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All Posts in "Day: October 20, 2025"

Omi Eko Project: Lagos, AFD Promise All-Inclusive Implementation Strategy

By Winifred Bosa
Lagos State Government and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have assured Lagosians and other satellite communities in the State of the inclusive implementation of the Omi Eko project, which was recently launched by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in Lagos.
The assurances were made during the courtesy visit of the Lagos State and AFD officials to the palace of HRH OBA Afeez Oriyomi Adaran Shittu, (ADEYEMI 1) Agbojojoye of Ibasa, Ijegun, Egba, Oguntedo & Satellite Town in Oriade LCDA, Lagos over the weekend.
Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the AFD, European Union (EU), and European Investment Bank (EIB), had launched the €410 million Omi Eko Project to transform Lagos’ inland waterways into a world-class transportation system.
According to Lagos State, the project is aimed at providing cleaner, faster, and safer water transport, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainable mobility.
Speaking after briefing the Oba on the State’s preparedness to transform the waterways transportation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said, “The whole essence of this project is to develop the waterways. And also in doing that, communities will benefit because we would have jetties, we would have electric ferries that would come. And also, there will be upgrades in those jetties as regards the kind of jetties that will be. It’s also an opportunity for us to move from fossil to clean energy, which this project will also provide.”
Furthermore, he stated that “One of the major things that we should always remember is that this project also speaks a lot to inclusivity, which means that the communities that would be benefiting. They would be part and parcel of the project, because without them, we would not be able to run it well.
“Therefore, there will be a lot of stakeholders’ engagements, there will be a lot of training that even the communities would have to go through in understanding how to manage the assets that will be handed over to them,” he added.
An elated Osiyemi reassured the communities that the project will not take away their source of livelihood but enhance it and even provide jobs for them.
“So, it’s a project that is not going to take away their jobs from them. It’s going to add more to what it is that they have. And above all things, it’s going to open up even the communities and increase the businesses around here,” adding that “The moment there’s efficient transportation, what you see is a lot of business opportunities open up.
We believe that this would also translate to increasing their own business, and in all, communities will be the biggest beneficiaries”.
According to Sandra Kassab, Director of the Africa Department, AFD, who spoke on the importance of the project, she said, “We launched an important project together with the Lagos State Government and Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA).
 This project is Omi Eko. It’s dedicated to providing new solutions, a transport solution through the Waterway corridor for the Lagosians.”
Speaking about the visit, she said, Lagos and AFD officials were here to further brief community leaders and youth organizations on the project that would begin soon.
“We wanted to have the opportunity to visit the community, which will benefit from this important project from next year, to listen to the expectations, needs, and perhaps, some concerns they may have regarding the project.”
The Director of the Africa Department at AFD, who spoke on the project financing, said, “AFD’s support will be provided in the form of a sovereign loan of up to EUR 130 million to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which will be on-lent to Lagos State. EIB will co-finance the project with a EUR 170 million credit facility. In line with the Global Gateway initiative, the EU is completing the financial package with a EUR 60 million grant to finance the electrical charging infrastructure to power e-vessels.”
Kassab said that the key highlights of the project are development of 15 priority ferry routes, spanning 140 kilometers, deployment of 75 hybrid-electric ferries to reduce emissions and promote clean mobility, construction of 25 modern ferry terminals and jetties with electric charging facilities, expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth and reduction of CO2 emissions by 41,000 tons annually and improved air quality.
On the outcomes of the project when completed, Kassab disclosed that “100,000 public transport users per day on the priority IWT routes at the opening of the service will be achieved; 3 hours of travel time saving on main Omi Eko routes at peak hour; 41,000 tons of CO² emissions reduced every year.; 35% of e-vessels’ power consumption will be generated by solar energy; 0 boat accidents on the Omi Eko routes; an upgraded policy and regulatory framework through the implementation of a Vessel Industry Transition Program (VITP) for the paratransit industry; and thousands of indirect employments generated by the new ferry network”.
Speaking on behalf of the Youth, the Chairman of Ibasa, Ijegun, Egba, Oguntedo & Satellite Town, Comrade Karim Adewale Idowu, thanked Lagos State government and AFD, and other partners for finding their communities worthy to install some state-of-the-art jetties and develop the water transportation.
He called on the government to ensure that the development that is coming into their community is mutually beneficial, not one that will take away their sources of livelihood.
“We believe that the community in the riverine areas, particularly, is supposed to enjoy the benefits of the blue economy. And today, we are glad the Ibasa-Ijegun community will be enjoying the benefit of the blue economy as a result of the project.”
“The Omi Eko Project will introduce 15 structured ferry routes, spanning 140 kilometers and linking 25 upgraded and expanded ferry terminals across the city. As part of the initiative, 75 state-of-the-art electric vessels—each capable of carrying up to 440 passengers—will be procured.
 These vessels will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions while drastically reducing air and water pollution,” she said.
A flagship component of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, Omi Eko aims to increase the share of water transport from 1% to 5% of daily mobility in Lagos, while saving commuters up to two hours per day on major routes. The resulting reduction in road congestion will enhance mobility, productivity, and overall quality of life—unlocking new social and economic opportunities across the State.
As implementation progresses, residents will soon witness construction and rehabilitation works across the city—laying the foundation for a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport system. Omi Eko will not only reshape Lagos but also position the city as a model of sustainable water transport for West Africa and beyond.
Winifred Bosa by — October 20, 2025 in News
Enugu Govt Slashes C Of O, Other Land-Related Fees By 50%

