The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • Israeli Lawmaker Urges UN to Pursue Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

    Israeli Lawmaker Urges UN to Pursue Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    An Israeli lawmaker, Afef Abbed, has called on the United Nations to revisit its 2022 opinion on the detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and press for the implementation of its recommendations.

    Abbed, a member of Israel’s Knesset, made the call in a letter dated September 1, 2026, addressed to the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

    He urged the UN to review the implementation of Opinion No. 25/2022 concerning Kanu and seek an official update from the Nigerian government on measures taken in response to the Working Group’s findings.

    The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention adopted Opinion No. 25/2022 in 2022 after examining circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest in Kenya and his subsequent transfer to Nigeria. The opinion is officially recorded as A/HRC/WGAD/2022/25.

    The Working Group concluded in the opinion that Kanu’s deprivation of liberty was arbitrary and called on the governments of Nigeria and Kenya to take steps to remedy his situation without delay. It recommended his release, compensation and other forms of reparation in accordance with international law.

    Abbed said the UN should continue monitoring the matter and encourage dialogue with the Nigerian government to ensure that proceedings involving Kanu comply with applicable international human rights standards and Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

    He said the subsequent legal developments in Nigeria had not removed the need to consider the concerns raised in the Working Group’s 2022 opinion.

    Kanu was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 on seven terrorism-related counts and sentenced to life imprisonment on several of the counts, alongside additional prison terms on others.

    Abbed said Kanu’s conviction and sentence made it more important for relevant international mechanisms to examine whether the recommendations contained in the UN Working Group’s opinion had been implemented.

    He also referred to legal proceedings concerning Kanu’s detention and transfer to Nigeria, arguing that they had raised questions about his fundamental rights and due process.

    The Israeli lawmaker further expressed appreciation for what he described as the “professional and independent work” of the UN Working Group in examining Kanu’s case.

    Abbed also referenced concerns raised over Kanu’s health and alleged inadequate access to medical care, saying such allegations involving the health and fundamental rights of a detainee should receive attention from relevant international human rights mechanisms.

    His intervention comes amid continued calls from some individuals and groups for a review of Kanu’s case and his release.

  • Ebonyi Governor Removes Works Commissioner Stanley Mbam

    Ebonyi Governor Removes Works Commissioner Stanley Mbam

    Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate removal from office of the state Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.

    The governor also directed Mbam to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.

    He was further directed to transfer his responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works.

    The directive was contained in a Public Service Announcement issued on Saturday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.

    The governor assured residents that his administration remained focused on delivering effective governance and improving public infrastructure.

  • Keyamo Criticises Atiku Over Reference to Tinubu as ‘Bola’

    Keyamo Criticises Atiku Over Reference to Tinubu as ‘Bola’

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his repeated reference to President Bola Tinubu by his first name during a press conference in Abuja.

    Keyamo, in a post on his X account on Friday, described Atiku’s reference to the President as “very disrespectful and discourteous”, arguing that the office of the President should be treated with dignity despite political disagreements.

    “The continuous reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by His Excellency, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in his Press Conference earlier today as ‘Bola’ is very disrespectful and discourteous,” Keyamo said.

    He added that political differences should not affect the respect accorded to the office of the President.

    “He should know better that no matter your differences with Mr President, for the sake of the country, that office should be accorded all the dignity it deserves,” the minister said.

    Keyamo also took issue with the tone of Atiku’s remarks, alleging that they reflected personal grievances.

    “The tone reeks of pain and bitterness in his heart,” he said.

    The minister further referred to Atiku’s recent comments about the ages of the two politicians, arguing that it was inconsistent for the former vice-president to describe Tinubu as older than himself while addressing him by his first name.

    “After all, he made the outlandish claim the other day that Mr President is older than himself. It is therefore a contradiction that he would also refer to an ‘elder’ by his first name,” Keyamo said.

    Atiku had, during the Friday press conference, called on Tinubu to take measures to reduce petrol prices and ease the pressure of rising living costs.

    The former vice-president urged the President to consider his proposed government intervention, saying Tinubu could rename the idea and take credit for it if that would result in lower petrol prices for Nigerians.

    “Tinubu should not be ashamed to do what is necessary to lower the price of petrol simply because Atiku Abubakar proposed a government intervention.

    “He should just take the idea, rename it if he wishes, and even take the credit. What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less,” Atiku said.

