News Agency of Nigeria
FG bold reforms to boost private investment in infrastructure projects
General News

FG bold reforms to boost private investment in infrastructure projects

By Nana Musa

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating private sector participation in infrastructure development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that to this end, it has unveiled a series of reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at closing Nigeria’s multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure gap.

The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, said this at the Chief Executives Officers (CEOs) Roundtable, with the theme “The Future of Infrastructure Funding” in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that the infrastructure deficit estimated at more than three trillion dollars over the next 30 years, which presents a daunting challenge and a historic opportunity for economic transformation.

“The conversation before us is not merely about financing physical assets, it is about financing the future of national productivity, regional integration, and inclusive growth.”

Ewalefoh said that public resources alone could no longer fund the scale of investment required, adding that the future of Nigeria’s infrastructure must rest on innovative, private sector-led, and de-risked financing models that mobilised long-term capital and deliver sustainable value.

According to him, the ICRC is taking decisive steps to strengthen the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework through a new strategic direction anchored on six key pillars.

He said that the six pillars were time bound project delivery, inter-agency collaboration, service delivery optimisation, strategic partnerships, project categorisation, and innovative financing.

‘These pillars reflected the commission’s commitment to regulatory stability, efficiency, and collaboration, ensuring that Nigeria’s infrastructure ambitions were transformed into bankable, deliverable outcomes that drive sustainable development,” Ewalefoh said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s recent policy reforms, notably the project approval thresholds, empowering MDAs to independently approve PPP projects below N20 billion, subject only to obtaining ICRC’s compliance certificate as a key prerequisite.

“This reform is not just an administrative adjustment, it is a strategic signal of trust and partnership.

“It will enable faster decision-making, decentralised implementation, and greater responsiveness to investor timelines,” he said.

Ewalefoh said that sustainable infrastructure funding would depend not only on capital availability but also on institutional credibility, policy coherence, and disciplined implementation.

He urged closer collaboration among government agencies, private investors, and development partners to create a flexible and inclusive financing ecosystem, that connects domestic pension and insurance funds to viable infrastructure assets through innovative risk-mitigation tools.

The director-general also acknowledged the critical role of development finance institutions and multilateral agencies such as the African Development Bank (AFDB) in catalysing investment through blended finance and guarantees.

“The task before us is unmistakably clear to translate our infrastructure aspirations into tangible, financeable, and deliverable outcomes that strengthen investor confidence and secure a resilient, prosperous future for our nation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese Erica William

FG, Niger partner on land registration
General News

FG, Niger partner on land registration

By Rita Iliya

The Federal and Niger governments on Tuesday partnered to improve land registration and title processing in the state.

Dr Abdul Husseini, Permanent Secretary, Niger Ministry for Lands and Survey, disclosed this when he received a Federal Government delegation led by Mr Collins Alabi, Director Lands, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Minna.

The delegation is also to inspect the upgrade of equipment at the Niger State Geographic Information System (NGISS) agency in Minna.

The contract for the upgrade of the equipment was recently awarded by Governor Umaru Bago.

Husseini said the visit was to discuss ways to enhance the state’s land titling processing.

“The Federal Government support will enable Niger state to adopt global best practices in land registration and titling,” he said.

Husseini added that the visit was also to assess the state progress in implementing the programme after the minister’s visit to Bago.

According to him, the director is impressed that the state government had already keyed into the project and will be among the leading states when they report back to the minister.

He  highlighted the challenges associated with land registration in the state to include land ownership disputes and the need to train personnel on new technologies.

“Issues of land always comes with issues of land ownership, disputes, among others, training is very important, we are moving into a digital era, people are to be trained on how to use technology,” he said.

In his remarks, Alabi said the land registration and documentation programme had been ongoing for some time and the ministry was committed to upscaling it to attain global best practices.

“We have started this project for a while now, and all the opportunities to upscale it have been available to attain that optimal goal,” he said.

He explained that the purpose of the visit was to sensitise the state government on the project and explore ways to collaborate on the project.

