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Business, Energy

Lagos Energy Reforms to Reshape Facility Management, Spur Sustainable Growth

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The International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Nigeria Chapter, has announced a range of strategic initiatives aimed at boosting professional capacity, driving industry research and preparing facility managers for Nigeria’s changing energy landscape. The plans were unveiled at the IFMA Corporate Membership event, themed “Evaluating the Impact of New Energy Regulations on Facility Management, The Lagos State Example.” The association also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with government and private sector stakeholders to build a more resilient and future-ready facility management industry. Among the key initiatives are the establishment of an IFMA Learning and Innovation Centre, the creation of a Research and Development Platform, the launch of an industry Talent Bank, and expanded partnerships to address the country’s facility management skills gap through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Speaking at the event, IFMA Nigeria President, Sheriff Daramola, said the association is focused on building an ecosystem that equips professionals with the knowledge, technology and practical skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the industry. According to him, the proposed Learning and Innovation Centre will serve as a hub for training, certification, innovation and corporate collaboration. He added that the Talent Bank will connect employers with verified professionals to improve recruitment and tackle industry-wide skills shortages, while the Research and Development Platform will promote practical, data-driven solutions in areas such as energy efficiency, workplace experience, asset performance, facility management technology and financing. Delivering the keynote address, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the state’s ongoing electricity sector reforms present significant opportunities for facility managers to play a more strategic role in developing sustainable, efficient and resilient infrastructure. He noted that the Lagos State Electricity Law, alongside the establishment of key institutions including the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), the Lagos Independent System Operator (LAISO) and the Lagos State Electrification Agency (LSEA), has created the foundation for a competitive electricity market that promotes investment, innovation and a more reliable power supply.

Politics, Public Affairs

Senate Pushes Back on ‘Repentant’ Terrorist Policy

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The Senate has echoed the concerns of many Nigerians over the Federal Government’s policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant Boko Haram members, arguing that the programme has outlived its usefulness and should be discontinued. The controversial Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), introduced in 2016 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was designed to encourage insurgents to surrender, undergo rehabilitation and eventually return to society. While conceived as a pathway out of violent extremism, critics argue that the initiative has increasingly undermined justice and public confidence. One of the major concerns surrounding the programme is the difficulty of determining whether former insurgents are genuinely repentant. Many Boko Haram members were indoctrinated into extremist ideology from an early age, making it nearly impossible to accurately assess the sincerity of their rehabilitation. Even where remorse exists, critics maintain that it should not replace accountability under the law. Rather than prioritising justice, the programme has often been perceived as allowing former fighters to bypass prosecution and return to the same communities that suffered from their actions. Victims of terrorism and families who lost loved ones are left to live alongside individuals linked to killings, kidnappings, destruction of property and other atrocities, raising questions about fairness and national healing. There are also concerns that the policy could send the wrong message to potential recruits by suggesting that those who participate in terrorism may eventually benefit from rehabilitation and reintegration instead of facing the full consequences of their actions. At a time when Nigeria continues to battle insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, critics warn that such perceptions could weaken deterrence. Beyond the issue of justice is the question of public safety. While participants in Operation Safe Corridor undergo screening and rehabilitation, experts have consistently noted that debriefing does not necessarily guarantee complete de-radicalisation. Communities receiving former fighters often shoulder the responsibility of living with individuals whose commitment to abandoning violent extremism cannot be independently verified. Against this backdrop, the Senate has called for a review of the policy and urged the Federal Government to suspend the programme. Lawmakers argued that surrendered insurgents should first undergo proper investigation and prosecution, with clear distinctions made between minors forced into the conflict, low-level recruits and those responsible for serious acts of violence. Those found guilty of crimes, they maintain, should be prosecuted through the judicial system and held accountable before any consideration is given to rehabilitation or possible leniency. Critics insist that Nigeria’s fight against terrorism must be built on justice, accountability and the protection of innocent citizens rather than policies perceived to reward former insurgents. They argue that lasting peace can only be achieved when perpetrators of violent crimes are held responsible for their actions, while victims receive the justice they deserve. For many observers, the Senate’s position reflects growing public frustration with Operation Safe Corridor and underscores increasing calls for the Federal Government to rethink its approach to counter-insurgency, placing greater emphasis on justice, deterrence and national security.

