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Retired Military Personnel Invade Defence Ministry, Protest Exclusion From Recent Salary Increase For Soldiers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Retired Military Personnel Invade Defence Ministry

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Hundreds of military retirees, on Wednesday , August 19,2026, stormed the Abuja Headquarters of the Defence Ministry, protesting their exclusion from the recent upward review of salaries and emoluments of serving personnel.

 

The military pensioners explained that the failure of the authorities to include them in the computation of the adjustment of the new salary structure for military personnel has resulted in a disturbing disparity between the retirement  benefits of personnel.

 

According to them, their non-conclusion in the salary review has led to junior officers recently retired earning far more than their seniors who left the service some years ago.

 

President Bola Tinubu had, a couple of weeks ago, approved a significant pay rise for military personnel, with the baseline shifting from the usual N49 ,000 to as much as N180,000 monthly.

 

Before the presidential announcement, General Christopher Musa rtd, the Minister of Defence had disclosed that the minimum wage for soldiers had been increased from N49,000 to N100,000 monthly.

 

Leader and spokesperson for the protesting retired solders, Col. Innocent Azubuike, emphasized that the salary increase which will take effect from September, will see junior officers who just left the service paid more than  their seniors who retired earlier.

 

Referencing the Armed Forces Act and Constitution, Azubuike said it is the right of the retired personnel to be included in the computation of the consequential adjustment for the new salary structure.

 

“The consequential adjustment that is increased in the pension is a constitutional right. It is in the constitution, and also in the Armed Forces Act.

 

“But with our non-conclusion, the situation is such that, for example, a Captain who retired some 10-15 years ago, the pension is stagnated . A couple of Sergeants who retired recently could be receiving pension higher than a Captain who retired 10 years back and ironically ,both served the same military”, Azubuike stated.

 

He emphasized that the disparity became more pronounced and disturbing in the face of the recent increase in wages for military and paramilitary personnel by the president.

 

According to him , before now ,the authorities had also refused to include retired personnel in the salary increase approved in November 2025 military and paramilitary personnel.

 

“The Military high command at a every given occasion keeps thanking the president for the salary increase, but they have refused to implement the increase. November last year, and this is August 2026, they are yet to implement an increase approved in 2025.

 

“Now with the recent increase that has placed the minimum salary of serving soldiers at N180,000 monthly, we have also been excluded from the computation of its consequential adjustment.

 

“If you compute the fund requirement for implementing the most recent increase and you exclude old pensioners, you are depriving them of their constitutional and legal rights as enshrined in the constitution and the Armed Forces Act.

 

“And the implications could be far-reaching and disturbing. You could see a Captain who retired 15 years ,10 years back, his/her pension will be the equivalent of that of a Sergeant who retired this year”, Azubuike added.

 

He emphasized that what the retired personnel are demanding and will continue to pursue is for them to be captured in whatever upward review of wages approved for the military personnel.

 

“What we are asking for is that the retired personnel should be included in the review of the consequential adjustment arising from recent increases in the minimum wages of the military.

 

“They have computed the fund requirement excluding retirees. What we are requesting is a right ,and not a favour. It is our constitutional and legal right to be included in the new salary structure approved”, he noted.

 

The protesting retired military personnel who  were  denied access to the Defence Ministry Headquarters by several stern-looking and heavily armed security operatives drawn from multiple agencies, were. however. assured that their grievances will be looked into.

 

On why the choice of Defence Ministry, instead of  Defence Headquarters for the protest, Col Azubuike stated that the retirees are convinced that the Ministry holds the key.

 

“We are convinced that the problem is from the Ministry of Defence because they are the ones that are having the records.

 

“Our details are with them. When they are submitting the number for computing salary increase, they know the number of retirees”, Azubuike insisted.

 

He warned that the retired personnel will not hesitate to escalate the agitation, and protest marches should the authorities fail to address their demand within a reasonable period.

“Even If Seyi Tinubu Is INEC Chairman, His Father, President Tinubu Will Be Defeated In 2027” – Fmr. Minister Dalung

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Solomon Dalung and Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, a strong critic of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, has stated that the outcome of the Osun State Governorship Election, which saw incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party defeating the All Progressives Congress, APC, has laid the foundation for what Nigerians should expect in the 2027 general elections.

