October 2025 Archives

All Posts in "Month: October 2025"

Court extends injunction on Osun LG funds

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, on Friday, granted the interim injunction in an ex-parte motion brought by the elected chairmen in Osun State.

The order restrains United Bank of Africa from paying, releasing, or tampering with funds deposited in the 30 Local Government accounts where the Central Bank of Nigeria controversially lodged statutory allocations belonging to Osun councils.

The Certified True Copy of the order, signed by the Principal Registrar of the Oyo State High Court, B. O. Somide, was issued on October 2, 2025 and obtained by The Punch in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday.

The claimants, led by Sarafadeen Awotunde and five others, on behalf of all the 30 council chairmen and councillors in Osun State, argued that unless the court intervened urgently, the funds could be dissipated illegally by the ousted All Progressive Congress chairmen, causing irreparable harm to the lawful administrations of the councils.

In his ruling, Justice Akintola agreed that the matter required urgent judicial intervention.

“Having carefully considered the claimants/applicants’ motion ex-parte together with the supporting affidavits and exhibits, this court is satisfied that the claimants/applicants have successfully made out a case for urgent and timely intervention, as any delay in granting the interim orders might foist irreversible harm on them,” the judge said.

Consequently, the court granted, “An order of interim injunction restraining UBA from paying, releasing, disbursing, or tampering with funds in the disputed local government accounts.

“An order of mandatory injunction mandating UBA to place a “Post No Debit” lien on the affected accounts pending the hearing of the substantive motion on notice.

“The affected accounts include those of all 30 local governments in Osun State, from Atakumosa East to Osogbo Local Government Area, each identified by name and account number with UBA.

“The suit, filed as Suit No. 1/1167/2025 at Court No. 5 of the Ibadan Judicial Division, was moved by counsel to the claimants, Olalekan Adeoye Esq.”

Justice Akintola, therefore, adjourned the hearing of the substantive motion on notice for interlocutory injunction till Thursday, October 9, 2025.

This latest ruling comes amid heightened tension over Osun’s local government allocations, with the rival camps of sacked APC chairmen and the current elected Peoples Democratic Party chairmen locked in a fierce legal battle.

The State Government had, on Friday last week, obtained a similar injunction against the accounts in a case instituted by the Attorney-General of Osun State.

by Dan Poster — October 4, 2025 in General News 0

Residents panic as NDLEA officers chase driver

There were sporadic gunshots at the gate of the Edo State command of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Friday, as men of the service pursued the driver of an articulated truck who hit the vehicle of one of their colleagues.

An eyewitness, who gave his name as Frank, said the driver refused to stop after hitting the NDLEA vehicle but instead continued his journey along the ever-busy Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City, towards Oka Market, which is about 500 meters from the state command.

He said the officer whose vehicle was hit alerted his colleagues at the gate of the NDLEA, who started firing gunshots in the air to force the driver of the truck to stop.

He said, “The shooting caused commotion, as traders and residents took to their heels, probably to avoid being hit by stray bullets. Others were confused, not sure of what caused the sporadic gunshots.”

One of the officers, who pleaded anonymity, said, “It was a simple thing; the truck hit our men’s vehicle, but the officers tried to stop him so that they could settle, but the driver refused to stop.

“That is why the men shot into the air to stop him. Even after deflecting about seven tyres, he was still speeding, but we eventually caught him and he was brought back to our office.”

Corroborating his officers, Commander, Edo State NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said it was a simple case and that shooting into the air was not meant to cause panic but to stop an errant driver.

“The issue is a simple one. The officers were just trying to ensure that the truck drivers stopped after hitting the vehicle. The gunshots were not meant to cause panic,” he added.

by Dan Poster — October 4, 2025 in General News 0

FX backlog clearance, transparency lift reserves — CBN Gov

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, has attributed the recent rise in Nigeria’s external reserves to the clearing of the foreign exchange backlog and sustained efforts to improve transparency in the FX market.

As of Tuesday, the nation’s external reserves stood at $42.35bn. Cardoso spoke on Friday at a fireside chat during the inaugural CBN Governor Annual Lecture Series, held at Lagos Business School under the theme ‘Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building.’

The CBN recently completed payments on the verified FX backlog after a forensic audit by Deloitte, which uncovered significant irregularities in some forward contracts.

Explaining why he chose to clear the backlog despite not inheriting it, Cardoso said restoring Nigeria’s credibility was a non-negotiable priority when he assumed office.

