Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • CAC’S Massive Clean-up Of Inactive Companies: A Boost For Economic Transparency And Investor Confidence

    The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has deregistered over 400,000 inactive and non-compliant companies from Nigeria’s corporate registry as part of a strategic effort to strengthen the business environment, protect the integrity of the economy and restore investor confidence.

    Announced on the sidelines of the commission’s 35th-anniversary activities in Abuja,
    Registrar-General Hussaini Magaji, SAN, revealed that the sweeping action was taken in 2025 alone, targeting entities that had failed to meet statutory obligations, especially the filing of annual returns over multiple years.

    Economic Rationale Behind the Delisting

    Market analysts say the delisting of dormant companies is more than a regulatory housekeeping exercise — it is a crucial structural reform that helps eliminate “ghost” businesses from the national register, thereby improving the accuracy of corporate data relied upon by investors, financial institutions and policymakers.

    Inactive firms often distort economic statistics and can be exploited for illicit activities. Their removal, authorities say, will reduce systemic risk, enhance transparency and create a more credible corporate landscape that better reflects Nigeria’s active business base.

    Regulatory Compliance and Ease of Doing Business

    The CAC’s action underscores the importance of compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, which mandates that all registered companies file annual returns to signal ongoing operations and legal viability. Failure to comply over extended periods can lead to deregistration and loss of legal personality.

    The commission’s Registrar-General noted that the move also supports broader governance reforms, including the Beneficial Ownership Register — a database that identifies the ultimate owners of companies — aimed at reducing the use of corporate vehicles for money-laundering or other unlawful purposes.

    From Manual Registry to Digital Corporate Services

    Magaji highlighted CAC’s transformation from a largely manual bureaucracy into a digital-first regulator, offering 24/7 online services that allow businesses to register, update records or check compliance from anywhere without physical visits.

    This digital shift, officials say, improves the ease of doing business in Nigeria and encourages formalisation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
    To reinforce that objective, the CAC partnered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to facilitate free registrations for 250,000 entrepreneurs in 2025.

    What It Means for Business Owners

    For business owners, the delisting serves as a timely reminder of the importance of compliance. Companies that do not file annual returns or otherwise maintain contact with the commission may find themselves removed from the register — with significant legal and operational consequences.

    Once deregistered, a company loses its legal status and cannot lawfully enter into contracts, secure financing, or participate in official economic activities, making compliance with CAC requirements essential for continued operation.

    Looking Ahead

    The CAC says its ongoing reforms are aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening Nigeria’s business ecosystem. The deregistration of inactive companies is part of a continuing effort to ensure that the corporate register reflects a true picture of active commercial entities, bolstering both domestic and foreign investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.

  • FG TVET Programme Brings Relief to Trainers, Spurs Economic Activity with ₦45,000 Monthly Stipend

    The Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative Programme is offering renewed hope to technical trainers nationwide, combining skills upgrading with a ₦45,000 monthly stipend to cushion economic hardship and strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce.

    The programme is targeted at trainers who form the backbone of vocational education across technical colleges, skills acquisition centres and informal apprenticeship systems, many of whom have struggled with limited resources and declining incomes.

    Education sector analysts say the initiative could have far-reaching economic benefits, as better-trained instructors are expected to transfer improved skills to thousands of trainees, leading to job creation, increased productivity and stronger local economies.

    Officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, which is coordinating the programme in collaboration with relevant agencies, explained that the TVET initiative is designed to align training delivery with current industry needs, while also supporting trainers financially during the training period.

    According to the ministry, beneficiaries will undergo structured modules covering modern teaching methods, competency-based learning, workplace safety and emerging technologies in key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, ICT, agriculture, automobile technology and renewable energy.

    The ₦45,000 monthly stipend is intended to enable participants to focus fully on the training, reduce financial strain and encourage sustained participation, particularly among trainers operating at the grassroots.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Applicants must:

    • Be Nigerian citizens

    • Possess demonstrable technical or vocational skills

    • Be actively engaged as trainers, instructors or master craftsmen in:

    ° Technical colleges

    ° Vocational or skills acquisition centres

    ° Informal apprenticeship schemes

    • Have basic literacy skills

    • Be willing to undergo and complete the full training programme

    Preference may be given to applicants from underserved communities and high-unemployment areas.