    He also argued that a policy proposal should not be rejected simply because it came from a political opponent and called for measures that would provide more lasting relief to households.

    Atiku’s remarks came amid continuing concerns over petrol prices and the wider impact of energy and transportation costs on the cost of living.

  • Court Rejects Suit Seeking Oduah’s Disqualification From 2027 Senate Race

    Court Rejects Suit Seeking Oduah’s Disqualification From 2027 Senate Race

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the disqualification of former Senator Stella Oduah as the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate for the Anambra North Senatorial District in the 2027 election.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a judgment delivered on Friday, held that failure to possess a National Youth Service Corps certificate does not constitute a ground for disqualifying a candidate from contesting a senatorial election.

    The suit was filed by an APGA aspirant, John Okechukwu Emeka, who challenged the nomination of Oduah by the party.

    Oduah, APGA and the Independent National Electoral Commission were joined as the first, second and third defendants respectively.

    Emeka, through his counsel, A.C. Ozioko, had alleged that Oduah provided false information to INEC in her Form EC9 in connection with her qualification for the 2027 election.

    The plaintiff claimed that Oduah had stated in her 2026 INEC form that she had never presented a forged certificate to the commission, while allegedly stating in an earlier affidavit that she had lost her First School Leaving Certificate and NYSC certificate.

    He further alleged that the authorities responsible for issuing the certificates had indicated that Oduah was not issued the documents.

    The plaintiff also challenged Oduah’s NYSC record, alleging that she had not completed the mandatory national service and had relied on a letter from the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association in presenting her qualification to INEC.

    The court, however, rejected the suit and held that the allegations of forgery raised by the plaintiff could not properly be determined through the originating summons procedure.

    Justice Abdulmalik noted that forgery constitutes a criminal offence and would have to be established to the required standard of proof.

    On the NYSC issue, the court specifically held that non-possession of an NYSC certificate was not a basis for disqualifying a candidate from a senatorial election.

    The court also upheld arguments by Oduah’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and APGA counsel, Ifeanyi Mberi, that issues concerning the former senator’s qualification to contest public office had previously been determined by an election petition tribunal in 2019.

    The court further found that the suit was statute-barred because it was filed outside the 14-day period prescribed by law for challenging the nomination.

    APGA submitted Oduah’s name as its candidate for the Anambra North senatorial election on July 7, 2026, while Emeka instituted the action on July 24, three days beyond the statutory period.

    The court consequently dismissed the case for lacking merit.

    The judgment comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 National Assembly elections, with INEC listing the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027.

  • FG, CBN Sign Pact to Coordinate Inflation, Debt and Forex Policies

    FG, CBN Sign Pact to Coordinate Inflation, Debt and Forex Policies

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have entered into a new agreement aimed at improving coordination on inflation, public borrowing, debt management, liquidity and foreign exchange.

    The Memorandum of Understanding on Fiscal-Monetary Policy Coordination was signed in Abuja on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the CBN.

    The agreement establishes a formal mechanism for both institutions to exchange information and coordinate economic policies while preserving the operational independence of the apex bank.

    Speaking at the signing, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the framework would strengthen cooperation in government cash management, debt issuance, liquidity forecasting, macroeconomic analysis and policy consultations.

    He said fiscal and monetary policies were closely connected, noting that government spending, taxation and borrowing decisions could affect economic activity, while monetary policy influenced liquidity, interest rates and price stability.

    Cardoso said the agreement was particularly important as the CBN continued its transition towards an inflation-targeting framework.

    He explained that achieving the objectives of inflation targeting required effective monetary policy alongside fiscal policies that supported price stability.

    According to him, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the CBN had collaborated over the years on issues including inflation management, debt sustainability, budget financing, exchange rate stability and responses to economic shocks.

    He said the new agreement would formalise and strengthen that cooperation.

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the framework was intended to ensure that fiscal and monetary policies worked in the same direction.

    Oyedele, however, stressed that increased coordination would not compromise the CBN’s autonomy.

    “The operational independence of the Central Bank remains sacrosanct. Coordination must never become fiscal dominance. The CBN will retain full independence in pursuing price and financial-system stability,” he said.

    The minister said the government was targeting a sustainable reduction in inflation to single digits, adding that monetary policy alone could not resolve the country’s inflationary pressures.

