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Concerns as bandits continue to unleash terror on security operatives

Security operatives in Nigeria have come under several attacks by criminal elements in the past few weeks, leading to the killing of scores of them. DAILY POST reports within September alone, over 50 security operatives were killed in different attacks across the country. While officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, vigilantes,
Concerns as bandits continue to unleash terror on security operatives

Security operatives in Nigeria have come under several attacks by criminal elements in the past few weeks, leading to the killing of scores of them.

DAILY POST reports within September alone, over 50 security operatives were killed in different attacks across the country.

While officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, vigilantes, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, JTF and state community watch groups are affected, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army are the worst hit.

Most of the killings in several states are even underreported.

The recent incidents in Benue, Kogi, Edo and Zamfara State are more worrisome.

On Friday, September 19, armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and local militias attacked security operatives at the Agu Center, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and murdered at least 11 security operatives.

The daredevil bandits had targeted a joint security team comprising police officers and operatives of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, locally known as Anyam Nyor, during a clearance operation near the state border.

DAILY POST gathered from security sources that the bloodthirsty bandits allegedly worked with an informant within the security team, leading to the deadly ambush.

The latest attack brought the total number of security personnel killed in the state within the last 12 months to over 80.

Recall that prior to the Agu attack, Governor Hyacinth Alia had on September 5 confirmed that no fewer than 76 security personnel lost their lives in the state while discharging their duties “in the last year”.

Barely three days after the Benue incident, gunmen struck in Yagba East and Lokoja local government areas of Kogi State, killing a total of five police officers in separate attacks.

Two weeks before the attack, about three officers were gunned down on September 10, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, also in Egbe, a town sharing a boundary with Kwara State.

The same day some terrorists ambushed soldiers while on patrol in Gusau, Zamfara State and killed at least five personnel.

In another tragic incident that occurred on September 18, at least two soldiers were killed after terrorists raided military barracks at Banki in Bama Local Government Area of Borni State.

Recall also that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on September 5, killed eight personnel of the NSCDC attached to the BUA Cement Factory located in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Another personnel of the corps was also killed on September 15, when bandits ambushed operatives of the NSCDC along the Yantumaki–Danmusa Road at Dafa village, Katsina State.

Last year, it was reported that about 229 personnel of the Nigeria Police Force were murdered by the trouble makers between January 2023 and October 2024.

The ugly trend has raised concerns not just among the security agencies but also stakeholders, who are eager to see the end of the wanton killings going on across the country.

In a chat with DAILY POST, a security expert, Mr Abayomi Oyelade urged the security agencies to “start the fight from within”, stating that the evildoers may have infiltrated the agencies.

According to Abayomi, “you can’t be fighting your enemies and succeed when the people around you are collaborating with those you are fighting.

“There have been reports where operatives plan to attack either bandits or terrorists in their hideouts but before you know what is happening, the bad eggs among them leaked the information to the bad boys. This is the major issue and the reason this security crisis may persist.

“People are too greedy. How do you sell your colleague to your common enemy and you are enjoying the money even with the guilty conscience?

“The military and the police have been infiltrated since and they know this fact.

“You hear some ex-military men accusing even commanders of collaborating with the bandits all because of money. We are our own problem. Why will the insecurity end when many people are benefiting? But that’s blood money.

“We have been saying this. When you identify their hideouts, work with the telecommunication industry, make sure there is no cell phone service in that area until after the operation. It is a simple thing but are you ready?

“Let’s take for instance, through credible intelligence, you have established that there are bandits around the monkey village in Ushafa, inform Glo, MTN and other telecom companies about the planned operation.

“They know how to switch off the network from the area until the operations are carried out. Once you cripple their ability to communicate, you have defeated them.”

Similarly, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, said that “while both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are employed to combat banditry and terrorism, community leaders, politicians and the locals should identify and check internal saboteurs and those who are collaborating with criminals.”

He called on the Federal Government to ensure that modern technology equipment was procured and appropriately deployed to end the security crisis.

Ajayi identified some of the needed equipment as drones, close circuit cameras, among others.

