…..EVC Dr Aminu Maida Urges States to Waive Right-of-Way Fees, Safeguard Critical National Assets

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to accelerate broadband investments and safeguard critical national infrastructure. He made the call during a Business Roundtable on “Improving Investments in Broadband Connectivity and Safeguarding Critical National Infrastructure”, held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the NCC Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja.

The event, themed “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity,” brought together governors, policymakers, telecom operators, and stakeholders in the ICT ecosystem.

In his keynote remarks, Dr Maida underscored the vital role of connectivity in national development, describing broadband access as “the quiet enabler of productivity, innovation, and security.” He emphasised that reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access is essential for Nigeria’s economic inclusion and resilience.

“When connectivity fails, opportunities evaporate, productivity stalls—and in critical situations, lives can be put at risk,” Maida said, adding that nations that harnessed new technologies such as steam, electricity, and now broadband always gain a competitive edge.

The EVC noted that as of August 2025, Nigeria’s broadband penetration stood at 48.81%, with over 140 million people having access to the internet. He stressed that a 10% increase in broadband penetration could boost Nigeria’s GDP by up to 1.38%, urging states to embrace policies that encourage private investment and infrastructure rollout.

Progress Under the National Broadband Plan

Dr. Maida highlighted the achievements of the Commission under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, in implementing the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025). The plan targets 70% broadband penetration and the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone by the end of 2025.

He cited key interventions by the NCC, including:

1. Implementation of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order**, signed by President Tinubu in June 2024, which mandates the protection of telecom assets and empowers law enforcement agencies to act against vandalism and theft.
2. Advocacy on Right of Way (RoW) charges, which has led to 11 states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Benue, and Zamfara, waiving RoW fees entirely, while 17 others have capped it at ₦145 per metre.
3. New tariff approvals that strengthen investor confidence and have prompted operators to commit over $1 billion in additional broadband rollout investments.
4. Wholesale Fibre Study to enhance infrastructure sharing among providers and improve last-mile connectivity.
5. Transparency initiatives, including performance disclosures and service quality dashboards to improve industry accountability.

Challenges and the Call to Action

Despite the progress, Maida decried the persistent challenge of infrastructure vandalism, revealing that between January and August 2025 alone, Nigeria recorded 19,384 fibre cuts, 3,241 equipment thefts, and over 19,000 cases of denial of access to telecom sites.

He also identified high RoW fees, multiple taxation, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, and power supply issues as major impediments to broadband expansion.

“If our broadband backbone is weak, our youth will be marginalised, and our economy will not achieve its full potential,” the EVC warned.

Dr Maida urged state governors to partner with the NCC in operationalising telecom infrastructure protection, adopting uniform RoW policies, and promoting dig once” coordination to prevent accidental fibre cuts. He also encouraged states to establish digital infrastructure funds and support renewable energy solutions at telecom sites.

New Initiatives Announced

The EVC revealed that the NCC will soon launch two major initiatives to support digital development across Nigeria:

1. The Ease of Doing Business Portal, a one-stop platform linking investors with information and processes across all 36 states and the FCT.
2. The Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI), an annual scorecard to assess and publish each state’s digital readiness and competitiveness.

Dr Maida concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to driving inclusive connectivity and digital transformation nationwide.

“Pipelines of oil are giving way to pipelines of fibre,” he stated. “The digital revolution will not wait. Together, we must align, invest, and protect so that Nigeria’s youth become creators, not just consumers, of digital value.”

….. Demands Immediate Arrest of Osun Amotekun Commandant, Others

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has strongly condemned what it described as the barbaric and senseless extrajudicial killing of some young citizens of Akinlalu Town, Osun State, by operatives of the Osun State Amotekun Corps. The group said the incident, which has thrown the entire community into mourning, represents one of the worst acts of state-backed brutality in recent times.

In a statement signed by Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the General Secretary of the organisation, CD described the killings as “a cold-blooded massacre that has once again exposed the deep rot, lack of training, and complete absence of professionalism within the Osun Amotekun Corps.”

According to Lawson, “It is unacceptable that a security outfit established to protect the people has now turned its weapons against innocent young citizens. The killing of these youths, some of whom were siblings, is not only tragic but criminal. Those responsible must be brought to book without delay.”

