The Coalition Political Action Committee has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to either file formal charges against Nasir El-Rufai or release him immediately, warning that any continued detention beyond the legally permitted period would violate the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law.

COPAC made the statement through its convener, Aminu Datti-Ahmed, in Abuja on Sunday, emphasising that the rule of law cannot be suspended for political convenience.

El-Rufai voluntarily responded to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16 and remained in custody until the night of February 18, after which he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission for further investigation into alleged financial misconduct and related offences.

Since then, he has remained in detention.

COPAC stressed that investigative detention is strictly temporary and must either lead to formal charges before a competent court or be immediately released within a reasonable timeframe.

“The 14-day remand order obtained in the case involving Nasir El-Rufai has expired. That order was granted for a specific and limited purpose: to allow investigators to complete their work within a defined constitutional window. It was not a licence for indefinite detention, procedural manipulation, or political theatre,” COPAC stated.

The coalition cited Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noting that the liberty of every citizen is legally protected. It warned that any action outside these legal options would be illegal and unconstitutional, rendering continued detention an abuse of state power and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.

COPAC also expressed concern over a growing trend in Nigeria where state institutions allegedly use investigative powers selectively against political figures.

It referenced international human rights law, including Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention.

The coalition further called on opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, along with all democratic actors, to speak out against any harassment or clampdown on opposition figures.

“This is not about El-Rufai. It is about ensuring the law applies equally to all. The Constitution is not optional, and the rule of law must never become a selective weapon,” COPAC warned.

The coalition concluded by urging the federal government to either press charges if there is evidence or immediately release El-Rufai, reinforcing that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a police state.

Nigeria’s business environment strengthened significantly in February 2026, with the Business Confidence Index (BCI) rising to a record 117.2 points, according to the latest Business Confidence Monitor released by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

The index climbed from 105.8 points recorded in January 2026 and was also higher than the 111.5 points posted in February 2025, signalling a notable improvement in business conditions across the economy.

The NESG explained that readings above the 100-point threshold indicate expansion in business activities. The February figure therefore reflects strong growth momentum and improved sentiment among businesses operating in the country.

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According to the report, the improvement in the index was driven by broad-based expansion across the five major sectors tracked by the monitor.

The non-manufacturing sector recorded the strongest growth, with its index rising to 128.9 points during the month. The manufacturing sector also posted significant gains, increasing to 121.1 points, reflecting stronger production activity and improved operational performance.

The services sector maintained expansionary momentum as its index rose to 109.2 points. Similarly, the trade sector rebounded strongly to 108.7 points, indicating improved commercial activity and demand conditions.

Agriculture, which had previously faced weaker sentiment, returned to expansion territory with an index reading of 104.8 points, suggesting a modest recovery in the sector.

The broad-based improvement across sectors is seen as a reflection of stronger production levels, improved demand conditions and gradually easing cost pressures in some parts of the economy.
Business expectations for the coming months also remained positive.

The Future Business Expectation Index climbed to about 135 points in February, indicating that firms anticipate continued improvements in demand, investment activity and employment levels in the near term.

Despite the positive outlook, the NESG noted that structural challenges remain a concern for businesses. These include limited access to financing, infrastructure deficits, epileptic power supply, high operating costs and persistent security challenges.

Economists believe that addressing the constraints will be critical to sustaining the current momentum in business activity and translating improved confidence into stronger investment and economic growth.

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The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has paid glowing tribute to the women of the state as the world commemorates International Women’s Day, applauding their resilience, enterprise and invaluable contributions to the state’s social and economic development.
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‎In a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, marking the global celebration, Governor Otu described Cross River women as “the steady pillars upon which the state’s prosperity and social harmony rest,” while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women across key sectors of the economy.
‎“Our women embody courage, creativity and remarkable endurance. Across our farms, markets, schools, industries and public institutions, Cross River women continue to shape the destiny of our state with diligence, intelligence and an unwavering commitment to progress,” he said.
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‎Governor Otu noted that his administration has deliberately prioritised policies and programmes designed to strengthen women’s participation in agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, technology and other emerging economic sectors.
‎“We believe strongly that empowering women is not merely a social imperative; it is an economic strategy. When women thrive, families prosper, communities grow stronger and the entire economy expands,” he said.
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‎The governor also highlighted the growing recognition of Cross River’s efforts in gender-responsive development, citing the latest State of Women’s Economic Empowerment report released by BudgIT, which ranks the state among Nigeria’s leading performers in policies that promote women’s economic inclusion.
‎“This acknowledgement reinforces the direction we have taken as a government. Our deliberate investments in agriculture, education, innovation and the creative economy are designed to ensure that women are not left behind in the evolving landscape of economic opportunity,” Out stated.
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‎He emphasized that Cross River’s strong performance in sectors such as agriculture and emerging industries reflects the determination of the administration to place women at the heart of the state’s development agenda.
‎“Our policies are intentionally structured to open doors for women. From access to land and agricultural value chains to opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship and creative industries, we are building pathways for women to realise their full economic potential,” the governor explained.
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‎Governor Otu saluted the enduring strength and achievements of women across the state, assuring them of continued support from his administration.
‎“On this International Women’s Day, I salute every Cross River woman, farmers, traders, professionals, artisans, innovators and community leaders. Your strength inspires our collective progress, and this administration will continue to champion policies that recognise your worth, amplify your voice and expand the opportunities available to you,” he said.
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The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has called on President Bola Tinubu to regularly brief Nigerians on efforts being made to tackle insurgency and banditry across the country.

