The attention of the Management of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has been drawn to a recent social media post alleging that a staff of our Agency engaged in improper transaction practices by using a personal bank account to receive payments from customers for signage-related services.
The Agency views this allegation with utmost seriousness and wishes to state unequivocally that such actions, if verified, are contrary to the established financial and ethical procedures governing transactions within LASAA and the Lagos State Civil Service.
In line with the directive of the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the staff involved has been identified and directed to report at the Agency’s Head Office for immediate investigation and disciplinary proceedings in accordance with public service rules.
LASAA reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all its operations. The Agency maintains a strict policy that all payments for its services must be made only through officially designated government channels.
We appreciate the vigilance of members of the public who bring such matters to our attention. The Agency assures all stakeholders and clients that necessary corrective measures will be taken to uphold public trust and the integrity of our processes.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is alerting governments and the public that the tobacco industry is intensifying efforts to interfere with the work of the Conference of the Parties (COP), the treaty’s decision-making body, to weaken global tobacco control measures.
As was contained in a press release by WHO , the WHO FCTC is the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO and one of the most widely and rapidly embraced United Nations treaties in history. A total of 183 Parties have joined the Convention, which entered into force 20 years ago.
The Eleventh session of the COP, which will be held from 17-22 November in Geneva, Switzerland, will bring together Parties to the Convention to take the decisions necessary to work towards achieving the objectives of the WHO FCTC, including the discussion of measures to prevent nicotine addiction, and for the protection of the environment and human health, among others.
The Meeting of the Parties (MOP), which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from 24-26 November, serves as the governing body of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products—an international treaty that entered into force in 2018 and has 71 Parties. At the MOP, Parties will consider a range of measures aimed at shaping the future of the Protocol and its role in eliminating illicit trade in tobacco products.
“With strategies varying from lobbying to outright attempts to manipulate delegations, the tobacco industry’s tactics are a cause for serious concern,” said Andrew Black, Acting Head of the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC.
“This is not just lobbying; it is a deliberate strategy to try to derail consensus and weaken measures to further the treaty’s implementation. Tobacco industry interference is one of the biggest constraints and barriers to the implementation of the Convention. The Secretariat strongly urges Parties, civil society and other stakeholders working to support tobacco control to remain vigilant against the industry’s tactics and misinformation. Governments have obligations under the WHO FCTC to fully implement Article 5.3, requiring the protection of public health policies from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.”
Evidence from independent civil society actors, including those that are observers to the Conference of the Parties, shows the industry’s interference includes:
Political capture: Attempting to place sympathetic actors in national delegations or influence their selection to sway negotiations.
Front groups and “independent” voices: Industry-funded organisations posing as trade, science, or consumer groups to lobby delegations.
Co-opting science: Sponsoring or promoting misleading research to cast doubt on proven tobacco control measures.
Economic narratives: Pressuring finance and trade ministries with misleading claims about jobs, farming, and tax revenues.
Access infiltration: Attempting to gain observer status or participate in COP-related events to influence discussions.
These tactics mirror those documented in the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index, which reports on tobacco industry interference globally.
The WHO FCTC Secretariat urges all Parties to:
Fully implement Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC and its Guidelines for implementation, covering all branches of government from tobacco industry influence.
Protect COP from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in line with Objective 3.1.3 of the Global Strategy to Accelerate Tobacco Control: Advancing sustainable development through the implementation of the WHO FCTC 2019-2030, including during the preparation of country delegations.
Ensure their COP and MOP delegations do not include tobacco industry or tobacco industry-affiliated persons.
Reject any industry-linked funding or partnerships, including for COP and MOP activities or national delegations.
Educate non-health ministries on industry tactics and Article 5.3 obligations.
Use available monitoring tools like the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index to detect interference.
MAGGI, Nigeria’s leading seasoning brand from Nestlé, has announced the successful completion of its Regenerative Agriculture (RegenAg) pilot for local soybean sourcing, a milestone that has inspired a broader program now supporting 25,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
Launched in 2023 with an investment of over ₦100 million, the pilot supported 1,030 soybean farmers to adopt climate-smart practices that improved their yields while restoring soil health. Implemented in partnership with TechnoServe and IDH, with technical guidance from the Centre for No-Till Agriculture (CNTA), Ghana, the project demonstrated the potential of regenerative farming to transform smallholder agriculture in Nigeria.
The pilot introduced simple but effective techniques such as cover cropping, minimal tillage (ripping), crop rotation, and hedgerows, leading to healthier soils and higher yields.
