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Oyetola Inaugurates Committee to Fast-Track Gateway Inland Dry Port Project

…Restates FG’s commitment to harnessing blue economy opportunities

Emmanuel Daudu

In a strategic move to accelerate Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure growth, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has inaugurated a Project Development Committee (PDC) for the Gateway Inland Dry Port (IDP) located in Papalanto, Ogun State.

The inauguration marks a major step in the Federal Government’s drive to unlock the vast economic potential of the maritime and logistics sector under the Blue Economy framework.

Represented by the Director of the Federal Department of Fishery and Aquaculture, Wellington Omoragbon, the Minister said the initiative reflects the administration’s determination to reform, modernize, and fully harness the sector’s role in driving sustainable national growth.

According to Oyetola, the formation of the Project Development Committee is a “concrete affirmation of the Federal Government’s strategic direction” toward ensuring that the inland port becomes a functional hub supporting seamless trade and logistics operations across the region.

The committee draws membership from key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Ogun State Government, and the designated concessionaire, Arise Group.

Under the structure announced, the Permanent Secretary of FMMBE, Olufemi Oloruntola, will serve as Chairman, while the Director of Maritime Services and the Executive Secretary of the NSC will serve as Co-Chair and Member, respectively. To preserve institutional knowledge and coordination, the Secretariat will operate within the Ministry’s Inland Container Depot (ICD) Division.

The PDC’s mandate includes:

Developing a comprehensive roadmap for the effective commissioning and sustained operation of the Dry Port.

Establishing strong liaison frameworks with relevant federal and state agencies.

Designing strategies to sensitize stakeholders on Dry Port utilization.

Overseeing all procurement processes in line with the ICRC Act 2005 and the Public Procurement Act 2007.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Pius Akutah, commended the Minister’s leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s transport infrastructure. He noted that Inland Dry Ports are critical trade enablers, serving as inland extensions of seaports that connect producers and exporters to global markets and boost economic productivity.

The Gateway Inland Dry Port, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2006, is one of six inland ports initiated under the Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

With the committee’s inauguration, the Federal Government reaffirms its resolve to position the Blue Economy as a key driver of diversification, job creation, and sustainable national growth.

RMAFC, FIRS Launch Joint Revenue Recovery Drive to Boost Federation Account

Maryam Aminu

In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework and plug revenue leakages, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has inaugurated a team of consultants to lead a nationwide revenue recovery exercise.

The official flag-off, held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the RMAFC Headquarters in Abuja, brought together key fiscal stakeholders, including the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, and the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue Matters and FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji.

Speaking on the significance of the exercise, Maryam Umar Yusuf, Head of Information and Public Relations at RMAFC, said the initiative represents “a bold and coordinated step towards improving Nigeria’s fiscal discipline and ensuring that all revenues due to the Federation are fully recovered and transparently remitted.”

Dr. Shehu, in his remarks, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening fiscal governance, noting that the engagement of consultants is “not a routine administrative action but a deliberate, result-oriented innovation designed to ensure every recoverable naira due to the Federation is transparently remitted.”

He added that the exercise aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes fiscal responsibility, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration.

L-R: Representative of the SA to President on Revenue Matters and Executive Chairman, FIRS Mr. Zacch Adedeji, the Coordinating Director, FIRS Mr. Shettima Tamadi; RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR in a hand shake after the Inauguration of Engaged Consultants for Revenue Recovery Exercise at RMAFC Hq, Abuja.

Representing the FIRS Chairman, the Coordinating Director, Mr. Shettima Tamadi, commended RMAFC for its proactive leadership, stressing that “Nigeria has a huge revenue gap, but with stronger collaboration between agencies and partners, we can bridge that gap and achieve sustainable fiscal growth.”

The Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Joseph Nwaeze Okechukwu, urged the engaged consultants to deliver within the six-month timeframe and ensure that all identified recoverable revenues are promptly returned to the Federation Account to support national development priorities.

Accepting the assignment on behalf of the consultants, the lead consultant, Mr. Temitayo Ojeleke, described the engagement as a “national call to duty,” assuring RMAFC and FIRS of their dedication to professionalism, transparency, and measurable outcomes.