LarryBravo Nwaiwu
In a reassuring move to empower landowners, encourage investment, and ensure every property in Enugu State has legitimate documentation, Governor Peter Mbah has approved a 50% slash in fees for the processing of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and other land-related documents.
The announcement, made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), Mr. Chiwetalu Nwatu, marks yet another milestone in the Mbah administration’s people-oriented and investment-friendly reform agenda.
According to Mr. Nwatu, the discount window will run for 45 days, beginning from October 15, 2025, during which landowners and investors can process their C of O and other title documents at about half the usual cost.
He explained that the policy was introduced to make property ownership more accessible to all, especially unregistered landowners, low-income earners, and the poor, who have long been unable to afford the costs of documentation.
“His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, believes every resident deserves a legitimate and secure claim to their land. This initiative reflects his commitment to inclusivity and economic empowerment,” Nwatu stated.
Reassuring applicants of improved efficiency, Mr. Nwatu noted that under the current administration, Certificates of Occupancy are now processed within 48 to 72 hours, attributing the success to the full digitization of land processing, search, and related services in the state.
He said the automation has made it easier, faster, and more transparent for people to apply for and obtain their land titles without unnecessary delays.
“Beyond affordability, the policy also aims to boost land documentation compliance, promote transparency, and block revenue leakages in land transactions — a problem that has plagued the system for years.
“Residents are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity by visiting the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS) office to process their documents,” he added.
According to him, the governor, who has consistently been praised for his reform-driven leadership, has once again demonstrated that his administration listens to the people and acts decisively to make Enugu a preferred destination for investment and development *noting the huge reduction of over 65%* for industrial/ commercial properties.
“By easing access to vital land titles, the government not only strengthens property rights but also positions Enugu for rapid urban renewal and sustainable economic growth.
“This 50% average reduction underscores the governor’s unwavering resolve to remove barriers, stimulate investment confidence, and promote prosperity for all,” Nwatu further explained.
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
$1tn economy: NCC makes case for protection of telecom infrastructure

L – R: Mr Babatunde Apeji, Principal Manager, Projects at Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Mr. Jolaolu Fakoya, Executive Director, Technical, emPLE Life Assurance Limited and President, Nigerian Actuarial Society (NAS); Jamila Umoru, Principal Manager, Lagos Zonal Office, NCC; Mr. Charles Onwuatogwu, President of FiBOP; Mr. Ademayowa Adeduro, MD/CEO, Tangerine General Insurance; Mr Wilson Esene-Okoh, Head, Corporate Communications at Rex Insurance Limited and Mr. Titiloye, Branch Manager, Lagos Office of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) at FiBOP’s 2025 National Conference in Lagos at the weekend.

The executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has said that for the country to reach the $1 trillion economy by 2030, it needs resilient network systems that can bend without breaking, recover quickly from shocks and keep the nation connected even in times of crisis.