He added that security personnel should also be motivated and encouraged.

Concerns as bandits continue to unleash terror on security operatives

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INTERVIEW: Nigeria at 65: ‘It keeps getting worse’ – Economist, Simon

Dr. Samson Simon, chief economist, ARKK Economics & Data Limited, has said that Nigeria does not seem to have gotten it right from the word go. In this interview with DAILY POST, he speaks about the 65 years independence anniversary, economic hardship in the country, political corruption, judiciary, among other issues. At 65, many Nigerians
INTERVIEW: Nigeria at 65: ‘It keeps getting worse’ – Economist, Simon

At 65, many Nigerians are struggling under rising food prices, fuel costs, and unemployment. In your opinion, has independence delivered economic freedom to ordinary citizens?

Independence for Nigeria has largely not availed much for ordinary Nigerians. Most especially when compared to other economies we were at the same level in 1960. Nations like South Korea and Malaysia have done much more for themselves and improved the lot of their citizens.

However, for Nigerians the larger chunk of the population still struggles with making ends meet, They cannot afford food, and the recent rises in fuel price have priced them out and unemployment seems unabated. So, it can be said that independence has not delivered economic freedom to ordinary Nigerians. It is the elite who have replaced the colonial masters that have seen their situation get better.

How would you describe the impact of current economic realities on the average Nigerian family?

The current economic realities have impacted the average Nigerian family badly as hyperinflation has led to a cost of living crisis hence making families struggle to keep body and soul together. Purchasing power being eroded and consequently making families hard up. And really badly so.

Do you believe successive governments have betrayed the hopes and aspirations of Nigeria’s founding leaders?

Nigeria does not seem to have gotten it right from the word go. It is just sad that it keeps getting worse. While the founding leaders might have done their bit, however, that did not move the needle for majority of Nigerians. Even the hopes and aspirations of the founding fathers are not any different from the ones trumpeted by the current crop of leaders. In spite of this, if subsequent leaders had built on the legacies of the founding leaders and even improved on them, we might have been reaping the benefits by now. Sadly, the overwhelming majority are still stewing in regression as of now.

What role has corruption and bad governance played in worsening today’s harsh economic conditions?

Corruption and bad governance have played a huge role in making Nigeria to fail woefully at reaching its full potential. And the current malaise being suffered might have been the direct result of these twin evils. Public funds are being diverted, contracts inflated, incompetence and ineffective government policies are being pushed hence yielding next to nothing for the everyday Nigerians.

Some argue that Nigeria’s judiciary is no longer the last hope of the common man. How do you assess the performance of the judiciary in protecting citizens’ rights?

The Nigerian Judiciary might have had better days, but at the moment, the sentiments, as well as the fundamentals seem set against it. It is considered not independent, corrupt and not able to dispense justice without fear or favour. This calls for reforms that would make it at par with the best judicial systems anywhere in the world. This does not mean that it is completely gone as we still see pockets of successes with freeing of government critics and ruling against the government.

Many election disputes are decided in court rather than at the ballot box. Do you think the judiciary has strengthened or weakened Nigeria’s democracy?

The judiciary should not determine who wins or loses an election as it is becoming the norm in recent times. It should ask for disputing parties to go back to the polls and let the people be the only ones determining who should be the winner or not of an election. By the judiciary arrogating to itself the powers to pick winners and losers in elections, it has undermined democracy.

Looking back 65 years, do you think Nigeria’s leaders have managed the country’s resources responsibly?

Nigeria’s resources have not been managed well by any stretch of the imagination. There are a myriad of cases to prove the inefficiencies, incompetencies and inability of those in charge to deliver a modicum of decent living for the lowliest of Nigerians. And a country can only be considered to do well when it takes care of its weakest and most vulnerable. Nigeria has not done so well in that regard.

What urgent reforms do you think are needed in governance and the judiciary to put Nigeria on the right path before its 70th independence anniversary?

There is a need for reforms in all facets of Nigerian life, among which should be the overhaul of the fight against corruption with the strengthening of the EFCC, ICPC, Auditor General’s Office, etc, by making them independent and supplying them with all the resources to deliver.

