News Agency of Nigeria
Lagos Govt. flags off student sensitisation on town planning

Lagos Govt. flags off student sensitisation on town planning

165 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Grace Alegba

 

 

 

Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) on Friday unveiled a sanitation campaign targeting secondary schools across the state.

 

LASPPPA is an agency under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

 

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, flagged off the initiative, starting with schools in Ikeja.

 

The initiative is part of efforts to inculcate a culture of adherence to good physical planning practices and development among the younger generation.

 

Olumide led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and LASPPPA to three schools in Ikeja.

 

He said the initiative aligned with the ministry’s mandate on public advocacy and sensitisation, adding that it aimed to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of orderly physical development.

 

He said the government is serious about physical development issues, highlighting that comprehensive master plans had been documented for every part of the state to ensure coordinated growth.

 

He added that the programme would culminate in an inter-school competition, during which students with outstanding knowledge of physical planning processes will win prizes.

 

While addressing students at Tunwase High School, Ikeja, Olumide explained the adverse effects of unplanned development, such as erosion and environmental degradation.

 

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Mr Olumide Sotire, said the exercise would inculcate early physical planning values in students.

 

“You are the ones who will take over from us, and it is our duty to guide you along the right path.

 

“We must begin to correct past mistakes to ensure that our state and nation develop like other advanced countries,” he said.

 

The General Manager of LASPPPA, Mr Kehinde Osinaike, said the exercise reinforced the state government’s commitment to public enlightenment and engagement to counter impressions that it is focused only on enforcement.

 

Osinaike thanked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving the school sensitisation initiative and for his consistent support of physical planning and permit processes.

 

In his remarks, the Principal of Tunwase High School, Dr Dare Oguntade, thanked the government for selecting the school and its interest in nurturing future town planners and professionals in related fields.

 

Oguntade added that the interaction with top officials of the ministry might inspire students to consider careers in town planning and allied disciplines.

 

He also assured that the students would share the knowledge gained with their peers and enlighten their parents or guardians on the importance of securing planning permits before any construction.

 

Other schools visited were Mayor Heights Secondary School and Ikeja Senior High School. (NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Galaxy Backbone, NPTF sign MoU on smart policing

Galaxy Backbone, NPTF sign MoU on smart policing

286 total views today

 

By Jessica Dogo

 

Galaxy Backbone (GBB) and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance and support the development and integration of smart police stations nationwide.

 

The event, which was held on Friday in Abuja, is seen as a strategic move to advance national security through innovation digital infrastructure.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU is  a commitment of the two institutions to foster a more secure, connected, and technologically empowered Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of GBB, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, emphasised the importance of the collaboration in strengthening digital-led policing.

 

“Today’s agreement represents more than a partnership—it reflects a shared vision for a smarter, more resilient and inclusive Nigeria.

 

“Our collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund brings cutting-edge technology into the heart of Nigeria’s security architecture through the deployment of Smart Police Stations.

 

“These initiatives reflect our firm commitment to innovation, trust, and nation-building,” he said.

 

He explained that under the terms of the agreement, GBB would provide high-speed fibre connectivity, cloud platforms and secure digital infrastructure to support the deployment of smart police stations in key locations nationwide.

 

“These stations will be equipped with advanced ICT tools to enhance real-time communication, surveillance, data sharing, and operational efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force.

 

“The partnership is expected to significantly improve public safety outcomes by enabling more data-driven decision-making, improved incident response times, and greater transparency in law enforcement,’’ he said.

 

According to him, this initiative reinforces Galaxy Backbone’s strategic role as the digital spine of government operations, enabling secure, interoperable platforms that support innovation, governance and national development.

 

“The agreement with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund is a bold step toward building a more secure and technologically advanced Nigeria,” Adeyanju said.

 

In his remarks, the Executive-Secretary of NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu, said the initiative was part of broader efforts to modernise the police and enhance its effectiveness in maintaining law and order.

 

He also said the partnership would digitalise police station nationwide, adding that it would introduce digital systems for collecting and sorting data as well as connecting police stations to one another.

