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Nigeria’s Push Toward Globalisation and Role of Payments

Fiyinfoluwa Olorunsola

This year, the Nigerian government has made deliberate strides toward integrating more closely with the global economy. Through a series of reforms, ranging from tax rebates and proposed citizenship-by-investment schemes to major port concession, the policy direction is clear: strengthen the domestic economy, attract foreign capital, and reshape Nigeria’s standing in the global market.

At the heart of this transition lies the payment industry; the unseen but essential infrastructure of trade and commerce. From the spare parts trader in Alaba Market who depends on instant transfers to close a deal, to the banking executive approving a multi-million-dollar letter of credit, every transaction is powered by payments. What was once a simple means of exchange has become the backbone of commerce, technology, and financial trust.

Every reform that touches trade, investment, or consumer confidence ultimately relies on a payments system that is secure, scalable, and globally interoperable.

It is in this context that the recent decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria to adopt ISO 20022 is of particular significance. ISO 20022 is more than a technical requirement; it is a global financial messaging standard that enables payments to carry richer, structured data; clearly identifying who paid, why, where, and for what purpose.

For the ordinary customer, this means faster and clearer transactions; whether it’s a parent paying school fees online or a trader receiving an instant transfer at the market; with fewer disputes and delays. For businesses, it brings easier reconciliation and richer data, the kind that helps a supermarket chain track payments more efficiently or enables an SME to settle invoices automatically. For the Nigerian economy, ISO 20022 connects us to global payment systems like SWIFT, SEPA, UPI, and PIX, ensuring Nigeria can trade and transact on the same terms as leading economies.

Beyond efficiency, it can also drive financial inclusion by enabling richer customer profiling, so that a farmer with a history of mobile payments can be offered microloans, or a roadside retailer can access tailored banking products that were previously out of reach.

The migration will not be without challenges. Financial institutions and service providers will face system upgrades, implementation costs, and the need for extensive industry coordination and ample time to implement. However, the long-term benefits; transparency, efficiency, and interoperability, far outweigh the transitional hurdles. ISO 20022 offers Nigeria not merely compliance with international norms but the opportunity to participate more meaningfully in the global payments ecosystem. For example, SWIFT reports that over 40 percent of its daily cross-border traffic is already using the ISO 20022 format, and the richer data has enabled banks to reduce false alerts in anti-money laundering checks by up to 50 percent; a tangible benefit both to financial institutions and to customers who experience fewer payment delays.

At Hydrogen, our mission is simple: to make payments work better. We provide the critical infrastructure behind banks, fintechs, and merchants; ensuring that transactions clear quickly, reliably, and with the lowest chance of failure. From the market woman who needs instant access to funds, to a tier-one bank reconciling billions in daily payments, our rails deliver real-time visibility, seamless switching, and built-in fraud protection. By leading with reliability, we are redefining ISO 20022 in Nigeria; showing that even with its complexity, real value can be unlocked across cards, POS, transfers, and beyond. For us, every successful transaction is not just a technical outcome; it is a step toward trust, inclusion, and the growth of Africa’s digital economy.

As Nigeria pursues reforms in tax, trade, and infrastructure, one fact remains clear: none of these reforms can achieve their full potential without a payment ecosystem capable of matching the country’s global ambitions. At Hydrogen, we see ourselves at the frontier of this journey; building the rails that connect Nigeria’s financial system to the world and ensuring that globalization is not just a policy statement but a lived reality for businesses and consumers alike.

“ ISO 20022 is a step in that direction and, if implemented effectively, will accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward globalization and sustainable growth.”

About Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited

Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited (Hydrogen) is a leading provider of fast, reliable, and seamless payment solutions for businesses across Africa. Hydrogen empowers organizations with innovative tools to collect payments effortlessly, confirm transactions instantly, and scale with ease. With a commitment to financial inclusion, sustainability, and digital transformation, Hydrogen is revolutionizing the way businesses process payments ensuring every transaction is secure, seamless, and stress-free.

.Fiyinfoluwa Olorunsola is the Head of Business, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited

Fiyinfoluwa Olorunsola This year, the Nigerian government has made deliberate strides toward integrating more closely with the global economy. Through a series of reforms, ranging from tax rebates and proposed

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Grassroots Development: How Obio/Akpor Council is Strategising for Better and Effective Leadership

In anticipation of change and greater development at the grassroots level, the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, in collaboration with Gershon’s Gate, a legal firm, organised a three-day intensive training for the legislators of the council on understanding the duties and responsibilities of councillors for the sustainability of the nation’s democracy. Blessing Ibunge reports

In less than two months in office, the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in Rivers State deemed it fit for its legislators to go through rigorous training to understand their roles in carrying out activities that affect the development of their wards. The LGA, which is the second highest in generating Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) across the 774 LGAs in Nigeria after Lagos Island, led by its Chairman, Dr. Gift Worlu, in partnership with Gershon’s Gate, a legal firm, organised the training, bringing in experts who sensitised the lawmakers on the duties of the third-tier legislative assembly.

A Reflection of Good Governance

The Obio/Akpor LGA Chairman, Dr. Worlu, said the workshop became necessary to educate and inform the legislators, some of whom he said are greenhorns in politics and even in legislative business, so they could understand that there is work to be done, and that such work can only be done with proper knowledge and understanding.

He said the resource persons had done a good job by exposing the lawmakers to the basic functions of a councillor and the need for them to pursue those functions with energy, integrity, purpose, and transparency.

Worlu, who was present at the training, said: “Since we came into office, we have been doing our best to run the affairs of the council as put on our shoulders, but we felt that a day like this was necessary so we can expose ourselves to the relevant laws and procedures for conducting legislative business. I want to say that this event is very important,” and urged participants to take the workshop as seriously as is necessary so that, in the end, they could reap the full benefit, which he believes will influence development across the LGA.

He said: “We cannot run the government successfully and effectively without a legislature that is grounded in the business of legislation, advocacy, or representation, as well as making sure that all our communities get the dividends of democracy. The legislature also has a responsibility of oversight, and so I want to encourage us to take full advantage of this opportunity. Let us know that the responsibility ahead of us, or in front of us, is enormous, and we cannot go outside the law in doing whatever it is we may want to do.”

He noted that they must follow the law in policy formulation, execution, and review. “We must ensure that the expectations of our people are not cut short, and we must work together in making sure that we don’t only meet those expectations, but that we exceed them, and exceed them well.

“We believe that when they are this equipped, they will be able to do a good job of collaborating while overseeing the executive to bring about the much-needed dividends of democracy to the people of the local government. I am personally happy with what is happening. I have enjoyed so far a very robust working relationship with the members of the council.”

Urging the legislators to take the programme very seriously, anticipating the impact it holds on their services in representing their wards, Worlu said: “I want to also thank our resource persons for the good work that you have done so far, putting together this programme within a very short period of time. We also recognise the support and the presence of some of our former legislators here, and I want to say to God Almighty be all the glory for making this day possible.”

