect to triple it in less than 18 months, which will, of course, increase the capacity to supply, which we hope should drive greater interest and greater demand.

”We have done this primarily without much involvement of the major. So you can only imagine when they finally kick in, how that growth of retail supply infrastructure will explode. Also, we have over 350 conversion centres. In this audience, I need us to appreciate that these 350 are all small Nigerian businesses,” he stressed.

On manpower development, he said over 5,600 technicians had been trained and certified in CNG conversion technologies. He explained that the training became necessary because mechanics across the country needed to understand how to maintain converted vehicles.

“We have over 5,600 Nigerian technicians trained and certified in CNG, over 5,650. You can have 100 well-placed conversion centres, and you convert everything and give yourself 10.

“But what happens when the car is on the road and you have millions of mechanics who today don’t know anything about the CNG-converted vehicle? So we have placed a lot of emphasis on training and retraining technicians out in this space so that they are literate, familiar, and conversant with the different conversion technologies that exist,” he stressed.

Ahmed also revealed that the government had deployed 4,318 CNG tricycles, noting that 95 per cent of them were assembled locally. He added that Nigeria was witnessing increased local vehicle assembly activities, especially in tricycles and motorcycles. “It may interest you to know that the largest motorcycle assembly plant in Africa is here in Lagos,” he stated.

On the cost advantage of CNG, the CEO said the fuel remained significantly cheaper than petrol, saying, “The compelling argument is simple. CNG is N380 to N450 per standard cubic metre, which is the equivalent of one litre of petrol, which is N1,300 to N1,350 per litre. You do the maths. Where would you rather be?” he asked.

He added that the initiative was also scaling up electric vehicle deployment alongside CNG adoption. “We are scaling up CNG now, making it a reasonable, viable alternative to petrol and diesel. But we have also now picked up EV, and we are going to be deploying pilot EV projects across the nation and looking at recharging infrastructure,” he said.

He disclosed that the initiative’s 2027 targets include 2,322 CNG stations nationwide; 3,000 active conversion workshops; 1,000,000 total vehicle conversions; 75,000 direct jobs created and 300,000 indirect jobs.”

by admin — May 23, 2026 in Business 0

Lagos revenue hit N2.6tn in 2025, IGR rose by 18.5% – Official

Lagos State recorded a total revenue of N2.6 trillion in 2025, marking a 16 per cent increase from the N2.3 trillion generated in 2024, the Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, has disclosed.

Oluyomi revealed the figures on Friday during a press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, as part of activities commemorating the seventh anniversary of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The commissioner explained that “the state’s internally generated revenue rose sharply to N1.87 trillion in 2025, compared to N1.58 trillion in 2024, representing an 18.5 per cent growth.”

According to him, tax revenue collection also witnessed remarkable growth over the past two years.

He said collections increased from N678.13 billion in 2023 to N1.04 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 54.2 per cent rise and marking the first time the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service surpassed the N1 trillion benchmark.

Oluyomi added that tax revenue climbed further to N1.44 trillion in 2025, indicating a 38 per cent increase over the previous year.

He attributed the improved performance to reforms in tax administration and the expansion of digital payment systems aimed at making revenue collection easier and more efficient for residents and businesses.

The commissioner noted that the state upgraded several payment platforms, including mobile payment channels, point-of-sale terminals, USSD services, WhatsApp integration, and online payment options to enhance accessibility and compliance.

He further disclosed that Lagos completed the migration from a hybrid tax filing structure to a fully electronic filing system in 2023, adding that more digital modules have since been introduced to strengthen operations.

“Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) remains focused on broadening the tax base, closing revenue gaps, and fostering long-term revenue growth, all essential to funding the State’s expanding urban and infrastructure requirements,” Oluyomi said.

Speaking on the state’s fiscal position, the commissioner said Lagos maintained a debt-service-to-revenue ratio of 19.2 per cent, which he noted remains below the 30 per cent fiscal responsibility benchmark.

He also stated that the state’s total debt-to-GDP ratio currently stands at 4.11 per cent, far below the 20 per cent threshold recommended by the World Bank.

by admin — May 23, 2026 in Business 0

DisCos install 241,590 meters amid billing complaints

Electricity distribution companies installed 241,590 meters across Nigeria in the first two months of 2026 amid ongoing efforts to reduce estimated billing and close the country’s metering gap.

Data released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in its January and February 2026 metering fact sheet showed that 119,792 customers were metered in January, while another 121,798 customers received meters in February.

The report showed that the number of metered electricity customers increased from 7,086,376 in January to 7,208,174 in February.

