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Uncertainty as US Delays on AGOA Renewal, UN Expresses Worry

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

There’s mounting uncertainty over the delayed renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by the Donald Trump-led US government, triggering concern from some quarters, especially the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The UN body has therefore warned that prolonged inaction by Washington could undermine trade stability, investment confidence, and job creation across African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, among others.

THISDAY’s checks showed that AGOA was signed into law by the then US President, Bill Clinton, on May 18, 2000, as part of the Trade and Development Act of 2000. It was designed to deepen trade and investment ties between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries, granting eligible nations duty-free access to the US market for over 6,000 products, including agricultural goods, textiles and manufactured items.

Since its enactment, AGOA has been renewed several times notably in 2004, 2008, and 2015, each time extending its duration and expanding its scope. The most recent renewal, signed by President Barack Obama in 2015, extended the programme for 10 years, setting its expiry date at September 30, 2025.
But hope has been dashed as the future of the Act hinged on congressional action to renew or amend it before that deadline did not happen before its expiry. This development is coming amid growing debate in Washington over its effectiveness and the changing global trade environment.

But in a document assessing the implications of the stalled decision, the UN said the absence of clarity on AGOA’s future was already discouraging long-term business commitments and exposing vulnerable economies to renewed shocks.
The body urged the US Congress to expedite the renewal process, noting that further delays could erode the progress made under the two-decade-old trade pact that has served as a cornerstone of Africa–US economic relations.

Besides, African governments, businesses, among others, warned that the prolonged US inaction could disrupt trade flows, weaken investor confidence, and stall regional growth.
“Unless the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is renewed, African exporters of agricultural products and light manufactures could face shrinking market access to the United States, undermining prospects for diversification,” the UN organisation said in the document seen by THISDAY.

A chart showing how the development would impact African nations indicated that before January 2025, Nigeria paid no tariffs (0 per cent) on AGOA-eligible exports to the US. In the same vein, it stated that under the Act, about 35.9 per cent of Nigeria’s total exports to the US benefit from AGOA.
The chart also broke down which sectors would be most affected now that AGOA has ended, including: Minerals and chemicals (71 per cent) —including crude oil and related products, Nigeria’s main export under AGOA.

Also included are: Metals, machinery, and transportation (21 per cent), which is an umbrella for items like manufactured metal goods and vehicles; agriculture and food (7 per cent) — plus crops and processed foods while, while textiles and apparel, including clothing and fabrics have 1 per cent of the total trade.
According to the UNCTAD report, since its launch in May 2000, AGOA has supported sub-Saharan African exports to the US through preferential access. However, the recent expiry of the scheme, it said, would threaten export diversification and industrialisation across the continent.

“African and non-African exporters are already facing increased trade barriers in the US market. Country- and sector-specific tariffs that have been introduced by the US since April 2025 have increased tariffs for the average AGOA country from below 0.5 per cent to 10 per cent. For key exports, such as agriculture and food products, metals, machinery and transportation, textiles and apparel, they have already triggered a double-digit increase in duties.

“The expiry of AGOA would disproportionately affect Africa’s light-manufacturing exports to the US, namely apparel and agro-food products, such as fish and dried fruits. Without AGOA’s preferential treatment, the 32 countries that received preferences until September 2025 would face a second wave of tariff increases as country-specific and sectoral tariffs would be added on top of most-favoured nation (MFN) rates, instead of the current preferential treatment under AGOA.

“Due to varying tariff rates and exceptions for sensitive raw materials, African exports of agricultural goods and manufactured products would be subject to tariffs that are 2-to-3 times higher than those applied on fuels and minerals,” the UN organisation stated.
According to the report, exporters of mined commodities are the least affected by the US tariff changes on African goods.

Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria or Angola—whose exports are primarily fuels and minerals, the report said, face minimal tariff increases, as their main exports, already benefit from low MFN tariffs, or exemptions from additional duties.

More diversified economies, such as South Africa, are less exposed to AGOA’s expiry but have already experienced significant tariff increases this year due to country-specific and sectoral tariffs, the UN added.
“AGOA’s expiry could further hinder Africa’s industrialisation and export diversification. Since most US imports from AGOA-eligible countries already consist of fuels, metals, and agricultural raw materials, the end of the trade pact could further exacerbate commodity dependence.
“Labor-intensive sectors, like apparel and agriculture, could be disproportionately affected, with negative repercussions not only on export diversification, but also on poverty reduction and women’s employment,” it stressed.

