The chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, has stated that Nigeria needed increased oil production to fund the country’s economic diversification and development.

Elumelu stated this on Thursday at the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Leadership Discourse in Abuja, highlighting the crucial role of oil revenues in driving industrialisation, energy security, and infrastructural growth.

The discourse, themed “Nigeria’s Oil Production Growth Roadmap: Acceleration Imperatives”, was convened under the umbrella of Heirs Energies, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, to bring together industry stakeholders and policymakers to strategise on expanding oil production.

Elumelu, who also serves as the chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Transcorp Group, emphasised that while there is a global dialogue about energy transition, Africa’s foremost concern should be energy security.

He highlighted the necessity for substantial investment in oil and gas to fuel industries, support businesses, and guarantee electricity access for both homes and enterprises.

While acknowledging the growth in oil production under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he noted that Nigeria was still underperforming compared to its OPEC quota.

“You know, under Buhari’s administration, we dropped less than 1 million barrels. We are happy that under the current administration, in general, we produce 1.8 million barrels of oil a day. But we are not satisfied with that figure.

“We want to take it to over 2 million. Because we know that we need oil money to diversify Nigeria away from oil. And we need to have the money to help develop our country,” he said.

Elumelu also emphasised the significance of boosting oil production to generate foreign exchange, stabilize the naira, and enhance national security.

He noted that boosting crude oil output would provide the financial resources required for industrialisation and infrastructure development, particularly in sectors such as power generation and manufacturing.

As vhairman of Transcorp Group, Elumelu revealed that Transcorp Power, Nigeria’s leading power generation company, currently has a capacity of 2,000 megawatts but is unable to operate at full capacity due to gas supply constraints.

Elumelu also called for stronger collaboration between government, industry players, and investors to achieve the target of increasing oil production to 2.5–2.7 million barrels per day.

He noted that the policy reforms and executive orders signed by President Tinubu in the past 12 months have improved investor confidence, security, and the overall business climate in the oil sector.

Elumelu disclosed that when Heirs Energies acquired OML 17 from Shell, production was 21,000 barrels per day. It has since risen to 53,000 barrels per day, and the company aims for 100,000 barrels per day.

Elumelu expressed his belief that Nigeria could exceed 2 million barrels per day if all stakeholders work together on production expansion, infrastructure improvement, and security of oil facilities.

While Heirs Energies plans to integrate downstream operations in the future, its primary focus remains on increasing crude oil production. Access to this raw material facilitates the transition to refining, fertilizers, and petrochemicals.

[Leadership]

The reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta FC of Italy forward, Ademola Lookman, will now look to dethrone the incumbent holder, Victor Osimhen, for the highest honour of Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards on Thursday at the Bon Hotels, Sobo Arobiodu, Ikeja, unveiled the nominees for the 2025 edition of the awards which has 18 categories.

In the highest category of the Pitch Awards, which is “The King of the Pitch”, Super Eagles striker, Osimhen, will face a stiff competition from his compatriot, Lookman, who was recently crowned as the “African Footballer of the Year”.

Osimhen, the Galatasaray FC of Turkey hitman, is the current holder of the “King of the Pitch” award.

The Super Eagles forward, Osimhen, had made history at the 10th anniversary in 2024 by winning both the “Striker of the Year” and “King of the Pitch” awards for the third consecutive year at the 2024 edition.

Osimhen’s achievement at the 10th anniversary of the Nigeria Pitch Awards made him the first player in the history of the awards to secure a three times King of the Pitch in a row.

For the 2025 edition, Osimhen is expected to face a strong opposition from the the stand-in captain of the Super Eagles, Williams Troost Ekong.

Shina Phillips, the organiser of the awards, said on Thursday that the awards would not let down its guard in protecting the integrity and transparency of the award.

In the ceremony, the Director of Communication, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajide reeled out the list of the nominees had been picked in all 18 award categories.

The award categories include Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Striker of the Year, Queen of the Pitch, King of the Pitch, Sam Okwaraji Award, Football Pitch, Football-Friendly Governor, Corporate Sponsor, alongside several honours for media representatives.