Maida made the declaration at the 2025 annual conference of Finance and Business Online Publishers (FIBOP) held at the weekend in Lagos under the theme ‘Leveraging technology innovations, tax reforms and opportunities in renewable energy and agriculture to achieve $1 trillion economy.’
Represented by the principal manager, projects, Mr Babatunde Apeji, the EVC who presented a paper entitled ‘Protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and Building Industry Resilience’ said the telecommunications sector “is the nervous system of our economy, without which financial inclusion, digital trade, governance, national security and e-commerce cannot thrive.
He stated that the sector contributed over 15% to Nigeria’s GDP, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Q2 2025 report.
However, he said telecommunications infrastructure needs to be protected. According to him, the telecommunication system is under constant threat, with over 26,000 fibre cuts, vandalism incidents and theft cases recorded across operators between January and August 2025.
Maida, therefore, made a case for the protection of telecommunication infrastructure from cyber intrusions and ransomware attacks for “defending CNII is defending Nigeria’s economy.”
However, he announced that the Commission had deliberately transitioned from protection to resilience through telecommunications disaster recovery and business continuity guidelines by establishing a framework for preparedness, mutual aid agreements, rapid service restoration, and consumer education during emergencies;  cybersecurity and incident response through its Sectoral Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) and the soon-to-be-launched Cybersecurity Framework for the Telecom Industry as well as building a frontline defence that can anticipate, detect, and contain threats.
The other measures include the Commission’s major network outage portal that ensures operators report significant disruptions, while consumers are kept informed and compensated where necessary; stronger infrastructure standards; enhanced compliance checklists for Tower Companies (TowerCos), requiring robust site security, redundant power systems, and climate-resilient designs; mandatory solar backup, dual backhaul, and community partnerships to ensure connectivity is not lost in underserved areas.
Nevertheless, the EVC said the government has to prioritise CNII protection in national defence and infrastructure planning and also called on security agencies to treat telecom assets with the same urgency as oil pipelines or power grids.
In addition, he said industry operators must invest in redundancy and joint monitoring, moving beyond siloed approaches while communities and citizens should see telecom assets in their vicinity as lifelines, not targets by guarding them as they would their own homes.
“The NCC is committed to driving this economic vision for our country. But commitment must be matched with collaboration. Together—with government’s support, industry innovation, security vigilance, and community participation, we will secure Nigeria’s digital backbone, protect our national lifelines, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Together, we will secure Nigeria’s future—and deliver on the promise of a trillion-dollar economy,” Maida said.
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
Enugu Govt Reaffirms Support For Farmers , Vows To Eradicate Hunger

LarryBravo Nwaiwu
The Enugu State Government has reassured farmers in the state of sustained support through mechanization, farm input distribution, and land security as part of efforts to boost food production, tackle unemployment, and eradicate hunger in the state.
Governor Peter Mbah gave the assurance on Thursday during the 2025 World Food Day celebration held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization in Enugu.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, recalled that last year, his administration distributed over 12,000 bags of fertilizer, power tillers, rice seedlings, cassava stems, and other inputs to smallholder farmers.
He noted that more than 40,000 farmers are already benefiting this year from free inputs including fertilizers, improved seeds, cassava stems, and herbicides.
The governor outlined his administration’s ambitious agricultural programme, which includes the establishment of farm estates in every ward, provision of healthcare facilities for farmers, and deployment of 1,000 tractors through the Enugu State Notra Assembly and Service Centre.
“We are embracing climate-smart production and value addition, establishing greenhouse clusters for year-round cultivation with water-saving technologies. We are also rehabilitating strategic assets such as Enugu United Palm Products Ltd., Sunrise Flour Mills, and Songhai Heneke Integrated Farm to serve as modern hubs for processing and marketing,” Mbah said.
He added that the state is pursuing diversification and export readiness through cocoa development, cassava-to-bioethanol projects, livestock expansion, and Special Agro-Processing Zones, stressing that agricultural growth must go hand in hand with human development.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Mr. Patrick Ubru, in his remarks, said this year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” highlighted the role of collective effort in achieving food security.
“Food is foundational – it sustains health, fuels productivity, and strengthens communities. That is why our strategy focuses on land access, mechanization, market linkages, value addition, climate resilience, and strong partnerships. Looking ahead, we will roll out farm estates across all wards, scale climate-smart farming, and sustain input support,” Ubru said.
Also speaking, the chief executive officer of Ugwu Anama Farms, Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji, praised the governor’s agricultural reforms, noting that through government support, his company was allocated 15,000 hectares of land that has since been developed into Enugu Produce City.
According to him, the initiative has created thousands of jobs for young people, stabilized food prices in the state, and converted former criminal hideouts into thriving agricultural hubs.
“Through our farm, we supply cassava stems across the state. What used to be criminal hideouts are now bustling agricultural centres. Today, Enugu is not just feeding itself but exporting produce, earning foreign exchange, and fighting insecurity through agriculture. What the governor is doing is transformative, and future generations will celebrate it,” Nnaji said.
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
NCC Seeks For Protection of Critical Digital Infrastructure to Drive $1 Trillion Economy

