The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) approved the disbursement of ₦10 billion on Thursday to offset the pension liabilities inherited from previous administrations in the state.

The meeting, which was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, was held at Government House, Asaba, on the directive of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who is on official engagement outside the state.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, flanked by his counterparts for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen; Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, said the EXCO deliberated on several life-impacting memos cutting across social investment, infrastructure, and governance reforms.

Aniagwu disclosed that the ₦10 billion disbursement was in fulfillment of Governor Oborevwori’s promise to ease the hardship of pensioners and to detray inherited pension liabilities.

“At today’s meeting, we approved the disbursement of ₦10 billion to begin the process of defraying pension arrears. A committee has been set up to ensure the funds get to deserving beneficiaries without bias or interference,” Aniagwu said.

He emphasized that the move was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of citizens under the MORE Agenda and making life more livable for senior citizens who had served the state diligently.

Aniagwu further revealed that the EXCO reviewed timelines for key infrastructure projects, including two major flyovers in Agbor (Uromi Junction) and Ughelli (Otovwodo Junction), being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

Advertisement

He said: “The Agbor flyover, initially scheduled for completion in 24 months, has been revised to 18 months, while the Ughelli flyover has been reduced from 24 to 14 months.

“These adjustments are aimed at delivering the projects faster to ease movement and boost economic activities”.

He added that the council also considered the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) presented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, as part of preparations for the 2026 budget, which will soon be presented to the Delta State House of Assembly.

He disclosed that EXCO also terminated some non-performing contracts across the state to ensure efficient project delivery and value for money.

“Some contractors have failed to meet performance expectations, and since the government promptly mobilizes and pays for certified work, we cannot allow delays or negligence,” he stated.

One of the affected projects, he said, is the Igbodo Junction–Ubulu–Uku to Ogwashi-Uku Road, which will be re-examined and re-awarded to a competent contractor in line with the governor’s resolve to open up communities across the 25 local government areas.

Aniagwu also announced the council’s approval for the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Engr. Mike Oghenovo Orugbo, Okporua I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, following his installation by the kingmakers of the kingdom.

Advertisement

The Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to people-oriented governance, transparency, and accelerated infrastructural renewal across the state.

“Governor Oborevwori has made it clear that projects must deliver value to Deltans. Where contractors fail, we will not hesitate to act in the interest of our people,” Aniagwu added.

Aniagwu gave assurances that Governor Oborevwori’s administration will continue to prioritize human welfare, infrastructural development, and institutional reforms aimed at sustainable growth and prosperity for all Deltans.

President Bola Tinubu, barring any last-minute change, is expected to present his nominee for the post of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the National Council of State today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, according to Naija News.

This comes after the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who handed over to the most senior national commissioner, Dame May Agbamuche-Mbu, in an acting capacity on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

According to sources within the presidency who spoke with Vanguard, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has emerged as the front-runner to succeed Yakubu and would be announced after the Council of State has been briefed.

“He came highly recommended and has already undergone security screening,” a top official told Vanguard.

Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, is said to be Tinubu’s preferred choice among the three names pencilled down for the job.

Born on April 25, 1967, in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a seasoned legal scholar.

He specialises in Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law, with decades of teaching and administrative experience at the University of Jos.

Advertisement

If confirmed, Tinubu’s swift action will mark a departure from the style of his predecessor, late President Muhammadu Buhari, who allowed the commission to remain in limbo.

During Buhari’s tenure, the mandatory four-man quorum at INEC was not constituted until four months later, creating operational delays.

Naija News understands that today’s Council of State session is expected to seal the choice of Yakubu’s successor and set the tone for Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.

Naija News

A Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has issued an order for the arrest of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for contempt of court.

This order was announced by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi just hours after Yakubu vacated his position.

The court directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to apprehend Yakubu and initiate committal proceedings within seven days. Earlier that day, Yakubu officially transferred leadership of INEC to National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman until a new substantive head is appointed. The handover took place during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The arrest order follows a lingering dispute between the commission and the Action Alliance (AA) party over INEC’s alleged refusal to comply with a previous court judgment.

In suit number FHC/OS/CS/194/2024, filed by the party, the court had ordered INEC to upload the name of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as the National Chairman of AA, along with members of its National Executive Committee (NEC), on its official portal.

The October 2023 elective convention that produced Omoaje and other NEC members was ruled valid by the court, which affirmed it was properly monitored and supervised by INEC officials in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Although INEC claimed to have complied with the judgment, Omoaje’s name has remained absent from the commission’s website as of press time, even though the names of state chairmen and other NEC members have been published. The court described the continued omission as a violation of its order.