 

Sheidu further said the goal of the project was to develop a solution that would enable the police to capture intelligence and information effectively.

 

“We want to move policing in Nigeria towards the 21st century and more than police force.

 

“We can only achieve this by strategic collaborations and partnerships with agencies like yours to be able to achieve the digitalisation agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

 

“When we discussed, we talked about how we want to walk into police stations and see digitalised statement forms not having to write on papers.

 

“We can also have a way our police stations are connected to one another,’’ he said.

 

He identified lack of data collection as one of the major problems with the Nigerian Police.

 

“With this, your organisation and our organisation partnering together will be able to put out a solution that will capture this intelligence and information gathering.

 

“We are going to make history by changing the narrative of not just the NPF but the security architecture of Nigeria as a whole,’’ he said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Abdul Hassan/Uche Anunne

Ministry urges women to prioritise nutrition

Ministry urges women to prioritise nutrition

295 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

 

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Thursday urged women to prioritise family nutrition and adopt healthy eating habits for well-being.

 

 

 

Mrs Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made the appeal at a WAPA-organised programme titled, ‘Ounje l’ore awo’.

 

 

 

Dada said the nutrition intervention was designed to inform and address urgent health and dietary needs of grassroots women across Lagos State.

 

 

 

She noted that the programme aligns with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s agenda, which prioritises women’s welfare, healthcare, and social protection in state development plans.

 

 

 

According to her, WAPA has reached thousands of vulnerable women through this initiative in various local government areas across Lagos.

 

 

 

The current beneficiaries were selected from Ikosi-Isheri, Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu, and Ikeja local government areas of the state.

 

 

 

She stated that 250 women from these areas received food items including rice, beans, chicken, vegetables, eggs, garri, oil, and salt.

 

 

 

The Commissioner said: “This initiative is not just about food; it restores dignity, promotes wellness, and empowers women to live healthier and more informed lives.

 

 

 

“We have engaged nutritionists and dietitians to educate women on proper diets, healthy lifestyles, and preventing nutrition-related illnesses.”

 

 

 

She said WAPA’s multi-sectoral approach aims not only to reduce poverty, but to prevent illness and ensure women thrive in health and confidence.

 

 

 

“The role of women in the home and community is vital. When a woman is nourished, the entire household and community benefit,” she said.

 

 

 

Speaking at the event, Mr Olusola Malomo, Chief Dietitian at Ajeromi General Hospital, stressed the need for mothers to adopt healthy eating habits.

 

 

 

Malomo said a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, fibre, fish, and meat helps prevent diseases that can affect the family and the wider community.

 

 

 

According to him, mothers are change agents at home and in the community, hence they must be well-informed about proper dietary choices.

 

 

 

“The importance of nutrition cannot be overstated, especially now when rising food prices are affecting the quality of meals.

 

 

 

“It is crucial to educate mothers at home because they are the ones responsible for food preparation,” Malomo said.(NAN)

 

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Pension remittance defaulters to be blacklisted from Nov. 30 – PenCom

Pension remittance defaulters to be blacklisted from Nov. 30 – PenCom

184 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has warned that organisations failing to comply with pension remittance obligations will be blacklisted starting Nov. 10.

 

 

 

The Director-General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, issued the warning during the commission’s second-quarter media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.

 

 

 

Oloworaran noted that this was to reinforce PenCom’s adoption of its zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance with the Pension Reform Act of 2014.

 

 

 

She said, “Moving on, it is now zero tolerance for non-compliance with the pension reform act of 2014. Effective immediately, PenCom has launched an uncompromising compliance drive to ensure the pension reform act is complied with by every operator.

 

 

 

“Every organisation, public, private, big or small, must comply with pension remittance obligations. No exceptions, no delays.

 

 

 

“All Pension Fund Administrators and Custodians have been directed to ensure every vendor, service provider and counterparty have a valid Pension Clearance Certificate (PCC) that evidences that they have been up to date and compliant with pension contribution.

