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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.

Unbranded Drugs Are Safe, Cost-Effective — NHIA Assures Nigerians

Toyin Adebayo
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Unbranded Drugs Are Safe, Cost-Effective — NHIA Assures Nigerians

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has assured Nigerians that all medicines dispensed under the national health insurance scheme whether branded or unbranded are safe, effective, and of high quality.

Director, Formal Sector Department of NHIA, Pharmacist Nuhu Ajodi, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja during a sensitization workshop for self-paying government agencies.

Ajodi explained that the Authority adheres strictly to international best practices in social health insurance, which prioritize the use of unbranded (generic) drugs to make treatment more affordable without compromising quality.

“In social health insurance, we use unbranded drugs because they are cost-effective. But that does not mean they are fake,” Ajodi said. “As a pharmacist, I can assure Nigerians that unbranded drugs are of the same quality and efficacy as branded ones. What matters is that they are sourced through accredited and regulated facilities.”

He noted that all health facilities under the NHIA are accredited and routinely monitored to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical and service delivery standards. “No professional in an accredited facility will buy from unauthorized sources. Enrollees should rest assured they are receiving safe, tested, and effective medicines,” he added.

Ajodi said the workshop was organized to deepen understanding of mandatory health insurance and strengthen trust among stakeholders. “Following the presidential directive making health insurance compulsory, we must engage stakeholders to explain what it means and how it drives universal health coverage for all Nigerians,” he stated.

The Director urged self-funding government agencies to remit their health insurance premiums promptly, stressing that “without premium, there can be no cover.” He explained that timely payment ensures NHIA can fulfill its obligations to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and healthcare providers.

Addressing concerns over service interruptions, Ajodi disclosed that NHIA has introduced Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to guarantee uninterrupted care for enrollees. “We don’t want to hear stories of patients being turned away. If a doctor is on strike in a public facility, the enrollee should be referred to a private hospital. No Nigerian should be left unattended,” he said.

Ajodi reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to expanding coverage, improving service quality, and rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Trust is key,” he concluded. “Our goal is simple to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of status, has access to affordable, quality healthcare without financial hardship.”

Offenders to Pay for Demolition as FCTA Pulls Down 11 Duplexes in Dutse

Toyin Adebayo
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Offenders to Pay for Demolition as FCTA Pulls Down 11 Duplexes in Dutse

Developers who flout building regulations in Abuja will now pay the cost of demolishing their illegal structures, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned.

The Director, Department of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, issued the warning on Thursday during the removal of 11 duplexes erected under high-tension lines and beside a stream channel at Garba Duba Street in Dutse District.

Galadima said the FCTA was tired of spending public funds on demolitions triggered by people’s disregard for planning laws. “Henceforth, any offender will bear the cost of mobilization to site. If you ignore stop-work notices, we’ll allow you to waste your money and then bring it down,” he warned.

He explained that the developers had applied for approval but were denied due to safety concerns, yet proceeded to build despite several stop-work notices and official letters.

“They were told clearly that the location was unsafe too close to a high-tension line and stream channel but they defied the law,” Galadima said.

He revealed that the illegal structures were also obstructing a proposed bridge project. “When our engineering department reminded them of the proposed bridge, they still refused to stop, so we had no option but to enforce compliance,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the demolished plots were statutorily allocated, Galadima said the Administration might consider alternative sites for the owners if they make a formal request.

He advised residents to always seek clarification from relevant authorities before embarking on construction, stressing that “a responsible developer must respect the law and ensure safety for all.”

Stop Ranting, Be Responsible Citizens — Wike Blasts Social Media Critics, Tackles Peter Obi

Toyin Adebayo
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Stop Ranting, Be Responsible Citizens — Wike Blasts Social Media Critics, Tackles Peter Obi

…Says Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Delivering Tangible Results in FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to act as responsible citizens by constructively engaging government on issues of public concern rather than resorting to social media criticism for political relevance.

Speaking during the commissioning of the reconstructed Ken Udezue Street in Abuja, Wike said true patriotism lies in supporting development efforts and drawing government attention to neglected areas, not in politicizing every issue online.

