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Tinubu Applauds UK-Backed Lebara’s Entry, Says Nigeria Open for Digital Investment

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the entry of UK-backed Lebara Nigeria into the Nigerian telecommunications market, declaring that the development reinforces Nigeria’s openness to digital investment and innovation.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the company’s launch as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and digital transformation agenda.

SEE ALSO: Tinubu stops NNPC multiple deductions of oil revenues, orders immediate and direct remittance to Federation Account

Tinubu noted that the telecommunications sector continues to play a strategic role in national development, recording a 5.78 per cent year-on-year growth in the third quarter of 2025 and contributing over 14 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

According to him, investments such as Lebara’s are crucial for deepening financial inclusion, expanding digital access, creating employment opportunities, and accelerating economic growth.

The President commended the leadership of the company, particularly its Chief Executive Officer, Teniola Stuffman, for their commitment to delivering inclusive and affordable digital services to Nigerians.

He also acknowledged the support of the British High Commission, represented at the launch by Deputy High Commissioner Johny Baxter, stating that the collaboration highlights the enduring economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Lebara Nigeria formally signalled its entry into Africa’s largest telecom market during a private soft launch and networking reception in Lagos, held in partnership with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade and the British High Commission.

The company had earlier laid the groundwork for its commercial operations by unveiling its dedicated 0724 number series and securing full interconnectivity with major mobile network operators — a key regulatory requirement ahead of rollout.

Speaking at the Lagos event, Stuffman described Nigeria as a nation of immense talent and ambition, stressing that the company’s entry is driven by the need to provide more inclusive, affordable, and globally connected digital access.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a stable, transparent, and investment-friendly business climate, urging sustained collaboration between government and private investors to advance Nigeria’s digital economy.

 

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‘Ready to Kick, Ready to Work’ — Tinubu Addresses Health Rumours

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that he is healthy, sound and ready to resume work after returning to Nigeria from his four-week working vacation in Europe.

Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday shortly after arriving in Lagos from Paris, France, where he spent the final part of his vacation.

SEE MORE: Tinubu Departs Paris for Lagos, Set for Abiola Tribute

Speaking briefly after his arrival, the President said he enjoyed the break before assuring Nigerians of his readiness to return to official duties.

“I enjoyed myself,” Tinubu said.

On his readiness to resume work, he added: “Ready to kick, ready to work. There’s nothing wrong.”

The President also addressed rumours surrounding his wellbeing, attributing such speculation to the political environment.

“Well, rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the fact remains I’m here—healthy, sound, and ready to go,” he said.

Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the end of his European working vacation.

His return comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, with the President expected to participate in activities marking the occasion in Lagos.

The Presidency had earlier said Tinubu would remain in Lagos for several days for Independence Day engagements and strategic meetings before returning to Abuja.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 and spent time in London and Paris during the trip, while continuing official engagements.

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‘People Never Believed NDDC Could Do This’ — Ogbuku Highlights Kaa-Ataba Bridge

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The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has highlighted the completion of the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge in Rivers State as evidence of the Commission’s growing capacity to deliver major infrastructure projects across the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku spoke at the 2026 NDDC Partners for Sustainable Development Conference in Port Harcourt, where he attributed the Commission’s progress to the support and cooperation of its development partners and other stakeholders.

SEE MORE: Otti Commends NDDC, Charges Team Abia To Dominate NDSF

The Kaa-Ataba Bridge links Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State and is expected to improve connectivity between the communities when opened to vehicular traffic.

According to Ogbuku, the project is among developments that many previously considered beyond the capacity of the NDDC.

“These are things that, in the past, people never believed the NDDC could do. Today, we are doing them seamlessly because of the support we are getting,” he said.

The NDDC boss said the progress recorded by the Commission demonstrated the impact of collaboration between the agency and its development partners.

He thanked stakeholders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Minister of Regional Development for their support and encouragement towards the delivery of projects across the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku said the achievements also underscored the importance of collective responsibility, in line with the theme of the 2026 conference, “Synergy for Transformation.”

 

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‘Some Lessons for Atiku’ — Onanuga Touts NNPC’s ₦7.2tn Profit, Warns Against Subsidy Return

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Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has highlighted the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC Ltd) latest financial and operational performance, saying the figures offer “some lessons for Atiku” amid the debate over fuel subsidy.

Onanuga disclosed this in a post on X on Tuesday while reviewing NNPC’s key financial performance for 2025 following the release of the company’s audited results.

According to him, NNPC’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 22 per cent to ₦18 trillion, while earnings per share increased by 32 per cent to ₦35.9.

ALSO READ: ‘We’ll Bring Back Subsidy in Our Own Way’ — Kwankwaso

He said the company’s operating cash flow also grew by 16 per cent to ₦12.8 trillion, while return on equity improved by 200 basis points to 16 per cent.

Onanuga further noted that NNPC declared a ₦5.8 trillion dividend, representing a 35 per cent increase.

Highlighting the company’s operational performance, he said crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.77 million barrels per day, its highest level in five years.

Natural gas output, he added, averaged 7.2 billion standard cubic feet per day, representing a three-year high.

Oil and condensate production totalled 565.8 million barrels, up five per cent, while NNPC’s equity share increased by 11 per cent to 223.7 million barrels.

Gas production also reached 2,606.2 billion standard cubic feet, up nine per cent, while the company’s equity share rose by 11 per cent to 1,154.9 billion standard cubic feet.

Onanuga then linked the performance to the subsidy debate, arguing against a return to petrol subsidy.

“Atiku’s subsidy programme will certainly kill this company, which could be our own Aramco. Our country has no business taking 100 steps back. Forward ever!” he said.

NNPC Records ₦7.2tn Profit

NNPC Ltd had earlier announced a 33 per cent increase in profit after tax for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.

The company’s profit after tax rose from ₦5.4 trillion in 2024 to ₦7.2 trillion in 2025, while revenue stood at ₦34.5 trillion.

NNPC also reported a 22 per cent increase in EBITDA to ₦18 trillion, a 16 per cent rise in operating cash flow to ₦12.8 trillion and a 32 per cent increase in earnings per share to ₦35.9.

The company declared a ₦5.8 trillion dividend, representing a 35 per cent increase.

On production, NNPC said crude oil and condensate output averaged 1.77 million barrels per day, its highest level in five years, while natural gas production averaged 7.2 billion standard cubic feet per day.

The company said the results reflected stronger earnings capacity and operational momentum as it continues to pursue increased production and investment across the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

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