Building Capacity for Grassroots Democracy

A facilitator and partner in the training, Mr. Iche Wordu, Managing Solicitor at Gershon’s Gate Law Firm, said they are partnering with the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council to onboard the newly elected councillors so that they can start their work.

Wordu said as a law firm: “We made a proposal not just to the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council but to some other local government councils. The Obio/Akpor local government chairman sat down with us, discussed the details and the content of the seminar, and was pleased with it. We also run a centre within our firm for political education and development. So, this is part of the work that the centre has initiated and is taking around the local governments to give the newly elected councillors the capacity to do their work effectively.”

He said: “Our ambition is to empower the councillors to be able to do their work effectively. Nigeria needs people who understand what democracy is and who can practise it in the real way democracy should be practised as they do all over the world.”

Benefits of the Training for the Councillors

One of the resource persons at the workshop, Mr. Igoh Wopara Owhonda, referencing Section 7 (1) and (3) of the Nigerian Constitution during his presentation, said the legislators can impact positively on the laws that govern society, informing the councillors that: “You are the third tier of the government, and as a vital tool, you are expected to represent the people in channelling responsibilities into development. At the grassroots level, it behoves you to ensure peace in your local area of duties.”

Owhonda, who is a legal luminary, told the 17 councillors at the workshop to engage fully in the betterment of the people they represent, saying: “You should know that you are people of power and must use that power properly to ensure that it benefits your subjects at your various wards of representation.”

In an interview with THISDAY, Owhonda, who took the participants on Understanding the Duties and Responsibilities of Councillors for the Sustainability of our Democracy, explained that: “It’s one thing to be a councillor, elected as a councillor. It’s another thing to know what it is, what your duties are as a councillor. So, what I taught them there is that as a councillor, your powers are derived from the Constitution, and you have certain duties and obligations which you are meant to carry out for the people in your ward.

“Now, some of those duties are making laws that make life easier for the people of your ward. You know that the way our country is structured, the local government is at the grassroots. It’s the basis upon which the entire country is built. So, if the basis is faulty or weak, the structure itself can fall. The councillors should know that they are people of power and that they must use that power properly to ensure that it benefits those who are with them.”

Speaking on the issue of oversight, the legal luminary said: “They have an oversight function, which means if the executive chairman goes outside his powers, they have a duty and an obligation to rein him in and say, ‘Sir, you can’t go this way; it is outside your powers.’ Basically, this session I had with them was for them to understand that they do have a duty and obligation to the persons they serve at the grassroots.”

Appreciating the LGA leadership for putting up the workshop, and seeking that such a programme be replicated across the 774 LGAs in the country, Owhonda stressed: “People should know what their councillors should do for them. We sit down and say it’s from the top. No. We have three levels of government, and each one should be held accountable. So, this kind of programme should be replicated across the nation. Let people know, especially councillors, what their powers are.”

Towards Sustainable Governance

Another resource person, Mr. Amaechi Kelechi, said the workshop will go a long way in bringing about sustainable governance and development in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.

Amaechi explained that the training will build the councillors’ capacity on issues around budgeting and oversight, rights and privileges, the new National Tax Act 2025, and how they can effectively have a harmonious and constructive relationship with the Executive Arm to the benefit of their wards, ensuring there is less conflict.

“We also took them on conflict resolution, how they can map their stakeholders and engage with stakeholders at the ward level for effective legislative work. The essence of the workshop is to make sure that most of the councillors who are first-timers are abreast of what they ought to do when they get to the council so people do not begin to undertake responsibilities that are not theirs. They are not supposed to undertake duties that are not statutorily their responsibility and which might end up creating conflicts between the legislative assembly and the executive arm of the Obio/Akpor Council.”

He continued that after the workshop, it is expected that “they (councillors) will be able to use their regulative skills and knowledge to impact on the people at the grassroots, to ensure there is duty and social services that the people enjoy more and more of the dividends of democracy. It is our conviction that this workshop will go a long way in bringing about sustainable governance and development in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.”

He, however, called on the other 22 LGAs in Rivers State to emulate what the Obio/Akpor Chairman has done with the initiative and “call us if possible, and we are ready to build the capacity of their councillors and other important principal officers of their councils on how to build very robust leadership in their various LGAs.”

Impact and Reflections from Participants

The leader of the 10th Legislative Council, Obio/Akpor, Rexmilia Amadi, who thanked the LGA Chairman, Worlu, for organising the workshop for them at the legislative assembly, noted that the knowledge acquired will strengthen their performance at the grassroots level of governance.

Amadi, who represents Ward 5, Elelenwo, at the legislative assembly of the council, said: “Indeed, what it means is that he (Worlu) wants to equip us for the task ahead of us, knowing that when we are not knowledgeable enough to carry out this duty, everything about it will be lukewarm and this will speak against the people. When we are unable to discharge our duties, it will affect the people that we are representing. And so, what he did was to see how he can equip us in order to carry out our duties as legislators.”

Similarly, Councillor representing Ward 8, Rumuomasi, Victoria Chinda, said: “I am so grateful to our trainers, they did a very good job taking us on the path of rights, privileges, and duties of legislators. I know with this insight I have gotten from this impactful training, it is going to help me legislate well and bring good governance, by-laws that will positively affect my people. I learnt that with this we will be able to have a good synergy with the Executive arm of government. With this training, there will be no rift between the executive and legislative arms.”

A Call for Service and Accountability

In her closing remarks, Vice Chairman of Obio/Akpor, Dr. Joyce Nyeche, urged the councillors to be closer to their communities, saying: “We have priority. Our people have put their trust in us. And don’t forget that we’re dealing with the grassroots. When things go wrong, it’s the grassroots that suffers it. And so, we have been chosen as representatives of the people, and it will be bad that at the end of the day, our people will look at us and say, we regret sending you.”

Urging the legislators further to make use of the knowledge gathered from the intensive training to attract development in their wards, she said: “They say no knowledge is a waste. But any knowledge acquired that is not put into practice automatically becomes a waste. So, what we have learnt today, or in these three days, I sincerely urge us to put into practice. Let us not just be hearers, but let us be doers of the word. So that at the end of the day, if after three years you leave this office, you walk within your community with your shoulders held high.

“And of course, when you do well, you don’t know where and how your recommendations will come. It may not even be politically. Somebody can say, when she was a councillor, when he was a councillor, he did well. Of course, we’re going to get money. But if we put what we’re going to take back home first in the forefront, then we won’t achieve anything. Why do I say that? If, for instance, because you think that after three years you should have something to show, of course, why not? If you plan well, you will have something to fall back on. Because they say, he who fails to plan, plans to fail. So, it’s not about how much you have; it’s about how well you utilise how much you have,” Dr. Nyeche advised the councillors.

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CAN OBI RETURN WITH THE SAME FURY?

