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ACT Urges Tougher Trusteeship Regulation at Lagos Conference Amid Capital Market Reforms

Association of Corporate Trustees calls for stricter oversight as stakeholders gather to review investor protection and compliance standards

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Association of Corporate Trustees calls for stricter oversight as stakeholders gather to review investor protection and compliance standards

The Association of Corporate Trustees (ACT) has called for stronger regulation of trusteeship in Nigeria’s capital market, highlighting the need for enhanced investor protection and compliance with global best practices. This call was made during the ACT’s annual conference held in Lagos on Wednesday, where key players from regulatory agencies, the legal sector, financial institutions and governance experts convened to discuss the future of trusteeship within a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

The conference, themed ‘A New Legal Order: Corporate Trustees at the Intersection of Regulatory Reforms’, focused on how current reforms are shaping fiduciary responsibilities in Nigeria. Participants examined the effect of evolving regulations on trustees’ duties, especially as Nigeria’s financial system adapts to technological advancement and international standards. Discussions also covered monitoring cross-border investments and improving institutional accountability in line with emerging compliance frameworks.

Speaking at the event, ACT executives stressed that robust regulation is crucial for safeguarding investors’ interests and maintaining trust in the capital market. They noted that recent reforms by regulatory bodies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have created new challenges and opportunities for corporate trustees. “We must ensure our regulatory approach keeps pace with global standards if we are to maintain confidence among both local and foreign investors,” an ACT official said during a panel session.

Stakeholders at the conference agreed that improved oversight would strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s capital market. Legal experts present argued that a clear legal framework is essential for effective trusteeship, while representatives from financial institutions highlighted the role of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability. The conference also provided an opportunity to discuss lessons from other markets where stricter regulation has contributed to market stability.

As regulatory reforms continue across Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, ACT members resolved to work closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to push for updated policies that address emerging risks. The association stated it would make formal recommendations to relevant authorities in the coming weeks, with an emphasis on harmonising local rules with international best practices to attract more investment into Nigeria’s growing capital market.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/act-seeks-stronger-regulation-of-trusteeship/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Young Nigerians in Lagos Raise Alarm Over Trust and Women’s Inclusion Ahead of 2027 Elections

Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls

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Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls

Young Nigerians in Lagos have expressed serious concerns about low trust in the electoral process and continued underrepresentation of women, calling on political stakeholders to address these gaps ahead of the 2027 general elections. The issue was raised during a public forum held on Sunday, where participants highlighted the urgent need for reforms that will encourage wider participation and restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy.

The event saw several youth leaders and advocates for gender inclusion voicing frustration over persistent barriers facing women who seek elective positions, as well as a growing sense of apathy among young voters. Speakers pointed to previous election cycles where female aspirants were sidelined during party primaries, and noted that many youths remain sceptical about the ability of politicians to deliver on their promises.

With Nigeria’s population increasingly skewed towards younger demographics, observers say these trends could undermine the legitimacy and vibrancy of future polls if not addressed. “If women are not given adequate opportunities and if young people continue to distrust the system, it will be difficult to achieve meaningful development,” one participant stated during the discussion.

Organisers urged political parties across all regions—including APC, PDP, LP, and others—to adopt internal policies that promote fair representation for women at both state and federal levels. They also called for increased transparency in candidate selection processes, as well as public education campaigns aimed at countering misinformation and voter apathy among young Nigerians.

As preparations begin for the 2027 elections, stakeholders emphasised that rebuilding trust will require concrete action from party leaders, electoral bodies, and civil society groups. They warned that failure to address these issues could result in lower voter turnout and continued exclusion of critical voices from Nigeria’s democratic process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887564-young-nigerians-raise-concerns-over-trust-womens-inclusion-ahead-of-2027-polls.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Zamfara Police Neutralise Explosive Planted by Suspected Bandits on Tsafe Road

Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties

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Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties

Police operatives in Zamfara State have safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by suspected bandits along a major road in Tsafe Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred along the Kunchin Kalgo axis, was confirmed by the Zamfara State Police Command in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to police authorities, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were swiftly deployed to the scene after credible intelligence was received from community members. The IED was discovered before it could detonate, and security personnel successfully neutralised the device without any reported casualties or disruption to traffic.

The command stated that preliminary investigations indicate the explosive was strategically placed to inflict harm on innocent commuters and other road users. “Preliminary findings indicate that the explosive device was strategically planted to cause mass casualties among innocent road users and commuters,” the command said in its statement.

Police attributed the timely discovery of the device to improved collaboration between security agencies and residents in Zamfara State. “Through the Command’s robust community engagement strategy, effective partnerships, and sustained networking with local community members, timely and credible information was received, enabling the operatives to respond swiftly and neutralise the threat before any harm could occur,” police authorities added.

This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Zamfara, part of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where banditry and attacks on travellers have persisted despite heightened security measures. The police command reiterated its call for continued vigilance and cooperation from residents to help prevent further attacks. Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attempted attack.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-defuse-bandits-explosive-on-zamfara-road/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Niger State Shuts 15 Health Centres, Arrests Suspected Fake Doctor in Suleja Crackdown

Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners

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Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners

Authorities in Niger State have sealed off 15 private health centres and arrested a man accused of practising as a fake doctor during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area on Saturday. The action was led by the Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency as part of efforts to sanitise the health sector and protect residents from unsafe medical practices.

According to Dr Abdullahi Suleiman, Executive Chairman of the agency, the clampdown followed intelligence reports and routine compliance checks that revealed irregularities in several facilities. Suleiman said Ellamara Specialist Hospital was shut down after inspectors discovered that a suspect had been providing medical services without necessary qualifications or a valid practising licence.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, who allegedly dropped out of medical school, had worked as a medical doctor in Suleja for about six years. The agency noted that he was previously disengaged by a former employer over issues related to his credentials and had reportedly been arrested before in Cross River State for similar offences.

Suleiman stated that the ongoing enforcement exercise is aimed at upholding regulatory standards and ensuring only qualified professionals operate in Niger State’s health sector. “We will not tolerate quackery or illegal medical practice that puts lives at risk,” he said during an inspection tour. The agency did not immediately disclose the names of other affected centres but assured residents that further investigations would be carried out.

The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency has urged members of the public to report suspicious activities at any health facility and warned operators to comply strictly with registration and licensing requirements. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their probe into private healthcare operations across Suleja LGA.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/niger-cracks-down-on-fake-doctors-shuts-down-15-health-centres/

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