By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) as it seeks to corner a considerable share in the global halal market valued at $7.7 trillion.

The halal market refers to the global industry that provides products and services that comply with Islamic law. The deal will facilitate investment, technical cooperation, and market access in key sectors like food production, pharmaceuticals, finance, and livestock for Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

According to a statement signed by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the media aide attached to the Office of the Vice President, the deal was signed in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Vice President Kashim Shettima said the agreement is a game-changer that will transform Nigeria into a global halal economic powerhouse.

“This agreement aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda by creating new jobs, attracting foreign direct investment, and diversifying our economy.

“The halal economy extends beyond Muslim consumers. The majority of non-Muslim countries, such as Brazil, Australia, and Thailand, are already leveraging the sector for substantial export growth.

“The agreement will facilitate investment, technical cooperation, and market access across key sectors, including food production, pharmaceuticals, finance, and livestock for both countries.”

The Deputy Chief of Staff represented Mr Shettima to the President, (Office of the Vice President), Mr Ibrahim Hadejia who said, “This collaboration is an important step in our ambition to not only tap into the lucrative halal market but to establish Nigeria as a leading global player.

“We are committed to leveraging this collaboration to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and diversify our economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The pact was executed with HPDC, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fahad Alnuhait, in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, Mr Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi; Chairman of the Makkah Halal Forum’s Organizing Committee, Mr Fawaz bin Talal Al-Harbi, and Chairman of Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Abdullah bin Saleh Kamel.

At the event, the Special Assistant to the President on Export Promotion, Mr Aliyu Bunu Sheriff said the agreement builds on Nigeria’s growing Islamic finance sector, which has seen success through Sukuk bonds for infrastructure financing and the establishment of Islamic banks like Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, and Lotus Bank.

Mr Sheriff explained that the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) will support the initiative through capacity building, regulatory framework development, and financing opportunities.

“This agreement aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda by creating new jobs, attracting foreign direct investment, and diversifying our economy.

“The halal economy extends beyond Muslim consumers. Non-Muslim majority countries like Brazil, Australia, and Thailand are already leveraging the sector for substantial export growth,” he noted.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has accused the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio, of s3xually harassing her, claiming her refusal to play ball with him led to constant victimisation at the parliament.

She made this allegation while speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Friday morning, saying this started in December 2023.

According to her, during a visit to Mr Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom State with her husband and other senators for his birthday celebration, the Senate President held her hand while showing her around his home, made inappropriate advances towards her.

While recounting her ordeal with the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, she said, “It all started the day before his birthday and my birthday because we are birthday mates.

“We were all in Akwa Ibom. At first, we were in his house at Ikot Ekpene. Then we all went to his house in Uyo, then he held my hands, walking around from room to room, he showed me the beautiful interiors.

“He got to this particular sitting room and asked me if I liked his house. I said of course, Sir, every room is beautiful, beautiful taste, and he said, now that you are a senator, I am going to create time for us to come create quality moments here. You will enjoy it. At that point, I just pulled away because I didn’t understand what he meant.”

She claimed that because she refused the romantic relationship, the former Minister began to torment her, leading to an outburst at the plenary last Thursday.

Recall that last Thursday, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was changed and after she attempted to challenge this, Mr Akpabio ordered the sergeants-at-arms to evict her from the chamber and prepare her immediate suspension from the Senate.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

On Friday, February 28, 2025, 35 members of the 40-member Lagos State House of Assembly were at the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of a case brought against the parliament by the former Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.

On January 13, 2025, 36 members of the Assembly impeached Mr Obasa while he was in the United States of America (USA) and elected his deputy, Mrs Mojisola Meranda, to replace him.

Mr Obasa was not happy about this, filing a suit to challenge his removal from office because he claimed it was illegal.

On Thursday, he made his first appearance at the Lagos Assembly after his impeachment accompanied by heavily-armed security operatives.

At the hearing of his suit today, the 35 lawmakers loyal to Mrs Meranda were in court to show support for her.

In the application dated February 12, 2025, and filed by his lawyer, Mr Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), the plaintiff claimed that he was removed from his position on January 13, 2025, by 36 lawmakers while he was out of the country.

At the time of filing this report, the lawmakers had taken their seats in preparation for the hearing.

The new Speaker is being represented by Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Mr Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Mr. Muiz Banire (SAN), Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), Dr Dada Awosika (SAN), Prof. Dayo Amokaye (SAN), Mr Mofe Oyetibo (SAN), Mr Olumide Oyewole and Mr Wunmi Okeremi.

Meanwhile, the House, through a statement issued by its spokesman, Mr Steve Ogundipe, on Friday, has condemned what it described as an invasion on Thursday, saying, “The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to bring to the attention of Lagosians, Nigerians, and the global community an incident that occurred on Thursday, involving an unsanctioned attempt to convene a plenary session by the former Speaker, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, alongside three members.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority.

“None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only 5 out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect.

The statement added that the House remains steadfast in upholding the integrity of the legislature and is committed to maintaining the highest parliamentary standards.

“As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance.

“Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of the Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who continues to demonstrate dedication to the service of Lagosians. Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues,” the statement said.

The House said it aligns with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in working towards a constructive resolution of misunderstandings adding that the House will continue to work in the interest of Lagosians.