General
Nigeria Funds 124 Road Projects With N1.1trn Sukuk Sales
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria issued six sovereign Sukuk worth N1.1 trillion ($657.6 million) to finance 124 federal road projects covering over 5,820 kilometres across the six geopolitical zones of the country in 2024.
Sukuk, also known as Islamic bonds, are financial instruments compliant with Islamic tenets that generate returns for investors. They don’t involve interest payments, which are prohibited.
The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Emomotimi Agama, while speaking at the 2nd International Islamic Capital Market Conference in Karachi, Pakistan, a few days ago, said the success rate makes the Islamic Capital Market (ICM) stand out as a resilient and innovative tool for mobilising resources in the country, where funding is needed.
Mr Agama described the issuance of sovereign Sukuk since 2017 as a key pillar responsible for the growth of the ICM in Nigeria adding that these issuances have consistently been oversubscribed, with subscription rates reaching as high as 441 per cent, adding that sub-national and corporate Sukuk issuances are also growing in Nigeria.
Notable examples include Osun and Lagos states, Family Homes Ltd, and TAJ Bank Plc, along with private Sukuk issuances by three other sub-nationals, saying that these instruments have been instrumental in funding school infrastructure, housing and a first of its kind in Nigeria, tier 1 capital for a bank and underscores the versatility of Sukuk as a financing tool.
“Beyond Sukuk, the ICM segment in Nigeria offers diverse investment opportunities. From one registered fund in 2008, the segment currently boasts of 14 registered Halal mutual funds with a net asset value exceeding ₦105 billion as of November 2024. The NGX Lotus Islamic Index tracks 11 Shariah-compliant equities, while Nigeria’s first Islamic Real Estate Investment Trust – ChapelHill N-REIT – highlights the potential of real estate investments.
“The prospects for Nigeria’s Islamic finance industry are underpinned by key growth drivers, both global and domestic. Globally, demographic trends, economic diversification efforts in oil-dependent economies, and regulatory support have spurred demand for Sharia-compliant products.
“Locally, Nigeria’s large Muslim population, government-backed Sukuk initiatives, and growing investor awareness are driving market expansion. Emerging innovations in fintech also present further opportunities for market development. In that regard, the SEC-registered the first Robo advisory firm in the Nigerian Capital Market in 2022. This Robo Advisor is focused on Shari’ah-compliant investments,” he said.
Mr Agama said the success of the ICM in Nigeria is deeply rooted in its strategic focus on infrastructure financing, financial inclusion, and sustainability as the SEC’s engagement with the ICM dates back to 2004, when the SEC joined the Islamic Finance Task Force of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
The SEC boss said this commitment was followed by the issuance of Islamic fund and Sukuk Rules in 2010 and 2013, respectively and later solidified in the Non-Interest Capital Market Master Plan (2015–2025), which outlines a 10-year roadmap for expanding the market’s depth and diversity.
Adopted in 2015 as part of the broader Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan (2015–2025), the Non-Interest Capital Market Master Plan (NICMMP) has been central to the development of the ICM segment in Nigeria. ‘
The document sets out a vision for the Islamic Capital Market – otherwise known as the Non-Interest Capital Market (NICM) in Nigeria – to contribute 25 per cent of total market capitalization by 2025, with Sukuk accounting for 15 per cent.
“The masterplan was further reviewed in 2021, to provide a renewed focus on deepening the ICM, through targeting 50 listings of sharia-compliant products with market capitalisation of at least N5 trillion ($11 billion) by 2025.
“The performance of the NICM Masterplan has been remarkable. Of the 15 initiatives outlined in the roadmap, nine had been fully implemented as of 2022, representing a 70 per cent success rate. Key achievements include improved public awareness, increased retail participation in Sukuk, and the introduction of the Non-Interest Pension Fund (Fund VI) through collaboration with the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
“Another key achievement was the release of guidelines for taxation of Non-Interest transactions, in collaboration with the FIRS. This solved the challenge of double taxation hindering such transactions,” he said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their planned protest in the Federal Capital Territory and instructed workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to return to their duties with immediate effect.
The directive followed an overnight engagement involving labour leaders, the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, and members of the Senate Committee on the FCT.
