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Circulating Claims FG NDE Phase Two Portal is Reopened

Fresh rumours have surfaced online claiming that the Federal Government has reopened the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) application portal for the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase Two. According to the circulating claims, the portal is said to be open with the application process ending on 2 September 2025.

However, there is no official announcement from the NDE confirming the reopening of the portal. Officials had earlier stated that shortlisted candidates would be announced soon, which makes the development uncertain.

Despite this, applicants are reporting that the sign-up page is currently accessible and allows registration for selected programmes. The portal is open, but we are not sure if these new submissions will be recognised as valid profiles.

In recent weeks, discussions about the NDE have focused more on the agency’s reported plan not to move its headquarters before December.

The accessibility of the portal could also mean that the NDE is quietly preparing to release its shortlist of candidates, and the registration page may have been left open in error.

For now, interested applicants can visit https://nderegistrationportal.ng to choose their preferred programme and fill out the application form. If the claims prove correct, the reopened portal will close by 2 September 2025.

Meanwhile, those who have already registered are advised to log in to their accounts, review their details carefully, and keep track of their application status while waiting for an official statement from the Federal Government.

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FG, Colombia to Sign MoU on Agriculture, Others

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The Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, arrived in Abuja on Thursday for a three-day official visit to Nigeria.

She was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by senior government officials. Those present included the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar.

Márquez, who was accompanied by her spouse, Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró, said the visit was aimed at strengthening diplomatic and strategic ties between Colombia and Nigeria. According to officials, the visit is expected to open new areas of cooperation in governance, trade, agriculture, energy, education, and security.

The Colombian Vice President is leading a delegation that includes cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders. They are scheduled to meet with their Nigerian counterparts for talks that will focus on advancing collaboration and deepening bilateral relations.

One of the major highlights of the visit will be the signing of Memoranda of Understanding across different sectors. These agreements will cover women empowerment, trade, aviation, manufacturing, agriculture, and culture.

The programme also features a plenary session that will be attended by both Vice Presidents. In addition, a Nigeria-Colombia Business Forum and bilateral meetings have been planned.

Officials confirmed that other side events will include high-level business engagements hosted by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as a summit on Artificial Intelligence.

Speaking on the visit, a senior Nigerian official noted that “this marks an important step in building stronger ties between both countries, with real opportunities in investment, technology, and security cooperation.”

Nigeria Gas Production Rises to 7.59 BSCFD in July 2025

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Gas flaring in Nigeria fell to 7.10 percent in July 2025, marking a rare milestone for the country’s energy sector. Figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission also revealed that daily gas production reached 7.59 billion standard cubic feet per day (BSCFD).

The Commission linked the dual achievement of higher production and reduced flaring to its sustained efforts to strengthen energy output while pursuing its 2030 zero-flare commitment.

According to the statement, “Despite an increase in production, the Commission also reported a continued reduction in gas flaring, which fell to 7.16% in July 2025, down from 7.55% in 2024 and 7.38% in the corresponding period of 2023. The reduction in gas flare was recorded despite the steady increase in gas production which reflects the Commission’s commitment to end routine gas flaring by 2030.”

Available data showed that gas production in Nigeria has maintained consistent growth for three years. The July 2025 average of 7.59 BSCFD represented an 8.58 percent rise compared to the 6.99 BSCFD posted in 2024. It also stood 9.84 percent higher than the 6.91 BSCFD recorded in 2023.

The regulator explained that these improvements were driven by initiatives such as the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), the Decarbonisation and Sustainability Blueprint, the promotion of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and the integration of sustainability measures through the Upstream Petroleum Decarbonisation Template (UPDT).

In a document signed by the Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the Commission further disclosed progress in Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation (DGDO) performance. Delivery levels rose to 72.5 percent in July 2025, up from 71.8 percent in June.

Earlier figures included 72.2 percent in January, 73.5 percent in February, a dip to 70.8 percent in March, and subsequent recoveries to 73.7 percent and 73.0 percent in April and May.