NiMet DG Anosike Named Among Nigeria’s Top 100 Eco-Champions, Earns Double Honour for Climate Leadership

Emmanuel Daudu

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has been recognised among Nigeria’s Top 100 Environmental and Sustainability Professionals, a prestigious award presented by Environment Africa Magazine.

At the award ceremony, Prof. Anosike represented by Mrs. Glory Onyegbule, Director of Applied Meteorological Services also received a Certificate of Recognition as Nigeria’s Top ECO-HERO 2025, underscoring his remarkable contributions to climate resilience and sustainability.

Prof. Anosike’s inclusion in the Top 100 list celebrates his transformative leadership in advancing climate-smart solutions across Nigeria. Under his direction, NiMet has made major strides in making weather and climate information more accessible, actionable, and community-focused.

In recent months, the agency has rolled out upgraded early warning systems that provide impact-based forecasts to help reduce the effects of floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events. These real-time alerts, delivered through digital platforms and mobile networks, now reach farmers, local governments, and disaster managers nationwide.

Prof. Anosike has also driven the adoption of AI-powered forecasting tools and digital climate advisory services, helping smallholder farmers adapt more effectively to changing weather patterns. His commitment to translating forecasts into local languages and user-friendly formats is breaking long-standing barriers to climate communication ensuring that “no community is left behind.”

Beyond data innovation, Prof. Anosike is building a collaborative ecosystem that links universities, development agencies, and the private sector to expand weather infrastructure, train future climate scientists, and integrate climate risk into urban planning and sustainability reporting.

Through this systems-based approach, he is not only helping Nigeria respond to current climate challenges but also laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future.

His double recognition by Environment Africa Magazine stands as a powerful affirmation of science-driven leadership and impact-oriented innovation in the face of global environmental change.

PRESS RELEASE: CONCERNED CHRISTIAN YOUTH FORUM AFFIRMS CHRISTIAN GENOCIDE IN NIGERIA

As the world silently witnesses the unfolding tragedy of the Christian genocide in Nigeria,
the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) aligns itself with the Press Statement released by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and all other brave voices raising their cries for justice in the face of the genocidal persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters across Nigeria.

You will recall that from 2010 till now notable voices including that of our current President, President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) called for an end to the brutal killings of Christians in Nigeria

Now In a growing chorus of condemnation, Senators from across multiple nations are now coming forward to denounce the atrocious acts of violence being perpetrated against Christians in Nigeria.

A few days ago, In a powerful display of support, fans of the Romanian national football team held aloft a banner before their World Cup Qualifier match, boldly proclaiming their solidarity with Nigeria’s persecuted Christian community.

Their united calls for action reflect the gravity of the situation, making it increasingly difficult for those in power to ignore or deny the appalling reality of the Christian genocide.

The truth is undeniable, yet some insidious elements are still attempting to spread falsehoods and confuse the narrative to shield the perpetrators of this genocide. These paid subterfuges are engaged in a dangerous game,

To these individuals, we issue a stern warning: your lies will not stand. Your attempts to deny the reality of this tragedy will be exposed as it’s in the case of one Mr. Arnold vs a major paid propagandist whose lies and manipulation in an attempt to deny the genocide is being heavily exposed currently on the social media.

To this paid agents note that you will be held accountable for your actions. The truth will prevail, and those who stand against it will be remembered as complicit in this heinous crime against humanity.

James Paul Adama
Convener, Concerned Christian Youth Forum.
Abuja Nigeria.

From Policy to People: Why Health Equity Must Reach Every Nigerian

Maryam Aminu

For decades, Nigerians have heard promises about better healthcare. But for many families especially in rural or low-income communities those promises still feel far away. At the 2025 Health Equity Conference in Abuja, however, the tone was different. It wasn’t just about policies this time; it was about people and the urgent need to make fairness in healthcare a lived reality, not an abstract goal.

Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and private sector leaders on Thursday in Abuja gathered under one theme: “From Access to Impact.” But beyond the banners and speeches, there was a shared understanding that the true test of equity lies in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The mother in Kogi who has to travel 40 kilometres to find a midwife, the diabetic patient in Enugu rationing insulin, or the young nurse struggling to stay in the system due to burnout.