It will be difficult, unless he enters into strategic alliances that broaden his reach across diverse regions, argues KALU OKORONKWO

In 2023, Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), changed Nigeria’s political narrative by transforming what began as an underdog campaign into a national phenomenon. With limited structure and modest funding compared to the political behemoths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he redefined political mobilization and citizen engagement in modern Nigerian politics.

His message of fiscal prudence, ethical governance, and youth driven innovation resonated deeply across Nigeria’s urban centers. For millions of disillusioned young people, Obi represented integrity in a system perceived as morally bankrupt.

His youth led platform, codenamed the “Obidient Movement,” transcended ethnicity and religion. Nigerians in the diaspora also became an integral part of his base, united by frustration over corruption, insecurity, and stagnation. By all accounts, Peter Obi remains one of the most consequential political figures of Igbo extraction in Nigeria today.

The streets, social media, and polling units bore witness to a movement that disrupted decades of political dominance. For the first time, an alternative platform challenged the old order with credibility and conviction and Obi became a symbol of hope.

However, as 2027 approaches, the question is not whether Peter Obi still matters, it is whether he can rekindle the fire that once made him the heartbeat of a people’s revolution.

The 2023 elections redefined Obi’s political identity. What began as a modest bid by a relatively small opposition party quickly evolved into a powerful movement that captivated millions, especially the youth. The Obidient Movement was more than a campaign, it was a revolt of conscience. Obi’s calm intellect, disciplined rhetoric, and unblemished record as former governor of Anambra State offered a refreshing alternative to a political elite long characterized by impunity and self-aggrandizement.

Social media became the virtual headquarters of the revolution, while the ballot boxes reflected its physical manifestation. The movement broke ethnic and religious barriers, igniting hope that competence and character could triumph over patronage and power blocs.

In Obi, many Nigerians saw a leader who spoke the language of accountability in a country exhausted by excuses, a rare moment when hope translated into measurable political gains.

To understand what must be reawakened, we must first examine what was built. Under Obi’s leadership in 2023, the Labour Party achieved unprecedented milestones. It won its first governorship seat in Abia State, where Dr. Alex Otti polled 175,467 votes, defeating the PDP’s Okey Ahiwe, who garnered 88,529 votes. LP also won 10 out of 17 local government areas in the state.

At the national level, the LP secured 8 Senate seats out of 109 and 34 House of Representatives seats out of 360. In the Abia State House of Assembly, LP won 10 out of 24 seats, closely trailing the PDP, which won 11.

Obi’s influence was particularly strong in urban centers and across the Southeast. He dominated in Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo States, while making significant inroads in Lagos and the FCT, reflecting his strong urban and youth appeal.

A broader breakdown of the 2023 election shows clear regional patterns. Peter Obi (LP) overwhelmingly dominated the Southeast and performed impressively in parts of the South-South and urban Southwest. Atiku Abubakar (PDP) maintained strongholds in the Northeast and parts of the North-Central, leveraging PDP’s long-established political machinery. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC) swept through the Southwest and secured victories across large sections of the Northwest and parts of the North-Central.

In summary, Obi’s 2023 appeal was urban, youth-driven, and concentrated in the South, while Tinubu and Atiku relied on distinct regional bases, Tinubu in the Southwest and North, Atiku in parts of the North where PDP structures remain strong.

The final tally told its own story: Tinubu (APC) – 8,794,726 votes, Atiku (PDP) – 6,984,520 votes and Obi (LP) – 6,101,533 votes.

While Tinubu’s plurality secured victory, the results revealed an important truth: each candidate’s strength was regionally concentrated, producing sharply contrasting electoral geographies and post-election dynamics.

For Obi to convert his 2023 momentum into a viable 2027 comeback, his strategy must be twofold: Expand his geographic base beyond the South and urban enclaves by making meaningful inroads into the North-Central and parts of the core North.

Institutionalize his political machinery by building a disciplined party structure capable of contesting power at local, state, and national levels between elections.

Obi’s moral case remains persuasive, but unless it is paired with strategic alliances that broaden his reach across diverse regions, the electoral arithmetic will not change.

Two years after the polls, however, the “Obi fire” flickers with uncertainty. The Labour Party, once the symbolic vehicle of people’s aspirations is showing visible cracks: internal wrangling, weak leadership cohesion, and the defection of lawmakers at both state and national levels.

His reported alliance talks with the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition elements ahead of 2027 further blur his strategy. The uncertainty is worsened by the parallel ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is reportedly eyeing the same opposition platform for what may be his last presidential run.

Peter Obi, the moral compass and rallying figure of the Obidient Movement, has so far remained indecisive about direction. His reluctance to build solid post-election alliances or reorganize the Labour Party into a disciplined and ideological force has left many followers disillusioned.

Movements, no matter how organic, cannot survive indefinitely on emotion alone, they require structure, coordination, and continuity. Without these, passion fades into nostalgia and nostalgia does not win elections.

Across the world, youth-driven populist leaders have sustained momentum by institutionalizing their movements.

Emmanuel Macron built En Marche! into a formidable centrist force in France.

Nelson Mandela’s ANC turned mass mobilization into organized political power that birthed South Africa’s democracy.

Barack Obama’s “Yes We Can” campaign evolved into Organizing for America, ensuring sustained civic engagement.

They all had one thing in common: structure. They didn’t just ride waves of enthusiasm, they built enduring vessels that carried their vision beyond electoral cycles. Obi, by contrast, appears caught between idealism and pragmatism, torn between being a moral crusader and a political strategist. The longer he hesitates, the more the tides of political realism may erode the momentum of 2023.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a political tactician with a deep grasp of Nigeria’s power calculus, continues to consolidate his base. His strategic appointments, alliances, and quiet outreach to former rivals reveal a man playing long-term politics.

By 2027, Tinubu will likely command a formidable incumbency network fortified by loyalty and patronage. To challenge that, Obi will need more than charisma, he will need coordination, coalition, and conviction.

Given the foregoing, Obi must begin now to position himself for a strong comeback by institutionalizing his chosen political platform. The sooner he decides, the easier it will be to reorganize and reenergize his movement. His current cautious or indifferent posture could prove costly because, for him, silence is anything but golden.

He must also strengthen local party structures, build a sustainable financial base, and create systems that reward loyalty and commitment rather than sentiment.

Obi must assert firm leadership over lawmakers and officials who rode on his platform to victory, ensuring they remain loyal to the ideals that brought them to power. He should establish clear structures of accountability, offering real incentives for commitment while enforcing meaningful consequences for defection or betrayal.

Furthermore, he should identify strategic partners; smaller parties, civil society groups, and reform minded elements from the PDP and APC and formalize alliances, particularly in swing states and weaker regions.

To remain relevant, Obi must engage with citizens beyond election years, maintaining visibility and involvement in issues of insecurity, economic hardship, and corruption. His movement was born out of these grievances, it must continue to speak to them.