The meeting, which began late on Monday, stretched into the early hours of Tuesday, culminating in an agreement that led to the unions’ decision to halt the protest action and restore normal activities across FCTA offices.
This comes after Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court issued an interim order restraining the NLC, TUC, and three others from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest.
Ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT and the FCT Administration, Justice Subilim granted an interim order restraining the 1st to 5th respondents and their privies or agents from embarking on strike pending the hearing of the motion on notice, also ordering the 5th-9th defendants who are security agencies to ensure no break down of law and order.
The ex-parte motion, which was filed by the counsel to Mr Wike and the FCTA, Ogwu Onoja, submitted that the Chairman of the FCT council had sent a message of mobilization to members and affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for February 3.
This move, he noted, was in violation of the orders of court, adding that after the ruling of the court on January 27, the order of the court was served on the defendants, same day the NLC and TUC issued a statement to all affiliated unions to intensify and sustain the strike.
The statement jointly signed by both unions directed that the striking workers should resume the strike as the unions’ counsel, Mr Femi Falana, has filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling.
He further pointed out that With the statement, JUAC issued a circular directing all employees to continue the strike.
This position they say is aimed at causing break down of law and order in the Nations capital.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until February 10 for hearing.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, has confirmed the release and safe return of 151 of its members abducted from Iburu community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The abduction, which affected about 177 people, occurred on January 18, 2026. It was initially denied by the Nigeria Police Force and other government agencies, but was later confirmed.
In a statement issued by the Conference Secretary General of the church, Mr Anthony Olusesan Samaiye, it was disclosed that the release of the abducted persons was confirmed through reports from its liaison officers in Kaduna.
According to the statement, Mr Emmanuel Abiodun Adewale Alogbo (JP), described the release as a victory for faith, prayer and dialogue, noting that the breakthrough followed an emergency visit to Kaduna by its leadership and a series of high-level engagements aimed at securing the freedom of the abducted worshippers.
The Cherubim and Seraphim Church expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State government, particularly Governor Uba Sani, for what it described as his commitment to dialogue and the coordination of state resources that contributed to the successful outcome.
Special appreciation was also extended to the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr Sani Liman Kila, and the Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters), Mr Ishaya Jangado, for facilitating engagement between the church and the state government.
The church noted that the incident demonstrated the importance of cooperation between religious leaders and government authorities in addressing security challenges and protecting citizens.
It also acknowledged prayers and support from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), the international community and Christians worldwide.
While celebrating the release, the church said it was mindful of the trauma experienced by the victims and disclosed that its welfare and medical teams had been mobilised to provide psychosocial support and care to the affected members and their families.
The church called for sustained peace in Kaduna State and across Nigeria, urging authorities to continue efforts to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.
By Adedapo Adesanya
As activities for the 2027 general elections begin to take shape, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential poll, Mr Peter Obi, has again ruled out the possibility of contesting as a vice presidential candidate next year, saying he is contesting to be on the ballot.
Speaking ahead of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) election in the Federal Capital Territory, he said, “You see this coming election, support us in AMAC; it will help me. Your support in AMAC is critical to our journey. I am involved and contesting the coming election as number one. When I come back, you will see. I assure you.”
Mr Obi vied for the 2023 presidency on the LP platform, emerging third overall behind Mr Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu.
In December 2025, he defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where his teeming supporters popularly known as Obidients have urged him to only pursue the presidential ticket.
Mr Abubakar, who chose Mr Obi as his vice presidential candidate in the 2019 polls, is also a member of the ADC. The men finished in second and third places, respectively in the last presidential election, which President Tinubu won with 37 per cent of the votes.
Speaking at the campaign venue, Mr Obi emphasised to his supporters the importance of backing the ADC candidate in the AMAC election, noting that their support at the grassroots would go a long way in bolstering his national political journey.
The ADC coalition includes many former allies of Mr Tinubu, including Mr Nasir El Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State; Mr David Mark, a former Senate President who is serving as the National Chairman of the party, and Mr Rauf Aregbesola, a former Osun Governor and currently the National Secretary of ADC.
The party will be hoping to emulate the success of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which was formed by an alliance of opposition politicians (including Mr Abubakar) in 2013 and caused the ouster of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the first-ever defeat of an incumbent Nigerian president in 2015.
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