If AGOA is not renewed, nine African countries will face an average US tariff of 15 per cent or more—up from just 3 per cent today, the report emphasised.
“Small exporters specialising in apparel and agricultural products, such as Lesotho, Kenya, Cabo Verde, Madagascar and the United Republic of Tanzania, would be among the most affected, with average trade-weighted tariffs doubling to 20 per cent or higher.

“This would imply that African exports to the US could face higher tariffs than those from many developed countries. As such, it would be at odds with the commitment to support developing countries’ integration into the global market,” UNCTAD said.
According to the UN body, AGOA exports refers to the share of exports to the US eligible under AGOA and not total exports.

Although through AGOA, Congress seeks to increase US trade and investment ties with the region, promote economic growth through trade, and encourage the rule of law and market-oriented reforms, the latest efforts to renew it have not been successful. There are currently 32 AGOA-eligible SSA countries, of 49 potential programme country beneficiaries.

A US Congress document seen by THISDAY showed that in 2024, US AGOA imports totaled $8.0 billion, down 13 per cent from $9.3 billion in 2023. AGOA imports remain concentrated in a few countries and industries, but diversification has grown since the 2000s.

Crude oil imports stood at $2.0 billion in 2024, and comprised 25 per cent of AGOA imports. Such imports peaked in 2011 with a value of $48 billion, but have fallen partially due to expanded US production. Nigeria was the top AGOA supplier of crude oil to the United States in 2024 ($1.6 billion).
Non-energy imports in 2024 were valued at $6.0 billion. Top non-energy import categories include: Passenger vehicles ($2.4 billion), apparel ($1.2 billion), agricultural and food products ($949 million), base metals ($711 million), and chemicals ($251 million).

In October 2024, the Nigerian government called for an extension of the AGOA beyond its 2025 deadline. Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, made the call while speaking during the AGOA training workshop organised by USAID and Prosper Africa for stakeholders in Nigeria’s Textile and Apparel industry.
Abbas said AGOA has been crucial in fostering trade and economic development between Africa and the United States by providing African countries access to US markets and allowing them to diversify their economies beyond raw materials.

He, however, noted that even though Nigeria is a beneficiary of the policy and has great potential to capitalise on the opportunities, many Nigerian businesses remain unaware of the programme, thus limiting their chances of benefitting from it.

Elsewhere, Kenyan President William Ruto said during the recently ended UN General Assembly: “I will be asking (Trump) for the US to consider seriously renewing and extending AGOA for at least a minimum of five years.” “It is a platform that connects Africa and the U.S. in a very fundamental way,” he added.
AGOA-dependent industries likely employ some 1.3 million people whose jobs are now at risk — in countries where many people have few if any other options in the case of sudden unemployment.

In Kenya, more than 66,000 people, many of them women, were employed through now-vulnerable textile and apparel exporters to the US. In the garment districts of Kenya’s bustling capital, job cuts and fears over livelihoods have already begun, it was learnt.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja There’s mounting uncertainty over the delayed renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by the Donald Trump-led US government, triggering concern from some quarters,

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Strike: Dangote Refinery Lauds Tinubu, Ribadu, Ajayi, Others over Roles in Settling Dispute