“When I took office, I made a promise. We would clear the verifiable backlog of monies owed by Nigeria to third parties. To be honest, I had no idea how we were going to do it, but it was not negotiable. We needed to protect and maintain our integrity,” he said.

Describing the move as a “huge sacrifice,” he stressed that credibility and trust were essential to attracting long-term investment.

“If we are a going concern, and if we expect people to trust and invest in our economy, we must keep our promises. That action contributed in no small way to the rise in our reserves. People invest when they see credibility and transparency.”

Cardoso highlighted several reforms aimed at strengthening confidence in the apex bank. These include open, televised Q&A sessions after every Monetary Policy Committee meeting, regular publication of audited financial statements — breaking with years of opacity, and disclosure of Nigeria’s net reserves position at the end of 2024, a move that surprised sceptics and reassured international investors.

“Many doubted we would publish the net reserves figure. But we gave a date, we delivered, and that gave investors confidence in the CBN,” Cardoso noted.

He also pointed to the adoption of a B-matching electronic trading system in the FX market to ensure transparency.

“The system makes rates and transactions visible to all. The market has become more transparent, eliminating the situation where some had privileged access to FX while others did not.”

Cardoso reiterated that his reforms aim to ensure that Nigerians can do business without undue influence or connections.

“By the time I leave the Central Bank, you won’t need to know anybody to get your business going. Today, most Nigerians can already use their naira debit cards abroad, something unthinkable two years ago.”

He stressed that the CBN’s core mandate remained economic stability, noting that stability was key to attracting serious investors.

by Dan Poster — October 4, 2025 in Business 0

NAFDAC mandates food companies to reduce fats

Nigeria’s food companies have been given 18 months to eliminate industrially produced trans-fatty acids from their products.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control announced on Friday as part of a new national strategy to address a major public health risk.

Trans fats, commonly found in processed oils, baked goods, and fried foods, are strongly linked to heart disease, stroke, and premature death. According to NAFDAC, the roadmap adopts a phased approach, including product reformulation, laboratory capacity strengthening, compliance monitoring, public education, and collaboration with government and civil society.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said in a keynote address shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the roadmap shifts the country from policy creation to aggressive enforcement and implementation.

“The removal of industrially produced trans fats from the food chain is not only a technical achievement but also a moral imperative. Eliminating these fats is possible, achievable, necessary, and urgent,” she said, calling for national collaboration.

The 18-month transition period is designed to allow manufacturers to exhaust existing stock and reformulate their products to meet the new legal limits.

The announcement follows Nigeria’s recognition in 2023 by the World Health Organization for adopting best-practice policies on trans-fat elimination. The new roadmap is expected to secure WHO validation of Nigeria’s full elimination programme and establish the country as a regional leader in public health interventions.

NAFDAC noted that the action targets one of the most harmful dietary risk factors globally, given the strong association of trans fats with cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death.

WHO recommends that industrial trans fats be completely removed from food supplies and that intake should not exceed one per cent of total daily energy. The organisation has recognised countries such as Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand for successfully eliminating industrial trans fats through mandatory reformulation policies.

Several others, including members of the Eurasian Economic Union (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia), as well as Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, South Africa, and India, have also introduced strict limits or mandatory reductions on trans fats.

by Dan Poster — October 4, 2025 in Business 0

Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 2025 Kicks Off Fourth Season

The Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 2025, themed “The Ultimate Show”, now in its fourth edition, promising more entertainment and inspiration for audiences across Nigeria. The show, which celebrates creativity in music, dance, fashion, and technology, will air weekly on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151) at 5 pm and AIT (DStv 253) at 7pm, with highlights available on Stanbic IBTC’s YouTube channel @stanbicIBTC.

Speaking about the kickoff, Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, said: “FUZE is that platform where young Nigerians can showcase their creativity and innovation, and where the public can witness first-hand the incredible potential within our nation. We are proud to continue providing this stage for talent to shine.”

Stanbic IBTC, through FUZE, continues to underline its commitment to youth empowerment, creativity, and entrepreneurship. By providing a platform where contestants can display their skills to millions of viewers, the organisation reinforces its role in shaping opportunities beyond the financial sector.

Viewers are encouraged to tune in every week to watch the contestants compete, connect with the judges, and take a step closer to the finale of Nigeria’s most inspiring talent showcase. Tune in and experience“The Ultimate Show” and be part of the journey as Nigeria’s brightest talents compete for greatness.

by Dan Poster — October 4, 2025 in Business 0

Dangote, Ethiopia PM Break Ground on $2.5bn Fertiliser Plant

Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, led the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia, marking a new chapter in Africa’s industrial development.