He should also craft a compelling narrative for 2027: one that highlights what was won, what was lost, what must change, and offers concrete policy alternatives rather than mere slogans.

The potential remains real. Obi proved in 2023 that a deep hunger for change exists across Nigeria. He showed that the Labour Party could move from the margins to winning a governorship, National Assembly seats, and state legislators. But to return with the fury of the masses, he must not just replicate those gains, he must sustain and expand them.

If Obi enters 2027 with clear alliances, stronger structures, grounded messaging, and consistent leadership, he could once again shift Nigeria’s political landscape. But if not, the 2023 movement may remain a high watermark rather than a launching pad.

The 2023 election proved that Peter Obi can inspire millions and redraw political expectations. But it also revealed the limits of enthusiasm without structure. Tinubu’s victory was not merely about money or manipulation; it was about organization and reach. Atiku’s performance showed that old political machines still matter.

If Obi hopes to return with the fury of the masses, he must translate passion into structure, while turning viral enthusiasm into boots on the ground across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

The 2023 results show where he was strongest and where he was weakest. For 2027, the question is whether he can fix those weaknesses in time and whether the movement that shook Nigeria in 2023 can evolve into a lasting political force.

As the masses reminisce, Obi must act now.

Okoronkwo is a communications strategist and a good governance advocate, kalu.okoronkwo@gmail.com

It will be difficult, unless he enters into strategic alliances that broaden his reach across diverse regions, argues KALU OKORONKWO In 2023, Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of

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CAMEROUN AND GERONTOCRACY

Cameroun’s President, Paul Biya, won election for the 8^th term, writes AUSTIN ISIKHUEMEN

Cameroun went to the Presidential polls on 12 October, 2025. There were two main candidates. The seating president who farted publicly and did not know where he was during the Africo-America summit in Washington was still a candidate. It did not matter that he is 92 years old. Paul Biya, had been in power since 1982 and has become virtually a resident of Switzerland. For as long as Chantal, his spouse, who carries the equivalent of three ladies’ coloured wigs on her head wants to retain power, so be it!

The second most viable candidate, a seasoned politician from Garoua in Northern Cameroun, – Isa Tchiroma Bakary – ran on the platform of FSNC. Until a few months ago, Tchiroma was a minister under the same Paul Biya. Tchiroma himself is 79 years old but has promised to do a single term and be a transition president. A presidential tenure in Cameroun is seven years. By the time the tenure to be ushered in by this election ends, Paul Biya would be 99 years old while Tchiroma would be 86.

Africa has had very old men whole refuse to let go of power. Mugabe, Museveni, Mobutu, and several others. But Mandela came and showed an example of how politics ought to be played, no matter how important you think you are to the process. He did one term and voluntarily relinquished power to the younger generation. South Africa is still alive today in Mandiba’s absence. In Cameroun’s case, there is a Chantal playing the role of Mrs Grace Mugabe. And there are powerful men who are benefitting from the status quo who dread the loss of power and influence and the riches that the current corrupt system gives them. It is this gang of beneficiaries that is making change impossible and fighting to make the corpse walk in Yaounde.

A little bit of background. When the plebiscite was done in 1961, South West and North West Cameroun (then called Southern Camerouns) voted to join Francophone Cameroun rather than Nigeria. These two regions are English-speaking. The rest of the English-speaking Camerouns opted to join Nigeria. The Cameroun of 1961 was a federation. But on 20 May 1972 after a plebiscite, the French -speaking majority pushed through a constitutional amendment which made the country a United Republic, abolishing federalism. Buea, which was the second administrative city, lost its status. The semi autonomous governance that a federation guarantees was abolished and the Anglophones became two out of ten regions and suddenly began to feel what it is to be a minority in a French-speaking country that is only multilingual in name!

The first President – Ahmadou Ahidjo – was from the North. He overstayed in power too. By 1982, he was deceived, some say with French connivance allegedly, to relinquish power. Told he had a few months to live on health grounds, he gave up power to Biya, his prime minister. Later, he was said to have realised he was deceived. He was said to have made unsuccessful attempts to redress the subterfuge. He was accused of plotting to remove Biya in 1984 and sentenced to death in absentia. Ahidjo died at 65 in Dakar, Senegal in 1989. Biya did not even allow his body to be brought home for burial.

Over the years, Cameroun has been ruled as a French-speaking territory. For many years, there was only one university and all teaching was in French. Many Anglophones had to come to Nigerian universities after wasting some years battling with French language. Politicians from the English-speaking regions faced language and minority obstacles as well as deliberate marginalisation by the powers that be.

Cameroun’s political problems are complex. Apart from the claimem oppression of the Anglophone minority by the Francophone majority, there is also the North- South divide. Ahidjo was a Northern Muslim, Biya a Southern Christian. Even among the Anglophones, the South-West with capital at Buea, feels threatened by the more populous North West with its capital at Bameda which has a sizeable settler population in the South due to the joint political role Buea had played in the past.

While the North-West would prefer a regional arrangement where the two Anglophone regions form one entity, the South-West prefers a return to a Federation where each region in the country would have its own governor as obtains in Nigeria. This situation is further complicated by the location of oil wells in South West around the Limbe (formerly Victoria). So, oil politics is also rearing its head in Cameroun. The government in Yaounde, who’s leader resides in Switzerland and visits once in a long while, handpicks and empowers surrogates who help perpetuate its misgovernance and oppression while they allegedly get massively rich in the process.

Added to this mix is the realisation by the Anglophones that they can even fight for freedom and have their own country free of the Francophone yoke! This is what has led to the violent Ambazonian insurrection which the Yaounde government has been unable to extinguish. As usual, while thousands die and children are out of school for years, African Union and neighbouring countries pretend that nothing is going on.

President Paul Biya’s current seven year tenure is ending and the election held on 12 October, 2025. At 92, he was expected to step down and anoint a successor. He is old, frail and is barely able to walk. He stays with his beautiful wife in Switzerland. Surprisingly, it was announced that he would be running again. Throughout the electioneering campaigns, he was nowhere to be found. At times, his effigy and that of his wife were carried around by his CPDM campaign party militants (as they are called yonder!). The man only showed up on the last rally at Maroua to read a dour written speech with his wife leading the cheer leaders and helping arrange the speech pages so he doesn’t start reading the one he had completed.

The only serious candidate, Isa Tchiroma Bakary, was his minister who decided that only an insider like him, who benefited from the system and also knows it well, is best suited to unseat the incumbent. He campaigned throughout Cameroun and provided a pathway to a transition to a prosperous future for Cameroun. He offered CHANGE as a mantra and an imperative. He promised to do a single tenure and be a bridge between this old era of gerontocrats and a future that belongs to the youth. The fact that he speaks English fluently appealed to the Anglophones who have never head their head of state speak English! He was the only serious candidate in my view as I followed the campaigns on Camerounian social media. The rest candidates just made up numbers and it was clear they would merely be footnotes in the election.