 By Fidelia Okafor 

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), describing it as central to Nigeria’s quest for a $1 trillion economy.

Speaking at the 2025 Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) Conference in Lagos, themed “Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and Building Industry Resilience,” Maida said Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is the invisible backbone driving every sector of the economy from banking and trade to education and national security.

“When we talk about a $1 trillion economy, we often mention oil, agriculture, or manufacturing. But the real backbone of all these sectors today is our digital infrastructure,” he said.

According to Maida, telecommunications currently contributes over 15 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, underscoring its pivotal role in national development. However, he warned that the sector remains under threat, revealing that more than 26,000 incidents of fibre cuts, vandalism, and theft were recorded across telecom operators between January and August 2025.

He noted that such attacks, coupled with cyber intrusions and ransomware threats, pose a serious risk to the economy and must be confronted decisively.

Dr. Maida in his paper presentation outlined a five-pronged strategy through his representative Babatunde Apeji that the NCC has adopted to protect CNII: regulation and enforcement, public awareness, collaboration with security and government agencies, stakeholder mediation, and when necessary deployment of security forces to deter vandalism and sabotage.

He disclosed that telecom infrastructure has been formally designated as a national security asset under President Bola Tinubu’s directive and the provisions of the Cybersecurity Act.

Beyond protection, Maida said the Commission is shifting its focus to resilience ensuring that telecom networks can withstand and recover swiftly from disruptions. This includes implementing disaster recovery guidelines, establishing a Sectoral Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), and developing a comprehensive Cybersecurity Framework for the telecom industry.

Dr. Maida emphasized that resilience cannot be achieved in isolation, hence the NCC is collaborating with key institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to secure mobile banking systems, and with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and power distribution companies to stabilize electricity supply to telecom sites.

Dr. Maida added that state governments and local communities are being engaged to protect fibre routes and telecom towers under the CNII Presidential Order. He therefore called on FiBOP to join the NCC in creating more awareness on Nigeria’s quest for a $1 trillion economy.

Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
World Food Day: Over 4000 Farmers Endorse Governor Soludo For Second Term

