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Gas marketers set 6 million-tonne LPG supply target, forecast price reduction

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Gas marketers set 6 million-tonne LPG supply target, forecast price reduction

Nigeria’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) marketers have announced plans to raise the nation’s annual LPG supply to six million metric tonnes in the coming years, a move expected to enhance access to clean energy and ease the rising cost of cooking gas.

The outgoing President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Oladapo Olatunbosun, disclosed this on Tuesday at the association’s 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja. He reviewed the progress made under his tenure and outlined strategies to sustain industry growth.

The president noted that Nigeria’s LPG consumption had expanded remarkably from about 900,000 metric tonnes four years ago to more than two million metric tonnes in 2024, attributing the increase to improved investment, effective collaboration with government agencies, and growing public confidence in gas as a cleaner domestic energy option.

“Through our collaboration with the Federal Government under the Decade of Gas initiative, we have been able to deepen the future of LPG in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that with continued policy support and private-sector investment, the target of six million metric tonnes annually was achievable.

“By that, we will be able to rub shoulders with other countries like Morocco and Egypt, which currently lead LPG supply in Africa,” Olatunbosun said.

According to reports, Nigeria’s LPG industry has witnessed steady growth since the launch of the National Gas Expansion Programme and the Decade of Gas Initiative in 2021, aimed at driving industrialisation and cleaner energy adoption.

With a population exceeding 200 million and abundant natural gas reserves of over 200 trillion cubic feet, Nigeria is among Africa’s largest gas producers but still struggles with low domestic LPG penetration, particularly in rural areas.

According to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Nigeria consumes about 1.9 to two million metric tonnes of LPG annually, far below its potential market size of five to six million tonnes.

Despite the progress, Olatunbosun noted that the rising cost of LPG and uneven supply remained key concerns, expressing optimism that the lingering complaints over the high cost of cooking gas would soon be a thing of the past, citing ongoing efforts to boost domestic supply.

He added that the anticipated entry of Seplat Energy’s gas into the market, along with increased output from the Dangote Refinery and other ongoing gas infrastructure projects, would help ease supply pressures and stabilise prices across the country.

Reflecting on his four-year tenure, Olatunbosun expressed appreciation to members of NALPGAM for their cooperation and unity, describing his leadership as a period marked by growth, transformation, and resilience.

He urged the incoming executives to place greater emphasis on affordability and rural access, stressing that many communities were yet to benefit from Nigeria’s gas expansion efforts.

Olatunbosun lamented that while urban residents grappled with high prices, rural dwellers still faced limited access due to poor infrastructure and weak distribution networks.

He acknowledged that recent supply disruptions caused by plant maintenance and refinery logistics temporarily pushed prices higher but noted that the situation was improving as local production ramps up.

The outgoing president also stressed that Nigeria’s growing population and industrial expansion would continue to fuel gas demand, underscoring the need for sustained investments in processing capacity and infrastructure to reduce dependence on imports.

Calling for greater innovation in the industry, Olatunbosun urged operators to embrace artificial intelligence and digital monitoring systems to enhance plant safety, curb theft, and improve operational efficiency.

He also encouraged young Nigerians to explore and develop technology-driven solutions to strengthen LPG logistics, handling, and safety standards across the value chain.

Concluding his address, Olatunbosun expressed pride in the association’s accomplishments under his leadership and called on members to sustain the momentum.

Tinubu’s government offers N38 million award for tax reform reporting

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Tinubu’s government offers N38 million award for tax reform reporting

THE Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has launched the Excellence in Tax Reform Reporting Award to recognise journalists and digital influencers whose work demonstrates accuracy, balance, and public impact in reporting Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal reforms.

The announcement was made on Tuesday via X by the committee’s chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, who said the initiative aimed at promoting informed public discourse, counter misinformation, and encourage journalism that deepens citizens’ understanding and trust in government reforms.