Breakdown of gas production by contract type in July 2025 showed that Marginal Sole Risk operators accounted for 63 percent of total output. Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) followed with 24 percent, Joint Venture (JV) operations delivered 10 percent, while Sole Risk operators contributed the remaining 3 percent.

Gas utilisation records indicated that, year-to-date as of July 2025, 35.88 percent of production was exported, 27.82 percent supplied to the domestic market, and 29.13 percent used for field and plant operations.

Companies deployed much of this gas for in-house purposes including fuel, gas lifting, and reinjection for pressure management.

The report also confirmed improvements in Gas-to-Power supply. Average daily deliveries rose by 3.48 percent month-on-month, increasing from 833.86 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCF/D) in June to 862.86 MMSCF/D in July, the highest in three months.

For the first seven months of 2025, supply stood at 780.23 MMSCF/D in January, climbed to 849.37 MMSCF/D in February, and further increased to 886.83 MMSCF/D and 886.7 MMSCF/D in March and April, respectively.

Lagos Gov Unveils Torchbearers Book as 30 Graduate

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The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) at the weekend held its graduation for the 2024/2025 cohorts and induction ceremony for the new 2025/2026 Fellows, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s mission to nurture transformational leaders for Lagos State and Nigeria.

Thirty Fellows of the 2024/2025 class graduated after completing a year-long fully funded residential training supported by the Lagos State Government. Alongside the graduation, 30 new Fellows were inducted for the 2025/2026 session, continuing the Academy’s vision of grooming future leaders who will embody the values of public service and character.

Speaking at the ceremony on Friday evening in Ikeja, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the Academy as a bridge between the aspirations of young Nigerians and the responsibilities of leadership. He urged the graduating Fellows to become agents of change and uphold principles of service, conviction, and integrity.

“The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy is a testament to excellence and an affirmation of our belief that leadership is not by accident but the product of vision, preparation and character,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said. He further expressed his commitment to ensuring the Academy becomes one of the best globally, producing leaders who embrace responsibility and lead with intent.

The Governor also unveiled a book authored by the graduating Fellows, titled Torchbearers, which captures their collective experiences and vision for leadership in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the Academy, Mrs Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, said the institution has so far trained 60 Fellows, with more than 85 per cent of them now serving in leadership roles across diverse sectors. She commended the visionary leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu and reiterated that the Academy’s mandate is to institutionalise principled public leadership.

“The graduation ceremony is a passage of leadership from one generation to the next, defined not by virtue but by consistency,” she said. Agbaje-Okunade called for greater collaboration with both government and the private sector to deepen impact and create more opportunities for future leaders.

Chairperson of the Alumni Advisory Council of the Academy, Adepeju Balogun, also highlighted the progress of the council. She said it had mentored 200 youths, established an alumni constitution in June 2025, and advanced sustainability initiatives to ensure lasting contributions to Lagos State. According to her, the Academy has grown into a beacon of excellence, producing alumni who now serve in diverse leadership capacities across the country.

Mentors at the event delivered goodwill messages, congratulating both the graduating class and the newly inducted Fellows. They encouraged them to remain impactful in society and to allow the Academy’s vision to guide their leadership journey.

Special recognitions were also given at the event. Seyi Ugo won the All-rounder Award, while Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, was honoured as the Most Supportive Personality.

FG Tells Youths to Use Government Programs and Register to Vote

Aderinsola Abiola, the Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), has called on Nigerian youths to take full advantage of government initiatives aimed at supporting education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

She made this known earlier today while attending the International Youth Day event organized by NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, under the leadership of its National President, Dr. Sameera Abubakar Abdullah.

Speaking during the Government panel session, Abiola highlighted several programs introduced by the Renewed Hope administration to empower young people and boost their economic prospects.

According to her, “Some of the initiatives highlighted include NELFUND, which sets young people on the path to academic fulfillment and economic prosperity by removing financial barriers to higher education; the Nigerian Youth Academy, an online resource for skill acquisition and job opportunities; the Corprenuer Scheme, which equips National Youth Corps members with valuable skills (and business grants, in some cases), among many others.”

