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The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Thursday proposed the creation of 31 new states in the country.
If the proposal scales through, the Nigerian state will be made up of 67 sub-national governments.
The proposal for new states was contained in a letter read during Thursday’s plenary session by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in the absence of the Speaker, Mr Tajudeen Abbas.
The committee chaired by Kalu proposed six new states for North Central, four in the North East, five in the North West, five in South East, four in South-South and seven in South West.
The letter read in part, “The committee proposes the creation of 31 new states. As amended, this section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation, which include the following:
1. New state and boundaries
“An act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if it requires support by at least the third majority of members.
2. The House of Representatives, the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area are received by the National Assembly.
“Local government advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are only reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, applies to this process.
“Specifically, in accordance with Section 8 (3) of the Constitution, the outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfilment of state demands.
“Proposals shall be resubmitted in strict adherence to the stipulations. Submit three hard copies of the full proposal of the memoranda to the Secretariat of the Committee at Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, and Abuja.
“Sub-copies must also be sent electronically to the Committee’s email address at info.hccr.gov.nj. For further information or contact, please contact the Committee Clerk at 08069-232381.
“The committee remains committed to supporting the implementing efforts that align with the Constitutional provisions and would only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines. This is coming from the Clerk of the Committee on Constitutional Review.”
The proposed new states are Okun, Okura and Confluence states from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa states from Benue; FCT state; Amana state from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi states and Savannah states from Borno and Muri State from Taraba.
Others are New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano, and Kainji from Kebbi State; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the South East Adada from Enugu, Orlu and Aba from the South East.
Also included are Ogoja from Cross River State, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo; Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun state as well as Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States.
… NESG says FG Must Support Domestic Industries to Achieve a $1 Trillion Economy
Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully exporting two jet fuel cargoes to Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer and a leading integrated oil and gas company globally.
Saudi Aramco is the official Saudi Arabian Oil Company, which is a majority state-owned petroleum and natu
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, revealed this on Tuesday during a visit by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), team to both Dangote Fertiliser Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.
Dangote said exporting products to the global markets, especially Saudi Aramco, was because of his refinery’s world-class standards and advanced technologies.
“We are reaching the ambitious goals we set for ourselves, and I’m pleased to announce that we’ve just sold two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco,” he said.
Since its production began in 2024, the Dangote refinery has steadily increased its output, now reaching 550,000 barrels per day.
While commending Aliko Dangote for establishing the $20 billion refinery – the largest single-train refinery in the world – NESG Chairman, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, stated that Nigeria needs more investments of this calibre to reach its $1 trillion economy goal.
“To achieve a $1 trillion economy, much of that must come from domestic investments. I joked during the bus ride that while others are dredging to create islands for leisure, you’ve dredged 65 million cubic tonnes of sand to create a future for the country. This refinery, fertiliser plant, petrochemical complex, and supporting infrastructure are monumental,” he said. “My hope is that God grants you the strength, courage, and health to realise your ambitions and that in your lifetime, a new Nigeria will emerge.”
Yusuf emphasised that such local industries are essential to Nigeria’s industrialisation and will help foster the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He added that the NESG would continue to advocate for an improved investment climate to attract entrepreneurs, boost development, ensure food security, and address insecurity.
He lamented that Nigeria has become a dumping ground for foreign products and stressed that the country must support its entrepreneurs to become a global player. “It’s inconceivable that a nation of over 230 million people, with an annual birth rate higher than the total population of some countries, is still dependent on imports to feed its citizens.”
Yusuf also praised Dangote’s bold vision for making Nigeria self-sufficient in several key sectors.
“The NESG is grateful, and I believe the nation is as well. This refinery represents the audacity of courage. It takes immense effort to do what you’ve done and still be standing and smiling. Thank you for inspiring us and showing that nothing is impossible. You’ve transformed Nigeria from a net importer of petroleum products to a net exporter,” he said. “We’ve all read Think Big, but this is truly about thinking big. The message is clear: the private sector can bring about real change.”