Advertisement

A certified copy of the latest ruling, dated October 7, 2025, and signed by O.M. Kilani on behalf of the Court Registrar, stated:

“It is hereby ordered that the Inspector General of Police shall cause the arrest and shall charge the defendant/judgment debtors for contempt and committal proceedings within seven days of this ruling.”

University of Ibadan, Oyo State, has been ranked Nigeria’s best university in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, as reported by PUNCH Online.

The ranking, published on THE’s website on Thursday, placed the Ibadan-based federal university between 801 and 1,000 globally and ahead of other leading Nigerian universities, a spot it last held in 2023.

The survey surveyed 2,191 institutions from 115 countries and assessed them based on 18 performance indicators across five key areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry, and international outlook.

UI came from fourth position in 2025 to emerge as Nigeria’s best in the 2026 ranking. It dethroned Covenant University, which was the best university in 2024 and 2025.

Following UI are the University of Lagos, Bayero University, and CU, ranked second, third, and fourth in Nigeria, respectively.

The 2026 list reflected a shift in the global higher education landscape, with more than 174.9 million citations from 18.7 million research publications analysed and survey responses from over 108,000 scholars collected globally.

THE rankings also show the strength of individual institutions. UNILAG is ranked highest in quality research, scoring 66.7.

Advertisement

BUK is ranked as the best Nigerian university in terms of international outlook, while Covenant has the highest industry score, indicating its top connection to industries.

Out of 51 Nigerian institutions featured in THE 2026 ranking, only UI and UNILAG fall between 801–1000; BUK, CU, and Landmark University fall between 1001–1200; while five schools—Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, University of Nigeria—stand globally between 1201–1500.

Also, 14 Nigerian universities were categorised above 1501, and 27 institutions were not ranked.

See the full list

University of Ibadan (801–1000)
University of Lagos (801–1000)
Bayero University (1001–1200)
Covenant University (1001–1200)
Landmark University (1001–1200)
Ahmadu Bello University (1201–1500)
Federal University of Technology, Minna (1201–1500)
University of Ilorin (1201–1500)
University of Jos (1201–1500)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1201–1500)
Babcock University (1501+)
Delta State University, Abraka (1501+)
Ekiti State University (1501+)
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (1501+)
Federal University of Technology, Akure (1501+)
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (1501+)
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (1501+)
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (1501+)
Lagos State University (1501+)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (1501+)
Obafemi Awolowo University (1501+)
University of Benin (1501+)
University of Calabar (1501+)
University of Port Harcourt (1501+)
Admiralty University of Nigeria
Akwa Ibom State University
Al-Hikmah University
Augustine University
Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti
Bauchi State University, Gadau
Bayelsa Medical University
Baze University
Bells University of Technology
Bowen University
Evangel University, Akaeze
Federal University of Lafia
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
Fountain University
Godfrey Okoye University
Igbinedion University Okada
Kaduna State University
Lagos State University of Education
Lagos State University of Science and Technology
Lead City University
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria
Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Redeemer’s University
Rivers State University
Thomas Adewumi University
University of Cross River State
University of Delta

According to PUNCH Online, THE is a globally recognised independent organisation that provides data and analysis for the higher education sector, including the widely adopted World University Rankings.

While data submission is open to all universities, institutions are only ranked in the World University Rankings 2026 if they teach undergraduates, produce research across a range of subjects and have published at least 1,000 research publications between 2020 and 2024, with a minimum of 100 a year.

Advertisement

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service has reported the seizure of contraband goods valued at more than N1.2 billion within six weeks.

Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, who disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, said the seizures reflected the unit’s heightened vigilance and enforcement activities across the South-West region.

According to him, the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the confiscated items stood at N1.188 billion, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He revealed that officers intercepted 5,015 bags of foreign rice equivalent to eight trailer loads alongside 15 assorted used vehicles, 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and one sack of assorted worn apparel.

“The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, seizing contraband valued at over N1.2 billion in six weeks.

“The Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, highlighting the unit’s increased vigilance across the South-West,” the NAN report read in part.

It added, “According to him, the total Duty Paid Value of the seized goods stood at N1.188 billion, underscoring the magnitude of the operations.”

Advertisement

The unit also confiscated 390 bottles of codeine, 310 packs of foreign-branded drugs, 19 cards of tramadol, and 210 used tyres.

Shu’aibu added that a 20-foot container with the number ONEU 2419369 FTC, containing 752 cartons of calcium lactate, was seized for false declaration. Other intercepted items included 640 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 431.8 kilogrammes and 460 jerrycans of petrol amounting to 11,500 litres.

