The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, in collaboration with Advocacy for Civic Engagement Centre, ElectHER, and the National Assembly Library, is set to host an exhibition on gender inclusion, tagged “Art for Governance,” next month.
Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, announced this on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Albright Stonebridge Group in his office.
Kalu explained that the initiative leverages art as a tool for advocacy, with a focus on increasing women’s participation in leadership. He emphasized that the exhibition aligns with the proposed Constitution (Alteration) Bill, 2024, which seeks to reserve seats for women in Nigeria’s **National and State Houses
In a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s environmental sustainability efforts, the NNPC Ltd and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) Joint Venture (JV) has successfully reduced routine flaring of associated gas (AG) by 96% from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields.
This milestone, which supports Nigeria’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Agreement, was achieved through an AG reinjection strategy at the Madu field, offshore Bayelsa State.
In a statement on Thursday, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, said the initiative involves storing gas that would have otherwise been flared in a designated underground storage reservoir, significantly reducing environmental impact.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has commended the JV’s achievement, highlighting its alignment with national environmental regulations and global best practices.
Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, lauded the initiative, stating: “This achievement underscores our commitment to leveraging resources responsibly and optimising production to meet energy needs and sustainability goals. It reflects our commitment to aligning our operations with global standards and environmental best practices.”
Similarly, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, MD/CEO of First E&P, emphasized the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility: “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production. By substantially reducing our carbon footprint, we are contributing to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve.”
Building on this success, the NNPC-First E&P Joint Venture aims to commercialize the stored gas and other stranded gas resources in the Niger Delta, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship.
The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned former Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and the embattled National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, as part of ongoing efforts to address the lingering crisis within the party.
The summons comes in the wake of persistent internal conflicts that have plagued the PDP since the 2023 presidential election. The party’s leadership has been grappling with factional disputes, most notably the battle over the position of National Secretary between Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Anyanwu. While PDP governors and the Board of Trustees (BoT) have thrown their weight behind Udeh-Okoye, Anyanwu has insisted that the Supreme Court will determine the rightful occupant of the office.
In an effort to restore order and discipline, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) set up a disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024, led by Tom Ikimi, to investigate complaints and recommend appropriate actions. Despite this intervention, the crisis has persisted, further deepening divisions within the party.
Announcing the summons, Ikimi stated that the committee had received five petitions, some of which were against key members of the NWC. However, in a bid to support ongoing reconciliatory efforts led by the Governors’ Forum and the BoT, three petitions against top NWC members were stepped down.
“The second set of petitions, which were set down for enquiry, are those against former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom, and ten others, as well as the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu,” Ikimi said in a statement.
The affected individuals, along with the petitioners and their witnesses, have been directed to appear before the committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.
Reiterating its commitment to fairness and due process, the committee urged aggrieved party members to channel their complaints through the appropriate party structures.
“The National Disciplinary Committee is committed to ensuring discipline within the party and restoring the integrity of the PDP. The committee remains available to address grievances fairly and impartially,” Ikimi emphasized.
With the crisis showing no signs of abating, the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings could play a crucial role in determining the future direction of the opposition party.
Nigeria has secured a United Nations-backed study to develop a critical minerals roadmap, marking a major milestone in its quest to maximize the solid minerals value chain from extraction to beneficiation.
The study, funded by the Global Council for Critical Minerals, emerged as a key outcome of Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dr. Dele Alake’s engagements at the Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.
According to a statement by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, the study will be conducted by UC Davis, with support from Core International, and will set global best practices for Nigeria’s minerals development.
Driving Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Goals
The study aims to: ✅ Assess Nigeria’s critical mineral resources and reserves ✅ Set international benchmarks for value addition and processing ✅ Enhance local industrial production of solar power components
One of the major expected benefits is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported solar power products, which will result in foreign exchange savings and stimulate the growth of the domestic renewable energy sector.
Alake: Time to Stop Importing Solar Power Products
Speaking with Mr. Divyam Nagpal, Principal Specialist for Renewable Energy at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Dr. Alake stressed Nigeria’s need to prioritize local production of solar power products.
“Since we have the materials for solar power production, we should vigorously pursue policies that stop the importation of solar products and instead localize production in Nigeria. Our market is vast, already serving the West African sub-region, making local manufacturing a viable and strategic investment,” he stated.
