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Audu Unveils Bold Plan to Make Nigeria Africa’s Steel Powerhouse by 2030

Toyin Adebayo
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Audu Unveils Bold Plan to Make Nigeria Africa’s Steel Powerhouse by 2030

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has unveiled a bold vision to transform Nigeria into Africa’s leading steel-producing nation by 2030 through strategic public-private partnerships and policy reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking in Abuja at the maiden Nigeria Steel Forum, a sideline event of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week, Prince Audu called for stronger collaboration between government, private investors, and industry stakeholders to unlock the nation’s vast iron ore potential and bridge Africa’s steel production gap.

Describing the Forum as “a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in steel production,” the Minister noted that despite being richly endowed with iron ore, Nigeria currently lags behind Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, and Morocco countries that collectively accounted for 88 percent of Africa’s steel output in 2023.

He said the Federal Government is determined to reverse this trend by fostering investor confidence through favourable fiscal policies, legal reforms, and infrastructure support.

“Our target is to make Nigeria a regional hub for steel production, capable of producing 10 million tonnes of crude steel annually by 2030 and creating over half a million jobs,” Audu declared.

He commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, led by Dr. Dele Alake, for integrating the Steel Forum into the broader mining week, describing it as a strategic step to promote cross-sector collaboration and industrial synergy.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, described the Forum as “a milestone in Nigeria’s industrial development journey,” saying it builds on the outcomes of the National Steel Summit which laid the groundwork for reviving Ajaokuta Steel Company, developing a national steel policy, and building technical manpower across the value chain.

Dr. Isokpunwu urged stakeholders to turn policy dialogues into concrete investments, commending the Minister’s “visionary leadership and commitment to repositioning the steel sector.”

In his goodwill message, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, identified access to capital as a key obstacle to industrial growth in developing economies. He stressed that with shrinking public finances globally, attracting private investments through consistent and transparent policies, as championed by Prince Audu, has become imperative.

He lauded the Minister’s proactive drive to strengthen institutional frameworks and policy reforms, expressing optimism that the ongoing initiatives would attract private sector participation and fast-track the revival of Nigeria’s steel industry.

The event drew participants from government agencies, development partners, and the organised private sector, all pledging commitment to advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation goals.

NOA Clarifies Protocol on National Anthem and Pledge at Official Events

Toyin Adebayo
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NOA Clarifies Protocol on National Anthem and Pledge at Official Events




NOA Clarifies Protocol on National Anthem and Pledge at Official Events

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a clarification on the proper protocol for rendering Nigeria’s National Anthem and Pledge at official functions, reaffirming its commitment to promoting respect for national symbols and fostering patriotism among citizens.

In a statement, the Agency reminded Nigerians that only the first stanza of the National Anthem should be sung at official events, while the third stanza, recognized as the National Prayer, is to be recited at the beginning of such gatherings.

According to the guidelines, all three stanzas of the anthem are reserved exclusively for major national ceremonies, including Independence Day celebrations, Presidential Inaugurations, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day (June 12), and the Inauguration of the National Assembly, among others.

The Agency further emphasized that the National Pledge should always be recited at the end of an event, in keeping with established national protocol.

Reiterating its mandate, the NOA stated that it will continue to champion initiatives that promote national consciousness, civic responsibility, and unity among Nigerians.

NOA… Moving Nigeria to Greatness.

Amupitan Vows to Prosecute Compromised INEC Officials, Pushes for Electoral Offences Commission

Toyin Adebayo
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Amupitan Vows to Prosecute Compromised INEC Officials, Pushes for Electoral Offences Commission

…Denies Tinubu Legal Team Allegation, Promises Transparent, Tech-Driven Elections

The newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has vowed to prosecute any electoral official found guilty of malpractice, warning that under his leadership, the era of impunity within the Commission is over.

Amupitan, who was screened and confirmed by the Senate on Thursday, said INEC under his watch would deploy forensic tools to detect, investigate, and punish compromised staff, while setting up an Ethics and Compliance Committee to audit cases of misconduct.

“There have been numerous reports of electoral malpractice in the past, some never properly addressed. We intend to follow through on such cases and ensure accountability,” Amupitan said during his screening.

The law professor from the University of Jos also denied allegations that he was part of President Bola Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 election petition tribunal, describing such claims as “false and politically motivated.”

He disclosed plans to introduce a whistleblower policy within INEC to encourage staff and citizens to report wrongdoing without fear of reprisal, while calling for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to effectively prosecute electoral crimes.

