By Adenike Lawal

Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital, has long been known for its calm aura, sprawling estates, and the quiet comfort enjoyed by its elite. But under the watchful eyes of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the city is undergoing a dramatic transformation—one that is sparking unusual discomfort not just among the poor, but the rich as well.

Wike came into office with the fierce energy of a man on a mission. Known for his unapologetic leadership style during his time as governor of Rivers State, he brought that same fire to the heart of the nation.

His mantra: clean up Abuja, restore sanity, and make the city work again. And in fairness, work has begun.

Illegal structures are being demolished. Long-abandoned projects are being revived. Roads are receiving fresh asphalt.

City parks and green areas once overtaken by miscreants are being reclaimed. On the surface, it appears to be the dawn of a new Abuja—orderly, law-abiding, and modern.

But underneath the applause lies an uncommon grumble—this time not from street traders or low-income squatters, but from within the marble halls of luxury estates and behind tinted SUVs.

From Maitama to Asokoro, Wike’s bulldozers have not spared the mighty. Fences of high-rise buildings said to have encroached on green areas have been pulled down.

Multi-million naira properties lacking proper documentation have received demolition notices.

It is the kind of enforcement the wealthy in Abuja are not used to—and it is hitting hard.

In the past, political connections and deep pockets could buy silence or delay. Today, under Wike’s tenure, not even a senator’s mansion is immune if it stands on shaky legal ground.

It is a new experience for Abuja’s upper class, many of whom now find themselves grappling with the very same fear that once haunted the urban poor: fear of eviction, loss, and helplessness in the face of government action.

More interesting is how this shift is sparking conversations in hushed boardrooms and high-end social circles. Suddenly, documentation matters.

The location of a property, the legality of land acquisition, and the integrity of construction are being scrutinized with urgency.

But the discomfort of the rich is only one part of this evolving story. There is also growing tension among developers, some of whom claim that legitimate projects are being targeted without adequate engagement.

Others fear the unpredictability of Wike’s clampdown, which they describe as sometimes rushed and inconsiderate of long-standing investments.

Yet, supporters of the minister argue that Wike’s hands-on style is long overdue. Abuja, they say, has suffered decades of abuse by powerful individuals who broke building codes and flouted masterplans with impunity.

They see in Wike a long-missing enforcer willing to take on the sacred cows of the capital.

What is undeniable, however, is that Abuja’s development trajectory has taken a sharp turn. It is no longer business as usual.

Whether one lives in the suburbs or in a glass mansion, the message is clear—nobody is above the law.

Still, the challenge lies in ensuring that justice does not wear the face of vengeance, and that the rules being enforced are not selectively applied.

Transparency, fairness, and citizen engagement must walk side by side with this new vision.

For now, as Abuja reshapes under Wike’s grip, the elite may have to get used to an uncomfortable truth: in this new order, even the rich also cry.

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Federal Executive Council has approved the full implementation of the Naira-for-Crude policy — a move aimed at reshaping how Nigeria pays for refined petroleum products and sells crude oil domestically.

In simple terms, this means Nigerian refiners, such as Dangote Refinery, will now be required to purchase crude oil using naira instead of US dollars.

In turn, they will sell refined fuel within Nigeria in the local currency.

This policy marks a shift away from the heavy reliance on foreign exchange for petroleum transactions, a practice that has strained the country’s FX reserves and contributed to the naira’s volatility.

What You Should Know:

Fuel Prices May Stabilize:

By eliminating the need for dollars in crude purchases, local refiners could cut costs tied to forex fluctuations, potentially leading to more stable fuel prices over time.

Reduced Pressure on the Naira:

Since petroleum deals have traditionally been dollar-denominated, switching to naira could ease the demand for foreign currency and help strengthen the naira’s value.

This represents a significant policy shift from short-term measures, such as the recently concluded six-month agreement with Dangote Refinery, towards a long-term strategy designed to fortify Nigeria’s oil sector from within.

More updates are expected as implementation unfolds.

By Ade Iyamoye 

In a world where results speak louder than promises, Sir Augustine Amarachukwu Ijere stands tall as a towering figure in Nigeria’s business and export landscape.

With over 26 years of relentless dedication, cutting-edge strategies, and trailblazing impact across finance, business development, and export facilitation, Ijere is not just making waves—he is building the tide.

Currently serving as the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACDC MGT. & RESOURCES LIMITED, Ijere is the kind of leader whose accomplishments inspire, whose track record compels trust, and whose integrity commands respect.

ACDC is not just another name in the corporate world; under Ijere’s watch, it has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation and excellence, making strategic impacts both locally and globally.

A Mastermind in Motion

Ijere’s resume reads like a roadmap to sustainable economic transformation.

His unique mix of professionalism, financial probity, and unmatched strategic intelligence has made him a go-to expert in export financing, business analysis, project management, and market syndication.

He has the rare ability to not just see opportunities but also to create them—matching business/export barriers with top-tier solutions, delivered with finesse and originality.

His brand of leadership is deeply rooted in emotional intelligence, result-oriented execution, and value-driven growth.

From the Classroom to the Boardroom

With a strong academic foundation in Banking, Finance, and Financial Management for both his first and second degrees, Sir Ijere has consistently turned knowledge into action.

He further sharpened his business acumen through international certifications and professional training, including a transformative stint at the Fate Foundation in Lagos in 2003.

His global exposure spans learning engagements in the United States, London, UAE, and South Africa—an international education that continues to reflect in his pan-African and global outlook.

He is a certified Finance and Project Management professional, a member of the International Business Guru (IBU), and an Associate Member of the Society of International Business & Development (SIBD).

These affiliations are not just titles—they are platforms from which Ijere drives change, connects with global trends, and scales local businesses to international relevance.

Projects That Speak Volumes

Under Ijere’s visionary leadership, ACDC MGT. & RESOURCES LIMITED has engineered some of Nigeria’s most transformative projects:

The Green Economic Zone in Kaduna, backed by K.K. Kingdom and funded by AFREXIM Bank to the tune of USD 130 million, is one of the boldest economic diversification projects in Nigeria.

ACDC provided the critical project architecture and management framework to bring this dream to life.

ACDC also prepared the financial and strategic report for the AIT Media Centre, now being financed by the African Development Bank, underscoring Ijere’s prowess in aligning public-private interests for nation-building.

Among its most significant ventures, the company is a key player in the NSIK Oil and Gas Project, one of the six Federal Government-backed CNG initiatives—a testament to its growing influence in the national energy dialogue.

Beyond these, ACDC’s status as a major partner with the United States Chamber of Commerce places it—and its leader—on the frontlines of global business conversations, with Africa at the heart of it all.

The Man Beyond the Mission

Beyond boardrooms and billion-naira deals, Sir Augustine Ijere is a devoted family man.

He is happily married and blessed with four children, a private anchor that fuels his public drive.

His life blends values with vision, intellect with instinct, and discipline with dynamism.

Legacy in the Making

Whether unlocking doors for Nigerian businesses, designing export pathways, or helping governments craft sustainable projects, Sir Augustine Ijere is shaping the future with strategy, passion, and integrity.

He is not only raising the bar, he is redefining it.

In the world of business and export excellence, Sir Ijere is a name Nigeria will not forget in a hurry.