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Nigeria Secures Major Victory in $6.2 Million Arbitration Against European Tech Firm

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In a significant win for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has prevailed in an international arbitration dispute with European Dynamics UK Ltd, a European technology contractor, saving the country from a potential liability of over $6.2 million (approximately ₦9.3 billion).

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) successfully defended against claims related to a stalled national electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system project, funded in part by the World Bank. The project involved the design, development, customization, supply, installation, and maintenance of the e-Procurement platform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in federal public procurement.

The Sole Arbitrator, Mrs. ‘Funmi Roberts, issued a final and non-appealable ruling dismissing all claims by European Dynamics UK Ltd in their entirety. The contractor had sought approximately $2.4 million for alleged milestone payments, $3 million in general damages, and an additional $800,000 in settlement claims.

The dispute centered on the User Acceptance Test (UAT), where BPP identified significant functional deficiencies, omissions, and errors in the system. Nigeria’s position—that delivery in software customization projects is only complete upon satisfactory UAT confirming compliance with technical, statutory, and operational requirements—was upheld.

The tribunal ruled that the vendor bore responsibility to remedy deficiencies at no extra cost and found no evidence supporting the contractor’s claims of approved mergers of project phases or contractual consent for such changes.Nigeria’s legal team, led by Johnson & Wilner LLP with Founding Partner Basil Udotai Esq. at the forefront, was praised for its expertise in technology contracting.

BPP Director-General Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, who inherited the stalled project and ongoing arbitration upon taking office, described the outcome as a landmark signal in public sector technology dealings.

“This vendor has taken various African countries to court and won every single case. Nigeria is the first to defeat them,” he said during a presentation of the award to Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). He emphasized that Nigeria “can no longer be taken for granted” and thanked the AGF for supporting the decision to proceed with arbitration rather than settle.

AGF Fagbemi hailed the victory as evidence that “it is no longer business as usual.” He commended Dr. Adedokun’s courage, the legal team’s brilliance, and President Tinubu’s backing for institutional strengthening. “This win sends a clear message to the international community: Nigeria has resonated…

By standing up to European Dynamics, we have instilled courage in other African nations to protect their own resources,” he stated.

The ruling highlights the critical role of rigorous testing, clear milestones, and performance-based standards in government tech contracts, with lessons to be applied to ongoing e-procurement reforms to minimize future disputes.Kamarudeen Ogundele Special Assistant to the President (Communication and Publicity) Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice

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Akwa Ibom APC Adopts Governor Umo Eno for Second Term Bid

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has thrown its weight behind Governor Umo Eno as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election, paving the way for his second-term ambition under the ruling party.

Governor Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2025, formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC governorship primaries in early May 2026. He described the second term as necessary to complete ongoing projects and consolidate the gains of his ARISE Agenda.

Speaking after submitting the forms in Abuja, Governor Eno called on APC members to support his nomination during the primaries, expressing confidence that his administration’s developmental strides would earn him the party’s backing and the people’s mandate.

“I have just submitted the nomination form. We call on members of APC to support our nomination during the primaries, as we will continue to pray and trust God for more development to thrive in the state,” he said.

Several APC stakeholders and local government chapters in the state have already endorsed Governor Eno’s second-term bid, describing it as a move for continuity and project completion. The governor has repeatedly highlighted numerous ongoing infrastructure and developmental initiatives that require additional time to deliver maximum impact.

The development marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom, as Eno positions the state under the APC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party sources indicate that the APC leadership is working towards a smooth process for the governor’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, though the formal primaries are yet to be held.

Governor Eno was first elected in 2023 under the PDP before switching to the APC.

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Lagos Captures 6.4 Million Residents in Major Digital Identity Drive

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The Lagos State Government has successfully registered over 6.4 million residents into its digital identity database, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance governance, planning, and public service delivery.

The achievement was announced under the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID). According to officials, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive, reliable database of residents to improve targeted service delivery, urban planning, and overall governance efficiency.

Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who provided the update, described the Lagos Identity Card Project as a critical tool for the state’s digital transformation agenda. He emphasized that the captured data will support better resource allocation and more effective delivery of government services.

The exercise forms part of Lagos State’s broader push toward a digital economy, enabling smoother access to services such as healthcare, social welfare, transportation, and other citizen-centric programmes. Officials noted that the database will help in accurate planning for infrastructure and social interventions.

With Lagos being Nigeria’s most populous state, estimated to have over 20 million residents, the registration of 6.4 million people represents a substantial step forward, though authorities say efforts are ongoing to capture more residents.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to data-driven governance and urged residents yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise for better inclusion in government services.

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EFCC Invasion Forces Uni. Uyo Teaching Hospital to Suspend Operations (Video)

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Operations at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) were dramatically disrupted on Wednesday after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly invaded the facility, detained some management staff, and assaulted others, prompting the hospital to suspend services.

The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Dr. Emem Bassey, told journalists that the unannounced raid created a hostile environment, forcing the hospital management to halt clinical services to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. The Accident and Emergency Unit, however, remains operational.

Dr. Bassey expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that the hospital had maintained cordial relations with the EFCC and was fully cooperating on the matter under investigation. He revealed that the requested report had already been prepared and was awaiting his signature when the operatives arrived.

“The use of force and detention of staff was unnecessary,” Dr. Bassey said. “Dialogue would have resolved this issue peacefully.”

Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council, who was reportedly among those assaulted, described the EFCC’s action as an “unprovoked invasion.” He claimed he had shown the team leader the completed report before the situation escalated into violence.

The hospital management has called for an independent investigation into the incident and urged the EFCC to use proper channels when engaging with public institutions.

In an earlier statement, the EFCC said its operatives were attacked and trapped inside the hospital while conducting an operation linked to an ongoing fraud investigation. The case reportedly involves a suspect accused of defrauding multiple microfinance banks in Akwa Ibom State.

The development has raised concerns about the impact on healthcare delivery in the region, with patients and staff caught in the middle of the confrontation between the anti-graft agency and the hospital.

As of Thursday, normal services at the hospital remained suspended pending further resolution.

Watch Video below:

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