According to him, some states would like to be where Niger is now, adding the governor would be invited to a forum to discuss the project’s progress and future plans. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

FG opens up four new countries for TAC engagement
Foreign

FG opens up four new countries for TAC engagement

By Maureen Okon

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) says it has open up four new countries for Technical Aid Corps (TAC) engagement to bridge both the educational and professional gaps in Africa.

Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director General (D-G) of NTAC, made this known at a media parley to commemorate his two years in office on Friday, in Abuja.

Yakub named the countries as Grenada, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan and Zanzibar.

Yakub said that apart from the four countries requesting for volunteers, NTAC is already preparing some other countries for the TAC programme.

The D-G said that in the last two years, he had introduced a new initiative to help fight illegal migration, which engages young Nigerians to travel through illegal means.

He said that there was an initiative to turn NTAC into a hub for exporting Nigeria’s man-power to countries in need

According to him, such manpower will serve as salary earners in countries in need of their skills and their professional knowledge.

“In the past two years we have open up TAC engagement in Grenada in the Southern Caribbean, and we have Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan and Zanzibar.

“These are the new countries that we have open up relationship with in the past two years.

“We are preparing to deploy volunteers to these countries. But until we deploy to these countries we will not put them in our radar.

“Another new initiative is to turn NTAC into a hub for the export of our man-power not only for free but for money.

“This was done side by side with our agency’s operation and the soft power diplomacy of President Bola Tinubu,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri

FG sues Sowore, Facebook, X, for allegedly cyberbullying President Tinubu
Judiciary

FG sues Sowore, Facebook, X, for allegedly cyberbullying President Tinubu

Suit
By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal Government, on Tuesday, sued a politician, Omoyele Sowore, for allegedly cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.
The FG, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025 also joined Mata (Facebook) Incorp. and X Incorp. as defendants at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The criminal charge dated Sept. 16, was filed by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the five-count charge, Sowore, the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, was alleged to have made a false claim against the person of the President by referring to him as “a criminal.”
The charge was filed few days after an earlier request by the Department of State Services (DSS) for the pulling down of the post on Facebook and X, the former Twitter, allegedly used by Sowore for the defamatory message.
Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019 and 2023, in the charge is accused of contravening the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count one of the charge alleged that Sowore, on or about Aug. 25, did use his official X handle page, @Yele Sowore, to send out a message/tweet.
The message is said to be, “THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!,”
The message, which he knew to be false, was posted “for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order in the country, especially among individuals, who hold divergent views on the personality of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).”
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, among other counts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG frees 1,600 women from obstetric fistula burden, says NHIA
Health

FG frees 1,600 women from obstetric fistula burden, says NHIA

Women
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

No fewer than 1,600 women suffering from obstetric fistula have undergone free surgeries under the Federal Government’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Fistula-Free Programme (FFP).

Dr Saka Agboola, Head of the Standards and Quality Assurance Unit at NHIA, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Monday.

He explained that the government initiative aims to provide free surgeries, rehabilitation, and health insurance coverage for women affected by obstetric fistula.

“The government recognized that the number of fistula treatment centres in the country was very limited, which is why we have increased the number to 18 centres nationwide. Through this initiative, over 1,600 fistula cases have been successfully treated,” he said.

Agboola also noted that Nigeria is committed to improving the health outcomes of the estimated 400,000 women living with obstetric fistula by reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.

NAN reports that fistula is an abnormal opening that connects two organs or vessels that should normally be separate.

Obstetric fistula, specifically, occurs between the vagina and the bladder (vesicovaginal fistula) or the vagina and rectum (rectovaginal fistula), often resulting from prolonged labor without access to proper medical care.

Agboola said that developing countries bear the highest burden of obstetric fistula, with approximately 1 million cases globally.

He added that through this programme, patients are not only saved from physical and emotional pain but are also supported financially with coverage for feeding, transportation, and stipends.

(NAN)
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Bayo Sekoni

FG distributes agricultural inputs to farmers in Niger
Agriculture

FG distributes agricultural inputs to farmers in Niger

By Rita Iliya
The Federal Government has inaugurated the distribution of agricultural inputs to small-scale farmers in Niger as part of efforts to boost food production and security in the country.

Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture, disclosed this during the inauguration of the inputs distribution to farmers in Minna on Friday.