“The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has unveiled the Excellence in Tax Reform Reporting Award to recognise and reward journalists and online influencers who provide balanced, accurate, and impactful reporting on Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms,” Oyedele said. 

The competition is open to Nigerian journalists in print, broadcast, and online media, as well as digital influencers, bloggers, and podcasters. Eligible entries must be published between July 1 and December 31, 2025, in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba.

‘Award structure: 1st Prize: ₦10m | 2nd Prize: ₦5m | 3rd Prize: ₦3m | Consolation prize of ₦1m for top 20 finalists,” he added. 

He noted that entries would be evaluated on accuracy, balance, clarity, public engagement, and creativity.

Applications will open via the official portal at fiscalreforms.ng by 31 December 2025. 

Oyedele noted the initiative aligned with the committee’s broader mission to simplify Nigeria’s tax system by harmonising multiple taxes and levies into a more transparent and efficient structure.

Note: The headline was updated. 

Tackling corruption in BHCPF primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria

Editorial
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Tackling corruption in BHCPF primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria

By HAPAC

THE Health Anti-Corruption Project Advisory Committee (HAPAC) recognises and endorses the ‘Red Letter’ issued by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate, which highlights corruption and its detrimental effects on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

In this article, HAPAC shares its findings from an investigation into the BHCPF in some states in Nigeria, along with proposed anti-corruption strategies. We start by explaining the BHCPF to the public, helping them understand what it is and how corruption hinders access to healthcare at primary health centres (PHCs).

Facts about the BHCPF every citizen should know

Under the National Health Act of 2014, Nigeria’s law mandates that 1 per cent of the country’s annual revenue be allocated to the BHCPF, aimed at supporting PHCs in providing quality health services. Parliament is currently debating a possible increase to 2 per cent. Besides these government funds, donors such as the World Bank and private corporations can also invest in and contribute to the BHCPF.

Once funds are collected for BHCPF, they are allocated to improve health services through four main channels, called gateways. These are:

(a) through the primary healthcare agency, which ensures health facilities are well-equipped, staffed, and stocked with essential drugs;

(b) through the health insurance agency, to extend healthcare insurance to the poor and vulnerable;

(c) via the disease prevention to support disease outbreak response, and

(d) the emergency gateway, which should support ambulance services and patient referrals from PHCs to general and teaching hospitals.

Since 2018, when the government officially flagged the programme, over 110 billion naira [$US 68.3 million], including 32.9 billion naira [$US 22 million] just recently disbursed, have reportedly been invested in the BHCPF. Therefore, we would expect that health services and outcomes in Nigeria should at least reflect this amount of money spent on primary healthcare.

Unfortunately, this has not been the case, despite some progress, such as increased primary healthcare utilisation and a decline in the mortality of children under five years old. This is why concerns are now being raised about corruption and its impact on the BHCPF.

List of corruption issues in the BHCPF

In most facilities visited by HAPAC, we observe clear gaps between the yearly investment, around 1.2 million naira [$800], and the actual tangible results in equipment, infrastructure, and the availability of consumables such as medicines. We have identified eight primary corruption issues impacting the success of the BHCPF, listed here for clarity:

  1. Facility managers agree on sums payable to the community monitors to overlook inappropriate practices.
  2. Facilities submit similar receipts for the purchase of medicines to the Primary Healthcare Agency and Health Insurance gateways. So, they get twice the amount spent on such purchase.
  3. Falsification of signatures of community co-signatories to obtain funds without the knowledge of the community monitors.
  4. The State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) has appropriated to itself the sole authority over funds allocated to health facilities. It directs facility managers on when to authorise transfers, typically made to a bank account they (the SPHCDA) specify.
  5. SPHCDA takes on drug procurement duties without consulting health facilities and does not follow approved bidding processes under Nigeria’s procurement regulations.
  6. SPHCDA procures and distributes drugs to health facilities based on its own discretion, not following the requisition orders that detail facilities’ drug shortages and requirements.
  7. SPHCDA supplies unsuitable drugs to primary health facilities and disregards feedback from facility managers.
  8. SPHCDA brazenly supplies health facilities with drugs that are nearing expiration. The eight issues listed above show that the SPHCDA, health workers who manage facilities, and the supposed community monitors are implicated.

