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Vote Counting Underway in Cameroon’s Presidential Election

Lantana Nasir
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Vote Counting Underway in Cameroon’s Presidential Election

Vote counting is currently underway in Cameroon after Sunday’s presidential election, where longtime leader Paul Biya is seeking to prolong his 43-year rule.

Biya, 92, is the world’s oldest current head of state.

He faces competition from nine other candidates. Should he prevail, it would mark his eighth consecutive term in office, with the next election expected in 2032.

According to Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji, voting across the country proceeded “without incident.”

However, calls for a boycott were reported in the English-speaking western regions, alongside reports of clashes in the north.

Official results are expected to be announced within 15 days of the vote.

In the lead-up to the election, opposition parties accused authorities of moves to suppress their support.

In August, the Constitutional Council disqualified Maurice Kamto, widely considered Biya’s main rival, from contesting the poll.

BBC

Groups Advocate Menstrual Health, Inclusion for Displaced Girls

Kamila Bello
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Groups Advocate Menstrual Health, Inclusion for Displaced Girls

The Pad Me A Girl Initiative, in collaboration with the Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Access Bank, has renewed calls for improved menstrual health education and inclusion of girls in crisis situations.

This comes as Nigeria marked the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child at the Area 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Durumi, Abuja.

The event brought together displaced girls and women, policymakers, and development partners under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”

Convener of the Initiative and Chief Executive Officer of Gatmash Media, Mrs. Theresa Moses urged “stakeholders to take sustained action in addressing barriers that hinder girls from reaching their full potential.”

Mrs Moses noted that “through its Access Pad Me A Girl Pad Bank, the Initiative has reached over 5,000 beneficiaries with reusable sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene education, and mentorship.”

Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Patricia Oyagha, emphasized the need for a national framework that recognises menstrual health as a public health and human rights issue.

Senator Kingibe said; “the Committee is working to integrate menstrual health education into the national school curriculum and ensure the affordability of sanitary products in underserved communities.”

Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by the Deputy Director of Child Development, Mrs. Mariam Fitumi Shaibu, commended the organisers for their commitment to gender empowerment.

She announced that “the Ministry is validating a National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management and reviewing existing child protection laws to enhance gender equality and inclusion.”

The event also featured a health education session on menstrual hygiene management and the distribution of empowerment packs, including reusable sanitary pads and food items, to hundreds of girls and women at the camp.

Akwa Ibom Government Approves New Sectoral Reforms

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Akwa Ibom Government Approves New Sectoral Reforms

The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has approved a series of landmark policy actions aimed at deepening governance reforms, enhancing access to justice, revitalising the health sector, and strengthening teacher education in the state.

In his opening remarks, Governor Eno emphasised the need for commitment to service delivery, teamwork, and adherence to set timelines for the full realisation of the ARISE Agenda, charging EXCO Members to remain steadfast and loyal to the ideals of the administration.

“Let us stay focused on the goals we have set under the ARISE Agenda. We must remain united in our pursuit of effective service delivery and ensure that every ministry, department, and agency contributes meaningfully to the overall development of our state,” the governor said.

To improve efficiency in governance and eliminate overlaps in functions, the governor approved the constitution of a special committee to realign and update ministerial responsibilities.

The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, includes the Head of the Civil Service, Executive Assistant, Attorney-General, Solicitor-General, and Managing Director of a designated State agency. The committee has been given six weeks to submit its report.

Establishment of the Office of the Public Defender

In a major move toward promoting justice, social welfare, and human rights, the Council approved the establishment of the Office of the Public Defender under the Ministry of Justice.

The new office will provide free legal representation to indigent residents, reduce the number of suspects detained without trial, protect the rights of the vulnerable, and educate citizens on their legal rights and responsibilities, aligning with the administration’s justice and governance priorities under the ARISE Agenda.

Health Sector Reform and Emergency Response

Following a review of the inter-ministerial committee report on the implementation of the State of Emergency in the Health Sector, Council approved a comprehensive rollout of key interventions with specific timelines.