He said that the initiative was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which prioritises food security.

“We have declared food security as a national state of emergency and we are committed to transforming the agriculture sector to make food available, accessible and affordable to all Nigerians,” he said.

Abdullahi disclosed that the inputs being distributed includes, herbicides, cocoa fertilizer, fungicide, knapsack sprayer, growth enhancers and tomato seeds.

Others were power tiller and water pumps, which would be given to farmers through commodity associations, cooperative groups, farmers with special needs and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He said the ministry had rolled out programmes and projects to address challenges facing farmers and make food available, accessible and affordable.

According to him, the ministry was committed to ensuring that all sectoral programmes and initiatives are aligned towards actualising the presidential priority of food security.

The minister expressed optimism that the initiative would improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security and contribute to poverty reduction.

In his remarks, Dr Marcus Olaniyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the Tinubu-led administration has promised to use all available mechanisms to make food available at an affordable price.

He disclosed that at least 35 per cent of the inputs were targeted at women farmers in line with the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger commended the federal ministry of agriculture for choosing Niger as a pilot state to launch its all-around agricultural initiative.

He said that the initiative would support small-scale farmers and promote self-sustenance and self-reliance.

Bago, however, announced that Niger would launch a pilot scheme for two million women in agriculture in 2026.

He said participants would be given chickens, goats, sheep and crops to rear to support their livelihoods.

He listed Niger agricultural achievements to include the exporting of 2.2 million dollars worth of sesame seeds in 2025 through the Nigerian Women Police Cooperative in Farming and disclosed plans to set up sesame processing centres.

The governor said the state would revive the Cooperative Bank of Niger state with N2 billion, adding that it would be a microfinance bank for agriculture to ease the burden of interest rates. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

Tinubu’s reforms, bold, fruitful – D-G SEC
Defence/Security

Tinubu’s reforms, bold, fruitful – D-G SEC

Convocation

By Mohammad Tijjani

The Director-General General (D-G) of the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, says the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu will significantly stabilise and develop the Nigerian economy.

He stated this on Wednesday in Kaduna at the Nigerian Defence Academy’s (NDA) 23rd Convocation Lecture titled ‘Pathway to Economic Prosperity for a Public Server in a Deregulated Economy’.

The lecture was part of the activities lined up for the graduating Cadets of 72 Regular Course and Post-Graduate students of the military academy.

Agama said Tinubu had initiated bold and transformative reforms across key sectors in order to lay a solid foundation for inclusive growth and long-term sustainable development of the country.

Agama said, ” The government had undertaken several significant macro-fiscal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and the tightening of monetary policy.”

According  to him, through these measures, the country has made notable progress in deregulating key sectors of the economy.

“The bold decision to eliminate Nigeria’s long-standing fuel subsidy programme on May 29, 2023, was more than a fiscal adjustment.

“It marked a pivotal shift toward a deregulated economy, aimed at reducing fiscal burdens and redirecting public funds to more productive sectors.

“The move signalled the Tinubu administration’s commitment to market liberalization, allowing fuel prices to be determined by supply and demand rather than government control,” he postulated.

Agama also said the government has begun scaling back electricity subsidies by adjusting tariffs, a strategy designed to enhance efficiency and attract private investment into Nigeria’s power sector.

The  director-general said that to  address rising inflation and support the Naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had adopted a tighter monetary policy stance, notably through interest rate hikes.

“These measures are part of a broader strategy to stabilise prices, restore investor confidence, and lay the foundation for a more market-oriented and resilient Nigerian economy.

“Another significant step taken by the CBN was the unification of the country’s multiple exchange rate systems, aimed at simplifying foreign exchange transactions and enhancing transparency in the currency market,” he added.
.

The SEC boss also spoke on the investments opportunities in the capital market and the need for the cadets to invest in order to secure their future.

Agama appreciated the Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, for inviting him to deliver the convocation lecture, saying it was a great opportunity to make the cadets financially literate.

The director-general advised that while officers and men of the military battle to make the nation secure, “it is important they have a scheme behind them to sustain their families.

“I’m grateful to the commandant that we have this ability and this opportunity to make sure that retiring officers do not retire in penury.

