The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Author: Editor

  • Enugu Secures $200m Investment for 100MW Solar Power

    Enugu Secures $200m Investment for 100MW Solar Power

    …As Mbah pushes for lower tariffs, speedy delivery

    In a major boost to the state’s drive to expand electricity supply, attract clean-energy investments and provide more reliable power for homes and businesses, Enugu State Government has secured a $200 million investment for a 100mw solar power programme.

    The investment, estimated at about N300 billion, was disclosed during a meeting between Governor Peter Mbah and a delegation from Eauxwell Nigeria Limited led by the Managing Director, Mr. Edwin Enwegbara, at Government House, Enugu.

    The investment engagement, brokered through the state’s Climate and Development Investment Platform (CDIP) coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate and Sustainable Development, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, is the first major investment breakthrough facilitated by the platform established by the Mbah Administration to connect investors with government institutions, regulatory agencies and communities.

    The Governor, while welcoming the investment, stressed that the state government’s interest went beyond attracting capital.

    He insisted that the ultimate objective was to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to residents and businesses in the state at affordable cost.

    “We want an electricity market that encourages competition and gives consumers the benefit of competitive pricing,” he said.

    Governor Mbah said the tariff assumptions and financial model presented by the investors needed to be reviewed, emphasising the need to balance legitimate cost recovery by investors with electricity prices that households and businesses can afford.

    “Cost recovery is important, but we must also ensure that the tariff is affordable to our people and businesses,” Mbah said.

    He also called for a shorter implementation timeframe, pledging the state government’s support in removing bureaucratic and institutional bottlenecks that could delay delivery.

    Speaking, Mr. Enwegbara acknowledged the need to strike that balance and said the final tariff would be determined in collaboration with the relevant electricity regulators.

    He said that the proposed 100MW programme would deploy distributed solar generation, supported by battery storage, providing more dependable electricity for communities and businesses while also supporting productive activities, including agricultural processing, small businesses and other enterprises whose operations depend on reliable power.

    Governor Mbah’s intervention comes against the backdrop of Enugu’s ongoing electricity-sector reforms and the state’s assumption of regulatory oversight of its intrastate electricity market.

    The administration seeks to create a competitive electricity market capable of attracting further private investment.

    Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme at the Rural Electrification Agency, who joined the meeting virtually, explained the structure, objectives and implementation processes of the DARES programme.

    The meeting had in attendance the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who also chairs the CDIP Steering Committee; the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze; the Commissioners for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu; Trade and Investment, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo; and Lands, Barr. Chimaobi Okorie; as well as the Special Advisers to the Governor on Project Delivery and Power, Ozurumba Afigbo and Joe Aneke, respectively, and the Chairman of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo.

    Also on the Eauxwell team were the Director of Business Development, Mr. Kingsley Okenyi; the Head of Project Management, Mr. Lazarus Agu; and Project Engineer, Victoria John.

    The meeting also addressed the separate Aninri electrification project.

    Following the discussion, Mbah requested an urgent meeting with the President-General of the community and its traditional ruler to resolve the land-related issues and facilitate commencement of the project.

  • Supreme Court Ruling: INEC Warns Parties Against Violating Membership Register Rule

    Supreme Court Ruling: INEC Warns Parties Against Violating Membership Register Rule

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said political parties that violated the statutory requirement on membership registers will not be allowed to field candidates in the 2027 general elections.

    INEC National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this on Wednesday when he appeared on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme.

    Mr Haruna said the commission would not allow parties to substitute candidates affected by the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on the submission and use of party membership registers.

    He said allowing such parties to substitute the affected candidates would amount to making them to benefit from their own violation of the law.

    “It’s like you committed an offence and then, you come and benefit from it. You remember cases that we had of some in Zamfara, you remember Plateau? The same thing. The parties, because they did the wrong thing, they thought they could now steal through the candidates,” he said.

    “And the law was very clear. Once you do that kind of thing, you cannot benefit from it. You are benefiting from it, if you are able to substitute a candidate.”

     

     

    INEC’s position followed a recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the constitutionality of Sections 77(5), 77(6) and 77(7) of the Electoral Act 2026.

    The court also upheld INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.

    Under Section 77(5), only members whose names appear on a political party’s membership register submitted to INEC within the prescribed period can participate in the party’s primaries, congresses or conventions.