These include the recruitment of doctors and medical professionals, increased allowances for health personnel, and the adoption of the “Skipping Policy” for the health sector.

Other resolutions include the completion of Bills of Quantities (BOQs) for Phase I of hospital rehabilitation projects within two weeks to enable the commencement of health infrastructure interventions by November 1, 2025.

A Health Sector Stakeholders Dialogue has been scheduled for November 8–9, 2025, while the commissioning of the General Hospital, Ukanafun, is slated for November 10, 2025.

Council also approved a “Medical Residency Training Fund”, subject to necessary agreements, to boost the capacity and welfare of medical professionals in the state.

Education College Upgrade Approved

In furtherance of the State’s Human Capital Development goals under the ARISE Agenda, the Council approved the upgrading of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, to the Akwa Ibom State University of Education.

The decision aims to raise the standard of teacher education, improve professional development, and strengthen the quality of instructional delivery across the state.

Projects and FGPC Memos

The Council also considered and ratified several Federal Government Project Coordination (FGPC) memos on ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the State, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to accountability and project continuity.

Security Collaboration Strengthened

Earlier, Governor Eno received in audience the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Auwal Mohammed Musa, who commended the Governor for his consistent logistical and welfare support to the Police and other security agencies in the State.

The AIG described the partnership as exemplary and noted that it has significantly improved policing and public safety in Akwa Ibom.

Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s readiness to sustain collaboration with security agencies, stressing that peace and safety remain the foundation of development.

The officials described the meeting as “a productive session that advanced the ARISE vision for a more just, healthy, and educated Akwa Ibom.”

The Executive Council resolutions reflect Akwa Ibom State’s deliberate alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises justice, inclusivity, economic diversification, and human capital development.

From justice sector reforms that guarantee equal access to legal representation to revitalising the health and education sectors, the State is mirroring the national drive toward social renewal and sustainable growth.

Governor Umo Eno’s administration, through the ARISE Agenda, continues to complement federal efforts to deliver people-centred governance—anchored on fairness, productivity, and opportunity for all.

 

 

Nigeria Inaugurates Committee To Boost Agro-Industrial Development

Rita Obiora
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Nigeria Inaugurates Committee To Boost Agro-Industrial Development

Nigeria has inaugurated the Federal Inter-Agency Technical Committee for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme to enhance agro-industrialisation, innovation, inclusive prosperity, and attract private sector investment, as well as revolutionise the agricultural ecosystem.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja Nigeria’s capital,  the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the committee would guide the implementation of the SAPZ programme, ensure coordination between agencies, and manage information sharing among stakeholders.

Dr Ogunbiyi stated that the establishment of the Technical Committee marks an important milestone in the coordinated implementation and execution of the SAPZ Programme.

He revealed that the programme is a strategic approach to unlocking Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential through cluster-based development and integrated infrastructure that links farmers to processors, markets, and industries.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to provide an enabling environment, leadership, and support to ensure that the programme achieves its mandate.

He mentioned that the Terms of Reference of the Technical Committee include: providing technical guidance on the implementation strategies of the programme; identifying and addressing technical gaps and recommending appropriate solutions; ensuring alignment of sectoral policies and programmes with SAPZ objectives; and supporting the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting framework to ensure accountability and impact, among others.

Dr Ogunbiyi appealed to the committee to “embrace this platform with dedication, collaboration, and a shared sense of responsibility to deliver meaningful results for our nation. Together, we can make the SAPZ Programme a model for agricultural transformation and sustainable economic development in Nigeria.”

In her welcome address, the Director, Federal Department of Development Partnership Projects, Mrs Iluromi Olubunmi, stated that “the inauguration of this committee is timely and necessary to provide the required technical guidance, inter-agency coordination, and policy alignment needed for the successful implementation of the programme across the country.”

Also speaking, the National Project Coordinator, SAPZ, Dr Kabir Yusuf, stated that “the Program Development Objective is to support inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development in Nigeria, aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy through agriculture and reduction of food import bill.”