In his address, Dr. Yemi Ajao, CEO of OneBarrow International Ltd noted that health equity is not about policies on paper. It’s about the mother who can get safe care when she needs it, the youth who can afford medication, and the families who can trust the system that serves them,” he said.

OneBarrow International Ltd, CEO, Dr Yemi Ajao

Dr. Ajao’s message resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom have seen the strain that unregulated health practices and poor coordination have placed on communities.

He emphasized that while access remains important, what Nigerians need most now is impact. Care that is consistent, safe, and delivered with accountability.

He also called for citizens to take a more active role in ensuring that the health services they use are licensed and regulated.

“Every Nigerian has the right to ask who is behind this clinic or pharmacy? Is it approved to provide care? Regulation protects lives,” he added.

Throughout the conference, the 13 Health Regulatory Councils shared a joint vision of building a more accountable system where the standards of care are the same for everyone whether in Abuja or a remote village in Zamfara.

They spoke about strengthening professional training, ensuring qualified health workers in underserved areas, and improving record-keeping so patients’ stories are not lost between facilities.

From the private sector side, speakers expressed a commitment to innovation,digital health platforms, telemedicine, and affordable diagnostics but they also called for regulatory clarity that allows businesses to grow while keeping patient protection at the centre.
Speaking further, Dr. Donald Ofili, Acting Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, reminded attendees that equity must move from dialogue to delivery.

“We cannot talk about equity in theory. Nigerians must see it in how their hospitals function, how their tests are processed, and how health workers are treated,” he said.

At the close of the conference, participants agreed on a joint communiqué that pledged to turn ideas into measurable reforms. Among the key steps are creating a shared monitoring framework and an annual stakeholder feedback session a move many described as the start of a new era of accountability in Nigeria’s health sector.

For Dr. Ajao and his team at OneBarrow, this marks the beginning of a long but hopeful journey.

“Our role is to keep connecting the dots between doctors, labs, pharmacies, regulators, and communities,” he said. “That’s how we bring healthcare closer to people and make health equity more than a slogan.”

Badaru Inspects Production of NAF Helicopters and Fighter Jets in Italy

Emmanuel Daudu

In a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to modernizing its military fleet, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (CON, mni), has inspected the production lines of advanced Nigerian Air Force aircraft at Leonardo S.p.A. facilities in Northern Italy.

The visit, part of a high-level delegation accompanying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the AQABA Process meeting, took the Minister to Leonardo’s Helicopters Division in Vergiate and Aircraft lll Division in Venegono where Nigeria’s latest AW109 Trekker attack helicopters and M-346 Fighter Attack Jets are being assembled.

During the inspection, Badaru assessed the progress of ten AW109 helicopters three of which are ready for delivery, three nearing completion before year-end, and four more scheduled for early 2026. He also reviewed the M-346 Fighter Attack Jet project, where six of the twenty-four ordered aircraft are in advanced production stages, with three already undergoing flight tests.

The Minister lauded Leonardo’s technical expertise and adherence to schedule, emphasizing that the timely delivery of these aircraft will significantly boost the Nigerian Armed Forces’ operational capacity.

“This partnership reflects our administration’s strategic vision under President Tinubu to strengthen Nigeria’s defence through innovation, training, and global collaboration,” Badaru stated.

FRC Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Fiscal Discipline, Transparency at Fourth Quarter Risk Roundtable

Maryam Aminu

In a renewed pledge to strengthen Nigeria’s financial governance framework, the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, Esq., has reaffirmed the Commission’s steadfast commitment to promoting fiscal discipline, transparency, and prudent financial management in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007.

Muruako made this known during the Fourth Quarter Risk Roundtable (QRRT) held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja, an event organized by the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) in collaboration with TAJBank.

The high-level forum brought together top regulators, industry operators, and risk management professionals to exchange insights on the emerging risks, challenges, and opportunities shaping Nigeria’s business and financial landscape.

