L -R: Hon Justice Habeeb A.O Abiru, Justice of the Supreme Court; Hon. Justice Babatunde A. Adejumo, Administrator, National Judicial Institute; Barr. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, Chairman Governing Board NCC; Hon. Justice Ibrahim M.M Saulawa, Justice of the Supreme Court, representing the Chief Justice of Nigeria; Mrs Chizua Whyte, Head Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC and Hon Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya, Justice of the Supreme Court, during NCC’s 2026 Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications on the 14th May 2026 at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR-Nigeria’s communications regulator,Nigerian Communications Commission,(NCC), has emphasised the need for judges to better understand telecommunications and digital security matters as the country increases its reliance on technology-driven systems.
At a judicial workshop in Lagos, Aminu Maida, represented by Rimini Makama, said telecom infrastructure now plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, security, and public services.
He explained that these systems have become critical national assets that support financial operations, public safety, governance, and citizen communication.
Maida noted that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has created new legal issues involving cybersecurity, online abuse, digital identity, consumer rights, and artificial intelligence.
He added that growing incidents of telecom vandalism, cyberattacks, and infrastructure disputes require judges to develop stronger knowledge of telecommunications laws and regulations.
The workshop was organised by the National Judicial Institute in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The event focused on the judiciary’s role in connectivity, online safety, and the protection of digital infrastructure in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Speaking at the programme, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun said courts must adapt to increasing cases involving cybercrime, data governance, privacy concerns, and online misconduct.
She stressed that technology-related disputes can no longer be treated as minor issues because governance, commerce, education, and financial transactions now depend heavily on digital connectivity.
Kekere-Ekun also stated that judicial decisions are important in shaping Nigeria’s digital legal framework, especially as the country seeks stronger broadband expansion, digital inclusion, and protection of its telecom ecosystem.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The successful completion of recapitalization exercise in Nigeria’s insurance sector marks a new beginning and a new phase of growth for the industry.
However, experts warn that attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and institutional investors will require a longer track record of reliable dividend payouts and stricter regulatory enforcement.
Mallam Kasimu Garba Kurfi is a veteran Nigerian stockbroker, and the Managing Director/CEO of APT Securities and Funds Limited, disclosed this to BusinessTodayNG in an interview.
According to him, while the increased capital base positions underwriters to take on high-value risks in primary economic drivers—such as oil and gas, petroleum refineries, and aviation—investor confidence hinges heavily on sustained profitability.
He notes that institutional funds typically demand proof that newly injected capital yields regular, substantial dividends before committing fresh capital to the market.
Beyond financial capacity,heemphasize that market expansion relies on mandatory policy compliance. Regulatory bodies and enforcement agencies must aggressively implement mandatory coverage across commercial buildings, market fire policies, and motor vehicles.
Kurfi who also doubles as a Non-Executive Commissioner on the board of the Securities and Exchange Commission, arguedthat as policyholders experience clear, tangible value for their premiums, voluntary compliance will naturally rise, expanding the sector’s premium pool.
“Central to this transformation is the seamless execution of claims management. Operators face growing pressure to streamline payout processes, eliminate unnecessary administrative bottlenecks, and prioritize rapid claims settlement.
“By pairing enhanced underwriting capacity with hassle-free claims resolution, the insurance sector aims to build the public trust necessary to transform its increased balance sheets into long-term commercial growth.”
He noted that the expected return for 2026 will likely to be at least 50% with All share index now at 58% and expected to hit 100% by the listing of Dangote Refinery.
In pursuant to Section 15 and other relevant provisions of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, signed into law on 31 July 2025 by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a as part of his administration’s financial sector transformation agenda towards the attainment of a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.
The successful conclusion of the exercise marks a defining milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s insurance industry and signals the beginning of a new era for insurance in the country.
It represents a major step towards building a stronger, more resilient, adequately capitalized, professionally governed, and policyholder-focused insurance sector that is better positioned to support national economic growth, deepen financial inclusion, mobilize long-term investment capital, and contribute meaningfully to the stability of Nigeria’s financial system.
Following the enactment of NIIRA 2025, the Commission commenced a structured implementation process to provide strategic oversight, ensure transparency, support operators throughout the transition, and facilitate the effective implementation of the new minimum capital requirements within the statutory compliance period.
To ensure an orderly, transparent, credible, and verifiable process, the Commission issued the Guidelines on the Implementation of Minimum Capital Requirements (MCR) for Insurance and Reinsurance Companies in Nigeria. The Guidelines provided detailed guidance on the statutory minimum capital requirements under NIIRA 2025, eligible and ineligible capital instruments, admissible and non-admissible assets, verification and validation procedures, regulatory timelines, reporting obligations, and supervisory expectations throughout the implementation period.
Through a comprehensive process of review, verification, and validation, the recapitalization exercise has delivered a major boost to the Nigerian insurance industry. It has enhanced the financial resilience of operators, attracted substantial domestic and foreign investment, and rekindled strong investor confidence.
The verified outcome of the exercise indicates that Forty-three (43) insurance and reinsurance companies successfully met the prescribed Minimum Capital Requirements. However, Eight (8) insurance companies that submitted evidence of compliance shortly before the statutory deadline are currently undergoing final verification and regulatory review. This would be concluded within fourteen days.
Diversified Nigerian conglomerate, TMDK Group, has marked its 25th anniversary with a renewed commitment to expanding investments in Nigeria’s energy, agriculture, manufacturing and industrial sectors.