Yusuf, alongside NESG board members and stakeholders, toured the refinery and fertiliser plants, lauding the level of investment, technology, and sophistication of young Nigerian engineers running world-class laboratories and central control units. He acknowledged Dangote's perseverance and success in overcoming numerous challenges.
Dangote, in his response, reiterated the importance of the private sector in national development, asserting that Nigeria’s challenges could largely be overcome by providing gainful employment to its people.
He stated that the concept of a free market should not be used as a pretext for continued import dependence, highlighting that both developed and developing nations, including the USA and China, actively protect their domestic industries to safeguard jobs and promote self-sufficiency. Dangote also cited the example of the Benin Republic, where cement imports are restricted as part of a deliberate strategy to protect local industries, despite the proximity of his Ibese plant.
“The President is a personal friend, and my Ibese plant is just 28km from Benin, yet they refuse to allow imports to protect their local industries, most of which are grinding plants,” he remarked.
He further emphasised that the government stands to gain substantially when the private sector flourishes, noting that 52 kobo (52%) of every naira Dangote Cement generates goes to the government.
Dangote also pointed out the significant challenges involved, in setting up industries in Nigeria, particularly the substantial capital investment required due to the lack of infrastructure. He stressed that investors are often forced to take on responsibilities for essential services such as power, roads, and ports – services that should be provided by the government.
President/CEO, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Vice President (Oil & Gas), Dangote Group, Mr Devakumar Edwin; Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Niyi Yusuf; and Board Member, NESG, Mr Frank Aigbogun, during the NESG delegation's visit to Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and Dangote Fertilisers in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, on Tuesday, 4th February 2025.
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) delegation, led by Chairman Niyi Yusuf, observing refinery operations from the world-class Central Control Unit at Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has postponed its proceedings to Monday, February 10, allowing Governor Monday Okphebholo of Edo State to commence his case.
Naija News reports that this decision came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to present its witnesses as initially scheduled for Thursday, February 6.
iThe lead counsel for INEC, Kanu Agabi, SAN, informed the three-member panel, chaired by Justice Wilfred Okpochi, that they would not be calling any witnesses after reconsidering their position following Wednesday’s proceedings. He stated that there would be no necessity to summon witnesses.
[NaijaNews]
The immediate past president of the United States of America spent $1.9 trillion on regulatory costs, the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, said.
DOGE disclosed this in a widely circulated document.
According to the DOGE document, Biden’s administration initiated 1,217 rules costing the country $1.9 trillion.
In contrast, DOGE noted that during Trump’s first term as president, 1,340 rules cost $64.7 billion, and during Barack Obama’s presidency, 2,997 rules cost the US government $870.5 billion.
DAILY POST reports that since the emergence of Trump’s presidency, DOGE has swung into action to sanitise government spending and increase efficiency, which is its core mandate.
Reacting to DOGE’s latest move, Florida State Senator Rick Scott wrote on X: “Democrats’ ridiculous rules and regulations cost the American people $1.9 trillion over the past four years.
“Cutting big government regulations is how we make Washington work better for families.”
[DailyPost]
A daughter to the late President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Justice Moses Bello, has faulted Wednesday’s judgment dismissing her suit challenging the distribution of her father’s estate.
The daughter, Ann Eniyamire whose suit was dismissed by A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) argued that the judgment has led to a miscarriage of justice.
Eniyamire, who spoke through her lawyer, Yahuza Mahraz, said she was saddened by current developments in the Judiciary, “where a judge can aid a party of his own choice by introducing new facts not deposed by any party and arguing such facts based on his personal beliefs. This has led to a miscarriage of justice.”
While vowing to appeal the decision, Eniyamire said: “The judgment in its entirety is contradictory, approbatory and reprobatory, which cannot stand the test of fairness and natural justice.
“The same judge, who held in his ruling on the defendants’ notice of preliminary objection that the claimant’s suit is not challenging the validity of a will/ codicil and is not challenging the grant of probate, as the issue of challenging a validity of a will/ codicil only goes to Probate Registry, before a Probate Registrar, went ahead to challenge the validity of the will and codicil on his own, without any party raising it for him, thereby downgrading the High Court to the position of a Probate Registry and hold a contradictory decision.