    “Our objective is to bring inflation sustainably into single digits and keep it there, and that cannot be monetary policy’s job alone,” Oyedele said.

    He identified food prices, import costs, energy and logistics as some of the structural factors driving inflation.

    Oyedele said the government would therefore focus on measures including strengthening grain reserves, improving agricultural yields, expanding irrigation and developing access roads to farms.

    He also ruled out a return to fuel subsidy, arguing that such a policy could put additional pressure on government finances and the naira.

    “A return to subsidy would create a fiscal collapse, pressure the naira, and ultimately undermine the price affordability it seeks to provide,” he said.

    Under the new framework, the Finance Ministry and the CBN are expected to improve the sharing of information on government cash positions, borrowing plans, credit growth and foreign exchange flows.

    The CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, said the agreement was particularly relevant amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

    He cited potential disruptions to energy and shipping routes in the Middle East, saying such developments could affect oil prices, government revenues, inflation, capital flows and financing conditions simultaneously.

    “This is why coordination matters. Coordination does not mean blurring respective mandates or compromising the independence required for effective monetary policy,” Abdullahi said.

    He said the framework would facilitate regular consultations, information sharing, joint technical analysis, scenario planning and stress testing.

    Abdullahi added that the two institutions would be better positioned to assess the impact of changes in oil prices and production on government revenue, foreign exchange inflows, external reserves, inflation, liquidity and financing conditions.

    “Uncertainty is not an argument for waiting; it is an argument for preparedness,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi, said the agreement was designed to balance inflation control with economic growth.

    Omachi said government spending would need to be managed carefully to avoid adding to inflationary pressures, while monetary tightening should not unnecessarily restrict economic growth and employment.

    “The core objective of the framework is inflation and growth balance,” he said.

    He added that the arrangement would help align government borrowing plans with money-market liquidity management, with the aim of reducing the risk of public borrowing crowding out private-sector credit.

    The permanent secretary said the framework would also cover exchange-rate and revenue stability, foreign exchange management, resilience to external shocks and regular data exchange between the government and the CBN.

  • FG Vows Accountability Over Deaths of Niger Miners in NSCDC Custody

    FG Vows Accountability Over Deaths of Niger Miners in NSCDC Custody

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has pledged that any person found responsible for the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State will face accountability.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement on Friday while commiserating with the Niger State Government, the Wushishi community and the families of the deceased.

    The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.

    Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be subjected to a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation before responsibility could be established.

    He stressed that the government would not prejudge the outcome of the probe, adding that its immediate priority was to establish the facts and ensure justice was served.

    “There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

    “The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” he said.

    The minister said the Federal Government considered the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians a serious responsibility.

    He noted that steps had already been taken to determine what led to the deaths following the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Aniviye, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    Tunji-Ojo had also directed that a comprehensive investigation be conducted into the incident.

    According to Idris, the suspension of the commandant demonstrated the seriousness with which the government viewed the matter.

    “The investigation will be allowed to establish exactly what happened, and the Government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” he said.

    The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and other unlawful activities capable of undermining national security, damaging the environment and depriving the country of its economic resources.

    He, however, stressed that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and in a manner that protects human life and dignity.

    The deaths followed the arrest of suspected illegal miners during NSCDC enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

    Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, subsequently confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody.

    He said forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to determine the cause of the deaths.

    The NSCDC also constituted an investigative team to examine the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention provided to them.

    The cause of the deaths has not yet been established.

    Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for accountability over the deaths, saying anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should be held accountable.

    Atiku said the families of the deceased deserved “the truth” and “justice” and called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.

    Idris appealed for calm in Wushishi and other parts of Niger State, urging residents and other concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

    He expressed the Federal Government’s condolences to the families of the deceased, the Wushishi community and the Niger State Government, assuring them that the government remained committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

    He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families and the people of Niger State.

  • Army Announces Special Recruitment for Skilled Applicants

    Army Announces Special Recruitment for Skilled Applicants

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Nigerian Army has announced a special recruitment exercise for Nigerians with technical and vocational skills as part of the 92 Regular Recruits Intake.

    The Army said online registration for the exercise would run from September 16 to October 21, 2026.

    According to a statement posted on the Army’s official X account on Friday, the recruitment is targeted at applicants with specialised skills that could be deployed in technical areas of military service.