Amupitan emphasized that his leadership would be anchored on integrity, transparency, and efficiency, pledging to restore Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral system.

“Our ultimate goal is to make elections so credible that even the loser will congratulate the winner,” he said.

On electoral reforms, he promised to work with the National Assembly to harmonize inconsistencies in the Electoral Act, streamline timelines, and clarify provisions on real-time transmission of results. He also hinted that INEC would leverage technology including drones to strengthen election logistics and security.

The Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, unanimously confirmed Amupitan after security agencies cleared him of any concerns. Akpabio commended his “intimidating résumé” and expressed optimism that his appointment would “enhance transparency and ensure that every vote counts.”

The Senate President also urged the new INEC boss to prioritize credible local government elections and financial accountability, stressing that “electoral independence must go hand in hand with administrative and financial independence.”

Amupitan’s reform agenda, as outlined before the lawmakers, includes strengthening civic and voter education, introducing digital training for electoral staff and citizens, and fostering collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to improve voter data integrity.

“We will ensure that INEC’s funds are used strictly for their intended purposes, with full compliance to the Procurement and Finance Acts,” Amupitan assured.

With Senate confirmation now complete, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the new INEC chairman can deliver on his pledge to clean up Nigeria’s electoral system and rebuild public trust in the Commission.

Reps Order Jos, Kano DisCos to Refund N112bn to Govt — 60-Day Deadline Issued in Power Sector Debt Probe

Saladin Babagana
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Reps Order Jos, Kano DisCos to Refund N112bn to Govt — 60-Day Deadline Issued in Power Sector Debt Probe

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has directed the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) to refund a combined N112.7 billion to the Federal Government within the next two months, as part of its ongoing investigation into over N2.6 trillion debts owed by power firms to the Federation Account.

The directive was issued during a public hearing on Wednesday in Abuja, chaired by Rep. Bamidele Salam, following a review of findings from the 2021 report of the Auditor-General of the Federation and documents submitted by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc.

According to NBET’s records, Jos DisCo’s total indebtedness stood at N161.7 billion as of September 2020, but the company claimed to have reduced it to N72 billion by May 2025. NBET, however, maintained that the reconciled figure was N98.7 billion, leaving a disputed balance of N26.7 billion.

After deliberation, the committee ruled that the N72 billion admitted by the company must be remitted into the Federation Account within 60 days, while both parties were given 21 days to reconcile the disputed figure and report back.

“These are public funds, and the government urgently requires them to discharge its responsibilities. The era of impunity and disregard for financial obligations in the power sector is over,” Rep. Salam declared.

Similarly, the committee ordered KEDCO to remit N40.7 billion, representing half of its verified N81.5 billion debt, within 30 days.

NBET’s data initially pegged KEDCO’s debt at N211.7 billion, later revised to N85.8 billion after reconciliation. KEDCO Managing Director, Engr. Hussani Sadiq, confirmed that N81.5 billion was verified, with another N4.3 billion still under review.

Lawmakers mandated the company to provide evidence of payment within the stipulated timeframe and submit a reconciliation report on the remaining balance within 21 days.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring financial discipline in the power sector, warning that defaulting DisCos would face sanctions for non-compliance.

NMA Declares Nnamdi Kanu Medically Fit, Says Ailment Not Life-Threatening

Gladys Phillip
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NMA Declares Nnamdi Kanu Medically Fit, Says Ailment Not Life-Threatening

— Court Grants IPOB Leader Six Days to Open Defence, Approves Private Meeting with Lawyers

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is medically fit to stand trial, dismissing claims that he is suffering from a life-threatening illness.

The finding was contained in a medical report submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja by a panel of doctors constituted by the NMA President, following a directive from Justice James Omotosho, who ordered an independent medical assessment amid conflicting health reports from the prosecution and defence teams.

According to the report, presented to the court on October 13 by the prosecution led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Kanu’s condition was found to be “not life-threatening,” and he was deemed fit to continue standing trial.

Ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho said he was satisfied with the findings of the NMA’s medical panel and, having received no objection from either party, directed that the trial proceed.

The court subsequently granted six consecutive days from October 23 for Kanu to open and close his defence in the ongoing terrorism case.

Additionally, Justice Omotosho approved an oral application by defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) for a private consultation between the IPOB leader and his legal team, outside the Department of State Services (DSS) facility.

Agabi had expressed concerns that discussions with his client could be tapped or recorded by the DSS.

In response, the court ruled that the private meeting be held within the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.

The trial is expected to resume the following day, October 23, when Kanu will begin his defence.