Business, Energy, Politics

NUPRC Rebuilds Investor Confidence in Nigeria’s Oil Industry

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Six months into her tenure as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan is driving reforms aimed at strengthening regulatory certainty, improving operational efficiency, accelerating decision-making, and enhancing transparency. The early results are becoming increasingly visible, with higher oil production, renewed investor confidence, and stronger interest in Nigeria’s licensing regime. The 2025 licensing round recorded encouraging participation, attracting not only indigenous oil companies but also major international oil companies (IOCs) and, for the first time, significant interest from international independent operators. The development is seen as a sign of growing confidence in Nigeria’s upstream sector. Speaking on the outcome, Eyesan said the level of participation reflects renewed faith in the industry. “The level of participation tells me people have faith in the industry. Not just Nigerian companies, but IOCs and international independents. That is a signal. The question now is whether we build on it, and that depends entirely on whether the regulatory environment continues to move in the direction we have set,” she said. Nigeria’s upstream performance has also improved significantly. In June 2026, combined crude oil and condensate production reached 1.735 million barrels per day (bpd), exceeding the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota of 1.5 million bpd by four per cent. It also marked the country’s highest crude output since April 2020. Production has risen steadily throughout the year, climbing from 1.62 million bpd in January to 1.48 million in February, 1.54 million in March, 1.66 million in April, 1.7 million in May, and 1.735 million bpd in June. According to the commission, the increase was driven by improved operational stability, completed maintenance activities, and the absence of major infrastructure disruptions. Gas production also recorded gains, reaching 7.93 billion cubic feet (bcf) per day, up from 7.88 bcf/d in May 2025. Non-associated gas production slightly exceeded associated gas for the first time, reflecting increased investment in dedicated gas projects. Domestic gas supply rose to a record 2.18 bcf per day, while gas flaring declined to 0.57 bcf/d, representing 6.9 per cent of total production, in line with Nigeria’s target of ending routine gas flaring by 2030. Eyesan said the increase in domestic gas supply demonstrates that the sector is delivering greater value to Nigerians. “This is not only a production story. It is a story about an industry beginning to serve the country, it sits inside more gas reaching Nigerian homes, Nigerian industry and Nigerian power. The numbers matter. What they represent matters more,” she said. Before joining the commission, Eyesan spent three decades at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), where she held several senior positions, including Executive Vice President, Upstream, and Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer. She also led efforts that doubled NNPC subsidiary production from 150,000 to 300,000 barrels per day and played a key role in resolving the long-running Production Sharing Contract (PSC) dispute. Upon assuming office, she identified three key priorities for the commission: increasing production and revenue, improving regulatory efficiency and predictability, and promoting safe, transparent and sustainable operations. To strengthen engagement with industry players, the commission established the Chief Executive Operators Leadership Forum, bringing together the NNPC, Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) and other stakeholders every month to address production challenges, approval timelines and infrastructure integrity. The commission has also accelerated the digitisation of its operations, covering correspondence, permits, reporting systems and financial processes, while introducing a 90-day programme to fast-track field development plans, well interventions and rig mobilisation. In March, NUPRC signed the PEL5 agreement with SeaSeis Geophysical Limited and TGS to conduct broadband 3D seismic acquisition across 11,700 square kilometres offshore the Eastern Niger Delta. The project is expected to improve exploration decisions by providing higher-quality geological data. According to Eyesan, improved data quality is essential to attracting new investment. “Exploration is fundamentally driven by confidence in data and processes. PEL5 is about ensuring that the subsurface case for Nigeria’s offshore acreage is made as compellingly as it can be and that investors have the data quality they need to make decisions with confidence,” she said. The commission is also working to reduce regulatory bottlenecks by collaborating with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to create a single-window reporting system, eliminating duplicate compliance requirements for operators. “When you have multiple laws, you will likely have higher costs because each law comes with its own fees and charges. The only way to safeguard investments is to reduce the cost of operating here,” Eyesan noted. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently commended the commission for improving transparency in oil and gas data, with Statistician-General Adeyemi Adeniran highlighting the importance of NUPRC’s data in compiling Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Looking ahead, the commission remains focused on achieving the Federal Government’s target of producing two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels daily by 2030. Eyesan described the goal as an engineering and investment challenge that requires international expertise alongside local capacity. “We are rushing against time. If we are serious about ramping up production, we cannot rely solely on in-country resources. We need to bring in people who have done this at scale internationally and be honest about whether our processes are designed to attract them,” she said. The commission plans to expand international independent participation in future licensing rounds, particularly for deepwater projects that require significant technical expertise and investment. As part of its climate commitments, NUPRC has directed upstream operators to adopt measurement-based methane and greenhouse gas reporting by January 2027, replacing estimation-based reporting with verified emissions data in line with Nigeria’s net-zero target by 2060 and methane reduction goals. The commission is also finalising service-level agreements that will establish publicly available timelines for regulatory approvals, strengthening accountability and investor confidence. Eyesan believes developing skilled manpower remains critical to sustaining long-term growth in the industry. She noted that investment declines following the Petroleum Industry Act slowed talent development across the sector, stressing that rebuilding technical capacity will be essential to achieving