The elections of 12 October 2025 gave some hope for change. Cameroonians went out to vote. They collected ballot cards of different colours for each candidate and party, went into a cubicle where they put their choice into an envelope, then came out to publicly slide it into a plastic ballot box. The counting at the end looked transparent, with public tallying on a chalk or white boards for all to see. All the ones I saw had Isa Tchiroma Bakary leading by a wide margin. I can not claim to have seen all. But it was obvious that Tchiroma was coasting home to victory and the joyous celebrations in the streets attested to this. Change was in the air and it was palpable.

Tchiroma’s speeches and publications of most of the vote tallies from most of the population centres that would ultimately determine the outcome has been regarded by government mouthpieces, especially cantankerous minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji, as illegal. While Tchiroma claims he won by about 54%, beating the “ancestor” to a distant second position with less than 40%, there are rumours that the constitutional council, led by another ancestor, is soon to release a rigged result that leave the 92-year- old firmly on seat as President! Nji is spitting fire and brimstone in favour of the status quo while his mates should be running to replace Biya!

Cameroun is seating on a keg of gunpowder. Their ELECAM is about to produce another SCAM. And it did. What is Africa Union doing when these shenanigans are happening? Did they send an observer mission? How can an electoral commission return results that show that even in the Anglophone regions fighting an insurgency against Paul Biya massively voted for him while the live public counting showed otherwise? If Cameroun implodes, can Nigeria accommodate the refugees that would pour into our country?

Tchiroma looks like someone ready for a showdown. He could not have been offered the position of Prime Minister if he did not win the election. Even France is said to have offered mouth-watering monetary incentives and security guarantees to Paul Biya and members of his government to allow a transition. Nji and others are playing war drums and threatening Tchiroma and his supporters with arrests . The constitutional council has announced the election results. Paul Biya, worlds’s oldest leader, has been declared the winner, his 8^th term as President!

Africa appears to be leaving Cameroun to handle its affairs while France’s President is pussyfooting due to his own issues at home. Staying with this fossilised incumbent is a bridge too far. Its western neighbour Nigeria, has had ten leaders since Biya came into power in the Shagari era. Biya will be there after President Tinubu completes a second tenure. Haba!

· Isikhuemen writes from Lagos

Cameroun’s President, Paul Biya, won election for the 8th term, writes AUSTIN ISIKHUEMEN Cameroun went to the Presidential polls on 12 October, 2025. There were two main candidates. The seating president who

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In memory of Mrs. Nana Rawlings

The Africa Women Conference (AWC) wishes to extend its sympathy and condolence to the entire Republic of Ghana on the passing of their former First Lady, Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the longest-serving First Lady of Ghana, has passed on. She died on Thursday Oct 23, 2025 in Accra.

Widely recognized for her leadership in championing women’s rights and empowering communities, Nana Rawlings’s legacy as a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment, and her significant contributions to the socio-economic development of Ghana, will forever be remembered.

As the founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings dedicated her life to uplifting women and fostering community development. Her passion and commitment to advocating for women’s rights have left an indelible mark on our continent.

The former First Lady was a shield of courage who strongly believed that gender should not be a barrier to one’s contribution to national development. Ghana has lost not just a former long- serving First Lady, but a national icon whose strength and gender advocacy transformed generations.

In this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the Rawlings family, and the entire Nation of Ghana. We are honored to share in the memory of such a remarkable leader who championed the rights and welfare of women. Her spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.

Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Co-Convener, Africa Women Conference (AWC)

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The Africa Women Conference (AWC) wishes to extend its sympathy and condolence to the entire Republic of Ghana on the passing of their former First Lady, Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Nana Konadu

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TUNDE OGBEHA: A CELEBRATION

TUNDE OLUSUNLE pays tribute to the former military governor and politician

Saturday September 20, 2025, Babatunde Jonathan Ogbeha received an Honorary Doctor of Science in Public Administration, (Honoris Causa), from the Benson Idahosa University, (BIU), in Benin City, the Edo State capital. Ogbeha, easily one of Nigeria’s most multifaceted, most experienced public servants, was so recognised because of his patriotic, multidimensional service to his fatherland in a most eventful, lifelong career. Indeed, even as he approaches the league of octogenarians, Ogbeha’s resumè continues to resonate in fora and quarters of dispassionate identifiers of selfless investment in the national cause, over time, regimes and dispensations. If this prophet was first recognised outside his own home, acknowledgement from his homebase was bound to come.

Soldier, diplomat, military governor, activist, democrat, parliamentarian, administrator, broadcast entrepreneur, community leader, very few Nigerians equate the astounding curriculum vitae of Tunde Ogbeha, who retired from the Nigerian Army as a Brigadier-General in 1993. His name first came to national consciousness back in September 1987 when Nigeria’s sole military President till date, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida altered the country’s geopolitical atlas by creating two new states, Akwa Ibom, out of the old Cross River State, and Katsina from the ribs of the erstwhile Kaduna State. This moved the number of states in Nigeria from 19 as enthroned by the administration of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed in February 1976, to 21. While Ogbeha, then a Colonel, was appointed the pioneer Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, his colleague Abdullahi Sarki Muhktar was entrusted with the responsibility of midwiving the newborn Katsina State.

Before his Akwa Ibom public debut, however, Ogbeha had functioned critically behind the scenes in the military coups which removed Nigeria’s Second Republic President, Shehu Usman Shagari from office on December 31, 1983, and the follow-up putsch of August 27, 1985, which ousted General Muhammadu Buhari. His role in the 1985 change of government consummated his place as one of Babangida’s “star boys.” This culminated in his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. In 1986, Ogbeha was recalled from Malabo and sent to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), in continuation of his intentional grooming for higher future responsibilities.

Ogbeha was barely one year on his schedule in the fledgling Akwa Ibom State when Babangida redeployed him to what was then known as Bendel State in July 1988. People familiar with the place of the old Bendel State in the national scheme, know it occupies a position of sociopolitical preeminence being the core of Nigeria’s post-independence *Midwestern Region,* one of Nigeria’s four administrative units in that milieu in the nation’s history. In the August 27, 1991 states’ creation exercise equally undertaken by Babangida which increased the number of states in the country to 30, Bendel State sired contemporary Edo and Delta States. This is indicative of the magnitude of responsibility Ogbeha was entrusted at the time, a brief he would man for the succeeding two years. It will not be out of place to say that Ogbeha has been Governor of three states in Nigeria at various times going by the acreage of his administrative superintendence.