By Nnedinma Micheal
No fewer than 4000 farmers drawn from various local government areas in Anambra State have endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election bid for a second term in office.
Operating under the umbrella of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Okeluo Nnawuno, they noted that the Governor had made impactful achievements in the sector to deserve another term.
They made their position known during commemoration of this year’s World Food Day and Solidarity Rally for his re-election, held at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
During the event, Governor Soludo, reiterated the commitment of his administration to promoting food security and sustainable agriculture in the state.
While describing the theme ” Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future as timely, he called for closer collaboration with stakeholders in its transformative journey in the agric sector.
Prof Soludo, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, described farmers as being pivotal in the economy of the state.
He emphasized that the present administration had shown remarkable vision in the agricultural sector and listed numerous impactful achievements recorded as well as interventions and support services to farmers.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor,  described Governor  Soludo’s solution government as “a front-runner in food security and inclusive prosperity through agriculture-led transformation
He noted that  Governor Soludo’s mantra “One People, One Government, One Agenda” has practically unified development efforts across multiple sectors to secure better livelihoods for all.
He highlighted landmark initiatives driving the State’s agricultural revolution, including the Regenerative Agriculture Policy, Oil Palm and Coconut Revolution, Igbo Economic Tree Crops Programme, and the distribution of free organic fertilizer to over 20,000 smallholder farmers.
Also cited were the IFAD-VCDP empowerment of over 13,000 farmers, the ATASP-1 Mega Irrigation Project in Ayamelum serving 10,000 hectares of rice fields, and the forthcoming Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and Agriculture Transformation Centres (ATCs) which will boost processing, value addition, and youth employment.
The Commissioner further praised the Farm to Feed Campaign, which has been adopted by Local Government Mayors across the State, “mainstreaming homestead food production in both urban and rural households.
He equally commended Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, for championing the Healthy Living Gardens Initiative — a school-based program promoting nutrition, environmental awareness, and hands-on food cultivation among children
“Their endorsement of Governor Soludo is an endorsement of continuity, progress, and shared prosperity.”
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, represented by the South East Regional Director of the Ministry, Ichie Ogonna Nkamnebe, noted that the theme underscored the need for more investment in the sector.
While calling for stronger synergy between federal and state governments, he noted that federal government had undertaken a lot of interventions including purchase of tractors for mechanised farming.
He Further highlighted provision of agric credits through Bank of Industry (BOI) and distribution of farm inputs, pointing out President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to ensure food security by encouraging stakeholders active participation.
Other Stakeholders including  Chief Emma Obi, Chairman, Nigeria Agricultural Input Association (NAIDA), Anambra State, Chief Charles Okafor, President, United Butchers Association, enumerated advancements made by Governor Soludo in the sector.
According to Nnawuno, the Governor has distributed organic fertilizers, introduced regenerative agriculture policy, oil palm and coconut revolution, rural infrastructure for market access and other farmer empowerment interventions.
“We declare our full and unreserved support for Prof Soludo’s re-election bid for a second term in office.
“We do so because you have earned our trust. May your second tenure bring even greater harvests of peace and progress”
Contributing, Chief Emma Obi, said the Governor deserved to be supported having achieved a lot in the agric and other sectors of the state economy.
“We are solidly behind Prof Chukwuma Soludo and we will mobilise farmers for him in all the 21 local government areas. We will do our best to encourage every farmer to vote for him”
He also acknowledged the contributions of the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, the Value Chain Development Project (VCDP) under the watch of Dr Deborah Onyefuru, for being pivotal to successes recorded in the sector.
The event which was attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Arthur Mbuba, featured an award of honour to the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as “Aka-Ji-Ife” meaning the torch bearer, by ORSH-EL Community Development Initiatives
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
Ukachukwu storms  CWO Awka, Receive  warm welcome  and solid support.

By Nnedinma Michael
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the APC Governorship Candidate for 2025 Governorship Election in Anambra State recently met with a delegation of Women  professionals from the Catholic  Women Organization ( CWO) of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka Anambra State.
He shared his vision for Anambra, promising to create job opportunities, provide  Agriculture loans for farmers, implement  other life- enhancing  initiatives.
Ukachukwu  declared this during a celebration of 10th year anniversary of of st. Patrick College and CWO grand Finale of this year Triennial  Convention.
In an interview with Ukachukwu on the role of the church in holding government accountable  and promoting  good governance, he said that the church should serve as a moral compass, guiding government  principles and actions, provide  a platform for citizens to voice concerns and receive  support, that the church influence can help , ensure  government accountability,  and transpiracy.
” By engaging with the government, the church  can promote synergy and collaboration “.
In their prayers, Diocesan Chaplain of CWO of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Awka, Parish Priest of Saint Francies Enugwu – Ukwu prayed for wisdom, discernment of a leader, protection and God’s will and purpose  for Ukachukwu, appreciating his maturity and conduct during his entrance to the church, assuring his support and continuous prayers.
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
Shell Urges Sustained Actions To Position Gas As Engine Of Development  

L-R: Head , Portfolio, Regulation and Supply, Chukwuka Amos-Ejesi, Shell Nigeria Energy (SEN); President, Nigeria Gas Association (NGA) , Akachukwu Nwokedi ; Manager, Commercial Sales and Customer Service , Ehizogie Olotu, Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG); Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, Eronse Amadasun , Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC);President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, Uche Johnbosco; Regional Representative United Nations General Protocol( UNGP) for Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), Dr Douglas Jombo…at the Gas Investment Forum in Lagos

 

Nigeria needs sustained actions to attract and retain investments in the gas sector to ensure economic growth and industrialization, senior leaders of the Shell Energy Nigeria organisation said at the 3rd edition of the Gas Investment Forum which held in Lagos this week.