*Describes PENGASSAN as anarchists, oligarchs, agents of darkness

*Some NMDPRA branch members accuse PENGASSAN leaders of dictatorial tendencies

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Dangote Refinery has praised President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, over their roles in ending what it described as the ‘disruptive’ activities of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Besides, the management of the refinery in a statement late yesterday characterised PENGASSAN as oligarchs who bluntly refused to accept valid court orders, pointing out that they displayed gross rascality and lawlessness.
The recent face-off between the facility and the union began when PENGASSAN accused the Dangote management of sacking about 800 workers, many of whom were either union members or had shown interest in joining the union.
But Dangote Industries Limited denied the accusations, insisting that the dismissals were part of a reorganisation aimed at improving efficiency and addressing internal sabotage and safety lapses. The union rejected that explanation and responded with a nationwide strike action.
“Dangote Refinery is grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, HE Bola Tinubu, for his intervention, through his ministers and senior officials, which resulted in the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the refinery.
“ Amongst the officials of the Federal Republic who worked tirelessly to roll back the lawless directives of PENGASSAN and restore sanity and order to the energy subsector were Nigeria’s security chiefs, made up of, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director General of the Department of State of Security, Mr. Adeola Tosin Ajayi and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Mohammed Mohammed.
“The other officials of the Federation who worked untiringly and determinedly into the wee hours of several nights to avert the declared disruption of Nigeria’s energy sector by anarchists and agents of darkness included the Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment, Dr. Mohammed Dingyadi, the Honourable Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu and the Honourable Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. We remain very grateful to these officials for their patriotism and national service.
“To Nigerians of all walks of life, we owe you more than a debt of gratitude. Your support for our righteous cause was both humbling and overwhelming. We heard your supportive voices and words of encouragement literally in all the street corners and media channels of Nigeria and were energized and strengthened thereby.
“You gave us hope and reinforced our belief in the Nigerian nation and people as the backbone of our enterprise. Be assured that we would continue to work for and in your interest and persist in always protecting that interest against rent seekers, economic saboteurs and economic squatters,” Dangote stated.
The refinery thanked its loyal workers, who ensured that operations were not disrupted even for a second, maintaining that the strength of Dangote Group lies in its people and their unalloyed dedication and allegiance to its cause, mission and vision.
“You proved your allegiance to our cause these several days even in the face of the provocative and inciting comments of and directives from detractors and naysayers who do not wish us and indeed Nigeria well. Be assured that you are treasured and will continue to be handsomely rewarded and remunerated notwithstanding the hypocritical directives and pronouncements of the enemies of Nigeria’s progress and derailers of our economy,” the statement added.
In the same vein, the Dangote Group, argued that it is recognised as one of Nigeria’s model employers of labour and the largest private sector employer in the country as well as the largest contributor to Nigeria’s tax revenues.
The company said that its compensation framework is benchmarked against international standards and designed not only to reward performance but also to protect employee welfare, uphold dignity in labour and provide a safe and enabling workplace for its people.
Through continuous training, mentorship and professional development, the refinery said it creates visible pathways for growth, thereby empowering its employees to advance into leadership roles and to build long-term and fulfilling careers.
“One institution that we revere and must loudly acknowledge is the Nigerian judiciary. They stood up for the truth and proved themselves as the bastion of hope for all of us. It is unfortunate that the oligarchs publicly displayed their rascality and lawlessness by refusing to accept service of valid court orders that sought to restrain their destructive actions.
“ Regardless, the fact that the judiciary came to society’s rescue at our critical moment of need, notwithstanding the intimidation of the hypocritical and sabotaging oligarchs, stands the judicial institution out as a just arbiter,” it stressed.
Meanwhile, some aggrieved members of PENGASSAN in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) branch, have accused their National President, Festus Osifo of “undemocratic conduct and constitutional violations”.
Besides, in a petition addressed to the registrar of trade unions, ministry of labour and productivity, the members raised concern about the conduct of PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.
They therefore urged the federal government to intervene regarding the issues raised about the leadership of PENGASSAN, explaining that despite their efforts, “numerous letters and correspondences” have been met with utter disregard and non-responsiveness.

“As a branch under the PENGASSAN structure, we have made several efforts to engage the national leadership constructively on matters affecting our members and the proper administration of our branch in line with the constitution of our union.

“The continuous actions and inactions of the national leadership amount to an abuse of office and a gross violation of the provisions of the PENGASSAN constitution, especially as it pertains to the rights of branches, democratic engagement, and internal dispute resolution.

“We are compelled to escalate this matter to your esteemed office, being the regulatory authority overseeing trade union administration in Nigeria, to intervene appropriately and safeguard the integrity of trade unionism, internal democracy, and due process within PENGASSAN,” the members stated.

The group had accused the PENGASSAN leaders of interfering in the electoral process of the NMDPRA chapter, rejecting the appointment of a caretaker committee for the chapter.

It stated that despite the calls for calm, the PENGASSAN leadership hastily inaugurated the caretaker committee, thereby creating divisions within the branch.

*Describes PENGASSAN as anarchists, oligarchs, agents of darkness *Some NMDPRA branch members accuse PENGASSAN leaders of dictatorial tendencies Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Dangote Refinery has praised President Bola Tinubu,

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NDLEA Smashes Cocaine Cartels Behind 6 UK-bound Shipments, Arrests Arrowhead, 5 Others

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers.

The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, said the operation was successful as a result of series of intelligence led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos, and led to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Ode, who parades himself as a businessman and real estate developer.