For the Goalkeeper of the Year: Maduka Okoye (Undize Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa) and Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria) got the nominations

Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest England) and Williams Troost Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)

Midfielder of the Year: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England) and Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg Germany)

Striker of the Year: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany) and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy).

Team of the Year: Rangers International FC; Edo Queens FC and Remo Stars.

Coach of the Year: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars); Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC); Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC).

Sam Okwaraji Award: Segun Odegbami former Green Eagles captain; Ahmed Musa; Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars).

State With The Best Grassroots Football Development Programme: Edo State; Delta State; Lagos State

Football Pitch of the Year: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos; Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne; Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo

Football-Friendly Governor of the Year: His Excellency Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State); His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State); His Excellency Godwin Obaseki (former Governor of Edo State)

Corporate Sponsor of Football: Bet9ja (Sport Betting); GTI (Financial Services); MTN (Telecom)

Sportsmanship Award: Hon. Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars); George Aluo (Chairman, Nigeria National League (NNL)); Ahmed Musa (Super Eagles captain).

Football Journalist of the Year (Print): Charles Diya (New Telegraph); Johnny Edward (The Nation Newspapers); Abiodun Adewale (Punch).

Football Journalist of the Year (TV): Mozez Praiz (SuperSport); Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV); Blessing Nwosu (Silverbird TV).

Football Journalist of the Year (Radio): Olawale Adigun (Mainland FM); Micheal Obasi (Bond FM); Chima Nnoli (Nija Info FM)

Football Journalist of the Year (Online): Niyi Busari (BSN Sports); Samuel Ahmadu; Kunle Solaja (Sportsville).

Queen of the Pitch: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino Spain); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC U.S)

King of the Pitch: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray SC, Turkey); Wlliams Troost Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia).

(NAN)

The draw for this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 has been conducted on Friday.

Current holders Real Madrid will take on rivals Atletico Madrid in the pick of the bunch.

There will also be an all-Bundesliga clash between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal have been paired against PSV, while Liverpool take on Paris Saint-Germain.

The ties for the round of 16 will be played on during the weeks of March 4 and March 5.

The return legs are scheduled for March 11 and March 12.

FULL FIXTURES:

Club Brugge vs Aston Villa

Borussia Dortmund vs Lille

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen

PSV vs Arsenal

Feyenoord vs Inter Milan

PSG vs Liverpool

Benfica vs Barcelona

[DailyPost]

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved  the promotion of 38 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) to the next rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP). 

The Commission also elevated 100 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP). 

The Commission took the decision Thursday at the continuation of its extraordinary Plenary Meeting holding  at its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi Abuja and presided over by Its Chairman, DIG. Hashimu Argungu rtd. 

The meeting was also attended by Justice  Adamu Paul Galmuje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd,  Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani Secretary to the Commission. 

The new Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) are: Emmanuel  Deenom,  Olufemi Takeet, yusuf Doki Sani, Joseph  Habakkuk Anche, Faruku Umaru, Danladi Daura, Benedict  Omotomilola Olomo,  Bernard Adedayo Ojewale, Aminudeen Mohammed, Mohammed lawal  Bello, and  Mohammed sabo Haladu.

Others are:  Baba Gana  Saje,  Maman Bello Tambuwal Abubakar  Bello Mustapha, Haruna Adamu, Uzairu Abdullahi, Dashuwar Tepnyakas,  Braide Elekima,  Usman Garik,  Musa Abdullahi, Kabiru Salisu,  Uchenna Ani, Innocent  Oguejiofor Umuerie Mathew  Obiuwevbi, Gabriel Odiaka Dibie and  Olufemi  Olabanji Kayode, State CID, Osogbo,  Osun State Command. 

Ikenna Kenneth Ezeani, Force Secretary’s Office  Afolaranmi Omotayo, Ibrahim Yidi, Isyaku Usman, Rasaq Abdulsalam, Olajide Agboola, Chioma Onwukaike, Abayomi Agbana, Ibrahim Miringa Musa, Umar  Sokoto Abubakar,  James Ekanem Usen and Dauda Buba Fika were the other Assistant Commissioners promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioners. 