Politics

Minimum Wage Review: NLC Says It’s Prepared for Major National Protest

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to push for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage and the introduction of a national minimum pension to improve the welfare of retired workers. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, disclosed this during the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja. Ajaero said discussions on workers’ welfare must also include the wellbeing of pensioners, stressing that retirees deserve to live with dignity after years of serving the nation. “The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) is one of the proud affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Therefore, your struggle is our struggle, and your welfare remains a priority for the organised labour movement,” he said. He revealed that the Congress is preparing for a nationwide campaign to secure a new national minimum wage, adding that the labour movement would also demand the establishment of a national minimum pension. “It is no longer acceptable to discuss the welfare of workers without also discussing the welfare of those who have completed their active years of service. We will not only push for a new national minimum wage but will also demand the establishment of a national minimum pension,” Ajaero said. According to him, it is unjust for retirees who dedicated their productive years to national service to live below the poverty line due to inadequate pensions. “We cannot continue to allow our senior citizens to survive on pensions that have become poverty wages. Every retiree deserves to live with dignity after decades of faithful service to the nation,” he added. Ajaero urged pensioners to remain united and prepared for the advocacy ahead, describing the newly commissioned Legacy House as more than a physical structure. “This Legacy House should become a centre for mobilisation, strategic engagement and solidarity as we prepare for the struggles ahead,” he said. He also stressed the need for unity among workers and pensioners, noting that organised labour must remain united in defending their collective interests and ensuring government fulfils its obligations to both serving workers and retirees. The NLC president further called for the immediate payment of all outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension system that guarantees retirees financial security and a decent standard of living. “We will continue to demand the immediate payment of all outstanding pension arrears and fight until every Nigerian worker and pensioner receives the justice, respect and welfare they deserve,” Ajaero said.