Babafemi said the beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations began on 16th September 2025 when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilogrammes concealed in walls of cocoa butter body cream containers, which led to a prompt arrest of a cargo agent.

The spokesman said further investigations revealed Alhaji Hammed Ode as the mastermind of the shipment and after weeks of intelligence, it was established the alleged drug baron had reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the agency sought the cooperation of the police to get the suspect into custody.Babafemi said during his preliminary interrogation, Ode admitted ownership of the consignment which he claimed he bought at over N150 million.

He claimed to be a businessman and estate developer following his return from the United Kingdom in 2024, saying he had lived for over 27 years in many European countries including Austria, Netherlands, France, Germany, and Asian country, Saudi Arabia before settling in the UK.Babafemi said in like manner, five other desperate attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the MMIA Strategic Command of NDLEA.

He disclosed the unravelling of the gang started on 26th September following the seizure of 2.1 kilogrammes cocaine concealed in walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport.He said the apprehension of a cargo agent led to the arrest of the consignor, Smith Korede, a furniture maker, last Tuesday at his 3 Arowojobe street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos base where another consignment of 1.4 kilogrammes cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered from him.

He said same day, another consignment of 1 kilogramme cocaine with similar mode of concealment also going to the UK was intercepted at the export shed of the airport.The cargo agent arrested in connection with the 1 kilogramme cocaine also identified Smith Korede as the consignor, bringing to three the number of seized cocaine consignments linked to the suspect.He disclosed that two other cocaine laden consignments going to the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the MMIA last Thursday, adding that two suspects: Ogunbiyi Taiwo and Popoola Olumuyiwa linked to the seizures were promptly arrested. He said one of the consignments contains crayfish, and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1 kilogramme cocaine while the second consignment also contains crayfish, and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.6 kilogrammes of cocaine.Babafemi said the bid by another criminal gang to smuggle into Lagos 6.3 kilogrammes of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in bedsheet and hibiscus flower from Thailand was equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies, while a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a check point along Danbatta-Daura road, Kano, last Thursday led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and seizure of 290,450 pills of tramadol 250mg and pregabalin capsules.He said in Lagos, a notorious drug dealer John Igbe, operating under the nickname: SammyBless to distribute illicit drugs in Lekki and Ajah axis, was last Tuesday arrested at Admiralty Road, Lekki.He added that at the time of his arrest, 550 grammes of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in retail plastic cups, were recovered from him.

Three other suspects: Idris Lukman; Fuad Abdulsalam and Mobolaji James were nabbed same day in Mushin area of the state, with 109 kilogrammes skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup and 2 kilogrammes of nitrous oxide seized from them.At the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba area of the state, 3,700 bottles of codeine syrup and 550,000 caplets of expired 225mg diclofenac were recovered.He said while a total of 27,700 pills of tramadol 100mg/225mg were seized from a suspect Salisu Abubakar, 25, at Bode Saadu, Morro Local Government Area, Kwara State, last Monday, Blessing Ovaka, 50, was caught with 498.5 kilogrammes skunk at Kudandan, Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna, same day, just as Dahiru Salisu, 27, was arrested in possession of 34,180 capsules of tramadol at Gwargwaje along Kaduna-Zaria road last Thursday.In Ogun State, NDLEA operatives last Monday raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112 kilogrammes skunk and 16 grammes of tramadol.

Three suspects: Chuimieze Shedrack, 28; Sunday John, 25, and Solomon Okopko, 27, were nabbed by NDLEA officers last Thursday at Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, Osun State where they destroyed 14,000 kilogrammes skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142 kilogrammes of same psychoactive substance.In Edo, NDLEA operatives last Wednesday intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5 kilogrammes at Igbanke, Orhionwon Local Government Area and a suspect Ineh Obindi, 28, arrested.A total of 10,897.35 kilogrammes skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358938 hectares at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East Local Government Area, last Friday, with two suspects: Michael Ayang, 40, and Bernard New Year, (a.ka Don), 47, arrested, with not less than 223.5 kilogrammes processed cannabis and seeds recovered from the farms.Babafemi said operatives on patrol along Okene/Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272 kilogrammes Loud and a sachet of Colorado.A follow up operation at Gwagwalada Park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, 34, while another suspect Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, was arrested in possession of 25.5 kilogrammes skunk along Abaji- Abuja expressway last Thursday.

