Minister Steps In to Resolve Lower Niger River Industrial Crisis

Chibuzor Emejor

Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, has reiterated his dedication to bringing back peace, stability, and unity within the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) located in Ilorin, Kwara State, after recent labor disturbances occurred inside the organization.

During a stakeholder gathering held to discuss matters in Abuja, Utsev voiced worry about the interruption of activities at the Authority, calling the incident unfortunate considering the vital function of River Basin Development Authorities in promoting irrigation expansion, managing water resources, ensuring food security, and fostering rural economic progress under the framework of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He highlighted that although employees and trade unions possess valid rights to address their complaints, these rights should be pursued via legal and recognized official procedures.

He emphasized that actions involving violence, threats, and hindrance of official responsibilities contradict the principles and moral standards of the Nigerian Civil Service.

The official revealed that the ministry had previously established and sent an investigation group to the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority after signs of increasing unrest inside the organization were reported.

The group was tasked with consulting key stakeholders, conducting an impartial examination of the problems, and proposing actions to restore harmony and enhance institutional resilience.

As stated by the Minister, the findings from the investigation team included detailed suggestions intended to restore confidence, foster workplace unity, and strengthen organizational solidarity inside the Authority.

He mentioned that the suggestions were properly reviewed and endorsed by the ministry, and that execution had begun prior to later events complicating the settlement procedure.

He urged the management, leaders of the labor unions, and employees of the Authority to adopt discussion, shared comprehension, and positive interaction for the benefit of the organization and the country as a whole.

He emphasized once again that achieving food security and sustainable development is impossible in an environment marked by bitterness, confrontation, and unrest.

During her speech, Dr. Emanso Umobong, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, called on government employees to follow the guidelines set for public service and stay dedicated to values such as orderliness, responsibility, and expertise in carrying out their roles.

The head of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Mr. Olumoroti Olushola, stated that claims regarding administrative misconduct, obstruction of accountability systems, and unauthorized use of large machinery—among other accusations directed at the leadership—are baseless.

He stated that every purchasing process was carried out following the guidelines set forth in the Public Procurement Act of 2007, involving representatives from the appropriate ministry.

He also updated investors that various inactive resources, such as large machinery, an animal feed mill, a gari production unit, and a D6 excavator, have undergone restoration and are now functioning properly.

A declaration made on Wednesday by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, stated this.

Members of the river basin team also provided valuable comments during the discussion.

In an effort to promote long-term peace and enhance institutional collaboration, a committee made up of delegates from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, and union members was established to continue engaging with interested parties and support the execution of approved decisions.

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation stated that it continues to be dedicated to promoting equity, proper procedures, and efficient service provision within all its departments and affiliated entities.

The government pledged to keep implementing essential actions to foster workplace cooperation and enhance monitoring systems to avoid such incidents from happening again.

End.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Olukoyede: Governorship Contenders Spend ₦20B–₦30B to Win Elections

Oscar Okhifo

The head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed worries about the increasing role of funds in Nigeria's election system, stating that certain candidates for governor invest anywhere from ₦20 billion to ₦30 billion to win elections.

On Wednesday, during the first session of the High-Level Guest Speakers' Series hosted by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) at the University of Ilorin, Olukoyede stated that this trend has emerged as a significant factor fueling corruption and poses a risk to the nation's democracy.

The head of the EFCC, who gave a speech entitled "Reducing Risks and Engaging Key Stakeholders for Peaceful and Valid 2027 Elections in Nigeria," pointed out that political figures who spend large amounts during elections frequently face demands to recover their costs once they take up positions.

He stated that the high expense involved in running for office leads to the misuse of public money and weakens responsibility, since chosen representatives focus more on recouping their monetary losses than providing effective leadership and public assistance.

Throughout history, campaign expenditures in Nigeria have stayed significant, yet in recent times they have surged to levels experts refer to as "unprecedented."

Opponents claim that conditions have deteriorated partially due to lenient punishments for those who violate election laws, leading many to wonder why no significant political "fall guy" has been established as an example.

Another increasing worry among Nigerians involves the effects of these enormous campaign costs, as numerous people question how chosen representatives might avoid misappropriating government funds following such huge investments to win their positions.

It has been reported that certain candidates resort to selling private assets or securing substantial loans to fund their election efforts, intensifying concerns regarding potential corruption after the elections and the challenges of economic revival.

"The commodification of votes undermines the basis for effective governance as it affects the selection of political leaders. Politicians who secure their positions through financial means tend to prioritize recouping their expenses over acting in the best interests of the people," Olukoyede stated.