    How to Apply

    Interested and qualified applicants are required to apply online through the official Federal Government TVET portal:

    Apply here: https://tvet.education.gov.ng/apply

    Applicants are to:

    • Complete the online registration form

    • Provide personal and professional details

    • Upload relevant documents as proof of skills or training engagement

    • Await screening, verification and selection notifications

    Successful applicants will be enrolled into the training programme, during which the ₦45,000 monthly stipend will be paid in line with government guidelines.

    The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in the selection process and urged eligible trainers to seize the opportunity to improve their livelihoods while contributing to national economic development through skills training.

  • Petition to US, UN Highlights Growing Tension Over Nigeria’s Election Technology Debate

    A prominent cleric and former Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) chair has escalated domestic concerns over electoral reforms by appealing to international powers and institutions, underscoring fears about the future of Nigeria’s democracy as lawmakers stall on technological reforms to the electoral process.

    Apostle Eugene Ogu, founder of Abundant Life Evangel Mission and once chairman of PFN in Rivers State, on Thursday issued a petition to the governments of the United States of America and the United Nations, urging them to intervene in what he described as an existential threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

    The petition — circulated to journalists in Port Harcourt — comes amid a growing national debate over the rejection by the National Assembly of a clause that would make real-time electronic transmission of election results compulsory. Critics say this move undermines transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections and weakens public confidence in the electoral system.

    From Local Reform to Global Appeal

    Apostle Ogu’s letter does not merely criticise lawmakers — it frames the legislative standstill as a threat to citizen rights and democratic accountability. He accused members of the National Assembly of aligning with “anti-masses political leaders” and warned that resistance to constitutional reforms could inflame tensions nationwide.

    In his words, the refusal to embed mandatory electronic transmission into law “is an invitation to rig the 2027 presidential election and fraudulently manipulate the will of the people.”

    Ogu has also extended his outreach to the European Union and the global democratic community, urging sustained pressure on Nigerian authorities to adopt what he calls essential safeguards for free and fair elections.

    Broader Reactions Reflect Unease

    Public frustration over the legislature’s stance reflects a pattern of opposition voices raising similar concerns. Various political actors, civil society groups, and opposition figures have criticised the Senate’s reluctance to make e-transmission compulsory, saying it perpetuates ambiguity and opens the door for manipulation.

    For instance, national political commentators and party chieftains have argued that the current provision, which merely preserves discretionary transmission “as prescribed by the Commission,” fails to meet modern expectations of electoral transparency.

    Tensions and Stakes Ahead of 2027

    The debate over electronic transmission comes against a backdrop of wider democratic anxieties in Nigeria, where past elections have been marred by disputes, delays, and allegations of irregularities. Leaders like the former PFN chair and other activists see technological reforms as a linchpin for restoring voter confidence and reducing opportunities for tampering.

    Ogu’s petition explicitly asks foreign missions to consider travel documentation restrictions for politicians who resist the reform, a move that signals the intensity of frustration among reform proponents and highlights the unusual intersection of domestic electoral issues with international diplomatic pressure.

    What’s Next

    With the National Assembly standing by its decision and a deeply divided public landscape, the push for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results is likely to remain a central theme in Nigeria’s democratic debate ahead of the 2027 elections. Observers say the outcome could have lasting implications for electoral credibility and inclusive governance.

  • Election Security Alert: NSA Flags Threats of Violence, Vote-Buying as Feb. 21 Polls Near

    In a renewed push to safeguard Nigeria’s electoral integrity, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning to political actors, campaign supporters and would-be disruptors against engaging in violence and vote-buying ahead of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council election and a series of bye-elections scheduled for 21 February 2026.

    Addressing stakeholders and security chiefs at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Abuja on Friday, Ribadu emphasised that threats to peace and democratic practice will not be tolerated and that security agencies are on high alert to deter and penalise offenders before, during, and after the polls.

    Heightened Vigilance Across Multiple States

    Ribadu, represented at the forum by the Director of Internal Security at the Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, noted that security preparations are intensifying not just in the FCT but also in Rivers and Kano States, where bye-elections are slated to take place concurrently.

    “It is our duty to ensure that the democratic process is protected. Individuals and groups planning violent acts or inducements will be identified and dealt with according to the law,” Ribadu declared, urging political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold decorum and respect the sanctity of the vote.

