The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced that it will begin full enforcement of statutory requirements governing the contents of company business letters from August 1, 2026, warning that companies that fail to comply will face sanctions.
The commission disclosed this in a public notice issued by its management and published on its official X handle on Wednesday.
Under the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, all registered companies are required to display specific corporate information on their business letters and official documents.
The mandatory information includes the company’s registered name, registration number, the present forenames or initials and surnames of its directors, any former forenames and surnames, as well as the nationality of every non-Nigerian director.
The requirement applies to all business correspondence, including invoices, quotations, official letters and other corporate documents.
According to the commission, the enforcement exercise will ensure full compliance with Sections 304(1), 304(2) and 304(1)(c) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020.
“Commencing from August 1, 2026, the Commission shall enforce the full application of the requirements of Sections 304(1) and (2), and 304(1)(c) of the Act with respect to company business letters, with attendant sanctions for non-compliance,” the notice stated.
The CAC reminded companies registered under the Act that they are required to state, in legible characters, the present forename or initials and surname of every director, any former forename and surname, the nationality of every non-Nigerian director, in addition to the company’s registered name and registration number.
The commission urged all affected companies to review their business stationery and official documents ahead of the August 1 enforcement date to avoid regulatory sanctions.
Reaffirming its commitment to improving corporate governance, the CAC said the move is part of ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability and a more responsive corporate regulatory environment.
“The Commission remains committed to transparency, accountability and customer satisfaction as it strives to build a more resilient and responsive corporate regulatory environment,” it added.
The House of Representatives has commenced legislative consideration of a bill seeking to significantly strengthen the funding base of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) by introducing new statutory revenue sources, including allocations from Value Added Tax (VAT), the Ecological Fund, and mandatory contributions from extractive and agricultural processing companies.
The proposal came under scrutiny on Wednesday during a public hearing organised by the House Committee on the South-South Development Commission on a bill to amend the South-South Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2025.
Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, said the amendment is aimed at placing the SSDC on a financial footing comparable to other regional development commissions to enable it tackle the persistent developmental challenges confronting the South-South.
According to Abbas, the bill seeks to broaden the commission’s statutory funding sources to enhance its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
He noted that despite serving as the nation’s economic backbone through decades of oil and gas production, the South-South continues to grapple with severe environmental degradation, poor infrastructure, ecological challenges, youth unemployment and widespread socio-economic deprivation.
“The region has, for decades, remained the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, contributing immensely to national revenue and economic growth. Yet, it continues to grapple with significant environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, ecological challenges, youth unemployment and other socio-economic concerns that demand coordinated and sustained intervention,” he said.
The Speaker, however, stressed that while expanding the commission’s revenue streams is desirable, any proposal that introduces new statutory financial obligations must undergo rigorous legislative scrutiny to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, sustainability and fairness.
He urged stakeholders to make evidence-based submissions that would assist lawmakers in producing balanced legislation capable of driving meaningful development across the region.
Abbas also reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th House to inclusive lawmaking, describing public hearings as critical instruments of participatory democracy rather than mere constitutional formalities. He disclosed that the House would soon hold an Open Week to deepen public engagement and strengthen citizens’ confidence in the legislature.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on the South-South Development Commission, Julius Pondi, said the proposed amendment seeks to place the SSDC on a stronger and more sustainable financial foundation through additional statutory funding sources.
He explained that the bill proposes contributions from extractive industries, agricultural processing companies, allocations from the Ecological Fund and a share of VAT revenues, among other funding mechanisms.
Pondi argued that although the South-South generates a substantial proportion of the nation’s wealth through oil and gas production, the region still bears the burden of environmental pollution, inadequate infrastructure, poverty and unemployment resulting from decades of intensive resource exploitation.
He maintained that the review of the commission’s funding framework would align the SSDC with other regional development commissions established by the Federal Government, which currently enjoy broader statutory funding arrangements.
The lawmaker, however, assured stakeholders that the committee had reached no predetermined conclusion on the bill, inviting constructive contributions and alternative proposals to strengthen the legislation.
“The committee is particularly interested in receiving informed perspectives on the necessity of the proposed amendment, the sustainability of the proposed funding framework, and recommendations that will further strengthen the objectives of the bill,” he said.
Established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2025, the South-South Development Commission was created to coordinate intervention programmes across the six states of the South-South geopolitical zone, with a mandate to address decades of environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, unemployment and poverty arising largely from oil exploration activities.
The Atlantic Bell reports that If passed, the amendment will significantly expand the commission’s revenue base and place it on a funding structure similar to those of other regional development commissions, boosting its capacity to drive development in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reconstituted and inaugurated its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) as part of efforts to strengthen institutional integrity, entrench accountability and reinforce transparency in its operations.
Speaking during the inauguration of the new ACTU at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the unit as a vital instrument for promoting ethical conduct, preventing corruption and sustaining public confidence in the Commission.
Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku charged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and impartiality, stressing that corruption had no place in the Commission.
He noted that although corruption remained a global challenge, the ACTU, as the in-house anti-corruption mechanism of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), must strengthen internal systems that promote transparency, accountability and good governance.
The Managing Director also urged the Commission’s Internal Audit Department to work closely with the unit to reinforce accountability across all departments and preserve the agency’s growing reputation.
“As members of ACTU, your integrity must remain unquestionable. If those entrusted with fighting corruption become compromised, everything is at stake. You must lead by example and uphold the values of transparency and accountability,” he said.
Ogbuku commended the ICPC for its continued partnership with the NDDC and noted that members of the newly inaugurated committee were selected based on proven competence and integrity.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Commission’s Board and Management to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu through transparent governance and effective service delivery across the Niger Delta.
Chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, lauded the NDDC for strengthening its internal anti-corruption framework, describing the inauguration of the ACTU as a significant step towards enhancing institutional accountability in the public sector.
Represented by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for the Rivers and Bayelsa Zonal Office, Mrs Ekere Usiere, Aliyu explained that the ACTU initiative was introduced in 2001 through a collaboration between the ICPC and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to identify and eliminate systemic weaknesses that encourage corruption in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
He urged members of the committee to carry out their assignment with professionalism, fairness and integrity, warning against victimisation or abuse of the trust placed in them.
In her acceptance speech, the Chairperson of the NDDC ACTU, Mrs Deinma Ebong, pledged to align the Commission’s operations with the anti-corruption ideals of the ICPC by strengthening institutional systems rather than policing employees.
She said the unit would prioritise ethics education, continuous staff sensitisation, open communication and collaboration with departments, directorates, units and state offices to prevent corrupt practices before they occur.
Ebong thanked the NDDC management for the confidence reposed in the committee and appealed to members of staff to support the unit in advancing transparency, accountability and ethical governance across the Commission.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the body as fictitious and unknown to the Federal Government.
The President directed the anti-graft agency to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the so-called PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal backing, presidential approval, executive instrument or any lawful basis for existence.
The Presidency alleged that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the organisation and claimed to be a presidential appointee.
Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents, the use of a false presidential appointment to secure official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation, as well as the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.
The President also ordered a broader investigation into the circumstances that enabled the fictitious council to gain an appearance of legitimacy.
According to the Presidency, the probe will examine the origin and use of forged official documents, attempts to obtain government recognition or diplomatic support, the establishment and operation of related bank accounts, the source and movement of funds, and the possible involvement of public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or other intermediaries in facilitating the alleged scheme.
Tinubu further tasked the ICPC with identifying institutional and procedural loopholes that may have been exploited and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
To facilitate the investigation, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been directed to provide the Commission with all relevant records, information and assistance required for the timely completion of the probe.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability, the President stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and federal institutions must be safeguarded against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and other fraudulent activities.
He also directed that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation should face the full weight of the law.
The prolonged delay in the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill in Rivers State has come under fresh criticism, with the Rivers Equity Group (REG) warning that the stalemate is inflicting severe damage on the state’s economy, undermining governance and eroding investor confidence.
Leader of the group, Mr. Clapton Ogolo, described the continued non-passage of the budget as “an act of sabotage” deliberately designed to cripple development and deny the people the dividends of democracy.
In a statement made available to journalists, Ogolo accused members of the Rivers State House of Assembly of placing political interests above the welfare of the people by allegedly refusing to consider the appropriation bill, despite its strategic importance to the state’s economic growth.
According to him, the budget remains the constitutional instrument through which government executes projects, provides essential services and stimulates economic activities, warning that any prolonged delay inevitably stalls development.
“The non-passage of the 2026 Appropriation Law of Rivers State is an act of sabotage targeted at depriving the state of development and discouraging investors,” he said.
Ogolo lamented that while Rivers State continues to grapple with the absence of a legally approved budget, political actors allegedly responsible for the impasse are preoccupied with activities outside the state.
“It is unfortunate that those championing this decline in development have their families comfortably living in Lagos and Abuja, while Rivers people bear the consequences of their actions,” he stated.
He further questioned the propriety of politcians from Rivers state who are happily participating in project commissioning ceremonies outside Rivers yet, have failed to perform their legitimate functions to get Rivers State running, as according to him, there is no constitutional authorisation for the execution of capital projects without an approved appropriation law.
“The most disheartening experience is seeing Rivers State people attending commissioning ceremonies in Abuja and other states while there is no constitutional authorisation for the Governor to execute projects because the budget has not been passed,” he added.
The REG leader also expressed concern over allegations that some lawmakers were demanding financial inducements from the executive before considering the appropriation bill, insisting that if such claims were true, they represented a grave assault on democratic governance and public accountability.