And more importantly, build structures to prevent acts of corruption and make Nigeria the most transparent society with drastic reduction if not complete elimination of corruption in daily activities through automation and other technologies.

Secondly, make Nigeria the easiest place to do business to boost investments, most especially FDIs in order to grow the Nigerian economy and make Nigerians thrive in their homeland.

Thirdly, LGA reforms guaranteeing hundred per cent autonomy for them and making the leadership accountable and corruption-proof.

Fourthly, creating a merit-based society while being inclusive as well, among others.

Despite the challenges, do you still see hope for Nigeria’s future?

Of course there is hope. But more of what we have as evidence does not guide this hope. It is rather hoping against all hope as the situation does not present one with any empirical basis to hope. Furthermore, sectors like Nigerian music, movies and IT might be the bright spots.

INTERVIEW: Nigeria at 65: ‘It keeps getting worse’ – Economist, Simon

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DSS never withdrew arms from vigilantes before deadly Kwara attack – Govt

Kwara State Government, on Tuesday denounced the rumour in circulation alleging that weapons were withdrawn from vigilantes and forest guards for servicing hours before the armed bandits struck on Sunday at Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. At least 12 people were massacred and scores abducted in the bloody attack by bandits on
DSS never withdrew arms from vigilantes before deadly Kwara attack – Govt

At least 12 people were massacred and scores abducted in the bloody attack by bandits on the community.

Reacting to the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, in Ilorin on Tuesday, said “there is no truth in the claim that the Department of State Service, DSS, withdrew weapons from the forest guards at any time” prior to the deadly attack on the community.

He said the leadership of the forest guards had disputed the claim, while the DSS had expressed strong reservations about the demoralizing, albeit false claim made in the viral video, reportedly by a woman.

“We pray to God to console the bereaved woman and every other one, but her claim is not true,” he added.

The governor’s spokesman assured that “we will get out this stronger and safer, let us remain united, calm, and refuse to be daggers drawn with ourselves, that will be a road to the Golgotha.”

Ajakaye also dwelt on the official statement by the Nigerian Air Force on the Monday night assault on bandits’ hideouts on Kwara-Kogi border which eliminated a sizeable number of the criminals.

He dismissed insinuating members of the public who doubted the authenticity of the statement, and confirmed that it was issued by the Air Force on its official Whatsapp platform at about 1:54p.m on Monday about its operation in the troubled area.

Ajakaye confirmed that the statement was issued by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

“What does the government gain to say there was an operation if there was none?” He queried.

DSS never withdrew arms from vigilantes before deadly Kwara attack – Govt

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Amid Restructuring, ExxonMobil to Cut 2,000 Jobs, Chevron 20% of Workforce, BP 25%

•TotalEnergies to boost output, reduce $7.5bn in spending

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

ExxonMobil yesterday announced that it will lay off 2,000 workers globally as part of a long-term restructuring plan, adding to a wave of job cuts in the oil and gas industry this year.

The layoffs represent about 3 per cent to 4 per cent of the company’s global workforce and are part of an ongoing efficiency drive, the US energy major told Reuters in an emailed statement.

ExxonMobil has been streamlining its operations after closing its $60 billion purchase of Pioneer Natural Resources in 2024. In November last year, the company revealed in a filing that it would cut nearly 400 jobs in Texas.

“We’ve seen the value of bringing people together in the same location… we are aligning our global footprint with our operating model and bringing our teams together,” the company said in a statement.

On Monday, Canadian shale producer Imperial Oil, in which Exxon is a major shareholder, announced plans to cut 20 per cent of its workforce and shutter business in Calgary.

Global energy companies have announced thousands of job cuts this year, as the sector navigates weaker crude oil prices and a rapid consolidation.

Chevron plans to lay off 15 per cent to 20 per cent of its global workforce, while BP has said it would cut more than 5 per cent of its jobs and ConocoPhillips has announced it would cut 20 per cent to 25 per cent of its jobs.

US oil and gas production jobs fell by 4,700 in the first six months of this year, Texas labour market statistics showed.

