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P&ID: Fleeing James Nolan Begins Defence, Fails to Call Witnesses

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British national James Nolan

By Adedapo Adesanya

The British national, Mr James Nolan, who jumped bail in the alleged $9.6 billion Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Limited scandal, on Monday, opened his defence in absentia without calling any witnesses.

Mr Nolan’s counsel, Mr Michael Ajara, told Justice Donatus Okorowo of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja that he does not intend to call any witness upon resumed hearing in the matter.

Mr Ajara told the court that after his evaluation of the evidence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prosecution in the matter, he would be relying on the case of the prosecution.

EFCC’s lawyer, Mr Bala Sanga, did not object and Justice Okorowo adjourned the matter until February 15 for adoption of final written addresses.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the anti-graft agency is prosecuting Trinity Biotech Nigeria Limited and Mr Nolan in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/272/2022 as 1st and 2nd defendants in the case.

Also, the commission is prosecuting the sister case marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2022 filed against Resorts Express Concept Nigeria Ltd, another company, and Mr Corrado Fantoli as 1st and 2nd defendants respectively before Justice Okorowo.

Mr Fantoli, also a foreigner and an associate of Nolan, was one of the suspects behind the alleged $9.6 billion P&ID fraud.

The suspect, currently at large, alongside the company, was arraigned in absentia on November 25, 2022, on an eight-count money laundering charge.

He was not present in court or represented by a lawyer when they were arraigned.

The court also declared him wanted and ordered his arrest anywhere he was sighted after Sanga made an application to the effect.

Mr Fantoli and Mrs Giovanna Beccarelli, who had also been declared wanted and an arrest warrant issued against her, were said to be directors and signatories to the company’s Guaranty Trust Bank account number: 0123849451.

Resorts Express Concept Nigeria Ltd and Trinity Biotech Nigeria Limited are two of the over 30 companies associated with the $9.6 billion scam.

Other cases linked to the scandal are currently before Justice Ahmed Mohammed, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, and Justice Zainab Abubakar of FHC, Abuja, besides other charges at FCT High Courts.

A Business and Property Court in London presided over by Justice Robin Knowles of the Commercial Courts of England and Wales had, in October, quashed the 11 billion dollars awarded against Nigeria in a case filed by the P&ID.

Recall that a Business and Property Court in London presided over by Justice Robin Knowles of the Commercial Courts of England and Wales had, in October dismissed the $9.6 billion judgment against Nigeria – which rose to $11.5 billion with interest – won by P&ID Limited over a failed 2010 deal to develop a gas processing plant.

Judge Knowles held that the award was obtained by fraud and that what had happened in the case was contrary to public policy.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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NECA’s Annual Retreat for Business Managers, Executives Holds April 16

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NECA Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The annual retreat for business managers and executives organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) will take place from April 16 to 18, 2026, at the AAE & T Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

This year’s edition is themed The Resilient Enterprise, People and Systems: Building and Managing Businesses that Outlive Seasons, Cycles and Crises.

The programme aims to equip leaders with the insights, tools, and networks required to build resilient organisations in an increasingly complex business environment.

It will provide a unique platform for executive-level engagement through high-level conversations, peer learning sessions with experienced leaders, strategy reflection workshops, and curated networking opportunities.

Expected to attend are industry leaders, senior executives, and business managers from across sectors. They will explore strategies for sustaining organisational performance through leadership transitions, economic cycles, regulatory shifts, and market disruptions.

Participants will also benefit from interactive discussions focused on strengthening corporate governance, developing agile leadership capabilities, and building organisational systems that can withstand periods of uncertainty and transformation.

A notice from NECA said the event is open to both members and non-members, with participation fees set at N300,000 for members and N320,000 for non-members. Discounts will also be available for Gold and Silver members, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Interested participants are encouraged to register via the official registration link to secure their place at the retreat, which promises to deliver valuable insights and connections for executives seeking to build enterprises capable of thriving through seasons of change and uncertainty.

The Director-General of NECA, Mr Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, noted that by convening business managers and senior executives in a collaborative learning environment, the association aims to contribute to the development of stronger, future-ready enterprises that can drive economic growth, create jobs, and support national development even in the face of evolving global and local challenges.

He added that the retreat will provide executives with the opportunity to step away from daily operational demands and engage in deeper strategic conversations with peers and industry experts.

“The theme of this year’s retreat speaks directly to the realities businesses face today. Across sectors, organisations are navigating leadership transitions, regulatory shifts, economic pressures, and technological disruption.

“What distinguishes enduring enterprises is their ability to build strong systems, develop capable leaders, and create organisational cultures that can adapt and respond effectively to change,” the NECA chief said.

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Egbin Power Commissions 80 New Staff Housing Units

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Egbin Power 80 New Staff Housing Units

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

In further demonstration of its unwavering commitment to its workforce, Nigeria’s foremost power generation company, Egbin Power Plc, has unveiled 80 new residential housing units for employees within its plant premises in Egbin, Lagos State.

This comprises 40 fully furnished three-bedroom apartments and 40 furnished studio apartments, all designed to contemporary standards.

The units feature modern infrastructure and thoughtfully planned utilities, creating a safe, comfortable, and conducive living environment that supports both employee productivity and family well-being.

This strategic investment underscores the company’s philosophy that a well-supported workforce is fundamental to sustained operational excellence.

The new housing units are part of a holistic strategy to cultivate a stable, motivated, and future-ready workforce.

This strategy extends beyond infrastructure to encompass robust career development and recognition. Over the past three years, Egbin Power has promoted 112 employees across various cadres, reinforcing a culture that rewards merit, performance, and long-term dedication

“At Egbin Power, our people are our most valuable asset. Even amidst the prevailing liquidity and operational realities within the broader power sector, our focus on employee welfare has remained deliberate and consistent.

“This significant expansion of our residential estate is a tangible expression of that commitment.

“It is one of several key initiatives aimed at ensuring our employees feel genuinely supported, allowing them to thrive both personally and professionally,” the chief executive of Egbin Power, Mr Mokhtar Bounour, said.

Initiated in 2025 and completed in January 2026, this project is the latest milestone in Egbin Power’s structured and ongoing approach to enhancing employee welfare. It reflects the energy firm’s dedication to fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, secure, and motivated.

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NGX Group, CSCS, WIMBIZ to Ring Bell for Gender Equality

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Ring Bell for Gender Equality

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Nigerian Exchange Group House in Lagos, the role of capital markets in promoting gender equality will be reemphasised through the closing gong ceremony in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026.

The ceremony is part of the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign, which mobilises stock exchanges worldwide to expand women’s participation in the economy and advance gender-inclusive practices.

In Nigeria, the NGX Group is partnering with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) to make it memorable under the theme Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Dignitaries expected at the ceremony include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the First Lady of Imo State, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma; the Executive Commissioner for Legal and Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Frana Chukwuogor; foremost actor, Ms Funke Akindele; a Director at the NGX Group, Ms Ojinnika Olaghere; and another staffer of NGX Group, Mrs Fatima Wali-Abdulrahman, alongside board members of NGX Group, regulators, capital market stakeholders, and industry leaders.

NGX Group is joining other exchanges worldwide in sounding the NGX Gong to underscore the importance of inclusive leadership, equal opportunities, and stronger market accountability in advancing gender equality.

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