“It is painful and disheartening that those who have benefited immensely from successive governments are still supporting actions that are inimical to the progress of Rivers State. I can never be impressed by any commissioning ceremony outside the state while our budget, which should drive development, is still being held back,” he said.
Ogolo maintained that the continued delay was sending negative signals to both local and foreign investors, many of whom depend on the state’s annual fiscal plan as an indication of government priorities and policy direction.
He warned that without an operational budget, critical infrastructure projects, job creation initiatives, healthcare delivery, education programmes and other public services would remain stalled, with far-reaching consequences for economic growth and the welfare of citizens.
According to him, the unfolding situation has left many Rivers people disillusioned, stressing that those behind the political impasse should reflect on the implications of their actions.
“Looking at their faces, you can see that their hearts are troubled because some of them cannot sleep well at night. God is just; whatever a man sows, he will also reap,” he declared.
Ogolo called on all political actors to rise above personal interests and immediately facilitate the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill in the overriding interest of peace, good governance and sustainable development.
He urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without external influence, insisting that the welfare of Rivers people must take precedence over political calculations.
According to him, every additional day the budget remains unpassed translates into lost economic opportunities, delayed infrastructure, rising hardship and diminished confidence in the state’s investment climate.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has named Mr. David Amapakaye Okumgba as its deputy governorship candidate for the forthcoming governorship election, pairing him with the party’s governorship flag bearer, Hon. Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson.
Announcing the nomination in a statement on Tuesday, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Chizi Enyi, Esq., described Okumgba as an accomplished administrator, businessman and seasoned politician with a distinguished record of public service and leadership.
The party said the deputy governorship nominee brings to the ticket extensive political and administrative experience, having served in key leadership positions, including South-South Zonal Secretary and South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of a major political party. He also chaired the Appeal Committee for Senatorial Primaries in Edo State and previously contested for a seat in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to the ADC, Okumgba’s broad political experience, organisational capacity and understanding of Rivers State’s socio-political dynamics make him well-suited to complement Pidomson in offering purposeful leadership to the state.
The party stated that the Pidomson-Okumgba ticket embodies competence, inclusiveness and integrity, with a commitment to good governance, accountability, economic development, security and equal opportunities for all residents.
It expressed confidence that the ticket reflects the aspirations of Rivers people and possesses the leadership qualities required to reposition the state for sustainable growth and development.
The ADC called on its members, supporters and the electorate across the state to rally behind the Pidomson-Okumgba ticket, expressing optimism that the partnership would unite the people and provide a credible alternative ahead of the governorship election.
The statement was signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Chizi Enyi, Esq.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Monday met with the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, to discuss preparations for Nigeria’s next general elections and ways of deepening economic cooperation between the country and the European Union.
The meeting, held at Atiku’s residence in Abuja, focused on issues of mutual interest, particularly democratic governance and the conduct of credible elections.
Disclosing details of the meeting in a post on his Facebook page, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate said the discussions underscored the importance of sustaining the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the European Union.
“This afternoon, I had the honour of hosting His Excellency Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, at my residence in Abuja,” Atiku said.
“We engaged in productive discussions on issues of mutual interest between Nigeria and the EU, with particular emphasis on the upcoming general elections.”
Atiku also acknowledged the European Union’s continued support for Nigeria’s democratic process, commending the bloc for its commitment to promoting free, fair, peaceful and credible elections.
He further praised the EU’s contributions to initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy, expressing appreciation for its sustained partnership with the country.
The meeting comes amid increasing political consultations and stakeholder engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has accused sections of the media and social media of promoting “sponsored” negative narratives aimed at tarnishing the image of the state and his administration, insisting that the hosting of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt is proof that Rivers remains peaceful and secure.
Speaking on Monday at the grand finale of NADCEL 2026 held at the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Fubara said the choice of Rivers State as the venue for the national military event contradicted claims that the state is unsafe.
A parade of some military equipment at the NADCEL 2026 held in Port Harcourt on Monday.
“The choice of Port Harcourt as host of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration means a lot to me and the good people of Rivers State. It signifies peace. It signifies normalcy in our state, contrary to the numerous negative things we read in newspapers and see on social media, some of which are sponsored to malign the state and my person,” the governor said.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies operating in the state, pledging sustained assistance to enable them to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
He said his government would continue to provide logistics, infrastructure and institutional support to security agencies, stressing that the success of the military translates to the success of government in ensuring the safety of lives and property.
The governor commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, operational readiness, technological advancement and manpower development, as demonstrated during the military parade and tactical displays marking the celebration.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for providing the leadership needed to strengthen the military’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
A parade of some military equipment at the NADCEL 2026 held in Port Harcourt on Monday
Fubara, however, urged the Federal Government and the military high command to prioritise the welfare of officers and soldiers, arguing that improved welfare is critical to boosting morale and enhancing operational effectiveness.