He said four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and had been handed over to relevant agencies for investigation and prosecution. The unit also recovered N39.2 million through demand notices issued against importers for under-valuation between September 1 and October 7.

Shu’aibu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to supporting legitimate trade while maintaining strict enforcement of customs regulations. He noted that the unit’s operations were aimed at curbing smuggling and upholding the 2016 federal government ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders.

The seized drugs and narcotics were then handed to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and disposal.

The report further noted that NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr. Taiwo Kareem, commended the Customs Service for its vigilance, disclosing that the intercepted pharmaceuticals had expired between 2001 and 2023.

He cautioned Nigerians against purchasing medicines from roadside chemists, stressing the dangers of consuming expired or counterfeit drugs.

Advertisement

Similarly, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, Mr. Nasir Bungudu, lauded the collaboration between the agencies and pledged continued partnership in the fight against drug trafficking and related offences.

Shu’aibu, meanwhile, warned smugglers to desist from illegal trade or face severe sanctions, commending Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi for his leadership in strengthening border enforcement operations across the region.

President Bola Tinubu has again written to the National Assembly, seeking approval for a fresh external borrowing of $2.3bn.

This is in addition to a plan to issue a $500m sovereign Sukuk, which will mark Nigeria’s debut in the international Islamic finance market.

The request, contained in a letter read on the floor of the House of Representatives by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday, complies with Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office Establishment Act, 2003.

The borrowing plan seeks legislative approval for external financing to implement the 2025 Appropriation Act, refinance maturing Eurobonds, and expand Nigeria’s debt instruments to include Islamic finance products.

Tinubu noted that “the 2025 fiscal framework anticipates $9.27bn in new borrowings to address the budget deficit, of which $1.84bn is earmarked for external sources at an assumed exchange rate of N1,500 to the dollar.”

He explained that the external borrowing would be sourced through various instruments, including Eurobonds, syndicated loans, bridge financing, or direct loans from multilateral institutions — in order to optimise cost and manage risk effectively.

A key element of the plan is the refinancing of Nigeria’s $1.118bn Eurobond, issued in 2018 at a coupon rate of 7.625% and due in November 2025.

Advertisement

“This is a standard practice in debt capital markets,” the President wrote. “Refinancing through Eurobonds or syndicated loans will guarantee debt sustainability and boost investor confidence.”

Tinubu maintained that refinancing maturing obligations was part of routine debt management and vital for maintaining Nigeria’s fiscal credibility.

The President’s letter also revealed a plan to issue a $500m sovereign Sukuk internationally, a move aimed at deepening Nigeria’s presence in the Islamic finance market.

The initiative follows the success of domestic Sukuk issuances, which have raised N1.39tn since 2017 to fund critical infrastructure projects such as major road construction.

According to Tinubu, the international Sukuk would help narrow Nigeria’s infrastructure funding gap while diversifying its investor base.

The government is also exploring a credit enhancement guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, to strengthen the offering.

“If the ICIEC credit guarantee is utilised, 25% of the proceeds will be used to repay relatively expensive debt obligations, while the balance will finance pre-identified infrastructure projects,” the President said.

Advertisement

He assured lawmakers that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office would engage reputable transaction advisers to secure the best pricing and terms amid volatile global market conditions.

Tinubu further expressed confidence in Nigeria’s reputation as a consistent and credible issuer in international capital markets, noting that the proposed transactions would reinforce investor trust and ensure prudent fiscal management.

The new borrowing request comes as Nigeria grapples with the twin challenges of financing a large budget deficit and managing a complex debt portfolio.

As Africa’s largest economy, the Federal Government continues to balance its drive for infrastructure-led growth with the need to maintain debt sustainability.

The 2025 budget includes plans to raise $9.27bn in new loans, with $1.84bn coming from external sources.

Analysts say the government’s growing reliance on a mix of domestic and foreign funding reflects a pragmatic response to rising inflation, currency volatility, and high global interest rates.

Nigeria’s success with domestic Sukuk issuance has demonstrated the potential of Islamic finance to fund tangible development projects. Expanding this strategy to global markets could enhance the country’s credit profile and reduce dependence on traditional borrowing methods.

Advertisement

The proposed involvement of the ICIEC guarantee is also expected to lower borrowing costs by improving Nigeria’s credit rating, making the new Sukuk more attractive to global investors. Allocating a quarter of the proceeds to retire expensive debts, observers note, reflects a cautious and strategic approach to managing the nation’s debt structure.