Ndume made the call in a statement released on Sunday, amid outrage over the recent killing of residents of Ngoshe in Borno State and the reported abduction of over 100 women and children by insurgents.

Last Wednesday, terrorists from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province carried out coordinated attacks on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

During the attack, the insurgents were said to have killed some soldiers, the chief imam of the town and several community elders after first assaulting a military base belonging to the 82 Division Task Force Battalion.

The attackers later stormed the community and an Internally Displaced Persons camp.

The development has sparked fresh concerns about security in the North-East despite the Federal Government’s recent moves to strengthen military operations.

PUNCH Online had reported that Tinubu, last November, declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.

Reacting to the incident, Ndume, a former Senate Leader and a native of the affected community, urged the President to match his declaration with sustained military operations against insurgents’ strongholds.

He said, “Government should walk its talk on the emergency by engaging in coordinated and sustained attacks on insurgents’ targets, especially in the North-East. They should carry out consistent clearance operations in Lake Chad, Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains because the recent attacks were well coordinated by the insurgents.

“For example, the Ngoshe massacre was carried out by insurgents from the Mandara Mountains, assisted by others from Sambisa and the Lake Chad region, using their known routes.”

Ndume also urged the President to establish a situation room at the Presidential Villa to monitor security developments and communicate directly with Nigerians.

“Since the President declared a state of emergency, he should have a situation room in his office in the Villa. He should use that to brief Nigerians directly. They want to hear from him from time to time,” he said.

The lawmaker further proposed the establishment of Air Component Centres across the three geopolitical zones in the North to strengthen aerial operations against insurgents.

“Nigeria also deserves Air Component Centres in the three geopolitical zones in the North, with attack helicopters deployed to the areas,” he added.

Ndume, however, commended the Nigerian Army for responding to the Ngoshe attack, though he noted that the intervention came late.

The former Senate Chief Whip also reiterated his call for the frontloading of security agencies’ budgets to enable faster procurement of arms and ammunition needed to combat insurgents.

“The Nigerian Army’s budget is insignificant compared to the overall national budget; it is less than 10 per cent and should be frontloaded.

“The President should ensure that the budgets of Nigeria’s security agencies are frontloaded. Even if we cannot purchase attack helicopters immediately, we should consider hiring them to deploy to black-spot areas,” he said.

An advocacy group, the Oro Youth Movement in Akwa Ibom State, has appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta by deliberately incorporating more youth organisations and responsible youth leaders across the region.

The National President of the group, Edet Eyo, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Uyo.

Eyo argued that the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure requires a collective and inclusive approach involving host communities.

He added that the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has made significant contributions to stabilising the Niger Delta and protecting the nation’s economic lifeline.

“I call on the Federal Government to strengthen the pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta to incorporate major youth organisations and responsible youth leaders across the region.

“The protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure requires a collective and inclusive approach involving the host communities where these national assets are located.

“For instance, the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has made significant contributions towards stabilising the Niger Delta and protecting the nation’s economic lifeline,” he said.

Eyo noted that the surveillance contract had saved the country huge financial losses by reducing activities linked to illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

“The improvement in crude oil production and the reduction of illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta clearly show that the initiative is producing positive results,” he added.

However, he stressed that more sustainable results could be achieved if the Federal Government directs its contractors to expand the framework to include major youth organisations and leaders across the Niger Delta.

According to him, protecting national assets should not be the responsibility of a particular group alone.