    Security Deployment and Inter-Agency Cooperation
    While highlighting the role of the Nigerian Police Force as the lead agency for election security, Ribadu underscored that a multi-agency strategy — including intelligence gathering and targeted deployment of security personnel — is being executed to prevent breaches that could threaten public safety or compromise poll outcomes.

    The NSA’s caution follows similar directives issued by election authorities. Just a day earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, called on political parties to mobilise eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while also warning against hate speech, violence and vote-buying.

    Lessons From Recent Elections

    Ribadu also pointed to the relative calm during the Anambra governorship election in late 2025 as evidence that coordinated efforts between security agencies and election officials can deliver credible and peaceful outcomes. He described that exercise as a benchmark for upcoming polls and urged continued vigilance through continuous voter registration and revalidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Call for Shared Responsibility

    In his remarks, Ribadu extended the responsibility for peaceful elections beyond security agencies to include the media, civil society groups and community leaders, emphasising that safeguarding democracy is a collective effort. “Everybody has a role to play — from citizens who report suspicious activities to organisations that shape public opinion,” he said.

    Security Assurances

    Assurances from security leadership were reiterated when the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, represented by a senior police officer at the meeting, pledged enhanced protection for INEC facilities, personnel and materials, stressing that such measures are intended to allow electoral officials to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.

  • NNPC Shuts Refineries to Stem Value Leakage — GCEO

    In a significant departure from decades of cautious optimism about reviving Nigeria’s moribund refinery sector, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, has justified the decision to halt operations at the nation’s state-owned refineries as a necessary step to prevent continued economic loss and value leakage.

    Speaking on Wednesday at the 2026 Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, Ojulari said recent internal assessments showed that the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries were not only unprofitable but were systematically destroying value for Nigeria.

    “When we looked at the net outcome, we were leaking value with no clear line of sight to profitability,” he stated, describing the situation as untenable.

    Economic Rationale: From Loss to Strategic Pause

    According to the NNPC boss, the refineries were operating at an average 50–55% capacity utilisation despite monthly crude allocations — a pattern that steadily eroded revenue due to high operational and contractor costs.

    He noted that the refineries were producing mostly mid‑grade products whose combined market value failed to justify the cost of crude input — a scenario that would have locked Nigeria into decades of value erosion if allowed to continue unchecked.

    Ojulari further disclosed that the decision to halt operations was made in spite of intense political pressure to keep the facilities running, underscoring a break from past leadership approaches that prioritized continuity over commercial viability.

    Governance Shifts and Policy Implications

    Analysts say the admission by the NNPC CEO that the company “lack(s) the capacity to run refineries profitably” marks a watershed moment in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum policy.

    For decades, Nigeria has struggled to turn around its refining assets despite billions of dollars in rehabilitation and maintenance costs, while importing most of its refined petroleum products. This has cost the economy foreign exchange and contributed to persistent fuel price volatility.

    Several industry watchers see Ojulari’s candour as a response to long‑standing criticisms over mismanagement and weak oversight, with the new strategy anchored on commercial realism rather than political symbolism.

    Towards Partnerships and Technical Expertise

    Rather than outright privatisation, the NNPC has signalled a shift towards equity partnerships with experienced global refinery operators. Under this model, prospective investors would acquire stakes in selected facilities, bringing in technical competence, operational discipline and financial sustainability.

    Discussions are reportedly underway with a leading Chinese petrochemical firm, which has expressed interest in inspecting and potentially partnering on one of the refinery assets in a bid to reverse decades of underperformance.

    Ojulari emphasised that the strategy is not about selling national assets but about infusing the refineries with “skin in the game” operators who can make them economically viable.

    Strategic Context: Dangote Refinery and the Domestic Market

    NNPC’s recalibration comes against the backdrop of Dangote Refinery’s successful commercial operations, which have eased some pressures on Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. Ojulari acknowledged that the Dahgote facility’s emergence has afforded NNPC the flexibility to reconsider its own refinery plans without risking market disruptions.

    Observers note that while this presents Nigeria with a more commercially driven downstream structure, it also places a premium on robust regulatory oversight to ensure fair competition and consumer protection.

    Public Expectations and Future Outlook

    The shutdown has reignited debates over energy security, job losses in refinery host communities and the broader downstream reform agenda. Critics argue that while the move may make economic sense, the federal government must expedite clear frameworks for partnership models and transparency in negotiations to avoid further public distrust.