The statement further accused the Commandant of the Osun State Amotekun Corps, Adekunle Omoyele, of gross misconduct and long-standing notoriety. “We are aware of the dark record of Commandant Adekunle Omoyele, even during his time as an officer in the Nigeria Police Force, where he was repeatedly linked to cases of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses. His continued reign of terror under the cover of Amotekun cannot be tolerated any longer,” CD declared.

The group demanded that the Nigeria Police must immediately arrest and investigate Commandant Omoyele over the latest killing and reopen all previous allegations of human rights violations linked to him. It also called on the Osun State Government to urgently reorganise and reform the Amotekun Corps to prevent further abuse and restore public confidence in community-based security operations.

“Justice must be served for the murdered youths of Akinlalu. We will not relent until every officer involved in this heinous act is made to face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.

The Campaign for Democracy warned that any attempt to cover up or protect the perpetrators will be met with nationwide resistance from the civil society community and the families of the victims.

“We owe it to the memory of these young Nigerians to ensure that their killers do not escape justice, no matter how highly placed,” Comrade Lawson concluded.

…. Again, Warns Bayelsa West Appointees

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has given AITEO Exploration and Production Company Limited, operating in the Nembe Local Government Area of the state, a one-month ultimatum to remit funds due to the Bassambiri community in order to enhance peace efforts in the area.

Governor Diri issued the directive on Wednesday, following the submission of the Opu Nembe (Bassambiri) Peace Steering Committee’s report on the protracted crisis in the community.

According to a press release on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the chairman, Vice Admiral Victor Ombu (rtd), presented the report during the 173rd session of the state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

Senator Diri lauded the panel led by a former Chief of the Naval Staff for the peace-building effort in the community.

He said his name would be indelible in the history of the community for accepting to chair of the committee towards restoring lasting peace in Bassambiri.

The Bayelsa governor expressed concern that for over three decades, the community had been embroiled in intractable conflicts among people he described as brothers, and appealed that it was time to embrace peace for the sake of posterity.

His words: “For Bassambiri to be in dispute for the past three decades is unthinkable. We cannot continue to play politics with lives of the people. It is time to sheathe the sword and embrace peace, development and progress.

“From day one of my administration, l started preaching peace and reconciliation. Again, l call on Bassambiri to show light where there is darkness. We cannot continue to go around the same process in restoring peace. Peace is priceless, and we cannot sacrifice unity on the altar of politics.”

The governor asked AITEO to remit funds due to the community to the Peace Steering Committee in line with his administration’s earlier directive as part of efforts to promote peace.

“I call on AITEO to help build the ongoing peace process. It should remit every kobo to the Peace Steering Committee in line with my earlier directive four months ago. In the next one month, AITEO should comply. I do not want to hear that they are still in default of my directive.

Senator Diri assured the committee, which was constituted in September 2024, that its recommendations would be implemented and directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to carry out an assessment with a view to constructing a link road in the community and submit a report within two weeks.

The governor, who also admonished the people of Bayelsa West senatorial district against early political campaigns, cautioned his appointees in the district to desist from campaigns of calumny and heating up of the polity.

“I want to warn all those from the west senatorial district who are publicly or making clandestine moves for the positions of Senate and House of Representatives to stop the campaigns of calumny. I had earlier cautioned them, but now I am issuing a warning to them to stop heating up the polity.”

Presenting the report, Admiral Ombu expressed gratitude to the governor for allowing them to serve.

He also thanked him for not interfering in the activities of the committee, stating that the panel conducted its meetings in an environment of civility and mutual respect.

The committee made several recommendations, which included enhanced security presence in Bassambiri, constructing a road to link the Unity Bridge, and that certain conditions be met before the conduct of the election in the community.

It also recommended the promulgation of a kingdom-wide constitution, that oil companies be made to be alive to their corporate social responsibilities and in agreements entered into with the community, as well as the enthronement of freedom of association and choice in Bassambiri.

…. IGP Egbetokun Urges Recruits to Uphold Honour, Diligence, Patriotism

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully passed out 10,000 newly trained constables following the completion of their intensive training across various police colleges and training institutions nationwide.