According to Augustar Ehiaghalua, the QRRT has, since inception, hosted more than 5,000 participants, evolving into a critical platform for capacity building, professional growth, and institutional resilience in the risk management sector. This quarter’s edition focused on strengthening institutional capacity, deepening professional competence, and enhancing leadership in risk governance amid today’s rapidly evolving business environment.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jameelah Shirriff-Ayedun spoke on “Ethical Imperatives for Finance in a Digital-First World,” emphasizing integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making as core drivers of financial sustainability. Also, Mrs. Amal Haruna delivered a compelling presentation on “Risk Governance and Strategic Growth in a Digital-First World,” underscoring the importance of structured risk frameworks for long-term organizational success.

The event also featured active participation from key institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), First Bank of Nigeria, TAJBank, and other prominent organizations within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

For the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, participation in the QRRT aligns with its statutory mandate under the FRA 2007 to ensure prudent management of national resources, macroeconomic stability, and transparency across all tiers of government.

The engagement, according to the Commission, further underscores its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders in advancing risk-informed fiscal governance and promoting a culture of accountability in Nigeria’s public finance system.

RMAFC Reaffirms Commitment to Boost Revenue from Mining Sector

Maryam Aminu

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing revenue generation from Nigeria’s mining sector through improved data collection, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.

This assurance came during a sensitization workshop on the Commission’s new data rendition template for the South East Zone, held on Thursday in Enugu. The initiative is part of RMAFC’s efforts to bridge gaps in the remittance of revenues generated from the mining sector into the Federation Account.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, emphasized that despite the scale of mining activities across the country, the sector contributes only marginally to national revenue due to poor monitoring and ineffective data systems.

“It has been established that despite the extent of activities going on in the mining sector, it contributes only a negligible amount to the Federation Account,” Dr. Shehu noted. “Hence, it is the intention of the Commission to ensure that all revenues due to the Federation are promptly remitted as and when due.”

Represented by the Federal Commissioner representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako, Dr. Shehu explained that the newly designed data rendition templates would improve the accuracy and timeliness of information on mineral production, company operations, and payments such as licenses, fees, and permits.

Representative of the Enugu State governor, Hon Franklin Ogbonna, delivering his goodwill message

According to him, effective data management will help track and account for mining activities and revenue, significantly boosting the sector’s contribution to the national purse.

Dr. Shehu also stressed the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s revenue sources amid current economic challenges, pointing out that overreliance on hydrocarbons has exposed the nation to global oil market fluctuations and other risks. He reaffirmed RMAFC’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration in harnessing potentials in other sectors such as solid minerals, agriculture, manufacturing, and the blue economy.

In a goodwill message, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. Franklin Ogbonna, described the initiative as a significant step towards establishing a reliable framework for resource monitoring and revenue allocation.

“Accurate data is the foundation of sound policy formulation and effective revenue management,” he said. “It enables both Federal and State Governments to assess real production figures, close leakages, and ensure that due revenues are remitted for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

The governor further commended RMAFC’s efforts, noting that the new framework aligns with Enugu State’s drive to reposition its solid minerals sector as a key contributor to internally generated revenue and economic diversification.

In his welcome address, the Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State, Hon. Ozo Obodougo Obumneme, said the initiative aims to establish a platform for independent, error-free data sources that can serve as a reliable reference for the Commission’s revenue attributions.

Other dignitaries who commended the Commission’s efforts included Hon. Onyia Emmanuel, Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Ebonyi State; Prof. Joel Ogbonna, Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Abia State; Hon. Tony Nwabuno, Commissioner for Local Government, Anambra State; and Mrs. Obialor Angela, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Mines and Minerals, Imo State.

The sensitization workshop in Enugu is part of a nationwide exercise covering all six geopolitical zones. It commenced in Abuja on October 7, 2025, and continued in Asaba, Delta State, for the South-South region on October 13, 2025.

Businessman Cries Out as ₦500 Million Mansion Demolished in FESTAC by FHA, Task Force

Maryam Aminu

A Lagos-based civil engineer, Mr. Macdonald Ejiofor Okwor from Enugu state, has expressed deep anguish over the demolition of his ₦500 million mansion by officials of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and operatives of the Lagos State Task Force at 6th Avenue, FESTAC Town, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Ejiofor, 48, described the incident as a devastating loss of “years of labour and dreams,” alleging that the demolition was carried out without due notice, even while his family was still inside the building.