    Stakeholders in the oil and gas sector are now watching closely how NNPC navigates this crucial transition — balancing commercial imperatives with national development goals and ensuring that Nigeria’s refining aspirations are not repeatedly undermined by structural inefficiencies.

  • FG Seeks Stronger Coordination in Defence, Security Operations

    The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security through enhanced collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, as top government officials met on Thursday in Abuja to review ongoing security strategies and inter-agency coordination.

    The working session, convened at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, brought together senior officials from relevant security and defence institutions to assess current security challenges and explore measures for improving intelligence sharing, operational synergy and policy implementation across the country.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Defence said the Federal Government was determined to deepen cooperation among security agencies in order to effectively address emerging threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of organised crime.

    He noted that sustained collaboration between the defence sector and other government institutions remained critical to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that security was a collective responsibility requiring coordinated efforts at all levels.

    According to him, the ministry has continued to work closely with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to enhance operational readiness, logistics support and capacity building, in line with the administration’s broader security agenda.

    The minister also highlighted the importance of regular strategic engagements, saying such working sessions provided an opportunity to review progress, identify gaps and align policies with current realities on the ground.

    In his remarks, a representative of the Federal Government commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices and professionalism, assuring them of continued government support through improved funding, welfare packages and modern equipment.

    He said the government was committed to ensuring that security agencies were adequately equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to security threats, while also upholding the rule of law and respect for human rights.

    The session also featured briefings on ongoing military operations across various theatres, as well as discussions on strengthening civil-military relations and enhancing cooperation with state governments and local communities.

    Participants at the meeting agreed on the need to sustain dialogue and information exchange among relevant stakeholders, noting that a united approach was essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

    The working session ended with a resolution to intensify collaboration between the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence, with a focus on proactive security measures and long-term strategic planning.

  • NSCDC Arrests Ibadan Housewife Over Alleged Trafficking of 17-Year-Old Girl

    Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, have arrested a 28-year-old housewife on allegations of human trafficking.

    In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday, the command’s spokesman, Mr. Samuel Opebiyi, disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect’s accomplice — her husband — who is currently at large.

    Opebiyi said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and her husband allegedly trafficked a 17-year-old girl to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for the purpose of prostitution.

    According to the NSCDC spokesman, the suspect was arrested on January 22, following a report lodged two days earlier with the Command’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit by the victim’s sister.

    Opebiyi further explained that initial inquiries indicated the offence occurred on November 25, 2025, when the suspect and her husband purportedly organised the movement of the minor abroad for exploitation.

    He said the victim was lured with false promises before being trafficked, adding that the girl was introduced to the alleged traffickers through an apprentice, Rodiat, who works at the suspect’s retail shop dealing in shoes, bags and other accessories in Ifeleye, Ogunpa Market, Ibadan.

    “The victim reportedly approached Rodiat expressing her desire to secure a job opportunity, after which she was introduced to the suspects,” Opebiyi stated.

    In the statement, the Oyo State NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Augustine Padonu, called on the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity relating to human trafficking to the NSCDC or other relevant agencies for prompt action.

    Padonu reiterated the corps’ commitment to combating human trafficking and related offences and pledged that all those involved would be brought to justice.

    He added that the suspect will be charged to court while the search continues for her fleeing husband.

  • Soldiers, CJTF Members Killed as ISWAP Attacks Borno Military Base

    Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an Islamic State–aligned insurgent group, on Thursday launched a fierce assault on a Nigerian military base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, resulting in the deaths of several Nigerian soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), security sources confirmed.

    According to a military source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the insurgents stormed the base in the early hours of Thursday, firing sporadically and overwhelming sections of the defensive positions before Nigerian troops and their auxiliaries were able to contain the attack.

    While precise casualty figures remain unclear, the source said “many soldiers were killed” and several CJTF members also lost their lives in the onslaught. Armoured tanks and other military vehicles were set ablaze during the encounter, and the insurgents seized an unquantified quantity of ammunition before withdrawing from the area.

    ISWAP later claimed responsibility for the operation, releasing a statement accompanied by a video showing fighters firing at the military facility. The authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.

    The attack comes amid an escalation of insurgent activities in northeastern Nigeria, with several recent violent incidents involving ISWAP and Boko Haram militants in Borno State. Only days earlier, at least seven military personnel, including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel, were killed when their unit was ambushed while travelling from Maiduguri to Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area.

