The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to picket South African businesses operating in Nigeria, issuing a four-day ultimatum for the firms to leave the country over the alleged continued xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The students’ body warned that failure to comply with the ultimatum would trigger coordinated protests and other actions by its members nationwide.

In a statement issued on Monday in Enugu, the National Executive Director for Corporate and Private Sectors Engagement, Bestman Okereafor, said the decision was prompted by what NANS described as the persistent intimidation, assault and displacement of law-abiding Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

According to him, South African businesses should not continue to enjoy a conducive operating environment in Nigeria while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa.

“As the biggest students’ body in Africa, we are giving South African business interests four days to evacuate our beloved country, Nigeria. Immediately after the expiration of the ultimatum, we will consider picketing South African business interests, while further actions will follow,” he said.

Okereafor said the association’s position was a response to what it described as the continued oppression of Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that the situation had become unacceptable.

He also urged the Federal Government and the African Union to take firmer diplomatic measures against South Africa over the recurring xenophobic attacks.

NANS recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, arguing that such sacrifices should not be rewarded with what it described as “disloyalty, disrespect and global embarrassment.”

The association noted that repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa have left many Nigerians and other Africans assaulted, intimidated, displaced and, in some cases, allegedly killed, while businesses owned by Nigerians were reportedly looted or destroyed.

It also referenced reports that perpetrators had earlier issued a June 30 deadline for Nigerians and other foreign nationals to leave South Africa.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has in recent weeks facilitated the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa following the renewed wave of attacks.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to explain how more than ₦1.3 billion was appropriated in the 2026 budget for a presidential council the Presidency has described as non-existent.

In a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated July 4, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the National Assembly leadership to release certified copies of all documents relating to the approval of the ₦1,302,978,784 allocation to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), also referred to as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The organisation also called on both presiding officers to invoke the investigative powers of the National Assembly under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to determine how the allocation was made and identify those responsible for what it described as apparent irregularities.

SERAP requested certified records identifying the committees that considered the allocation, the lawmakers involved, and the public officials or representatives who defended the proposed expenditure during the budget process.

It further sought clarification on whether the allocation originated from the Executive’s Appropriation Bill or was inserted during legislative consideration, and whether any lawmaker questioned the legal status or operational mandate of the council before the budget was passed.

The request follows reports that the PFIPC received over ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 budget, despite a statement by the Presidency on July 1 denying that such a body exists or was ever established by the Federal Government.

Describing the conflicting accounts as a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s budget process, SERAP said the development raised concerns over legislative oversight, public financial management and accountability.

“The National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility not merely to approve budget proposals but to thoroughly scrutinise and authorise public expenditure in accordance with the Constitution,” the organisation said.

It stressed that Nigerians have a right to know whether public funds were appropriated for an entity that lacks legal existence and, if so, how such an allocation was approved.

According to SERAP, disclosure of the requested documents would enable citizens to assess whether the National Assembly fulfilled its constitutional obligations under Sections 80, 81, 88 and 89 of the Constitution during the appropriation process.

The organisation gave the Senate President and the Speaker seven days to provide the requested information, warning that it would commence legal proceedings if they failed to comply.

SERAP argued that releasing the records would strengthen public confidence in the National Assembly, promote transparency in the management of public resources and reinforce accountability in the budget process.

The organisation also cited the Freedom of Information Act, the Nigerian Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Tshwane Principles, all of which, it said, support citizens’ right to access information concerning public expenditure and the conduct of public institutions.

It maintained that public institutions have a duty to disclose information of significant public interest, particularly where there are credible allegations of misuse of public funds or abuse of office.

SERAP insisted that full disclosure would advance transparency, strengthen legislative accountability and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s appropriations process.

Rivers State University (RSU) has declared its ambition to rank among Nigeria’s top three universities, unveiling a comprehensive strategic agenda anchored on innovation, impactful research, digital transformation and stronger industry partnerships to drive global competitiveness.

The vision was articulated during the University’s two-day Faculty Away Day organised by its 15th Governing Council, held from June 30 to July 1 at the University of Port Harcourt’s CBN Centre of Excellence Hall. The retreat was themed: “A New Strategic Direction to Inspire and Reposition Rivers State University for Excellence and Creativity.”

Speaking at the opening of the retreat, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, urged members of the university community to embrace innovation, collaboration and strategic planning as the institution embarks on a renewed drive towards academic excellence and international relevance.

According to him, the retreat was convened to align faculties and other stakeholders with the University’s long-term vision by focusing on technology-driven education, innovation, revenue generation, strategic partnerships, transparency and improved global rankings.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce practical and measurable strategies to accelerate the University’s aspiration of becoming one of the top three universities in Nigeria while positioning it among the leading institutions in Africa and the world.

Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the university, Hon. Okey Wali (SAN), described the University’s Strategic Plan as the blueprint for institutional transformation, explaining that the Governing Council established a Strategic Plan Committee to assess the institution’s current status and develop a roadmap for sustainable growth.

He identified improved national and global rankings, enhanced research output and institutional integrity as key priorities, stressing that faculties would play a central role in implementing the strategic plan.

Wali also declared zero tolerance for corruption and urged academics to undertake research that addresses societal challenges through stronger collaboration with industry, ensuring that research outcomes translate into practical development.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, who welcomed participants, commended the RSU management for organising the retreat, describing it as a commendable initiative towards strengthening academic excellence, institutional development and staff collaboration.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Change the Paradigm from Publish or Perish to Patent, Publish and Produce for Prosperity of School and State,” Prof. Emeritus Joseph Ajienka called for a shift from conventional academic publishing to innovation-driven research that protects intellectual property, promotes technology transfer and creates economic value.

