Sunday Ehigiator

JEX Markets Limited, Nigeria’s energy commodities exchange and market infrastructure company, has announced the appointment of Dr. Blessing Ayemhere as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, subject to the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The appointment is expected to take effect from January 3, 2026.

The company in a statement yesterday, said “Dr. Ayemhere will provide strategic leadership as JEX Markets advances plans to build a transparent, liquid, and globally competitive marketplace for natural gas and other energy-related products in Nigeria.

“In his role, he will work closely with the Board, regulators, market participants, and infrastructure partners to launch trading operations, deepen liquidity, strengthen market integrity, and drive innovation across the JEX ecosystem.”

Commenting on the appointment, the Chairman of JEX Markets Limited, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said the selection followed a rigorous process facilitated by Global Career Company.
According to him, “Dr. Ayemhere’s depth of experience and proven leadership would strengthen the company’s capacity to deliver on its mandate of building a world-class, transparent, and efficient energy marketplace that supports Nigeria’s energy transition and industrial growth.”

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*As prices of shampoo, washing, setting soar

The adage, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’, has come to play in the lives of many Nigerians who have created one innovation or the other to save or change a lifestyle.

The old tradition of visiting the salon, washing, drying and styling of hair is fading gradually as the cost of living keeps skyrocketing and purchasing power reducing.

Economy&Lifestyle has discovered that apart from cutting hair, maintaining natural hair to save cost, many with relaxed hair have improvised various low cost means to maintain their hair styles. Some women now use detergents, liquid soap for dishes to replace hair shampoo, kerosene and canfur mixtures as relaxers among other things.Explaining the reason for such action, Mrs Theresa Kingsley, a small business owner said: “Do you know the latest price of shampoo and conditioner?

“Even the price of a relaxer is high. Before, with N150 or N200, you can get a good relaxer. The opposite is the case now. A small bottle of good shampoo goes for N3,000 to N20,000.If you buy one of N500 it will turn to water within two days.

“I decided to use detergent or liquid wash for myself and my daughter. Sometimes I use soda bar soap which cleanses my hair better compared to liquid wash.

“My daughter doesn’t visit the salon anymore because I created time to plait her hair to cut costs.I have decided to go on a low hair cut next year to save myself from all this hair drama.”

Mrs. Anita Eruwa, a tailor, mentioned a hairdresser who usually uses detergents to wash her customers hair especially when her shampoo finishes and she can’t afford another one.

“It is not the fault of the hairdresser because many people want cheap services and as such must pay dearly for any default found in such salon.

“This hairdresser charges less for retouching, washing and setting.The money she charges doesn’t add up to the increased cost of shampoo and other hair maintenance kits talk of rent.Why won’t she use detergents?”, she added.

Mr. James Dike, a hairstylist, noted that even those revamping wigs use detergents which damage expensive human hairs worth millions of Naira.“A client of mine gave a lady two human hairs to revamp. This lady used detergent to wash the wigs which cost N1.8 million.She ended up destroying the strands.

“My client arrested her but she was told to let it go because seeing the lady, she cannot pay the money.

The post Poverty: Some ladies now use detergents, for hair maintenance appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned a 60-unit Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Housing Estate in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The commissioning was done alongside a Post Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) Shopping Complex at Akobo, Ibadan, as part of sustained efforts to enhance the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shaibu described the project as a practical demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s Soldier First philosophy. He noted decent and affordable housing as central to troop morale, operational effectiveness and post-service stability. He added that the AHOOAS scheme was designed to ensure that soldiers retire in dignity, with secure home ownership in locations of their choice.

The COAS recalled that the pilot phase of the AHOOAS project at Idu, Abuja, delivered over 400 housing units, all of which are occupied by soldiers and their families.

According to him, the success of the pilot informed the expansion of the scheme to Ibadan, Benin, Jos, Akwa Ibom and other locations nationwide, while plans are also underway to fast-track home ownership for Army Warrant Officers.

Shaibu commended the Oyo have government for its sustained support to military formations and appreciated traditional institutions for promoting peace and cooperation.

He lauded the management of PHDL for its professionalism in project delivery and acknowledged Family Homes Funds Limited for partnering with the Nigerian Army to construct 50 housing units for widows of fallen heroes.