    Section 77(6) requires parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for their primaries, while Section 77(7) provides that a party that fails to submit its register within the stipulated period is not eligible to field candidates.

    Since the Supreme Court’s judgement some candidates have been speculated in the media as having been affected. They include the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda and the NDC senatorial candidate for Delta Central, Ovie Omo-Agege, who is a former deputy senate president.

    Mr Haruna said the commission’s position would apply to candidates across all elective positions, including the state Houses of Assembly.

    “All the candidates, all the way to the Houses of Assembly, we interviewed them. If their names are not on the party register, they were not members of the party at the time that they contested for those tickets,” he said.

    He said some political parties could consequently be left without candidates for some positions, depending on the outcome of INEC’s review.

    “Some parties may not be able to finish with even governorship candidates,” he said.

    The Supreme Court judgement followed a legal battle over provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 governing political party membership registers, party primaries and candidate nomination.

    The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) had challenged the provisions of sections 77(5), (6) and (7).

    A Federal High Court judgement and a Court of Appeal decision initially nullified Sections 77(5) to (7) and Section 84(2), as well as aspects of INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 elections, creating uncertainty over the commission’s timetable and the legal consequences of parties’ failure to comply with the membership-register requirements.

    However, INEC appealed the decision at the Supreme Court, which subsequently set aside the Court of Appeal judgement and upheld the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

    The Supreme Court delivered the judgment on 24 September after hearing the appeal filed by the electoral commission against the Court of Appeal decision but INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, said the commission only obtained the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgement on Tuesday. Premium Times

  • FG announces 30-day petrol discount through NNPCL

    FG announces 30-day petrol discount through NNPCL

    The Federal Government has announced a 30-day discount on petrol sold by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, with public transport operators to receive priority under the arrangement.

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing on petrol prices and subsidy-related issues in Abuja.

    Oyedele said the measure was designed as a margin discount at NNPC stations and was not a return to petrol subsidy.

    “We are offering a discount on petrol dispensed by NNPC Limited for the next 30 days in the first instance with priority for public transporters nationwide. So, it’s not a subsidy; the government is just saying we sell to you at cost,” he said.

    The minister said the government was also negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol in an effort to reduce sharp fluctuations in pump prices.

    Under the proposed arrangement, refiners and importers would absorb any shortfall when costs rise above the ceiling and recover it when crude prices or the exchange rate become more favourable.

    Oyedele said the ceiling would be reviewed monthly and the figures published for transparency.

    The government is also pursuing other measures to ease the impact of higher fuel prices, including increased cash transfers to vulnerable households, subsidised credit for small businesses and consumers, and a faster rollout of compressed natural gas vehicles.

    The minister said the Federal Government had already granted a full waiver of taxes and duties on petrol, which he said was worth more than N3.3tn for the year up to September 30, 2026.

    Oyedele stressed that the measures being introduced were not intended to restore a blanket fuel subsidy.

    “To be perfectly clear, none of these measures restores a blanket subsidy. To do so would amount to creating longer term harm for a short-term cure. Each measure is designed to reach the people who need help, without putting the wider economy at risk,” he said

    The announcement comes as petrol prices at NNPC stations vary across the country. NNPC’s latest reported price list puts the pump price at N1,355 per litre in Lagos and Rivers, while Abuja is listed at N1,370 per litre.

  • Enugu Police Say Man Was Arraigned for Cyberbullying, Threats of Violence, Not For Filming NDC Attack

    Enugu Police Say Man Was Arraigned for Cyberbullying, Threats of Violence, Not For Filming NDC Attack

    The Enugu State Police Command has said it didn’t arraign Ani Samuel Chidi for filming an attack on an NDC party meeting at Obuoffia-Awkunanaw.

    The police also dismissed as false and misleading a report alleging that it released an alleged APC hitman linked to the incident.

    The Command made these clarifications in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who said the report was a deliberate attempt to distort the facts of a criminal case investigated against Chidi and discredit the Police.

    According to the Command, Ozalla Police Division received a complaint on September 12, 2026, from Ani Nnabuike, Aninwene Monday and others against Chidi over alleged cyberbullying and threats of violence following his recording and publication of the reported attack and disruption of the NDC meeting.