 

Dalung, a Chieftain of opposition Party, African Democratic Congress, ADC, during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday argued that the Osun election has demonstrated that the influence of the ruling APC, including what he described as “federal might,” could be defeated at the polls.

 

According to Dalung, the outcome of the election was a confirmation of his earlier prediction about the 2027 presidential election.

 

“What happened in Osun is a confirmation of what I said two years ago, that even if Tinubu appointed his wife, Remi Tinubu, as Chief Justice of Nigeria and appointed Seyi, his son, as INEC Chairman, he is going to be defeated woefully in 2027,” he said.

 

He added that the Osun election had shown that the political structures and influence of the ruling Party could not automatically guarantee victory.

 

“The election in Osun has come and gone. It has laid the foundation that is going to play out in 2027. The issue of federal might, incumbency, APC being the party in government, has already been put to rest because Nigerians in Osun have proved that there is determination to defend democracy,” he said.

 

Speaking further, the former Minister argued that the presence of several political heavyweights and government officials in Osun did not translate into electoral victory for the APC.

 

“Despite the federal might, despite the 30 Governors, 45 members of the National Assembly, National Chairman, Senate President, Speaker, all congregating in Osun, APC suffered a humiliating defeat,” he said.

 

Criticizing Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over his comments following the election that Governor Adeleke won because President Tinubu allowed a free and fair election to take place, he argued that Wike should explain the resources deployed by the APC during the campaign instead of blaming the ADC.

 

“I think reacting to that is what my friend, the Minister of FCT, is trying to cover up. The shame of how they lost in Osun, and so for him, he can relocate that blame to look at the ADC. But why is he not talking of the huge mobilisation resources from all the states wasted there and the humiliating loss APC suffered?” he asked.

 

Dalung, however maintained that the Osun result was significant because, in his view, it demonstrated that political power and government structures alone could not determine electoral outcomes.

 

He further disputed any suggestion that the ADC was responsible for  APC’s defeat in Osun, and stressed that the party was not responsible for the outcome.

 

He said the 2027 Presidential Election would ultimately be about the choice Nigerians make at the ballot box rather than simply a contest between President Tinubu and opposition parties.

 

“2027 is not going to be an issue of Tinubu; it is not even going to be an issue of opposition. No. But the man Nigerians are going to be electing in 2027,” he said.

 

Dalung also identified regional considerations and the performance of the president as factors that could influence the 2027 election.

 

“In 2027, regionalism is going to be a factor in the determination of the election. In 2027, too, the President’s performance is going to be an issue,” said the former minister.

 

He, however, stated his conviction that President Tinubu would ultimately be defeated, arguing that the Governors who had moved into the APC would not be enough to secure victory for the President.

Osun Senator Fadahunsi Apologises, Says Call For Violence Made At Difficult Moment

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi
Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi

By Ayodele Oni

 

Senator representing Osun East, Adenigba Fadahunsi, has recounted that emotions and pain over loss of life of some people made him call for violence before last Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.

 

Fadahunsi, had, in a viral video, before the governorship election, directed his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party, which has incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke as its governorship candidate.

 

He was, thereafter, invited by the State Police Command for clarification over the viral video.

 

He apologised for the tension caused by the remarks he made during his campaign visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.

 

Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), issued the apology in a statement he signed and obtained on Wednesday.

 

‎Speaking after the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election, the lawmaker revealed that his visit to the Palace was mainly to seek justice and express his pain over the killing of some members of his political party.

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‎He pointed out that  it was painful that his emotional appeal was later presented by his critics as a call for violence.

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‎The Senator maintained that he never called for chaos or violence, describing the criticism against him as unfair.

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‎According to him, his words were made at a difficult moment when he was deeply affected by the deaths of party members.

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‎Fadahunsi expressed appreciation to the Owa of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, for the way he handled the situation.

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‎He praised the monarch for showing wisdom and remaining calm despite claims by some people that his remarks were disrespectful to the traditional institution.