We present some salient quotes from our interviewees:

“How can the agency supply to us drugs for diabetes and some of these ailments that we are not even trained to handle … I cannot touch the fund, until the agency authorises. It was not this way when the programme started …” – Officer in Charge (OIC) of a health facility funded by the BHCPF.

“They said the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) will be driven by the health facilities so that we can provide effective health services to our communities. But today, they tell us not to touch the money and even decide how we spend it” – Officer in Charge (OIC) of a health facility funded by the BHCPF.

“A facility received over 2 million naira ($1300) across 8 quarters, but when you walk in, you won’t see any proof of utilisation of such amount. No delivery bed, no power generator, etc., just because they had 100 per cent autonomy. We had to clamp on that and they are now uncomfortable. I don’t want to talk about the OIC who forged the signature of the Ward Development Committee Chairperson … Sadly, nothing has been done about it yet,” a Policymaker at a State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

Our anti-corruption strategy to ensure BHCPF delivers commensurate value

Our proposed strategies include updating the BHCPF operational guidelines in the future with an anti-corruption focus. The specific anti-corruption measures should encompass scapegoating, decentralised anti-corruption initiatives, anonymous feedback channels, sanctions and enforcement, training and retraining programmes, and centralised procurement.

  1. Scapegoating: Health workers and their managers frequently behave without fear of consequences, leading to visible acts of corruption. To encourage a culture of compliance with rules, it is essential to implement lawful scapegoating strategies guided by anti-corruption agencies to ensure accountability.
  2. Decentralised anticorruption measures: Partnerships between the health sector and anticorruption agencies exist, but they have not yet influenced frontline operations. It is essential to create and implement a system that connects health facilities directly with anticorruption authorities, such as the anti-corruption unit at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. While the 774 Performance and Financial Management Officers (PFMOs) offer some assistance and serve as a buffer, they should not replace real-time communication between facilities and anticorruption officials.
  3. Anonymous feedback channels: A key insight from our investigation is that health personnel and managers are willing to report malpractices and corruption that undermine the BHCPF. However, gathering this sensitive information can put their identities at risk. We recommend adding an anonymous feedback mechanism for health staff, managers, and service users in each state’s BHCPF performance review. Moreover, such feedback should be addressed quickly and effectively.
  4. Sanctions & enforcement: Anticorruption agencies should have the authority to investigate and prosecute violations of BHCPF guidelines. Their roles must be clearly defined in BHCPF operational policies, and they should enforce relevant legal actions to ensure accountability.
  5. Training/retraining: Many involved in these corrupt practices either lack awareness of the consequences or are unfamiliar with proper procedures. The BHCPF secretariat should increase the frequency of training and retraining sessions for frontline health workers and their managers on ethics, national and global health priorities, procurement, and the BHCPF guidelines.
  6. Central Medical Stores: This should be an opportunity to rethink revitalising the central medical stores (CMS) or drug management agencies at the state level. The CMS is vital for controlling medicine prices in primary healthcare facilities and provides an accountability layer to fight corruption. A single, traceable source for purchases enhances regulation and oversight. Purchasing medicines from the open market risks obtaining substandard or counterfeit drugs and increases the chances of record falsification. Central procurement at the state level, with sufficient plans for sales logistics covering interiors, would naturally help resolve issues related to the falsification of purchase receipts for medicines.  

Conclusion

As watchdogs and allies in Nigeria’s health sector, we have noted that ad hoc accountability measures are ineffective and may even enable more corruption. Therefore, anti-corruption strategies must be institutionalised and continuously adapted to counter the evolving tactics of those seeking to exploit the system.