“It is unjust and totally unacceptable for the beneficiaries of the proceeds from this job to be solely members of ex-militant groups and agitators, while several credible and responsible youth organisations that have continued to promote peace and development in the region are left out,” he said.

Eyo explained that many organised youth bodies and community leaders across the Niger Delta possess the structure, credibility, and grassroots presence that could significantly strengthen surveillance operations and intelligence gathering if properly engaged.

He added that broadening participation would promote fairness, reduce tension among youths, and ensure that more communities take ownership of the responsibility of protecting pipelines and other oil installations.

“When the Federal Government and its contractors work closely with credible youth organisations and leaders across the region, it will deepen community participation, enhance transparency, and further discourage pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft,” he said.

Eyo, therefore, urged the Federal Government to adopt a more inclusive and balanced approach that recognises the role of responsible youth groups in safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure while promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Oro Youth Movement to supporting policies and initiatives aimed at protecting Nigeria’s national assets and strengthening peace across the region.

2027 Elections: The Fear of Trump, ‘Werekaci’ and Nigerian Politics
By Yushau A. Shuaib

“The fear of Trump is not the beginning of wisdom. But it is time to tread carefully, with clear eyes and a steady hand.”

As a child, whenever I refused to eat or take bitter traditional medicine, my mother would threaten to call Werekaci—the unstable and aggressive man who lived at the end of our street. The fear alone was enough to make me comply instantly. I simply obeyed anything out of fear.

Years later, I have come to recognise that Werekaci has many faces—on social media, in political spaces, and sometimes in the corridors of global power. The psychology remains the same: invoke a frightening name and watch people abandon their better judgment.
It is through this prism that I now view the growing anxiety in certain Nigerian circles over the posture of United States President Donald Trump toward Nigeria—and the implications this anxiety may have for our 2027 general elections.

Recently, after publishing a series of opinion articles challenging the so-called “Christian genocide” narrative promoted by separatist advocates and ethno-religious agitators, my social media pages were flooded with coordinated hostility. Within less than an hour of one post, more than 500 abusive comments appeared—attacking not only me but also my family, culture, faith, region and even my country.

Some thoughtful readers later pointed out that most of the accounts were fake, bots and faceless handles with no real constituency. Since then, I have adopted a simple rule: I welcome criticism from people of reason, but I delete reckless and bad-faith attacks from extremists.

The same psychology of manipulation appears to be shaping parts of the discourse around Nigeria and President Trump, whose derogatory remarks about our country are well-documented. In earlier writings, I addressed several of these claims, particularly his repeated references to “protecting Nigerian Christians” without acknowledging Muslim victims of violence. What is troubling is that some Nigerians now amplify such narratives for domestic political advantage.

When American forces reportedly launched a strike in Sokoto on the eve of Christmas, Trump quickly addressed a Christian audience, invoking what he claimed he could do. Yet Sokoto is neither the epicentre of terrorism nor a major banditry hotspot in Nigeria. The target appeared deliberately symbolic because of its Islamic heritage.

So far, the Nigerian government has gone to extraordinary lengths to placate Washington. Officials have repeatedly shuttled to the United States, hosted American lawmakers in Nigeria, and spent substantial sums on U.S. lobbying firms. Nigeria has also conceded ground on arms-procurement decisions, facilitated the release of Catholic schoolchildren, and even allowed American troops to operate on its soil—an unprecedented development in our history. Yet the so-called Christian-genocide campaign has continued to resurface.

Then, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as Muslims were leaving a mosque after breaking their Ramadan fast in Ngoshe, Borno State, terrorists slaughtered the Imam and several worshippers while abducting more than 100 women and children. There was no comparable outcry—not from American lawmakers and certainly not from President Trump. The silence was both deafening and revealing: the tragedy simply did not fit the narrative being promoted. But the truth remains clear—Muslim lives, to them, appear not to matter.

Meanwhile, among the most reckless accusations circulating on my posts is the claim that Muslims are complicit in terrorism. I do not dignify such claims with extended debate. Long before Boko Haram became a household name, I had written extensively condemning those who falsely invoke Islam to justify violence. These writings appeared in major Nigerian newspapers.

During the ethno-religious conflicts that spread from Maiduguri to Onitsha in 2006, precisely twenty years ago, one of my articles titled “Killing in the Name of the Devil” appeared in national newspapers, including The Punch, Leadership, Daily Sun, Vanguard, Financial Standard, Daily Trust, and Daily Champion, among others. The article remains accessible on my blog, yashuaib.com, complete with the publication dates.