    Those eligible to apply include boat operators, marine mechanics, electrical and mechanical engineers and other technical apprentices.

    The Army urged interested applicants to carefully review the recruitment requirements and complete their applications within the stipulated registration period.

    Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and between 18 and 35 years old as of October 21, 2026.

    The Army also stressed that the recruitment exercise is free, warning applicants against paying money to individuals or organisations claiming to have the capacity to secure recruitment slots.

    It advised qualified candidates to submit their applications through the designated online recruitment platform before the October 21 deadline.

    The exercise is part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen its personnel base by bringing in recruits with technical and specialised skills required for various military operations and services.

  • Macron Hosts Tinubu to Private Dinner at Élysée Palace

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday hosted President Bola Tinubu to a private dinner at the Élysée Palace in Paris as both countries seek to deepen bilateral relations.

    The meeting was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X account.

    Onanuga said the dinner reflected the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France and the two countries’ interest in expanding cooperation.

    “French President Emmanuel Macron received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a private dinner Thursday night at the Élysée Palace, reflecting the enduring relationship between Nigeria and France and their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation,” he said.

    The engagement comes during Tinubu’s second leg of his three-week annual leave in Europe. The President arrived in Paris on September 13 after spending the first part of his holiday in London.

    Tinubu had departed Abuja on August 30 for the break, with the Presidency saying he would return to Nigeria at the end of the vacation to resume official duties and participate in preparations for the 2027 general election.

    The dinner adds to a series of high-level engagements between Tinubu and Macron since the Nigerian President assumed office in May 2023.

    Tinubu visited Paris in June 2023 to attend the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact, where he met with Macron.

    The French government also hosted Tinubu for a state visit on November 28 and 29, 2024. During the visit, both countries signed declarations of intent covering economic cooperation, sustainable investment, critical minerals, banking, and the creative and cultural industries.

    Nigeria and France have also expanded cooperation in areas including trade, investment, security, energy, innovation and culture.

    France’s development agency, Agence Française de Développement, has invested more than €3 billion in Nigeria since 2010, according to the French government, with projects implemented across 26 states.

    The latest meeting also comes ahead of an expected visit to Nigeria by Macron.

    French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, said in July that the French President was expected to visit Nigeria in the autumn.

    According to the ambassador, the visit would provide an opportunity for both leaders to assess progress under the existing bilateral roadmap and identify additional areas of cooperation.

    The Tinubu-Macron engagement therefore provides another opportunity for Nigeria and France to sustain discussions on their economic, diplomatic and strategic partnership.

  • Obi’s SSG Obaze speaks on Anambra debt controversy

    Obi’s SSG Obaze speaks on Anambra debt controversy

    Oseloka Obaze, the former Secretary to the Anambra State Government under Peter Obi has broken his silence on the renewed controversy over the financial position of the state when the former governor handed over power to Willie Obiano in 2014.

    The former SSG, who said he was personally present when Obi signed the handover documents on March 17, 2014, also disclosed that he witnessed Obiano receiving and acknowledging his copy of the documents, including certified bank statements and the handover report.

    The development comes amid a fresh dispute between Obi and the Charles Soludo administration over loans and other financial obligations allegedly inherited from previous administrations.

    The Anambra State Government had recently said it was still servicing loans incurred under previous administrations, including those of Obi and Obiano. The state Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, said deductions were still being made from the state’s federal allocation to service the obligations.

    But Obi has rejected the claim, maintaining that he left office without outstanding debts relating to salaries, pensions, gratuities and certified projects.

    Amid the renewed controversy, the former SSG said he had firsthand knowledge of the 2014 handover and insisted that the financial documents presented to Obiano clearly contained details of the state’s assets and liabilities.

    According to him, the handover documents listed the financial position of the state, including funds and investments held by the government at the time Obi left office.

    A copy of the handover report released this week by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, showed figures including ₦27 billion in local investments, $156 million in foreign currency investments valued at ₦26.5 billion, ₦28.166 billion in certified state and MDAs balances, and a ₦10 billion Federal Government refund.

    The document put the total listed balances at ₦91.666 billion and estimated liabilities at ₦5 billion, leaving a stated net balance of ₦86.666 billion.

    The former SSG also recalled the 2017 Anambra governorship debate organised by Channels Television, where he said Obiano was questioned over the financial records he received from his predecessor.