He pointed out that “SAPZ is a cross-cutting platform to attract private sector investment into value-added agro-processing to unlock opportunities for improved food security, job creation, export earnings, rural poverty reduction, and increased contribution of agriculture to national GDP.”

Nigeria Moves To Mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction

Oluwasola Akintonde
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0
Nigeria Moves To Mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction

The Nigerian Government is integrating disaster risk reduction plans into every sector towards the scaling up of investment amidst funding cut.

Vice President Kashim Shettima said this at the 2025 International Disaster Risk Reduction day, organised by the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA), in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He said government will also expand early warning systems to ensure that communities receive timely alerts before any outbreak occurs.

The Vice President said disaster readiness is the true measure of every nation’s maturity, noting that, the strength of a people is not proven in the chaos that follows calamity, but in the wisdom of preparation that prevents

“Beyond demonstrating our utmost respect for the sanctity of human life, it reveals our commitment to building a system that rests on order, foresight, and stability.

“The theme of this year’s commemoration, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” speaks to a truth we often overlook: it is far wiser, far cheaper, and far more humane to prepare for disasters before they strike than to rebuild after they destroy. Every naira we spend today on preparedness saves many more tomorrow on response and recovery. Every investment in resilience is, in truth, an investment in the lives and futures of our people”.

He reiterated the need to strengthen state and local emergency management agencies through training, technology, and coordination support through a National Disaster Risk Financing Framework to guarantee that funding for prevention and preparedness is available when and where it is needed.

Government will also deepen partnerships with development partners, the private sector, and research institutions to drive innovation and resilience building, at all levels.

“But, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, commitment alone is not enough. We must match our words with action and our policies with funding. To fund resilience is to invest in drainage systems, not relief camps; to build stronger schools and hospitals, not temporary shelters; to support farmers with climate-smart tools, not just food aid after floods; and to train and equip our first responders before the sirens start to wail. This is the shift we must make—from reacting to crises to anticipating and preventing them”.

He therefore emphasised that, all hands must be on deck, to ensure resilience is guaranteed as it reflects in how cities are planned, in how businesses protect their workers, and in how communities share information and look out for one another.

“Our academia and research institutions also bear the responsibility of helping us generate the data, innovation, and practical research we need to prepare for a safer future. We count on them to shape the knowledge that guides our decisions. And we expect our civil society to hold us accountable, to raise awareness, and to mobilise citizens around the shared responsibility of preparedness”.

The vice President, therefore pointed out that unless communities are empowered and supported to take ownership of their safety, none of these efforts will yield results.

They are the foundation of whatever strategy we adopt and the heartbeat of our national resilience.

Addressing the gathering , the Director General, NEMA, Zubaida Umar said Nigeria, like many nations, continues to experience increasing frequency and intensity of disasters driven by climate change, conflicts, pandemics, and technological risks.

These events, she said, are testing the limits of traditional emergency response systems and demanding a more proactive, preventive, and well-financed disaster risk management framework.

This is why today’s dialogue is critical, to collectively rethink how we fund resilience; to move from reactive, ad-hoc funding of disasters to a multi-stakeholder financing architecture that supports prevention, preparedness, and sustainable recovery.

According to her, the event also presented an opportunity for the official launch of two landmark policy instruments that will guide the collective efforts in the years ahead:

The NEMA Strategy Plan (2025–2029) and
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2025–2030) which are anchored on risk-informed development, innovation in financing, and stronger institutional collaboration, ensuring that disaster risk management becomes an integral part of planning across all sectors.

“In this regard, NEMA is already working with key stakeholders to develop a National Risk Monitoring and Information Platform that will serve as a cross-sectoral system for early warning, vulnerability mapping, and risk-informed investment decisions.

“Equally important is the dialogue around innovative financing, exploring instruments such as catastrophe bonds, insurance pools, climate funds, and blended finance models that can sustain risk reduction efforts at scale”. Director General said.

