Nigeria News (Standard)
Supreme Court Disowns NBA Report on Notaries’ Tamper-Proof Seals in Abuja
Judiciary distances self from Nigerian Bar Association publication; says it issued no directive on new notarial seals
Judiciary distances self from Nigerian Bar Association publication; says it issued no directive on new notarial seals
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has publicly distanced itself from a recent publication by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) regarding the introduction of tamper-proof seals for notaries public. The clarification was made in Abuja on Thursday, 25 June, following widespread circulation of the NBA’s report which suggested judicial endorsement of the new seal protocol.
According to the statement released by the Supreme Court, the judiciary did not authorise or participate in any directive concerning tamper-proof notarial seals as reported by the NBA. The apex court noted that it became necessary to correct public perception after receiving multiple inquiries from legal practitioners and stakeholders across various states.
The controversy arose after the NBA circulated information claiming an official collaboration with the Supreme Court to implement new security measures for notaries public, a move that caused confusion within legal circles. Many lawyers and notaries raised concerns about possible changes to certification processes and implications for existing documents.
In its official response, the Supreme Court said: “The Supreme Court did not issue any directive regarding tamper-proof seals for notaries public. Any such publication should be disregarded.” No further comment was immediately available from NBA officials as at press time.
With this development, legal practitioners have been urged to continue using established procedures until any legitimate directives are issued by authorised judicial bodies. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about information dissemination within Nigeria’s legal profession and underscores the need for clear communication between regulatory bodies and practitioners.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Expert Warns SME Growth in Nigeria Needs More Than Capital Injection
Stakeholders urged to address infrastructure, policy bottlenecks as financial support alone fails to drive sustained expansion
Stakeholders urged to address infrastructure, policy bottlenecks as financial support alone fails to drive sustained expansion
Efforts to boost small and medium enterprise (SME) growth in Nigeria must go beyond simply providing capital, a leading industry expert has advised. Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, George Ogbonnaya stressed that entrepreneurs continue to face major hurdles despite increased funding opportunities, pointing to issues such as poor infrastructure, inconsistent policy and limited access to markets.
Ogbonnaya highlighted that while government and private sector interventions have made more funds available for SMEs in recent years, many businesses still struggle to survive or scale up. “The reality is that capital alone cannot solve the challenges facing Nigerian SMEs,” he said during a stakeholder meeting. “We must also address electricity supply, transportation, and regulatory barriers if we want real growth in this sector.”
SMEs account for an estimated 48 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and employ over 80 percent of the country’s workforce, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). However, the sector continues to face persistent challenges ranging from unreliable power supply and high logistics costs to frequent policy changes. These factors often undermine the effectiveness of loan schemes and other financial initiatives aimed at supporting business owners.
Ogbonnaya called for a coordinated approach involving federal and state governments, development agencies and private investors. He urged policymakers to streamline regulations and invest in infrastructure projects that would lower operational costs for SMEs. “If we focus only on giving money without fixing these underlying problems, we will keep seeing high failure rates,” he cautioned.
He also encouraged SME owners to seek out training and mentorship opportunities while leveraging digital tools to expand their reach. The expert’s remarks come amid renewed calls for economic diversification as Nigeria seeks new engines of growth beyond oil revenue.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerian Social Worker in Washington Jailed for Diverting ₦25m Meant for Orphaned Autistic Child
US court orders Akeatha Akintola to repay stolen funds after fleeing to Togo with false passport
US court orders Akeatha Akintola to repay stolen funds after fleeing to Togo with false passport
A Nigerian woman, Akeatha Diane Akintola, who worked as a social worker in Washington State, United States, has been sentenced to five months in jail for stealing over $17,000 (about ₦25 million) in Social Security benefits meant for an orphaned autistic child under her care. The sentencing took place before Magistrate Judge Kate Vaughan at a US federal court on June 18, following Akintola’s guilty plea and immediate remand.
According to records from the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, Akintola began working with the Snoqualmie Tribe in January 2023. In September that year, she applied by phone to become the Social Security representative payee for a minor with intellectual disabilities who was under tribal care—a role that tribal policy specifically barred social workers from holding over children assigned to them. Prosecutors revealed that Akintola used the child’s Social Security number alongside her own details to fraudulently secure the appointment, then redirected benefits into a bank account she controlled. The funds were subsequently spent on personal expenses instead of the child’s welfare.
The theft came to light in July 2024 when Akintola and her supervisor approached the Social Security Administration to inquire about missing benefits. Officials disclosed that Akintola was listed as the representative payee; she denied this allegation but resigned from her position the next day. She later missed a scheduled court appearance on May 22, 2026. Investigations showed she had left the US two days earlier, travelling to Togo using a passport issued under another surname.
At sentencing, Judge Vaughan noted that Akintola’s actions targeted a highly vulnerable victim. A representative of the Snoqualmie Tribe told the court that Akintola had abused her position and exploited a grieving child for financial gain, saying: “In our profession, a social worker is meant to be a safekeeper… Ms Akintola did not just fail in that duty; she weaponised her position of power to systematically steal from a grieving, autistic child.”
Akintola was ordered by the court to pay $17,638 (about ₦25 million) in restitution to the Social Security Administration and has been permanently barred from serving as a representative payee again. The case has drawn attention among Nigerians abroad regarding professional ethics and trust issues within diaspora communities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Employers Prioritise AI Skills as Job Market Shifts Towards Digital Efficiency
Major recruiters now seek professionals who can blend technology with creativity, as AI reshapes employment criteria in Nigeria
Major recruiters now seek professionals who can blend technology with creativity, as AI reshapes employment criteria in Nigeria
Top employers in Lagos are increasingly prioritising candidates with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, signalling a major shift in recruitment practices across Nigeria’s commercial capital. The development, which became evident on Tuesday, follows growing industry emphasis on digital competence and adaptability in the workplace.
According to insights from leading recruitment platform Jobberman, companies are no longer simply looking for traditional qualifications but are actively seeking professionals who can combine human intuition with the speed and accuracy of AI tools. Employers say that while AI will not entirely replace workers, those who fail to adopt emerging technologies risk being left behind by colleagues who do.
Industry stakeholders note that staying relevant does not necessarily require programming knowledge. Rather, it involves learning to leverage AI solutions for tasks such as research, automation of repetitive duties, and enhancing daily productivity. As digital tools become standard in offices from Victoria Island to Ikeja, core human qualities like creativity, critical thinking, leadership and emotional intelligence have become more valuable than ever.
Speaking on the trend, a Jobberman spokesperson explained: “We are seeing employers move beyond just academic certificates. They now want staff who can use technology to add value—whether it is automating reports or finding smarter ways to work.” The spokesperson advised job seekers to remain curious and open to new skills, stressing that willingness to learn will be a key factor in securing jobs moving forward.
Labour market analysts believe this evolution will continue as Nigerian firms face increasing global competition and pressure to deliver results faster. Many predict that those who view technology as a collaborator—rather than a threat—will be best positioned for career growth. As at press time, several multinational firms operating in Lagos had rolled out internal training programmes aimed at upskilling employees in AI literacy.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ai-wont-take-your-job-but-someone-using-ai-might-2026062511122451400
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