Our investigation has identified various corruption scenarios related to the BHCPF, along with potential sustainable solutions based on available evidence.

The BHCPF is a significant public health investment for Nigeria. Yet, without robust, systemic accountability, this fund could become another missed opportunity.

About HAPAC: This is a coalition challenging health sector corruption based on evidence, composed of members from academia, civil society, media, anticorruption agencies, and health practitioners.

For correspondence: Contact vbamas@icirnigeria.org and prince.agwu@unn.edu.ng, Cc: obinna.onwujekwe@unn.edu.ng and drndakasha@yahoo.com    

Note: The article was updated to include the quotes from the interviewees.

Trump’s gov’t bans Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka from US

Mustapha USMAN
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Trump’s gov’t bans Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka from US

THE United States government has revoked the visa of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, a professor.

The renowned writer disclosed this on Tuesday, October 28, during a briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery inside Freedom Park, Lagos Island, where he explained that he had been notified of the visa cancellation by the US Consulate.

“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” he was quoted to have said.

The nonagenarian said he was unaware of any offence or misconduct that could have led to the action. 

“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any past criminal record or even a felony or misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation.

“I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere? he queried. 

This incident comes amid a broader shift in US. immigration policy under the Trump administration. In June 2025, Trump issued a sweeping travel ban that suspended visa issuance and legal entry from 12 primarily African and Middle Eastern countries, while placing heightened restrictions on seven others.

While Nigeria is not among the affected countries, the administration also expanded a “Catch-and-Revoke” programme targeting thousands of student and researcher visas, citing national security concerns and social-media activity as grounds.

The travel ban originated from an executive order signed by Trump on January 20, directing the Departments of State and Homeland Security, along with the Director of National Intelligence, to prepare a report identifying countries or groups displaying “hostile attitudes” toward the United States.

In September, Soyinka reportedly told TheNEWS that he would not honour an invitation from the US Consulate in Nigeria to appear for a visa re-interview scheduled for Thursday, September 11.

The Nobel laureate was reacting to recent notices sent by the US Consulate to holders of B1/B2 visas, directing them to appear for what it described as a “re-interview exercise.”

Soyinka, who was among those invited, expressed surprise at the development, describing the letter as “strange and bizarre.” He said he initially dismissed it as a possible scam by fraudsters or an AI-generated fake document designed to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.

Kebbi Stadium: Reps to probe $25m grants amid growing allegations against NFF

Mustapha USMAN
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Kebbi Stadium: Reps to probe $25m grants amid growing allegations against NFF

THE House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged mismanagement of financial grants totaling $25 million allegedly received by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.

Lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance on Tuesday, sponsored by Adedayo Adesola (Lagos) and Felix Nwaeke (Rivers), demanding a full probe into the NFF’s handling of international football grants. 

The motion, titled “Misuse of FIFA and CAF Grants by the Nigerian Football Federation,” expressed concern that years of alleged financial irregularities within the NFF contributed to the decline in the performance of Nigeria’s national teams.

Reacting to this, the lawmakers argued that repeated financial irregularities and lack of transparency within the federation had undermined public trust and contributed to Nigeria’s poor football performance.

Citing examples, Adesola recalled that in 2016, FIFA raised an audit query over the handling of a $1.1 million development grant by the NFF, noting that $802,000 of the amount lacked proper documentation.

He added that this prompted the former Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, to order an independent audit and asked the NFF to account for receipts and disbursements.

“The House notes that between 2018 and 2019, NFF officials (including the then president, (Amaju Pinnick) faced public criticism and were subject to EFCC and ICPC probes and court actions tied to alleged mismanagement of various funds and sponsorship,” he said.

Adesola also referenced an alleged $1.2 million grant that the NFF said to have used for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium, describing the facility as ‘substandard’ and unworthy of the amount claimed to have been spent.