 

Investments in key infrastructure, consistency in policy and regulations and partnerships were highlighted as enablers for the development of the nation’s huge gas resources.

 

General Manager Shell Energy Nigeria, Markus Hector and Managing Director Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) Ralph Gbobo made the remarks at separate sessions at the conference.

 

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Head, Portfolio, Regulation and Supply Chuka Amos-Ejesi, at a panel session on Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Imperative: Driving Investments through IOC–Independent Partnerships, Markus said: “There is a clear strategic case for collaboration. IOCs bring international experience, deep capital reserves, and strong technical and risk management frameworks while independents bring local insight, agility, and operational flexibility in the Nigerian context.”

 

He said such “partnerships must also build domestic capacity — in engineering, supply chain, operations, and maintenance.”

 

Earlier in his own remarks at the opening ceremony, Ralph said SNG was developing infrastructure by building gas hubs in Port Harcourt, Aba, Ota, and recently, Yenagoa and hopes to extend to other cities.

He described infrastructure “as the backbone of Nigeria’s gas industrialisation journey, saying investments in this area “will not only improve access but also reduce costs and emissions, making gas a more viable option for industries and communities.”

 

Ralph said policy clarity and consistency is essential for attracting long-term capital while “effective collaboration is the catalyst for scale and innovation.”

 

He added: “The opportunities are immense, gas will continue to support Nigeria’s energy transition, providing reliable power while displacing more carbon-intensive fuels, enhance job creation, industrial diversification, and regional trade. The success of these levers will be a collaborative effort from both the public and private sectors.”

 

The Gas Investment Forum brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders on investment opportunities across the gas value chain—upstream, midstream and downstream.

Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
Professionalism, Ethical Conduct, Non Negotiable – SEC Tells Stockbrokers 

The Securities and Exchange Commisison has urged stockbrokers to uphold the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct at all times in a bid to ensure a fair and transparent market.

Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama who stated this weekend during the 29th annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Abuja, said investors must have full confidence that the intermediaries who manage their wealth are guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence.

Agama said the theme of this year’s conference: “Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, Sustainable Era: Pathways for Economic Transformation” is timely as it speaks directly to the global transition where technology drives innovation, where ethics anchor trust, and where sustainability defines the future of finance.

“These three dimensions—digitalization, ethics, and sustainability—are not separate pillars; they form the foundation of a modern, inclusive, and resilient capital markets.

“Across the world, capital markets are being reshaped by technological innovation. The digital era has introduced new possibilities—from online trading platforms and digital assets to data analytics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. These innovations are changing how we raise capital, how we invest, and how we supervise.

The SEC Boss stated that the Commission has embraced this transformation as an opportunity to enhance efficiency, transparency, and investor protection adding that ongoing efforts to strengthen market surveillance systems, automate regulatory processes, and introduce risk-based supervision frameworks are all aimed at positioning the Nigerian capital market for the realities of a digital economy.

He said, “We are also actively engaging with stakeholders: including the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, to deepen digital literacy and capacity-building across the market. As technology evolves, so must our skills, our ethics, and our shared commitment to fairness and professionalism.

“No amount of innovation can replace the foundational importance of ethics. A truly transformative capital market must be builton integrity, transparency, and accountability.

He said the CIS has remained a key partner in this regard, setting professional standards and upholding the code of ethics that define the stockbroking profession.

“As regulators, we continue to emphasize that professionalism and ethical conduct are non-negotiable. Investors must have full confidence that the intermediaries who manage their wealth are guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence.

“Together, the SEC and the CIS must continue to strengthen ethics education, continuous professional development, and disciplinary frameworks to ensure that the market remains a place of trust”. He added.

Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in Capital Market