Category: News

Africa continues to struggle with its water and sanitation issues, falling behind other regions in addressing this pressing challenge, according to Nicholas Igwe, a member of the Presidential Steering Committee on Sanitation.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Igwe stressed that urgent institutional changes are needed within the continent’s water sector. He argued that the persistent problems with water and sanitation are not due to a lack of money but rather to weak institutional frameworks.

Discussing the funding gap in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Igwe warned that if African governments fail to create conditions that encourage private sector participation, the continent could face worsening social and economic problems linked to inadequate clean water and sanitation services.

Igwe explained that Africa’s water sector is trapped in a cycle of underinvestment—not because capital, technology, or expertise is unavailable, but because governments have not built the institutional structures needed to attract and maintain private investment.

He called for a platform that brings together the private sector, government agencies, civil society, development partners, and other stakeholders to tackle sector challenges and develop workable solutions. “The water sector must undergo a transformation similar to what we have seen in telecommunications, energy, housing, and healthcare,” he said.

Igwe noted that no single institution currently possesses the combination of political support, financial market access, and sector-wide coordination required to drive meaningful change in WASH. He elaborated that political will without financial access leads to unfulfilled commitments, financial access without coordination results in funding mechanisms lacking viable projects, and coordination without accountability yields agreements with weak regulatory protections for investors.

“The platform we need must integrate all three components. No existing institution offers this combination today,” he remarked. He emphasized that Africa’s water crisis should be seen not merely as a technical or financial problem, but as a structural and institutional failure that prevents available resources from reaching communities in desperate need.

The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has issued a strong appeal to political leaders, especially those in the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging them to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians over individual ambitions. During a meeting at his palace in Calabar on Tuesday with a delegation from the APC State Executive Committee, the monarch emphasized that selfishness has no place in governance.

According to the Obong, lasting peace and development can only be achieved when leaders embrace mutual respect, open dialogue, and a sense of responsibility. He praised the APC delegation for recognizing the importance of traditional institutions, noting that the palace remains a beacon of unity and a custodian of Efik cultural heritage.

The traditional ruler also called on politicians to engage in peaceful activities that foster harmony among the people. He reiterated that traditional institutions will always stand as guardians of justice, peace, and societal values, urging all political actors to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes stability.

In his remarks, the state APC chairman, Christopher S. Eta, explained that the visit was aimed at paying homage to the revered throne and strengthening the bond between the party and traditional leadership. He acknowledged that traditional rulers are critical stakeholders in fostering peace, stability, and community development.

Eta further noted that the engagement allowed the party to better understand the role of traditional institutions in politics, governance, and electoral processes. He stated, “We have come to identify with the throne, pay our respects, and acknowledge the crucial role traditional institutions play in maintaining peace and unity. Their contributions to democracy and societal progress cannot be overlooked.”

The Obong expressed gratitude for the visit and assured the APC leadership of the palace’s unwavering support for initiatives aimed at the advancement and stability of Cross River State.

A heated dispute has emerged in Obilonu Autonomous Community, located in Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. The conflict revolves around the alleged bestowal of chieftaincy honors by the community’s traditional ruler, Eze L.O. Uche, despite a court order prohibiting such actions.

Justice Enyinnaya Okezie of an Abia State High Court, sitting in Okpuala Ngwa, issued a restraining order on December 17, 2025. The order barred Eze Uche and two other respondents from granting chieftaincy titles until a substantive application before the court is resolved.

Emeka Chukwunenye, the applicant in the case and a member of the community council, has voiced strong concerns. He alleges that the traditional ruler proceeded to confer chieftaincy titles, thereby ignoring the court’s directive. Chukwunenye filed the suit on behalf of the Council and the Obilonu Town Development Union, Umunneochi LGA.

According to Chukwunenye, the monarch failed to consult the Obilonu Town Development Union before making crucial decisions affecting the community. He claims this disregard for the court order, referenced as Suit No. HIN/FR276/2025, has escalated tensions and violates Article 18 of the Obilonu Community Constitution.

Chukwunenye stated, “The court explicitly instructed that no chieftaincy titles or similar honors should be given to community members without proper consultation with the Council and the Obilonu Town Development Union, as mandated by the community constitution.”

In response, Eze L.O. Uche explained on Tuesday that he only received verbal information about the court order after the five-day period for service had expired. He maintained that the applicant did not provide him with proof of service, making it impossible to halt a previously planned community event abruptly.

The traditional ruler clarified, “The judge directed that I be served proof of service within five days from the order’s date, but he approached me after those five days were over. I never received or signed any document as proof of service.”