He maintained that Rivers State would remain steadfast in partnering security agencies to sustain peace and stability across the state.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising the Nigerian Army and revitalising Nigeria’s defence industry, saying sustained investment in military capability is critical to tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) held at the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to equip the Armed Forces with modern technology and strengthen local defence production to enhance national security.
He said the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) remains central to the administration’s strategy of building indigenous military manufacturing capacity, describing local defence production as essential for both national security and economic growth.
The President also welcomed the establishment of the African Armed Forces Forum, describing it as a platform that would strengthen defence diplomacy, deepen military cooperation and promote knowledge sharing among African countries.
According to him, closer collaboration among African militaries is necessary to address emerging threats, including terrorism, cybercrime, border insecurity, climate-related security challenges and the application of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.
Tinubu also commended the partnership between the Nigerian Army and Great Minds Event Management, saying it underscored the growing role of public-private collaboration in advancing defence innovation and indigenous military production.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to invest in research, innovation and capacity building to improve the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
Describing the Nigerian Armed Forces as one of Africa’s finest institutions, the President praised officers and soldiers for their professionalism, discipline and sacrifices in protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting international peacekeeping operations.
He said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” reflected the military’s enduring commitment to the nation and its citizens.
Tinubu paid tribute to fallen military personnel, assuring their families that the sacrifices of their loved ones would remain honoured, while also acknowledging the contributions of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to national security.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu, commended President Tinubu for his continued support in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
He also lauded Governor Fubara for creating a peaceful environment and sustaining collaboration with the military in Rivers State.
Shaibu said the annual Army Day celebration honours the sacrifices and resilience of Nigerian soldiers while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to defending the country against terrorism, insurgency and other emerging security threats.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) will hold the fourth edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture on July 23 in Lagos, with discussions expected to focus on the role of the media, electoral institutions and voters in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The annual lecture, instituted in 2023 to honour the legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, from 11:00 a.m.
In a statement signed on Monday by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the organisers announced the theme for this year’s lecture as “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”
Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, will deliver the memorial lecture, while former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will chair the event.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is expected as the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Other expected participants include senior members of the Guild, among them former Ogun State Governor and veteran journalist, Chief Segun Osoba, as well as Vanguard publisher, Uncle Sam Amuka. Managing directors, editors of print, broadcast and digital media organisations, government officials and civil society leaders are also expected to attend.
The Guild said students and lecturers of journalism and mass communication from Caleb University, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism have also been invited to expose aspiring journalists to leading media professionals and reinforce the values of excellence, public service and ethical journalism.
According to the statement, the memorial lecture has become a platform for robust national conversations on governance, public policy and the role of the press in democratic development.
“It continues to serve as a platform for thought leadership, policy debate and national introspection, while keeping alive the standard Jakande set in journalism and public service,” the Guild said.
The lecture series honours the enduring legacy of Alhaji Lateef Jakande (1929–2021), one of Nigeria’s most respected journalists and public servants. Jakande served as President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors before becoming the first civilian governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983, where he earned widespread acclaim for his mass housing, education and healthcare programmes. He later served as Minister of Works and Housing and remains one of Nigeria’s most influential figures in journalism and public administration.
The inaugural memorial lecture in 2023 was delivered by NGE Fellow, Chief Felix Adenaike. The 2024 edition featured Chairman of ThisDay and Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, who spoke on “Rapid Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies,” while the 2025 lecture, themed “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” was delivered by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has accused football’s world governing body of allowing political influence to undermine the integrity of the FIFA World Cup, warning that the controversy surrounding the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun’s red card ban is already casting a shadow over the tournament.
Blatter’s remarks followed FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, making the forward eligible to feature for the United States against Belgium in Monday’s Round of 16 clash.
According to AFP, sources said US President Donald Trump personally called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the player’s suspension. FIFA subsequently cleared Balogun to play, but offered no public explanation for the decision, announcing only that the ban had been suspended for one year.
Reacting on X, Blatter questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision, insisting that football regulations—not political influence—should determine disciplinary matters.
“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote.
“They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies.
“If a US President intervenes with the FIFA President—and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match—the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?
“Football must never become a playground for political power.”
The 90-year-old former FIFA boss said the controversy risks damaging the credibility of the World Cup, with critics already questioning the independence of football’s governing body.
Blatter, who has repeatedly criticised Infantino’s leadership, had earlier described FIFA as a “dictatorship” in an interview with German newspaper Bild.
The former FIFA president resigned in 2015 amid a corruption scandal and was later banned from football by the organisation’s ethics committee.
The decision to overturn Balogun’s suspension has also drawn widespread criticism from across the football community.
European football governing body UEFA, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp have all condemned FIFA’s handling of the case, arguing that the move raises serious questions about consistency, transparency and the integrity of the World Cup disciplinary process.