Sports, World Cup

Messi Breaks Down as Spain Clinch World Cup Title in Dramatic Final

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Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic final that showcased moments of football brilliance but was overshadowed by post-match violence. The tightly contested encounter ended in heartbreak for Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who was visibly emotional after seeing his side’s hopes of retaining the title come to an end. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, giving Spain the breakthrough in a tense contest that had remained deadlocked for much of the game. Spain’s disciplined defending, composed midfield play and clinical finishing frustrated Argentina, who struggled to reproduce the form that had carried them through the knockout stages. The victory secured another World Cup title for Spain, capping an impressive tournament in which they consistently displayed resilience, tactical discipline and quality against some of the world’s strongest teams. However, celebrations were marred by ugly scenes after the final whistle. As Spain’s substitutes rushed onto the pitch to celebrate, confrontations erupted between players from both teams. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was reportedly involved in an altercation after appearing to throw a punch at a Spain player, sparking a series of clashes. The most serious incident involved Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes and Spain’s Gavi. Television footage appeared to show Paredes wrestling Gavi to the ground before shoving him in the face and attempting to kick him as teammates, officials and security personnel intervened to restore order. The incidents quickly drew criticism from football analysts and former players, with calls mounting for FIFA to investigate and take disciplinary action against those involved. Attention later turned to an emotional Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain stood in silence as thousands of Argentine supporters applauded and chanted his name despite the painful defeat. Tears streamed down the 39-year-old’s face as he acknowledged the fans before leading his teammates to collect their runners-up medals. He remained on the pitch to watch Spain lift the World Cup trophy before quietly walking off, in what many believe was his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament. Although the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to confirm his international future, speculation continues that this was his last World Cup. By the time the next tournament is hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, Messi will be 43 years old. Despite the defeat, Messi enjoyed another outstanding campaign, finishing the tournament with eight goals and inspiring Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final. Spain’s triumph was built on consistency throughout the competition, with their defensive solidity, tactical organisation and attacking efficiency proving decisive as Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike sealed the title. According to Investigator News, France forward Kylian Mbappé finished as the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner for the second consecutive tournament, scoring 22 goals despite France’s 6-4 semi-final defeat to England. Spain’s Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player, while goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove award and midfielder Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Business, Economy

The Rise of Dollar Denominated Petrol

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The federal government’s naira-for-crude policy appears to be facing a major setback following Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision to begin selling petroleum products in US dollars, a move that could have far-reaching implications for fuel prices, inflation, transport costs and the value of the naira. Rather than being viewed as a routine commercial decision, the refinery’s move is widely seen as a sign of the government’s inability to sustain the much-publicised naira-for-crude initiative. It also highlights the continued vulnerability of Nigeria’s domestic fuel market to fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, despite the country’s growing refining capacity. Effective July 13, 2026, Dangote Refinery fixed the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at $0.779 per litre, diesel at $1.087 per litre, and aviation fuel at $0.942 per litre. The company also cancelled all previously issued invoices denominated in naira. The decision followed the refinery’s increasing reliance on crude oil purchased in dollars after supplies under the federal government’s naira-for-crude arrangement reportedly became insufficient. Dangote Refinery, a $20 billion investment and the world’s largest single-train refinery, has a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, enough to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand while exporting surplus refined products across Africa. However, industry reports indicate that the refinery received only seven domestic crude cargoes in May, far below its monthly requirement of between 13 and 15 cargoes. The shortfall forced the company to import a significant portion of its crude feedstock in dollars, exposing it to exchange-rate risks. At the current official exchange rate of about N1,380 to one US dollar, the refinery’s new PMS price translates to approximately N1,075 per litre before transportation costs, depot margins, regulatory charges and marketers’ profits are added. Although the immediate impact on pump prices may appear limited, analysts say the bigger concern is that petrol prices are now directly linked to movements in the foreign exchange market. For instance, if the exchange rate weakens to N1,500/$, the base cost of petrol would rise to about N1,169 per litre before additional charges. At N1,600/$, the cost would increase further to roughly N1,246 per litre. This means Nigerians could face higher fuel prices even if global crude oil prices and refining costs remain unchanged, simply because of a weaker naira. Ironically, this is the exact scenario the naira-for-crude initiative was designed to prevent. Introduced in 2024, the policy aimed to supply domestic refiners with crude oil in naira in order to reduce demand for foreign exchange, strengthen local refining, conserve foreign reserves and stabilise domestic fuel prices. Industry observers now argue that inconsistent implementation has significantly weakened those objectives. Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics, Wumi Iledare, said Dangote Refinery had simply announced the price at which it was willing to sell its products in a deregulated market. According to him, aligning revenues with the same currency used to purchase crude oil is a commercially sound response to foreign exchange exposure rather than an attempt to fix prices. While acknowledging the economic logic behind the decision, Iledare noted that Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market is still far from fully competitive. With state-owned refineries yet to operate at optimal capacity and imported fuel remaining expensive, Dangote Refinery has emerged as the country’s dominant supplier. As a result, a pricing decision by a single refinery can quickly have nationwide economic consequences. Industry stakeholders have also expressed concern over the development. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) warned that conducting fuel transactions in dollars could encourage the gradual dollarisation of the Nigerian economy. Similarly, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) cautioned that marketers would now have to compete for scarce foreign exchange, increasing pressure on the naira and exposing fuel prices to greater volatility. Reports also indicate that some depot operators have already increased loading prices by as much as N113 per litre in anticipation of higher replacement costs. The implications could extend beyond the petroleum sector. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s headline inflation stood at 15.93 per cent in May 2026, while food inflation was 16.96 per cent. Fuel remains one of the country’s biggest inflation drivers because road transport accounts for the movement of most goods and passengers across the country. In addition, thousands of manufacturers, hospitals, schools and small businesses continue to rely on petrol and diesel-powered generators due to unreliable electricity supply. Consequently, any sustained increase in fuel prices is expected to push up transportation costs, food prices, production expenses and the overall cost of living. The latest development has also exposed what many analysts describe as a contradiction in the government’s energy reform agenda. The federal government promoted the naira-for-crude policy as a key strategy for reducing pressure on foreign exchange, strengthening energy security and stabilising domestic fuel prices. However, it failed to ensure the consistent supply of crude oil to local refiners in naira, a condition widely regarded as essential to the policy’s success. Once refiners were forced to source more crude in dollars, Dangote Refinery’s decision to switch to dollar-denominated sales became a commercial necessity rather than a voluntary choice. Ultimately, the refinery has acted in line with standard business practice by matching its revenue with the currency in which most of its costs are incurred. Analysts argue that the larger issue lies not with the refinery’s decision but with the policy inconsistencies that made it unavoidable. Unless the federal government urgently restores a transparent and reliable framework for supplying crude oil to domestic refiners in naira, experts warn that local refining alone may not guarantee lower fuel prices. Instead, the cost of petrol at filling stations could increasingly depend less on refining activities in Lekki and more on fluctuations in the value of the naira against the US dollar.