“One of these monies, a $1.2 million, is the subject of a news item currently trending on social media, which NFF allegedly used to construct Birnin Kebbi Stadium.

“We are concerned that a physical inspection of the stadium in Birnin Kebbi showed that it is a substandard facility in terms of quality and quantity, which cannot justify the sum of $1.2 million claimed to have been spent on the project by the NFF.”

He compared the stadium with a similar project in Kenya, where the same amount was used to build a modern, fully equipped sports complex.

He stressed that with the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers approaching, there is an urgent need for accountability to prevent further waste of public funds.

Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and resolved to establish a special investigative committee to review all NFF financial transactions since 2015. 

The committee is expected also summon the NFF leadership to present detailed records of receipts and expenditures related to the FIFA and CAF grants.

The ICIR report that the move by the House came days after FIFA shared photos of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium project on its official social media pages.

The photo of the partially completed Birnin Kebbi Stadium quickly went viral, drawing outrage and speculation from fans, who questioned how such a project could represent progress under the FIFA Forward Programme, an initiative meant to promote grassroots football development.

In December 2023, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris reportedly inaugurated the FIFA/NFF-supported stadium project, stating that it was intended to “boost the morale of youths in the state.”

He stated that the project cost $1.183 million, adding that the state government provided four hectares of land and paid N19 million in compensation to the affected landowners.

Recall that in May 2023, FIFA had highlighted the Kebbi project as part of its dedication to developing grassroots football, noting on its InsideFIFA website: “It is no surprise, then, that Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi, was chosen back in 2020 as the site for the construction of an artificial football pitch now available for young boys and girls to use.

“Meanwhile, a second pitch is under construction in Ugborodo… these two ambitious projects have received around USD 2 million in funding from FIFA through its Forward Programme,” its statement added.

Senate to screen new service chiefs Wednesday

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Senate to screen new service chiefs Wednesday

THE Senate is set to screen the newly appointed service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

In a letter read by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during Tuesday’s plenary, Tinubu urged lawmakers to grant “expeditious consideration” to the nominees.

The President appointed Olufemi Oluyede, a general, as Chief of Defence Staff; Waheedi Shaibu, a major general, as Chief of Army Staff.

He also named Idi Abbas, a rear admiral as Chief of Naval Staff; Kennedy Aneke, an air vice marshal, as Chief of Air Staff; and Emmanuel Undiendeye, a major general, as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Akpabio referred the president’s request to the committee of the Whole for screening and confirmation, slated for Wednesday.

The development comes just 48 hours after Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which marked his first formal interaction with the military leadership since last Friday’s major reshuffle.

The ICIR reported that the president sacked Nigeria’s service chiefs and replaced them in a major shake-up of the nation’s security hierarchy on October 24.

Tinubu said the shake-up was “in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government to strengthen the national security architecture.”

He urged the new appointees to justify the trust placed in them by upholding professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

The administration expressed confidence that, once confirmed, the new appointments would strengthen inter-agency collaboration and enhance the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other security threats across the country.

NEMA receives 153 stranded Nigerians from Chad

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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NEMA receives 153 stranded Nigerians from Chad

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said it had received 153 Nigerians who returned from Chad under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Federal Government.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office said the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday, October 27, 2025, around 12:15 p.m.

“The breakdown of the returnees includes 105 adults (63 males and 42 females), 45 children (25 males and 20 females), and 3 infants (all females),” part of the statement read.

The agency said upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate profiling and facilitate the smooth reintegration of the returnees into the country.

“In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of citizens, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including food and potable water, medical care and ambulance services, luggage handling and logistics support, as well as general coordination and counselling services,” the agency said.

The agency noted that the exercise was jointly coordinated with IOM and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

The ICIR reports that the development comes just three days after NEMA received 150 Nigerian returnees from Agadez in Niger Republic.