“Soybean is a key ingredient in MAGGI, and supporting local farmers to grow it sustainably is central to our mission,” said Funmi Osineye, Category Manager for Culinary, Nestlé Nigeria. “This initiative is more than a sourcing strategy; it is an investment in resilient food systems. By equipping farmers, especially women and youth, with regenerative agriculture skills, we are improving productivity today while protecting the land for future generations. This is how MAGGI continues to nourish Nigerian families while helping build a stronger agricultural economy.”
At a celebration event held to mark the pilot’s success, over 150 stakeholders from agriculture, development and industry came together to recognize five award-winning farmers for their outstanding adoption of regenerative practices. One of the farmers, Engineer Lawan Abdul, shared a compelling testimonial.
“Since I started adopting these strategies, as we were taught in this project, my yields have increased by 100%. This was very encouraging, and I would like to applaud the project organizers and thank MAGGI for bringing this to us.”
The pilot’s success has paved the way for a larger, multi-partner scale-up initiative, now backed by AGRA and MAGGI’s parent brand, Nestlé, to reach 25,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria. The program aims to produce at least 80,000 metric tonnes of quality grains annually, with a growing share cultivated using regenerative practices.
“This project shows what is possible when businesses, development partners and farmers work together,” said Alidu Amadu, Head of Agriculture Services, Nestlé Central & West Africa Region (CWAR). “Regenerative agriculture not only restores soil health but also builds long-term productivity and resilience for local communities.”
This initiative contributes to Nestlé’s global ambition to source 20% of key ingredients through regenerative agricultural methods by 2025 and 50% by 2030, while supporting Nigeria’s broader food security and rural development goals.
Renowned industrialist and Chairman of Nispo Porcelain Group, Sir Malinson Afam Ukatu, has been conferred with an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in job creation.
The prestigious award was presented during the university’s 14th Convocation ceremony held on October 18, 2025.
Sir Ukatu’s conglomerate, comprising subsidiaries like Malinson and Partners, Nispo Porcelain Floor and Tile Company, and Nispo Porcelain Pharmaceuticals Ltd, has been instrumental in creating numerous opportunities for Nigerians.
Delivering an address themed “Education as a Catalyst for Social and Economic Development,” Tansian University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eugene Okoye Nwadialor, highlighted the institution’s impact on societal development and urged honorees to serve as university ambassadors.
Professor Nwadialor announced that 577 students received Bachelor’s degrees, alongside postgraduate awards, including the first Nursing Science graduates.
In his speech, Sir Malinson Ukatu expressed profound gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to his family, mentors, and colleagues.
“I accept this award with immense gratitude… This recognition will motivate me to continue striving for excellence,” he stated.
In a generous gesture, Dr. Ukatu pledged to construct two classroom blocks for the university and offer scholarships to 10 students from admission to graduation.
Other distinguished Nigerians honoured include former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and DIG Taiwo Lakanu, represented by AIG Zone 13, Ukpo.
Prominent attendees included Chief Dr. Alexander Chika Okafor (Chicason) and Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief Mrs. Ify Obinabo.
Other attendees are HRH Igwe G N Odiegwu, igwe of Abacha. Dr and lady Emma Oyeka, Chief Sir Clement Aniefuna, Barris Bona Orakwe, Canon Ben Obodo and Chief Austin Edozie, Dr Ekene Nwankwo, Chief Ifediora Abasilim and Chief Obum Ukatu. .Okey Ezeonu
Mr. Rantimi Ogunleye, CEO of emPLE Life Assurance Limited, has stated that as Nigeria charts it’s course towards becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030, that insurance industry must transition from a peripheral role to a central driver of economic resilience and investment confidence.
Ogunleye, who was represented by Mr. Jolaolu Fakoya at the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) 2025 National Conference held in Lagos, called for a sector-wide mindset shift, urging policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to treat insurance not merely as a financial product, but as a strategic enabler of national development.
“Insurance is more than numbers; it’s the confidence to build, invest, and grow. If we get it right, we won’t just contribute to GDP—we will help safeguard it,” Ogunleye asserted.
Despite its current GDP contribution of just over $1 billion—translating to less than 1% penetration, insurance, he argued, underpins critical sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, real estate, logistics, and construction.
While illustrating, Ogunleye pointed to Dangote’s $20 billion refinery, highlighting that such capital-intensive ventures are only possible with robust insurance coverage providing the risk buffer necessary for investment.
The conference, brought together finance, policy, and tech leaders for high-level discussions on sustainable economic growth. For emPLE Life Assurance, the message was clear: insurance must be recognized as a cornerstone of economic continuity and stability.
