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FG to dredge South-South seaports to 16 metres for larger vessels

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FG to dredge South-South seaports to 16 metres for larger vessels

The Federal Government has announced plans to dredge seaports in the South-South region to a minimum draft of 16 metres to enable them to accommodate larger vessels and boost competitiveness in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) led by its Managing Director, Ms Usoro Akpabio.

Oyetola described the South-South region as a vital part of Nigeria’s maritime future, citing its long coastline, strategic seaports, and abundant aquatic resources. According to him, “Dredging the ports deeper will attract larger vessels, reduce cargo handling costs, boost trade volumes and reduce the cost of doing business while generating more revenue for the country.”

The minister said the Federal Government is committed to advancing maritime infrastructure across the South-South to ensure the region contributes meaningfully to national economic growth. He added that existing seaports in the region—Warri Port in Delta State, Rivers Port and Onne Port in Rivers State, and Calabar Port in Cross River State—would soon undergo modernisation and upgrade under the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme.

Oyetola also revealed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is partnering with state governments in the region to develop new deep seaports. These include the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, the Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, and the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.

He explained that these projects would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector, making the country a regional hub for shipping and trade in the Gulf of Guinea. “This initiative will enhance logistics efficiency, drive industrial growth, and create employment opportunities,” he said.

Oyetola urged South-South state governments to leverage the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to promote coastal tourism, adding that the project offers immense economic potential for the region.

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NGYouthSDGs application for 2026 youth activators lab program

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NGYouthSDGs application for 2026 youth activators lab program

NGYouthSDGs announces the opening of applications for the 2026 Cohort of the Youth Activators Lab (YAL), a six-month program designed to equip young Nigerians with leadership and systems-thinking skills to address developmental issues across the country.

The Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative, NGYouthSDGs, in a statement, said that the Youth Activators Lab aims to empower young leaders by helping them create innovative solutions to social challenges and contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to the organizers, “YAL is a six-month program designed for young leaders interested in using systems thinking as a leadership tool to address developmental issues in communities across Nigeria.” The statement added that participants will receive training in leadership, advocacy, project management, and fundraising, along with mentorship from seasoned global leaders.

The initiative is calling on young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 29 who are passionate about driving change in their communities to apply. Applicants must reside in Nigeria for the next six months and show readiness to commit fully to the program.

“Through this program, participants will gain the skills and knowledge needed to drive meaningful, systemic change through hands-on training,” the organization said. “They will design and lead campaigns, shape policies, and collaborate with government and key stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s SDGs.”

NGYouthSDGs further noted that the program offers a unique opportunity for participants to inspire and educate others by creating initiatives that engage young people to take action on social challenges. Upon completion, participants will join the NGYouthSDGs Champions Alumni network, gaining access to continued mentorship, support, and resources to expand their initiatives.

The application form can be accessed via the Youth Activators Lab Link. The deadline for submission is November 21 at 6:00 pm WAT.

Plateau State University Bokkos opens recruitment for academic, non-teaching

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Plateau State University Bokkos opens recruitment for academic, non-teaching

The Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, has announced fresh recruitment opportunities for academic and non-teaching staff across various faculties and departments. The announcement was made through the Office of the Registrar, Yakubu F. Ayuba, who stated that the University is inviting applications from qualified candidates to fill existing vacancies.

The Plateau State University, Bokkos, established by law and recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on April 5, 2005, continues to promote academic excellence. The University’s permanent site is located within the Butura and Tarangol axis of Bokkos Local Government Area, known for its beautiful landscape and conducive learning environment.

The new recruitment covers the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, and the Registry Department.

In the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, vacancies exist in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, including the Departments of Anatomy, Medical Biochemistry, and Physiology, as well as in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, under the Department of Community Medicine. Available positions include Professor, Senior Lecturer, and Lecturer I.

The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences announced openings in several departments, including Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology. Positions available are for Senior Lecturer, Lecturer I, and Lecturer II.

In the Faculty of Arts, the Department of Religion and Cultural Studies is seeking Senior Lecturers and Lecturer II, while the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Statistics, has vacancies for Senior Lecturer, Lecturer II, and Assistant Lecturer.

For non-teaching positions, the Registry Department is recruiting for the post of Confidential Secretary I.

Applicants must possess the required qualifications and years of experience as stated for each role. “Interested and qualified candidates who meet the requirement stated above should visit the University’s website: www.plasu.edu.ng/recruitment to apply,” the Registrar, Yakubu F. Ayuba, announced.

All applications must be submitted online on or before December 1, 2025. The University emphasized that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Plateau State University has an inclusivity policy and encourages persons living with any form of disability and the female gender to apply for positions they are suitably qualified for.