However, despite the additional installations, the national metering rate rose marginally from 57.93 per cent in January to 58.57 per cent in February, indicating that millions of electricity consumers are still without meters.

According to the data, the total number of active electricity customers increased from 12,232,130 in January to 12,307,314 in February.

An analysis of the figures showed that more than five million electricity customers remain unmetered nationwide, leaving them exposed to estimated billing practices that have repeatedly triggered complaints from consumers.

The report further showed that Eko Electricity Distribution Company maintained the highest metering rate among all DisCos at 87.62 per cent in February, up from 87.15 per cent recorded in January.

Ikeja Electric followed closely with a metering rate of 87.16 per cent in February compared to 86.69 per cent in January, while Abuja DisCo recorded 79.37 per cent, improving from 78.54 per cent.

Port Harcourt DisCo also remained above the national average, with its metering rate rising from 65.47 per cent in January to 66.36 per cent in February.

Benin DisCo improved from 55.16 per cent to 56.75 per cent during the review period and emerged as the utility with the highest number of newly metered customers over the two months. The utility installed 25,912 meters in January and 25,658 in February, bringing its total new installations within the period to 51,570.

Ibadan DisCo, which has the largest customer base in the country, recorded a metering rate of 52.23 per cent in February, slightly higher than the 51.99 per cent posted in January. The data showed that the utility had 2.48 million active customers as of February, but nearly half of them remained unmetered.

Also, Enugu DisCo posted one of the weakest monthly improvements in the period under review. Its metering rate moved marginally from 51.79 per cent in January to 51.83 per cent in February. The utility also recorded a sharp drop in newly metered customers, falling from 4,839 in January to just 691 in February.

Meanwhile, northern DisCos continued to record the weakest metering performance nationwide. The NERC data indicated that Jos DisCo’s metering rate rose slightly from 32.94 per cent in January to 34.04 per cent in February, while Kaduna improved from 34.82 per cent to 35.59 per cent.

Kano DisCo recorded one of the slowest meter deployment rates in the country, with its metering rate moving marginally from 35.36 per cent to 35.37 per cent. The company installed only 161 meters in January and 149 in February despite having close to 800,000 active customers.

Similarly, Yola DisCo remained below others in terms of metering penetration, although its metering rate improved slightly from 30.85 per cent in January to 31.86 per cent in February.

Stakeholders have repeatedly linked the slow pace of metering to financing constraints, foreign exchange pressures, supply chain challenges, and the high cost of meter procurement.

The Federal Government and the regulator have, in recent years, introduced several metering initiatives aimed at reducing estimated billing, improving market revenues, and boosting transparency in electricity billing.

Despite these interventions, the latest data indicate that Nigeria’s metering gap remains significant, with about four out of every 10 electricity customers still without meters.

by admin — May 23, 2026 in Business 0

Ex-NNPP guber candidate, others clinch Katsina PDP Senate tickets

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Katsina State has conducted its senatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, producing candidates for the three senatorial districts in the state.

At the end of the exercise, Nura Khalil, the 2023 New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, governorship candidate, emerged as the PDP candidate for Katsina South Senatorial District.

Similarly, Hon. Aliyu Abdulmumini Abdullahi secured the party’s ticket for Daura Senatorial District, while Hon. Hamisu Gambo clinched the nomination for Katsina Central Senatorial District.

The primaries were held simultaneously across the three senatorial zones and were monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alongside party officials and delegates from the affected local government areas.

Speaking after his emergence, Khalil expressed appreciation to party leaders and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to strengthen the PDP in Katsina South ahead of the 2027 elections.

Also reacting, Gambo promised inclusive representation and intensified grassroots mobilisation to ensure PDP’s success in the coming elections, adding that the party remains committed to addressing insecurity, unemployment, and economic challenges in the state.

The PDP governorship aspirant, Senator Yakubu Lado, urged party members to mobilise massively and ensure strong voter turnout during the elections, while also calling on them to defend their votes.

Earlier, the state PDP Chairman, Hon. Nura Amadi Kurfi, said the party is determined to reclaim political power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027, urging members to remain united ahead of the polls.

by admin — May 22, 2026 in News 0

Imo APP chieftain, Amadi bemoans resurgence of insecurity

The Imo East Senatorial hopeful of the Action People’s Party, APP, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, has expressed deep concern over the disturbing resurgence of insecurity, killings, and violent attacks across several parts of Imo State, particularly Umuguma, Ihiagwa, and Eziobodo communities in Owerri West, as well as parts of Ngor Okpala.