 

 

 

“By November 30 this year, any entity without a PCC will be blacklisted and cut off from pension business with all PenCom regulated entities.

 

 

 

“This directive also extend to banks, investment counterparty, parent companies and shareholders of licensed pension funds administrators and custodians.

 

 

 

“All pension fund affiliated entities must enforce the pension clearance certificate requirements across their operators and across all ecosystem and submit our compliance attestations.

 

 

 

“We are drawing the red line, pension compliance is no longer optional, it is existential. Only those who value the future of their employees can participate in this ecosystem and the reward that it offers.”

 

 

 

Oloworaran noted that the commission was seriously committed to rejigging the pension industry to achieve a more robust and inclusive system that supports sustainable economic development.

 

 

 

She said earlier in May, PenCom convened an inaugural pension industry leadership retreat with the theme, ‘Sustainable Retirement: A Strategic Blueprint for Economic Development and Inclusion’.

 

 

 

She explained that four clear pillars emerged from the strategy session.

 

 

 

“First, was infrastructure financing. Long-term pension funds should drive real economic growth and pension fund contributors and retirees deserve real returns.

 

 

 

“This means investment only in the risk, transparent and brand capable products, no shortcuts and no excuses,” she said.

 

 

 

Oloworaran listed the second pillar as legislative partnership, noting that the commission was establishing a Pension Legislature Working Group.

 

 

 

She said that the group would work with lawmakers to institutionalise needed reforms and strengthen the legal framework governing the pension sector.

 

 

 

“The third pillar was the diversification of pension assets. We are revising the investment regulations to open up access to a broader range of alternative asset classes.

 

 

 

“This will be done with full regard for transparency and reinforced risk management,” she said.

 

 

 

The PenCom boss said the fourth pillar focused on revolutionising the micro pensions scheme, which had now been rebranded as the Personal Pension Plan.

 

 

 

“This plan has been re-engineered for scale, technology enablement, and deep penetration into the informal sector.

 

 

 

“We are resetting the industry’s strategic compass,” Oloworaran said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Pension Fund Assets rise to N23.33trn in Q1 2025 — PenCom   

Pension Fund Assets rise to N23.33trn in Q1 2025 — PenCom  

164 total views today

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

National Pension Commission (PenCom) says the total assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) rose to N23.33 trillion as at March 31.

 

 

 

Mr Saleem Abdulrahman, Director of Surveillance, PenCom, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos.

 

 

 

Abdulrahman said that the figure represented an increase of N820 billion when compared with the N22.51 trillion recorded as of Dec. 31, 2024.

 

 

 

He attributed the growth in pension assets to additional contributions from Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders and investment income, including gains from the appreciation of equity prices and interest income on fixed-income securities.

 

 

 

Breaking down the pension assets, he said the Retirement Savings Account Funds I–VI accounted for N17.90 trillion or 76.73 per cent of the total pension assets.

 

 

 

He said Existing Schemes accounted for N2.77 trillion or 11.87 per cent while Closed Pension Funds accounted for N2.66 trillion or 11.40 per cent.

 

 

 

“The Pension Fund Assets were mainly invested in Federal Government Securities which accounted for 62.09 per cent of the total Pension Assets as at March 31.

 

 

 

“This is followed by domestic ordinary shares with 11.02 per cent and money market instruments which accounted for 8.91 per cent.

 

 

 

“The Industry portfolio reported annualised year to date performance of 19.29 per cent as at 31 March 2025.

 

 

 

“The commission in collaboration with Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) is organising a workshop on Investment in Alternative Assets, for Chairpersons of the Board Investment Strategy and Risk Management Committees of PFAs.

 

 

 

“The workshop is part of the strategic initiative of the commisison to promote a diversified and safer pension fund investment portfolio in order to enhance the performance of the pension portfolios,” he said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NSE unveils mobile app to boost coordination, national development

NSE unveils mobile app to boost coordination, national development

215 total views today

 

 

 

By Angela Atabo

 

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has launched a mobile app to help coordinate its members’ activities, support national development, and tackle the problem of unqualified practitioners in the profession.