The project, a partnership between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), will have an annual production capacity of three million metric tonnes of urea, making it one of the world’s largest fertiliser complexes. Strategically located in Ethiopia’s South-East region, the plant will utilise abundant natural gas from the Hilal and Calub reserves to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and improve food security across the Horn of Africa.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the fertiliser project as symbolic of shared responsibility, cooperation, and peace, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to seizing opportunities and elevating the country’s global standing.

“They embody our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and promote peace. I urge all Ethiopians to continue mobilizing in unity for progress,” Abiy said. “This will enhance Ethiopia’s presence on the global stage and honor our national identity.”

Dangote praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his cabinet for economic reforms and liberalization policies attracting private investment and positioning Ethiopia as a preferred destination for global investors. He lauded the government’s infrastructure investments, including transport, energy, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as foundational to the country’s industrialisation.

“This partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings marks a pivotal step in our shared vision to industrialise Africa and achieve food security continent-wide,” Dangote stated. “We bring decades of experience in large-scale industrial projects to ensure this venture becomes a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation.”

He revealed plans to broaden production to include ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, and calcium ammonium nitrate fertilisers, aiming to establish Ethiopia as a regional fertiliser hub. Dangote predicted that within five years, Ethiopia could become Africa’s leading agricultural nation.

This is Dangote Group’s second major Ethiopian investment; its cement subsidiary has operated a 2.5 million tonnes per annum plant in Mugher for over a decade, with $400 million planned to double capacity.

Dangote emphasized the Group’s Africa-wide strategy, driven by the belief that “only Africans can develop Africa,” with a focus on promoting manufacturing to reduce import dependence. Highlighting Nigeria’s transformation into a net exporter of petroleum products, cement, and fertiliser through Dangote’s investments, he expressed readiness to help other African countries achieve similar industrial progress.

Describing the Gode project as a “new dawn,” Dangote noted it is the first time a private African investor partners with an African government on an industrial complex of this scale. He underlined the Group’s deep understanding of Africa’s challenges and opportunities and reiterated their mission to lead the continent’s industrial transformation.

He also hinted at plans to establish a polypropylene bagging plant in Ethiopia to support the fertiliser industry.

Dangote thanked financial partners, including Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, and other local banks, for their support.

Mustafa Omar, President of the Somali Region, hailed Dangote as “the anchor investor Ethiopia has been seeking,” recognizing his reputation as a trusted and respected investor throughout Ethiopia and Africa.

Senior Ethiopian government officials, industry leaders, and financiers attended the event.

Beyond Ethiopia, Dangote Group’s footprint is expanding across Africa. Dangote Cement operates with an installed capacity of 55 million tonnes per annum across 11 countries. The Group also built the world’s largest single-train refinery in Nigeria (650,000 barrels per day) and operates a one million metric tonne polypropylene plant. Its fertiliser division, initially producing three million tonnes, is expanding by six million tonnes to become the world’s largest fertiliser operation.

by Dan Poster — October 4, 2025 in Business 0

MAN President Announces Aliko Dangote As Guest Speak On Nigeria First Policy At MAN’s 53rd AGM

Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa’s leading industrialist, the President/CEO of Dangote Group, will be the Guest Speaker at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM).

MAN will use the AGM to deepen the conversation on how to unlock the full potential of the Nigeria First policy.

The theme for this year’s Annual General Meeting “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria” underscores MAN’s unwavering belief that prioritizing local production is the surest path to sustainable growth, employment generation and national development.

President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye disclosed this while delivering his speech at a press conference on Wednesday in Lagos to herald the upcoming 53rd AGM of the MAN, scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 14th to Thursday, 16th October 2025 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said, “We are also thrilled to announce that our Distinguished Guest Speaker at this year’s Annual General Meeting is Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa’s leading industrialist, President/ CEO of the Dangote Group. Aliko Dangote’s story is an epitome of the Nigeria First spirit.

“He has built one of Africa’s largest Conglomerates, spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, and oil refinery. His investment has redefined the Nigeria industrial landscape, created thousands of jobs, and reducing dependence on imports. His business decisions, over the past decades, capture the very essence of our theme: “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria.

“His presence will inspire our discussions as we navigate the next phase of Nigeria Industrial growth.

Meshioye said the three-day lineup of activities would be rich and impactful.