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‎The Senator said the Owa demonstrated the qualities of a true father to all people, regardless of their political party.

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‎He added that the Monarch’s calm and balanced response helped to prevent the situation from becoming worse.

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‎Fadahunsi advised leaders to learn to place the interest of the people above personal feelings and political differences.

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‎He added that the peace of Osun State and Ijesaland is more important than any political victory, defeat or disagreement.

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‎”Because the peace of Osun State and Ijesaland in particular is far more important than any political dispute, victory, or defeat, I sincerely apologise for the tension that resulted from this misunderstanding.”

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‎He also called on his supporters and other residents of the state to embrace peace and work towards healing after the election.

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‎Fadahunsi urged the people to respect the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and unity in Ijesaland.

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‎He, however, said his call for justice over the deaths of his party members remained unchanged.

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‎The Senator called on the Osun State Government and security agencies to properly investigate the killings and ensure that justice is achieved through lawful and peaceful means.

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‎He urged all sides to put political differences aside and work together for peace and unity in the State.

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‎Fadahunsi promised that he would continue to seek justice for the victims while encouraging supporters and citizens to avoid actions that could create further tension.

“The Opposition Too Disunited To Unseat President Tinubu In 2027 — Davido”

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Davido and President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ahead 2027 polls, Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said only a unified opposition can unseat President Bola Tinubu. But he says the opposition is very disunited.

 

“In the South alone, almost eight people want to be President. Why can’t all of you guys sit down together? Because, let me tell you, if there was a unified opposition, President might have a problem. But they’re not unified.

 

Speaking during an interview with News Central,  Davido said that he would bet money on President Bola Tinubu being re-elected, citing the division among opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

 

According to him, several politicians in the South are already interested in contesting for president, making it difficult for the opposition to present a united front against Tinubu.

 

He questioned why the politicians could not come together and work towards a common objective, arguing that a united opposition could pose a serious challenge to the president.

 

Davido pointed out that the situation would require significant effort to change, but added that the outcome of the recently concluded Osun State governorship election shows that there is still hope.

 

“The opposition now in Nigeria, if they’re going to say, ‘OK, David, put your money down, this one, I have to decide.’ It is not, ‘Oh, I don’t want to be involved in the presidential election.

 

“I might say, ‘OK, I think the president might walk over on it’ because the opposition is divided.

 

“So it’s going to take a lot. But for what happened in Osun, there’s still hope. All the youths in Nigeria were the future, were the ones in charge.”

 

The singer had earlier distanced himself from Nigerian politics, saying he had no interest in participating in the country’s political system, which he described as “evil.”

 

Davido made the remarks in a post on X while reacting to criticism over his support for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

 

He said his involvement in the election was based on family loyalty, stressing that he did not mobilise anyone or depend on external support while backing his uncle.

 

“I brought no one! No one defended me! I backed my family on my own!!” Davido wrote.

 

He also criticised those who faulted his involvement in the election, describing their actions as “ruthless” and “disgusting.”

 

The musician said he had fulfilled what he considered his responsibility and would not remain involved in political activities.

 

“I have done my job! Nigerian politics is evil AND I DON’T WANT TO BE A PART OF IT TILL GOD HELPS US!” he said.

 

Davido was among the prominent figures who campaigned for Adeleke during the Osun governorship race.

 

Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, secured 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

Oil Subsidy Removal: FG Gets N5.43 Trillion, States N6.52 Trillion, LGs N3.88 Trillion In Three Years

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Taiwo Oyedele
Taiwo Oyedele

By Ayodele Oni

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, in compliance with promise to make available gains recorded from oil subsidy removal, has revealed that N15.8 trillion was realized as savings and gains of other reforms over the last three years.

 

The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Wednesday, while giving a detailed breakdown of the administration’s subsidy removal reforms.

 

According to Oyedele, the reforms resulted in N15.8 trillion in savings that accrued to the Federation Account.

 

He noted that the savings from fuel subsidy removal were shared among the Federal Government, states and local governments.