    He said Obiano, who was a certified accountant and auditor, had acknowledged during the debate that some funds were indeed available, while questioning the rationale behind keeping money when there was work to be done.

    The former SSG further referred to an account attributed to former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, who he said had disclosed that Obiano told him that Obi left substantial funds which helped his administration undertake the construction of the Anambra Airport at Umueri.

    He also cited former banker and now Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who publicly said in 2022 that Obi left at least $155 million for his successor. Otti said he was involved in helping Obi secure Eurobonds while he was managing director of Diamond Bank and that some of the investments had maturities extending to later years.

    The latest intervention has added another dimension to the long-running argument over what Obi actually handed over to Obiano in 2014.

    While Obi’s camp has pointed to the handover documents and investments as evidence that the state had substantial resources at the time, successive reports and statements from the Obiano and Soludo administrations have maintained that the state inherited significant financial obligations.

    In 2015, the Obiano administration put the inherited debt burden at about ₦185 billion, a figure disputed by Obi’s camp.

    The current Anambra administration has also released records which it said showed that Obi’s administration contracted eight external loans between 2007 and 2013, with an original value of about $123.77 million. The government said part of the loans remained outstanding.

    The competing claims have therefore centred on a key question: whether the assets and investments recorded in Obi’s 2014 handover documents adequately offset the financial obligations associated with the state at the time.

    For Obi’s former SSG, however, the fact that the handover documents were presented, received and acknowledged by the incoming administration remains central to the dispute.

    He consequently questioned why the financial position documented at the point of transition should continue to generate controversy more than a decade after the handover.

    “During the nationally televised Anambra 2017 governorship debate on Sunday, 12, November 2017, organized by Channels Television, Gov Willie Obiano asserted surprisingly that there were no funds left by the Obi Administration.

    “I recall asking him on national television how, as a certified accountant and auditor, he would sign off and accept financial documents, for which he now was expressing reservations. He then publicly acknowledged for the first time that some specified funds were in place and asked what was the use of saving money, when there was work to be done. As Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba would later confirm to members of the Nigerian press corps, Gov. Obiano had disclosed to him that his predecessor (Gov. Obi) had indeed left huge sums, which enabled him to independently build the Anambra Airport at Umueri.

    If Gov. Obiano, to whom Peter Obi handed over in 2014, would eventually acknowledge – implicitly and explicitly – that Gov. Peter Obi indeed left the stipulated funds, a fact that was also publicly corroborated by Gov. Alex Otti, in his capacity as an ex-banker, what then, one may ask, is the beef and grouse of the incumbent Anambra State Government?”, he queried. Tribune

  • Workers demand 40% allowance, promotion arrears, warn of rising tension

    Workers demand 40% allowance, promotion arrears, warn of rising tension

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Trade Union Side, has urged the Federal Government to implement the 40 per cent peculiar allowance for civil servants and pay outstanding promotion arrears owed to workers.

    The council made the demand in a letter to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, warning that prolonged delays could heighten dissatisfaction among public servants.

    The workers specifically demanded the payment of promotion arrears for batches seven and nine, which they said were still being processed.

    The letter, signed by the council’s National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent payment of two months’ outstanding wage award.

    The council, however, said the payment did not resolve other outstanding issues raised during a meeting between its leadership and Oyedele on August 5, 2026.

    The workers recalled that they had earlier written to the minister on July 9, drawing attention to the delayed implementation of the 40 per cent allowance and unpaid promotion arrears.

    They commended Oyedele for responding to their concerns and implementing the agreement reached on the outstanding wage award.

    The council said the two months’ wage award was paid within the agreed timeline, before August 15, 2026.

    It, however, said the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance remained outstanding.

    According to the workers, the allowance was contained in a circular issued by the then Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Eyo Nta, with implementation scheduled to commence from May 1, 2026.

    The council appealed to the minister to remove what it described as administrative bottlenecks delaying implementation of the circular.

    “The essence of this letter is to once again invite your office to the urgent need to revisit this issue and accelerate the implementation of the circular without any administrative red-tape blockade,” the council stated.

    The workers also argued that lack of funds should not be used as a reason for delaying the payment.

    “The national leadership of JNPSNC wants to state without hesitation that the Federal Government can implement this circular without a pinch of excuse(s) because resources are adequately available to pay the money,” they said.

    ### Promotion arrears

    Apart from the allowance, the council identified the payment of promotion arrears for batches seven and nine as another major outstanding issue.