“We reject the judgment in its entirety and we going on Appeal,” she said.
Eniyamire’s suit, marked: CV/667/2024, had Reverend Father Ezekiel John and Christ the King Catholic Church, Okene Parish as defendants.
She had alleged that Father John (listed as the first defendant) unilaterally adopted a 4.16% sharing formula instead of the 11.11% her later father instructed in his will.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Mohamed Zubairu held that the codicil (a legal amendment to a will) relied upon by Eniyamire was invalid.
Justice Zubairu ssid the document was “more of a private letter’’ written by the late judge to his lawyer, Alex Izinyon (SAN), and did not meet the legal requirements of a codicil under the Wills Act.
The judge added: “A letter written by an attestor but not signed by at least two witnesses cannot be considered a valid codicil. Though titled ‘Codicil,’ it does not satisfy Section 9 of the Wills Act.”
Justice Zubairu held that the word “can” in the codicil afforded the executor some level of discretion in the distribution of the properties.
The judge added that Eniyamire was not entitled to 1/9th of her father’s properties and upheld the defendants’ distribution formula.
“Consequently, all the reliefs sought by the claimant are hereby refused. The suit is dismissed,” Justice Zubairu said.
[TheNation]
Dakuku Peterside, former director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), says it is “premature” to resume oil exploration in Ogoni land, Rivers state.
On January 21, President Bola Tinubu met with Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and a delegation of Ogoni leaders.
The meeting came after a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) demanded the allocation of $1 trillion for the clean-up of the Niger Delta and compensation before oil operations resume.
The talks were connected to the federal government’s plans to resume oil exploration in Ogoni land. Tinubu acknowledged the historical challenges faced by the Ogoni people and noted the need for reconciliation and progress.
However, Peterside, while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, on Wednesday, said resuming oil exploration in Ogoni is ill-timed until contentious issues are resolved.
The former DG of NIMASA pointed out that the unfair distribution of oil exploration benefits, which neglects the Niger Delta community, is deeply troubling.
“If I must be sincere with you, it will be premature to resume oil exploration in Ogoni land. What I think—and I think that is the part the government has also chosen—is to do further consultations, build trust, and show genuine commitment to real environmental governance,” he said.
“The challenge all along has been the opaque nature of oil exploration not just in Ogoni land but in the entire Niger Delta.
“And the fact that the way benefits derivable from oil exploration is distributed to the exclusion of the people of Niger Delta is a big question mark.
“And until we address that in a transparent manner, then we will not make much progress.”
The Ogoni people are an ethnic group in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria, primarily inhabiting Rivers state.
The Niger Delta region, and the Ogoni in particular, has faced severe environmental degradation over the years due to oil exploration.
The Ogoni are known for their long-standing activism against environmental degradation caused by oil exploration, particularly by multinational corporations.
In the early 1990s, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), led by the late activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, drew global attention to the environmental destruction of Ogoni land.
This led to widespread protests and conflicts with the Nigerian government.
‘ESTABLISHING UNIVERSITY IN OGONI LAND NOT SAME AS ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE’
Speaking on the establishment of a university in Ogoni Land, Peterside said creating such an institution in Ogoni land is not the same as addressing the environmental injustice that the people have suffered.
He added that revisiting the Ogoni bill of rights is crucial to addressing the injustices suffered by the people of that area.
On February 3, Tinubu signed into law a bill establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoni.
The president said the legislation is a step towards addressing environmental justice and expanding educational opportunities in the Niger Delta region.
He described the Federal University of Environmental Technology as a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s efforts toward environmental sustainability and national development.
He acknowledged the historical struggles of the Ogoni people, noting that the university reaffirms his administration’s commitment to the region.
[TheCable]
The Kebbi State Police Command said on Wednesday it uncovered over 200 suspected illegal immigrants living in a three-bedroom flat in the Kuwait area of Birnin Kebbi.