The head of the EFCC emphasized the agency's commitment to combat vote-purchasing and various types of monetary incentives that jeopardize the integrity of electoral processes nationwide.

He revealed that the organization had detained multiple individuals associated with vote-purchasing and other election-related violations in past elections, noting that several convictions have already taken place.

As he stated, individuals found guilty of electoral wrongdoing consist of politicians, election workers, and others involved in undermining the fairness of the voting procedure.

He cautioned that not holding those who violate election rules accountable would promote immunity and continue eroding democratic systems, emphasizing that no person should be protected from facing consequences for breaking election regulations.

Olukoyede further stated that the committee intends to use drones and additional technology to enhance monitoring and identify instances of vote-purchasing and monetary incentives in the upcoming 2027 national elections.

He called on political groups, contenders, and their followers to concentrate on campaign strategies centered around issues and steer clear of provocative remarks that could provoke conflict before, during, and following the voting process.

The head of the EFCC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), law enforcement bodies, non-governmental organizations, the press, and other relevant parties to enhance cooperation in facilitating free, open, and reliable elections.

Previously, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), characterized electoral fraud as a major obstacle to Nigeria's democratic growth, emphasizing that free and fair elections are essential for national stability, economic advancement, and public confidence in governance.

During his opening speech, Professor G.A. Animasawun, the head of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, stated that the lecture series aims to promote discussion between decision-makers, security specialists, election administrators, and community organizations regarding effective steps to ensure the fairness of the 2027 national polls.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

FJGlobal Launches Jabi Prime Hub: Redefining Urban Living in Abuja

Kazeem Awojoodu

FJGlobal Properties Limited has introduced Jabi Prime Hub, an iconic multi-functional construction initiative aimed at transforming city life, commercial operations, and financial prospects inside Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative, formally launched on April 29, 2026, by the Company's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Femi Joshua, is situated in the renowned Jabi Area of Abuja and is anticipated to emerge as one of the nation's premier comprehensive projects.

Commenting on the project, Dr. Joshua referred to Jabi Prime Hub as a contemporary live-work-play environment integrating housing units, workspaces, shops, hotel services, and recreational features all under one roof.

As he explained, the project aims to create a setting where locals, business owners, experts, and financiers can reside, earn a living, operate companies, and grow their assets within a well-located city center.

Located in Jabi, one of Abuja's top residential and business areas, this development offers easy access to major spots like Maitama, Wuse, Utako, and the Central Business District, appealing to both companies and individuals looking for a place to live.

Dr. Joshua revealed that after its launch, the initiative moved into the mobilization and preliminary construction stage, with large-scale building set to begin in July 2026.

He mentioned that the project is anticipated to finish between 18 and 24 months, with an estimated completion date of mid-2028, pending approval from regulators and meeting key construction targets.

The initiative aims to advance Abuja's urban development strategy by encouraging cohesive urban lifestyles, boosting economic expansion, generating job prospects, and drawing in both domestic and overseas investments within Nigeria's property market.

As per the company, Jabi Prime Hub aims to offer premium living and business areas tailored for professionals, startups, corporations, individuals with moderate incomes, those with higher-middle incomes, and investors looking for safe, valuable property investments.

When discussing the idea behind the project's creation, Dr. Joshua mentioned that it was driven by the increasing worldwide interest in combined living spaces where homes, businesses, and leisure areas operate together in a single organized setting.

He mentioned that the model could assist in overcoming transportation difficulties, enhance living standards, boost business efficiency, and promote more robust economic neighborhoods.

Spanning around 37,000 square meters of valuable real estate, the project will include an eight-story building with a mix of uses, comprising 52 living residences, high-end workspaces, over 20 business and shop areas, leisure amenities on the roof, roughly 85 car spots, and up-to-date utility systems.

The organization stated that the main aim is to establish an exceptional location offering residential satisfaction, business efficiency, ease of living, and environmentally responsible financial gains all within one project.

The Jabi Prime Hub marks a significant achievement in the expansion of FJGlobal Properties Limited, functioning as the firm's leading integrated development initiative.

Although the company has built a strong presence in real estate investing, property buying, development consulting, and effective property promotion, it referred to Jabi Prime Hub as its initial major integrated project of such scale.

In order to achieve effective implementation, FJGlobal Properties has brought together a group of seasoned experts whose skills cover areas such as engineering, building, project coordination, architectural design, and property development.

Dr. Joshua highlighted that Jabi Prime Hub goes beyond being just a property development, calling it the basis for a new type of fully connected urban neighborhoods aimed at encouraging investment, creativity, efficiency, and long-term economic expansion.