Abiola encouraged participants to stay updated about opportunities from key financial institutions. “I also recommended staying updated about offerings by key organisations like the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture, so that young entrepreneurs may take advantage of opportunities which are well suited to their businesses,” she stated.

She further advised young people to remain informed about youth-centered programs using official government resources. “I urged the audience to keep abreast of youth-focused government initiatives via the Youth Initiatives Dashboard, created by the Office of the SA to the President on Youth Initiatives Nigeria, and accessed through the website of the Federal Ministry for Youth Development via yid.fmyd.gov.ng,” Abiola said.

When asked about her personal contributions to youth empowerment, Abiola noted that while serving as SSAP, she initiated the Young Women’s Leadership Conference and later facilitated the Leadership and Business Development Training, which saw beneficiaries receive business grants of N500,000 each.

She concluded by pledging continued support for youth entrepreneurship. “When asked to make a commitment regarding youth entrepreneurship, I pledged to work with NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs for the next edition of the conference and on other initiatives, God willing,” she affirmed.

Abiola ended her remarks by urging youths to participate in civic duties. “Beyond business, civic responsibilities must be taken seriously, and we all have a role to play in nation building,” she said, encouraging young people to register for the ongoing CVR exercise.

CAC gives date to begin new service fees

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August 30, 2025 – The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a public notice informing customers and stakeholders about key updates to its operations. According to the notice, the Commission is focusing on achieving full stabilization of the new Company Registration Portal before the middle of September 2025.

In its statement, the CAC said, “In demonstration of its unwavering commitment to service excellence, it has resolved to prioritize the full stabilization of the new Company Registration Portal before the middle of September, 2025.” This move is aimed at improving company registration services and ensuring smooth business name registration for users across Nigeria.

As part of this development, the Commission announced a change in the implementation date of the revised fees for its services. The notice stated, “The new fees will now come into effect on 1st October, 2025.” This decision allows stakeholders to prepare adequately for the new pricing structure while the portal is being fully optimized.

The CAC emphasized that this decision demonstrates its determination to deliver a seamless and efficient transition into the new regime of services.

It thanked customers and stakeholders for their patience, cooperation, and support as it works toward building a customer-centric registry that meets global standards.

Nigeria Secures Backing to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

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Nigeria has taken a major step toward making history as the country seeks to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja. At the African Sports Ministers’ meeting organized by the African Union Commission, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko made a passionate appeal for Africa’s backing, urging that the Games be seen as a collective African project.

“Africa has never hosted the Commonwealth Games, despite almost half the countries in Africa being members of the Commonwealth,” Dikko stated. He explained that Nigeria has already submitted its expression of interest and held collaborative meetings with the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, putting the nation forward as the only African contender in the race, alongside countries like India and Canada.

Dikko emphasized the importance of unity and African solidarity, saying that Nigeria’s ambition goes beyond national pride. According to him, hosting the Games would make history for the entire continent and “deliver a world-class event that would further showcase Africa’s strength, unity, and potential on the global stage.”

The African Sports Ministers welcomed the proposal and gave unanimous support for Nigeria’s bid. The meeting promised solidarity from across the continent, signaling a strong African front in the competition to secure the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

This endorsement positions Nigeria as a serious contender and strengthens its chances of bringing the major sporting event to Africa for the first time, a move that could boost tourism, create jobs, and attract international investment.

Apply: Hackathon at IATF2025 – Reinventing Africa’s Healthcare ($10,000)

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August 30, 2025 – The future of African healthcare will take center stage at IATF2025 as Afreximbank and AfriLabs host a 48-hour Healthcare Hackathon for the first time. The event will run from 8–9 September 2025 and bring together innovators to design and pitch solutions aimed at transforming healthcare access, affordability, and trade across the continent.

The hackathon will unite Africa’s top innovators to design scalable solutions for better healthcare. The platform is designed to link innovation with trade, investment, and policy, giving healthtech ideas global visibility and encouraging investment into Africa’s healthcare ecosystem.