The command’s spokesman, Nafiu Abubakar, said 165 of the suspects were arrested while the others escaped.
Abubakar, said, “The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation on January 31, 2025, at about 5 p.m., after security operatives uncovered the presence of over 200 individuals living in a three-bedroom flat in the Kuwait area of Birnin Kebbi.
“A team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department raided the location and successfully apprehended 165 occupants.”
So This Happened, (EP283) Reviews The 10 Million Naira Bail Granted To The Ex-wife of Ooni Of Ife
According to Abubakar, preliminary investigations revealed that all the illegal immigrants are from Francophone West African countries, with the breakdown as follows: Burkina Faso, 35; Benin Republic, 11; Niger Republic, five; Mali, four, and Ivory Coast, 110.
“Further findings showed that none of the individuals possessed valid travel documents, and they were allegedly involved in the Qnet Ponzi scheme, a suspected fraudulent investment platform known for defrauding unsuspecting individuals,” the police spokesman said.
He said following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the police had handed over the suspect to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kebbi State Command, for further investigations and legal action.
Last week, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said Nigeria deported no fewer than 828 illegal immigrants in 2024 as part of its intensified efforts to combat irregular migration and enhance national security.
The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has fixed March 18 for ruling on objection raised by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against a suit filed by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE over oil import licence dispute.
Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after counsel to the NNPCL,, Ademola Abimbola, SAN, and John Ibrahim (SAN) for Dangote Refinery, John Ibrahim, SAN, had canvassed their arguments and adopted their processes for and against the suit.
The NNPCL counsel, Abimbola moved his objections in urging the court for an order striking out the suit for lack of jurisdiction or in the alternative, an order striking out the name of the company from the suit.
Responding, the Dangote Refinery through its counsel, Ibrahim adopted his counter affidavit in urging the court to dismiss the NNPCL’s preliminary objection for being unnecessary.
After listening to the parties, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until March 18 for ruling.
Dangote Refinery had sued the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as 1st and 2nd defendants.
Also joined in the suit are AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.
The oil company, through its lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, prayed the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.
The company (plaintiff) also prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.
It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.
It equally sought a N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.
But in it’s preliminary objection, the NNPCL prayed the court to strike out the case for being incompetent.
It argued that the suit was premature and it disclosed no cause of action against it.
“This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to hear this suit,” the NNPCL said.
The three marketers; AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, in their response, said the plaintiff did not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.
Besides, they argued that there was nothing placed before the court to prove the contrary.
Senator elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, engaged in a heated exchange over the defection of Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North).
In his letter of resignation from the PDP to the APC which was read on the floor of the Senate by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Nwoko cited division and crisis in the PDP as the reason for his decamping to the ruling party.
But reacting to his announcement, the Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), raised a constitutional point of order, arguing that though Nwoko was well within his rights to leave and join any party, his defection was unconstitutional since the PDP was not in crisis.
Challenging the validity of Nwoko’s move, he insisted that the PDP remained intact and that the law only permitted defection if there was a division within a party. He added that Nwoko’s seat should be declared vacant.
In response, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), stressed that the Constitution allows any person to defect provided there was a division in the party, adding that everybody in the country knows that there is a division in the PDP. “You have the (Nyesom) Wike faction and the Governor Bala Mohammed faction,” he said.
But Moro insisted that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party was intact.
At that point, Akpabio asked him who the substantive national secretary of the PDP is, to which he replied: “The PDP is a law-abiding organisation. The Court of Appeal made a pronouncement on the secretaryship of the party, and the party is adhering to that ruling until the Supreme Court decides otherwise.”
Akpabio interjected, pressing Moro on the Supreme Court’s position.
“What does the Supreme Court say?” Akpabio asked.
Moro maintained his stance:
“The Court of Appeal has ruled that Senator Anyanwu is the secretary of the party until the Supreme Court decides otherwise. And as a law-abiding organisation, we abide by the rulings of the court.”
Akpabio retorted: “Do your PDP governors recognise Anyanwu as the Secretary?”