Ajienka, a member of the RSU Governing Council and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, argued that universities must embrace academic entrepreneurship through patents, commercialisation of research, industry collaboration and the establishment of start-up and spin-off companies.

He maintained that research should extend beyond knowledge generation to providing practical solutions to societal challenges, creating employment opportunities and contributing to national economic development.

Other resource persons included Prof. Iyenemi I. Kakulu, who spoke on implementing the University’s Strategic Development Plan through innovative thinking; Mr. Victor Okeugo, who addressed accreditation and university rankings; Prof. Victor Dugga, who spoke on university advancement as a collective responsibility; Prof. Warebi Brisibe, who delivered a paper on grantsmanship for research and development; and Prof. Bourdillion Omijeh, who examined how digital transformation, training and innovation can boost internally generated revenue.

More than 400 participants drawn from the University’s faculties, institutes, centres, directorates and units attended the retreat, alongside members of the Governing Council, principal officers and former vice-chancellors.

The retreat reaffirmed RSU’s determination to reposition itself as a globally competitive institution driven by innovation, research excellence, entrepreneurship, transparency and strategic partnerships, while pursuing its goal of emerging as one of Nigeria’s top three universities.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated relief materials to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Rivers State Command, to support inmates amid the prevailing economic hardship.

The Commission said the intervention forms part of its humanitarian programmes aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable groups across the Niger Delta.

Presenting the items on behalf of the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Commission’s commitment to people-centred development.

He noted that although the Commission could not reach every community and institution simultaneously, it prioritised vulnerable groups requiring urgent support.

According to him, the NDDC has this year provided relief materials to several flood-affected and environmentally impacted communities and would continue extending similar interventions across the region.

“The inmates in our correctional centres are part of our society. They are our brothers and sisters, and many of them will eventually return to their communities. It is important that we support them and contribute to their welfare,” he said.

Oritsejolone also commended the NDDC management for sustaining programmes that positively impact lives across the Niger Delta.

Speaking, the Director of the NDDC Rivers State Office, Engr. Okezie Ule, described the donation as recognition of the vital role played by the Nigerian Correctional Service in maintaining peace, security and law and order.

He said the Commission appreciated the dedication of correctional officers and their contributions to public safety.

Responding, the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, Richard Moses Williams, described the donation as timely and thoughtful.

He assured the Commission that the relief materials would be distributed fairly across all custodial centres in the state to ensure every inmate benefits.

Williams thanked the NDDC management for what he described as a compassionate intervention targeted at some of the most vulnerable members of society.

Also speaking, the Rivers State Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ambassador Ipalibo Madodoye, said the initiative supports key SDG targets, including peace, justice, strong institutions, inclusion and social welfare.

He pledged continued collaboration between the SDG Office and the NDDC to implement programmes that improve the lives of women, youths, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The Deputy Director of Social Services, Mrs. Chioma Nwakwue, also commended officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service for their commitment to the care and rehabilitation of inmates, expressing hope that the relief materials would reach all beneficiaries.

The Atlantic Bell

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the exclusion of the Niger Delta from the Federal Government’s recently approved N3.9 trillion road infrastructure projects, describing the development as another clear example of the region’s continued neglect despite its enormous contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

The position of the regional body reinforces an earlier report by The Atlantic Bell, which highlighted the absence of major Niger Delta road projects from the Federal Executive Council’s approval of 26 highway projects spread across 15 states.

In a statement signed by its National Leader, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF said the omission was unfair and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review the list of approved projects to ensure the oil-producing region receives equitable attention.

According to the group, while it welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the country’s road infrastructure, it was “troubling and shocking” that the South-South was virtually left out of the massive investment.

“The Board of Trustees and the National Executive Committee of PANDEF have noted the outcome of the recent Federal Executive Council meeting where the sum of N3.9 trillion was approved for road infrastructure projects across the country.

“While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his cabinet on this commitment towards the physical infrastructure of the country, we in the South-South lament the fact that our region has again been grossly short-changed with a very insignificant allocation of projects from this humongous sum,” the statement said.

PANDEF noted that out of the 26 projects approved, covering 15 states, the only project linked to the South-South was the N86 billion road connecting Benue and Cross River states, with no major highway traversing the core Niger Delta included in the approvals.

The forum described the development as unacceptable, arguing that poor road infrastructure has continued to isolate communities across the region and undermine economic activities.

“The people of the Niger Delta therefore call on Mr President to look into this matter with a view to reversing the situation, bearing in mind that the Niger Delta region is the revenue base of the country,” Igali stated.

The group also expressed concern over the prolonged delay in completing the East-West Road, describing the flagship highway as “a metaphor for a failed project” despite repeated assurances by the Federal Government that work would be expedited.

PANDEF further decried what it described as the neglect of key maritime infrastructure in the region, noting that the ports in Calabar, Onne, Port Harcourt and Warri remain largely abandoned without any clear programme for rehabilitation, modernisation or expansion.

Describing the situation as “starving the goose that lays the golden egg,” the forum warned that the continued neglect of the Niger Delta fuels feelings of alienation among the people.

Nevertheless, PANDEF reaffirmed the region’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth through increased oil and gas production, while urging the Federal Government to demonstrate greater fairness, equity and justice in the distribution of national infrastructure projects.