 

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), launched the app on Thursday in Abuja and commended NSE for the innovation, calling it a milestone in local content development.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the app is designed to enable NSE members to access information, register for projects, and participate in community impact initiatives in support of national development.

 

Inuwa, represented by Mr Salisu Kaka, Director, E-Government and Digital Economy Department at NITDA, said the app would support engineers in delivering on their mandate while also contributing to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

 

He urged the NSE not to limit the innovation to internal use but to share its benefits widely to address broader national challenges.

 

“This innovation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s digital public infrastructure agenda, a framework aimed at unifying digital service delivery across government institutions for more efficient public services and economic growth.

 

“These digital public goods are technologies developed to solve societal problems. What NSE has done qualifies as such and, with collaboration, it can be adapted and exported to other sectors,” he said.

 

Inuwa noted that the engineering profession is fundamentally about problem-solving, and many of the challenges engineers address are common across sectors and locations.

 

He expressed optimism that, with slight modifications, the app could also be used to tackle similar issues in other industries.

Speaking at the event, NSE President and Chairman-in-Council, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, said the app would improve coordination within the Society by keeping members informed of activities at both the national and branch levels.

 

Oguntala explained that the platform would also promote greater member involvement in social impact initiatives.

 

“Members will now be able to register for community-impact projects and training programmes directly through the app,” she said.

 

She added that the app would serve as a practical tool in the fight against quackery in the engineering profession.

 

“If someone approaches me for a job, I can quickly log into the app to confirm whether the person is a registered NSE member.

 

“If not, the person is also unlikely to be registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). This will help us to curb the activities of quacks in the profession.

 

“Eventually, we plan to develop a system that allows even non-members to verify registered engineers before awarding jobs,” she said.

 

Oguntala described the mobile application as a contribution to national development, saying it reflects the society’s embrace of digital transformation and its alignment with the digital agenda of the current administration. (NAN)

 

Edited by Tosin Kolade

National security: Forum urges FG to recruit forest guards

National security: Forum urges FG to recruit forest guards

281 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kazeem Akande

 

The National Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF) has urged the Federal Government to recruit Forest Guards to address the security crisis, particularly in Benue.

 

 

 

Mr Oladotun Hassan, the forum’s National Leader, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, urging concrete reforms from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

 

 

He said it was time to overhaul Nigeria’s security framework and prioritise Forest Guard recruitment, increased intelligence funding, and better coordination among security agencies.

 

 

 

Hassan stressed the need to modernise military equipment and improve synergy among the armed forces, police, and intelligence services.

 

 

 

He called for improved welfare packages for security personnel to prevent corruption and ensure morale remains high in tackling insecurity.

 

 

 

According to him, the government must provide scholarships, free healthcare, and competitive salaries to match what is obtainable in the U.S. army.

 

 

 

Hassan also demanded swift justice for those behind the Benue massacre, including any public officials or security personnel found to be complicit.

 

 

 

He urged the Federal Government to begin genuine dialogue and reconciliation efforts to address the root causes of violence in Benue and other parts of Nigeria.

 

 

 

He said President Tinubu should resolve the herder-farmer conflicts and land disputes through the Nigeria Inter-Ethnic Nationalities Peace Commission.

 

 

 

The forum also urged the government to enhance regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the illegal flow of arms across Nigeria’s borders.

 

 

 

Hassan decried the killings in the Yelwata community of Benue, where scores of people were killed.

 

 

 

He asked the President to assess the situation critically and respond decisively to the crisis in Benue and other affected states.

 

 

 

Hassan called for immediate recruitment of able-bodied youths from vulnerable communities into Forest Guard units.

 

 

 

He also recommended creating a National Joint Regional Security Task Force Network Agency to complement existing security efforts.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu has directed the Benue and Nasarawa governments to set up a peace committee.