According to a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Passing Out Parade, held simultaneously on October 7, 2025, across all designated training institutions, marks another major stride in the Force’s drive to strengthen its manpower and enhance operational efficiency in line with global policing standards.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, commended the recruits for their dedication and perseverance throughout the rigorous training period. He charged them to uphold the values of honour, diligence, and patriotism, which formed the core of their training.

The new officers received extensive instruction in modern policing techniques, community partnership, intelligence-led operations, respect for human rights, and the judicious application of authority, all geared toward improving professionalism and public trust in the Force.

According to the IGP, the graduation of this batch of constables is part of the police’s strategic manpower development initiative under the current administration. It aims to boost security presence, enhance response capacity, and strengthen public safety nationwide. He recalled that an earlier batch of 10,000 constables had also passed out in January 2025, underscoring the force’s sustained recruitment and training efforts.

IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continuous capacity building, welfare enhancement, and institutional reforms that will entrench modern policing principles and ensure a safer Nigeria for all.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) achieved another significant milestone with the formal signing of the Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) contract on 5th October 2025 at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

The EPMS signing ceremony represents a key stride under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (GCFR) Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public service delivery.

The event was attended by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, departmental and unit heads, as well as representatives from Triple Edge Consult, the implementing partner. The gathering underscored NIMC’s dedication to institutional excellence and performance-driven leadership.

In her welcome address, the Head of Human Capital Management, Mrs Rhoda Jackden, highlighted the importance of the EPMS in aligning organisational goals with individual performance expectations. She noted that the system would catalyse improving productivity and strengthening internal accountability across all operational levels.

Speaking on behalf of Triple Edge Consult, Team Lead, Barrister Olusegun Adekunle, emphasised the strategic value of the PMS framework, explaining that it provides measurable, transparent, and structured performance parameters for government agencies. According to him, the system will enable NIMC to efficiently monitor progress, achieve set targets, and deliver quality services to Nigerians.

The EPMS, which is meticulously aligned with NIMC’s mandate, introduces a structured approach to performance measurement, monitoring, and evaluation. With clearly defined indicators and performance metrics, it is designed to foster accountability, productivity, and improved service delivery throughout the Commission.

The DG/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in her remarks, commended the initiative and called for renewed dedication from all staff to ensure the system’s successful implementation. She urged departmental and unit heads to fully adopt and apply the agreed performance indicators, noting that this will be instrumental in achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She further revealed that a departmental cascade has commenced to ensure that all units align their activities with the provisions of the EPMS contract.

The event culminated in the formal signing of the EPMS contract by the DG/CEO, departmental heads, and unit representatives, marking a defining moment in NIMC’s institutional growth and operational transformation.

This milestone signals the beginning of a new era of performance-driven culture at NIMC, setting a strong foundation for improved efficiency, transparency, and service excellence across all levels of the Commission.

Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government in Exile has said that the United States Congressional Briefing on Biafra is an open door to international recognition.

BRGIE disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, explaining details of the congressional briefing.

According to BRGIE, the US Congressional briefing on Biafra was held on September 18th, 2025.

During the briefing, Michael Rubin, senior fellow of the American Enterprise Institute, and Ogechukwu Nkere, Acting Prime Minister (APM) of BRGIE, were keynote speakers, according to a video released

https://x.com/mrubin1971/status/1968049904762425757?t=I-vh_mkpAB1ioI-IxFu8mA&s=1

On his part, Nkere expressed the desire of BRGIE to enter into economic, defence, and military deals with the United States and called on the US government to sanction Nigeria for alleged human rights abuses against Biafrans.

He also demanded the release of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu by Nigeria and Simon Ekpa by Finland.

“The United States Congress held a congressional briefing on Biafra on September 18, 2025, the first ever congressional briefing on Biafra in modern history.

“The congressional briefing also demonstrates Mr Nkere, who has close ties with the US government, has emerged as the new leader of the Biafran independence movement after the incarceration of Ekpa,” the statement reads.

Details of remarks during Biafra Congressional Briefing by Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute.

https://x.com/mrubin1971/status/1970474826902184246?t=PRjt4LigRd_6mist5cUCMg&s=19

See video of Full US Congressional Hearing on Biafra