Over the years, I have written about Boko Haram, banditry, and the Nigerian state’s failures in counter-terrorism—always as a proud Northern Muslim guided by the Quranic injunction that states: “Fear a tumult which will affect not only those who caused it, but also the innocent among you.” (Qur’an 8:25).

Ironically, when I criticise my own people, some critics cheer me. But the moment I point out similar flaws in theirs, those cheers quickly turn into outrage. I have never been hypocritical on this matter. I do not tolerate bullying —whether institutional, political, or digital—and I do not argue with fools.

Northerners, contrary to certain stereotypes, are far more tolerant than the fanatics often portrayed in social media debates. The behaviour of a divisive minority should not be mistaken for the character of the majority.

General Theophilus Danjuma, for instance, is widely respected in the North for championing a united Nigeria where all citizens are equal regardless of faith or ethnicity. Similarly, when Abubakar Badaru, a Muslim from Jigawa, was replaced as Defence Minister by General Christopher Musa, a Christian from Kaduna, mainstream Northern opinion—including Islamic clerics—welcomed the development. This acceptance was particularly strong in Sokoto and Maiduguri, where Musa had previously lived, served with distinction and protected civilian lives, leading to the surrender or neutralisation of thousands of terrorists under his watch.

Following recent global events, some commentators have interpreted the U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran as a warning for Northern Nigeria, even urging President Trump to oppose Sharia law and Muslim-Muslim tickets. While the Middle East conflict has been widely condemned by several global powers, these critics continue to frame the issue through a simplistic “us versus them” narrative.

They also overlook a geopolitical reality: Iran’s isolation was partly worsened by the silence of several neighbouring Arab Muslim states, who either ignored the attack on a fellow Muslim nation—though a non-Arab one—or appeared aligned with the aggressors. Ironically, the critics also ignore a demographic fact: Iran today has a larger Christian population than Israel.

Some commentators further argue that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be cautious about provoking Donald Trump, citing the pressure Washington has exerted on countries such as Iran and Venezuela. They therefore predict a possible political adjustment within the Presidency, including speculation that Trump might urge Tinubu to reconsider the current joint ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

While it would be unfair to deny Vice President Kashim Shettima the continuity enjoyed by his predecessors, Nigeria’s political choices must remain sovereign. One point must also be stated plainly: if Shettima must be compelled to sacrifice his position under foreign pressure, President Tinubu should ensure that any adjustment does not deepen the already glaring imbalance in federal appointments.

Today, several key institutions in Nigeria’s economic and financial system are disproportionately led by individuals from one geopolitical zone—and largely from one religious background. The Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS/NRS), PenCom, NDIC, EFCC, NAICOM, AMCON, the Bank of Agriculture, and the Bank of Industry (BOI) are not minor posts. They represent the commanding heights of the national economy.

When leadership of these institutions tilts toward “Yorubanisation” or “Christianisation,” it becomes more than a matter of optics—it begins to strain the fragile social contract upon which Nigeria’s unity rests.

The Igbo, who also feel excluded from sensitive and lucrative positions, must likewise be considered in any recalibration aimed at strengthening national cohesion.

The global community—including sections of the American public itself—is increasingly realising that fear of Trump is not the beginning of wisdom. It may well be the beginning of capitulation.

Nigeria must resist the temptation to organise its internal politics around the moods of a foreign leader. We must engage Washington where necessary, push back where appropriate, and above all ensure that our national decisions—including decisions about who leads us in 2027—are made in Abuja, not in Mar-a-Lago.

Werekaci may be loud. But he does not live here.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “An Encounter with the Spymaster.” He writes from [email protected].

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Transport Reform: Gov Otu Slashes Tickets, Fines As TRAMRA Resumes

Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has ordered a comprehensive review of transport enforcement operations across the state, announcing sweeping reductions in tickets and fines for commercial drivers, even as the Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency prepares to resume its statutory functions beginning Monday, March 9, 2026.

The governor’s intervention followed a recent protest by commercial bus drivers within the Calabar metropolis and widespread public concerns over the rising cost of transport tickets, excessive penalties and alleged harassment by enforcement teams of transport regulatory agencies.

Arising from an emergency meeting involving the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ededem Ani and Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Ekpenyong Akiba, and stakeholders in the transport sector, the administration unveiled a series of corrective measures designed to ease the financial burden on drivers while restoring discipline and order within the transport regulatory system.