Some of the Chief Superintendents of Police who were promoted to Assistant Commissioners are: Ibrahim Mohammed  Agava, Akinloye Joseph  Oyegade, Rilwanu Mohammed  Dutse, Ibrahim  Aliyu Jauro,  Abdulmajid Isah, Fidelity Lohya Labong, Anthony Olusola Ojo, Ibrahim Muktar, Abdulrahaman  Idris and Aminu Hamza.

Also promoted Assistant Commissioners are; Clement  Ugochukwu Ezejiofor,  Peter  Obiyo Ihechere,  Benjamin  Chidozie Egbu, Joy Ugo Elemoke, Mansur Mahmud Tafida, Area Command  Ido Osi, Ekiti State, Mohammed  Ibrahim second in Command Zonal CID Zone 3, Yola, Jude Ohaja, State CID, Awka, and Chinyere Ajuolachi Akalaga,  DPO, Lokogoma, FCT.

Godfrey  Ogbeide Victor, former DPO Utako, FCT, and now Commander Scorpion Squad Abbattoir, FCT, Banawi  Ishiaku, DPO  Otu Jeremi, Ughelli  South, Delta State, Abbas Abubakar,  DPO Ikot Abasi Akwa Ibom and Celestine Tochukwu Umeh were  also promoted to the next rank of Assistant Commissioners  amongst others.

According to a statement on Friday by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC Chairman said the Commission will continue to be faithful in granting deserving Police Officers their due promotion. 

He however advised that they should reciprocate Commission’s faithfulness by rededicating themselves to the service of our country.

Argungu said the Commission expect that the war against insurgency and banditry should be given the required attention.

[TheNation]

The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, has criticised Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over a dispute concerning her seating arrangement in the chamber.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party, had on Thursday refused to use the seat assigned to her, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges.

The dispute arose after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle triggered by opposition members switching to the majority wing.

However, she resisted the relocation.

In defiance, the Kogi senator spoke out loudly, accusing the leadership of attempting to silence her.

“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared.

During the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on security to remove her from the chamber, but intervention from fellow lawmakers prevented further escalation.

Reacting to the incident in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Adaramodu said the Senate was not a platform for entertainment.

“What we are saying is that the National Assembly is not for content creation in entertainment. National Assembly is for serious business,” he said.

Addressing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim of being sidelined, Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South, said she had already been appointed chairperson of three committees, including Foreign Affairs and NGOs.

“If she is talking like that being bullied or sidelined, as a first-timer, she even had three committees that she was appointed as chairman.

“You are entitled to only committee to be the chairman and she is in charge of Foreign Affairs, NGOs now,” the Senate spokesman said.

When asked about possible disciplinary action, he noted that her Kogi colleague, Senator Isah Jubril, had apologised on her behalf.

“The Senate as a whole has already accepted that tendered apology, so we are not going to revisit that,” Adaramodu stated.

[Punch]

The Africa Union, AU, 38th Summit from February 15-16, 2025 promised to be challenging as the body had to elect a new Chairperson for the African Union Commission, AUC, which is its engine room. The Commission is the AU Secretariat and its Chair, its chief executive officer.

In the last eight years, that seat had been occupied by Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat who seemed to have been sleeping on duty. His country, Chad, was under the French orbit, and Faki, as Chadian Foreign Minister, and then President Idris Deby, carried out questionable activities in the Central African Republic. This led to Chadian troops fleeing that country in 2014.

 When on April 20, 2021, there was a coup in Chad by current Head of State, General Mahamat Deby, Faki, as AUC Chair, refused to apply the organisation’s ‘Lome Declaration’ on unconstitutional change of government. 

Faki was not particularly trusted, especially after he had smuggled Israel into the February, 2023 AU Heads of State Summit. This was detected and angry African countries led by South Africa got the Israeli mole, Ambassador Sharon Bar-li, walked out of the Summit after her accreditation and access badges were seized by the AU security.