Creating a Secure and Investor-Friendly Mining Sector
Dr. Alake reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving the investment climate in the mining sector.
“We are implementing a new security architecture to ensure the safety of investors and mining sites. Additionally, we have revised the Community Development Agreement to guarantee that local communities benefit maximally from these investments. This ensures a win-win situation for investors, host communities, and the Nigerian economy,” he said.
The Minister noted that a more secure and business-friendly environment would help attract foreign direct investment, increase royalty payments, and ensure regulatory compliance within the solid minerals sector.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Mr. Nagpal emphasized that Nigeria’s critical minerals roadmap will play a crucial role in shaping policy and unlocking the full potential of the country’s mining sector. He also invited Dr. Alake to the Sustainable Energy for All Programme in Barbados, a high-profile event focused on energy security, equity, and development.
With this development, Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in the global critical minerals and clean energy markets, paving the way for industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation.
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) became a subject of mockery in the Senate on Wednesday, as lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) proposed setting up an ad hoc committee to investigate the internal conflicts plaguing the opposition party.
This development follows the defection of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North) from the PDP to the APC, citing persistent leadership struggles within the party.
Nwoko: PDP Crisis Threatens Democracy
Announcing his defection, Senator Nwoko said his decision was made after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with his constituents and political associates.
“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy,” Nwoko stated.
He warned that Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system if the PDP’s crisis is not urgently addressed, urging the Senate to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the root causes of the party’s internal implosion.
Senate Leadership Reacts
The proposal for an investigation was met with fierce opposition from Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (Benue South), who argued that Nwoko’s defection was unconstitutional, as the 1999 Constitution does not permit defection unless a political party is in crisis.
However, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele countered this claim, pointing out that the PDP is already entangled in legal battles over its national leadership. He argued that this constituted sufficient grounds for Nwoko’s defection.
Moro, in response, insisted that the PDP had already secured a court ruling affirming Sam Anyanwu as the party’s authentic National Secretary, as well as a stay of execution on an Appeal Court judgment against him.
Akpabio Declines Setting Up Ad Hoc Committee
Despite the heated debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declined to set up the proposed ad hoc committee, citing ongoing court cases on the PDP crisis as the reason.
With this latest defection and the increasing turmoil within the PDP, the Senate’s reaction underscores the deepening struggles of Nigeria’s main opposition party, raising concerns over the future of multi-party democracy in the country.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikenga Ugochinyere, has commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing Gas Distribution Licenses (GDLs) to 10 companies, describing it as a major step toward achieving the “Gas for All Homes” agenda.
The move, Ugochinyere noted, aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to expand gas accessibility, promote clean energy, and reduce reliance on firewood and cooking stoves.
1.5 Billion Cubic Feet of Gas for Distribution
At the Gas Distribution Licence Award ceremony in Abuja, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, revealed that the agency received 30 applications, out of which 10 companies were approved.
The awarded licenses cover the distribution of 1.5 billion standard cubic feet/day of gas through a 1,200-kilometer gas pipeline network, a move expected to boost domestic gas supply and energy access.
Supporting Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition
In a statement, Ugochinyere emphasized the importance of expanding clean energy solutions for Nigerian households.
“The NMDPRA’s issuance of Gas Distribution Licenses is a bold step in actualizing the Gas for All Homes agenda, targeted at addressing energy challenges faced by Nigerians across all social strata,” he stated.
He highlighted that the initiative includes:
Distribution of free gas cylinders to one million homes nationwide
Annual conversion of 250,000 households to clean cooking gas by 2030
Promotion of clean cooking energy and reduction of harmful fuel reliance
Legislative Oversight and Accountability
Ugochinyere assured that lawmakers, especially those in downstream petroleum committees, will provide strict oversight to ensure the initiative benefits Nigerians.
“This is a worthy initiative, and we pledge our support, but with strict supervision, to ensure that Nigerians benefit from it and that it does not become merely another government patronage scheme,” he affirmed.
With this step, Nigeria is advancing its clean energy transition, ensuring that gas-powered cooking becomes a sustainable alternative for millions of households.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC) 2025–2029, a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at eliminating cholera as a public health threat.
The plan, launched in Abuja by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Environment, Water Resources & Sanitation, and Health & Social Welfare, aligns with the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) roadmap to eliminate the disease in at least 20 countries, including Nigeria, by 2030.
