General
Atiku Kicks Against Planned Amendment to PIA 2021
By Adedapo Adesanya
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Atiku Abubakar, has raised alarm over ongoing moves to amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and divest substantial equity in some of Nigeria’s biggest oil joint ventures.
This is as the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Ministry of Finance in a proposed legislation titled The Petroleum Industry (Amendment) Act 2025 have concluded plans to amend the PIA 2021 for the Finance Ministry to take over Petroleum Ministry and NUPRC to replace NNPC as concessionaire, in a bid to “address the escalating fiscal leakage and revenue loss confronting the federation.”
In a statement on Monday, the politician warned that such actions risk undermining national sovereignty and eroding public trust, noting that while he has always supported liberalisation and the revival of state-owned enterprises, including through privatization, any effort in that direction must be guided by transparency, national interest, and long-term strategic value.
“The Petroleum Industry Act was enacted to bring clarity, accountability, and investor confidence to a sector long plagued by opacity. Any attempt to amend its core provisions must be approached with caution and broad stakeholder engagement,” Mr Atiku cautioned.
Reports had emerged of plans to reduce the Federation’s stakes in joint ventures including Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited JV, Oando JV, and Seplat Energy JV.
Mr Abubuakar warned that such moves, if designed to favour select insiders or foreign entities, would compromise Nigeria’s control over its most vital resources.
“The reported plans, especially under terms that appear to disproportionately favour select insiders and foreign entities, risk undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty over its most strategic resources,” he said.
He emphasised that poorly managed divestments could destabilise the oil and gas sector and compromise energy security.
“These moves, if not properly managed, could erode public trust, destabilize the sector, and compromise our energy security,” he warned.
He urged the Federal Government to commit to an open process if it proceeds with privatization.
“Any privatization exercise must be conducted with full transparency, guided by competitive bidding, and subject to rigorous public scrutiny,” the ex-VP said.
According to him, safeguarding the country’s long-term economic stability and ensuring that resource wealth benefits all Nigerians should remain paramount.
“The process must reflect our shared commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic future and ensuring that the benefits of our natural resources are equitably distributed,” he added.
The former Vice President cautioned against what he described as the lure of “short-term gains at the expense of Nigeria’s national interest and long-term national stability.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
