General
FG, AFC to Fund $1.3bn Alumina Refinery, Two Other Mining Projects
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government, through the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), has signed an investment agreement with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to jointly fund three major mining initiatives, including a $1.3 billion alumina refinery project.
Alumina is a chemical compound extracted from bauxite. It is composed of two elements: oxygen and aluminium. It has wide applications across metallurgy, ceramics, electronics, and chemical processing.
The agreement also covers a comprehensive geoscience mapping exercise and the establishment of a joint strategic investment vehicle to drive exploration and development across the sector.
According to a statement on Sunday by Mr Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the refinery will utilise a modern Bayer-process flowsheet and feature an on-site gas-fired cogeneration plant for steam and power generation.
The ministry said the agreement is the culmination of discussions between AFC and SMDF to co-finance the construction of a $1.3 billion alumina refinery expected to process about one million tonnes of bauxite ore per annum.
“The facility is designed to operate for approximately 20 years at 95 per cent utilisation, with total alumina output projected at 19 million tonnes over its lifespan,” the statement reads.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, described the deal as a landmark transaction that will transform the mining sector and increase its contribution to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Mr Alake said the deal aligns with the ministry’s reform agenda, noting that efforts to modernise the regulatory framework and strengthen the mineral licensing regime have begun attracting significant private capital.
Demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to fast-tracking the investments, the minister said all necessary approvals have been granted to accelerate implementation of the agreement.
He directed relevant agencies under the ministry to ensure seamless processing of permits, titles, and regulatory clearances.
On her part, Mrs Fatima Shinkafi, the Executive Secretary of the SMDF, said the transaction represents the agency’s largest funding project since inception.
“We are very proud and honoured to facilitate this phenomenal milestone, which is quite unprecedented since the inception of SMDF,” Mrs Shinkafi said.
“It is a $1.3 billion CAPEX. SMDF has come of age and can sit here and sign this deal with AFC. I thank the AFC for collaborating with us to boost the value addition policy of my boss, Dele Alake.”
On his part, Mr Farouk Yabo, permanent secretary of the ministry, said the development could position Nigeria more prominently on the global mining map.
The ministry further said the project is projected to be Nigeria’s largest private investment in the mining sector and will contribute about “$1.2 billion to GDP annually, inject over $25 billion into the national economy across its lifecycle, and generate $8 billion in foreign exchange earnings”.
The statement said initial feasibility studies conducted by the AFC and SMDF confirmed the project’s competitiveness and commercial viability, reinforcing efforts to position Nigeria as a globally competitive minerals destination.
“As part of the agreement, both parties will undertake a comprehensive geoscience mapping exercise aimed at generating mineral data, de-risking exploration for investors, and unlocking the sector’s full potential,” the statement further reads.
“AFC and SMDF also agreed to set up a joint strategic investment vehicle to accelerate the development of identified exploration assets across Nigeria, to drive rapid exploration, development, and production of selected exploration leases upon the execution of a successful exploration campaign.”
Mrs Shinkafi signed the deal on behalf of the federal government, while Mr Franklin Edochie, deputy director and head of metals and mining at AFC, signed for the corporation.
The statement added that Mrs Samaila Zubairu, president and chief executive officer of AFC, witnessed the ceremony alongside the minister.
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.