A most committed patriot, Ogbeha was very helpful in bedding in his new home state, Kogi, after the entity was stitched together from parts of the old Benue and Kwara states. He ceded his personal house, a twin-bungalow in GRA, Lokoja, capital of the new creation, to the premiere government led by Colonel Dan Danladi Mohammed Zakari, for immediate deployment as makeshift “Government House.” Till date, that simple residence remains Ogbeha’s only address in the capital of his home state, even as he refused to join the craze for the construction of an AI-designed, Hollywood-style complex in the name of a ” befitting country home.” I was a regular in Ogbeha’s Lokoja home in the years when politics was sanity, ever sure of civilised reception.

Two years later in 1993, Ogbeha retired from military service. Babangida his benefactor had annulled the presidential poll of June 12, 1993, won by the multibillionaire businessman Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, an election generally adjudged Nigeria’s freest and fairest ever. The global outrage stirred by this development and the emergence of General Sani Abacha as Head of State three months after Babangida stepped outside from office, triggered very rapid and complex aftermaths. Abacha was unwilling to reinstate Abiola’s hard fought mandate, savouring the quasi-supreme powers of an absolute dictator. As many of his military colleagues, members of the political class and the civil society who continually canvassed the restoration of Abiola’s mandate, became targets of Abacha’s blood hounds. Such innocent Nigerians were brazenly liquidated in their homes or on the streets. Ogbeha, a quiet pro-democracy advocate, speedily dialogued with his feet in the circumstances and sought momentary refuge abroad.

Ogbeha returned from his foreign breather as one of the midwives of Fourth Republic politics driven by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in 1998. He contested to represent Kogi West in the Senate and won the 1999 election, becoming a focal figure not only in the politics of his senatorial district, but his state, geopolitical zone and nation at large. He was reelected into the Senate in 2003. He refused to succumb to the bug of self-perpetuation in office despite his relative material comfort, political incumbency and overwhelming goodwill. He elected to presage a gentlemanly template for a two-term rotational stint per federal constituency in the Senate, between the three federal constituencies in Kogi West. This, however, was violated by Ijumu local government area, in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency, which singularly appropriated the position for a whopping four terms: 2007 to 2011; 2011 to 2015; 2015 to 2019, and 2019 to 2023. Such wholesale grabbism is unprecedented in senatorial politics anywhere in Kogi State.

One who always had an abiding interest in the media, Ogbeha established the *Confluence Cable Network* in Lokoja to provide an alternative to the Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA) which was the sole broadcast medium in Kogi State for several years. It is an integrated radio and television station reputed for authoritative reportage, heard beyond the spatial boundaries of Kogi State. In 2009, former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed Ogbeha to the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), as Member Representing the North Central Zone. Much as he has not been in active politics in recent years, Ogbeha remains a staunch advocate for equity, fairness and justice in the political scheme in Kogi State. He is stridently for inclusivity and accommodation, and cannot understand why any section of the multicultural, multi-ethnic Kogi State will solely warehouse the governorship for instance, to the exclusion of other components of the state.

Ogbeha has had his fair share of frustrations in the politics of state and nation and indeed signalled his intention to take a backseat as an elder statesman especially after he ascended the septuagenarian bracket eight years ago. His infectious personality, uncommon simplicity, earthy accessibility, courage and bluntness, however, have ensured that the political class continues to flock around him, the way butterflies dance around the nectar. Engage him in standard English, Nigerian pidgin English or Hausa and Ogbeha levels up with you. For a man of his humongous attainments, he wears no chips on his shoulders. He calls me *namesake* whenever, wherever we meet, ever generously offering a warm and affectionate handshake and smile.

On Saturday October 18, 2025, Ogbeha for the second time within a month, mounted the rostrum to receive another honorary conferment. On the occasion of the Ninth Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University Lokoja, (FUL), Senator Tunde Ogbeha received yet another Honorary Doctor of Science, (Honoris Causa). Vice-Chancellor of FUL, Professor Yemi Akinwumi who proposed Ogbeha for the award has been most impressed by his selflessness on issues of the development of Kogi State, host space of the university. Back in 2016 indeed, the same institution invested him with an “Award of Recognition,” during the maiden convocation for the award of degrees and diplomas. Ogbeha’s friends and associates in good numbers, honoured him with their presence at the Lokoja programme, Emeritus President of the Nigerian Senate and longstanding military course mate, bosom friend and colleague, Senator David Mark at the head of the party. Political leaders from Kogi State including former Chief of Staff in the Presidency, Asiwaju Sola Akanmode; former Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, and former federal parliamentarians Musa Ahmadu, Sola Ojo, Tolorunju Faniyi, Samuel Aro, among others, equally graced the event.

This string of unsolicited decorations pouring in at this time in the life of General Tunde Ogbeha, is attestation to the uncommon verve, deep immersion and rare altruism with which he has served his nation and people in a multiplicity of capacities across moons and seasons. In all of these, he has retained his sterling integrity and uncompromising forthrightness on issues, no matter how tough, no matter how tricky. He takes a position either way and is not one to be found on the fence of prevarication. Ogbeha is a deserving recipient of several other honours and awards, including that of *Commander of the Order of the Niger, (CON),* one of Nigeria’s most prestigious national honours. He equally holds the title of *Lakpeni of Lokoja,* which makes him one of the closest confidants of the paramount ruler of the community, the *Maigari of Lokoja.* This is joining the chorus of felicitations and clinking glasses, as the amiable: Member of the National Institute, (mni); two-time former Military Governor; Ambassador; General; Senator; Broadcast Proprietor; Community Leader; Tunde Ogbeha is adorned with yet another epaulette by the academia for a life of conscientious and untiring service to fatherland.

Hearty congratulations!

Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja

TUNDE OLUSUNLE pays tribute to the former military governor and politician Saturday September 20, 2025, Babatunde Jonathan Ogbeha received an Honorary Doctor of Science in Public Administration, (Honoris Causa), from the

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‘LFZ Remains Best Investment Destination for Nordic Businesses in Nigeria’

Oluchi Chibuzor

Lagos Free Zone, has been described as the best investment destination for Nordic companies in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, disclosed this during the Nordic Nigeria Connect 2025 held in Lagos.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the event, Ladoja explained that the Zone offers business predictability and proper organisation for investors who intend to do business in Nigeria, unlike other places where they are more likely to be confronted by infrastructural or regulatory barriers.

She stated that for Nordic companies that see Nigeria as a potential hub for business, Lagos Free Zone remains the ideal destination as it offers the proper infrastructure, enabling environment, and logistics capacity needed to thrive.

“In Lagos Free Zone, we have a deep-sea port with state-of-the-art equipment. So, if you come to the Zone and have your business set up, it becomes easy for you to export, thus addressing the issue of delays and timing. With that, you can bring in your raw material seamlessly, effortlessly, all in the same place. So, with other access roads and coastal road being put in place, alongside plan to connect the axis through rail, many of these constraints would have been taken care of. Looking at it from a regulation perspective, we are creating our own single window where all the regulators you need to do your business are concentrated in the zone,” she added.