“Day one kicks off with the Opening Ceremony of the Made in Nigeria Exhibition which is slated for 12noon. Our distinguished Guest of Honour, who will be officially cutting the ribbon is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume CON; we believe his presence will serve the purpose of further attracting the attention of Government to what is Made in Nigeria, in order to achieve that top of the mind awareness and credible support from the highest level of government. Our distinguished guest of honour will be joined by other dignitaries to draw attention to made in Nigeria products and preach the patriotic gospel of patronage of made in Nigeria at the Exhibition. More than 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and thousands of visitors are expected during the 3-day period.

“Day two is planned to be strictly MAN members affairs for the annual general meeting. After the AGM, members will be engaged at a value addition panel discussion on 3D Manufacturing & Risk and Enterprise Management. It is a session planned to give credible accounts to members, create awareness, and sensitize them adequately on thriving in the business of manufacturing.

“On Day three, the engagement will be climaxing with the 5th edition of the Adeola Odutola Lecture/Presidential Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 11am with Alhaji Aliko Dangote as our Distinguished Guest Speaker. The exhibition ground will continue to receive guests from far and near, even as we engage at the high-profile lecture. Our Special Guest of Honour on this occasion is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Other Economic Ministers, heads of government departments and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, our colleagues in the Organized Private Sector, and other stakeholders will join our members to make the grand finale a huge success.

Meshioye said that these sessions are carefully designed to provoke critical discussions, foster partnership, and highlight the urgency of implementing the “Nigeria First” Policy.

“Over the past year, Nigeria’s economic environment has remained challenging, yet it is marked by renewed hope, as bold policy steps are being taken to reposition the economy for growth. Of particular importance is the introduction of the “Nigeria First” Policy, a decisive strategy to prioritize locally manufactured goods and services.

“This policy represents a turning point for our nation, one that seeks to foster economic self-reliance, industrialization, and national pride. By mandating all Ministries, Departments, and agencies (MDAs) to patronize made in Nigeria goods and services that can be sourced locally, the Federal Government has signalled its resolve to place local industries at the heart of economic transformation.

“The “Nigeria First” Policy is more than a policy directive, it is a call to action to strengthen our industries, deepen local value chains and reposition Nigeria from being a consumer driven economy to a productive economy,” he encouraged.

by Dan Poster — October 4, 2025 in Business 0

Dantsoho: Abuja, Agro potentials hold key to Nigeria’s non-oil growth

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho has said that the centrality of Abuja coupled with its rich agro-allied potentials is germane to strengthening NPA’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to continuously grow non-oil revenue by connecting local value producers in the non-oil value chain to identified international clusters of demand for their goods.

According to him, the position of Abuja as the centre of the country is strategic to the NPA’s renewed trade facilitation focus that places a high premium on port-hinterland connectivity, which Abuja’s centrality accentuates, presents a seamless linkage with the comparative advantages inherent in all regions of the federation that can be harnessed to sustain growth in the volume and value of Nigeria’s exports.

He said as Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform, the authority is always proud to be associated with the noble cause the Abuja International Trade Fair represents, especially seeing that trade remains the most veritable tool for actualizing most of Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

The NPA MD used the opportunity of the occasion of the “NPA Special Day” to invite the entire trading and investing public to explore the tailor-made simplified export processes and other vistas of opportunity present at the Nigerian Ports Authority.”

He said, “As some of us are aware, in our bid to contribute to the strengthening of the domestic economy through the promotion of balance of trade we established the Export Process Terminal (EPTs) to simplify the hitherto burdensome process of exporting Nigerian goods.”

Dr Dantsoho explained that the EPTs were conceptualized to serve as a one-stop shop for cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification, and onward shipment through electronic call-up to the Ports in a quick turnaround time, thus eliminating the duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in the international marketplace.

He said to facilitate the port-hinterland connectivity and create pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the export value chain; the EPTs have been structured to have a seamless handshake with the Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC) as well as the Inland Dry Ports.

“To align with the economic stabilization resolve of the Federal Government and the theme of the year’s fair ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation’ we are unifying our various operational channels into a singular transaction gateway known as the Ports Community System (PCS) which lays the groundwork for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) which sustainably eliminates all forms of opacity and attendant delays associated with undue human interference,” he stated.

Dr Dantsoho further explained that the NSW is the global best practice for delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease by connecting all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction at the push of a button, saying NPA has put measures in place to link value creators in the remotest part of the hinterland with the farthest clusters of demand anywhere on the globe.

He assured every stakeholder that the doors of NPA are always open for partnerships even beyond the trade fair, urging them to visit the NPA’s fully interactive online, real-time website www.nigerianports.gov.ng to access our growth offerings.

