By Adedapo Adesanya

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 11 individuals, including seven Chinese nationals, for engaging in illegal mining of ilmenite in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Ilmenite, the mineral allegedly mined illegally, is a key source of titanium and is in high demand globally for use in aircraft manufacturing, paints, and electronics.

According to the EFCC, the suspects were apprehended at Emem-Asuk community, where they were reportedly operating two unauthorized mining sites.

The group was caught while setting up equipment at a second location, having already begun the illegal extraction of ilmenite, at their first site.

Those arrested included Chinese nationals Yang Chaobao (32), Zhong Dun Yi (33), Cheng Jiang (35), Zhong Dun Long (37), Pan Peiming (33), Lai Yiping (37), and Zhu Lekun (35). Their Nigerian collaborators are David Israel (18), Jonah Bartholomew Jim (24), Samuel Samuel Timothy (20), and a female interpreter, Comfort Gabriel Ajaga (23).

In her statement to investigators, Ms Ajaga, the only female suspect, claimed she had no direct role in the mining operations.

“I am a student studying Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State. I only work with them as a translator,” she told EFCC operatives.

Preliminary findings indicate the suspects lacked the requisite permits or licences to carry out mining operations at either location.

The EFCC says the arrests are part of its ongoing efforts to clamp down on economic sabotage and environmental crimes in Nigeria’s extractive industries.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” the EFCC said in a statement posted on X.

This development underscores growing concerns over the influx of illegal mining operations in Nigeria, often run by foreign syndicates with local collaborators, leading to revenue losses and ecological degradation.

The EFCC has stepped up efforts to enforce the laws against illegal mining as part of a wider national effort to curb the activity.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The chief executive of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc, Mr Temi Popoola, has joined others to celebrate the chairman of Choice International Group (CIG), Ms Diana Chen, on her birthday.

Mr Popoola described the business magnate and philanthropist as “a powerful bridge-builder whose life reflects the influence of networks built on trust, loyalty, and shared vision.”

Speaking at a high-level panel session held in her honour, the NGX Group chief praised Ms Chen as a living testament to the impact of purposeful connection, reflecting on the enduring power of relationships and networks in leadership and legacy-building.

He emphasized that in Africa’s evolving economic and social landscape, success is not just measured by milestones or material wealth, but by the quality of one’s relationships and ability to empower others.

“In a world that is constantly changing, one thing that remains timeless is the strength of your relationships and the quality of your network. These connections are the true capital that sustain us, both in business and in life,” he said.

Mr Popoola also reflected on the power of mentorship, sharing personal insights and stories from Nigerian students in China whose lives have been positively shaped by Chief Chen’s work.

“There’s a kind of calmness, clarity, and drive that comes from living with purpose,” he added, noting that, “Mentorship is not always structured; often, it is embedded in how people feel seen, supported, and guided.”

He stated that true leadership is about intentional impact, shaping people and systems through vision, service, and relationships that endure.

In a country like Nigeria, where challenges often intersect with opportunity, he said leaders must be grounded in purpose and committed to lasting influence.

Ms Chen has consistently championed a model of growth that blends commerce with community, and industry with identity.

In Nigeria, her vision is most evident in sectors such as mobility, renewable energy, education, and public infrastructure, where CIG is actively helping to redefine the landscape of industrial development.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Power distribution companies (Discos) are still falling short when billing customers despite receiving more electricity for distribution, according to the latest report released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

An analysis by Business Post on the May 2025 factsheet shows that while Discos received 2,774.49 GWh of electricity, which translates to a 5.80 per cent increase compared to April, and billed out 2,255.51 GWh, billing efficiency dropped by 2.01 percentage points, settling at 81.29 per cent.

This means nearly 19 per cent of the electricity distributed to consumers remains unbilled, compounding the financial woes in the power sector.

Billing efficiency reflects the ratio of energy billed to the total energy received by Discos. The decline indicates that a significant portion of the energy supplied is either not recorded, lost, or distributed to customers without proper metering, all of which contribute to revenue loss.

The data from NERC during the review month also showed that out of the N261.82 billion billed to customers in May, only N191.57 billion was collected. This reflects a collection efficiency of 73.17 per cent, down by 4.42 per cent from April.

In terms of revenue recovery, Discos were allowed to collect an average of N116.25/kWh, but they managed to recover only N82.05/kWh, pushing recovery efficiency down to 70.58 per cent, a 7.32 per cent drop from the previous month.

On the billing front, Benin, Ikeja, and Eko Discos led the pack, maintaining high billing efficiencies of 88.73 per cent 87.44 per cent, and 87.62 per cent, respectively.

The factsheet showed that Eko Disco also recorded one of the highest improvements in collection performance, suggesting a solid overall commercial strategy.

On the other end, Yola Disco fared the worst, with a billing efficiency of just 63.45 per cent, and a collection efficiency of 50.59 per cent. Jos and Kaduna Discos also reported worrying figures, showing deep cracks in their billing and revenue structures.

An improvement in Nigeria’s billing and collection efficiency could help mitigate challenges amid efforts to increase power generation and supply.