She observed that the Tinubu administration’s two major policy reforms—the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate—have created a more transparent, market-driven economy and brought back a sense of predictability in the investment climate for foreign investors. She maintained that the reforms have inspired cautious optimism in the economy, witnessing headwinds turning into tailwinds.

According to her, sustained currency stability, low interest rates, and downward-bending inflation curves in the last 12 months are good signals that the private sector capital formation cycle is ripe for revival.

Oluchi Chibuzor Lagos Free Zone, has been described as the best investment destination for Nordic companies in Nigeria. The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja,

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October 27, 2025
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LCCI: Nigeria’s N4.46trn Livestock Import Bill in 5yrs Reflects Weak Domestic Investment

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concerns over the rising importation of livestock products that reached N4.46 trillion between 2020 and June 2025, having rose from N454.52 billion in 2020 to N1.49 trillion in 2024.

The LCCI said that Nigeria imported N815.03 billion worth of livestock products against an export of N51.57 billion in H1’25 and N1.49 trillion in 2024.

The LCCI expressed this concern in its quarterly review of the state of the economy where it attributed the trend to weak investment in domestic livestock production.

Referring to recent NBS data, the President of LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said that “Nigeria imported N815.03 billion worth of livestock and related products in the first half of 2025, while exports stood at N51.57 billion, resulting in a N763.47 billion trade deficit.

It said, “Between 2020 and mid-2025, total livestock imports reached N4.46 trillion, up from N454.52 billion in 2020 to N1.49 trillion in 2024. These figures underscore Nigeria’s dependence on external supply to meet both domestic and industrial demand. We have the technical knowledge and skills, but we are not investing enough to boost the local economy.”

The LCCI also warned that the continued influx of cheaper foreign livestock products, often priced lower due to stronger foreign currencies and lower production costs, is undercutting local producers, reducing patronage, and forcing many small agribusinesses to shut down.

Idahosa said that “Nigeria’s weak production base mirrors structural inefficiencies. Average milk yield from local cows remains below 1.5 litres per day, while the country produces only about 600,000 metric tonnes of milk annually, against a demand exceeding 1 million tonnes. Consequently, Nigeria spends over $1.5 billion yearly on dairy imports according to the report from Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD).”

The LCCI also noted, “poor investment, weak infrastructure, insecurity, and policy inconsistency” have continued to constrain the livestock value chain. We urge the government and private stakeholders to scale up investment in modern ranching, feed systems, cold-chain logistics, and breeding infrastructure, and to set measurable targets, such as halving livestock imports within five years. The goal should not be import comfort, but export confidence. Nigeria should be exporting livestock and dairy derivatives across West Africa, not financing jobs and production abroad.”

The LCCI also expressed concern concern about the broader implications of the 4.0 per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) levy on exports, which it said would undermine export competitiveness of Nigeria export goods.

Idahosa said: “The LCCI remains concerned about the broader implications of the 4.0 per cent FOB levy on exports. The chamber had earlier expressed strong reservations regarding its introduction, noting that, although the government’s revenue mobilisation efforts are understandable, such levies can be counterproductive to export competitiveness and industrial growth.”

He added: “The levy significantly increases the cost burden on exporters particularly manufacturers and agro-allied producers, who already contend with high logistics, energy, and financing costs. This measure undermines Nigeria’s export competitiveness in both regional and global markets and runs contrary to the nation’s commitment to economic diversification through non-oil exports.

“Furthermore, the introduction of the 4.0 per cent FOB levy conflicts with ongoing trade facilitation reforms and export promotion incentives, creating uncertainty for investors and discouraging long-term commitments. Such policy inconsistencies could deter both local and foreign investments in export-oriented sectors.”

According to him, exporters, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are already facing multiple taxes, levies, and regulatory charges across different levels of government.

“The imposition of an additional levy risks eroding profit margins, reducing production capacity, and leading to potential job losses,” he warned.

Idahosa, however, said that the chamber welcomed the exemption of manufacturers importing raw materials, machinery, and spare parts under the concessions provided in Chapters 98 and 99 of the Customs Tariff from the 4.0 per cent FOB levy recently introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

He said that this exemption from FOB Levy also covered government projects with duty exemption certificates, humanitarian imports, healthcare-related goods, and commercial airline spare parts.

The LCCI also noted that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in 2025 has disbursed a total aggregate of N16.6 trillion as at the end of September.

It noted that in August alone, the disbursement increased by 11.2 per cent to N2.23 trillion in August from N2.00 trillion in July 2025.

LCCI said: “We believe that the higher FAAC allocations will provide more fiscal space for federal, state, and local governments to meet recurrent and capital obligations such as salaries, pensions, and infrastructure projects.

“Also, the increased disbursement is expected to reduce government borrowing and increase investment in infrastructure and human capital thereby enhancing the economy’s productivity. As a result, we urge government at all levels to prioritise capital expenditure and avoid expanding recurrent costs.”

Dike Onwuamaeze The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concerns over the rising importation of livestock products that reached N4.46 trillion between 2020 and June 2025, having

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Despite Slow Growth, Nigeria’s Gas Output Jumps 11% , Domestic Deliveries Rise

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

After two years of sluggish performance, Nigeria’s gas sector has rebounded in 2025, recording a 11 per cent increase in total production and notable gains in domestic consumption, according to latest data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The figures showed that gas production rose from an average of 6.84 billion standard cubic feet per day (BSCF/D) in 2024 to 7.61 BSCF/D this year, underscoring a recovery driven by renewed government focus on production ramp-up, infrastructure investment, and improved regulatory oversight.

The rebound marks the country’s most significant annual growth in gas output since 2022, when production averaged 6.91 BSCF/D before dipping in the subsequent two years. NUPRC attributed the 2025 recovery to new policy interventions and the operational resurgence of key upstream assets that had previously suffered from underinvestment and logistical constraints.

Beyond higher volumes, domestic deliveries climbed to 27.4 per cent of total production, up from 25.9 per cent in 2024 and 23.9 per cent in 2022, representing a cumulative 14.6 per cent growth in domestic gas allocation within three years.

This rise may not be unconnected with Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” agenda, which prioritises local gas supply for power generation, industrial feedstock, and residential use.

According to the commission, gas delivered to Nigerian homes and industries grew from 1.65 BSCF/D in 2022 to 2.08 BSCF/D in 2025, a 26 per cent increase, supported by the steady completion of midstream projects such as pipelines and processing plants, allowing more molecules to reach end-users.

“In the past five years, gas operations have demonstrated remarkable resilience and steady growth despite industry-wide challenges. Following a temporary dip in output between 2022 and 2024, gas production rebounded in 2025 to a daily average of 7.61 Billion Cubic Feet per day in response to the many initiatives of the government towards production ramp up.