It’s unclear the magnitude of impact it will have on its operations in Nigeria, where ExxonMobil has been present for more than six decades, operating mainly through its subsidiary, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited.

The company is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the country and plays a central role in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry. Its operations are concentrated offshore in the Niger Delta region, where it manages a series of joint venture and production sharing arrangements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

Benchmark Brent crude futures are down about 10.5 per cent year-to-date, impacted by increased Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) output and persistent demand uncertainty tied to the US trade policy. Exxon employed 61,000 people globally at the end of 2024, according to a regulatory filing.

Meanwhile, French group TotalEnergies on Monday announced plans to increase oil, gas and electricity production while cutting spending by $7.5 billion between 2026-2030.

TotalEnergies said at an Investor Day in New York that it would boost oil and gas production by 3 per cent over that period. At the same time, it pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its gas and oil operations by half compared to 2015 and cut methane emissions by 80 percent from 2020 levels.

Under fire for continued fossil fuel investments, the company argues oil and gas remain essential to meet global demand and fund renewable technology.

The oil and gas giant, which has expanded into renewables like wind and solar, plans to focus on high-margin exploration and production projects while staying selective on low-carbon investments. Low-carbon spending will average $4 billion a year, mostly for its Integrated Power unit.

Electricity output is set to grow 20 per cent annually, reaching up to 120 terawatt-hours by 2030, 70 per cent from renewables and 30 per cent from “flexible” gas — gas plants that can be ramped up to complement intermittent renewable sources.

TotalEnergies said this diversification will boost resilience and shareholder returns, reaffirming plans to return over 40 per cent of cash flow to investors, an FT report said.

As part of its cost-cutting plan, the company will trim annual capital expenditures to $16 billion in 2026 and $15–17 billion between 2027 and 2030 — about $1 billion less than previous guidance. Jobs will not be affected, it said.

•TotalEnergies to boost output, reduce $7.5bn in spending Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja ExxonMobil yesterday announced that it will lay off 2,000 workers globally as part of a long-term restructuring plan,

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First Lady: Nigeria Fertile Ground for Global Partnerships

•Promises support for women entrepreneurs

•Hosts Russian BRICS women’s business alliance

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday played host to the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance at the State House in Abuja, where she declared Nigeria as a fertile ground for global partnerships as well as a dependable ally of the BRICS bloc.

Speaking while welcoming the delegation led by Chairperson of the Alliance, Anna Nesterova, the First Lady described Nigeria as “a very interesting place that you will find rewarding for partnerships.”

Mrs Tinubu assured the visitors of her office’s continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship while clarifying the statutory role of government ministries in driving concrete economic engagements.

According to her: “My office will continue to provide advocacy and encouragement, but the ministries have the statutory responsibilities and budgets to support your mission.

“I do a lot of programmes through my foundation, but when it comes to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, the ministries are the right partners. My role is to complement, advise, and facilitate”

She enumerated her humanitarian work through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), noting personal commitments to education, women, and children.

Mrs Tinubu recalled dedicating her 65th birthday towards fundraising for a national library project and announced plans to distribute sanitary kits to schoolgirls in Gombe State as part of her outreach to rural communities.

Earlier in her remarks, Nesterova praised the First Lady as “an incredible woman who not only changes lives for the better but also paves the way for a prosperous future for the Nigerian people.”

She hinted of plans by the Alliance to establish a regional office in Nigeria to serve as a gateway for women entrepreneurs into international markets.

Nesterova also announced a donation of 1,000 labour and delivery kits to support maternal health in Nigeria, while highlighting the Alliance’s global reach: “Our Common Digital Platform currently connects more than 3,000 businesswomen from 60 countries, and last year, the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest attracted 50 applications from Nigeria alone.”

The Russian delegation included senior executives and academics such as Ms. Liudmila Shcherbakova of VET PHARM Group, Ms. Natalia Vershinina of United Migration Center, Prof. Liudmila Popova of Orel State University, and Ms. Anna Meshcheryakova of Third Opinion AI.