He emphasized again the company's dedication to crafting creative property strategies that generate lasting worth for investors, enterprises, and local areas, simultaneously playing a significant role in reshaping Nigeria's housing market.

FJGlobal Properties Limited is a real estate investment and construction firm dedicated to providing eco-friendly housing options via carefully situated developments that merge solid financial strategies with contemporary city planning methods.

Instead of keeping residential, business, and leisure areas apart, Jabi Prime Hub combines them within a thoughtfully designed setting.

The aim is to enhance living standards, alleviate transportation difficulties, encourage commercial development, and build more robust economic neighborhoods.

At the core of the initiative lies a plan to develop a cohesive city neighborhood that can foster living satisfaction, business efficiency, opportunities for social engagement, and environmentally responsible economic expansion.

The initiative aims to cater to a wide range of groups, such as professionals, business owners, companies, individuals with moderate incomes, those with higher middle-class earnings, institutional fund managers, and Nigerians living abroad who are looking for safe investment options within the country's real estate sector.

"Additionally, this progress is anticipated to boost economic activities in Jabi and surrounding areas via more active trade, prospects for business growth, and greater investments," said Dr. Joshua.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Edo Prioritizes Security: Deploys 1,000 Forest Guards to Protect Communities

Francis Onoiribholo

Due to the present state of instability within the nation, the Edo State administration announced on Wednesday that they will place safety concerns at the forefront of their agenda.

In response to the present security conditions within the state, Commissioner of Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, stated that the state administration is actively working to address instability without taking a passive approach.

During a combined media conference with the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and the Commissioner of Transportation, Saturday Iyalekhue, Ebea mentioned that more than 1,000 forest rangers have been sent out to protect local areas as part of efforts to address security challenges within the state.

He mentioned that the state government has hired 500 forest rangers to protect the areas of vegetation throughout the state, and the federal government has recently authorized an extra 500, bringing the total to 1,000.

As per Ebea, their headquarters will be located in rural areas to safeguard farmers. He mentioned that staff members will be stationed at problematic locations along the borders of neighboring states.

He mentioned that the state government has recently found out that some young people in the state are now helping herders kidnap locals from the area.

He stated, 'The government has also clearly indicated that they are targeting those involved, and anyone caught will face persecution.'

He also mentioned that the state government has employed 300 members of the Edo State Security Network in every one of the 18 local governments, resulting in an overall count of 5,400 personnel across the state.

The official stated that certain murders occurring in the state are driven by drug-related activities. He mentioned that authorities are pursuing those responsible and that anyone apprehended will face legal consequences.

Ebea stated that to effectively safeguard the state, Senator Monday Okpeholo's administration is working alongside security personnel to thoroughly inspect every part of the region.

He urged the general public to provide security forces with information that could result in the apprehension of criminals, noting that submitting such details directly at their doorstep is handled efficiently.

Earlier, Afegbua stated that Governor Okpebholo is committed to expanding development throughout the state, emphasizing that no local government area will be excluded.

From his side, the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Saturday Iyalekhue highlighted several accomplishments of his department, among them the ban on unapproved vehicle loading. He mentioned that this measure has provided comfort throughout Benin City, the state’s capital.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Heirs Insurance Surpasses 3 Million Customers with Assets Soaring to N136 Billion

An image showing a group photo of HIG Group's executive management, featuring Mr. Niyi Onifade, the Sector Head, positioned in the center, taken at a press event held in Lagos on Monday.

The Heirs Insurance Group (HIG) has become one of the quickest expanding entities in Nigeria's insurance sector, accumulating over three million policyholders in just five years since launching, highlighting rising popularity of insurance services among locals.

This significant achievement occurs alongside increased initiatives from service providers aimed at expanding insurance coverage in a region that continues to be significantly underserved, even with its large population and strong economic prospects.

At a press briefing organized in Lagos to mark the organization's five-year milestone, Niyi Onifade, the Managing Director and CEO/Division Head of Heirs Insurance Group, revealed that the firm has achieved substantial progress in critical metrics such as client recruitment, claim processing, asset expansion, and financial success.

He stated that the Group settled claims surpassing N21 billion in 2025, with overall assets reaching N136 billion. The profit for the fiscal year amounted to N7.5 billion, indicating the company's growing presence in both life and general insurance areas.

Market experts consider swift claim settlements essential for rebuilding trust within Nigeria's insurance industry, where worries about late or unprocessed payments have traditionally led to limited customer interest.

Onifade stated that the Group's development path has been fueled by swift market growth, robust digital systems, client-centered products, and an intentional approach designed to change views about insurance within the nation.

He pointed out that the company has always focused on timely claim payments as a way to address the lack of confidence present in the insurance industry, emphasizing that settling claims continues to be key to its approach towards customer value.