So, for Africa, this Summit was an opportunity to rebuild, and the best place to begin was to elect a credible person to replace Faki. There were three main candidates.

Madagascar presented Richard Randriamandrato, its former Foreign Minister and later Minister of Economy and Finance. He had worked in the AU and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, COMESA, where he served for ten years. He did not appear to carry much weight and was clearly the least favoured.

Djibouti’s candidate was Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who has been Foreign Minister since 2005. He had been educated in Djibouti, United Kingdom, France and Canada and served as Ambassador to Egypt before being Foreign Minister. He had previously served as both the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC. He had been Foreign Minister for two decades; it meant he had practically attended all Organisation of African Union, OAU/AU, Summits in the last 20 years.

The fact that Djibouti with a population of less than one million and a total land size of 23,200 square kilometres is one of the smallest countries in Africa, was not a disadvantage. In fact, it fits into the dream of the founding fathers of the OAU/AU, which is to give small countries greater say in the organisation. This is in line with the Constitutive Act of the AU which states that: “The Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.” So, to the AU, one way of ensuring equality between Seychelles with a population of about 100,000 people, and Nigeria with a 230 million population, is to cede leadership to small countries.

In line with this principle, since 1964, all the eleven elected chief executive officers of the OAU/AU except for South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, were from countries considered small. These were Diallo Telli, Guinea; Nzo Ekangaki and William Eteki, Cameroun; Edem Kojo, Togo; Ide Oumarou, Niger; Salim Salim, Tanzania; Amara Essy, Cote d’ Voire; Alpha Oumar Konaré, Mali; Jean Ping, Gabon and Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chad.

 Except South Africa, 2012-2017, those from the big countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco and Algeria were never considered. The Ethiopian, Kifle Wodajo, 1963-64, and the Nigerian, Peter Onu, 1983-1985 occupied those offices in acting capacity.

To me, my main concern about Djibouti is that it is like a ball played around by the big powers. Four countries have military bases in that tiny country. China has in the Port of Doraleh, Western Djibouti; in the Southern part, the United States has its base in Camp Lemonnier; the French, in Base Aerienne 188 and, even Japan without a conventional military has its Japan Self-Defence Force Base in Djibouti.

The big fish was Raila Amolo Odinga, a famous African figure who had been Kenyan Prime Minister for five years from 2008. He is the son of famous African Pan Africanist, Jeramogi Oginga Odinga.

Odinga had support amongst the big boys and in the first round of voting, Kenya had 20 votes, Djiboiti 18, Madagascar 10 with one abstention. In the second, Kenya had two more votes and Djibouti one. But in the third round, Kenya dropped to 20 votes while Djibuoti led with 23 votes and Madagascar maintained its bottom position with five votes. At this point, Madagascar dropped out and Djibouti maintained its lead into the seventh round where it won with 33 votes.

A possible reason for Djibouti’s victory is that after Madagascar dropped out, the French-speaking bloc might have consolidated its votes in the Djibouti vote basket. Also, the age difference between an 80-year-old Odinga, and a 59-year-old Youssouf might have counted in the latter’s favour. Again, some consider Odinga a bit brash and too assertive.

Not unexpectedly, the big countries took a the next big seats. Selma Malika Haddadi was elected the Deputy Chairperson. The 47-year-old is the Algerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, its Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNECA.

In line with the AU gender principle that if the elected AUC Chair is male, the Deputy Chairperson must be female and vice versa, only females remained in the Deputy Chair race. The Algerian had to gallop past Morocco’s Ms. Latifah Akharbach, Egypt’s Ms. Hanan Morsy and Ms Najat Elhajjaji of Libya.

Nigeria, the ‘Giant of Africa’ through Ambassador Bankole Adeoye retained the powerful position of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, PAPS, Commissioner.

South Africa’s Ms Lerato Mataboge, took the Infrastructure and Energy seat, Eswatini’s Mr. Moses Vilakati took that of Agriculture and, Ghana’s Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah became Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social development Commissioner.