“Government has listened carefully to the concerns of commercial drivers and citizens,” Governor Otu said. “Our responsibility is to maintain order on our roads while ensuring that enforcement mechanisms do not become instruments of hardship for hardworking people trying to earn a living.”

Under the new directive, daily tickets for commercial bus operators have been reduced from N850 to N500, while the penalty for failure to purchase the ticket has been reduced to N10,000. The governor also ordered that all traffic-related fines across the system be reduced by 50 percent.

Similarly, tickets for tricycle operators have been cut from N1,200 to N500, although the administration maintained a restriction on their hours of operation, directing that tricycle riders must terminate operations by 6 p.m., as night-time tricycle operations remain permanently banned.
“To ensure transparency and accountability, all fines, levies and transport-related payments must henceforth be made only into designated Cross River State Government accounts,” the governor stated. “No enforcement personnel is authorized to collect cash payments on the roads.”

Governor Otu further clarified the operational boundaries of the agencies involved, directing the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency to focus strictly on the registration of commercial vehicles, the sale of tickets at approved rates and the enforcement of ticket compliance.
“All enforcement officers must operate in proper uniform and carry verifiable identification,” he stressed. “We are determined to eliminate every trace of abuse, impersonation and extortion from the system.”

In the same directive, the governor has limited the activities of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) strictly to its office-based operations, while reaffirming that the Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency will concentrate solely on its statutory traffic management responsibilities on the roads.

Meanwhile, TRAMRA, through its Director-General, Alfred Effiong, has announced that with the lifting of the earlier suspension on enforcement activities for commercial motorists, the agency will officially resume its statutory duties across the state beginning Monday, March 9, 2026.
“The agency will redeploy its personnel to enforce traffic regulations, promote safe driving practices and ensure orderly traffic management across Cross River State,” the agency said in a statement. “We urge all motorists to comply fully with traffic laws for the safety of all road users.”

In what the governor described as part of the administration’s “Season of Sweetness,” mini-bus drivers and tricycle operators have also been exempted from the purchase of tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, a move designed to provide additional economic relief to transport operators.

Governor Otu emphasized that the reforms reflect his administration’s commitment to balancing regulatory order with social sensitivity.
“Our goal is simple,” he said. “A transport system that is orderly, humane and efficient — one that protects road users, supports drivers and restores public confidence in the institutions responsible for regulating our roads.”

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the government of President Bola Tinubu over “the failure to withdraw the patently unlawful mass phone-tapping rules known as ‘Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019.’”

The lawsuit followed allegations by the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu’s phone conversation was intercepted. Mr. El-Rufai reportedly claimed, “The NSA’s call was tapped. They do that to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me.”

In the suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/11/26 filed last Friday at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “a declaration that the failure of the government to withdraw the Interception of Communications Regulations is unlawful and a violation of Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”

SERAP is seeking “a declaration that the failure of the government to withdraw the Interception of Communications Regulations constitutes an official endorsement of unlawful mass phone-tapping rules, as the Regulations are patently unlawful, and violate the rule of law, democratic principles, and the right to privacy.”

SERAP is also seeking “an order directing and compelling the Nigerian government to immediately withdraw the Interception of Communications Regulations, and to commence a legislative process to ensure that any interception regulations are in conformity with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “the Regulations establish a sweeping mass phone-tapping regime that violates Nigerians’ constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights including to privacy and freedom of expression.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Where powers affecting fundamental human rights are exercised in secrecy and concentrated in political authorities without independent supervision, the risks of arbitrariness are substantial.”

According to SERAP, “Surveillance measures that lack strict necessity, proportionality and independent judicial oversight can easily be weaponised against political opponents, journalists, civil society actors and election observers.”

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SERAP is also arguing that, “The Regulations also raise serious concerns as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. Broad and weakly safeguarded interception powers create a real risk of abuse during politically sensitive periods.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Oni, Valentina Adegoke and Maryam Mumuni, read in part: “Secret surveillance and bulk data collection create a permanent risk of misuse, profiling and abuse, particularly given the formidable technologies available to state authorities.”

“The mere retention or storage of personal data relating to an individual’s private life constitutes an interference with this right—whether or not the data is subsequently accessed or used.”

“In an electoral climate, even the perception that private communications are being monitored can chill political organising, investigative reporting and voter mobilisation.”

“The Regulations grant overly broad and vague powers to intercept communications on grounds such as ‘national security,’ ‘economic wellbeing,’ and ‘public emergency,’ without adequate judicial safeguards, independent oversight, transparency, or effective remedies.”