“Who is called a good citizen? Not a good man, but a good citizen one who thinks well about the welfare of the country and their community,” Wike stated. “It is the duty of good citizens to call government’s attention to issues, not to go on social media to say, ‘they said they have done this and that.’ Even in 20 years, no government can finish every project.”

Wike revealed that the road reconstruction was initiated after Damian Dodo (SAN) informed him of its poor state. “I called the FCDA to inspect, and once they confirmed it was bad, I ordered immediate repair. Within a week, work started that’s what a responsive government does,” he said, praising Dodo as an example of a patriotic citizen.

The Minister also used the occasion to lambast Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, accusing him of hypocrisy and political grandstanding.

“Some people because of politics castigate government. For instance, Mr. Peter Obi went to a local school in Abuja claiming government has abandoned public education. But Mr. Obi, you were governor of Anambra for eight years. If you had completed your projects, no one would still be talking about development there,” Wike fired.

He further accused Obi of prioritizing personal financial gain over governance. “Instead of developing Anambra, you put the state’s money in a bank you have interest in. How can you claim to love your people? We’ve been in office for just two years, yet our achievements in FCT outweigh your eight years in Anambra,” he said.

Wike also mocked Obi’s approach to politics, saying: “You cannot become President of Nigeria by celebrating birthdays in IDP camps or campaigning on social media. You couldn’t even manage your party is it a country of over 200 million people you want to manage? Enough of the propaganda.”

Commending Lubrik Construction Company for the swift completion of the road, Wike reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He announced new presidential approvals for critical projects, including alternative access roads to the Body of Benchers complex and 600-bed hostel facilities at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja campus, noting that President Tinubu has demonstrated exceptional responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

“Mr. President takes every request seriously. That’s leadership. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about rebuilding trust between citizens and government showing Nigerians that government truly works,” he said.

Wike urged residents to emulate good citizens like Dodo by engaging government constructively and offering solutions rather than criticism. “Every responsible government listens to its people. That’s how we build a city that works for all,” he concluded.

FG Moves to End Out-of-Pocket Health Spending with Mandatory Insurance — NHIA

Toyin Adebayo
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FG Moves to End Out-of-Pocket Health Spending with Mandatory Insurance — NHIA

…Coverage hits 21.1 million Nigerians as reforms deepen health access

The Federal Government has stepped up enforcement of mandatory health insurance to accelerate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and protect Nigerians from catastrophic health spending, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced.

Speaking at a one-day Sensitization Workshop for Self-Paying Government Agencies in Abuja, the Director, Formal Sector Department, NHIA, Pharmacist Nuhu Ajodi, said the move is part of sweeping reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system in line with the NHIA Act 2022, which made health insurance compulsory for all citizens.

Quoting the NHIA Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Ajodi revealed that before the law was enacted, coverage stagnated at around 7 percent for nearly two decades. “With the new legal framework and the Presidential circular mandating compulsory health insurance, coverage has now increased to over 21.1 million enrollees as of August 2025,” he stated.

Ajodi said the NHIA is collaborating with other agencies to enforce compliance, ensure Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) remit the mandatory five percent health insurance contribution, and rebuild public confidence in the system.

He explained that the reforms are built on four strategic pillars expanding coverage, promoting equity through subsidies for the vulnerable, improving healthcare quality via strategic purchasing, and enhancing efficiency through private sector participation.

The Director also highlighted new NHIA programmes such as the Obstetric Fistula Care Programme and Emergency Care Initiative, aimed at removing financial barriers for women and vulnerable groups in accessing life-saving services.

He added that interventions under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC), and Fistula Free Programme (FFP) are already providing hope for thousands of women nationwide.

Ajodi urged participants to leverage the workshop to strengthen awareness and improve service delivery. “This engagement is meant to deepen understanding and foster collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the experience of enrollees,” he said.

A participant, Ms. Juliana Ogboyi, Administrative Officer at the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), commended the reforms but called for improved accountability and responsiveness from healthcare providers.

