Economy
SMEDAN Calls for EFCC Support in Promoting Home-made Products
SMEDAN Calls for EFCC Support in Promoting Home-made Products
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN has sought the support of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in promoting made-in-Nigeria products and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through skills development and entrepreneurship.
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The Chief Executive Officer, CEO/Director General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, made the request in Abuja on Wednesday when he led a delegation of the Agency on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s corporate headquarters.
Odii commended the EFCC Chairman for what he described as efforts that have contributed to rebuilding confidence in Nigeria, particularly internationally. “Executive Chairman, I want to thank you. I want to start with gratitude. I want to thank you for the work that you have done in the last 34 months. You have tried to change the face of Nigeria outside Nigeria. So, with that, I want to thank you, and thank you for instituting confidence and trust again in Nigeria,” he said
The SMEDAN DG said the Agency was implementing initiatives designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and transform them into entrepreneurs.
He disclosed that SMEDAN had secured approval from the Ministry of Education to establish the Inspire, Create, Start, and Scale (ICSS) Institute, which offers National Diploma programmes to young people while integrating entrepreneurship into their training. The aim, he said, is to work with relevant stakeholders to make sure that solid entrepreneurs are produced into the Nigerian ecosystem. “When we go into prisons, people that have six months to be released into society, we train them, and we give them skills. This project has been life-changing. We are at the point of sending the national MSME policy to Mr. President. That policy covers the ecosystem for five years.
“We have put in that policy that anyone who has gone to prison, who is apologetic, and lacks skills, small businesses in Nigeria should employ them. And so in our policy, we’re putting in that if these people are wrong, apologetic, they’ve learned their skills, we should be able to rehabilitate them to society”, he said.
He also proposed collaboration between SMEDAN and the EFCC’s Cybersecurity Research and Training Centre, saying the Agency could provide relevant curriculum and technical expertise. “I also know that you have started the Cybersecurity Research Center. We want to introduce this curriculum to you, so that our curriculum can be embedded into the research center,” he said.
Odii further sought collaboration on the rehabilitation of inmates and young people involved in cybercrime, through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes designed to support their reintegration into society.
Responding, Olukoyede welcomed the proposal and expressed the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate with SMEDAN on promotion of Nigeria-made goods, youth empowerment, skills development and cybercrime prevention. “I have been following your activities. And I’m very proud of you. You are one of the young men that we look up to,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman said the development of legitimate skills and economic opportunities for young people were important to tackling cybercrime. “I’m interested in anything that will help to develop skills for young men. Because that is one of the challenges I have,” he said.
Olukoyede commended the initiative and urged Nigerians, including members of the EFCC community, to patronise locally produced goods. “Congrats for pushing all these. So, those of you buying things in my office, henceforth, patronize this. We need to support them, you know. Support these young people. It is when these businesses grow that’s when we can grow our own nation, too. And develop our own, you know, system. As long as we can patronize what we do,” he said.
He also suggested that the government should make a national policy on Nigeria-made goods to encourage local production and grow the economy.
Olukoyede stressed the seriousness of cybercrime and consequential effects on Nigeria’s economy and international reputation. The evil these guys are doing to the image of Nigeria, to our economy is unquantifiable. Some of these guys, at the press of a button, they can bring the entire financial ecosystem down,” he stated.
The EFCC Chairman disclosed that the Commission’s Cybersecurity Research and Training Centre was expected to train an average of 500 intakes at a time, adding that the government was supporting the project. “That was what necessitated our, you know, putting in place the Cyber Security Research and Training Center, which we’re expecting to train an average of 500, you know, intakes per time,” he said.