A Milestone in Cholera Control
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, represented by Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah, described the NSPACC as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cholera.
“This plan underscores our commitment to meeting global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards, which are crucial for cholera prevention and control,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly in communities prone to cholera outbreaks.
Health and Environment Ministries Pledge Support
Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, stressed that eliminating cholera requires a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach.
Similarly, Minister of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, noted that the NSPACC launch represents a critical step in Nigeria’s broader fight against infectious diseases, pledging the Ministry’s support for nationwide implementation.
NCDC’s Commitment to Prevention
In his address, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, represented by Dr. Sikiru Badaru, highlighted that the NSPACC focuses on prevention rather than reactive outbreak response.
“This strategy incorporates robust surveillance systems, coordinated health and WASH interventions, and active community engagement, particularly in cholera hotspot locations,” he stated.
Stakeholders Urged to Drive Implementation
Government agencies, development partners, civil society, and private sector players have been called upon to take ownership of the plan and ensure its success.
With the NSPACC in place, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in reducing cholera incidence and mortality, improving public health, and achieving its global health targets by 2030.
The Senate has approved the termination of the appointment of three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Abia, Adamawa, and Sokoto States over alleged electoral infractions during the 2023 general elections.
The decision follows an Executive Communication from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting the Senate to invoke Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to officially remove:
Dr. Nura Ali – Sokoto State REC
Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari – Adamawa State REC
Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu – Abia State REC
Allegations Against the RECs
The three electoral officials were suspended in 2023 following reports of misconduct, which included:
Dr. Nura Ali was indicted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly compromising the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections. He reportedly confessed to receiving $150,000 from politicians.
Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari after he illegally declared the Adamawa governorship election results, usurping the power of the Returning Officer.
Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu was accused of mishandling election logistics, abandoning the Governorship and State Assembly elections, and refusing to reschedule supplementary elections.
Senate’s Justification for Removal
Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that the removal aligns with the Senate’s constitutional duty to uphold electoral integrity and strengthen corporate governance in Nigeria.
“By virtue of Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate is empowered to embark on this legislative process, ensuring the removal of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners,” Akpabio stated.
He emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is one of the institutions subject to this constitutional provision, making the decision legally binding.
With the Senate’s approval supported by a two-thirds majority, the resolution will now be forwarded to President Tinubu for final action, officially sealing the fate of the three RECs.
This move is seen as part of the 10th Senate’s commitment to electoral accountability and ensuring that electoral officials uphold the rule of law and democratic principles in Nigeria.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has dealt a major blow to car theft syndicates across Nigeria, recovering 73 stolen vehicles in 2024 through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Portal.
According to Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Public Education Officer, this achievement underscores the FRSC’s commitment to national security, intelligence gathering, and road safety.
How the Vehicles Were Recovered
The stolen vehicles were identified and retrieved during intelligence-driven operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies at the point of registration.
The 73 recovered vehicles include:
21 Toyota Corolla
17 Toyota Camry
6 Lexus 350
6 Toyota Sienna
4 Toyota Highlander
3 Lexus ES350
1 Toyota Hilux, 1 Toyota RAV4, 1 Toyota Venza, 1 Toyota Celica, 1 Pontiac Vibe, and several others.
FRSC’s Commitment to Security
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed praised the personnel for their bravery, professionalism, and dedication, reaffirming the Corps’ resolve to rid the country of criminal elements threatening public safety.
“The FRSC will continue to work tirelessly to not only save innocent lives but also protect the economic interests of Nigerians,” he stated.
He urged vehicle owners to ensure they provide **accurate information during
The National Assembly is set to pass the 2025 budget proposal on February 8, following President Bola Tinubu’s request for an additional N4.5 trillion, bringing the total budget size to N54.2 trillion.
The President had initially presented a N49.7 trillion budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, 2024. However, in separate letters to both legislative chambers on Wednesday, he announced the increase based on additional revenues generated by key government agencies.
According to the letter read in the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the budget increase is attributed to:
N1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
N1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
N1.8 trillion from other Government-Owned Agencies
In response, Senate President Akpabio directed the request to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for immediate consideration, assuring that the final budget would be passed before the end of the month.
The 2025 budget is expected to prioritize economic growth, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and security, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