Picture: NPA Boss, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho

by DFC Management — October 3, 2025 in Transport/Maritime 0

IMO Sec-Gen hails Nigeria’s Maritime Security, Blue Economy Policy

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has lauded Nigeria’s remarkable achievements in maritime security, particularly its success in recording zero piracy incidents for over three years and the groundbreaking Deep Blue Project, which he described as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
A statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser, Media and Communications, to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy said Mr. Domínguez, who arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola.
He noted that Nigeria’s investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of its security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, have yielded tangible results in combating piracy and maritime crimes. According to him, these efforts demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to ensuring safer seas, not just for its own waters but for the wider West and Central African region.
The IMO chief acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the organization outlining its national and regional security initiatives, and while commending the progress made, he stressed the need for continued support in infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment. He assured that the IMO would remain committed to providing technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training programmes, and capacity-building initiatives.
In highlighting the organization’s ongoing projects, Mr. Domínguez referenced a regional conference scheduled to be held in Ghana in January on the Safe Seas Project, designed to consolidate contributions from Nigeria and other partner states. He also announced ongoing discussions with the European Union aimed at launching a new maritime governance project focused on ports and security, as well as two regional projects in Southern and Western Africa where progress would be tracked through defined indicators.
Beyond security, Mr. Domínguez emphasized the need for countries to prepare for wider global challenges, including the energy transition, the adoption of biofuels, and financing mechanisms to support training of seafarers, infrastructure development, and the adoption of future fuels. He praised Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainably and expressed admiration for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, especially the training infrastructure. He encouraged greater collaboration between the academy, the Ministry of Education, and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians in pursuing maritime careers.
Minister Oyetola, in his address, said the IMO chief’s visit reflected the strength of Nigeria’s relationship with the global maritime body. He noted that Nigeria’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders had been pivotal in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and reaffirmed the country’s determination to consolidate recent gains and expand opportunities in the marine and blue economy. He thanked Mr. Domínguez for choosing Nigeria for the visit and expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
During the visit, presentations were delivered by top government officials and key stakeholders in the sector. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms and initiatives in security, seafarer welfare, and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation. The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, showcased the academy’s modern training facilities and underscored the importance of international partnerships in cadet exchange and simulator-based training. The Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Wang Qiang, outlined the port’s role in boosting Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity, creating jobs, and attracting long-term foreign investments.
Mr. Domínguez also interacted with cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, urging them to embrace emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy, green shipping, and maritime technology.
He reaffirmed IMO’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance structures, and drive the sustainable growth of the blue economy, noting that the country’s achievements already serve as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond. As issued by the office of the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
Picture: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (left) presenting a souvenir to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, during the IMO Secretary-General’s visit to Nigeria, on Thursday.

by DFC Management — October 3, 2025 in Transport/Maritime 0

2027: How delay in legal reforms may affect preparation – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has asked the National Assembly to fast-track amendments to the electoral legal framework.

Chairman of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he hosted Barry Andrews, Head of the European Union, EU, election observation follow-up mission to Nigeria.

The INEC boss stated that an early passage of the legislation is crucial to the commission’s preparations for the next general election.

“Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the commission as election draws nearer,” he said.

According to him, the commission has reviewed the eight recommendations addressed to it in the EU mission’s report on the 2023 polls.

He noted that in 2019, the EU mission made 30 recommendations, with 11 specifically directed at INEC. Three of them were classified as priorities, while the other eight were general.

Yakubu said the remaining 15 recommendations — five of which were marked as priorities — require action by other institutions in the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, and other stakeholders.

“The commission has carefully considered all the eight recommendations specifically addressed to us in your report.

“Action has been taken on aspects of the recommendations that only require administrative action to implement.

“Similarly, action is being taken on cross-cutting recommendations that require collective action between INEC and other bodies and stakeholders while waiting for the conclusion of the ongoing legal review by the national assembly on the recommendations that require legislative intervention,” he said.

On his part, Andrews said the mission’s visit was to assess how far INEC has implemented the recommendations on the 2023 general election.

He said the team also wanted to know the progress made, the concerns that remain, and possible obstacles, particularly around constitutional reform.

“We are very happy to see that there has been significant progress against these recommendations.

“We recognise that there are certain time constraints, both in terms of judicial reform as well as administrative reform,” Andrews said.

by Dan Poster — October 3, 2025 in Politics 0