Eze Uche also refuted allegations that he excluded his cabinet members from decision-making processes.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for achieving the record as India’s longest-serving elected head of government. In a statement released Tuesday, Tinubu noted that this landmark underscores the deep faith and confidence millions of Indians have placed in Modi’s leadership across three successive electoral victories.

The Nigerian leader praised Modi’s unwavering dedication to public service, national advancement, and his prominent role on the international stage, describing the Indian premier as a source of inspiration for countless individuals globally. Tinubu specifically emphasized Modi’s efforts in strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and India, recalling that Modi is a recipient of Nigeria’s prestigious honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Tinubu, through his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, highlighted that Modi is not only a great friend of Nigeria but also a personal ally he deeply values. He remarked, “Beyond being a great friend of Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi is a personal friend and trusted ally whom I can always count on. Over the years, I have come to deeply admire his wisdom, courage, and commitment to the progress and prosperity of his nation.”

The congratulatory message reflects the enduring partnership between the two nations and Tinubu’s respect for Modi’s leadership style and achievements. Tinubu’s office confirmed that the statement was issued on the day Modi surpassed the previous record, marking a significant milestone in Indian political history.

Effective January 1, 2027, billionaire investor Tony Elumelu, who chairs United Bank for Africa (UBA), will assume the role of chairman at Seplat Energy. The announcement, made on Tuesday, is part of a carefully orchestrated succession plan designed to ensure governance continuity and sustained execution of the company’s ambitious Roadmap 2030 strategy.

Effiong Okon, a seasoned energy executive with over three decades of experience, is set to take over as chief executive officer from August 1, 2026. He will succeed Roger Brown, who will retire on July 31, 2026, after 13 years with the firm, including six as CEO. Brown’s tenure was marked by significant expansion, major acquisitions, and the consolidation of Seplat’s status as a leading independent energy company in Africa.

Elumelu’s appointment is expected to accelerate Seplat’s efforts to grow its upstream and gas operations while advancing Nigeria’s energy transition agenda. In his remarks, Elumelu expressed his honor in following Udoma and leading the company into its next growth phase, emphasizing the alignment of Seplat’s governance and execution culture with his own values. He also pledged to deliver increased value to shareholders and stakeholders.

This development follows Elumelu’s recent acquisition of a 20.07% stake in Seplat for $496 million, signaling his deep commitment to the company’s future.

The Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has called out the Commission’s Managing Director, Mark Okoye, for failing to properly account for N16.6 billion allocated from the 2025 budget.

During an investigative hearing on Tuesday, committee members, led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), expressed dissatisfaction with the financial records submitted by Okoye. They specifically queried a N153 million expenditure for renting a small liaison office in Abuja and N2.5 billion labeled as “implied expenditure.”

Senator Kalu pointed out that according to the Central Bank of Nigeria, only N13 billion of the N16.6 billion released in December remains, meaning N3.6 billion has been spent without proper documentation. “The report you presented is completely unsatisfactory,” Kalu said, voicing the committee’s disappointment.

Other senators, including Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), and Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), also criticized the vague financial report.

In his response, Okoye defended the spending, saying the commission prioritized judicious use of funds. He explained that they avoided awarding contracts exceeding available cash to prevent unfunded liabilities. “Just because the budget is N140 billion doesn’t mean we have that cash. Awarding contracts without funds would be irresponsible,” he argued.

The committee was not convinced. Kalu ordered the SEDC to submit comprehensive records, including contract details, payment proofs, and supporting documents, by September 23. Once reviewed, a date for Okoye’s next appearance will be set.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a one-week deadline to three government agencies — the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) — to present themselves and address unanswered audit queries. This action follows their absence from a scheduled hearing held on Tuesday in Abuja.

During the session, the committee’s secretary informed the chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, that a letter had been received from the Bank of Agriculture, signed by its legal adviser. In the letter, the bank argued that it had already appeared before the committee multiple times between February 2023 and November 2024, and that all previous concerns had been settled with both the committee and relevant government bodies. It requested details of any outstanding issues and asked for at least two weeks to gather necessary documents.

Senator Dankwambo rejected the letter, pointing out that it was not signed by the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer. He emphasized that all official communications regarding committee invitations must bear the personal signature of the agency’s head. He also criticized the bank for failing to send its Managing Director to the hearing despite being summoned to explain unresolved audit matters.