He described the worsening situation as a tragic indictment on a government that has repeatedly failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

Amadi made this known during an unscheduled condolence visit to the family of the late Mr. David Onyegbula, a community vigilante officer who was brutally killed by rampaging assailants in Umuojukwu, Umuagu, Umuguma, Owerri West LGA.

The visit took place while he was on a private engagement with Rt. Commodore Ogechi Osuagwu, a distinguished Nigerian Navy veteran and prominent community leader.

During the visit, Mazi Amadi expressed heartfelt sympathy to the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Joy David Onyegbula, their children, and other relatives, lamenting the painful and avoidable loss of innocent lives to acts of violence and criminality that have now become frighteningly recurrent across many communities in Imo State.

He urged the widow to remain courageous and look up to God for strength and consolation, noting that although no words can truly heal the pain of losing a loved one under such tragic circumstances, faith in God and the support of family and well-wishers would help sustain her through this difficult period.

Amadi further condemned in very strong terms the recurring incidents of insecurity in the state, insisting that the continued bloodshed, violent attacks, and atmosphere of fear are clear evidence of the failure of the APC-led government in Imo State to discharge its most fundamental responsibility of governance, which is the protection of lives and property.

According to him, it is unacceptable that citizens now live in fear, communities remain unsafe, and families are constantly subjected to grief and uncertainty, while those entrusted with the responsibility of governance continue to preoccupy themselves with political permutations instead of providing practical and effective solutions to the deteriorating security situation in the state.

He further lamented that the alarming rise in violent attacks has not only led to the loss of innocent lives but has also crippled economic activities, disrupted livelihoods, displaced families, and deepened the level of fear and hopelessness among ordinary citizens across the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief press Secretary, Cajetan Duke and made available to journalists in Owerri.

The Aspirant therefore called on security agencies to urgently intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community-based security operations, and ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are identified, arrested, and brought to justice without delay.

He maintained that the people of Imo State deserve to live in peace, safety, and dignity, rather than under constant fear

and tension.

While praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased, Mazi Amadi reassured affected families and residents of the state that their pains and cries are not ignored.

He urged the government at all levels to abandon propaganda, show sincerity of purpose, and demonstrate genuine commitment towards restoring security, protecting citizens, and rebuilding public confidence across Imo State.

by admin — May 22, 2026 in News 0

NYSC sanctions 12 Osun corps members

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has extended the service year for 12 corps members in Osun State over breaches committed during the 2025 Batch A Stream II programme.

The development was disclosed by the Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, during the distribution of Certificates of National Service to corps members who successfully completed the mandatory programme on Thursday in Osogbo.

Kubiangha stated that the disciplinary measures were taken in line with the NYSC Bye-Laws governing the conduct of corps members nationwide during the national service year.

According to the statement, “2,132 corps members completed their service year successfully and were presented with Certificates of National Service at the passing-out ceremony held in the state.”

The NYSC management also revealed that 27 corps members absconded from the Place of Primary Assignment, PPA, after allegedly abandoning their national assignments without authorisation during the service year.

Kubiangha said “the sanctions were necessary to uphold discipline and preserve the integrity of the national service scheme across the country.”

He commended the majority of the outgoing corps members for their dedication and contributions to the growth and development of the communities where they served during the one-year programme.

“The scheme remains a platform for personal growth and national development,” Kubiangha said.

He urged the discharged corps members to remain committed to the values of patriotism, integrity and discipline acquired during their period of service.

The coordinator also advised corps members to keep their Certificates of National Service safe, describing the document as important for their future careers and opportunities.

“I want to caution corps members against partisan political activities and statements capable of exposing them to danger ahead of the forthcoming elections in the state,” he said.

Kubiangha urged the former corps members to remain security conscious and avoid actions capable of threatening public peace or their personal safety.

He also encouraged them to focus on self-development and pursue economic opportunities that would make them self-reliant after the completion of national service.

by admin — May 22, 2026 in News 0

Unpaid civil servants slam Taraba finance ministry over salary arrears

A group of unpaid civil servants in Taraba State has expressed disappointment over the alleged non-payment of salaries for nearly 12 months, accusing the state government of neglect and silence amid growing hardship.

In a letter on Thursday addressed to the Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Sarah Enoch, the affected workers lamented what they described as lack of action and communication from the ministry regarding their unpaid wages.

Signed by the Chairman of Unpaid Civil Servants, Abdurrauf Sani, the aggrieved persons stated that many workers and their families have been pushed into severe economic hardship due to the prolonged delay in salary payments.

According to the group, several affected civil servants have struggled to feed their families, pay house rents, and sponsor their children’s education as a result of the unpaid salaries.