Forensic Science Nabs Counterfeiters in Kwara — Three Jailed Without Option of Fine

Ola Akinola
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Forensic Science Nabs Counterfeiters in Kwara — Three Jailed Without Option of Fine

— EFCC, NSCDC collaboration cracks fake currency network through digital analysis

A landmark judgment in Ilorin has showcased the power of forensic investigation and inter-agency collaboration, as the Federal High Court convicted three men for currency counterfeiting after scientific analysis confirmed the Naira notes in their possession to be fake.

Presiding Judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro, sentenced Olaitan Dina (46), an aluminium fabricator; Opeyemi Jeremiah, a bakery worker; and Adebayo Mayowa Abiola, a trader from Ekiti State, to jail terms ranging from 15 to 18 months, without the option of fine, for violating the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act of 1983.

The convicts were arrested in July by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and later handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for detailed investigation.

EFCC investigators discovered that all the seized ₦1,000 notes bore identical serial numbers a forensic red flag. The notes were sent to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja for digital texture and serial-number analysis, confirming them as counterfeit.

Testifying before the court, EFCC detective Abdulhakeem Sani Umar said the investigation deployed advanced forensic mapping techniques that conclusively linked the fake notes to a single illegal source.

During prosecution, EFCC counsel Aliyu Adebayo presented the fake notes and the defendants’ confessional statements as exhibits, urging the court to convict them.

Justice Awogboro, in her ruling, described currency counterfeiting as “a grave assault on public trust and economic stability”, adding:

“The issue of Naira counterfeiting is a serious crime against the law and society. The court must pass a sentence that will deter others who think the currency is theirs to reproduce.”

Dina was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, while Jeremiah and Abiola each received 15 months, effective from October 15, 2025. All counterfeit notes were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.

Security analysts hailed the EFCC–NSCDC collaboration as a model of effective law enforcement synergy, noting that forensic units are becoming increasingly crucial in tracing counterfeit money networks nationwide.

Experts warn that the case exposes the economic risks of counterfeit circulation in a cash-driven economy like Nigeria’s, particularly in rural and informal markets where digital payments remain limited.

They emphasize that fake currency not only erodes confidence in the Naira but also distorts prices, discourages legitimate trade, and deepens inflationary pressure.

The Ilorin convictions, observers say, represent a major success in Nigeria’s fight against financial crimes and a reminder that forensic precision remains one of the nation’s strongest weapons in protecting the integrity of its currency.

Confusion Rocks Senate Over Electoral Act Amendment Debate

Toyin Adebayo
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Confusion Rocks Senate Over Electoral Act Amendment Debate

— Akpabio halts plenary, calls for closed-door session as leadership disagrees on next steps

Tension gripped the Senate on Thursday as disagreement among its leadership disrupted deliberations on the amendment of the Electoral Act, which was billed for second reading.

The drama began when the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong, was presenting the lead debate on the amendment bill. Midway through his presentation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio took over from Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, expressing dissatisfaction with Lalong’s presentation and calling for a closed-door session.

“I want to know whether there are certain things that will convince us here of the need to pass this amendment for second reading,” Akpabio said.
“In my opinion, Senator Lalong, you have not touched the nitty-gritty of the reasons for this amendment. For us to proceed, I suggest we go into a closed session so members can understand the specific areas you want to amend. Let’s not be taken by surprise at the public hearing.”

However, rather than proceed into a closed-door meeting, the chamber’s microphones were switched off as the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, led other principal officers to consult privately with the Senate President.

After about ten minutes, Bamidele returned to the floor, stating that the timing was not right for an executive session.

“I believe the time today is not auspicious for us to go into an executive session to discuss this bill,” Bamidele told the chamber. “There is a need for further consultation and for members to understand the general principles of the bill before proceeding to second reading.”

Following his intervention, Bamidele moved a motion to step down further consideration of the bill to another legislative day. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, effectively ending deliberations on the amendment for the day.

SEC, SMEDAN Partner to Unlock Capital Market Access for 40m SMEs

Toyin Adebayo
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SEC, SMEDAN Partner to Unlock Capital Market Access for 40m SMEs

— Agencies move to list 1,000 small businesses, drive Tinubu’s $1tn economy target

In a landmark move to ease funding challenges for small businesses, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance access to long-term financing through the Nigerian capital market.

The partnership aims to open up alternative funding channels for more than 40 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide a critical step toward achieving President Bola Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy vision.

Speaking at the MoU signing in Abuja, SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, said the collaboration would integrate SMEs into the capital market ecosystem and enable them to raise funds sustainably.