Focus Areas
a. Integrated Patient Information – Breaking data silos for seamless care
b. Digital Health & Telemedicine – Expanding access through technology
c. Affordable Healthcare Solutions – Reducing costs, strengthening supply chains

What’s in it for You?
i. Compete for $20,000 in prizes
ii. Gain mentorship from healthcare, tech, and business experts
iii. Showcase your solution at the IATF Healthcare Pavilion
iv. Connect with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders

Prizes
i. 1st Place: $10,000
ii. 2nd Place: $6,000
iii. 3rd Place: $4,000

Eligibility
1. Open to IATF2025 attendees only
2. Teams of 3–5 innovators formed in advance
3. 50–70 participants expected; 5–7 finalists will pitch live

Timeline
7 Sept: Orientation & ideation
8 Sept: Development & mentorship
9 Sept: Final pitches & awards

How to apply:

Interested participants are encouraged to fill the application form and register through the official link Here.

Nasarawa sets quality standards for renovation of 490 public secondary schools

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The Honourable Commissioner for Education in Nasarawa State, Dr. John Mamman, who also serves as Chairman of the State Steering Committee for the implementation of the AGILE Project, on Thursday led a high-level delegation to a strategic meeting with Technical Service Providers (TSPs) ahead of the planned renovation of 490 public secondary schools across the state.

The delegation included members of the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) and the Consultant in charge of Component 1.2 of the AGILE Project, which focuses on school infrastructure upgrades. The meeting aimed to review implementation strategies and establish clear standards to guide the exercise.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Mamman stressed the importance of improving existing facilities and providing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) amenities, particularly gender-sensitive toilets for both girls and boys. “This is not just a contract—it is a community service,” Dr. Mamman said. “As certified professionals, you must not compromise quality. The lives of our young ones and future leaders depend on the integrity of your work.”

The Commissioner warned against any collusion with School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) members to divert project resources, noting that such misconduct would attract strict sanctions. He also revealed plans to carry out unannounced oversight visits to renovation sites to personally assess progress and ensure compliance with agreed standards.

The Consultant for the infrastructure component, Dr. Qs Rufun Faderson, urged the service providers to strictly adhere to the standards and rules of engagement.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration with SBMC officials and encouraged contractors to report any challenges promptly to avoid delays. “If you go contrary to our set standards, you will be held accountable,” he stated.

Earlier, AGILE Project Coordinator, Hajiya Aishatu Aliyu Isoga, represented by Aliyu Isiaka, Component 1.1 Lead, welcomed the service providers and described the meeting as an important step in selecting qualified local engineers to deliver quality renovation works and WASH facilities.

She explained that the selection process was based on proven professional records and urged contractors to work closely with SBMCs to ensure transparency, proper use of funds, and successful project delivery.

FG pushes for local product support at Maiduguri forum

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The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure has renewed its call for Nigerians to support locally manufactured products as a way to strengthen the nation’s economy.

At a strategic awareness programme held in Maiduguri, officials of the agency emphasized that patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods can boost job creation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.

During the event, NASENI officials met with over sixty manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and consumers from across Borno State for a high-level focus group meeting on promoting locally manufactured goods.

According to NASENI, the initiative is part of a broader national plan aimed at revolutionizing local industries, reducing import dependency, and stimulating Nigeria’s economy through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Participants at the forum shared similar views, urging both government and private stakeholders to do more to support local manufacturers. They called for increased access to finance, training, and expanded markets to help Nigerian producers compete with imported goods.

Speaking at the event, NASENI officials stated, “Sustained support for local manufacturers could be the game changer in achieving growth, jobs, and national pride.”

The forum also explored practical ways to improve product quality and visibility, highlighting how investment in locally made goods can help diversify the economy.

With Nigeria’s industrial sector under pressure to provide solutions, the agency believes collaboration between public and private sectors will drive long-term economic stability and reduce reliance on imports.