In addition to financial success, the Group remains committed to making significant investments in technology and digital advancements as part of initiatives aimed at increasing access to finance and enhancing user satisfaction. This approach led the company to be acknowledged by Nairametrics as among the leading three digital pioneers within Nigeria's insurance sector.

The organization has lately reinforced its tech-focused strategy through the introduction of Prince AI, an internal artificial intelligence assistant created to improve client interaction and support services.

In the future, Onifade mentioned that the Group plans to utilize its present momentum to establish a lasting insurance brand able to maintain growth over time while promoting wider industry expansion.

He stated that preparations are being made to extend activities outside Nigeria into additional African regions, enabling the Group to capitalize on new prospects throughout the continent's insurance sector.

"Every action we take considers its effect on the customer's life. Having safeguarded more than three million lives, we aren’t focused solely on today. We’ve established a structure aimed at maintaining this leadership, promoting broader market adoption, and setting the standard for insurance quality over the next half-century," he stated.

The firm's expansion capabilities have drawn global attention. In recent times, the Financial Times listed Heirs Life Assurance as the seventh top-growing business in Africa, with Heirs General Insurance securing the 41st position among the continent's leading fast-expanding companies from every sector.

The presentation emphasizes the growing impact of technological advancements, consumer-focused creativity, and effective claim handling in fostering expansion inside Nigeria's developing insurance sector.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

ECN Partners in Cogeneration Drive for Nigeria's Energy Future

Chibuzor Emejor

The Nigerian Energy Commission (ECN) has formed a collaborative agreement with RSE Engineering Nigeria Limited to speed up the adoption of combined heat and power systems within major economic areas, as part of initiatives aimed at boosting energy reliability, increasing manufacturing efficiency, and advancing Nigeria's shift toward sustainable energy sources.

The collaboration was established with the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, where the Director-General and CEO of ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, referred to the deal as a significant move towards promoting creative and eco-friendly energy options aimed at meeting Nigeria's increasing power needs.

The agreement emphasizes the advancement and implementation of combined heat and power (CHP) technology—a very effective energy solution that produces both electrical power and usable thermal energy from one fuel source.

At the signing event, Dr. Abdullahi stated that the collaboration highlights ECN's dedication to utilizing key partnerships to advance changes within the energy industry, facilitate technology exchange, enhance skills training, and promote long-term economic progress.

"Today's agreement represents yet another important step forward in the Commission's dedication to promoting Nigeria's energy industry via collaborative efforts, technological advancement, skill enhancement, joint research initiatives, and environmentally friendly power options," he stated.

He stated that the collaboration corresponds with Nigeria's Energy Transition Strategy and backs important national goals such as energy variety, better energy effectiveness, increased energy availability, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

He pointed out that the Energy Commission, serving as the top governmental body tasked with strategic energy planning and policy alignment, acknowledges that the nation's intricate energy issues necessitate collaborative efforts among government departments, private industry players, academics, financiers, and international collaborators.

"The memorandums of understanding signed today demonstrate our commitment to establishing robust collaborations that will significantly aid national growth and support the execution of Nigeria's energy transformation goals," said Abdullahi.

According to the agreement, ECN and RSE Engineering will work together in various key fields such as policy creation, regulatory assistance, identifying and advancing projects, showcasing and verifying technologies, enhancing capabilities, sharing expertise, and encouraging investments.

The collaboration aims to assist the Federal Government in enhancing the use of Nigeria's plentiful natural gas reserves, decrease reliance on diesel-based power production, cut down energy expenses for businesses, and improve electrical availability for essential facilities.

For RSE Engineering, this partnership offers a chance to bring established European energy technologies to Nigeria, simultaneously fostering domestic industry growth and employment opportunities.

At the event, the Managing Director of RSE Engineering Nigeria Limited, Ms. Olena Nedryhailo, characterized the collaboration as something more than just implementing technology.

"This agreement goes beyond technology. It focuses on collaboration, energy stability, economic growth, and developing real-world solutions for Nigeria's future," she stated.

She stated that ECN's acknowledgment of the company's combined heat and power technology confirms its ability to provide dependable electrical, thermal, and refrigeration services at much greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional energy systems.

We take pride in ECN acknowledging the promise of our combined heat and power technology to provide dependable electricity, refrigeration, and warmth through improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

"Collectively, our objective is to assist in achieving national energy targets, build regional expertise, generate employment opportunities, and introduce environmentally friendly energy options for significant initiatives throughout Nigeria," Nedryhailo stated.