These latest returnees add to NEMA’s repatriation of Nigerians from neighbouring countries this year. In July, NEMA’s Kano Operations Office received 139 Nigerians who were repatriated from Agadez, Niger Republic. 

The agency received 148 Nigerian migrants from Sudan in September as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safe repatriation of citizens from abroad.

For years, Nigeria’s northern borders with the Niger Republic have remained notoriously porous, making cross-border movement both frequent and largely unregulated. 

From Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, and Sokoto states bordering Benin Republic, to Cross River, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa Borno states bordering Cameroon, and Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Borno which share border with Niger, as well as Borno bordering Chad, Nigeria has hundreds of porous borders, making illegal migration easy for residents of the neighbouring countries.

The ICIR reported in 2024 that citizens of Niger and Nigeria travelled with little to no documentation between the two nations. 

11 tourists, pilot killed as plane crashes in Kenya 

Bankole ABE
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11 tourists, pilot killed as plane crashes in Kenya 
A SMALL passenger aircraft belonging to Mombasa Air Safari crashed early Tuesday morning in Kwale County, Kenya, killing all 11 people on board, including eight Hungarian tourists, two Germans, and a Kenyan pilot.

Authorities said the aircraft, a Cessna Caravan-type plane, was flying from Diani airstrip on Kenya’s southern coast to a private airstrip near the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of East Africa’s top safari destinations, when it went down in a hilly, forested area about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Diani.

Officials said the crash occurred at about 8:35 a.m. local time after the pilot failed to maintain radio contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. Attempts by the control tower to reach the plane went unanswered for more than 30 minutes before search teams located the burning wreckage in the thick vegetation of Shimba Hills.

According to Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde, the plane “burst into flames on impact,” leaving no survivors. Witnesses told reporters they heard a loud explosion followed by thick smoke rising from the area.

“We heard a huge bang and ran towards the direction of the sound. When we arrived, there was nothing left of the plane — it was completely burnt,” one resident told The Associated Press.

Officials from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Ministry of Transport said investigations were underway to determine the cause of the accident. Early reports suggest poor weather conditions and heavy coastal rainfall may have contributed to the crash.

The Kenya tragedy adds to a growing list of fatal plane crashes across the world in the past year, raising concerns about aviation safety and the operational integrity of small regional airlines.

In July 2025, a Russian passenger plane operated by Angara Airlines crashed in the Amur region near the China border, killing all 40 people on board. The aircraft reportedly lost contact with air traffic controllers while approaching Tynda Airport and went down during its second landing attempt. Emergency officials later confirmed that the An-24 aircraft was “completely destroyed.”

Just months earlier, in December 2024, at least 35 people died after an Azerbaijan Airlines jet with 67 passengers crashed near the city of Aktau in western Kazakhstan. The plane, flying from Baku to Grozny, reportedly deviated from its route due to dense fog and attempted an emergency landing three kilometres from the airport. Although 28 passengers survived, most of the victims were seated near the front of the plane, where the impact was strongest.

NOA launches N22.5 million animation award to promote national values

Bankole ABE
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NOA launches N22.5 million animation award to promote national values

THE National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced the launch of a new national animation award valued at N22.5 million to inspire creative storytelling that promotes Nigeria’s cultural identity, unity, and shared values.

The agency’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this during the official unveiling of the competition in Abuja.

He said the award was part of the broader Nigerian Identity Project aimed at re-awakening citizens’ commitment to national values.

He explained that the initiative is anchored on the National Values Charter (NVC), a policy framework that outlines seven national promises and seven citizens’ codes intended to guide civic behaviour, public service ethics, and collective responsibility.

“The National Values Charter defines who we are as a people and the principles that hold us together. Through this animation award, we are calling on Nigerian creators to interpret and communicate these ideals in ways that resonate with today’s audiences,” Issa-Onilu said.