Crime

Influencer Andrew Tate, Brother Held by US Marshals on 59 Charges

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Controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan Tate, were arrested on Saturday in Miami, Florida, as British authorities seek their extradition to face new charges, including rape, human trafficking and assault. The US Marshals Service confirmed the arrest of 39-year-old Andrew Tate and his younger brother but declined to disclose the specific charges, saying the arrest warrant remains sealed. US entertainment outlet TMZ published footage showing law enforcement officers placing the brothers in handcuffs before escorting them into waiting vehicles. In the video, Tristan Tate remained silent when asked by an onlooker if he had any comment. The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that the brothers were arrested by US marshals and said it would pursue their extradition to the United Kingdom. British authorities said the Tate brothers are facing a total of 59 charges, 42 against Andrew Tate and 17 against Tristan Tate. In a statement, the Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, Malcolm McHaffie, said prosecutors had authorised additional charges against the brothers. “We have decided to prosecute Andrew and Tristan Tate for further offences, including rape, arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, and offences relating to indecent images of a child,” McHaffie said. He added that the latest charges followed the receipt of new evidence from Bedfordshire Police, increasing the number of alleged victims in the case to seven. Earlier this year, police in Hertfordshire, north of London, reopened an investigation into rape and sexual assault allegations made against Andrew Tate by several women between 2014 and 2015. The brothers are also facing separate allegations of rape and human trafficking brought by different women in investigations being conducted by Bedfordshire Police, which covers their hometown of Luton. They are additionally accused of tax evasion and money laundering in the UK. Responding to the latest development, the brothers’ lawyer, Joseph McBride, maintained that they are innocent. “We are confident that once a competent judge sees the facts, and once the Department of Justice confronts this egregious abuse of its own authority, Andrew and Tristan Tate will walk free,” McBride said in a statement. Andrew and Tristan Tate, who hold dual British and American citizenship, have publicly expressed support for US President Donald Trump. In March 2025, authorities in the US state of Florida launched a separate criminal investigation into the brothers, although the status of that inquiry remains unclear. Andrew Tate is one of the most prominent figures associated with the online “manosphere” movement, a network of communities that promote traditional masculinity, anti-feminist views and self-improvement. He has built a massive online following, with more than 10.8 million followers on X, where he frequently shares controversial content centred on alpha-male ideology and misogynistic themes. The brothers are also facing separate criminal proceedings in Romania, where they have been based in recent years. Romanian prosecutors have accused them of offences including trafficking minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering.