FRC moves to include Islamic finance in Nigeria’s reporting system

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FRC moves to include Islamic finance in Nigeria’s reporting system

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has announced plans to formally integrate Islamic Finance Services into the country’s financial reporting framework through the adoption of standards issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the FRC, Baa’Șiro (Dr.) Rabiu Olowo, made this known in Lagos during his address at the 7th Africa Islamic Finance Conference. He explained that the initiative aligns with the FRC’s statutory responsibility to set, monitor, and enforce financial reporting standards in Nigeria.

According to him, the rapid expansion of Islamic Finance Services in Nigeria, including the rise of Islamic banking, Sukuk issuances, Takaful insurance, and non-interest capital market products, makes it necessary to establish consistent and globally comparable financial reporting practices.

“This sector has become a dynamic contributor to financial inclusion, infrastructure financing, and ethical investment alternatives. However, this growth brings with it the obligation for regulators to ensure that financial reporting for Islamic Finance Services is consistent, reliable, and globally comparable,” Dr. Olowo stated.

He added that adopting AAOIFI standards would complement the existing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) while providing a dedicated framework for the unique contracts and financial instruments used in Islamic finance. He emphasized that this integration is vital for improving transparency and boosting investor confidence in the Nigerian financial market.

“Nigeria’s financial system is evolving, and our regulatory framework must evolve with it. The inclusion of AAOIFI standards into our national framework is not just a regulatory necessity, it is a strategic imperative for building trust, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that Islamic Finance continues to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and financial inclusion,” he added.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, noted during the conference that Islamic finance has become a significant driver of economic progress in Africa. “Islamic finance has emerged as a powerful ally because the system framework is rooted in ethics, fairness, and shared prosperity,” he said.

Also speaking, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with the industry’s growth. “We are beginning to see geometric growth in the number of banks that have been licensed and the number that have applied for licences,” he said.

Sanusi added that Islamic financing focuses on investments in real assets such as roads, power plants, water, and digital networks. “In Nigeria, for instance, if we have constant access to electricity, it will easily give us a $1 trillion economy,” he explained. He concluded that “Islamic financing fits perfectly into infrastructure finance because it is built on truth, where every financing is tied to a real tangible asset that creates jobs and long-term value.”

FCCPC shuts down Kano textile warehouses for selling underweight fabrics

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FCCPC shuts down Kano textile warehouses for selling underweight fabrics

In a major operation in Kano, operatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) today shut down the warehouses of five textile distributors for engaging in unethical business practices.

The Commission said the companies were involved in deceptive sales of underweight and shortened fabric materials to unsuspecting consumers, breaching the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

The enforcement operation was led by the Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka. The FCCPC explained that the action followed weeks of surveillance around major textile markets in Kano. Investigators discovered that several retailers had been selling fabric materials significantly below the standard lengths or measurements indicated on product labels while charging consumers the full price.

According to the Commission, the fraudulent activities violated key sections of the FCCPA. Section 123(1) of the Act states that no retailer, trader, or supplier shall, in the course of trade, make any representation to a consumer that is false, misleading, erroneous, or deceptive, including regarding the quantity or price of goods supplied. Section 125(1) also prohibits any undertaking from directly or indirectly implying a false or misleading representation concerning a material fact to a consumer.

The textile brands identified in the operation include LGR Product, U&Me Product, Nana Tex Product, V Levintus Product, Mama Africa Product, Hightex Product, UE Product, S-U Velt Product, and Jisiki Product.

Investigations revealed that these products were imported, marketed, distributed, advertised, and warehoused at various locations including Nos. 238, 249, 313, 315, 413, and 428 Gandun Abada Layout; Nos. 38 and 40 Ibrahim Taiwo Road; No. 87 Bua Rice Mills Street; Links I, II, and III Ajasa Inuwa Wada Road; and No. 287 Gandun Albasa New Layout in Kano city.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the Commission would not tolerate any practice that exploits Nigerian consumers or undermines fair competition.

“By undermining honest traders and businesses that comply with lawful standards, this nefarious practice of selling underweight products can drive legitimate retailers out of the market, thereby reducing consumer choice and entrenching anti-competitive behaviour,” said Mr. Bello.

He assured that the Commission will continue to deploy lawful measures to deter such exploitative conduct in all markets across Nigeria. Retailers, distributors, and suppliers were reminded of their legal obligation to provide goods that meet declared descriptions, measurements, and standards.

Mr. Bello commended the diligence of the FCCPC team led by Mrs. Adeyinka and thanked security agencies for their cooperation during the operation.

Maiha urges efficient livestock transport to boost meat, dairy value chains

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Maiha urges efficient livestock transport to boost meat, dairy value chains

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has emphasised that efficient and humane livestock transportation is critical to transforming Nigeria’s red meat and dairy value chains, ensuring food safety, and strengthening national economic resilience.