    It said the payments were still “hanging in the process of payment” and urged the government to expedite their release.

    The council consequently listed the two demands as the immediate issues requiring government action: implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance based on the relevant circular and payment of promotion arrears for the affected batches.

    While appealing to the government to resolve the issues without confrontation, the workers said prompt action would help preserve the confidence built during their August meeting with the minister.

    They urged the government to implement the allowance without issuing an ultimatum, describing such action as necessary to prevent further tension within the public service.

    The council, however, warned that dissatisfaction was already growing among workers over the unresolved entitlements.

    “There is no doubting the fact that potential spontaneous reactions are building up among workers due to restiveness on this subject matter in the public service among public servants,” it stated.

    The council concluded its appeal with the warning, “A stitch in time saves nine.”

    The latest demand follows the recent settlement of the outstanding wage award, which had been a major issue between organised labour and the Federal Government.

    With the wage award now paid, the implementation of the 40 per cent allowance and settlement of the promotion arrears remain among the outstanding financial issues confronting the public service.

  • FG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Deaths of Miners in Custody

    FG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Deaths of Miners in Custody

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Aniviye, following the deaths of suspected illegal miners held in the agency’s custody.

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directed the immediate suspension and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

    The incident reportedly occurred at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital, in the early hours of Thursday.

    The minister’s directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde.

    According to the statement, the deceased suspects were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations carried out in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.

    Tunji-Ojo described the development as unfortunate and said the suspension of the state commandant would remain in place while the investigation lasted.

    “It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the minister said.

    He added that the government’s primary responsibility was to protect lives and maintain security.

    “We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” he said.

    The minister appealed to residents to remain calm and obey the law while the investigation was conducted.

    He also expressed his condolences to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of those who died.

    Reports had indicated that at least 33 suspected illegal miners died while in custody, although the NSCDC has not officially confirmed the exact number of fatalities.

    The deaths had earlier prompted the NSCDC to establish an investigative panel to determine what led to the incident.

    The corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, announced the investigation in a statement on Thursday.

    He said the panel, headed by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, was tasked with carrying out a detailed inquiry into the deaths.

    The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their treatment while in custody, detention conditions, medical care provided and other factors that may have contributed to the fatalities.

    The NSCDC also warned against drawing conclusions about the cause of death before the completion of medical and laboratory examinations.

    The corps said claims linking the deaths to a particular disease had not been medically established and should therefore not be treated as confirmed.

  • Mambilla project: Nigeria defeats $3.38bn arbitration claims

    Mambilla project: Nigeria defeats $3.38bn arbitration claims

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Nigeria has secured a major legal victory in the long-running dispute over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, with an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration tribunal dismissing claims by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited that could have exposed the country to more than $3.38bn.

    President Bola Tinubu announced the development in a statement issued by the State House on Thursday, saying the ICC tribunal in Paris ruled in favour of Nigeria in the latest phase of the nearly nine-year legal battle.

    The dispute began in October 2017 when Sunrise initiated arbitration proceedings against Nigeria over an alleged breach of a 2003 agreement relating to the development of the Mambilla power project in Taraba State.

    According to the Presidency, Sunrise had sought $680m, including settlement payments and interest, in the latest proceedings, while a separate related claim involved more than $2.7bn in compensation and interest.

    The combined claims therefore placed Nigeria’s potential financial exposure at more than $3.38bn.

    The final award was issued on September 17, 2026.

    Tinubu described the ruling as a significant development for the stalled hydropower project, saying it had removed a major legal obstacle that had hindered its progress for years.

    “Today’s ICC ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralysed the Mambilla hydro power project for years,” the President said.

    ### Tribunal dismisses Sunrise claims

    Details of the arbitration award reported by TheCable showed that the three-member tribunal rejected Sunrise’s request for a declaration that Nigeria had violated its contractual obligations under a settlement agreement and an addendum entered into by both parties.

    The tribunal also dismissed Sunrise’s demand for $400m, comprising a $200m settlement payment and another $200m described as a default payment.

    It further ruled that Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power, was bound by the arbitration agreement with Nigeria under the settlement agreement and addendum.

    The tribunal consequently affirmed its jurisdiction over Nigeria’s counterclaims against Sunrise and Adesanya.