Governance

Shettima Travels to Sierra Leone for ECOWAS Leaders’ Summit

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha. According to the statement, Shettima will join Heads of State, political leaders, business executives and other stakeholders from across West Africa and beyond at the summit, which will be held at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Freetown. The summit is expected to deliberate on key policy issues, adopt strategic resolutions and reaffirm the commitment of ECOWAS leaders to promoting peace, democracy, economic growth and regional integration across the sub-region. The statement noted that the gathering forms part of the ECOWAS mid-year statutory meetings and will bring together Heads of State and Government, ministers, senior government officials and regional institutions to advance the bloc’s shared priorities. These priorities include strengthening regional security, promoting democratic governance, deepening economic integration, expanding trade, improving infrastructure and advancing sustainable development. The ECOWAS summit is also expected to provide a platform for leaders to address emerging political and economic challenges facing West Africa while exploring measures to enhance regional cooperation and collective prosperity. According to the statement, Vice President Shettima will return to Abuja after concluding his official engagements in Sierra Leone.

Crime

Three Siblings Abducted En Route with Mother’s Corpse in Benue

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Three siblings escorting mother’s corpse to Benue abducted by gunmen Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the remains of their mother for burial were reportedly abducted by gunmen in the early hours of Saturday. Sunday PUNCH gathered that the incident occurred around 4 a.m. between Omutele and Ankpechi in Oglewu District, along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area. According to sources, the attackers intercepted the victims’ vehicle while they were transporting their mother’s body to Iklenyi community in neighbouring Okpokwu Local Government Area for burial. The incident marks the second reported attack within a week involving mourners conveying a corpse for burial, raising fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation on roads connecting Benue and neighbouring states. A resident of Omutele, who identified himself simply as Elijah, said locals were awakened by gunfire between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. “We heard sporadic gunshots between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. today (Saturday), and we initially thought Fulani herdsmen were attacking our community. “At daybreak, we learnt that gunmen had kidnapped some people escorting their mother’s corpse from Abuja to Iklenyi community in neighbouring Okpokwu Local Government Area for burial,” he said. A video circulating on social media claimed the family’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault, leaving them stranded on the highway before the gunmen attacked. It was not immediately clear whether the deceased’s body was also taken by the abductors. Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said he was heading to the scene to verify the circumstances surrounding the attack. “Yes, I am going to the scene of the incident now to ascertain what really happened,” Adole said. The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive an official report on the incident. She added that she would contact the Divisional Police Officer in the area for details but had not provided further information as of the time this report was filed. The latest abduction comes barely a week after gunmen ambushed a funeral convoy transporting the remains of a late Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Augustine Ikwue, along the Ochadamu–Ejule Road in Kogi State. During the attack, nine mourners were abducted, while the deceased’s corpse was briefly seized before being abandoned and later recovered by family members for burial. Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential aspirant Peter Agada has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to end the wave of killings across the country following the recent killing of about 16 people in Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, Agada urged the Federal Government to move beyond condolence visits and take concrete steps to dismantle criminal groups responsible for violent attacks nationwide. “President Bola Tinubu’s administration must stop being a government of empty ceremonial promises of security and rise to restore Nigeria from being a republic of bloodshed to one of law, order, peace, opportunity and prosperity,” he said. He also called on the government to deploy modern technology and intelligence driven security strategies to tackle terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminal groups.