 

According to him, the Federal Government received N5.43 trillion, while the states received N6.52 trillion and local governments received N3.88 trillion from the fuel subsidy removal savings.

 

Oyedele explained that the reforms also generated N3.12 trillion in other incremental revenues and N11.85 trillion in incremental borrowing.

 

As a result, the Federal Government had approximately N20.4 trillion in incremental resources during the period under review.

 

However, he noted that additional expenditures incurred by the government during the same period amounted to approximately N30.64 trillion.

 

“The Federal Government had approximately N20.4 trillion in incremental resources.

 

“Over the same period, additional expenditures amounted to approximately N30.64 trillion. Subsidy removal therefore did not create one large pool of cash available to the Federal Government.

 

“It reduced a major fiscal burden and the amount of additional borrowing that would otherwise have been required”, he stated.

 

He added that of the N30.64 trillion in expenditures, N9.39 trillion was spent on wage adjustments, N9.37 trillion on external debt servicing, N6.47 trillion on infrastructure, and N3.14 trillion on electricity subsidies.

 

Tinubu had in May and June 2023, announced the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the naira, which led to significant increases in fuel prices and fluctuations in the value of the naira.

Bayelsa Assembly Sacks LG Chairman, Vice, Cites Gross Misconduct

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Alice Allen Tangi, Chairman of Sagbama local government
Alice Allen Tangi, Chairman of Sagbama local government.

By Ayodele Oni

 

Citing allegation of gross misconduct, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly has approved the removal of the Chairman of Sagbama local government, Alice Allen Tangi, and her deputy, Sufade Jefferson Tobi,

 

The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary after the lawmakers considered a petition against the two elected council officials.

 

Speaker of the Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, explained that the lawmakers acted under the Bayelsa State Local Government Administration Law, 2000, alongside other relevant legal provisions.

 

In the petition, Tangi was accused of failing to provide the House with regular financial briefings and the annual budget before carrying out government spending.

 

She was also accused of repeatedly failing to honour invitations from the Assembly to respond to the allegations.

 

The Speaker revealed that the required two-thirds majority was obtained for the removal of the council leaders.

 

Seventeen out of the 20 lawmakers present voted in favour of the resolution.

 

The Assembly said the decision would be forwarded to the executive arm of the state government for further action.

 

The affected officials were also said to have failed to appear before the House despite several invitations issued to them.

 

Lawmakers relied on provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Bayelsa State Local Government Administration Law in reaching the decision.

Ado-Akure Highway, Works Minister, Umahi Says Work Ongoing, Orders Contractor Back To Site

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dave Umahi - Works Minister
Engr. Dave Umahi

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has doused public anxiety as he directed the contractor handling the N95.9 billion Akure-Ado-Ekiti dual carriageway project to immediately return to site and complete the outstanding section of the road.

 

The directive followed concerns over the delay in the completion of the 50-kilometre highway, which was re-awarded by the Federal Executive Council in March 2023 as a dualisation project.

 

Former Ekiti central senator, Femi Ojudu has raised the alarm that the highway, which was awarded as a dualized road has been turned to one lane as the contractor on completion of work on single lane, exited the site.

 

The Controller of Works in Ondo State, Olajide Hussein, while responding to concerns over the stalled construction of the second carriageway,

said the Minister has ordered the contractor to resume work immediately, assuring residents and motorists that construction would recommence soon.

 

“The Honourable Minister has directed the contractor to resume work at the site immediately. So we should be expecting commencement any moment from now.”

 

According to him, the Federal Government has also reviewed the construction method for the remaining section of the project, with concrete now to be used instead of asphalt.

 

“You know the federal government has re-awarded the other section to be on concrete instead of asphalt for the first section. So any moment now, the contractor will resume work on site.”

 

He further disclosed that the contractor has approximately 12 months to complete the second carriageway once work resumes.

 

“The contractor has about twelve months to complete that second carriageway. So I believe when they resume, it will be at a very, very fast pace.”

 

The Akure-Ado-Ekiti road was originally awarded to Dantata & Sawoe in November 2019 at about N30 billion, but the contract was later cancelled.