“Sometimes staff spend the entire day at the hospital without being attended to, or are told to wait while their HMO is contacted. Even the drugs dispensed are not always the right or original ones,” she lamented, urging continuous sensitization for both employers and employees.

“When every staff understands their rights and MDAs fulfill their obligations, health insurance will truly serve its purpose,” she added.

Wike’s Aide Fires Back at Peter Obi: “FCTA Focused on Real Development, Not Beer Parlour Governance”

Toyin Adebayo
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Wike’s Aide Fires Back at Peter Obi: “FCTA Focused on Real Development, Not Beer Parlour Governance”

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed recent criticisms by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the condition of public schools in Abuja, insisting that the Nyesom Wike-led administration is delivering tangible results across the territory.

Responding to Obi’s comments, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, said the administration is not running what he described as “Anambra-style beer parlour development,” but implementing strategic, verifiable projects that impact lives.

“A total of 73 schools are currently being renovated across the six Area Councils, while 21 have been completely completed. Altogether, 102 school renovation contracts have been awarded,” Olayinka stated.

Obi had, during his visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, described the poor condition of public schools as a “national disgrace” that reflects Nigeria’s neglect of education. But Olayinka countered that unlike Obi’s administration in Anambra State, the FCTA is actively investing in education and infrastructure renewal.

“Unlike Obi, who did little to improve the education sector as governor, Wike’s administration is taking bold steps to modernize and expand learning facilities across the FCT,” he said.

He further accused the former governor of mismanaging Anambra’s resources, saying, “For eight years, Obi kept state funds idle in his personal bank rather than using them to build schools, hospitals, and roads. The state is still suffering from the aftermath of that misgovernance.”

Olayinka also mocked Obi’s constant public commentaries, describing him as a “political wanderer” seeking relevance. “It’s surprising that someone without a clear political platform for 2027 keeps making noise just to stay in the news. Nigerians are no longer swayed by rhetoric they want results,” he said.

He reaffirmed that under Minister Nyesom Wike’s leadership, the FCTA remains committed to “substance over showmanship,” prioritizing visible development that directly benefits residents across the territory.

Experts Urge Home-Grown Policies to Drive Mining Growth, Attract Global Investors — Olatunji

Toyin Adebayo
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Experts Urge Home-Grown Policies to Drive Mining Growth, Attract Global Investors — Olatunji

Nigeria’s mineral and mining sector is witnessing renewed momentum, with experts urging the Federal Government to adopt deliberate, home-grown policies that attract global investors while empowering local players to build sustainable capacity.

Speaking at the Nigeria Mining Week 2025 in Abuja, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, Senior Project Consultant at Rapidlink Resources, said Nigeria now boasts a world-class legal framework, workable roadmap, and reinvigorated regulatory environment all geared toward transforming the industry into a globally competitive hub.

He noted that these reforms have reset the national mining agenda, drawing both local and international attention to Nigeria’s vast mineral potential. “The agenda has been reset and is being actualised,” Olatunji said, adding that the reforms are “designed to attract international mining giants into Nigeria’s mineral and mining space.”

However, he raised concerns about the real impact of these reforms, questioning how many world-class firms courted by Nigeria have actually commenced operations. “Can we guarantee their fidelity to the Nigerian course if they come?” he asked.

Olatunji urged the government to learn from the oil and gas sector, where intentional policies created strong indigenous firms. “Can we pursue home-grown solutions by leveraging domestic experiences in the mineral and mining sector?” he queried, stressing that deliberate national action is essential for sustainable growth.

Recalling the Federal Government’s 2001 marginal fields initiative, Olatunji highlighted how it transformed Nigeria’s oil industry by empowering local companies. Firms such as Seplat, Aradel, NDWestern, and First Petroleum once small startups have now grown into formidable national oil companies, with some acquiring assets from international operators.

“What changed,” he emphasized, “was intentional government policy that nurtured competence, ensured capable firms survived, and promoted national ownership.”

He and other stakeholders concluded that adopting similar strategies anchored on transparency, empowerment, and accountability could reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to rival oil and gas, driving economic diversification and sustainable development.

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