They expressed readiness to collaborate in areas ranging from pharmaceuticals and labour mobility to financial literacy and AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Following the courtesy call, the visitors joined Nigerian officials at a technical session in the State House Banquet Hall which focused on “Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Exploring Investment Opportunities between Nigeria and Russia.”

On her part, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the engagement as a new chapter in Nigeria–Russia relations.

“This gathering must go beyond symbolism. It should deliver actionable frameworks for cooperation, joint ventures, and enduring networks between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs”, she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu linked the talks to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda, stressing that empowering women is “not just a moral duty but a strategic investment in national growth and stability.”

Also speaking, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, recalled over six decades of Nigeria-Russia cooperation in education, technology, defence, and energy.

She noted that Nigerian women own over 40 percent of small and medium enterprises and constitute nearly 39 percent of registered exporters.

“With Nigeria’s demographic strength and entrepreneurial dynamism, and Russia’s technological expertise, our two nations can pursue mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture, food security, mining, energy, the digital economy, and healthcare,” Oduwole said.

She underscored Nigeria’s gateway role under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering investors access to a $3 trillion market of 1.3 billion people.

Other speakers included the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, and her Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy counterpart, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who both stressed the importance of women and youth in driving innovation and inclusive growth.

•Promises support for women entrepreneurs •Hosts Russian BRICS women’s business alliance Deji Elumoye in Abuja Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday played host to the Russian Chapter

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NNPC Rallies Media Stakeholders for Continuous Cooperation, Accurate Reportage of Company’s Operations, Visits THISDAY

Peter Uzoho

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has reignited its relationship and cooperation with media stakeholders, stressing the need for continuous reportage of the company’s activities objectively and accurately, while promising to step up its task of making information available to the media at all times.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPC, Mr. Andy Odeh, stated this when he paid a familiarisation visit to THISDAY Newspapers in Lagos, yesterday.

The visit was in line with the state oil firm’s effort to foster stronger collaboration and deepen the relationship between it and its esteemed media partners.

Odeh, who came with four members of his team, was received by the Sunday Editor of THISDAY, Mr. Davidson Iriekpen, in the company of other editors.

The CCCO promised to guarantee the free flow of communication between NNPC and THISDAY in particular and other media partners in general.

“This visit shows the kind of relationship that exists between us and the organisation. So, our coming here is purely for me to formally introduce myself and my corporate communications team to you. And to thank you for the kind of support NNPC has received from you in the past. I look forward to working with you,” Odey said.

Underscoring challenges around providing and confirming information to the media, he attributed that to the sensitive nature of some of the information requested, especially figures, adding that this leads to delays in response.

He, however, promised to ensure a marked improvement as he would ensure the communication team is reachable at all times.

Odey further said, “So I want to provide that assurance. The other one is about information and what is affecting us. We would really like feedback from you on how we’re doing, especially the relationship. If you have a good relationship, you expect information to flow. If information is flowing, it enhances a good relationship.

“And I think, for me, that I want to sustain and even enhance. So, again, thank you so much. Looking forward to how we work together.”

Odey pointed out that what affects NNPC, affects Nigeria one way or the other, because of the role the company plays as the catalyst for ensuring energy sustainability in the country.

According to him, that keeps the conversation going around what is happening in NNPC.

“So, thank you very much for this opportunity and the role you play, and the role you’ve been playing. And, of course, the role we play and how we need to work together to ensure information flow. And how we are viewed by the public, starting with you, THISDAY”, he concluded.

Responding, Iriekpen thanked the NNPC team for deeming it thoughtful to visit THISDAY.

He reminded the visitors that THISDAY prides itself as a media platform that values objective, factual and balanced reporting, adding that the company remains dispassionate and acts professionally in all its job.

He enjoined the NNPC team to always avail the media with accurate information, promptly, to enable them continue to discharge their statutory responsibility of informing the public with the happenings in the national oil company.

“We want to thank you for coming. Of course, you know how objective we are: we are very dispassionate and we try to do our job as professionally as possible.

“We don’t take side at all in anything we are putting out. While we welcome you, we equally want to let you know that at all times, if there is any information you want to give us, it should be very prompt, very accurate and let us just flow on that level first.