Mocking him, he said, “Minority leader, we have a motion to set up an ad-hoc committee to look into your party’s affairs but I don’t want to do that.”
However, Moro pushed back, saying there was a difference between the status of the party and individual opinions of the PDP.
“The party is an organisation, and the governors, as a forum, are entitled to their opinions,” he explained. “But as a party, we recognise the pronouncements of the court and abide by them.”
Adding his voice to the debate, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) reinforced the argument, citing constitutional provisions, “I am rising on a constitutional point of order. My point of order is rooted in Section 232 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. In fact, relevant to my submission is the entire Chapter 7 of the Constitution, which deals with the judicial arm of government.
“While I want to thank the Minority Leader for the grandstanding he has done today, which is expected of him, I want him to know that the PDP faction that he is part of has already taken note of his action here, and I congratulate him on that.”
He emphasised that the issue of party division was a constitutional matter not one to be debated on the Senate floor.
“The Minority Leader himself defeated his argument by reading the proviso to Section 68(1)(g).
“Whether or not there is division in the PDP is a matter of fact that cannot be decided here. It is visible, even to the blind, that there are sharp divisions in the PDP today. Wike is leading one faction, and Bala Mohammed is leading another.”
Bamidele urged Akpabio to end the debate, framing the PDP’s objections as a distraction.
“Mr. President, I appeal to you to save the precious time of the Senate by bringing this discussion to a close. This is an attempt to distract us and take away from the credit of the APC, which has gained a major member today. It is also an attempt to fetter the discretion of other PDP members who may be considering joining the APC.
“It is the constitutional right of every senator to defect as long as the constitutional provisions are met. If anyone is in doubt, the courts are there to adjudicate. We cannot take over the job of the courts.”
As the exchange grew more intense, Akpabio intervened to restore order. Moro, however, continued his argument, questioning why no APC senators were defecting despite the ruling party’s internal disputes.
“If we say PDP is divided, then is APC not in court over its internal crisis?” Moro asked. “Does that mean APC is divided too?”
Ultimately, Akpabio dismissed the PDP’s objections, ruling that the Senate could not assume the role of a court in determining party divisions. He upheld Nwoko’s defection and overruled Moro’s point of order.
Meanwhile, Senator Nwoko has raised concerns over the future of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the country is at risk of becoming a one-party state due to the internal crisis plaguing the opposition PDP.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President to formally announce his defection from the PDP to the APC, Nwoko expressed worry that the PDP’s inability to function effectively as an opposition party threatens the fabric of Nigeria’s democracy, emphasising that a strong opposition is crucial for accountability and governance.
“Democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard,” he said. “If urgent steps are not taken, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.”
To address this, Nwoko urged the Senate to take immediate action by setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend solutions to safeguard the country’s multi-party democracy.
His defection is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the PDP, further weakening the opposition as the APC consolidates its dominance in the political landscape.
Nwoko assured his constituents that he remains committed to their welfare and to the progress of Nigeria, while requesting that his new party be formally recognised in the Senate records.
The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to investigate what it called unsolicited and illegal linking of National Identification Numbers (NINs) of subscribers to unknown telephone lines by service providers.
Consequently, the House urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the reports about the trend and take immediate actions against any telecom service provider found to be culpable in the practice.
It also asked the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to confirm whether the linking of NINs by telecom service providers was authorised and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance jointly moved by Hon. Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) and the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), at plenary.
Moving the motion, Umoh expressed concern over the recent reports of telecom service providers linking subscribers’ NINs to unknown phone lines without their consent, thereby exposing them to criminal activities and subjecting legitimate NIN holders to grave risk.
He said the action was a clear violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019, which guarantee the right to privacy and protection of personal data of every Nigerian.
“Aware that the National Identification Number (NIN) was established to streamline the verification and identification of persons and enhance security in Nigeria.
“Also aware that the potential risks and consequences of this unauthorized data linking includes identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime that have become rife in Nigeria lately.
“Further aware that innocent citizens have been wrongly implicated in crimes, suffer reputational damage, harassment and legal challenges for crimes they know nothing about,” the lawmaker noted.
Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Communications and Interior to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
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The House of Representatives Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has asked President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to ensure lasting peace and development in the region.
The committee’s chairman, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, who made the call at the inaugural meeting of the legislative committee in Abuja on Wednesday, said the security situation in the South-east was a major concern that must be addressed for any meaningful progress to take place.
“Given the region’s security concerns, the Committee and other well-meaning Nigerians appeal to the President to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a step towards lasting peace and development in the South-east.
“The establishment of the South-East Development Commission, 54 years after the civil war, is a monumental achievement. However, true reconciliation requires more than infrastructural development—it demands addressing historical grievances and ensuring justice for all,” he said.
Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, while inaugurating the committee, said the development marked a crucial step towards addressing the developmental challenges facing the South-East region.
Represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Abbas described the event as a renewed commitment to ensuring that the region receives the much-needed investment and attention for its growth and prosperity.
“The inauguration of this committee is not just a formality,” Abbas stated. “It is the beginning of a renewed effort to unlock the full potential of the Southeast, a region known for its resilience, industry, and entrepreneurial spirit.”
“The role of this committee is to provide legislative oversight, monitor the implementation of policies, and ensure that the commission fulfills its mandate with efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” the Speaker added.
International Business Machines (IBM) has revealed plans to exit Nigeria, Ghana, and other key African markets, transferring its regional operations to MIBB, a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Midis Group. The transition will take effect from 1 April 2025 as part of a new operating model in select African countries.
MIBB will assume responsibility for marketing and selling IBM’s range of products and services across 36 African nations. This includes providing direct access to IBM’s software, hardware, cloud solutions, and consulting services. According to an email sent to TechCabal, MIBB will also oversee operations, support, and customer relationships in the region.
IBM has had a significant presence in Nigeria for over five decades, playing a crucial role in the country’s technology landscape. The company provided infrastructure and consulting services to key sectors, including banking, telecommunications, oil and gas, and government. Its high-end storage and computing solutions were especially popular among financial institutions such as Zenith Bank.
However, IBM’s market share in Nigeria has declined in recent years due to growing competition from companies like Dell and Huawei, which have increased their presence in the banking sector.
On the global front, IBM has been facing financial challenges. In 2024, the company reported a 2% drop in consulting revenue, totaling 5.18 billion USD, while infrastructure sales decreased by 8%. Despite this, IBM’s overall revenue increased by 1%, reaching 17.55 billion USD, largely driven by a 10% growth in software sales, which amounted to 7.92 billion USD. The company also posted a net income of 2.92 billion USD for the fourth quarter and expects a minimum of 5% revenue growth in 2025, buoyed by a projected free cash flow of 13.5 billion USD.
IBM’s exit from West Africa marks the end of its direct operations in the region, creating uncertainty about the long-term impact on local businesses and government partnerships. While MIBB’s takeover may offer new opportunities for innovation and support, businesses that rely on IBM’s services will need to adjust to the changes. The full effects of this transition will become clearer in the months ahead as the African technology landscape adapts to the new operational model.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it recovered N20 billion paid to ghost workers as pensions in 2024.
Musa Aliyu, chairman of the commission, spoke on Wednesday at a media parley with editors in Abuja.
Aliyu said being proactive has enabled the anti-graft agency to stem corruption in the country.
“In 2024, we recovered over N20 billion ghost workers pensions, whereby we were able to track and recover this amount of money, and also we identified people inserting ghost workers into the system,” he said.
“We even discovered that somebody put his wife, his son, and his in-laws on the payroll.
“So, these are some of the challenges that we are trying to see that we tackle and don’t allow them to go on.”
The ICPC chairman also said the commission prevented the theft of N50 billion from a particular ministry.
“In 2023, there is a particular ministry where we restrained over N50 billion from being taken away because of our proactiveness,” he said.
Aliyu said he “had sleepless nights” battling corruption during his time as the attorney-general in Jigawa state between 2019 and 2023.