As she stated, the deal follows a previous Memorandum of Understanding entered into with Nigeria's Ministry of Industry in December 2025 and demonstrates increasing trust in the technology's potential to support the nation's energy outlook.

She revealed that the holding company of RSE Engineering, located in the Czech Republic, has effectively implemented combined heat and power (CHP) and modular energy systems across multiple nations, providing efficient and dependable decentralized electricity generation options.

Our aspiration is that Nigerians will utilize these co-generation systems to establish power stations and contribute to addressing the energy crisis in Nigeria.

"We have come to exchange experiences from Ukraine and Europe with Nigeria," she stated.

Combined heat and power technology is seen worldwide as among the most effective methods for generating energy, with total efficiency reaching as high as 90% through the simultaneous production of electrical power and usable thermal energy from a single fuel input.

This technology is highly appropriate for sectors such as industry, healthcare institutions, air travel hubs, agricultural processing areas, business complexes, and various high-energy consumption environments.

Among the anticipated advantages of the ECN-RSE collaboration are better electrical stability, decreased operating expenses for companies, greater manufacturing strength, fewer carbon dioxide emissions, more effective use of native natural gas assets as part of Nigeria's Gas Decade program, along with the growth of regional technical expertise and job creation.

Additionally, addressing the gathering was Mr. David Hohiia, the Second Secretary for Economic Matters at the Ukrainian Embassy, who emphasized Ukraine's efforts in ensuring energy stability amid substantial difficulties affecting its electricity network.

He mentioned that Ukraine's knowledge of modular power systems, combined heat and power facilities, and eco-friendly energy technologies might offer important insights for Nigeria as it aims to enhance its energy industry.

He stated that decentralized energy systems provide quicker implementation, higher dependability, and enhanced resistance when contrasted with conventional centralized production methods.

The ceremonial event also included the official establishment of collaborations among ECN and 15 additional organizations spanning areas such as renewable energy advancement, energy conservation, waste-to-energy solutions, research endeavors, energy system modeling, efforts toward reducing carbon emissions, compressed natural gas (CNG) facilities, electric transportation, solar farming setups, and strengthening organizational capabilities.

Nevertheless, the ECN-RSE collaboration was notable among major alliances focused on implementing new energy solutions designed to boost Nigeria's industrial development, enhance energy safety, and speed up the nation's shift toward a greener and more environmentally friendly power system.

End.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

NHIA Pushes for Health Insurance on Driver Licenses and Vehicle Records to Boost Crash Victim Care

CHIDI UGWU

The head of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has suggested an alliance with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) designed to enhance urgent medical care for individuals involved in road accidents by incorporating health insurance details into driver's license and car registration procedures.

During a formal visit to the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, Dr. Ohiri suggested the initiative, highlighting that the partnership would enable quick determination of the health insurance details of accident victims and remove the administrative delays typically linked with obtaining urgent medical care.

As stated in a document authored by Osondu Ohaeri, the Deputy Corps Commander, Ohiri, who serves as the Corps Public Education Officer, mentioned that this program aims to guarantee that those affected get immediate medical care without facing monetary barriers during their rescue and treatment.

In response, the Corps Marshal expressed approval of the suggestion and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for naming Dr. Ohiri as Director-General of NHIA, referring to him as "a perfect fit for the role."

He pointed out that the FRSC, serving as the primary authority for traffic control and road safety regulation in Nigeria, continues to support programs aimed at improving the security and well-being of all road users throughout the nation.

The Chief of Staff stated that every FRSC clinic across the country is recognized as a certified medical facility and mentioned that the creation of FRSC Health Maintenance Limited aimed at incorporating the whole road transportation system into cost-effective health insurance.

He stated that the initiative focuses on transportation companies, drivers, and individuals belonging to road transport unions, with an estimated total number exceeding 10 million across the country.

He also mentioned that FRSC maintains a registry containing over 12 million licensed drivers and is open to collaborating with NHIA so that enrolling in health insurance becomes part of obtaining or renewing a driver's license. This partnership, according to him, would ensure better safety, increased availability of emergency medical services, and timely assistance for accident victims regardless of their economic situation during the rescue.

The Chief of Staff also conveyed the Corps' willingness to collaborate with NHIA in integrating National Health Insurance information into passenger lists and other transportation documents, aiming to enhance emergency response systems and improve medical services within the road transport industry.

Emphasizing FRSC's long-term dedication to post-accident assistance, the Corps Marshal pointed out that the organization was the pioneer in Nigeria to create an specialized ambulance system along with emergency medical stations positioned at high-risk accident areas throughout the nation, reinforcing its devotion to protecting lives on Nigerian highways.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).