 

 

 

The President gave the directive during a town hall meeting with Benue stakeholders as part of efforts to end the recurring violence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Faluyi urges Registrars to uphold academic integrity

Faluyi urges Registrars to uphold academic integrity

265 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Milicent Ifeanyichukwu

 

The immediate past Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Mrs Olubunmi Faluyi, has urged university registrars to uphold academic integrity and not compromise educational standards.

 

 

 

Faluyi made this call during her presentation at the Trinity University Registry Lecture Series held on Thursday at the City Campus in Yaba.

 

 

 

The event, with the theme ‘Responding to the Dynamics of Change in University Governance: The Strategic Role of the Registrar’, addressed contemporary issues in academic administration.

 

 

 

She noted that maintaining academic integrity is crucial in enhancing education quality and tackling challenges like plagiarism and fraudulent academic institutions.

 

 

 

Faluyi stressed the need for vigilance regarding academic practices, especially concerning institutions both locally and internationally.

 

 

 

She encouraged registrars to develop sustainable strategies that would strengthen university administrative frameworks in line with global best practices.

 

 

 

“Registrars must align with global standards to enhance their institutions’ administrative capacity and respond effectively to emerging governance demands,” she said.

 

 

 

Faluyi highlighted the evolving landscape of university governance, citing policy shifts, technological change, and rising stakeholder expectations.

 

 

 

“The Registry must act as custodian of institutional memory, anchor of regulatory compliance, and enabler of governance reforms,” she added.

 

 

 

She said the Registry’s strategic role ensures continuity, stability, and responsiveness during institutional transformations.

 

 

 

Looking ahead, she described the Registry not merely as an administrative arm but as a key player in shaping university governance.

 

 

 

“Its contribution to a culture of excellence, integrity and responsiveness will be vital in meeting future challenges,” she said.

 

 

 

In his remarks, Trinity University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Clement Kolawole, said the lecture would enrich the institution’s academic and administrative culture.

 

 

 

Kolawole urged government to revisit the policy excluding private universities from benefiting from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

 

 

 

He described the exclusion as a major challenge, noting that private universities also play significant roles in the education sector.

 

 

 

He called on policymakers to review the fund’s eligibility criteria to include private institutions and promote inclusive development.

 

 

 

“Our students are Nigerians, and their parents are taxpayers like those in public universities.

 

 

 

“Including private universities in TETFund would boost infrastructure and research, and ensure fairer resource distribution,” he noted.

 

 

 

He added that this would help raise the quality of education and enhance graduates’ global competitiveness.

 

 

 

In his opening remarks, the institution’s Registrar, Mr David Oyejide, said the event was designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and professional engagement.

 

 

 

He described the lecture as an annual initiative to promote collaboration, spark innovative ideas, and adapt to emerging academic trends.

 

 

 

He added that the event will support professional development and continuous learning among registry staff.

 

 

 

“This initiative reflects our commitment to professionalism, one of our university’s core values,” Oyejide said.

 

 

 

He stressed the vital role administrators play in university growth and policy implementation.

 

 

 

Oyejide described the Registry as the backbone of the institution, ensuring smooth operations and safeguarding academic records.

 

 

 

He said the lecture’s theme was chosen to reflect the evolving responsibilities of registrars in governance reform.

 

 

 

The event was attended by registrars from institutions including UNILAG, YABATECH, and Redeemer’s University. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

WAPA charges Lagos youth on innovation

WAPA charges Lagos youth on innovation

151 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

Mrs Bolaji Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has urged young people to embrace creativity and innovation to thrive in their careers.

 

 

 

She gave this charge on Wednesday during a programme organised by the Ministry to mark the 2025 World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) in Lagos.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WCID, celebrated globally on April 21, raises awareness of creativity’s key role in human development.

 

 

 

Dada emphasised that thinking outside the box fosters a resilient and progressive society, urging youth to apply creativity and innovation in all aspects of life.

 

 

 

She noted that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration continues to invest in skills acquisition and vocational training for women and young people.

 

 

 

“In today’s fast-changing world, creativity is essential — from business to technology — the strength of ideas and original thinking cannot be overstated,” she said.