EFCC, SMEDAN
He invited SMEDAN to participate in the project from its conception to operationalisation. “So, I want to bring you on board so that you can be part of that project from the conception to operationalization because the nature of your mandate requires that we bring you into it,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman also pledged support for SMEDAN’s ICSS initiative and other programmes aimed at developing young Nigerians. “So, I’m with you. We’re going to support you. Your ICSS project, too. Let me know if there’s any area where we can support you,” he said.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of locally produced goods by the SMEDAN delegation. The items included hibiscus tea, coffee, wax candles, cassava biscuits and native fabric produced under the Agency’s Guidance, Resources, Opportunity, and Workforce (G-R-O-W) support initiative.
Olukoyede said the EFCC would work with relevant institutions to identify practical solutions to youth involvement in crime. “So, let us look for practical solutions that will take these young people out of that menace. Let’s compare notes. Let’s put this together to help Mr. President to succeed in his venture,” he said.
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Inspector-General Disu Honours Retired DST Abiodun for Outstanding Service
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on Thursday, 17 September 2026, honoured retired Deputy Superintendent of Traffic (DST) Anifa Bello Abiodun with the IGP’s Award of Recognition and cash support in appreciation of her outstanding service to the Nigeria Police Force.
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The presentation took place at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where the IGP commended the retired officer for her professionalism, discipline, resilience and dedication to traffic management during her years of service with the Ogun State Police Command, particularly in Abeokuta.
Throughout her career, DST Anifa Bello Abiodun distinguished herself through her commitment to duty and consistent service to members of the public. Her professionalism and dedication earned her the appreciation and goodwill of residents and road users within the communities where she served, culminating in public recognition of her service.
Speaking during the presentation, the IGP noted that members of the public appreciate the Police when officers discharge their duties professionally and responsibly, stressing that public dissatisfaction is often directed at misconduct rather than the institution itself. He expressed satisfaction that the retired officer had earned the respect and recognition of the community she served.
The IGP further emphasised that while the Nigeria Police Force will continue to hold personnel accountable for misconduct, it is equally important to recognise and reward officers who demonstrate professionalism, integrity and exemplary service. He noted that such recognition reinforces the values expected of personnel and encourages others to distinguish themselves through dedicated service.
IGP Disu
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to promoting accountability, rewarding exemplary conduct and recognising personnel whose dedication to duty strengthens public confidence and contributes meaningfully to policing and service to communities across the country.
CSP Ani Iniedu, Anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
17th September, 2026
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Tinubu Government Clears ₦18.96bn PHCN Pension Arrears – Oyedele
The Federal Government has completed the payment of ₦18.96 billion in Back-End Computation (BEC) arrears to eligible pensioners of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), bringing the outstanding liability covered by the exercise to a close.
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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed that the latest payment of ₦9,476,313,375.74, representing the outstanding 50 per cent balance of the BEC arrears, has been paid by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to 3,958 eligible PHCN DBS pensioners.
The first tranche, representing 50 per cent of the arrears, amounted to ₦9,481,886,576.53 and was paid in June 2026 to 3,959 eligible pensioners.
With the payment of the second tranche, PTAD has now fully settled the BEC arrears due to all eligible PHCN DBS pensioners covered by the exercise. The two tranches bring the total amount disbursed to ₦18,958,199,952.27.
PTAD explained that the difference of ₦5,573,200.79 between the two tranches arose from the death of one pensioner after the first payment and before the second tranche was processed.
Commenting on the development, Oyedele said the completion of the payment demonstrated the Federal Government’s determination to address inherited pension liabilities and ensure that verified entitlements due to pensioners are settled.
He noted that pension obligations remain an important responsibility of government to citizens who served the country, adding that the settlement of verified liabilities would continue to receive appropriate attention within the framework of available resources and approved processes.
The PHCN BEC arrears arose from the computation of additional pension entitlements due to eligible pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme. Their full settlement therefore brings the outstanding BEC liability covered by this exercise to an end.
The completion of the payment is expected to provide relief to the affected pensioners and their families, many of whom have awaited the resolution of the outstanding entitlements.
The Federal Ministry of Finance commended PTAD, under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Tolu Odunaya, for its diligence and effective coordination of the exercise, which culminated in the full settlement of the verified BEC arrears.