It is difficult to say at this point if Africa has a strong enough team to move it forward. There is also the argument whether Political Affairs and Peace and Security, should remained merged or surgically separated.

The theme of the AU 2025 Summit was “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

Reparations is an old struggle and for Africa to make any headway, the AU needs to team up with African American support groups and the 15-member countries of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM. It needs to link whatever programme it is working on with the CARICOM ‘Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice.’ On a practical level, this will include building “bridges of belonging” between Africa and the Caribbean and, allowing those in the Diaspora who want to return to Mother Africa, to do so freely.

...Our fintech innovations have transformed cross-border payments across continent, says VP Shettima

...Calls for accelerated implementation of AfCFTA Digital Protocol

Nigeria has officially been designated as Africa's Digital Trade Champion, a role that could help create over 10 million new jobs across the continent by the end of 2025.

To this effect, Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading Africa’s digital trade agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stated this on Wednesday during the AfCFTA Digital Trade Workshop and Global Market at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

The workshop, which brought together officials from the federal and state governments, including Commissioners of Trades and Industry and private sector experts, has the theme: “Unlocking State Exports Potential.”

According to VP Shettima, Nigeria’s progress in digital commerce, services, and innovation, has positioned the country as the continent’s digital trade hub.

"Our innovations in mobile payments have transformed cross-border payments, financial inclusion, and digital transactions across the continent," he stated.

Nigeria’s appointment as Africa's Digital Trade Champion followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's December 2024 pledge in Cape Town to champion the digital trade agenda for all Africans. 

This leadership role was formally recognised at the 38th African Union Heads of State Summit, where President Tinubu received a commendation from former Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou, the AfCFTA Champion.

Speaking at the two-day workshop, the Vice President also announced that Nigeria's Ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, has been appointed chairperson of the Committee of Trade and Services Special Session, effective this month.

“The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol aims to increase intra-African trade from 18% in 2022 to 50% by 2030. With over 109 million internet users and a thriving mobile economy, Nigeria has the foundation to lead Africa's digital commerce evolution,” Shettima noted.

The Internet economy is projected to contribute 5.2% of Africa's GDP this year, with the continent's digital economy expected to reach $180 billion, up from $115 billion in 2020.

“Initiatives such as the Federal Ministry of Investment's National Talent Export Programme, launched by the President in September 2023, the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative backed by the Office of the Vice President, and the 3 Million Technology Talents Programme of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy are leading this growth and opening up opportunities for access to high-quality Nigerian talent at a global scale,” VP Shettima said.

He further noted that Nigeria has modernised its passport application system and invested in port infrastructure to streamline trade procedures, reducing customs processing times and enhancing the country's ability to handle a major share of West Africa's cargo.

"Let us move rapidly from the text of the protocol to the actuality of a digitally enabled trade as a catalyst for prosperity for all,” he added.

Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, described the workshop as a welcome development, recalling that last year, President Tinubu had approved the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund to empower Nigeria's young entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Noting that the significant approval of the Youth Investment Fund will be dedicated to supporting young Nigerians, the Minister noted that the Tinubu administration "is producing capital businesses for the young entrepreneurs engaging in agriculture, manufacturing, textile, creative industry, digital services and other export items so that they can meet the international trade standard.

"I also believe that this platform and strategic partnerships will help the youths to own their businesses to connect with the international digital trade and make Nigeria productive and globally competitive," he added.

On his part, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said a nation that fails to embrace digital trade will certainly be left behind, just as he applauded the Tinubu administration for making significant strides in the ICT sector.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said, "Digital trade platforms have eliminated traditional trade barriers, allowing businesses, both big and small, to participate in regional and global markets like never before. Today, we are reminded of the immense potential that lies within the African Continental Free Trade Area in a world increasingly defined by interconnectivity.