The workers argued that the Ministry of Finance, being responsible for the release of government funds, should have taken decisive measures to address the situation or at least communicate with those affected.

They further expressed disappointment that the Commissioner had allegedly remained silent throughout the period despite the growing suffering among workers.

“We remind you that we are your children, brothers, and sisters,” the letter read in part, adding that the level of hardship being experienced by workers was unacceptable.

The group called on the Commissioner to urgently intervene, break her silence, and ensure immediate resolution of the lingering salary crisis.

The civil servants also urged the Taraba state government to prioritise workers’ welfare, insisting that the people of the state deserve better treatment and prompt payment of earned salaries.

by admin — May 22, 2026 in News 0

NCC reviews telecom policy, seeks framework for digital economy growth, stronger inter-agency coordination

Nigeria’s telecommunications stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s telecommunications policy framework to align it with emerging technologies, digital economy ambitions and broader national development objectives.

This call came on Tuesday at the National Telecommunications Policy Review Workshop organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, in Lagos to review the implementation of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 and develop a forward-looking policy framework for the sector.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said Nigeria’s telecommunications sector had evolved far beyond the assumptions that shaped the National Telecommunications Policy 2000.

According to him, the sector has moved from a liberalisation phase dominated by limited telephone access and market reforms to an advanced digital ecosystem driven by broadband, artificial intelligence, 5G, satellite broadband, cloud infrastructure and digital services.

“When the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 was introduced, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector was at a very different stage of development,” Maida said.

He noted that prior to reforms, the sector was managed by the defunct NITEL, with fewer than 500,000 active telephone lines serving over 120 million Nigerians.

According to Maida, the policy played a critical role in opening the market to private investment, promoting competition and strengthening regulation through the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, leading to rapid expansion in connectivity across the country.

He, however, said the sector now faces more complex challenges, including fibre cuts, infrastructure vandalism, high energy costs, multiple taxation, permitting delays and persistent rural connectivity gaps.

“These are not just operational issues for operators; they are national development issues because they affect the quality, resilience and reach of digital services across the economy,” he said.

The NCC boss stressed that telecommunications is linked to all aspects of society, describing it as “productivity infrastructure for the entire economy,” supporting commerce, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, financial services and public administration.

He said the review of the telecommunications policy must preserve core principles such as competition, universal access, independent regulation and consumer protection while developing a modern framework capable of supporting innovation, investment, resilience and broadband expansion.

Delivering the keynote address, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the policy review was not merely a technical exercise but a governance and national development imperative.

According to her, policies must move beyond written documents to become practical instruments that deliver measurable outcomes.

“A policy is not merely a document. It is the expression of a country’s priorities, the framework through which public institutions organise action, and the basis on which government choices are translated into measurable outcomes,” she said.

Usman stressed that clear policy direction gives regulators, investors and institutions certainty, while weak or fragmented policy frameworks often lead to duplication of effort, blurred mandates and poor implementation.

She described telecommunications as an enabling platform that underpins virtually every sector of national life, including digital trade, fintech, education, healthcare, agriculture, security and public service delivery.

According to her, a revised telecommunications policy must address broader issues beyond networks and operators, including national productivity, inclusion, digital governance, infrastructure resilience, investment, cybersecurity and consumer protection.

She also urged stronger collaboration among federal and sub-national governments, regulators, operators, investors and other stakeholders to address bottlenecks such as rights of way, taxation, digital inclusion, infrastructure deployment and cybersecurity.

“The NCC may regulate the industry, but the success of telecommunications policy also depends on the actions of many other public and private actors,” she said.

Usman said the revised policy should be accompanied by a clear implementation roadmap outlining timelines, responsibilities, funding requirements, performance indicators and reporting mechanisms.

She added that policies should be treated as “living instruments of governance” subject to periodic review, monitoring and adjustment rather than static documents.

Both speakers aligned the policy review with the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda and broader economic reform objectives.

Maida cited estimates by the GSMA showing that deeper digitalisation across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transport and government could significantly boost economic growth, create jobs and expand government revenue.

Usman, on her part, said the policy review should support the administration’s Eight Presidential Priorities by demonstrating how improved telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity can drive productivity, innovation, jobs, competitiveness and better public service delivery.

The workshop, which brought together regulators, operators, development partners, policymakers, academics and industry experts, is expected to produce recommendations toward the development of a new National Telecommunications Policy 2026.

Participants are expected to examine the implementation record of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000, identify policy gaps and propose reforms aimed at strengthening broadband access, digital inclusion, regulatory coordination, infrastructure protection and Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.

by admin — May 22, 2026 in News 0