“Of course, you have our blessing. We will try and support you the way we feel like supporting you. But the only thing we cannot do is to allow you to gag us and tell us how to do our job. So, we welcome you”, Iriekpen said.

Peter Uzoho The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has reignited its relationship and cooperation with media stakeholders, stressing the need for continuous reportage of the company’s activities objectively and

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ATAF Hails Nigeria’s Tax Reforms as FIRS Chairman Seeks Africa’s Input in Global Agenda

James Emejo in Abuja

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), yesterday thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s tax reforms which culminated in new tax laws.

The forum described the reforms as necessary for economic growth and development.

The commendation was conveyed by the recently-inaugurated Executive Secretary of the continental body, Ms Mary Baine, during a visit to the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji in Abuja.

In a statement, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, Baine said ATAF stands by Nigeria in reforming its fiscal landscape and pledged the readiness of the body to give technical support in areas that would help in realising the gains of the reforms.

She referenced how the organisation had helped Zambia to build capacity in the area of raising revenue from mining, promising to offer support to Nigeria in the same area.

According to her, ATAF is willing to leverage Nigeria’s continental and global influence to mobilise member-countries to strengthen the organisation.

She said, “When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, we see the things you are doing and the way you’re changing the tax system, the kind of reforms and the time that it has taken and of course the movement forward.

“So, we applaud you, and I wanted to say that ATAF is here to say that we stand with you, we applaud you, and we’re ready to provide whatever support that could lead to its success.

“In terms of your strategic vision— people, technology and data, we find that this is something that is really critical for the rest of the continent and that it is an area where ATAF will be happy to support as well.”

However, while welcoming the visitors, the FIRS chairman,

expressed confidence in the capacity of the Executive Secretary to lead ATAF to glory.

He charged Africans to look inwards for homegrown solutions to challenges, stressing that salvation cannot come from the Western world.

Adedeji said, “My belief has always been that solutions to Africa’s challenges can only come from Africa. There is no free lunch anywhere. I have said that I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation.

“So, the expectation from us as a continent is also to bring what we can contribute to the work, most especially in tax matters. For us, we have to evolve our own fiscal policies which is what Nigeria has done with the new tax laws.

“Before now, we had tax laws were colonial relics. We had Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet.”

James Emejo in Abuja The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), yesterday thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s tax reforms which culminated in new tax laws. The forum described the reforms as

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Cardoso to Deliver Maiden Next-Generation Leadership Lecture Series Friday

James Emejo in Abuja

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will deliver a landmark lecture titled, “Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building,” at Lagos Business School on October 3, 2025.

The lecture marks the launch of the CBN Governor’s Lecture Series, the first in a series of thought-leadership discourses to be held in collaboration with leading tertiary institutions across the country over the next three years.

According to a statement by the apex bank, the inaugural edition also commemorates the second anniversary of Team Cardoso’s leadership at the CBN, a period defined by renewed focus on price stability, institutional transparency, and anchoring monetary policy to the everyday realities of Nigerians.

The Governor’s Lecture Series, part of Cardoso’s broader Knowledge Acceleration and Thought Leadership Initiative, is central to the CBN’s strategy of deepening public understanding and strengthening the transmission of monetary policy, the bank added.

It aims to foster dialogue, promote innovation, and advance an inclusive financial system that works for all Nigerians, while positioning the country as a leader on both the African and global stages.

Since assuming office in September 2023, the central bank governor has consistently emphasised linking apex banking industry regulator to the daily realities of citizens.

Cardoso had stressed that the bank’s core mandate -safeguarding price stability – was essential to driving sustainable economic growth and protecting livelihoods.

In his earlier intervention, the CBN governor stated, “Nigeria is at a pivotal moment, where technology, global financial realignments, and the energy of its youthful population are reshaping its economic future. Innovation must be harnessed intentionally and confidently, particularly by institutions like the CBN.”

However, the lecture is expected to attract senior policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and students, underscoring the crucial role of monetary policy in fostering stability, growth, and national development.