The silver jubilee celebration brought together employees, business associates, customers, partners, financial institutions and other stakeholders who joined the Group in reflecting on its journey and celebrating a quarter-century of enterprise, resilience and investment.
Founded 25 years ago by Alhaji Amadu Sule Leda, TMDK Group has evolved from a small real estate investment company into a diversified investment group with significant interests spanning downstream petroleum, petroleum infrastructure, logistics, agro-processing and manufacturing.
The milestone, according to the company, represents not only an opportunity to celebrate its achievements but also a platform to reaffirm its commitment to investing in sectors capable of strengthening Nigeria’s productive capacity, creating employment and supporting sustainable economic development.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Suhailu Ismaila, Acting Managing Director of TMDK Agro Park, described the Group’s 25-year journey as one defined by resilience, strategic investment and an enduring commitment to Nigeria.
He said the company’s next phase would build on the foundation established over the past two and a half decades by pursuing investments that create long-term economic value.
“Twenty-five years is a significant milestone. It reflects years of resilience, strategic investments and commitment to national development. We are celebrating what has been achieved, but we are equally focused on what lies ahead,” he said.
Expanding Nigeria’s Energy Infrastructure
Over the past 25 years, TMDK says it has established a growing presence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry through investments in petroleum storage, distribution and logistics infrastructure.
The Group’s petroleum operations are focused on strengthening the supply chain and improving the availability and efficient distribution of refined petroleum products to industrial and commercial customers.
Through its investments in storage and logistics infrastructure, TMDK has continued to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum value chain at a time when efficient storage, transportation and product distribution remain critical to the country’s energy security.
The company said it intends to deepen these investments as part of its broader strategy to support Nigeria’s evolving energy needs and strengthen the resilience of the downstream petroleum supply chain.
From Agriculture to Agro-Industrial Processing
TMDK’s diversification into agriculture has also become a major component of its growth strategy.
At the TMDK Agro Park in Kaduna State, the company is developing an integrated agro-industrial food-processing platform designed to serve both human and animal consumption, while connecting agricultural production with large-scale industrial processing and value addition.
The facility processes maize, soybeans and other agricultural commodities into a range of products, including corn flour, corn grits, edible vegetable oil and animal feed. The company is also developing capacity for the production of pasta and noodles.
David Onabajo, Chief Operating Officer of the Agro Park, said the integrated nature of the facility was designed to create stronger links between farmers, processors and consumers.
According to him, the objective is to move beyond the production and sale of raw agricultural commodities by creating additional value within Nigeria.
“The Agro Park is designed to strengthen local value addition, provide reliable markets for farmers and contribute to Nigeria’s food security by reducing dependence on imported food products,” he said.
The investment is expected to support farmers by creating more reliable off-take opportunities while strengthening domestic processing capacity and expanding employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
Investment, Employment and Local Value Creation
The company said its diversification strategy is driven by the belief that sustainable economic growth requires investment in productive sectors capable of generating employment and creating value locally.
The Group’s operations now bring together different elements of the economy, including energy infrastructure, logistics, agriculture and industrial processing.
The anniversary therefore marks a transition from the company’s first 25 years of establishment and consolidation into what management describes as a new phase focused on expansion, innovation and deeper investment.
The Group expressed appreciation to its employees, customers, business partners, financial institutions, regulators and host communities for their contributions to its development.
Tamwakat Barde, Human Resource Manager, said TMDK would continue to prioritise responsible business practices, innovation, operational excellence and employee welfare.
She said the company recognises that its people remain central to its ability to achieve its long-term objectives.
Recognising Employees
The anniversary also provided an opportunity for TMDK to recognise employees whose contributions have supported the company’s growth.
Bilkisu Suleiman, an employee of the Group, recalled receiving the Chairman’s Award Silver Category after joining the company in January 2025.
“I started working with TMDK in January 2025, and by December 2025, I was awarded the Chairman’s Award Silver Category. This award gave me great joy because it meant the time and effort I put into the growth of the company was seen and acknowledged,” she said.
She urged management to sustain initiatives that recognise and reward employees who demonstrate commitment and excellence.
The company said employee welfare and recognition would remain important components of its corporate culture as it enters its next phase of growth.
Giving Back to Host Communities
Beyond its commercial activities, TMDK said it remains committed to supporting communities connected to its operations.
Abba Aminu, Site Operations Manager at the Agro Park, commended the management for its contributions to society through donations and the provision of food supplies during important festive periods, including Sallah, Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He said such initiatives demonstrated the company’s recognition of its responsibilities to the communities in which it operates.
The 25th anniversary comes at a critical period for Nigeria, as the country seeks to attract greater private-sector investment into energy, agriculture, manufacturing and other productive sectors to accelerate economic diversification and improve national productivity.
For TMDK Group, the anniversary is therefore both a celebration of the past and a statement of intent for the future.
The Group said it plans to build on its existing investments by pursuing projects capable of improving energy infrastructure, expanding agro-industrial processing, creating jobs and strengthening domestic value chains.
For Alhaji Amadu Sule Leda, the founder of the Group, the next chapter is anchored on a continuing belief in Nigeria’s potential and the capacity of Nigerian businesses to build globally competitive enterprises from within the country.
Onabajo described the founder as a businessman whose vision continues to shape the Group’s direction.
“Our CEO is a visionary who believes in Nigeria. He is a resilient Nigerian patriot who believes in the Nigerian enterprise,” he said.
As TMDK Group begins its next 25 years, the company says its ambition remains firmly rooted in investment, enterprise and national development — with a strategy centred on building productive assets, creating employment and contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s energy and agro-industrial landscape.
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