“This recovery has been matched by the commitment to the domestic market, with gas deliveries rising consistently from 1.65 BCF/D in 2022 to 2.08 BCF/D in 2025, ensuring more Nigerian homes and industries benefit from clean and reliable energy. Export performance also strengthened, recovering from 2.33 BCF/D in 2023 to 2.67/D BCF in 2025, reinforcing our position as a depend-able supplier to international markets.

In the same vein, export performance did not also fare badly despite rising local consumption. Gas sales to international markets accounted for 35.2 per cent of total production in 2025, slightly higher than the 34.2 per cent recorded in 2023 but down from 38.3 per cent in 2022, the data showed.

The modest decline reflected a deliberate policy shift prioritising domestic supply stability over export maximisation, even as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipments maintained steady output.

At the same time, gas allocated for field and operational use accounted for 30.1 per cent of production this year, a marginal increase from 29.8 per cent in 2024, but slightly below the 32.3 per cent recorded in 2023.

This means some stability in field use, a sign of improved efficiency in gas management and compression systems, with more volumes now being commercially utilised rather than recycled or vented.

Besides, the data showed that gas flaring declined to 7.2 per cent of total production in 2025, the lowest level in more than a decade, down from 7.6 per cent in 2024 and 7.5 per cent in 2022.

In volumetric terms, daily flaring averaged about 0.55 BSCF/D this year, compared to 0.69 BSCF/D in 2021, reflecting a 20 per cent reduction in four years and highlighting industry efforts to achieve zero routine flaring by 2030.

Equally, the data showed that overall export and domestic markets jointly absorbed over 62 per cent of total production this year, up from 59.9 per cent in 2023, indicating that a greater share of produced gas is now commercially deployed rather than wasted or recycled in the field.

The regulator’s report described the sector’s recovery as evidence of “remarkable resilience and steady growth despite industry-wide challenges,” citing fiscal reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and targeted government initiatives to accelerate gas infrastructure delivery.

“Equally important is the progress in environmental stewardship. Gas flaring has been reduced from a daily average of 0.69 Billion cubic feet per day in 2021 to around 0.55 Billion cubic feet per day in 2025, even as production increased, underscoring our drive towards zero routine flaring by 2030.

“The above further supports the fact that the commission remains committed to driving policies and regulatory oversight that promote gas development, enhance energy security and support Nigeria’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future,” the NUPRC said.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja After two years of sluggish performance, Nigeria’s gas sector has rebounded in 2025, recording a 11 per cent increase in total production and notable gains in

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How SROL is Redefining Sustainable Mining in Nigeria

Benson Onwusa, Olufemi Olubi, David Mbrekpadiaha and Bolaji Alayande,

Present key takeouts from the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week

Across the world, businesses are redefining what responsible growth looks like. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards have moved from the margins to the mainstream, shaping how companies create value and how investors, consumers, and regulators measure success. This global shift was reflected at the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week, where conversations on sustainability took centre stage.

In mining, ESG is not optional — it is essential. For decades, the sector has grappled with issues such as environmental degradation, community displacement, and governance gaps. Today, governments and investors are reimagining mining not just as extraction, but as a driver of industrialization, job creation and shared prosperity.

Nigeria is no exception. Through partnerships with international development agencies, multilateral organisations, and private investors, the government is attracting capital to build a more sustainable, value-driven mining ecosystem, one that connects local development to global markets seeking ESG-aligned products.

Leading this transformation is Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd and operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold project, the Segilola Gold Mine. SROL is redefining what responsible mining looks like in Nigeria, leveraging technology, investing in communities, empowering local talent, and embedding sustainability into every layer of its operations.

SROL’s commitment to sustainability began well before the first shovel hit the ground at the Segilola Mine. From the outset, the company assessed its potential impact and identified the material sustainability issues that would guide its operations; insights that shaped its first sustainability report and continue to inform its evolution.

A core part of this journey has been SROL’s adoption of technology to enhance transparency and decision-making. In 2023, the company partnered with Onyen, a sustainability reporting platform, to streamline how data is collected, analysed, and reported.

“Onyen helps us collect data across a wide range of sustainability topics, align with international standards, and analyse trends that inform better decisions,” says Benson Onwusa, SROL’s Sustainability Officer.

These digital tools are now integral to SROL’s broader growth strategy. The company’s successful 2024 drilling campaign expanded exploration across Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, extending mine life and positioning SROL for sustainable regional growth.

SROL has also deployed drone-based aeromagnetic surveys to improve exploration efficiency while minimising environmental disruption.

“Using drone aeromagnetic surveys has dramatically reduced our exploration time, lowered personnel costs, and minimised environmental disruptions,” Olufemi Olubi, Senior Geologist at SROL, explains. “By reducing the need for extensive ground-based surveys, we have also lessened the impact on local communities and ecosystems.”

Central to SROL’s sustainability strategy is its investment in local talent. With 99% of the workforce for the Segilola Gold Mine being Nigerian, the company prioritises capacity building to ensure that host communities benefit directly from its operations. This commitment strengthens local expertise, retains value within the country, and aligns with national development goals.

Workforce safety is equally paramount. In 2024, SROL recorded a significant drop in occupational incidents following the introduction of anomaly reporting systems, integrated job planning, and open site communication.

“Our safety onboarding programs are mandatory for all visitors and personnel,” David Mbrekpadiaha, Environment Lead at SROL, reveals. “Regular hazard identification and safety awareness training ensure everyone is equipped to mitigate risks.”

This culture of vigilance and accountability has reduced accidents, improved operational continuity, and built trust with surrounding communities. It also earned SROL the 2024 CIPM Nigeria Oscar for HR Best Practice, a recognition of its people-first approach to leadership and governance.

SROL’s sustainability efforts also extend beyond the mine site as the company has completed 23 community projects and held over 120 stakeholder engagements to promote transparency and trust. Among its most impactful initiatives are its Livelihood Restoration Programs (LRPs), which provide sustainable income opportunities through fish, vegetable, and cocoa farming projects.

“Our LRP programs, particularly the fish farm and market garden initiatives,” says Bolaji Alayande, Social and Community Officer at SROL. “Revenue from the first cycle is reinvested to support new beneficiaries, creating an enduring model of community resilience.”

Recognising the importance of holistic well-being, SROL has also introduced SegunCare, a mental-health and medical outreach initiative providing continuous health monitoring and support to residents of host communities with chronic health conditions. The program is helping to reduce stigma around mental illness and improve access to essential care.

SROL’s approach to sustainability presents a compelling blueprint for the future of Nigeria’s mining sector. By integrating innovation, prioritising local talent, and fostering community development, the company proves that mining can be both profitable and responsible.

The company’s strategy goes beyond compliance; it is about creating lasting value for people and the planet. Through forward-thinking decisions and consistent execution, SROL is demonstrating what the next generation of African mining looks like: sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive.

Benson Onwusa, Olufemi Olubi, David Mbrekpadiaha and Bolaji Alayande, Present key takeouts from the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week Across the world, businesses are redefining what responsible growth looks like. Environmental,