According to him, the 2026 edition of the award will run under the theme “Who is a real Nigerian?”, which seeks to challenge citizens and storytellers to explore themes of resilience, integrity, optimism, and creativity, attributes that the NOA said represented the essence of the Nigerian spirit.

Participants are required to produce short animated films of no more than three minutes in length, utilising any of the major techniques in the field — 2D, 3D – or stop-motion.

The top three winners will receive N10 million, N7.5 million, and N5 million, respectively. Their works will also enjoy nationwide broadcast and digital exposure for three months after the 2026 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) Award Night, where winners will be officially celebrated.

Issa-Onilu noted that the competition is open only to Nigerian citizens and aims to provide both financial and professional support for young animators. He said it was part of the agency’s effort to “connect the values of patriotism and innovation through the language of visual storytelling.”

The initiative reflects NOA’s ongoing shift toward digital and visual media in its campaigns to promote unity and responsible citizenship. The agency, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, has increased the use of radio dramas, documentaries, and social media content in recent years to reach younger audiences.

The ICIR reported that the NOA had been repositioning itself to address the country’s civic and identity challenges, including misinformation, declining trust in public institutions, and low participation in civic duties.

The National Values Charter, introduced in 2024, outlines a social compact between government and citizens, focusing on accountability, inclusiveness, and service to the nation. It emphasises ideals such as respect for the rule of law, community development, and pride in Nigeria’s diversity.

Issa-Onilu said the animation competition would serve as a “cultural mirror,” helping Nigerians rethink what it means to live by these shared principles.

“Our stories should inspire us to act with integrity, empathy, and optimism about our collective future,” he said.

Entries for the 2026 award are expected to open later this year, with a panel of judges drawn from Nigeria’s creative and academic communities. The NOA said shortlisted animations would also be used for educational and public enlightenment campaigns across television and online platforms.

By encouraging creators to interpret national values through visual art, the agency hopes to make civic education both appealing and relatable to new generations.

Nigerian int’l airfares to attract extra $11.5 security charge from December 1

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
Nigerian int’l airfares to attract extra $11.5 security charge from December 1

AS the festive season approaches, inbound and outbound international air travellers in Nigeria will face a new tax regime, with $11.5 security levy set to take effect from December 1, 2025.

In a notice to airlines, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reportedly explained that the initiative was in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the levy was intended to establish a “single window” system for all airport agencies, with the collection set to run for 20 years.

“The APIS charge will be collected as a point of sale and will be levied on all tickets issued from December 1, 2025, for each passenger departing from or arriving in Nigeria. The lifting airline is responsible for remitting the APIS charge to the NCAA,” the notice read.

The NCAA explained that the new levy under the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), raised Nigeria’s security charge to $31.50 per flight ticket and was projected to generate about $46 million annually.

The ICIR  reports that the new levy is expected to further raise the cost of international travel for Nigerian passengers. 

“Therefore, all airlines (including Nigerian carriers) operating international flights into and out of Nigeria are required to take immediate steps to update ticketing and reservation systems to reflect the new APIS charge, as invoicing for the charge will commence from 1st December 2025 for tickets issued to passengers from 01DEC2025 for travel to and from Nigeria,” the NCAA said.

According to the agency, the system is designed to enhance passenger tracking, strengthen border control, and offer airlines a cost-recovery framework for maintaining the system.

It further noted that the $11.5 levy would streamline passenger clearance at Nigerian airports by collecting and processing passenger data before arrival. 

The NCAA maintained that the levy was in line with international best practices and complied with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The authority exempted infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, passengers in transit or transfer within 24 hours, and those re-routed involuntarily due to technical issues or weather conditions from the new levy. 

The average inbound or outbound passenger in Nigeria will now pay roughly $150 in various taxes, charges, and levies.

The agency explained that each inbound and outward passenger had been paying $20 and five per cent as security and Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), respectively, to NCAA, while FAAN received $100 as Passenger Service Charge (PSC).

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