 

On March 29, 2023, the Federal Executive Council approved its re-award as a 50-kilometre dualisation project for N95.98 billion.

 

The Akure-Ondo State boundary section was awarded to Samchase Nigeria Limited and Horizon Construction Company Limited for N46.68 billion, with a 24-month completion period, while Kopek Construction Limited received the Ekiti boundary-Ado-Ekiti section for N49.29 billion, with a 30-month completion timeline.

FCCPC Investigates Cement Price Manipulation By Dangote, Others 

By
James Orji
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Cement Foto

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has raised fresh concerns over the soaring price of cement in Nigeria, saying preliminary findings from its investigation suggest that the commodity’s prices may be subject to manipulation.

The commission’s disclosure has placed major cement manufacturers, including Dangote Cement and other industry players, under increased scrutiny as regulators seek to determine why cement prices remain high despite Nigeria’s substantial production capacity and abundant limestone deposits.

The agency said its Anticompetitive Practices Department conducted a three-month cross-border study following widespread complaints about the rising cost of cement. The investigation compared Nigeria’s market with those of Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Togo.

According to the commission, Nigeria has an installed cement production capacity of between 60 million and 65 million metric tonnes annually, while domestic consumption is estimated at only 25 million to 30 million tonnes.

Ordinarily, such excess capacity would be expected to create competitive pressure and help moderate prices. Instead, the commission observed that cement prices had continued to climb.

A 50kg bag of cement, which sold for between N9,300 and N9,700 in January, reportedly rose to between N10,500 and N13,000 by mid-year, with prices reaching N13,000 to N15,000 in some parts of the country by July.

The price disparity became more striking when the FCCPC compared Nigeria with other African markets.

In Kenya, where the population is about 58.6 million and cement demand was estimated at 9.3 million tonnes in 2025, a 50kg bag sold for about $5.40, equivalent to approximately N7,344.

In Tanzania, the same quantity sold for about $4.80, or N6,528, while in Togo, which the FCCPC noted has no limestone deposits, cement retailed at about $6.75, equivalent to N9,180.

The findings have therefore prompted the commission to question why Nigeria’s enormous production capacity and local availability of limestone have failed to translate into lower prices for consumers.

Cement manufacturers and other industry stakeholders have attributed the high prices to a combination of rising energy costs, naira depreciation, expensive imported machinery and spare parts, as well as transportation and logistics expenses.

But the FCCPC said it was not prepared to accept those explanations without verification.

The commission said it was testing the claims against information on actual production costs, pricing structures, capacity utilisation and prevailing market conditions.

It said the next phase of the investigation would determine whether cement prices were the result of legitimate commercial costs or whether anti-competitive practices were also involved.

Among the issues under investigation are possible coordinated conduct among industry players, abuse of market power, restriction of domestic supply and anti-competitive distribution practices.

To advance the probe, the FCCPC has issued Notices of Commencement of Investigation and Summons to Produce to key players in the cement industry, demanding records covering pricing methodologies, production levels, capacity utilisation, exports and commercial relationships.

FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the investigation was necessary because of the strategic importance of cement to the Nigerian economy.

He noted that the price of cement directly affects the cost of housing, commercial property, public infrastructure and, ultimately, the cost of doing business.

Bello, however, stressed that the investigation was not an attempt to dictate how companies should operate or prevent them from making legitimate profits.

Rather, he said the commission’s responsibility was to ensure that prices and other market outcomes were determined by genuine competition rather than practices that unlawfully restrict competition.

2027: Tinubu Sues For Peace, Says Election Not Do Or Die

By
James Orji
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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian political actors not to pursue the 2027 elections in a desperate manner, saying election should not be a do -or die affair.

The president also urge key political leaders in the country to shun violence during the election, saying personal ambitions should not be allowed to override national interest.

He spoke on Wednesday  at the signing of the peace accord ahead next year’s election. The event was attended by some presidential candidates of key political parties in the country, who signed the peace accord.

Tinubu who was represented at the vent  by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume urged political parties to close ranks in ensuring that the 2027 election is peaceful.