The Director General, NEMA, also disclosed that plans by the Agency to convene the National Disaster Risk Management Summit, is underway.

 

President Tinubu Mourns Evangelist Uma Ukpai

Oluwasola Akintonde
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President Tinubu Mourns Evangelist Uma Ukpai

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a tribute to the late Dr. Uma Ukpai, a renowned Nigerian evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA).

The president described him as an extraordinary evangelist whose spiritual mission and humanitarian service helped shape both the Christian faith and inspired unity across Nigeria’s communities.

President Tinubu in a personally written tribute on Monday said Dr. Ukpai was not just a preacher but a divine crusader filled with the fire of faith and compassion for humanity.

The President noted that through decades of tireless ministry, Dr. Ukpai led thousands to Christ, strengthened interfaith harmony, and championed the nation’s moral revival.

“As founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), he championed peace, compassion, and the nation’s moral revival, he was an anointed crusader of the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness,” the President wrote.

Recalling the landmark Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade of 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade of 1985, President Tinubu described the late cleric as “one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. He was a firebrand.”

“Born in Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State, Evangelist Ukpai went through his paces, enduring challenges while passing through school. But God had his purpose well defined. He obeyed the divine call and impacted generations with his ministry.

“I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact.

“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths and spread peace and harmony. He was a builder, building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes.

“He was also a humanitarian as he set up many charities, schools, and hospitals for the underprivileged.” The President added.

President Tinubu affirmed that Dr. Ukpai’s life was a testimony of divine obedience and steadfast faith

“He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Dr. Ukpai fulfilled his divine mission and has now gone to be with the Lord.”

He prayed that God Almighty would grant the revered evangelist eternal rest and comfort his family, especially his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, and their children.

 

 

Nigeria, China Renew Global Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

Oluwasola Akintonde
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0
Nigeria, China Renew Global Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality, aligning with the global call for accelerated progress, as world leaders gathered in Beijing for the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.

Delivering Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, restated the nation’s determination to advance reforms that place women, children, and families at the centre of national renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This meeting comes at a time when the call for accelerated transformation for women and girls has never been more urgent,” the Minister said. “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are advancing reforms that make women, children and families central to national renewal.”

Nigeria’s Policy Reforms Driving Inclusion

In her address, the Minister applauded China’s leadership in convening the meeting and underscored Nigeria’s steady progress in advancing gender equality through policy reforms and institutional frameworks.

She cited the National Gender Policy (2021–2026), the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy (2023), and the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2025–2030) as instruments that continue to drive inclusive development and social transformation.

“Our policy instruments are designed to move us from commitment to measurable progress,” she said. “We are determined to ensure that no woman is unseen, no girl unheard, and no family left behind.”

The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions–774 (RH-SII-774) operating across all 774 local government areas as a coordinated model integrating nine pillars focused on women, children, and family-centred transformation.

“These interventions are reshaping local economies, expanding opportunity, and reinforcing inclusive growth,” she added.

Shared Global Vision

Echoing President Xi Jinping’s vision of a “shared future for humanity,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim affirmed Nigeria’s full support for a global women’s movement anchored on peace, innovation, and social justice.

She commended China’s practical contributions to international women’s development, noting that Nigeria’s collaboration with China in education, digital inclusion, and entrepreneurship aligns with the Belt and Road cooperation framework and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

“Nigeria welcomes the renewed global momentum led by China and UN Women,…Our goal is to ensure that women are not just beneficiaries but active leaders in innovation, green growth, and governance,” she said.

Bridging the Financing Gap

While acknowledging significant gains, the Minister revealed that Nigeria was mobilising innovative financing to close an estimated USD 1.2 billion gap in implementing women-focused programmes over the next five years.

She explained that the government is engaging with development partners, impact investors, and the private sector to sustain momentum and deepen accountability in gender-responsive programming.