Speaking in Abuja at the 7th National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Maiha said the journey of red meat begins with the link between the ranch and the abattoir, where transportation efficiency directly influences quality and profitability.

“Efficient transportation is not just about moving animals; it is about maintaining chain integrity, reducing stress on the animals, minimising holding times at abattoirs, and ensuring steady supply for processing. This is the backbone of a modern, resilient livestock sector,” he stated.

The Minister highlighted the importance of temperature-controlled logistics systems, real-time tracking, and route optimisation in maintaining the cold chain and ensuring product quality from abattoirs to the final market. He explained that broken cold chains lead to microbial growth, spoilage, and major economic losses that affect the livestock industry and food supply chain.

Addressing the dairy sector, Maiha said that efficiency is measured in hours, not days, because of the perishable nature of milk. He noted that the use of insulated tankers and well-planned collection routes is essential to preserve milk quality, maintain hygiene, and extend shelf life.

“Route optimisation software and modern logistics enable milk to move faster from farms to processing plants, ensuring compliance with hygiene and temperature standards,” he added.

Maiha also pointed out that humane livestock handling is a key ethical and economic factor, explaining that animal stress affects both welfare and meat quality. According to him, features such as non-slip flooring, proper ventilation, adjustable partitions, and easy-loading ramps are crucial to safe and efficient livestock transport systems.

On his part, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to advancing regulatory frameworks that will support a coordinated, transparent, and accountable national transport system.

The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Uba Sani, shared Kaduna State’s progress in revamping its transport system within two and a half years in office. He said the urban renewal project covers 85 urban and rural roads spanning 785 kilometres, nearly half of which have been completed to connect farmers, traders, and commuters while driving commerce, growth, and investment.

During the event, Governor Uba Sani was honoured with the titles of Honorary Fellow and Grand Patron of CIOTA, while Minister Mukhtar received an Honorary Membership award. The conference, themed “Repositioning Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure and Governance Models for Global Competitiveness,” began on November 4 and will continue until November 7.

Dano Milk applications for 2026 internship program

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Dano Milk applications for 2026 internship program

Arla Foods has opened applications for the Dano Milk Internship 2026, inviting young Nigerians to apply for an opportunity to gain valuable industry experience. The company announced that the program is for passionate, talented, curious, and enthusiastic individuals who are eager to learn and grow in a dynamic work environment.

According to Arla Foods Nigeria, “The Dano Milk Internship Program is designed to provide practical exposure, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and develop essential skills while working with professionals.” The program aims to nurture young talents who are creative, open-minded, ambitious, and capable of working collaboratively in a team.

The Dano Milk Nigeria Internship 2026 offers participants a unique chance to gain real-world experience in various departments such as Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Corporate Affairs, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QEHS), and Supply Chain. The company stated that successful applicants will be paid competitive monthly stipends and receive on-the-job training in their chosen field.

Arla Foods Nigeria noted that the internship is open to Nigerian graduates who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any relevant field. Applicants must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, be proficient in Microsoft Office, possess excellent communication and presentation skills, and be digitally savvy.

The program is part of our continuous commitment to empower young Nigerians by offering them opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. The initiative reflects the company’s goal to build local capacity and develop future leaders in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

The Dano Milk Internship Program 2026 provides a pathway to employment opportunities within Arla Foods, as outstanding interns may be considered for full-time roles. Arla Foods emphasized that interns will gain exposure to business operations, modern production systems, and corporate ethics in an international work environment.

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to send their CVs to arlangcareers@arlafoods.com using the job title as the subject of the email. The deadline for submission is November 17, 2025.

FG launches NgREN–TERAS integration to boost digital learning, research

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FG launches NgREN–TERAS integration to boost digital learning, research

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the rollout of the upgraded Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) and its integration with the Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) platform to enhance digital connectivity, research collaboration, and innovation in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. The announcement was made at an event in Abuja by the Honourable Minister of Education, Chief Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa FAMedS, CON, who described the NgREN–TERAS integration as a major milestone in the Ministry’s effort to modernize learning and research through technology, data, and institutional collaboration.

Dr. Alausa explained that the renewed NgREN will function as a high-speed national education network linking universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and research institutions on a shared platform supporting e-learning, cloud computing, and research services. He said the network represents a vital part of the Ministry’s vision for a technology-driven education system that promotes collaboration, data sharing, and access to advanced learning tools. According to him, “This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a knowledge-based economy built on innovation, transparency, and digital inclusion.”

The Minister further stated that the integration of NgREN with the TERAS platform would create a unified digital ecosystem that connects institutions to research resources, online learning platforms, plagiarism detection systems, high-performance computing, and institutional analytics. He commended the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for their leadership in driving this reform, emphasizing that the collaboration would make digital infrastructure the backbone of Nigeria’s tertiary education system and ensure cost-effective access to high-quality educational services.