The COAS called on other state governments to support the scheme through land allocation for future phases, emphasising that affordable housing remains a critical pillar of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda, in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of PHDL, Maj-Gen Isiah Alison, disclosed that the Ibadan project comprises 60 housing units, 30 two-bedroom houses for non-commissioned soldiers and 30 three-bedroom houses for senior non-commissioned soldiers.

He stated that five per cent of the houses were allocated, free of charge to soldiers who sustained disabilities in the line of duty, while 70 per cent of the units were reserved for soldiers at highly subsidised rates.

Alison explained that houses constructed at costs of up to N30 million were sold to soldiers for as low as N7.5 million, describing the initiative as a deliberate welfare intervention rather than a commercial venture.

He added that similar housing projects were ongoing in other locations, alongside service shopping complexes designed to support small businesses and stimulate local economic activities of troops’ families.

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Uzoma Mba 

Ghana has formally escalated the protracted River Park Estate dispute in Abuja to the ECOWAS Court, marking a significant diplomatic and legal turn in a controversy that now threatens to strain bilateral relations between Accra and Abuja.

Confirming the development, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, disclosed that an official petition has been submitted to the regional bloc after earlier efforts at resolving the matter through engagement failed.

“When I became the High Commissioner, we properly briefed Accra, and that resulted in an official petition to ECOWAS,” Jamal said.

According to him, ECOWAS has since requested full documentation on the dispute, a process that Ghana is already completing.

“As I speak to you today, I have signed a letter that is supposed to send the official documentation and details,” he said. “Possibly, it will reach ECOWAS tomorrow.”

Jamal said Ghana initially exercised restraint to prevent the dispute from affecting long-standing diplomatic ties with Nigeria.

“We did not want to escalate this matter because we did not want this particular case to affect the excellent relationship between Ghana and Nigeria,” he said, describing the matter as “a simple business crisis” complicated by “intransigent positions.”

He, however, suggested that vested interests may be driving the crisis.

“What I can make out of all this is that some individuals are trying to push themselves, or push their power, to take over things that do not belong to them,” Jamal said.

The High Commissioner noted that the controversy predates his assumption of office.

“This problem started before I assumed office in Nigeria as High Commissioner,” he said, adding that he had attended several meetings where both parties presented their positions.

The diplomatic escalation follows sustained complaints by Jonah Capital, a Ghanaian investment firm, which alleges harassment, document falsification and breach of agreement by Nigerian authorities over ownership of the River Park Estate.

Speaking in an interview with Joy TV, Jonah Capital CEO, Kojo Mensah, said his company was shocked by the actions of Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), dismissing claims that the firm failed to attend meetings convened by the agency.

“In fact, it came to us as a surprise. The CAC never wrote to us,” Mensah said. “They wrote a letter to the Attorney General, peddling lies that we did not turn up for the meeting.”

He countered the CAC’s position by citing video evidence posted by the CAC Commissioner himself.

“The CAC Commissioner is fond of posting videos of everything he does, so we have the video which he himself posted on his CAC Instagram, showing our lawyers being present and also the representative of the Attorney General being present for the meeting,” he stated.

Mensah maintained that Jonah Capital’s ownership of the estate is supported by extensive documentation dating back to 2012.

“The share certificates have been prepared. Transfer forms were signed by me and are sitting with the lawyers in Abuja,” he said, referencing an email dated June 27, 2012, allegedly sent by one John Tanley Johnson.

According to him, the share certificate—described as “the bedrock of the company”—was emailed on July 4, 2012, by the accountant of Adren Ogunmuirwa, with Ogunmuirwa copied in the correspondence.

“This is the share certificate they sent to us,” Mensah said. “These are some of the documents we shared with the Nigeria Police, along with a copious number of documents which established our ownership of the estate.”

He added that Jonah Capital also possesses FedEx records connected to the transmission of the documents in 2012.

On the possibility of legal action against the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mensah said no final decision had been taken, although concerns had been formally communicated.

“We have not even made the decision of whether we are going to sue the FCT Minister for the breach or alleged breach of the agreement,” he said. “They wrote to us after the FCT Minister made his pronouncement and asked us to preserve the agreement.”

He disclosed that the company had raised concerns over the termination clause of the agreement and requested further engagement.

“We wrote to the General Counsel that even though we have commenced the exercise that we have been asked to do, we have issues with the clause of termination, and we have asked for a meeting to engage,” Mensah said.

Jamal said Ghana is hopeful that the ECOWAS intervention will lead to an amicable resolution.

“We are hoping that we will be able to resolve this matter without it escalating further,” he said, confirming that the dispute is now headed to the ECOWAS Court for adjudication.

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…Works on details, as Nigerians await breakdown

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

The Presidency raised the 2026 Federal Government budget from the N54.46 trillion originally contained in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, to a new threshold of N58.18 trillion to accommodate the massive recruitment into the military, police and other security agencies, announced recently by President Bola Tinubu.

The Director-General of the Budget Office, Mr Tanimu Yakubu, announced the figure after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, held on Friday, a few hours before the president went to present the budget to the National Assembly.

A Presidency source disclosed that the submissions of budget proposals by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies to the Budget Office of the Federation, which usually follow Budget Call Circulars, had been concluded before the recent announcement to increase the personnel of the military and security agencies.

It was learnt that it was, therefore, necessary to increase the budget figure to make room for the financial implications of the new intakes.

Last Friday’s FEC meeting that preceded Mr. Tanimu’s announcement, as learnt, did not last for more than two hours and did not accommodate detailed discussions on the budget by members of the Council.
Mr. Yakubu was, thereafter, directed to address the State House Press to give it credence.

The source said that the president had to hurriedly present the budget to the National Assembly to show commitment to its early passage because the budget process was already late and could not wait for the details to be worked out before the presentation.

“They have to work on the details and clean it up before the Bill returns to the NASS for the process to continue with MDAs’ budget defence and the rest,” the source said.

The aggregate expenditure of N58.18 trillion in the 2026 budget proposal is six per cent higher than the 2025 budget estimate of N49.7 trillion.

This includes projected spending of government-owned enterprises, amounting to N4.98 trillion, and N1.37 trillion for grants and donor-funded projects.

The projected aggregate spending includes statutory transfers of N4.1 trillion; debt service, N15.52 trillion, including N3.388 trillion for the sinking fund to retire maturing issues of local contractors and creditors.

Personnel costs, including pension, N10.75 trillion, which includes N1.02 trillion for government-owned enterprises, are seven per cent higher than the 2025 provision, and overhead costs N2.22 trillion.

Non-oil revenues have been rising in recent years, now accounting for roughly two-thirds of total receipts, confirming a structural shift away from oil dependence.

With a revenue projection of N34.33 trillion and total expenditure of N58.18 trillion, the budget deficit will stand at N23.85 trillion, representing 4.28 per cent of GDP.

Recurrent (non-debt) spending is put at N15.25 trillion, while capital expenditure totals N26.08 trillion.

Security tops sectoral allocations with N5.41 trillion, followed by Infrastructure (N3.56 trillion), education (N3.52 trillion) and health (N2.48 trillion).

Vanguard News Nigeria

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Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd has once more reinforced its reputation as a people-focused real estate brand with the presentation of two brand-new cars to its top-performing realtors during its end-of-year celebration, held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, with the aim of rewarding excellence and dedication.

The vehicles were formally handed over by the company’s brand ambassador and Nollywood legend, Patience Ozokwor, also known as “Mama G,” who commended the dedication, consistency, and integrity displayed by the award recipients as well as the company.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ozokwor described Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd as a dependable real estate brand that offers peace of mind and genuine property ownership to investors.

She stated that the company’s amiable relationship with its staff, realtors, customers, and the media signifies integrity.

According to her, Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd is a brand that one can trust. “You can depend on them without worry. Any property you buy from Powell Homes and Shelters belongs to you. Everything is sorted out. All the stress people usually face when acquiring land is completely taken care of.”

She also stated that, as a public figure who has worked for decades promoting virtues and values for humanity, she associates only with brands that uphold trust and excellence, adding that Powell Homes and Shelters has consistently delivered value to both investors and partners.

“I don’t go to places where people are stressed. Powell Homes and Shelters has given me and everyone who has invested with them peace of mind.”

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Powell Homes and Shelters, Architect Dr. Onyekachi Emmanuel, said the company deliberately rewards excellence to motivate its realtor network and drive healthy competition.

He stated that the 2025 edition of the reward programme was particularly remarkable because the performance benchmark for winning cars was raised, yet several realtors still met the criteria within a short period.

“The essence of this event is to motivate and encourage our hardworking realtors. Beyond commissions, we also reward them with valuable gift items such as cars, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, and others. This has been our culture for the past two years, and we do this twice a year.

“In this year’s event, what stands out is that even though we increased the stake required to win car gifts, people still qualified. If we had maintained the previous performance benchmark, we would have given out more vehicles.”

Reports also have it that the two cars presented at the event bring the total number of vehicles awarded by the company in 2025 to seven, alongside numerous other gift items including iPhones, generators, media kits, and household appliances.

Highlighting the company’s competitive edge, Dr. Onyekachi said Powell Homes and Shelters is driven by value delivery.

“For every property you buy from us, you are guaranteed value. If you compare our properties side by side with others, you will see that we offer superior quality and value,” he said.

In their various remarks, the car winners, Mrs. Njideka Chinonso and Mrs. Eze Victoria Rose, who emerged as the highest-selling realtors, expressed gratitude to the management for recognising their efforts.

They described the gesture as a major motivation, saying it had strengthened their commitment to the brand, which rewards hard work excellently.

Related

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Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has fuelled speculation about early political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 presidential election as campaign posters surfaced across major streets in Kaduna.

Naija News reports that the posters, which prominently display Amaechi’s portrait, describe him as “the only person to be trusted” and “the only man for the job”, with accompanying messages centred on unity, equality, stability and development.

Residents reported that the posters were posted at key locations across the Kaduna metropolis, including Ahmadu Bello Way, Ali Akilu Way, and areas around the Kaduna State Government House and the Kawo Bridge axis leading towards Zaria.

The displays attracted noticeable attention, with motorists and pedestrians slowing to view them, particularly around Kawo Bridge, where early-morning traffic experienced brief disruptions.

Amaechi, who holds the traditional title of Dan Amanan Kasar Hausa of Daura, has previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.

At the time of filing this report, Amaechi has yet to make any formal declaration of his presidential ambition, despite the emergence of posters that have heightened speculation about a possible return to the presidential race.

Recall that Amaechi contested the All Progressives Congress presidential primary in 2022, finishing second behind President Bola Tinubu.

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has compensated the victims and families affected by the 25 December 2024 accidental airstrike on Sokoto villages.

The air force disclosed this in a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Sunday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that a NAF aircraft, in an airstrike targeting suspected Lakurawa terrorists, killed at least 10 civilians in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages in Silame LGA of Sokoto.

The airstrike was conducted under a joint operation called “Operation Fansan Yamma” in the North-west.

A military spokesperson had justified the killings at the time, describing the victims as associates of Lakurawa.

The Lakurawa terror group mainly operates in Kebbi and Sokoto states. Experts have continued to debate the group’s affiliation. While some say it is aligned with the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), others contend that it is linked to Islamic State in the Sahel.

The compensation

The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Edward Gabkwet, an air vice marshal, explained that the compensation followed a petition received in April 2025.

The petition, he said, led to “a comprehensive investigation.”

Mr Gabkwet, who represented Sunday Aneke, the chief of air staff, said the air force’s investigation confirmed that “13 civilians were unintentionally killed and eight others sustained various degrees of injuries.”

The outcome of the investigation, according to him, “deeply saddened the Service.”

He added that the air force “made it imperative to take responsibility and make amends.”

However, the details of the compensation were not stated in the statement.

Appreciating the state governor

Mr Gabkwet appreciated the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, for “the warm reception and the enduring partnership between the NAF and the Government and people of the State.”

He also commended the governor’s “inclusive development” and security initiatives under “the 9-Point Smart Agenda.”

“Localised efforts such as the Community Guards Corps have complemented federal operations against terrorists and bandits while strengthening civil–military cooperation,” Mr Gabkwet noted.

“The Nigerian Air Force exists primarily to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. No professional military deliberately harms the very people it is sworn to defend,” Mr Gabkwet said, noting “Civilian Harm Mitigation” has been a central concern for the Chief of Air Staff since he assumed office in October.

Noting that it will apply “precise and purposeful” force against criminal elements, the air force highlighted institutional measures such as the NAF Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP).

It also advised citizens to avoid “mingling or cohabiting” with terrorists, warning that such associations heighten the risk of collateral damage.

In his remarks, Governor Aliyu praised the air force for its “professionalism, transparency, and compassion.”

According to the air force statement, the governor described the compensation “as a demonstration of a responsible and people-centred military.”

Unresolved Borno airstrikes

The latest compensation occurred about one year after the killing of the Sokoto civilians. However, such incidents continue to happen as security agencies intensify the war on terrorists.

PREMIUM TIMES exclusively reported that the air force, in two accidental airstrikes on 14 December, killed some civilians, mostly fishermen and commercial drivers in the Mararaba area in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

While 10 vehicles were reportedly destroyed in the airstrikes, the number of casualties remains unclear. Some injured victims were taken to the General Hospital in Mungono.

Although the area has been under insurgents’ threats for a long time, it is believed to be inhabited by civilians.

The Borno State Government told PREMIUM TIMES that the air force has not responded to its enquiry about the incident.

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From John Silas

After decades of recurring hostilities that claimed lives and destroyed properties, the people of Ibeno in Ibeno Local Government Area and Esit Urua community in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have formally agreed to co-exist peacefully.

The historic resolution followed a series of peace talks initiated by leaders and stakeholders of Esit Urua community, beginning on November 22, 2025, and consolidated on December 6, 2025, in line with the peace initiative earlier championed by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to restore lasting peace between Eket and Ibeno LGAs.

The peace meetings were held at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Owong Professor E. B. Achianga, JP, who presided over the dialogue and subsequently inaugurated a joint peace committee.

At the initial meeting of November 22nd, 2025, 26 stakeholders and leaders from Esit Urua, representing the three Esit Urua communities, met with chiefs and elites from Ibeno.

The follow-up meeting on December 6th recorded an expanded participation of about 50 Esit Urua stakeholders, including family heads, clergy, youths and women leaders, who unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to permanent peace.

The resolutions reached were contained in a joint communique signed by representatives of both communities, formally rejecting any further disturbances or hostilities between Eket and Ibeno LGAs

To consolidate the peace process, a 15-man Joint Peace Committee was constituted by the paramount ruler.

Members from Ibeno included; Apostle (Barr.) Isong Ikot, Barrister Diamond Akpanika, Engineer Inyang B. Okon-Itrechio, Chief Okon Udofia, Helen Okokon Nathaniel, Chief Esenem Ukochio and His Lordship, Justice Bennett Ilaumo.

The Esit Urua delegation comprises; Barrister Victor Ekpo, Anietie Uko Robert, Chief Aniefiok I. Brown, Evangelist Kennedy Edoho, Umoetuk Isukette, Sister Charity Joe Etuk, Pastor Itoro B. Adiakot and Bishop John Okpot Joseph.

According to the communique signed at the end of the meetings, the committee is mandated to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to clearly define peace modalities between the two communities, ensure wide publicity of the peace accord, and formally communicate the outcome to relevant authorities, including the chairmen of Eket and Ibeno LGAs, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Governor Umo Eno.

Speaking on behalf of Esit Urua stakeholders, Bishop John Okpot Joseph described the agreement as a collective resolve to end all forms of conflict and protect lives and properties, stressing that Esit Urua would no longer serve as a battleground for selfish interests by aggrieved persons in Eket.

Meanwhile, youths and leaders of Esit Urua have used the occasion to raise concerns over what they described as prolonged marginalization and neglect by Eket Local Government leadership.

A peace advocate from Idung Adiakod in Esit Urua, Pastor Itoro Adiakod, appealed directly to Governor Umo Eno to “come and rescue Esit Urua community,” citing lack of basic infrastructure despite the community’s status as an oil- and gas-producing host area.

According to him, “Esit Urua has suffered decades of underdevelopment, with no tarred roads, functional health centres, visible local government presence, or meaningful projects”.

He also alleged exclusion from benefits under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), including absence of representation on host community boards and lack of contracts awarded to indigenous contractors since the Act’s establishment in 2021.

“This systemic exclusion has rendered our people voiceless in decisions that affect our land, resources and future,” Adiakod said, adding that Esit Urua remains peace-loving, united and deserving of dignity, fairness and equity.

Despite these grievances, community leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace with their Ibeno neighbors emphasizing that the newly signed accord marks a turning point in the relationship between the neighbouring communities.

This commendable peace initiative between these two erstwhile warring communities echoes the recent reported cessation of hostilities between Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi communities. This is another testament to the actualization of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno’s earnest drive to harness the great potentials of Akwa Ibom State to its fullest and this can only be best realized where peace is embraced by all.

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*Congressmen say ‘we want shoes, not boots on the ground’

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United States has ruled out deploying troops to Nigeria, saying its decision to designate the country as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) is intended to encourage reforms through diplomatic pressure and partnership rather than military intervention.

Members of a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation, who visited Nigeria to assess security and religious freedom concerns, said at a press conference in Abuja that while Nigeria needs support to tackle rising violence, Washington is not considering “boots on the ground” as part of its response.

The delegation was led by Rep. Bill Huizenga and included Reps. Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self, and Jefferson Shreve.

“Nigeria does need help, but that does not mean U.S. troops,” Huizenga said. “The CPC designation is a tool to motivate action, not a prelude to military deployment.”

The lawmakers said the designation was driven by persistent violence affecting communities of all faiths, with particular concern over the Middle Belt, where they believe religious motivations play a role in some attacks.

“It is unacceptable that anyone—Muslim or Christian—is experiencing this level of violence,” a member of the delegation said. “Protecting citizens of all faiths is a responsibility of the Nigerian government.”

According to the delegation, the CPC designation has already sparked internal discussions within Nigeria’s government, which they described as a positive development. They stressed that the move is not intended to punish Nigeria or its citizens but to encourage accountability, reforms, and stronger protection of religious freedom.

The lawmakers distinguished between terrorism in the North-East—linked to Boko Haram and other extremist groups—and communal or religiously motivated violence in other regions, noting that each challenge requires a different approach.

“There are different regional realities,” one lawmaker said. “What works in Borno State may not work in Plateau or Benue.”

U.S. officials emphasized that Nigeria’s CPC status is not permanent and will be reviewed based on measurable progress in reducing violence and improving religious freedom. They rejected suggestions that the designation could damage bilateral relations, describing it instead as a difficult but constructive engagement between partners.

“True friends don’t walk away,” Huizenga said. “They stay engaged, even when the conversation is difficult.”

While ruling out troop deployment, the delegation expressed support for increased non-military engagement, including humanitarian assistance, diplomatic cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives—described as putting “shoes on the ground, not boots.”

The lawmakers said they would brief colleagues in Washington on the importance of Nigeria to Africa and global stability, warning that insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation carries far-reaching consequences.

They revealed that sustained dialogue, transparency, and reforms could pave the way for a review of Nigeria’s CPC status and a stronger U.S.–Nigeria partnership.

The congressional members during the visit met government officials, religious leaders, civil society, and private sector stakeholders, highlighting the United States’ commitment to its long-standing partnership with Nigeria.

On the reason for the visit, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills said the visit underscored the importance Washington places on economic, security, and people-to-people ties. “Their presence here underscores the importance the United States places on our partnership with Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that the delegation, led by Congressman Bill Huizenga of Michigan, met with Nigerian leaders to discuss shared priorities, including strengthening democratic institutions, expanding economic and trade opportunities, and addressing the concerns that led to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

“This visit reflects the bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for a strong, forward-looking U.S.–Nigeria relationship and for addressing the underlying concerns that prompted the CPC designation,” the Ambassador said.

In his remarks, Huizenga emphasized the critical nature of the U.S.–Nigeria relationship. “We are here because this partnership is important to both Nigeria and the United States,” he said. He explained that the CPC designation, initially made during the Trump administration, had been the focus of ongoing congressional discussions. “I felt it was important to make another trip here to be able to look people eye to eye and have frank conversations,” he added.

Huizenga, a senior member of both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Financial Services Committee, expressed appreciation to the U.S. Mission for hosting multiple delegations in quick succession. “First and foremost, Ambassador, thank you—not just to your team for hosting several delegations—but I also want to thank you personally for your service to our country and to this relationship here in Nigeria,” he said.

The delegation’s meetings come at a time of heightened focus on Nigeria’s security and human rights situation. The CPC designation, which has drawn attention in both countries, targets concerns about religious freedom and violence affecting communities across Nigeria.

“The purpose of our visit is to engage directly with Nigerian leaders, to listen, to learn, and to encourage progress on issues of governance, security, and religious freedom,” Huizenga said.

The U.S. Mission expressed hope that the delegation’s engagement will foster deeper collaboration in the months and years ahead. “We look forward to continuing to deepen our collaboration with Nigeria on these critical issues,” the official said.

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