“We are mobilising blended finance to ensure that every commitment to women and girls translates into measurable outcomes,” she stated.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s support for multilateral cooperation through the United Nations and African Union, the Minister aligned the country’s gender policies with China’s Global Governance Initiative aimed at promoting inclusive, people-centred systems.

“Empowering women is an investment in productivity, peace, and shared prosperity,” she said. “We stand ready to work with all partners to build a future where every woman can thrive.”

Xi Jinping Calls for Shared Global Action

Declaring the meeting open, President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed that women remain indispensable to human civilisation and development.

He recalled that the 1995 Beijing Conference had set a historic agenda for “Action for Equality, Development and Peace,” urging all nations to recommit to building a fair, inclusive world where women can flourish.

“Women in every corner of the world are bound together by a shared future…Looking ahead, we must rededicate ourselves to the purpose of the Beijing World Conference on Women — building consensus, broadening paths, and taking concrete action to accelerate the new process of women’s all-round development.” President Xi said.

President Xi outlined four key proposals: fostering global peace and safety for women; promoting women’s participation in high-quality development and innovation; strengthening governance and legal frameworks for women’s rights; and enhancing international cooperation under the United Nations and South–South partnerships.

He announced a robust new support package from China to the global women’s cause, including a USD 10 million donation to UN Women, a USD 100 million allocation under China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and the launch of 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects prioritising women and girls.

“China will invite 50,000 women to participate in exchange and training programmes and establish a Global Centre for Women’s Capacity Building,… President Xi declared, describing women as “stars on the new journey of global modernisation.”

Shared Future for Humanity

As the world marks 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, both President Xi Jinping and Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim called for stronger global solidarity to accelerate women’s all-around development and ensure sustainable gains.

President Xi concluded with an ancient Chinese proverb that captured the spirit of the gathering: “Steadfast dedication yields an enduring fragrance.”

He urged world leaders to “carry forward the spirit of the Beijing Conference and jointly create a better future for humanity.”

With Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligning closely with China’s Shared Future Vision, both nations reaffirmed their mutual commitment to women’s advancement, a cornerstone for global peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

 

 

Association Launches Green Border Initiative To Empower Women

Rita Obiora
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Association Launches Green Border Initiative To Empower Women

The President of the Customs Wives Association of Nigeria (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, has launched a comprehensive empowerment programme under the Green Border Sustainability Initiative aimed at supporting women and boosting family livelihoods.

Mrs Adeniyi announced the development when she paid a courtesy visit to the Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Dr Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, at the Government House, Sokoto, North-west Nigeria.

She noted that the programme focuses on women’s economic empowerment, family welfare, and child health promotion.

The COWA National president urged women to see themselves as active partners in national growth by engaging in productive ventures capable of sustaining their families and reducing dependency for sustainable development in the country.

Mrs Adeniyi encouraged women to establish small-scale businesses from home, as well as contribute to household income and community resilience.

She also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of the ongoing National Immunisation Campaign against Measles-Rubella and other childhood killer diseases.

She described child immunisation as a “moral and social responsibility” essential to safeguarding the future of the nation.

Kikelomo noted that the Association has consistently supported women through vocational training, distribution of grinding and sewing machines, and financial assistance aimed at fostering self-reliance among women in Customs communities and beyond.

The COWA National president further called for stronger collaboration between the association and the Sokoto state government, particularly the Office of the First Lady, to advance initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, family welfare, and environmental sustainability in border areas.

In her remarks, the Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Dr Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, commended Mrs Adeniyi for the laudable initiatives, noting their direct impact on improving the lives of the people.

“I commend you for this laudable initiative and want to assure you of our full support for the success of the tasks ahead,” she said.

Dr Fatima Aliyu further highlighted the alignment of COWA’s activities with the ongoing efforts within Sokoto State.

“We wish to inform you that in Sokoto, we are also committed to improving the living conditions of our people through various government initiatives and interventions,” she added.

The Wife of the Governor assured Mrs Adeniyi that the State Government, through her office, would continue to partner with the Association to promote women’s empowerment and other initiatives in the state.