“I know how those who feel they can do and undo and use all avenues to ensure that they spread lies and confuse people in order to discredit what we were doing then, but through God’s grace, we reached our destination,” he said.
He said the ICPC avoids media trials because a suspect is innocent until proven guilty.
“We share verified information through reports, newsletters, press releases, our website, and social media. However, we ensure that informants and the integrity of investigations remain protected,” he said.
“We want our work to be judged by the performance standards in our strategic action plan (2024-2028).
“I urge the Nigerian media to work with us in raising public awareness and promoting ICPC’s programs. Our nation’s progress depends on it.
“All of us should join hands to tackle corruption in this country. Fighting corruption is not easy because when you fight corruption, corruption fights back.
“Those involved in corruption are united in their evil. They try to lie against us in order to discredit what we are doing.
“But as a nation, all well-meaning members of the public must join hands to tackle corruption.
“We don’t have an option. If we don’t tackle corruption, our children will have no future. If we don’t fight corruption, those involved will wreck the economy, and we will all suffer for it.
“We are partnering with credible civil society organisations to implement the corruption prevention programme for local governments to ensure proactive disclosure of information relevant to finances, procurement, and control of corruption.”
He said assets recovered from corrupt public officials are strictly subjected to the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The ICPC chairman added that he set up a panel comprising civil society organisations (CSOs), media, and government procurement experts to ensure a transparent public auction of assets.
Aliyu said there is a need to review Nigeria’s laws to make corruption less attractive, noting that in some countries those convicted of corruption are required to repay the full amount with interest and are barred from holding public office for up to 10 years.
A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed David Ukpo’s bid to overturn orders granting Ike Ekweremadu, the former deputy senate president, access to his biodata for use in a UK court.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, held that the applicant, Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOSCO), lacked the legal right to institute the suit on Ukpo’s behalf.
Ekwo held that the provision of article 3 (e) of the preamble to the fundamental rights (enforcement procedure) rules, 2009 (FREPR 2009), under which EDOSCO filed the suit, cannot be said to have granted any person without legal personality to sue or be sued in the court.
The judge held that by the averments made by Bamidele Igbinedion, counsel to EDOSCO, “it is clear that the applicant in this case is Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOSCO)”.
“The counsel for the applicant knows this but cleverly avoided stating so on the face of the application and rather deposed to this fact in the affidavit in support,” the judge added.
Also, Ekwo agreed with the argument of the Ekweremadus that the prayers on the face of the motion paper were not prayers for the enforcement of fundamental rights.
The judge said the prayers on the motion paper had become academic and did not require any answer, nor could the court grant same.
“The information required for which this court gave order has been utilised as the respondents/applicants (the Ekweremadus) stood trial and were convicted in May 2023,” he said.
BACKGROUND
In June 2022, the London Metropolitan Police arrested and charged Ekweremadu and Beatrice, his wife, in court for allegedly bringing a child (Ukpo) to the UK for organ harvesting.
The UK authorities said the “child” had “been safeguarded,” while the police said their operatives “are working closely with partners on continued support”.
Although the London police said Ukpo was 15 at the time, his passport and bank verification number (BVN) showed he was 21.
In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2022 and filed on June 27, 2022, by Adegboyega Awomolo, counsel to the senator and his wife, at the federal high court in Abuja, the Ekweremadus prayed the court for an order directing the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to supply them with the certified true copy (CTC) of Ukpo’s biodata.
On July 1, 2022, Ekwo ordered the NIMC, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Stanbic IBTC, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) to supply information on Ukpo to Ekweremadu.
In March 2023, Ekweremadu, Beatrice, and Obinna Obeya, a medical doctor, were convicted of conspiring to traffic a young man for organ harvesting under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act of 2015.
On May 5, 2023, Ekweremadu was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison, his wife was sentenced to four years and six months, and Obeta was handed a 10-year prison term.
In his judgment, Jeremy Johnson, the trial judge, ruled that Beatrice should spend half of the sentence in custody and on license for the rest of the sentence.
Beatrice has been released from prison in the UK and has returned to Nigeria