    The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

    The Police said its investigation established that Chidi had not only recorded and published the reported incident but had also circulated other videos accusing the initial complainants, as well as Hon. USA Igwesi and Solomon Ifeanyi Nwobodo, of carrying out the attack and disruption.

    The Command further alleged that Chidi made other accusations against Igwesi in the videos, including alleging that he was a drug dealer who sent attackers to shoot and kill members of his own community in Obuoffia and that he and his family had kept the community under siege.

    The Police said Chidi was unable to substantiate the allegations contained in the videos during the investigation.

    He was consequently arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Enugu State on charges of cyberbullying and threatening violence and was remanded in correctional custody by the court, according to the Command.

    The Police stressed that the case involving the reported attack and disruption of the NDC meeting is separate from the cybercrime case against Chidi.

    It said the attack case remains under investigation at Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo-Dunukofia, Anambra State.

    The Command therefore urged members of the public to disregard claims that Chidi was arrested merely for filming the incident or that an alleged perpetrator of the attack was released in exchange for his arrest.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, smicm, reiterated the Command’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties and actors in the state.

    He urged political actors to maintain peace and channel security concerns through the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to the media or engaging in acts that may constitute cybercrimes.

  • Umahi Dismisses Rift With Wike, Says They Need Each Other

    Umahi Dismisses Rift With Wike, Says They Need Each Other

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed reports of a strained relationship between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    Umahi described Wike as a progressive politician and member of the same political family, insisting that there was no serious disagreement between them.

    The minister spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during a press conference where he addressed reports of divisions within the All Progressives Congress and speculation over his relationship with Wike.

    “We need Wike as Wike needs us. So, it’s one family,” Umahi said.

    He said political opponents had exaggerated whatever differences existed between them, adding that their relationship remained cordial.

    Umahi urged political actors to focus on national development rather than allow political disagreements to distract from the work of government.

    Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, had said in January that his rainbow coalition represented a departure from conventional party politics towards a broader political movement focused on the interests of Rivers State.

    However, the Progressive Governors Forum has maintained that it would not support political alliances that could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid or the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.

    Speaking on the activities of his ministry, Umahi said the Federal Government inherited 2,068 ongoing projects valued at approximately N13 trillion.

    He said the administration was working to close the country’s infrastructure gap, adding that borrowing for infrastructure should be considered an investment where the projects could generate returns and stimulate economic growth.

    On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the minister defended the procurement process, saying Nigerian law permits open competitive tendering, selective tendering and special procurement.

    He explained that special procurement was adopted for the first phase of the coastal highway because of the complexity of the terrain and the need for a contractor with specialised experience in coastal engineering.

    According to him, the procurement process was approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council.

    Umahi also disclosed that the external financing component of the project attracted more than $100 million in excess commitments from international financiers, which he said demonstrated confidence in the project and its handling.

    The minister further disclosed that the Federal Government had commenced “Operation Rescue” on the Asaba-Benin road following difficulties associated with its concession.

    He said the government had intervened in seven sections of the route to restore movement, while plans were being made to redesign and reconstruct the road with concrete pavement.

    Defending the use of concrete for major highways, Umahi said the method offered greater durability and could last for several decades, potentially up to 100 years, when properly designed and maintained.

    He added that the first 119-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway had been completed, while the second section, measuring 164 kilometres, was expected to be completed by November 15.

    Umahi said the infrastructure projects being undertaken across the country reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to tackling the infrastructure deficit and improving connectivity between communities and regions.

    “There is no part of this country, there is no state that is not a construction site under President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

  • NAF Helicopter Makes Precautionary Landing in Benue

    The Nigerian Air Force has said that one of its helicopters that landed on a farmland in Makurdi, the Benue State capital was returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers along the Enugu-Benue boundary.

    It weas gathered that the aircraft, on Wednesday, landed on a farmland in Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward along Welfare Quarters to Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi, the state capital.

    According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the helicopter had successfully disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers during the operation.

    The statement read in parts, “The helicopter had successfully provided close air support to surface forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue boundary. The operation disrupted the activities of the criminal elements and supported the advance of surface forces.

    “Following the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, on return to base, exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield.

    “This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The helicopter has returned to base.

    “The NAF remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements, providing close air support to surface forces and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations.

    “The successful outcome underscores the NAF’s continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore safety and security to affected communities.”