Taiwo Oyedele
The Government will continue to work through the relevant agencies to address outstanding pension liabilities and strengthen the administration of pension entitlements under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
Efe Ovuakporie Head information and PR Unit
18th September, 2026
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Goronyo, NBA Explore Stronger Legal Collaboration for Infrastructure Delivery
The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has received the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and members of her delegation, with a call for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the legal profession to support effective infrastructure development and project delivery in Nigeria.
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Receiving the NBA delegation in his office in Abuja on Thursday, 17th September 2026, the Minister described the visit as an important step towards strengthening the relationship between the Federal Ministry of Works and the NBA, particularly in the areas of legal support, infrastructure contracts, dispute resolution and the implementation of major road projects.
Goronyo congratulated Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya on her assumption of office as President of the NBA and urged her to use her tenure to promote unity within the legal profession, including reaching out to those who contested against her. He also encouraged her to continue to draw on the wisdom and experience of senior members of the Bar, noting that their counsel would be valuable in strengthening the unity of the profession and advancing the rule of law.
The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Works would be willing to partner with the NBA in areas where legal expertise could contribute to the successful delivery of infrastructure projects. According to him, the Ministry’s activities are closely linked to the legal profession, as road and other infrastructure projects require sound contractual and legal frameworks.
“There is no contract that can be awarded without an agreement, and there cannot be an agreement without the possibility of disputes. We therefore need to leverage our relationship and ensure that we utilise what we have so that together we can build a prosperous nation,” he said.
Goronyo said the Ministry, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, was committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through the development and rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure across the country.
He highlighted major projects under the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri corridor, noting that the projects were designed to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activities and strengthen access across different parts of the country.
The Minister also stressed the importance of adequate road infrastructure to national development, noting that improved roads would support agriculture, trade, security, transportation and the movement of people and goods.
He further assured the NBA President that the Ministry would examine concerns raised regarding the road and drainage infrastructure around the NBA Secretariat and consider appropriate technical assessment and recommendations.
Earlier, the Director of Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Works, Princess Frank Chukuani, welcomed the NBA delegation and noted that infrastructure development could not be effectively achieved without a strong legal framework. She said the Ministry’s Legal Services Department plays an important role in ensuring that contracts and other activities of the Ministry are properly guided by law.
Princess Chukuani expressed optimism that the visit would open new areas of cooperation between the Ministry and the NBA.
Speaking during the visit, the NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its efforts towards improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure. She said the NBA had observed ongoing construction and rehabilitation works in different parts of the country and acknowledged the importance of infrastructure to national development.
The NBA President noted that roads were critical gateways to economic growth and expressed the Association’s willingness to partner with the Ministry in areas where legal expertise could contribute to the effective delivery of infrastructure projects.
She specifically identified contract review, legal advisory services, capacity development, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration as areas where the NBA could support the Ministry.
According to her, construction arbitration is increasingly important in the infrastructure sector, adding that lawyers and other professionals could develop expertise in the field.
“We are ready to offer our partnership and our expertise when called upon to do so, including reviewing contracts and developing knowledge in these areas,” she said.
Goronyo, NBA
Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya also proposed collaboration on capacity-building initiatives, particularly in construction arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, to help reduce prolonged disputes and contribute to the timely completion of infrastructure projects.
She further appealed to the Ministry to consider the condition of the road leading to the NBA Secretariat, as well as the drainage challenges affecting the area.
Responding, Goronyo assured the NBA President that the Ministry would look into the concerns and take the necessary steps for technical assessment.
During the visit, the NBA President also presented a gift to the Honourable Minister as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the NBA President and her delegation for the visit, stressing that stronger cooperation between the legal profession and the Ministry of Works would contribute to the successful implementation of infrastructure projects and the overall development of the country.
He said the Ministry looks forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with the NBA in support of infrastructure development and national progress.
Abdullahi Mohammed
SA Media to the Honourable Minister of State for Works
17th September, 2026.
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