In his presentation titled “The Strategic Place of Insurance in the Achievement of One Trillion Dollar Economy for Nigeria: Claims Payments and Customers Feedback,” said “From farmers to fintech founders, from construction firms to cargo carriers, insurance allows stakeholders to operate with reduced exposure to risk,” . “It creates the resilience that keeps the economic engine running.”
Ogunleye identified persistent structural barriers stalling the industry’s growth—including low consumer trust, poor awareness, and deep-rooted cultural skepticism, especially surrounding claims payments. He emphasized the need for transparent communication, simplified policy language, and consistent, high-integrity claims settlement practices.
“Claims payment is the strongest form of public relations in insurance. It builds trust better than any ad campaign ever could,” he stated.
A major highlight of Ogunleye’s presentation was the recent passage of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025—a legislative milestone mandating compulsory insurance across key sectors, including public buildings, infrastructure projects, trade, and professional services.
Calling the Act a “landmark step,” he noted that it institutionalizes risk management as a prerequisite for economic activities and introduces enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.
“This reform aligns the insurance sector more directly with Nigeria’s development priorities,” he noted. “It’s a signal that risk management is now a national imperative.”
Ogunleye warned that legal mandates alone are insufficient, noting that reaching the informal sector where most Nigerians live and work requires innovative, low-cost, and accessible products tailored to daily realities.
“It’s hard to sell a policy to someone who’s worried about their next meal,” he observed. “Affordability and access must be front and center.”
He urged a multi-stakeholder coalition involving regulators, insurers, fintechs, and community leaders to drive penetration beyond urban centers and salaried workers.
He called for bold thinking, digital inclusion, and behavioral research to design insurance solutions that reflect the socio-economic dynamics of Nigeria’s diverse population.
“The future of Nigeria’s economy won’t just be built with steel and cement, but with trust, protection, and resilience. Insurance must be a pillar—not an afterthought—of our $1 trillion ambition.”
As Nigeria pushes toward its $1 trillion economic target, the message is clear: Without insurance, there is no resilience. Without resilience, there is no sustainable growth.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has appealed to the Federal Government to suspend the 50 per cent revenue deduction currently being made at source from its internally generated revenue, a practice capable of hindering smooth operations of the agency and hampering the safety of air passengers.
Before now, NAMA has been calling for the suspension of the mandatory 50 per cent deduction from its revenue, emphasising the need for the placement and modernisation of ageing navigational equipment currently in use across the country.
Speaking at the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Managing Director of NAMA, Ahmed Farouk, mentioned funding as the agency’s most pressing challenge, insisting that the deductions significantly constrain its ability to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure required for safe and efficient airspace management and operations
Farouk stated, “The most significant constraint we face today is funding. This challenge is significantly exacerbated by the deductions-at-source of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent from NAMA’s internally generated revenue. While we understand the fiscal realities facing the government, these deductions are hindering our ability to execute vital projects.”
The NAMA boss added that the nature of its operations, particularly the need for continuous facility modernisation and statutory maintenance, demands consistent investment.
He argued that withholding half of its earnings leaves little room for reinvestment into the systems that uphold airspace safety and efficiency.
It further appealed to the government to consider granting a waiver on the deductions, describing such a move as a game-changer for the aviation sector.
According to the agency, should the waiver be granted to the agency, NAMA will rechannel the resources into critical infrastructure, modern technology, and workforce development.
He said, “The Honourable Minister, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while we celebrate these achievements, we must also be candid about our challenges. Our most significant constraint remains funding. The scale of facility modernisation and the relentless cycle of statutory maintenance required to uphold the highest degree of safety and operational efficiency are capital-intensive.
“This challenge is significantly exacerbated by the deductions-at-source of between 30% and 50% made directly from NAMA’s internally generated revenue. While we understand the fiscal pressures on the government, these deductions severely limit our capacity to undertake the comprehensive projects our airspace demands.
“Therefore, from this esteemed platform, I wish to make a heartfelt appeal to the Federal Government to graciously consider a waiver of these deductions. Such a gesture would be a game-changer for Nigerian aviation safety. It would allow NAMA to reinvest every Naira of its earnings into critical infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and the continued development of our human capital, the very ‘Human Edge’ we are here to discuss.”
NAMA also expressed its commitment to supporting the welfare and professional growth of its personnel, especially Air Traffic Controllers, whom it described as the custodians of Nigerian skies.
The agency pledged to remain a custodian of their growth and well-being and expressed hope that ongoing stakeholder deliberations would result in productive outcomes and guide future collaborations.