    The helicopter was forced to land on Wednesday night at Utur Tse-Igboji, Bar Council Ward, along Welfare Quarters in Makurdi. Punch

  • Soludo Creates Panel To Investigate Anambra Communal Crisis

    The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has convened a high-level stakeholders’ peace meeting at the Light House, Awka, to address the protracted crisis between the Umuoba Anam and Aguleri communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.

    There have been reports of communal clashes between the two communities, which have tragically resulted in the loss of lives and left several persons injured, as well as the burning of several buildings, including the palace of a traditional ruler.

    According to a press statement released on Thursday by Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the peace summit brought together traditional rulers, presidents-general and community leaders from Aguleri, Umueri and Anam.

    Aburime said during the meeting that Soludo decried the tragic loss of lives and the widespread destruction of property, emphasising that such lawlessness was entirely unacceptable to the administration.

    The statement read, “To ensure compliance, the governor directed security agencies to maintain a robust, round-the-clock presence in the affected zones, reassuring all parties that the government remains firm, fair, and uncompromising in its pursuit of lasting peace and justice across the state.

    “Community leaders, including Igwe Michael Idigo and Fidel Okafor, strongly condemned the hostilities, specifically highlighting the tragic killings of a minor and an unarmed person from Umuoba Anam, alongside the retaliatory destruction of the revered Idigo Palace.

    “Both leaders were, however, united in a call for an immediate cessation of violence and the swift delivery of justice.

    “Speaking as an observer on behalf of the Umueri community, Retired Justice Charles Okaa appealed for restraint and urged the state government to enforce the 1982 Supreme Court judgment concerning boundary matters between Umueri and Aguleri as a step toward permanent resolution.”

    According to the statement, following extensive deliberations, the stakeholders reached a multi-point resolution to foster reconciliation and security, including an immediate ceasefire, prosecution of perpetrators, accountability for leadership and rebuilding of the Idigo Palace.

    “Condemning the attack on the traditional stool as an assault on the heritage of the state, the governor announced that the state government will actively assist in rebuilding the destroyed palace to restore traditional dignity.

    “A Judicial Commission of Inquiry was equally established to thoroughly examine all petitions, complaints and historical grievances.

    “The commission was mandated to submit its comprehensive report within four months.

    “The historic meeting concluded with a renewed, solemn commitment by all participating communities to embrace peace and harmonious coexistence,” the statement concluded. Punch

  • FG Promises Steel Sector Reforms, Urges Scrap Dealers to Pause Strike

    The Federal Government has appealed to scrap metal dealers under the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria to suspend their ongoing industrial action and return to the negotiation table over grievances threatening activities across the steel value chain.

    The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, made the appeal through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, in a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Tine-Iulun M.A., on Thursday.

    The development followed an industrial action embarked upon by members of NASWDEN over what the association described as practices undermining the operations and economic interests of local scrap dealers.

    The association’s complaints include alleged undervaluation of scrap metals, manipulation of weighing scales leading to weight reductions, direct purchase of scrap metals by local and other steel-producing companies, and the importation of billets.

    The Federal Government said it recognised the concerns raised by the scrap dealers and was considering them in consultation with the National Steel Council.

    The statement read, “The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has, through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, called on the leadership of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria to suspend its ongoing industrial action in the interest of industrial harmony, mutual understanding and the overall stability and development of Nigeria’s steel sector.

    “The Minister acknowledges the concerns raised by NASWDEN, which were formally presented to the Ministry through the National Steel Council. These concerns include alleged undervaluation of scrap metals, weight reductions arising from malpractices involving weighing scales, the involvement of local and other steel-producing companies in direct scrap metals trading, the importation of billets, and other practices perceived by the Association to be limiting the effective participation of local scrap dealers in the steel value chain.”

    The ministry said the complaints were serious because of the role of scrap dealers in supplying raw materials to steel-producing companies and supporting activities across the domestic steel value chain.

    It said it was working with the National Steel Council to develop practical measures that would address the grievances without undermining steel manufacturers or other businesses operating in the sector.

    “The Ministry recognises the seriousness and importance of these concerns and is currently giving them due consideration in consultation with the National Steel Council, with a view to developing practical, balanced and sustainable institutional measures to address the issues raised,” it stated.

    The Minister has consequently directed the Permanent Secretary, in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council, to invite NASWDEN’s leadership for further discussions and mediation.