    The Theatre Command North East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai has been engaged in persistent operations against insurgent camps across the region, but militants continue to demonstrate capacity to mount substantial attacks against security formations.

    Officials at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja have not yet released an official statement on the Sabon Gari incident.

  • NCAA Gives Airlines Seven Days to Add Special Needs Booking Feature

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all domestic airlines to integrate a special needs or assistance request feature into their ticket reservation systems, a move aimed at improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

    The directive, issued on Friday and signed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, requires airlines to comply within seven days or face enforcement actions under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs).

    Key Requirements for Airlines
    According to the NCAA, all airlines must:

    • Provide passengers with an option to request assistance at the point of booking.

    • Include a visible field or checkbox on ticketing platforms for passengers to indicate special needs.

    • Ensure that airline staff actively inquire if anyone in a booking party requires assistance during airport access or in-flight services.

    The directive is anchored in Nig. CARs 2023, Part 19.12.3.1, which obliges airlines, travel agents, and tour operators to make air travel accessible to persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.

    (ncaa.gov.ng)

    Importance of the Directive

    Aviation experts say the move will help airlines plan support services in advance, reducing potential service disruptions and ensuring that passengers’ needs are met from booking to boarding and disembarkation.

    “The NCAA is committed to inclusive and accessible air travel,” the statement added, emphasizing that full compliance is expected within the stipulated timeline.

    Background and Compliance History

    The NCAA noted that a similar instruction was first issued in April 2022, but some airlines have not fully implemented the required features. The renewed directive signals stricter oversight and enforcement.

    Airlines failing to comply risk regulatory sanctions, including fines or operational restrictions under NCAA’s consumer protection mandate.

    Stakeholder Reactions

    Passenger advocacy groups and disability rights organizations have welcomed the NCAA’s move, describing it as a step towards aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with international best practices for inclusive air travel.

    Domestic airlines are now expected to update their booking platforms promptly and inform customers about available assistance options. NCAA officials will monitor compliance in the coming week.

  • AI Boosts Breast Cancer Detection in Landmark Global Trial

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly improved the detection of breast cancer during routine mammography, according to the results of a landmark randomised controlled trial published this week.

    The study — the first completed trial of its kind — demonstrated that AI-assisted screening helps radiologists identify more breast cancer cases, potentially easing workforce pressures in health systems and improving patient outcomes.

    World-First Trial Highlights

    Involving more than 100,000 women across Sweden between April 2021 and December 2022, the trial compared traditional mammogram readings with

    • AI-supported analysis. Participants were randomly assigned to:
    AI-assisted mammography, where a radiologist reviewed scans with support from an AI system, and

    • Standard practice, where two radiologists independently read each scan.

    The results showed that:

    • The AI-assisted group detected 9% more breast cancer cases during screening than the control group.

    • Over the following two years, there was a 12% lower rate of interval cancers — cancers diagnosed between scheduled screenings, which are often more aggressive.

    • The rate of false positives — scans incorrectly flagged as suspicious — remained similar between both groups.

    Experts say earlier detection of breast cancer is critical for improving treatment outcomes and reducing mortality, particularly in populations where access to specialised radiologists is limited.

    Implications for Global Health

    Lead author Dr Kristina Lang of Sweden’s Lund University emphasised that the findings support expanded use of AI-assisted mammography in screening programmes worldwide.

    “Widely rolling out AI-supported mammography can help reduce workload pressures among radiologists and help detect more cancers at an earlier stage,” Dr Lang said, urging that implementation be cautious and monitored continuously to ensure performance remains robust across diverse populations.

    The study was published in the prestigious The Lancet medical journal, marking a milestone in the integration of AI into routine clinical practice.

    Expert Reactions and Cautions

    Medical professionals welcomed the trial’s results but stressed that AI should support — not replace — human radiologists.
    Jean-Philippe Masson, head of the French National Federation of Radiologists, noted that while AI adds valuable insight, the radiologist’s experience remains essential to confirm diagnoses.

    Background: Breast Cancer and Screening Challenges

    Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide, with millions of new diagnoses each year. Early detection through screening programmes helps reduce late-stage presentations and improve survival rates.

    Moving Forward

    As healthcare systems grapple with workforce shortages and growing demand for diagnostic services, the trial’s findings could encourage adoption of AI tools that bolster capacity without compromising quality.

    For further details and access to the full study results, visit the The Lancet publication and related medical journal coverage.

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