“Free and fair elections depend on confidential communications, protected journalistic sources and open democratic debate. Any misuse of intercepted data for intimidation, political advantage or disinformation would fundamentally undermine Nigerians’ right to political participation and electoral integrity.”

“As 2027 approaches, interception powers must be narrowly defined, subject to prior independent judicial authorisation and backed by effective remedies. Without robust safeguards, these Regulations risk threatening privacy rights, freedom of expression and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.”

“Any restriction on the right to privacy must strictly comply with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. The Regulations fail all three tests.”

“The Regulations normalise surveillance as routine state practice and invert the presumption of privacy by criminalising interception except as permitted under the Regulations.”

“The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has made it unequivocally clear: mass surveillance programmes based on indiscriminate and blanket collection of personal data are arbitrary per se and can never satisfy the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”

“The Nigerian government has a positive obligation to adopt clear laws, effective safeguards, independent oversight mechanisms and accessible remedies to prevent abuse. These duties extend not only to state agencies but also to private actors, including telecommunications providers and technology companies.”

“The Nigerian Communications Commission (the Commission) while purportedly exercising its powers under section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 adopted the ‘Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019 (The Regulations).”

“Under Regulation 4, broad discretionary interception powers are granted to the National Security Adviser and the State Security Services, with minimal clarity regarding the scope or limits of such discretion.”

“The provision also extends to communications within and outside Nigeria and grants blanket immunity to licensees acting ‘in good faith.’ Such broad and vaguely defined powers create significant risks of abuse, including political misuse.”

“The inconsistencies in the Regulations create serious legal concerns. Regulation 4(1) limits interception powers to the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the State Security Services (SSS), and Regulation 12(1) reiterates this restriction.”

“However, Regulation 23 on ‘Interpretation’ expands the category of ‘authorised agencies’ to include additional bodies such as the Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and any other agency the Commission may designate.”

“This creates ambiguity and undermines legal certainty. Nigerians cannot reasonably know which authorities are empowered to intercept their communications, making the Regulations unpredictable and prone to arbitrary application and abuse.”

“By delegating authority to the Commission to expand the list at its discretion, Regulation 23 effectively grants unfettered administrative power, contrary to constitutional guarantees of privacy under Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s binding international human rights obligations.”

“Such regulatory ambiguity threatens the rule of law, weakens accountability mechanisms, and increases the risk of abuse, particularly in politically sensitive contexts or during elections. Clear, narrowly defined statutory limits are essential wherever state authorities are empowered to intrude upon private communications.”

“Regulation 8 is particularly troubling, as it permits interception without a warrant in situations involving consent, threats to life, or actions in the ‘ordinary course of business.’ These grounds are overly broad and clearly susceptible to abuse.”

“Even where warrants are required, applications are made ex parte and without adversarial safeguards. Grounds such as ‘national security’ and ‘economic wellbeing’ are insufficiently defined, undermining the principles of legality and foreseeability.”

“The Regulations also fail to require notification of individuals who have been subjected to surveillance, either during or after interception. Without notification, the ability of individuals to challenge unlawful surveillance is severely undermined.”

“Private communications form part of individuals’ intimate sphere and personal development. In the digital age, protecting these rights requires exceptional vigilance.”

“The Regulations supposedly establish under Regulation 2 a ‘legal and regulatory framework for the lawful interception of communications in Nigeria.’”

“Emergency interception powers under Regulation 12 allow warrantless surveillance on broad grounds, including ‘national security’ and ‘organised crime’, without prior judicial authorisation. Vague national security grounds violate the right to privacy.”

“While SERAP acknowledges the government’s responsibility to address national security and organised crime, such objectives must be pursued within constitutional and international human rights limits. The Regulations are neither necessary in a democratic society nor proportionate.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

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As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2026, Nigerian entrepreneur and gender equality advocate, Grace Ometere Ayoola, has urged women to embrace leadership and contribute actively to national development.

Ayoola, the Chief Executive Officer of Trash Movers Nigeria Limited and founder of TAT Fragrance Nigeria, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while reinforcing the need for greater inclusion.

She noted that women play a vital role in shaping families, communities, and economies, stressing that their participation in leadership and entrepreneurship must continue to expand.

According to her, empowering women is not only a matter of equality but also a catalyst for social and economic transformation.

Ayoola therefore encouraged women to remain resilient and confident in their abilities, regardless of the challenges they may face.

She added that the continued advancement of women depends largely on education, economic participation, and supportive policies that create equal opportunities for all.