"We must seize this moment, not merely as a challenge, but as a powerful catalyst for growth and development. Digital transformation stands today as the cornerstone of innovation and sustainable growth. With 65% of our population under the age of 25, Nigeria possesses the demographic advantage to become a global digital powerhouse.“

On her part, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, commended the Vice President for championing digital trade innovations, saying while Nigeria has the tools to unlock its potential in the sector, AfCFTA is an opportunity to leverage the nation's strength, especially in the creative industry.

"As the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, I believe that the creative and culture industries are not just mere expressions but are real powerful drivers of the economy. Our ministry is committed to positioning Nigeria's creative sector as a cornerstone of export through growth under the free trade area.

"Through the Creative Economy Development Fund that was recently approved, we are pioneering a new frontier, enabling creators to transform their intellectual property into bankable assets, and I think this is a very important and formidable initiative," the minister stated.

Also speaking, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, outlined the agency's commitment to digital trade facilitation at the workshop. 

He emphasised the central role of export promotion in Nigeria's current economic strategy.

"Customs has established a dedicated export command in Lagos, and they actively participated in AfCFTA's guided trade initiatives. We have deployed advanced digital solutions, including a new platform christened B'Odogwu, intended to improve transparency and efficiency by connecting all stakeholders on a unified system," he said.

On her part, Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, presented data on how digital identity systems will transform Nigeria's trade landscape.

"This shift to digital trade presents an enormous opportunity for Nigeria to diversify its economy and leverage non-oil assets," Coker-Odusote stated, projecting substantial growth in business registrations through digital channels in the coming years.

In his welcome remarks, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Dr Salihu Dasuki Nakande, said, "AU's endorsement of Nigeria as the AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion is a testament to our country's strategic role in shaping the future of digital commerce across the continent.

"With this endorsement, Nigeria is not just a participant—we are leading the charge in designing the frameworks, policies, and innovations that will drive Africa's digital economy forward."

Also, Special Assistant to the President on Export Promotion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, said, "In 2024, Nigeria's non-oil exports exceeded $5.4 billion, yet this is only a fraction of our true potential. To sustain economic growth, stabilise the naira, and create jobs, we must transition from a predominantly consumption-driven economy to one centred on production and value addition.

"The European Union imports over $120 billion worth of fruits and vegetables annually. If Plateau State, which is rich in fruits and vegetables, captures just 2-5% of this, that translates to $2.4 billion to $6 billion in exports."

Principal Research Fellow at Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Max Mendez-Parra, said, "The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade certainly has the potential to advance digitally-driven industrialisation in Africa by fostering a conducive environment for digital commerce and innovation. 

"To fully harness the benefits of the AfCFTA DTP and realise the opportunities it offers, Nigeria's public and private sectors need a robust implementation strategy that would also improve domestic regulations and unlock growth in GDP, employment and digital trade.”

Also, Country Director for the British High Commission's Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria, Mark Smithson, said, "AfCFTA is the African Union's most ambitious regional economic channel. The AfCFTA holds the potential to be a game changer for Nigeria's inclusive economic change, driving industrial growth, generating jobs and delivering inclusive prosperity across the continent as well as in Nigeria."

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications

(Office of The Vice President)

The power drunk leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly has been reported to have suspended the 13 members of the House who opposed the illegal resolution directing Governor Hyacinth Alia to remove the Chief Judge of Benue StatebJustice Maurice Ikpambese from office. 

The purported suspension of the 13 legislators is a reckless breach of the Constitution. In the cases of Hon Dino Melaye & Ors v House of Representatives, Senator Ovie Omo Agege v The Senate and Senator Ali Nduma v The Senate, the Federal High Court nullified the illegal suspension of the Plaintiffs on the ground that the Defendants acted ultra vires.

In the case of the Speaker of the Bauchi House of Assembly vs Honourable Rifkatu Danna (2017) 49 WRN 82, the Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment of the Bauchi State High Court which had earlier set aside the indefinite suspension of Rifkatu Danna as member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly. The Court held that the suspension of an elected legislator is illegal and unconstitutional as it constitutes a denial of representation by his or her constituency.

Since the suspension of the legislators cannot be justified under the Constitution, the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly should recall them without any delay. 

Femi Falana SAN