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AfriHeritage to Unveil Report on Business Environment Reforms, Others

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BECANS Business Environment Reforms

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A report that evaluates the impact of major business environment reforms of the state governments would be unveiled on Thursday, November 25, 2021, by the African Heritage Institution (AfriHeritage).

The report, Business Environment and Competitiveness across Nigerian States (BECANS), is a flagship of AfriHeritage and is being put together to drive economic growth and inclusive development in the country.

The key objective is to produce updated business environment and competitiveness reports for each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.

It supplies to the governments, local and foreign investors, private sector and civil society organisations, and development partners relevant and updated data and statistics for their possible use in planning, monitoring, or evaluating the impact of the business environment and competitiveness reforms at the state level across Nigeria.

A statement from AfriHeritage disclosed that the unveiling would be hybrid with in-person at the Hotel Sunshine, Presidential Road, Enugu and virtual attendance. The event is themed Nigerian Business Environment: Transformation for Investments, Economic Growth and Inclusive Development.

Since its inception in 2006, BECANS has been very instrumental in fostering major business environment reforms by state governments aimed at facilitating enabling investment climates, attracting investments, and promoting robust business activities in Nigeria.

It covers four pillars (benchmarks) and 112 indicators of state-level business environment conditions for private sector competitiveness in Nigeria. The benchmarks are infrastructure and utilities; regulatory services; business support and investment promotion; and security

As a public-private partnership initiative, BECANS collaborators include many organs of government, members of the organized private sector, and external aid agencies and organizations such as Ministry of Budget & National Planning (MBNP); International Development Research Centre (IDRC); Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC); National Bureau of Statistics (NBS); United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI); Small and Medium Enterprises Development of Nigeria (SMEDAN); and the media.

Commenting on the benefits of the BECANS reports, the Executive Director of AfriHeritage, Professor Ufo Okeke-Uzodike, noted that BECANS research is very relevant for Nigeria.

“BECANS focuses directly on the unique contexts and peculiarities of individual states across Nigeria. It ensures that data collated at all levels can potentially bring needed socio-economic transformation and development in Nigeria,” Prof Okeke-Uzodike said.

The executive director explained that the BECANS report “is one of the most trusted sources of data and statistics for planning, monitoring, or evaluating the impact of the  business environment and competitiveness reforms at the state level across Nigeria”.

The BECANS IV report presentation will have notable industry players and policymakers, and academicians will ideate and suggest proactive and achievable solutions for a vibrant business environment and social transformation in Nigeria and interested participants have been asked to register via https://bit.ly/3sZbyWI.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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