Governance, Politics

Tinubu’s BCDA Appointee at Centre of Presidency Power Clash

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Three weeks after President Bola Tinubu announced the appointment of Dr Abdulrazak Namdas as Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has been accused of withholding his appointment letter. The development has sparked a leadership crisis within the agency, as the immediate past chief executive, Dr Dakorinama George, continues to perform official duties despite the President’s directive appointing a new head. The Presidency had, on June 26, announced Namdas’ appointment through a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The statement said Namdas, a former spokesperson for the House of Representatives, was appointed to replace George, who had resigned to contest an elective position in his home state. The statement read in part: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas as the new Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency. Dr Namdas replaces Dr Dakorinama Alabo George, who resigned to contest for an elective post in his home state. “President Tinubu also announced the appointment of Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon as Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial, of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company. He also reappointed Mr Chukwuma Umeoji as Executive Director, Corporate Services, of the NDPHC. The appointments take immediate effect.” However, more than three weeks after the announcement, Sunday PUNCH gathered that Namdas has yet to assume office because the formal appointment letter conveying the President’s directive has not been issued. Meanwhile, George has continued to occupy the office, preside over official engagements and represent the agency at high level government meetings. One such engagement took place on July 9, when George met with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, in Abuja to seek intervention for the release of funds for BCDA projects. A statement published by Rivers-based news platform, Port Harcourt Force, alongside photographs from the meeting, repeatedly described George as the Executive Secretary of the agency. According to the statement, George congratulated the minister on his appointment and appealed for the timely release of budgetary allocations for ongoing infrastructure projects in border communities across the country. He was also quoted as saying the BCDA had facilitated a proposed $2 billion Chinese investment in a livestock processing hub in Maigatari, Jigawa State, and was working with security agencies on plans to establish a Border Communities Intelligence Corps. The continued discharge of official duties by George has raised questions over who currently exercises lawful authority over the agency. Speaking during an interview on Trust TV monitored by Sunday PUNCH on Thursday, APC chieftain Hamman Yero alleged that the delay was caused by the SGF’s failure to transmit the President’s appointment. He questioned why Namdas had yet to receive his appointment letter despite the Presidency’s public announcement. “This is a mandate given to the President by Nigerians. On whose mandate is the SGF acting?” Yero asked. “If the President directs that Namdas should be appointed and the SGF keeps the appointment letter without releasing it, then serious constitutional and administrative questions arise.” According to him, once a presidential appointment is approved, the process should seamlessly move from presidential approval to the issuance of an appointment letter through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. “It is the Chief of Staff who normally transmits presidential approvals to the SGF for implementation. Is the Chief of Staff aware that Namdas has still not received his appointment letter? If he wasn’t aware before, he certainly should be aware now,” he added. Yero also dismissed reports suggesting that George’s appointment had been restored, arguing that the lingering uncertainty raised broader concerns about compliance with presidential directives. The controversy mirrors a similar leadership dispute that occurred at the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in October 2023. At the time, President Tinubu appointed Tola Odeyemi as Postmaster-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST after removing Sunday Adepoju. Days later, NIPOST announced that Adepoju had been reinstated, creating confusion over the agency’s leadership. The crisis escalated when workers locked the agency’s headquarters in Abuja and resisted Odeyemi’s resumption before the Presidency reaffirmed her appointment. She eventually assumed office on October 16, 2023, bringing the dispute to an end. Sunday PUNCH also learnt from multiple sources within the BCDA that George never fully relinquished control of the agency after resigning to pursue the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State. One senior official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, alleged that George quietly returned to the agency after losing the APC governorship primary. “He resigned to contest the governorship. After losing, he simply returned and resumed activities without any formal handover,” the source claimed. The official further alleged that George continued to enjoy strong political backing within the administration. According to the source, George’s continued presence at the agency is linked to his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, under whom he served as Rivers State Commissioner for Works. “It was Wike who nominated him for the BCDA appointment in 2024. That relationship explains why he has remained influential despite his resignation,” the source alleged. Sunday PUNCH could not independently verify the claim. However, one of George’s allies dismissed the allegation as mere speculation. “Wike is also an appointee of the President and cannot wield such powers,” the ally said. When contacted, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga maintained that the President’s decision remained unchanged. “As far as I know, the President has not changed his mind. Namdas remains the Executive Secretary of the agency. “All these things they are talking about, they don’t know what they are talking about. The President has not changed his mind about the appointment of Namdas as the head of that border agency,” he said. Asked why Namdas had yet to assume office, Onanuga explained that the issuance of the appointment letter falls under the responsibility of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. “His appointment has been communicated to the