    As part of the award, Sunrise and Adesanya were ordered to reimburse Nigeria for 75 per cent of the legal costs and expenses incurred in defending the case.

    Nigeria’s legal expenses were estimated at $11.82m. Of that amount, $2.5m is expected to be paid from funds held in escrow by the ICC and released after notification of the final award.

    The defendants were ordered to pay the remaining $9.32m, with interest at 10 per cent annually, compounded yearly, from the date they are notified of the award until the outstanding sum is settled.

    The arbitration costs were fixed at $1.66m, with Sunrise and Adesanya responsible for 75 per cent and Nigeria responsible for the remaining 25 per cent.

    The tribunal comprised Melaine van Leeuwen as president, with Stavros Brekoulakis and Simon Nesbitt serving as co-arbitrators.

    Nigeria’s legal team was led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP.

    Tinubu commended Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice and members of the legal team for their handling of the case.

    He also acknowledged former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late former President Muhammadu Buhari for appearing as witnesses in Nigeria’s defence.

    “I commend the patriotism and support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who testified in the case,” Tinubu said.

    The President also recognised former ministers Babatunde Fashola and Suleiman Adamu, as well as other experts who participated in the proceedings.

    He credited the National Security Adviser with supporting the government’s case and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission with investigating aspects of the dispute.

    ### Project scaled down

    The Mambilla project dates back to a 2003 agreement for the construction of a 3,050MW hydroelectric power plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer arrangement.

    The project was subsequently subjected to several revisions as the government sought to make it financially viable.

    In 2016, Fashola, who was then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, described the proposed facility as a project capable of generating about 3,000MW.

    However, in February 2021, former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman announced that the government had reduced the planned capacity by about half, from 3,050MW to approximately 1,525MW.

    The reduction was intended to cut the estimated project cost by about $1bn and improve its financial viability.

    Several months later, Mamman told the Senate Committee on Power that the project had been further rescoped to approximately 1,500MW to make it “bankable” and acceptable to prospective lenders.

    The original project was estimated to cost between $5bn and $5.8bn, while the revised 1,500MW to 1,525MW project was estimated at about $4bn.

    ### Settlement dispute

    The disagreement between the Federal Government and Sunrise continued despite attempts to settle the matter.

    The parties entered into a settlement agreement in 2020, but subsequent disagreements over its implementation resulted in another round of arbitration.

    Sunrise alleged that the Federal Government failed to fulfil its obligations under the settlement and sought financial compensation.

    The latest ruling brings another chapter to the prolonged legal dispute surrounding the project.

    Despite being identified by successive administrations as a major project for expanding Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity, the Mambilla plant has yet to become operational.

    Its progress has been affected by legal disputes, financing difficulties and changes to its implementation structure.

    A Federal Ministry of Power implementation document previously listed the arbitration, completion of financing arrangements with the Export-Import Bank of China and the need to rescope the project among the issues delaying its execution.

    Tinubu said the Federal Government remained willing to work with legitimate investors and fulfil valid contractual commitments, while challenging claims it considers unjustified.

    “I want to assure you that while our country remains committed to partnering with genuine investors and honouring its legal obligations, it will continue to defend all opportunistic claims instituted against our commonwealth strongly,” he said.

    The Mambilla ruling is the latest in a series of major international legal disputes involving Nigeria and multibillion-dollar claims.

    In 2023, a UK court overturned an $11bn arbitration award obtained by Process & Industrial Developments Limited in connection with a failed gas processing agreement.

    The Mambilla dispute has also featured in domestic investigations into alleged financial misconduct. The PUNCH previously reported that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sentenced former Power Minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison in absentia following his conviction in a N33.8bn money laundering and fraud case brought by the EFCC.

    The court also ordered Mamman to refund the outstanding portion of funds allegedly diverted from money earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects.

    Meanwhile, former Power Minister, Prof. Barth Nnaji, recently attributed Nigeria’s prolonged difficulty in attracting investment into new power plants to policy inconsistency, inadequate infrastructure and changes to financing arrangements.

    Speaking at the 2026 conference of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics in Lagos, Nnaji discussed the country’s energy transition, the role of natural gas, financing challenges and delays affecting major projects, including Mambilla.

    He said Nigeria had gone 11 years without financing a new major power plant and linked the situation to the discontinuation of a government-backed financing mechanism introduced during his tenure.