 

 

 

She described this year’s WCID theme, ‘Harnessing Creativity for Global Progress,’ as both timely and uplifting for the Ministry’s ongoing mission.

 

 

 

The Ministry, she said, aims to empower and transform lives through skill-building, education, and innovation across the state.

 

 

 

“Our skills acquisition centres have become innovation hubs, nurturing ordinary people into exceptional talents,” she added.

 

 

 

Dada called on the private sector, NGOs, and development partners to collaborate with the Ministry to expand platforms for creativity to flourish.

 

 

 

She praised the instructors at the skills centres for their dedication to passing on valuable knowledge and practical skills to their students.

 

 

 

She also encouraged those who showcased their crafts during the training to remain committed and continue honing their skills.

 

 

 

“We are proud to display the remarkable talents of our students in trades like fashion, catering, carpentry, beadwork, and digital technology.

 

 

 

“These young artisans and creatives represent the future we envision — one driven by innovation, inclusion, and economic empowerment.

 

 

 

“We must understand that innovation grows where support, mentorship, and investment are present.

 

 

 

“Let’s equip our youth with tools, opportunities, and confidence to imagine, create, and achieve great things,” she said.

 

 

 

Also speaking, Mrs Joy Ikpea, the resource person at the event, urged youth to distinguish themselves through creativity and innovative approaches.

 

 

 

She described innovation as the country’s “new crude oil” and encouraged young people to tap into its potential to succeed.

 

 

 

“What sets you apart in a crowd doing the same job is your creativity and uniqueness.

 

 

 

“The world isn’t waiting for excuses — it wants to see what you’re doing differently,” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Victor Adeoti / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Ernest Shonekan Centre, NBA-SBL partner for legal reforms

Ernest Shonekan Centre, NBA-SBL partner for legal reforms

157 total views today

 

 

By Adebola Adegoke

 

The Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development (ESC) and the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

 

 

 

The agreement aims to strengthen legal and economic reforms in Nigeria for improved competitiveness and inclusive business growth.

 

 

 

At Thursday’s ceremony in Lagos, both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to a responsive legal environment that boosts investment and economic development.

 

 

 

Mr Kyari Bukar, Chairman of ESC, said the agreement formalises nearly ten years of collaboration between both organisations.

 

 

 

He stated they had consistently shared expertise, held discussions, and launched initiatives to enhance Nigeria’s business landscape.

 

 

 

“This is not merely ceremonial; it solidifies a strategic alliance for legislative, judicial, and regulatory reform supporting economic transformation,” Bukar said.

 

 

 

He described the ESC as a platform for legal reform and economic progress, focused on evidence-based policy, institutional capacity, and regulatory modernisation.

 

 

 

Bukar added that the partnership reflects a shared belief that strong legal frameworks are vital for a competitive economy.

 

 

 

He cited the joint production of an Economic Impact Assessment Report which led to the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER).

 

 

 

That initiative, he said, enabled major reforms like the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Arbitration and Mediation Act.

 

 

 

He added that the collaboration requires courage, consistency, and commitment—qualities shared by both organisations.

 

 

 

Mrs Ozofu Ogiemudia, Chair of NBA-SBL, highlighted the need for sound legal and regulatory systems to attract investment and promote innovation.

 

 

 

She said the agreement marks a major step in creating a better business climate and fostering sustainable economic growth.

 

 

 

“Our country’s progress has long been obstructed by legislative and judicial bottlenecks.

 

 

 

“With this partnership, we begin to tackle those issues directly and systematically,” Ogiemudia added.

 

 

 

She explained the MoU provides a framework for joint advocacy, policy research, and capacity building to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions.

 

 

 

According to her, the alliance will push for better business practices, transparency, and accountability across sectors.

 

 

 

“It includes engaging regulators, identifying legislative gaps, and providing timely insights to policymakers,” she said.

 

 

 

Dr Uchenna Ogbonna, ESC’s Executive Director, noted that the collaboration will ensure legal and business reforms attract foreign investment.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ESC was set up by the NESG in 2023 to promote reforms that improve Nigeria’s business environment.

 

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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