“Capital is the bedrock of any company. Today, we have about 40 million SMEs duly registered with SMEDAN, and it is important that as a capital market, we provide a route for them to raise capital for sustainability,” Agama stated.

“We also want to bring them into the pipeline of listed companies where they can democratize wealth, share part of their institutions with Nigerians, and accelerate economic growth.”

Dr. Agama described the agreement as aligning perfectly with the administration’s focus on growth, production, and employment generation.

On his part, SMEDAN Director-General, Mr. Charles Odii, said the MoU would help small businesses overcome the twin hurdles of costly and limited financing by leveraging capital market instruments.

“Capital in this part of the world is very expensive and scarce,” Odii said. “Through this collaboration, we are creating another source of financing for our medium-scale businesses. We have set a target of at least 1,000 SMEs listing on the capital market to galvanize growth, create wealth, and reduce unemployment.”

The agreement will facilitate MSMEs’ access to long-term financing via equity or debt securities under SEC regulations, while also supporting them to meet governance and reporting standards for market participation.

It also provides for capacity building and financial literacy initiatives, with both agencies set to organize training and awareness programmes for SMEs nationwide.

In addition, SEC will support SMEDAN’s five-year strategic policy framework to promote inclusive financing and SME-friendly market reforms, while SMEDAN will identify and prepare qualified enterprises for listing on recognized exchanges.

The MoU further establishes a Joint Working Group (JWG) to oversee implementation and ensure compliance with data protection laws under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

Both agencies plan to host a three-day National SME Conference to engage stakeholders, promote capital market opportunities, and strengthen the financing ecosystem for small businesses across Nigeria.

Senate in Turmoil Over Electoral Act Amendment, Confirms Amupitan as INEC Chairman

Roland Edet
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Senate in Turmoil Over Electoral Act Amendment, Confirms Amupitan as INEC Chairman

Confusion rocked the Senate on Thursday as deliberations on the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 degenerated into disarray, even as lawmakers confirmed Professor Josh Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Amupitan’s confirmation followed his screening by the Senate after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forwarded his nomination to the upper chamber for approval.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while congratulating the new INEC boss, commended his colleagues for their thorough screening process, saying it reflected the aspirations of Nigerians for credible elections.

“I wish Professor Amupitan well and pray that his service will improve our electoral process, ensure transparency, and guarantee that every vote counts,” Akpabio said. “All hands must be on deck for Nigeria to have a better image in future elections.”

He expressed optimism that Amupitan’s leadership would bring needed reforms to the commission, especially at the local government level, where the “winner-takes-all” culture has been a recurring concern.

However, tension erupted shortly after when the Senate turned to the Electoral Act amendment bill for second reading. The Senate President interrupted the presentation by the Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong, saying he had not sufficiently explained the essence of the proposed amendments.

“I think we should go into a closed session,” Akpabio suggested. “Senator Lalong, you’ve not touched the nitty-gritty of why this bill should pass second reading. We need clarity before proceeding to public hearing.”

The move threw the chamber into confusion as microphones were turned off and the Senate leadership, led by Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, huddled briefly with Akpabio.

When the session resumed, Bamidele announced that the bill would be stepped down to allow for further consultations and deeper understanding of its general principles.

“I believe today is not auspicious for an executive session on this bill,” he said. “There’s a need for more consultation and clarity before we can proceed.”

His motion to defer further consideration of the bill was seconded by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, bringing the heated debate to an abrupt end.

No Inmate Freed Yet — Presidential Clemency Still Under Review, Says AGF Fagbemi

Shehu Danladi
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No Inmate Freed Yet — Presidential Clemency Still Under Review, Says AGF Fagbemi

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has clarified that no inmate has been released under the ongoing exercise of the President’s prerogative of mercy, as the process is still at the review stage.

Fagbemi explained that the clemency exercise, recently approved by the Council of State, has not reached final implementation, as all names and recommendations are currently undergoing standard administrative and legal scrutiny.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the AGF said: “The last stage of the exercise, after approval by the Council of State, is the issuance of the instrument for implementation concerning each beneficiary. This affords an opportunity for a final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any, before forwarding it to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action.”

He emphasized that the verification process is part of due process designed to guarantee transparency and prevent errors. “This is a standard protocol reflecting the government’s commitment to diligence and fairness,” Fagbemi noted.

Appreciating public vigilance and feedback, the Minister said Nigerians’ interest in justice strengthens institutional integrity. “There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy,” he stated.

Fagbemi assured that once all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. “The rule of law does not rust it ensures fairness,” he added.

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