According to him, FHA officials, policemen, and hired thugs stormed his property at Plot 1892, Route 65, Caravan Estate, with bulldozers, pulling down the multi-million-naira structure despite an existing court order mandating all parties to maintain the status quo in an ongoing ownership dispute.

He said he legally acquired the land from the Kuje family in 2016, based on a Federal High Court ruling that favoured the family’s ownership of the area. However, he began facing challenges after moving into the property nine months ago when a lawyer claimed to have been allotted the same plot by the FHA.

“They came with bulldozers while my wife was still inside,” Ejiofor recounted tearfully. “People were shouting, telling them someone was in the house, but they ignored them. My furniture, machines, documents, and passports were all buried under the debris.”

Ejiofor also alleged that when he attempted to access the property the next day, Task Force operatives arrested him, his wife, and his brother, accusing them of obstructing the operation. He claimed they were beaten, detained at the Task Force cell in Oshodi, and forced to sign an undertaking not to return to the property.

When Vanguard visited the area, over 15 buildings had already been reduced to rubble as bulldozers continued pulling down structures along 6th Avenue and adjoining roads. Traders were seen hurriedly salvaging goods, while others watched helplessly beside the wreckage.

Several residents accused the FHA of selective demolition, alleging that some privately developed buildings were targeted while others were spared.

A former Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Mr. Paul Nwosu, described the exercise as inhumane and lacking due process.

“If you look closely, you’ll see clear setbacks. These buildings align with others that weren’t touched,” Nwosu said. “Destroying people’s investments without notice is wicked. Even if they didn’t have permits, they could have been asked to regularize.”

Reacting to the allegations, the Lagos State Task Force denied claims that its operatives brutalized residents or arbitrarily arrested Ejiofor’s family.

According to a statement signed by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, those arrested were individuals who allegedly attacked officials with stones and dangerous objects in an attempt to stop the lawful demolition.

“Preventing law enforcement officers from performing their duties is a criminal offence,” said CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Task Force Chairman, who also warned against attempts to bribe officials during enforcement operations.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the demolition, stating that it was not involved in the exercise.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, clarified that the state government follows strict procedures before carrying out any demolition, which include proper notice and engagement with affected persons.

“Any demolition done without authorization from the state does not represent this administration’s position,” Dr. Olumide emphasized.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) were unsuccessful. However, some FHA concessionaires who spoke off record claimed that the demolished properties were not acquired from the Authority, urging the affected owners to produce valid ownership documents.

UNILORIN Honours Oyetola, Unveils Blue Economy Research Centre

Emmanuel Daudu

In a remarkable celebration of leadership and innovation, the University of Ilorin on Thursday, October 16, 2025, conferred an Honorary Fellowship on the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his outstanding contributions to national development and visionary service to Nigeria.

The recognition, which took place during the institution’s 1st Distinguished Lecture and Conferment of Award Ceremony at the University Auditorium, also featured the unveiling of the Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy a landmark initiative to promote research, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The event, organised by the UNILORIN Centre for Advancement, was graced by dignitaries including the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was also conferred an Honorary Fellowship, traditional rulers, government representatives, academics, and students.

Delivering the maiden distinguished lecture titled “The Nexus Between Blue Economy and Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” Dr. Oyetola underscored the immense potential of the blue economy as a driver of sustainable national growth.

He noted that Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and extensive waterways could transform the economy through strategic investment in education, innovation, and strong governance.

“The blue economy is not just about exploiting marine resources, it is about creating a balance between economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion,” he said.

The Minister revealed that reforms within the Ministry have significantly improved revenue, rising from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to ₦1.39 trillion in 2024, driven by transparency and operational efficiency rather than tariff hikes.

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, Oyetola mentioned the National Seafarers Development Programme, which trains 1,000 youths annually for maritime careers, and the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise ports, expand aquaculture, and boost food security.

He reaffirmed the importance of public-private collaboration in sustaining progress, citing the Lekki Deep Sea Port and upcoming projects in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ondo, and Rivers States as key catalysts for job creation and foreign investment.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), commended Dr. Oyetola and Governor AbdulRazaq for their transformative leadership and commitment to national progress.

The unveiling of the Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy marked the high point of the ceremony. The Centre is expected to serve as a hub for research, policy innovation, and youth capacity building in sustainable marine management.