The president noted that It is natural during campaigns to disagree as opponents, he however advocates competing governing visions for our country, saying occasional exchange of political “jabs” among politicians cannot be totally ruled out.

“But as members of the same household, the same national family, we must never resort to divisive or primordial sentiments of ethnicity or religion as tools for seeking power.

“Let us campaign on superior ideas. Let us debate issues and promote the best policies to expand opportunities for our people and accelerate Nigeria’s journey from a developing nation to a first-world country,” Tinubu said.

Recall that President Tinubu recently came under trenchant criticism from not a few Nigerians after he said “all is fair” in politics, a remarks described his opponents said is not expected of him as the country’s leader.

He made the remark when catholic Bishops visited him in Aso rock, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

“All is fair in politics, and everyone has equal opportunities. INEC is neutral and has never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the company they keep — not me,” he said.

Zenith Bank Hosts Int’l Leaders Trade Seminar To Unlock Non-Oil Export Potentials

By
James Orji
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Adaora Umeoji - Zenith Bank Female GMD

Zenith Bank Plc will host the 10th edition of its International Trade Seminar on Non-Oil Export on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, bringing together leading policymakers, regulators, exporters, manufacturers, investors and other key stakeholders to explore practical strategies for unlocking value and accelerating growth in Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

Themed “Unlocking Value and Harnessing Growth in Non-Oil Export”, the virtual seminar will examine how Nigeria can move beyond exporting raw commodities to build globally competitive value chains, expand market access, strengthen trade infrastructure and financing, and deepen the contribution of non-oil exports to sustainable economic growth.

The high-level event will feature an impressive line-up of guest speakers, including the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene; the Chief Executive Officer of Plot Enterprise Ghana Limited, Mrs Patricia Poku-Diaby; and the immediate past President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah.

The seminar will also convene leading voices from the public and private sectors in two panel discussions. The first panel, dedicated to public sector perspectives, will bring together key stakeholders driving Nigeria’s trade, export, investment and economic development agenda. It will feature the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Mr Abba Bello; the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Adewale Adeniyi; the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Ms Aderinola Shonekan; the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs Aisha Rimi; and the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Nonye Ayeni.

The second panel, focused on private sector perspectives, will feature the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Starlink Global & Ideal Limited, Alhaji Adeniji Adeyemi; the Group Executive Director, Dangote Group, Alhaji Sada Ladan-Baki; Senior Consultant at 3T Impex Trade Centre, Mr Bamidele Ayemibo; the Managing Director of Terra Aqua Environmental Consultancy Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Mobolaji Salako; the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of RMM Global, Mr Ramzi Taher; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lelook Nigeria Limited, Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa.

The discussions will offer practical perspectives on trade facilitation, export financing, customs and port efficiency, regulation, market access, and the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses in regional and global markets.

A key focus of the seminar will be the African Continental Free Trade Area and its potential to open up a larger market for Nigerian goods and services while deepening intra-African trade. With the AfCFTA offering businesses access to a market of more than one billion people, the discussions will examine how Nigerian enterprises can leverage regional integration, build competitive value chains and seize emerging opportunities across the continent.

Zenith Bank has consistently championed conversations around trade and economic development. It remains at the forefront of efforts to support businesses seeking to participate more effectively in regional and international commerce. The Bank has also partnered with the AfCFTA Secretariat on initiatives to facilitate cross-border trade and expand access to opportunities across Africa.

Now in its 10th edition, the Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar has evolved into a leading platform for high-level dialogue on Nigeria’s trade and export ecosystem. Over the years, the seminar has brought together government, regulators, businesses, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to examine emerging trends, identify challenges, and proffer practical solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s position in global commerce.

The 2026 edition will build on this legacy, convening some of the most influential voices shaping Nigeria’s trade, investment and economic landscape around one critical question: how can Nigeria unlock greater value from its non-oil exports and translate its vast productive potential into sustainable economic growth?

The seminar will be held virtually and streamed live on Zoom, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok, enabling participants in Nigeria and around the world to join the conversation. Interested participants can register at www.zenithbank.com/exportsem

 

 

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