He said in like manner, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has promised that:

“We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel at every level of their operations; from the mules to the dealers in between and up to their leadership.“These successful operations should serve as a warning that NDLEA will not relent until the threat posed by the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is eliminated because every arrest, seizure and assets forfeited by the criminal syndicates signifies innocent lives saved and communities protected either here in Nigeria or in other jurisdictions”, He commended the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Kano, Edo, Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Kogi and FCT commands as well as their compatriots across the country for their tenacity, professionalism and balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the agency.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups,

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First Lady: We Must Confront Shortage of Teachers By Investing In Growth of Educators

.Describes teachers as true heroes, shaping minds and guiding generations

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has canvassed the need for all stakeholders in the education sector to confront the issue of shortage of teachers by investing in the growth of educators.

The First Lady, in a message issued on Sunday to commemorate this year’s World Teachers’ Day, described teachers as true heroes, shaping minds and guiding generations.

Mrs Tinubu, in the five-paragraph message stated, inter alia: “On this World Teachers’ Day 2025, with the theme “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage”, calls for the need to draw more attention to one of Society’s nobless professions.

“The shortage of teachers is a challenge we must confront with urgency, by empowering educators, investing in their growth, and inspiring more to join this noble profession.

“Teachers are true heroes, shaping minds, nurturing dreams, and guiding generations.

“As a lifelong teacher myself, I salute you all on this Special Day.

“Happy World Teachers Day 2025.”

.Describes teachers as true heroes, shaping minds and guiding generations Deji Elumoye in Abuja Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has canvassed the need for all stakeholders in the

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Tinubu Felicitates Ex-CDS, General Lucky Irabo At 60

.Describes him as a true war commander and courageous defender

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with retired army officer and former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Eluonye Irabor, as he clocked 60 on October 5, 2025.

General Irabor, who held the position of CDS, the highest-ranking military position in Nigeria, during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, hails from Ika South Local Government in Delta State.

The President, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted Irabor’s patriotic service to the country and leadership within the military.

President Tinubu described General Irabor as a true war commander and defender.

“He was courageous. General Irabor remains one of the most remarkable soldiers this country has ever produced,” the President remarked.

President Tinubu commended Irabor for his book on Boko Haram, which was launched last Friday in Abuja saying it would help the country understand the Boko Haram menace and deal with it and other similar security challenges.

General Irabor said during the book launch that the publication was for soul-searching and not an indictment of anyone.

President Tinubu wished Irabor many years of good health and invaluable services to the nation.

.Describes him as a true war commander and courageous defender Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with retired army officer and former Chief of Defence Staff, General

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Aliyu Tells Critics to Stop Politicising Security

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has cautioned critics and commentators against politicising security matters, stressing that such actions undermined efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.

The governor issued this warning during a condolence visit to communities affected by recent bandit attacks in Silame Local Government Area.

“Security issues are very sensitive and fragile, and therefore must be handled with utmost care,” Aliyu stated.

He added that the government would no longer condone a situation where individuals hide under the guise of criticism or public commentary to undermine efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the state.

The governor reaffirmed that both the state government and security agencies were working tirelessly to strengthen security, noting that these efforts were gradually yielding positive results.

He also expressed concern over the activities of some rural residents, who served as informants to bandits, thereby aiding insecurity in their communities.

To address this issue, Aliyu revealed that a bill would soon be presented before the state assembly to prescribe stiff penalties for anyone found guilty of aiding banditry.

He, therefore, called on all citizens to support the government’s security initiatives by providing credible information to law enforcement agencies, emphasising that the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of everyone.

Aliyu further disclosed that his administration has provided necessary logistics and support to security agencies to enhance their operations, assuring that the government will not relent in sustaining such support.

During the visit to Silame Local Government, families of the thirty-three victims killed in the recent bandit attack received ₦2 million and five bags of rice each. In total, ₦66 million and 165 bags of rice were distributed to affected families in the area.

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has cautioned critics and commentators against politicising security matters, stressing that such actions undermined efforts to restore peace and stability in the state. The

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PANDEF Urges Tinubu to Immortalise Arase, Decries Niger Delta Neglect

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immortalise the late former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, in recognition of his “invaluable contributions to national unity and development.”

This call was part of a communiqué issued at the end of an enlarged meeting of PANDEF’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Benin City on Saturday.