The committee dismissed the request for a two-week extension, insisting that agencies cannot dictate timelines for legislative oversight. Members unanimously resolved that the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture must appear in person within seven days. They asserted that the bank’s claims of resolved issues were inaccurate, as previous audit concerns remain outstanding.

Furthermore, the committee warned that any future correspondence signed by lower-ranking officials rather than chief executives would be disregarded. The absence of NSPMC and REA was also deemed unacceptable, and both agencies were given a final seven-day window to comply.

Several lawmakers expressed concern over a perceived trend of disregard for legislative summons by government bodies. They stressed that audit queries are serious accountability matters that demand prompt responses and should not be ignored. The committee reiterated that its actions are based on reports submitted through constitutional processes and fall within its statutory mandate. Agencies that fail to honor the final notice will face sanctions as provided by law.

Chairman Dankwambo announced that strong letters would be dispatched immediately to the defaulting agencies, detailing the unresolved issues. He warned that failure to appear within one week could result in penalties for obstructing legislative oversight.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) have engaged in a war of words following a spate of violent incidents and shootings in the region. Both parties have called for security interventions and thorough investigations into the matter.

The discord stems from reports of attacks and gunfire in Osogbo, Ede, and Ile-Ife, with the state government, the APC, and the Accord Party presenting differing accounts and pointing fingers at one another.

During a hastily convened press conference in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke decried what he termed as orchestrated assaults by political thugs linked to the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, also known as AMBO. According to a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the attackers moved through neighborhoods such as Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage, and Okefia, leaving several people injured and casualties reported. Adeleke urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and ensure that security agencies hold those responsible accountable.

“At the time of this briefing, multiple residents are feared wounded, and at least one or two fatalities have occurred,” Adeleke stated, emphasizing the need for swift justice. He also expressed growing concern over politically motivated violence in the state and appealed for calm while investigations proceed. Following the briefing, the governor visited injured victims at the Osun State Teaching Hospital and the Cottage Hospital in Ede, pledging government support and reiterating his administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property.

In response, the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council dismissed the governor’s allegations and instead accused supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party of instigating attacks on APC members and their campaign materials. A statement from the council’s media head, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, claimed that APC campaign buses were vandalized in the Owode-Ede area, leaving many supporters hurt. The council called on Adeleke to rein in what they described as his party’s political thugs, warning that failure to do so could plunge the state into deeper insecurity. They also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other security bodies to probe the attacks on their supporters and property.

Meanwhile, the Accord Party, through its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, alleged that armed thugs affiliated with the APC campaign opened fire in parts of Osogbo and Owode-Ede, resulting in deaths and injuries. The party demanded a comprehensive investigation by security agencies to identify and prosecute all perpetrators of the violence.

The Nigerian Presidency has emphasized that the security partnership with the United States is fundamental to the fight against terrorism and banditry within the country. This assertion was made by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, during an X Space session held on Tuesday.

Dare highlighted that intelligence sharing, collaborative security efforts, and joint counterterrorism operations between the two nations are essential for dismantling insurgent groups and criminal networks operating across the region. He reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to restoring peace, protecting lives and property, and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity from both internal and external threats.

The growing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States reflects a mutual commitment to addressing security challenges through coordinated actions, capacity building, and intelligence-driven operations. Dare also voiced concerns about the rising prevalence of misinformation and fake news on digital platforms, warning that such false narratives could undermine national security and public trust. He cautioned that unverified information has the potential to fuel social tensions, incite unrest, and cause unnecessary panic among citizens.

“The deliberate spread of false information can create unnecessary panic, provoke disorder, and threaten national cohesion. Nigerians must remain vigilant and avoid becoming tools in the dissemination of content capable of destabilizing the country,” Dare stated.

Senator Abba Moro, who serves as the Senate Minority Leader and represents Benue South, has voiced profound grief following the brutal killing of several individuals in Apa Local Government Area. Among the victims was Ojama Emie, a health worker, who was reportedly beheaded by armed assailants along the Ikobi-Olegogba road.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Moro described the incident as deeply distressing. He decried the relentless assaults on communities within Benue South, noting that the region continues to endure threats from armed attackers.

Moro expressed dismay that such killings persist despite the presence of security forces. He called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to quell the violence.

The lawmaker affirmed his solidarity with the people of Ikobi and the entire Apa Local Government Area during this difficult time. He urged all levels of government to make the protection of lives and property a top priority.

Senator Moro emphasized that residents deserve to live without fear, sleep peacefully in their homes, and go about their daily activities without the constant threat of attack. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Ojama Emie and all others who lost loved ones, praying for the eternal repose of their souls.