    The engagement is expected to examine the association’s grievances and their implications for scrap dealers, steel manufacturers and other operators.

    “The Honourable Minister has directed the Permanent Secretary, in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council, to invite the apex leadership of NASWDEN for further discussions and effective mediation on the issues raised by the Association, as well as their implications for steel-producing companies and other operators within the sector,” the statement said.

    The ministry urged NASWDEN and steel producers to avoid actions that could further disrupt the sector, stressing that all parties must approach the dispute through dialogue and good-faith negotiations.

    The Federal Government’s intervention comes as it seeks to expand domestic steel production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported steel products. The government has set a target of producing 10 million metric tonnes of steel annually by 2030.

    A prolonged dispute between scrap dealers and steel producers could affect the supply of scrap, an important source of raw material for some steel manufacturers, while also disrupting businesses and workers operating within the scrap-metal trade.

    The Minister therefore urged the dealers to sheathe their swords and suspend the industrial action while negotiations continue.

    “The Honourable Minister therefore calls on NASWDEN to sheathe its sword, suspend the ongoing industrial action and return to the negotiation table, while assuring the Association and all stakeholders of the Ministry’s readiness to facilitate constructive engagement towards resolving the issues raised,” the statement said.

    Audu also called on stakeholders to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the steel industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The development of a strong and competitive domestic steel industry requires the collective commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders. No individual or group interest should undermine the broader national objective of building a viable steel industry capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic transformation,” he said.

    The ministry said achieving the 2030 steel production target would require greater local value addition, increased investment, job creation and cooperation among scrap dealers, steel manufacturers and other stakeholders.

    It assured legitimate operators that it remained committed to creating a fair and stable operating environment for the industry while pursuing a lasting resolution to the current dispute. Punch

  • 2027: Udeh Backs Tinubu for Second Term, Highlights Economic Growth, Reforms

    2027: Udeh Backs Tinubu for Second Term, Highlights Economic Growth, Reforms

    The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term, saying his administration has placed Nigeria on a path towards economic recovery and development.

    Udeh made the argument during a recent interview on Arise News Prime Time, while responding to questions on the 2027 presidential election and the argument that the presidency should remain in the South.

    The minister, who is from the South-East, acknowledged that he would want the presidency to go to the region at a particular time but said winning the presidency ultimately depended on engagement across Nigeria’s regions and votes from Nigerians.

    Asked why the South-West should retain the presidency when other southern regions, particularly the South-East, had not produced a president since 1999, Udeh said political actors would always advance arguments favourable to their candidates or parties.

    “Anytime there’s an election in the states at the national level, everybody that is interested would project an argument that will favor his candidacy, or her candidacy, or her party, or his party. Right? But at the end, it is Nigerians that would vote.”

    Asked what argument the APC was advancing for President Tinubu’s re-election, Udeh said the president was still in his first term and had initiated reforms that were beginning to produce positive results.

    “Well, it is that Mr. President is in his first term, and has started reforms that are beginning to make a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians. It is not yet fully realized, but you can even tell that we are no longer as bad as we were in 2023, 2024.”

    Udeh cited Nigeria’s economic growth, saying the country had moved from about two percent growth in 2023 to about four percent currently.

    He also argued that increased revenue available to sub-national governments was creating opportunities for states and local governments to undertake development projects.

    Responding to a challenge that economic growth had not necessarily translated into improved living standards for ordinary Nigerians, the minister acknowledged that inflation and hardship remained.

    “Like I said, of course, we know that there’s inflation. We know that there’s still hardship. But we also know that Nigeria has been put on track for development, to come out from economic hardship.”

    Udeh further cited developments in Enugu State, saying the state government was undertaking projects in infrastructure and transportation.

    “Go to any of the states, you’ll see massive transformation. You’re from Enugu State. You see what the governor is doing in every sector, infrastructure, transportation—it is quickly turning into the conferencing capital of Africa. So opportunities have been made for governors and even local governments to transform the lives of their people.”

  • FG to Fast-Track National Food and Nutrition Bill, Says Shettima

    FG to Fast-Track National Food and Nutrition Bill, Says Shettima

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government is set to accelerate the development of a National Food and Nutrition Bill aimed at securing sustainable funding for nutrition programmes and ensuring accountability beyond individual administrations.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Wednesday at the Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the proposed legislation would strengthen the government’s Nutrition 774 Initiative and promote coordinated action among the federal, state and local governments.