Presidential Aide Confirms Finance Minister Is Recovering Well

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Presidential Aide Confirms Finance Minister Is Recovering Well

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, has dispelled rumours suggesting that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, suffered a stroke.

The presidential aide affirmed that the minister is in good condition and recovering well after personally speaking with him on Monday evening.

In a post on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD, the former Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs wrote: “Moments ago, I got off the phone with Nigeria’s Finance Minister/COE, Mr. Wale Edun, in Abuja.”

“Over a bowl of Amala, we spoke for a few minutes with assurances he was getting better. I wished him the best of health”. Sunday Dare Alamala said

Mr. Edun, who plays a pivotal role in driving President Tinubu’s far-reaching economic reforms and fiscal stabilisation agenda, is said to be resting at his residence in Abuja while receiving medical care.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, had announced that the Central Bank Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), which opened in Washington D.C. on Monday, October 13.

The statement also added that Mr Cardoso who serves as the alternate Governor for Nigeria at the Bretton Woods institutions, will be representing the country in place of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who is currently indisposed.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Dangote Advocates Policies Promoting Productivity And Innovation

Rita Obiora
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Dangote Advocates Policies Promoting Productivity And Innovation

The founder of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has encouraged the Nigerian government to focus on policies that promote productivity, innovation, and competition.

He also cautioned against the use of a monopoly to discourage indigenous investment and industrial growth in Nigeria.

Mr Dangote made this known at the 2025 Inaugural Annual Downstream Petroleum Week, which was organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).

Represented by the Group Chief Strategy Officer at Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Aliyu Suleman, he said that rather than address the issue of monopoly with the refinery, too many people with the means to build industries chose to invest abroad.

“ We decided to add value to our economy.  We have chosen differently.  We have chosen to go to Nigeria. We have chosen to build here,  to employ here,  to produce here.  So let us not use the cry of monopoly to start from growth.  No one is prevented from investing. We welcome others to build their own refineries, and we will offer support in whatever way we can.

“Nigeria holds the natural competitive advantage in refining. We enjoy proximity to oil and gas supply. We should therefore work together to develop this sector.

“We should work to enact and implement laws that will help this sector to prosper. Let us protect our industries and deliver the economic transformation this country deserves.” He said.

He also said that today, the Dangote Refinery can meet all of Nigeria’s demand for diesel and jet fuel and still have a surplus for exports.

Mr Suleman said that soon, the refinery would be listed on the stock exchange to give Nigerians the opportunity to become shareholders of this national asset.

He noted that Africa’s refining sector remains underdeveloped, both relative to its consumption and the volume of crude produced in Africa.

“While Europe and Asia refine over 95% of their petroleum product requirements, Africa refines only 40%. In sub-Saharan Africa, there are very few large functional refineries today.

“This is understandable because refining is capital-intensive, technologically complex, and often a low-margin business.  So as a result, many entrepreneurs and governments have chosen to stay away.  But at Dangote,  we are known for taking bold steps.  We are known for making large-scale investments to substitute imports and create value in the country.

“Therefore, this is a challenge that we were happy to take. When it came to tackling the refining challenge, we decided to do it even though it was not easy. Building a world-class refinery anywhere in the world is a huge task. It is capital-intensive and very demanding.

“To build ours, we collected over 2,700 hectares of land, pumped 65 million cubic metres of sand to stabilise the site, installed over 250,000 foundation bars, and laid millions of metres of piping, cabling, and wiring.

“At peak, we had over 60,000 people on site, of which 50,000 were Nigerians. We had these people working around the clock across hundreds of disciplines and nationalities”.

He noted that the refinery produces high-quality products sold below import prices, offering Nigerians significant cost benefits despite previous fuel subsidies masking true market prices.

Dangote called for policies that protect local refineries from unfair competition caused by cheap imports, particularly from Russia, and urged for stronger incentives and protection to support the sector’s growth.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Celebrating Our Successes, Confronting Our Challenges, and Finding Solutions’.

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