“The reason why some retire in penury is because there is some lack of financial education and lack of financial support that could be generated from adequate knowledge of financial products in the capital market.”

Agama explained that the capital market was providing support and condition for the people to live well after retirement.

Earlier, the Commandant, NDA  Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, appreciated the SEC official for the incisive lecture.

.

Ibrahim said the NDA has been providing trainings for the Nigerian Armed Forces since 1964, with a focus on producing well-rounded commissioned officers.

According to him, the academy has adopted the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) requirements to ensure quality and competitiveness in its programmes.

He added that NDA provides intensive professional training, including physical fitness, weapons handling, and tactical manoeuvres, to prepare cadets for the national defence and security challenges.

Ibrahim said the Post-Graduate students undergo programmes in military science, defence and strategic studies, psychology, technology, and national development, aiming to develop students’ critical thinking and research skills.

He said the NDA had bilateral partnerships with foreign military academies, providing opportunities for cadets to complete the final year of their training abroad and enhancing regional defence cooperation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria targets 25% industrial growth by 2035 – Minister
Business

Nigeria targets 25% industrial growth by 2035 – Minister

 
Growth

By Desmond Ejibas

Federal Government says Nigeria has projected a significant rise in industrial contribution to GDP, targeting 25 per cent growth between 2025 and 2035 under a newly validated strategic framework.

Sen. John Owan, Minister of State for Industry, made the remark during a panel session at the ongoing Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Milan, Italy.

The session was themed “Powering Growth and Prosperity in High Potential Economies Through Widened Access to Affordable, Reliable and Flexible Energy.”

Owan said the framework marked a turning point in Nigeria’s industrial policy, describing it as one of the most profound achievements of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“For the first time in decades, Nigeria has a strategic industrial framework. We are determined to grow our economy,” he said.

He explained that the country’s current industrial contribution to GDP stood at about 10 per cent, with plans to raise it to 25 per cent by 2035.

The policy, he added, signaled Nigeria’s shift from a resource-based economy to a productive, competitive and innovative one.

Owan noted that President Bola Tinubu had been a strong advocate of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a tool for powering industries and driving economic growth.

He said that Nigeria’s large population and vibrant youth base positioned it as a key player in Africa’s industrial future.

“Nigeria is ready. Africa is the new frontier, and we are reforming to meet global expectations,” he said.

The minister praised President Tinubu’s reform-minded leadership, citing decisive actions taken on his first day in office, including the removal of petrol subsidy and harmonisation of exchange rates.

He said those bold steps had helped stabilise the economy, with businesses able to access foreign exchange through official channels.

According to him, Tinubu has also been promoting Nigeria as an investment destination during his global engagements.

“There is no better time in our history than now. Nigeria is open and ready for business.

“The global community should engage with Nigeria and Africa due to the continent’s readiness for transformation,” Owan said.

He further described Nigeria as ‘more of a gas-based country than an oil country,’ stressing that energy policy is grounded in available resources and long-term development goals.

He noted, however, that infrastructure gaps had led to significant gas flaring, urging international partnerships to help the country achieve energy sufficiency.

On his part, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy at NNPC Limited, emphasised that gas was central to Nigeria’s economic strategy.

He said that the Tinubu administration had been leveraging gas to deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians.

“Nigeria has over 210.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. We must optimise its development,” he said.

Ogunleye said NNPC was revising the gas master plan to position Nigeria as a sustainable global supplier, noting that projects such as the Train 7 LNG expansion would boost output by 30 per cent.

He added that clarity was being provided on gas sources for potential Train 8 and Train 9 expansions.

The NNPCL executive further highlighted the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project which, he said, was being developed in partnership with Morocco to connect 16 African economies and strengthen Nigeria’s role as a dependable gas supplier.

Domestically, Ogunleye said NNPC had begun supporting gas-based industries to generate jobs and meet investor needs, citing renewed interest from global firms in deep-water gas developments.

“Companies like Petrol Brass, returning as fiscal incentives, have created a competitive landscape.