    He said the initiative would establish a stronger framework for tackling malnutrition from the community level while protecting nutrition financing and ensuring that governments remain accountable for results.

    Shettima noted that nutrition committees had been established in 32 state Houses of Assembly and more than 450 local government areas, creating an opportunity to advance the proposed legislation.

    The Vice President disclosed that Nigeria’s $26m contribution to the Child Nutrition Fund had attracted an equivalent matching contribution, bringing the total to $52m.

    He added that 21 states had contributed $6.3m since 2023 towards the procurement of supplies for the prevention and treatment of malnutrition.

    Shettima said the proposed Presidential Nutrition Investment Fund would provide additional financing, while the Nutrition Financing Subcommittee was working to mobilise more domestic resources.

    He stressed that government spending should produce measurable improvements in children’s nutritional well-being.

    The Vice President said Nigeria’s National Policy on Food and Nutrition 2026–2035 targets a reduction in the national stunting rate from its current level to 32 per cent by 2029, 28 per cent by 2032 and 25 per cent by 2035.

    He said the scale of the challenge remained significant, noting that about 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five were stunted, while undernutrition was estimated to cost the economy $56bn annually.

    Shettima said the Nutrition 774 Initiative was designed to coordinate interventions across health, agriculture, social protection, water, sanitation, hygiene and education sectors.

    He explained that local governments would serve as the main units for planning, financing and accountability under the initiative, with state and local government authorities expected to lead implementation.

    The Federal Government, he added, was also working with food producers, small businesses, manufacturers, financiers and regulators to improve access to affordable and nutritious food.

    Shettima said efforts were also underway to strengthen compliance with food fortification requirements covering salt, flour, edible oil and sugar.

    He disclosed that Nigeria and Ethiopia would work towards a joint statement outlining continued cooperation in nutrition and related areas.

    The Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, said tackling malnutrition required sustained political commitment, adequate financing and effective accountability systems.

    He disclosed that more than 100,000 Ethiopian children had benefited from efforts to combat malnutrition through community mobilisation and improvements in food quality.

    Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr Mekdes Daba, said the forum focused on child malnutrition and Ethiopia’s Seqota Declaration, which seeks to eliminate child stunting by 2030.

    She stressed the importance of investing in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, noting that poor nutrition could affect brain development, education, future earnings and economic growth.

    The Nigerian delegation included governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Alex Otti of Abia.

    Also at the forum were the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev; and Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.

    On the sidelines of the forum, Shettima held a bilateral meeting with Tiruneh, during which both leaders discussed stronger cooperation in trade, investment, food security, aviation and security.

    The Ethiopian deputy prime minister also expressed condolences to Nigeria over the recent Ondo military aircraft crash and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria.

    Shettima said both countries should leverage their population, resources and strategic positions to promote economic development across Africa, particularly through increased intra-African investment and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

  • 20 Prospective NYSC Members Regain Freedom After Seven Days in Captivity

    20 Prospective NYSC Members Regain Freedom After Seven Days in Captivity

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom.

    The graduates were kidnapped on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, and were rescued seven days later following a coordinated operation by security agencies.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims were rescued at about 4:28pm at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.

    Iniedu said the rescued graduates had been taken for medical examinations and would receive necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.

    The operation reportedly involved the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

    However, the authorities did not disclose details of the operation or announce any arrest, while the suspected abductors were said to remain at large.

    Iniedu said security agencies had intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction and bring them to justice.

    The police spokesperson also thanked members of the public for their cooperation and assured Nigerians of the force’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the victims, saying Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, informed him of the development during a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

    A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief over the news but said the family was waiting to see or speak with the victim before making further comments.

    Meanwhile, Uzodimma commended the security agencies for securing the release of the prospective corps members.

    The governor said the government deliberately kept details of the operation confidential to avoid compromising the rescue effort and ongoing investigation.

    He also thanked the families of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal, assuring residents that his administration would continue to support measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

    The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also praised the security agencies for the successful operation and expressed solidarity with the families of the rescued graduates.

    The victims were among 30 graduates travelling in two buses from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen reportedly intercepted them.