The meeting, according to a communique by the group in Abuja, was presided over by the National Chairman, Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Igali, and was attended by Edo State chapter executives led by Professor Alfred Ehigiegba, and chairmen of PANDEF from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.

In the communiqué jointly signed by Amb. Igali, Prof. Ehigiegba, and the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PANDEF described Arase as a patriotic son of the Niger Delta whose service to the country deserved lasting honour through the naming of a major national monument after him.

The forum also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other leaders for their roles in restoring democratic institutions in Rivers State, noting that their interventions helped preserve peace and stability in the state.

PANDEF, however, expressed deep concern over what it described as the continued infrastructure neglect of the Niger Delta, particularly the “collapse of federal roads” across the region.

The group lamented that the East-West Road remains largely uncompleted, especially the Benin–Warri section, while other major arteries such as the Benin–Auchi and Calabar–Itu roads are in deplorable condition.

The communiqué further condemned the abandonment of the Ujevwu-Itakpe railway line connecting Delta and Kogi States.

It pointed out that similar projects in other regions, like the Abuja–Kaduna railway, were promptly repaired when they broke down.

“This selective attention gives the impression that the Niger Delta does not matter in Nigeria’s infrastructural priorities,” PANDEF stated.

As part of its economic recovery agenda for the region, PANDEF called on the federal government to urgently rehabilitate and reopen all seaports in the South-South zone, including those in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, Sapele, Burutu, and Koko.

The group stressed that restoring these maritime facilities would significantly boost commerce, job creation, and the per capita income of the people of the Niger Delta.

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immortalise the late former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, in recognition

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Super Eagles Camp Open in South Africa for Lesotho Clash

*Injuries, several yellow cards amongst Chelle’s worries

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Super Eagles will open camp in South Africa today ahead of Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho inside the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

With all the invited 23 players expected to fly straight from their respective bases into South Africa, Head Coach, Eric Chelle, and his backroom staff must be excited by the good shows put up by top Super Eagles for their clubs in weekend fixtures before the international window.

Apart from Victor Osimhen who has been consistent since coming back from injury sideline, new invitee, Akor Adams also got on the scorers’ sheet, helping Sevilla to end Barcelona’s 15-game unbeaten run with a 4-1 victory. Adams netted the fourth goal for Sevilla in the 98th minute after receiving a brilliant assist from another Nigerian international Chidera Ejuke.

Osimhen had in midweek UEFA Champions League clash scored a 16th minute penalty that proved to lone winning goal against Liverpool.

However, the fears over Eagles defence heightened with injuries to key invited players. With Bright Osayi-Samuel out, another invited Werder Bremen defender, Felix Agu, was forced out of Saturday’s Bundesliga clash against St.Pauli due to injury. He remains a major doubt for Friday’s game with Lesotho as he’s scheduled to undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan today to assess the injury to his ankle.

Wilfred Ndidi who is just working his way back to the team after injury layoff, on Saturday committed the catastrophic mistake that led to Galatasaray’s equaliser in the Istanbul Derby against Osimhen’s Galatasaray at Rams Park.

Therefore, as the camp in Polokwane opens, while Chelle will be happy with his sharp forward line, he will probably be filled with trepidation on what to make of his backline depleted by injuries and yellow cards. A second yellow cards will rule them out of the final group qualifier against Benin Republic next week in Uyo.

Those having one yellow cards ahead of the Lesotho clash include Semi Ajayi – booked vs Lesotho (16 Nov 2023); Calvin Bassey – booked vs Zimbabwe (19 Nov 2023); Jamilu Collins – booked vs Zimbabwe (19 Nov 2023); Umar Sadiq – booked vs Zimbabwe (19 Nov 2023);Bright Osayi-Samuel – booked vs South Africa (7 Jun 2024); Sodiq Ismaila – booked vs Benin (10 Jun 2024); Wilfred Ndidi – booked vs Rwanda (21 Mar 2025); Alex Iwobi – booked vs Rwanda (21 Mar 2025); Tolu Arokodare – booked vs Rwanda (21 Mar 2025); Stanley Nwabali – booked vs Rwanda (6 Sept 2025); Ademola Lookman – booked vs South Africa (9 Sept 2025); and Bruno Onyemaechi – booked vs South Africa (9 Sept 2025).

*Injuries, several yellow cards amongst Chelle’s worries Duro Ikhazuagbe Super Eagles will open camp in South Africa today ahead of Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho inside the Peter