Dr. Alausa added that the upgraded network, supported by the World Bank through the SPESSE and ACE Impact projects, includes modern facilities such as cloud data centers, e-libraries, and campus-wide Wi-Fi services. He assured that the Ministry remains committed to sustaining these initiatives through partnerships, innovation, and continuous investment in digital learning environments to make Nigeria’s tertiary education system globally competitive.

In his presentation, Dr. Joshua Attah of the National Universities Commission (NUC) provided an overview of the evolution of the Nigerian Research and Education Network and its integration with the TERAS platform. He explained that the NgREN is not merely an Internet Service Provider but a collaborative platform connecting universities and research institutions to enable shared digital services and global linkages. Dr. Attah noted that the ongoing review, directed by the Honourable Minister, focuses on expanding connectivity, improving reliability, and creating a sustainable governance framework that supports e-learning, data analytics, and research-driven innovation.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Joseph Odo of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) presented the TETFund–TERAS convergence services, which aim to expand access to research, digital learning, and institutional resources for staff and students across tertiary institutions. He outlined several digital services provided through the TERAS platform, including a federated academic repository, EagleScan plagiarism checker, online learning platforms, digital literacy programs, and access to academic journals and databases.

Mr. Odo explained that the integration with NgREN will improve bandwidth, connectivity, and access to digital tools through a unified gateway. He further announced that the pilot phase of the integration would begin in 2025 with selected universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education drawn from all geopolitical zones.

The launch of the NgREN–TERAS integration marks a significant step in Nigeria’s digital education transformation. With this initiative, the Federal Ministry of Education is setting a new benchmark for digital access, collaboration, and innovation across the tertiary education landscape, building a foundation for research excellence, national development, and global competitiveness.

Akwa Ibom Gov approves employment letters for 125 new civil servants

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Akwa Ibom Gov approves employment letters for 125 new civil servants

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has approved the release of employment letters to one hundred and twenty-five newly recruited officers in the State Civil Service. The appointments include twenty-five Senior State Counsel and one hundred Occupational Safety Officers.

According to a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, this marks the first recruitment exercise conducted by the Civil Service Commission in 2025. The new officers were selected from successful candidates who applied through the State Government’s online employment portal, as earlier announced in the year.

Rt. Hon. Umanah commended Governor Eno for “keeping his promise of establishing an Occupational Safety Department in the State and staffing it to kick-start the institutionalization of structured safety processes.” He explained that the recruitment of Senior Legal Counsels “will further strengthen the State’s justice delivery system and enhance legal support for public institutions.”

The Commissioner praised the Governor’s commitment to transparency, merit, and inclusiveness in the recruitment process, describing it as “open, competitive, and guided by the Governor’s directive to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.”

He also lauded the Civil Service Commission for its diligence in conducting the exercise, noting that the newly employed officers would soon be invited for documentation and induction before their deployment to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Rt. Hon. Umanah added that this development demonstrates Governor Eno’s dedication to job creation, institutional growth, and effective service delivery under the ARISE Agenda.

Oando JV Ibeno Trust opens 2025 scholarship and training application

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Oando JV Ibeno Trust opens 2025 scholarship and training application

The Network Oando JV Ibeno Host Communities Development Trust (NOJI-HCDT) has announced the official rollout of its 2025 programs aimed at supporting education, skill acquisition, and social protection for indigenes of Ibeno Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State. The initiative, launched under the partnership between Network Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (NEPN) and Oando, is focused on helping unemployed youths and students from the area reach their full potential.

According to the official statement titled “Notice! Notice!! Notice!!!”, the Trust revealed that the programs to be implemented include Educational Grants, Skill Acquisition Training, and Social Protection initiatives. The program is designed to alleviate the suffering of the unemployed youths and also support the educational needs of the students of Ibeno origin through educational grants in order to provide them with the opportunity to achieve their full potentials in life.

The eligibility criteria for the Educational Grant require applicants to be indigenes of Ibeno Local Government Area, have a strong academic record, be admitted to a recognized institution of higher learning, and demonstrate financial need. For those applying for the Skill Acquisition Training, applicants must be fit for the required training and possess the necessary qualifications as provided on the application form.

Interested and qualified applicants are advised to pick up their forms at the Trust Corporate Office located at No. 55 Apostolic Road, Upenekang, Ibeno LGA, Akwa Ibom State. “Forms shall be made available at the Trust Office for pick up or through Community representatives,” the notice added. Applicants are expected to fill out the application form accurately, attach all required documents, and submit them to the same office.

The Trust emphasized that late submission of forms will not be accepted after the deadline. “The deadline for submission of all application forms shall be two weeks from the date of this notice, 5th November 2025,” the notice stated.

For further information or enquiries, applicants are directed to contact the Trust via email at networkoandojvibhcdt@gmail.com or by phone at 08141836208.

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