    The abductors had initially demanded N50m for each victim, amounting to N1bn, before reportedly reducing the ransom to N5m per person.

    The victims’ families had subsequently appealed to traditional leaders and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.

  • NAF Probes Ondo Crash as FG Moves to Strengthen Aviation Safety

    NAF Probes Ondo Crash as FG Moves to Strengthen Aviation Safety

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Nigerian Air Force has commenced a comprehensive investigation into Monday’s military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery teams continue efforts to locate the wreckage and remains of those on board.

    The aircraft, an ATR-42 operated by the NAF, crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, during a flight from Lagos to Benin City. Twenty-five people were on board, according to the Air Force.

    NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had ordered a full investigation into the incident.

    He explained that the Air Force would follow its established aircraft accident investigation procedures and release the findings when the preliminary investigation was concluded.

    The investigation is being conducted alongside recovery operations, which have been complicated by the difficult terrain and dense vegetation around the crash site.

    A military source said specialists involved in aircraft accident investigations were already participating in the recovery operation, noting that evidence recovered from the site would form part of the investigation.

    The source said a private construction company had deployed specialised amphibious equipment to clear vegetation and create access to the submerged aircraft.

    The main fuselage had yet to be recovered as of Wednesday, while Navy personnel, divers, emergency agencies and local volunteers continued searching the area.

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, visited the crash site on Wednesday and directed that search and recovery efforts be intensified.

    Aiyedatiwa described the incident as a national tragedy and said the swampy terrain had significantly hampered rescue and recovery operations.

    He said body parts, clothing, personal belongings and aircraft components had been recovered from the area, but the main body of the aircraft remained submerged.

    The governor ordered the deployment of two amphibious machines to open access through the waterways and enable larger boats and recovery equipment to reach the crash site.

    The Nigerian Navy has also deployed specialised sonar equipment from its Hydrographic Department to search the mapped underwater area and locate the submerged wreckage.

    The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said the sonar was being used because of the poor visibility caused by the highly turbid swamp water.

    FG Plans Aviation Safety Collaboration

    The crash has also prompted renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria’s civil and military aviation authorities.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed on Wednesday that the Federal Government would establish a joint framework involving the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Air Force.

    Keyamo made the disclosure during a condolence visit to the Chief of Air Staff.

    He said the proposed collaboration would focus on areas including airworthiness, certification, training and other aviation safety matters.

    According to the minister, civil and military aviation authorities must work more closely because both sectors share responsibility for protecting lives and maintaining aviation safety.

    Keyamo said Air Force personnel would be allowed to participate in relevant training programmes organised by civil aviation authorities, while military aviation experts could also share their expertise with the civil sector.

    The Chief of Air Staff welcomed the initiative, saying both institutions had a responsibility to improve aviation safety and protect Nigerians.

    Calls for Broader Investigation

    Former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, has called for a wider review of the Nigerian Air Force’s aircraft fleet, maintenance procedures and operational practices.

    Ejiofor said the frequency of military aircraft crashes in recent years warranted a broader assessment beyond determining the immediate cause of the Igbokoda incident.

    He also raised concerns over conflicting reports about the number of people aboard the aircraft, stressing the need for accurate record-keeping and reliance on the official passenger manifest.

    The NAF spokesman, however, clarified that 25 people were on board, comprising five active crew members and two additional personnel who were classified as crew but were travelling as passengers.

    Ejodame also dismissed speculation that the aircraft was outdated, saying it was acquired around 2010 and had been properly maintained.

    Ejiofor urged investigators to recover the aircraft’s flight recorders, popularly known as black boxes, saying they could provide crucial information about what happened before the crash.

    He cautioned against drawing conclusions from reports of a loud sound before the aircraft went down, stressing that the investigation must determine whether the sound resulted from an explosion or the impact.

    Nation Mourns Victims

    The crash has triggered widespread condolences from political leaders, traditional rulers and residents across the country.

    President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the deaths and ordered a full investigation into the incident. He also declared three days of national mourning for the victims.

    Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, described the crash as a painful loss to the nation and sympathised with the families of the victims and the Armed Forces.

    The Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, also expressed condolences to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Air Force and the bereaved families.

    Abia State leaders equally mourned the death of Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, an indigene of the state who was among those killed in the crash.

    As recovery operations continue, authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine measures needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.