The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama has said that the global shift towards sustainable finance is redefining investment decisions, corporate governance and risk management, adding that Nigeria’s capital market must adapt to remain competitive and relevant.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Abuja, Dr. Agama described sustainability as a global imperative that goes beyond technology and ethics, noting that environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are now shaping responsible investment and capital allocation across the world.
“In line with this, the Commission has taken bold steps to align our market with global sustainability standards. Through initiatives such as the adoption of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework, the Green Bond Programme, and our collaboration with development partners, we are laying the groundwork for a financial system that supports the transition of our country to a low-carbon, inclusive economy”, he stated.
He stressed that stockbrokers and other market operators have a critical role to play by promoting sustainable investment products, advising issuers on ESG disclosures and guiding investors towards responsible assets.
According to him, the SEC and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) share a common vision of building a capital market that mobilises savings for productive investment, creates jobs and drives economic diversification.
He pointed out that the SEC’s “partnership with the Institute in areas such as professional certification, investor education, financial literacy, and policy advocacy continues to yield positive results.
“Yet, we must do even more. The task ahead is to ensure that the capital market becomes central to Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda — a market that finances infrastructure, empowers MSMEs, supports green and digital enterprises, and contributes meaningfully to the realization of a trillion-dollar economy.”
He commended the resilience and professionalism of market operators despite challenging conditions, saying it reflects the enduring strength of the Nigerian capital market and its potential to transform the nation’s economic landscape.
“With the world changing fast, the Nigerian capital market must not only keep pace but lead by example,” he added. “Let us therefore recommit to innovation that empowers, ethics that endure, and sustainability that delivers long-term prosperity for all.”
L-R: The Chairman, Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode; Chairman, Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, LAHA, Hon. Sobur Akanbi Oluwa; MD/CEO, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Prince Fatiu Akiolu; Chairman, Committee on the Environment (Parastatals), LAHA, Hon. (Engr.) Shabi Adebola; Chairman, Committee on Procurement, LAHA, Hon. Apata Samuel; and the Committee Clerk, LAHA, Mr. Olaosebikan Ebenezer during the Committee’s oversight function at LASAA in Lagos ..,Monday
The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) recently welcomed a high-powered delegation from the house committee on environment of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by its Chairman, Honourable Shabi Rasheed Adekola. The visit served as a statutory oversight function, providing a critical platform for detailed engagement on the agency’s performance and regulatory adherence.
The LASAA management team, headed by the Managing Director/CEO, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, engaged the Committee in extensive discussions that spanned the agency’s activities, its performance metrics and compliance with regulatory responsibilities. The meeting fostered productive conversations focusing on strategic policies and ongoing projects aimed at developing an organised, safe and visually appealing outdoor advertising space across the state.
Prince Akiolu seized the opportunity to express his profound gratitude to the Committee for their time, unwavering support and valuable guidance.
“We are deeply committed to upholding best practices in outdoor advertising regulation,” Prince Akiolu stated. “LASAA’s mission is to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of Lagos State’s visual environment, a goal we pursue rigorously for the benefit of all residents and visitors.”
In his remarks, Honourable Shabi Rasheed Adekola delivered a glowing assessment of LASAA’s operational efficiency. He particularly praised the agency’s efforts in maintaining a cleaner and safer Lagos through effective signage control and regulation under Prince Akiolu’s leadership.
The Chairman underscored the non-negotiable need for sustained cooperation between the legislature and all government agencies to guarantee efficient service delivery and accountability.
“We recognise LASAA’s vital role in keeping Lagos clean and safe,” Honourable Adekola stated. “This partnership between the legislature and government agencies is essential for ensuring service delivery and accountability that aligns perfectly with the agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”
Honourable Adekola also issued a call to action, urging LASAA to intensify its efforts in public sensitization. He explained that engaging the public on the agency’s core mandate is crucial for ensuring continuous compliance and maximizing revenue potential.
Crucially, he reinforced the need for LASAA to reassure the public that the state’s outdoor advertising structures are maintained with “utmost integrity,” guaranteeing their safety.
The oversight visit successfully affirmed the shared commitment of both the legislature and LASAA to promoting transparency, efficiency and innovation within the public service, thereby enhancing the quality of life in Lagos State.
MAGGI, Nigeria’s leading seasoning brand from Nestlé, has announced the successful completion of its Regenerative Agriculture (RegenAg) pilot for local soybean sourcing, a milestone that has inspired a broader program now supporting 25,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