“This is the best time to invest in Nigeria because the opportunities are vast and the environment is ready,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Gastech conference is one of the world’s largest gatherings, drawing global leaders and investors to discuss sustainable solutions and strategic partnerships. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

FG: Nigeria on path to sustainable power sector
Business

FG: Nigeria on path to sustainable power sector

Power
By Constance Athekame
The Federal Government says Nigeria is on the path to achieving a sustainable power sector and ensuring reliable electricity supply for its citizens.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating a two-storey building comprising five training workshops and a 104-room hostel at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).

Adelabu, who congratulated NAPTIN and the power sector said that the country was moving in the right direction, and would soon attain sustainability in the sector.

The minister noted that the Tinubu-led government was not only committed to the development of the sector but was also converting vision into action.

According to him, Nigerians are already reaping the fruits yielding from the sector adding that: “this administration has witnessed the highest generation of power ever in the history of this country.

“We have seen the highest transmission, stable transmission infrastructure and we have seen improvements in our distribution infrastructure.

“In no time we are going to witness a country where there is 24-7 uninterrupted power supply; this is possible as we have seen the signs,’’ he said.

Adelabu also said that federal government was lighting up universities, teaching hospitals, primary health care centres, institutions, offices, and communities.

According to him, this administration believes that without power, no critical sector can operate optimally.

“This is why the president has chosen power sector as a key driver of other critical sectors in the economy, education, health, aviation and all other sectors.

“This is why we must focus on making this power sector work,’’ he said.

The power minister listed ways to attain sustainability in the sector to include the development of local capacity, such as human capacity to operate an effective industry with less reliance on foreign expertise.

“Another thing we need to add is to develop local content in all segments of the power sector value chain, be it in generation, transmission, distribution,’’ he said.

He said: “Nigeria has what it takes to start manufacturing its own meters, cables, transformers, transmission transformers and batteries.

“We have the brains. We have the people. So, we must be self-reliant, we must be sustainable, and I believe that we are very close to achieving this,’’ he added.

Adelabu said that the inauguration of the projects underscored government’s commitment to developing a highly skilled-workforce capable of addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The Director-General of NAPTIN, Ahmed Nagode, while providing overview of the project, said that it represented the commitment to transform the power sector.

Nagode said that the building was not just an edifice, but would lay the foundation for a brighter future filled with possibilities.

Nagode commended the EU and French Government’s support through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) which provided funding and technical support for the project.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Kevin Okunzuwa

NELFUND: FG disburses N2bn to students across North-West
General News

NELFUND: FG disburses N2bn to students across North-West

FG

By Abbas Bamalli

The Federal Government says it has disbursed N2.086 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to students of higher institutions across the North-West.

Alhaji Mukhtar Lawal-Tsagem, Director, National Orientation Agency, Katsina State Directorate, disclosed this in Katsina on Tuesday, while highlighting the achievement of President Bola Tinubu.

Lawal-Tsagem, who disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation programme, said that the funds were disbursed to about 20,919 students of higher institutions across the North-West States.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise, premised on the North-West milestones, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to him, the Federal Government has made its presence felt at least in the zone at least in the areas of agriculture and security.

Lawal-Tsagem said,  “In Kebbi, wheat farmers in 12 local government areas were supported via the NAGAP programme.

”Ginger Farmers in Kaduna State received N1.6bn support.

“The N2bn Yawuri Water Scheme is one of the infrastructural projects of the Federal Government in the region.

“NELFUND programme where students of higher institutions in the country receive interest free loans that will help them pay school fees and cater for their studies needs.”

The director hinted that one of the major functions of the ministry was to keep the general public informed about the government programmes, activities and policies as well as mobilising them to support and appreciate the same.

Adamu Muhammed, a lecturer at the Department of Public Administration, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, in a paper presentation, said the region should continue to be grateful to the present administration for its laudable project.

“I want to call on them to cultivate goodwill with him and his government so that the region can continue to reap the benefits of this goodwill.

“Reaping the dividends of democracy and for them to also show competitive citizenship.

“It’s not every problem you run to the federal government, you have the local government, state assembly/National assembly members, and the states, but you cannot join your hands together and do it.

“And it is a problem. You have people representing the popular masses at the grassroots being given hundreds of millions every year and they are squandering the money doing nothing”, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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