James Emejo in Abuja The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will deliver a landmark lecture titled, “Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation

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At 20th Abuja International Trade Fair, NACCIMA, Dangote, Others Back Aspiration for $1trn Economy

•Seek inclusive, sustainable growth, urge government to deploy incentives strategy to spur growth, sustainable practices

James Emejo in Abuja

The Organised Private Sector (OPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s aspiration to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The stakeholders also renewed their call for a more inclusive and sustainable growth.

They spoke at the opening of the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) with the theme, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation”, which was organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

The private sector players equally advised the government to explore incentives strategies which remained powerful tools to speed-up private sector investment in sustainable practices.

In his remarks, President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, said as the economy expands, the government’s priority must be to ensure that growth remains sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven.

He described this year’s fair as celebration of a historic milestone, – 20 years of consistent commitment to trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.

Obegolu said, “Since its inception, the Abuja International Trade Fair has grown from a modest local exhibition into Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform, and one of Africa’s most recognised trade events.”

In his remarks at the exhibition, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jani Ibrahim, said the private sector remained united in promoting the Nigeria First agenda, adding that “we must collectively drive the vision of a $1trillion-economy.”

He said the trade fair was not just an exhibition but a call to action.

He said the annual exhibition remained a platform for reforms, investments, and partnerships that will shape the country’s economic future.

Ibrahim said NACCIMA remained the largest trade and investment gathering on the continent, urging Nigeria to seize the moment.

While congratulating ACCI on its milestones, he said, “With our strong entrepreneurial spirit, we are well positioned to attract new partnerships and reaffirm Nigeria as Africa’s gateway economy.

“NACCIMA’s global vision is to expand Nigeria’s footprint across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.

“Through NACCIMA Global, we will connect Nigerian businesses with international partners, deepen private sector reforms, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness.”

He said, “On contemporary global issues, we must remain engaged: addressing climate change through renewable energy and green finance; driving digital transformation through fintech and e-commerce; ensuring resilience in supply chains; and promoting inclusive growth by empowering women and youth entrepreneurs.”

Also, representative of Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, said the path to a sustainable economic future required the government to provide a vision and enabling environment through smart policies, incentives, and taxation.

She said the Dangote Group remained fully committed to walking the path, noting “We are ready to be a key partner in building a Nigeria where sustainable consumption, strategic incentives, and fair taxation are the bedrock of our collective prosperity”.

Abdurrahman also commended ACCI for being steadfast advocate for a conducive business environment, and we value this collaboration immensely, and urged the chamber to continue its advocacy and capacity-building roles.

She said the private sector must respond with bold investments, innovation, and the highest standards of corporate citizenship to grow the economy.

Abdurrahman said, “As a company, we believe that consumption is not just about what we produce; it is equally about how we consume. The choices we make as individuals, businesses, and a nation shape the future of our economy.

“Today, there is a pressing need for us to rethink our consumption patterns and embrace a shift towards local value addition.

“At Dangote Group, we have also shown through our refinery and cement that instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, we must process more of what we produce here at home.

“This will not only create jobs and grow industries, but it will also reduce our dependence on imports and strengthen our economy.

“Similarly, incentives are powerful tools that the Nigerian government can deploy to speed-up private sector investment in sustainable practices.

“From renewable energy solutions that reduce dependence on diesel generators, to waste-to-wealth initiatives that tackle our mounting refuse challenges, well-structured incentives can encourage businesses to innovate, create jobs, and scale up solutions that strengthen both the economy and the environment.”

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the fair, the chamber hosted the second edition of the investiture of its National Policy Fellows (NPF).

The awards honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to business and economic development across diverse fields, including academia, human rights, chamber movement, civil society, community development, improved public service delivery, industry/SME development, and legislative policy.

According to the ACCI president, 12 distinguished nominees were inducted this year.

Over the past two decades, the Fair had hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas and attracted over 1.5 million visitors across multiple sectors as well as facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships among others.

•Seek inclusive, sustainable growth, urge government to deploy incentives strategy to spur growth, sustainable practices James Emejo in Abuja The Organised Private Sector (OPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting