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Mustapha Abdullahi Empowers Young Nigerians Through Energy Leadership Fellowship

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has empowered more than 80 young Nigerians through the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026,.

MAELF is a week-long leadership and capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with leadership skills, mentorship, professional networks and startup support for Nigeria’s energy sector and broader national development.

The week-long residential fellowship, initiated and fully sponsored by Dr. Abdullahi through the DAM Foundation in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, brought together carefully selected young Nigerians from across the country for an intensive programme focused on leadership, energy policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and sustainable development.

The fellows arrived in Abuja on Sunday and commenced activities on Monday, participating in six days of lectures, policy dialogues, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, innovation workshops, team projects and networking engagements before the programme culminated in a colourful graduation ceremony on Friday.

Designed to bridge the gap between leadership potential and national development, the fellowship exposed participants to practical knowledge and emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem while equipping them with the skills, values and networks required to drive innovation, promote sustainable development and provide responsible leadership in their various fields.

Throughout the programme, participants interacted with senior government officials, policymakers, development experts, academics and private sector leaders who shared practical insights on leadership, governance, innovation, public service, youth development and Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Among the distinguished personalities who delivered lectures and participated in interactive sessions with the fellows were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom; former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu; and the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dayo Israel, alongside other accomplished professionals, public officials and development experts.

The fellowship climaxed on Friday with the presentation of certificates and an empowerment package valued at over ₦17 million, including startup grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million awarded to outstanding fellows to support innovative ideas, enterprise development and community-based initiatives.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abdullahi said the vision behind the fellowship was to nurture a new generation of ethical, competent, innovative and visionary leaders capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and contributing meaningfully to national development.

“As I look around this hall today, I see not just graduates of a fellowship programme; I see ambassadors of hope, innovators in waiting, solution providers and future architects of Nigeria’s energy future,” he said.

He commended the fellows for their discipline, resilience, commitment to learning and ability to build friendships across regional, ethnic and religious divides throughout the programme.

“You came here with curiosity. You embraced learning with humility. You challenged ideas respectfully, built friendships across regions and backgrounds, collaborated with one another and demonstrated that the Nigerian youth, when given the right opportunity, possess limitless potential,” he said.

Abdullahi urged the participants to make integrity, excellence and service the defining principles of their leadership journey.

“Certificates may open doors, but character sustains leadership. Knowledge may create opportunities, but integrity preserves them. Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies,” he stated.

He stressed that the energy sector extends beyond electricity generation and infrastructure, describing it as a critical driver of social and economic transformation.

“The energy sector is not merely about electricity, solar panels, gas, hydrogen, batteries or infrastructure. It is fundamentally about people. It is about improving lives, reducing poverty, creating opportunities, empowering industries, strengthening healthcare, enhancing education and securing a better future for generations yet unborn,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, Nigeria’s energy transition requires courageous leadership, innovation, ethical professionals and strategic thinkers willing to place national interest above personal ambition.

“I therefore charge each of you to become advocates of sustainable development, ambassadors of clean energy, champions of innovation, and examples of transformational leadership wherever life takes you. This Fellowship must never become a certificate that gathers dust on your shelf. It must become a responsibility you carry in your heart,” he said.

He also encouraged the participants to sustain the relationships established during the fellowship, collaborate across disciplines and continue developing practical solutions to national challenges, noting that the conclusion of the programme marked the beginning of a lifelong network of leaders committed to national transformation.

The successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the DAM Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and human capital investment.

The initiative is expected to pave the way for future editions as Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi continues to invest in raising a new generation of ethical, innovative and solution-driven leaders equipped to advance Nigeria’s energy transition and contribute meaningfully to national development.

124 Applicants Set For APC Screening In DAM Foundation Energy Leadership Fellowship

Aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, while creating a lasting pipeline of young professionals equipped to lead the nation’s energy future. the Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM Foundation), in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Wing, is set to screen 124 outstanding applicants for the inaugural Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF),

This is a flagship initiative aimed at grooming Nigeria’s next generation of energy leaders and innovators.

The prestigious seven-day residential fellowship attracted 1,212 applications from young Nigerians and Africans seeking to contribute to the transformation of the energy sector.

The programme is designed to equip participants with cutting-edge knowledge in renewable energy, energy transition policy, climate action, leadership, and governance.

Speaking on the fellowship, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, described MAELF as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.

According to him. “The future of Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development depends largely on the quality of leadership within the energy sector.

“Through MAELF, we are building a new generation of energy experts, policy innovators, entrepreneurs, and executives who will drive Nigeria’s energy transition and position Africa as a global force in sustainable energy development,” He said.

Outstanding fellows will benefit from internship placements, mentorship opportunities, policy engagement platforms, field visits, and access to grants of up to ₦20 million to support innovative clean energy solutions.

The Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM Foundation) and the APC National Youth Wing said the fellowship aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, while creating a lasting pipeline of young professionals equipped to lead the nation’s energy future.

Shehu Sani: First Lady’s Humanitarian Record Far Outweighs ‘Akara Comment’ Criticism

Former lawmaker urges Nigerians to assess Oluremi Tinubu’s public service based on tangible interventions, not one controversial remark

Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Shehu Sani has defended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, urging Nigerians to judge her public service record based on her humanitarian interventions rather than the controversy generated by her recent remarks encouraging small-scale entrepreneurship.

Sani made the appeal in a post on his verified X account on Monday, following widespread public criticism of the First Lady’s suggestion that Nigerians facing economic hardship could engage in low-capital businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and selling kuli-kuli to earn a living.

The remarks sparked intense debate on social media, with critics describing them as insensitive to prevailing economic realities, while supporters argued that they promoted self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

Defending the First Lady, Sani said her contributions to humanitarian causes since assuming office alongside President Bola Tinubu in May 2023 have been substantial and should not be overshadowed by a single comment.

“The record of the First Lady as one who raised billions for the moribund National Library on her birthday, and financially supported nursing schools, cancer research, tuberculosis eradication, tertiary education, widows and orphans of fallen soldiers, victims of communal and terrorist violence in Plateau and Borno states, the elderly across the states, artists and even victims of tanker explosions, should ideally be assessed and appreciated beyond the Akara comment,” Sani wrote.

He added: “Be fair, use facts and figures and just compare her outings with that of her recent predecessors.”

Sani’s intervention comes amid sustained public discourse over the role of public officials in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over rising living costs and declining purchasing power.

Supporters of the First Lady have pointed to several interventions undertaken through the Renewed Hope Initiative, including financial support for healthcare, education, social welfare, agricultural empowerment, assistance to widows and vulnerable groups, as well as humanitarian relief for victims of disasters and violent conflicts.

According to publicly announced programmes, the initiative has also committed significant funding to tuberculosis control, breast cancer intervention, nutrition programmes and educational scholarships across the country.

The debate has continued to generate mixed reactions across political and social circles, reflecting broader public concerns over the nation’s economic situation. While critics insist that government officials should demonstrate greater sensitivity in their public comments, supporters maintain that encouraging entrepreneurship remains a practical response to economic hardship.

Sani, however, maintained that any objective assessment of the First Lady should consider her overall record of philanthropy and social interventions rather than focusing solely on one controversial statement.

Group Condemns Sowore for Disrespecting Court, Maligning Judge

The Access to Justice and Accountability Forum (AJAF) has strongly condemned human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over what it described as persistent attacks on the Nigerian judiciary and alleged acts of contempt against courts and judges.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Mustapha Sani, and Secretary, Emmanuel David Mahu, the civil society organisation expressed concern over what it termed Sowore’s repeated public comments and actions aimed at discrediting judicial officers and undermining confidence in the nation’s justice system.

AJAF stated that while citizens have the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the right to seek accountability from public institutions, such rights must be exercised within the boundaries of the law and with due respect for judicial processes.

According to the group, recent remarks attributed to Sowore regarding ongoing legal proceedings and judicial officers amount to an attempt to influence public perception of matters before competent courts, a development it said could erode public trust in the administration of justice.

“The judiciary remains one of the most critical pillars of Nigeria’s democracy. Any attempt to malign judges without verifiable evidence or to subject judicial officers to public ridicule poses a serious threat to the rule of law and democratic governance,” the statement read.

The organisation further noted that criticism of judicial decisions should be pursued through lawful channels, including appeals and established complaint mechanisms, rather than through public campaigns that could bring the courts into disrepute.

AJAF urged political actors, activists and civil society groups to uphold the sanctity and independence of the judiciary, stressing that disagreements with court rulings should not translate into personal attacks against judges.

The forum also called on relevant authorities and stakeholders in the justice sector to remain vigilant in protecting judicial institutions from intimidation and undue pressure.

Reaffirming its commitment to the promotion of justice, accountability and democratic values, AJAF urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at strengthening public confidence in the nation’s legal system.

“The integrity of the judiciary must be protected at all times. Democracy thrives when institutions are respected and disputes are resolved through lawful and constitutional means,” the statement added.

South West Socio-Cultural Group Issues Two-Week Ultimatum To FG Over Alleged Illegal Mining, Wealth Accumulation By Ex-Gov Yari

By Friday Alhassan

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), a prominent South West socio-cultural organisation, has issued a stern two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding that anti-corruption agencies immediately commence a comprehensive investigation into serving Senator Abdul’Aziz Abubakar Yari over allegations of illegal mining activities, questionable investments, and unexplained wealth accumulation.

The group warned that failure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant anti-graft agencies to act within the stipulated timeframe would compel it to explore legal options and mobilise peaceful protests across the country to demand accountability.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the council said its position was informed by intelligence and reports received from the Zamfara Concerned Youth Assembly for Peace Advocacy, which allegedly uncovered suspicious financial dealings linked to the former Zamfara State governor.

The statement urged relevant authorities to critically examine Senator Yari’s asset declarations submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau upon his assumption of office as governor in 2011 and juxtapose them with his current assets and sprawling business interests.

“The strongest philosophy of the Yoruba Youth Council is to always join other ethnic youth groups in our country to work for a better Nigeria. We cannot sit idly by while allegations of this magnitude are swept under the carpet,” the statement read in part.

The group maintained that a thorough forensic investigation was non-negotiable to determine whether the former governor’s current wealth and investments were consistent with his legitimate earnings and publicly known sources of income.

Allegations Of Illegal Mining And Dubious Investments

Among the weighty issues raised by the council were allegations directly linking Yari to illegal mining activities in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kebbi states, as well as concerns over his reported multi-billion naira investments across various sectors of the economy.

The YYC specifically called for intensified scrutiny of alleged business interests connected to the former governor, including reported acquisitions in the power sector and entities allegedly associated with him and members of his family.

The organisation also urged anti-corruption agencies to investigate claims involving AJAP Financial Services Limited and other financial transactions allegedly linked to the senator, questioning the sources of funds used for such investments.

According to the statement, serious questions have also been raised regarding the reported acquisition of a controlling stake in Geregu Power Plc through MA’AM Energy Limited, a company the group alleged is connected to Yari and his immediate family members.

The council further expressed deep concerns over what it described as the unprecedented and rapid expansion of the former governor’s business interests after leaving office, including alleged investments in the aviation sector, which it claimed demanded urgent explanation.

It alleged that when Yari assumed office as governor in 2011, some of his properties had reportedly been used as collateral for loans obtained to fund his election campaign, making the subsequent astronomical scale of his reported investments a matter requiring immediate investigation.

The group also called for a comprehensive probe into allegations that the former governor may have links to illegal mining networks operating in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kebbi states, which have been notorious for banditry and illicit mineral exploitation.

It referenced previous and recent anti-smuggling operations involving the seizure of gold and arrests connected to alleged illegal mineral exports, claiming that investigators must determine whether any links exist between those activities and the former governor.

No Going Back On Demand For Justice

The YYC stressed that only a comprehensive and impartial investigation by relevant authorities could establish the authenticity or otherwise of the allegations, adding that Nigerians deserved to know the truth.

The organisation warned in clear terms that if anti-graft agencies fail to act within two weeks, it would consider legal options and mobilise peaceful protests to demand accountability from both the accused and the investigating authorities.

As of the time of filing this report, Senator Yari had not issued an official response to the allegations contained in the statement, and efforts to reach his media aides proved abortive.

The development adds to the growing chorus of calls for transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, which has been plagued by allegations of illicit mining and revenue leakages.

2027: Critics Will Be Put to Shame, Tinubu Supporters Will Triumph — Matawalle

The Minister of State for Defence, Mr Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that critics and opposition figures challenging the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be “shamed” in the 2027 general elections.

Matawalle made the remarks in a solidarity message delivered on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Politics, Hon. Ibrahim Maigandi Danmalikin Gidan Goga, at a Contact and Sensitization Retreat organised by the Northwest Tinubu/Matawalle Peace and Unity Initiatives on Tuesday in Sokoto.

He described critics of the Tinubu administration as perpetrators of falsehood, mischief, and propaganda aimed at tarnishing the image of the President and undermining the government’s performance.

According to him, such narratives would not diminish what he called the “positive stewardship” and “developmental strides” of the Tinubu-led administration.

Matawalle said President Tinubu remains one of Nigeria’s most focused leaders, committed to national unity, selfless service, and confronting the country’s challenges, particularly insecurity and governance deficits inherited from previous administrations.

He further stated that the President had embarked on the execution of key projects across various sectors, with strong support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies in tackling insecurity, especially in parts of the North affected by violence.

He added that the administration has prioritised economic recovery, education, human capital development, and poverty reduction to ease the suffering of Nigerians and stimulate national growth.

“It is a surprise that some groups of Nigerians are partnering with individuals to tarnish the image of Mr President despite his efforts for peaceful coexistence, unity, and progress of the country,” he said.

He further alleged that “mischievous elements” were engaging youths to spread falsehood and negative propaganda against the government for selfish interests.

Matawalle described President Tinubu as an amiable leader focused on addressing Nigeria’s challenges and promoting peace, unity, and development.

He urged young people to shun misinformation and instead embrace values that promote national cohesion and development.

The Minister also advised political actors to remain proactive in supporting community development and contributing to national economic stability and progress.

In his address, the Lead Convener of the retreat, Malam Yusuf Abubakar, said the initiative was aimed at mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid by highlighting his achievements and governance focus.

Abubakar stressed the importance of continuous engagement with stakeholders to educate Nigerians on the administration’s policies and development efforts.

He commended Matawalle for initiating the sensitisation forum and urged him not to relent in efforts to galvanise support for the President ahead of 2027.

He noted that no fewer than 58 community group leaders, association heads, and ambassadors from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna States participated in the retreat.

2027: Tinubu Will Shame Critics, Opposition, Says Matawalle

He described critics of the Tinubu administration as perpetrators of falsehood, mischief, and propaganda aimed at tarnishing the image of the President and undermining the government’s performance.

According to him, such narratives would not diminish what he called the “positive stewardship” and “developmental strides” of the Tinubu-led administration.

He added that the administration has prioritised economic recovery, education, human capital development, and poverty reduction to ease the suffering of Nigerians and stimulate national growth.

He further alleged that “mischievous elements” were engaging youths to spread falsehood and negative propaganda against the government for selfish interests.

Matawalle described President Tinubu as an amiable leader focused on addressing Nigeria’s challenges and promoting peace, unity, and development.

He urged young people to shun misinformation and instead embrace values that promote national cohesion and development.

The Minister also advised political actors to remain proactive in supporting community development and contributing to national economic stability and progress.

Abubakar stressed the importance of continuous engagement with stakeholders to educate Nigerians on the administration’s policies and development efforts.
He commended Matawalle for initiating the sensitisation forum and urged him not to relent in efforts to galvanise support for the President ahead of 2027.

He noted that no fewer than 58 community group leaders, association heads, and ambassadors from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna States participated in the retreat.

Certificates: Fresh Knock for Minister Matawalle as Citizens Prepare Court Action

A fresh political storm is brewing in Zamfara State as a group known as the Zamfara State Concerned Citizens has announced plans to institute legal proceedings against former Governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over allegations concerning his educational qualifications.

The group, led by Barrister Musa Abdullahi, alleged that Matawalle relied on a certificate obtained from the Vocational Training Centre, Bunza, to secure election into public office and later appointment as a minister, despite what it described as questions surrounding the qualification’s compliance with constitutional requirements.

In a media statement signed on its behalf, Barrister Abdullahi said the group had concluded consultations and was preparing legal action aimed at testing the validity of the credentials before a court of competent jurisdiction.

According to him, public offices are positions of trust that demand honesty, transparency and strict compliance with the law.

The group argued that the use of forged or invalid educational credentials to secure public office, if established by a court, amounts to a grave violation of public trust and undermines the integrity of democratic institutions.

Barrister Abdu maintained that Nigerian laws criminalize forgery, certificate falsification and false declaration, stressing that any public official found guilty of such offences should face appropriate legal consequences.

“We believe that no individual should be allowed to benefit from public office through misrepresentation. The law must apply equally to everyone, irrespective of status or position,” he said.

The group further argued that where a public office holder is found to have obtained office through false credentials, such a person may face disqualification, removal from office and prosecution in accordance with applicable laws.

It also contended that salaries, allowances, benefits and privileges allegedly obtained through such misrepresentation should be recovered by the appropriate authorities.

In a strongly worded statement, the Zamfara State Concerned Citizens said public officials must be held to the highest ethical standards, warning that failure to address allegations of credential fraud could send the wrong signal to young Nigerians and weaken public confidence in governance.

The group also criticized Matawalle’s public interventions on security matters, accusing him of making statements capable of generating unnecessary controversy at a time citizens expect reassurance and constructive engagement from leaders.

According to Barrister Abdu, the planned court action is not only about one individual but about protecting the sanctity of public office and ensuring that honesty remains a fundamental requirement for leadership.

He said the legal challenge would also serve as a deterrent to anyone who might contemplate using false information or questionable credentials to gain access to public office.

The Zamfara State Concerned Citizens insisted that accountability, transparency and respect for the rule of law remain essential pillars of democracy and vowed to pursue the matter through all lawful channels.

As of the time of filing this report, Matawalle had not publicly responded to the latest allegations.

EFCC Intercepts ₦4bn Gold Consignment at Kano Airport; Suspects Link Ex-Zamfara Governor Yari to Alleged Smuggling Ring

KANO The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intercepted 15 suitcases containing gold bars valued at approximately ₦4 billion at the Aminu Kano International Airport. The consignment was being loaded onto an Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for Saudi Arabia when it was seized.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation, including Aliyu Baffa, a serving airport security officer, and two accomplices. According to EFCC sources and airport security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the suspects voluntarily confessed that the gold was being smuggled out of the country on the instruction of Senator Abdul Aziz Yari Abubakar, former Governor of Zamfara State.

The suspects further alleged that they are part of a cartel involved in illegal mining operations across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kebbi States, which they claim is controlled by Senator Yari.

A senior airport security official recounted: “Our personnel observed suspicious items concealed in 15 suitcases during cargo loading. We immediately alerted the EFCC, leading to the interception of the physical gold bars.

Following the arrests, a political associate of Senator Yari identified as a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly contacted EFCC officials seeking the release of the seized gold. The request was declined. The associate was also denied access to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and airport authorities. He was advised to inform Senator Yari to report to the EFCC for questioning, after the detained suspects named the former governor as the alleged principal actor

In a related development, a serving Member of the House of Representatives, described as a known confidant of Senator Yari, was sighted at the EFCC Kano Zonal Office in company of two other individuals.

Senator Yari has previously faced allegations of involvement in illegal mining and the diversion of stamp duty revenues, with claims that proceeds were channeled into funding the ADC. He has not been charged in connection with those allegations.

As of press time, Senator Yari had not responded to multiple telephone calls and 21 text messages seeking his comment on the current allegations.

The EFCC confirmed that the seized gold remains in its custody and that investigations are ongoing.

Illegal Mining: Group Accuses Yari of Undermining National Development, Commends EFCC Over N4bn Gold Seizure

A civil society organisation, the Coalition for Accountability and National Development (CAND), has accused former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari, of allegedly undermining the Federal Government’s efforts to maximise revenue from Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through illegal mining activities.

The group made the allegation while reacting to the reported interception of an aircraft allegedly conveying gold valued at about N4 billion by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, CAND described the seizure ,linked to Senator Yari as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining and economic sabotage.

According to the organisation, the illicit exploitation and smuggling of gold and other mineral resources have continued to deprive Nigeria of substantial revenue that could otherwise be channelled into critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.

“We commend the EFCC and other security agencies for their vigilance and commitment in tackling illegal mining activities across the country.

” We are happy that the reported interception of gold worth about N4 billion allegedly linked to Yari demonstrates the scale of revenue loss the nation has been suffering due to illicit operations in the mining sector,” the statement said.

The coalition further alleged that some politically exposed persons and influential individuals had continued to benefit from illegal mining activities in mineral-rich states, thereby frustrating ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reform and regulate the sector.

While specifically mentioning Yari in its allegations, the group called on security and anti-corruption agencies to conduct thorough investigations into all individuals and networks linked to illegal mining and gold smuggling, irrespective of their political status or affiliations.

“We urge the authorities to carry out comprehensive investigations and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law. The fight against illegal mining must not be selective if Nigeria is to derive maximum benefits from its vast mineral resources,” the statement added.

CAND also argued that illegal mining has contributed to environmental degradation, insecurity and the proliferation of armed groups in several mining communities, particularly across Nigeria’s North-West region.

The organisation called on the Federal Government to strengthen monitoring mechanisms within the mining industry, improve collaboration among security agencies and deploy modern technology to track mineral extraction and exports.

It also urged mining regulators to intensify efforts to formalise artisanal mining operations and ensure strict compliance with existing mining laws and regulations.

The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities, warning that the illicit exploitation of mineral resources poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic growth, environmental sustainability and national security.

The group however vowed to support the ongoing investigation with a view to ensure that the truth is unravelled as the developing story unveils .