By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The World Bank has urged the Federal  and state governments to establish a sustainable social protection system, warning that Nigeria’s N658.9bn cash transfer programme needs wider coverage, adequate payments and regular disbursements to provide meaningful relief to vulnerable households.

As of September 2026, the Federal Government had disbursed N658.

9bn to 10.46 million poor and vulnerable households through direct cash transfers, using biometric and digital verification to identify beneficiaries and deliver payments.

The bank, however, said the programme must move beyond emergency interventions to a reliable system backed by regular government funding.

The recommendation was contained in its latest Nigeria Development Update, titled ‘Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Shaped State Priorities’.

According to the report, the effectiveness of cash transfers depends on the number of households reached, the value of payments and how consistently beneficiaries receive them.

The bank called for dedicated budget allocations at both federal and state levels, with increased funding from domestic resources to ensure continuity and reduce dependence on temporary interventions.

It also stressed the need for stronger coordination between the two tiers of government to improve the delivery and monitoring of social assistance programmes.

The report said a predictable, adequately funded social protection system would help vulnerable Nigerians cope with economic pressures and improve household welfare.

From Francis Sadhere, Delta 

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died. He was 71.

Uduaghan, who governed the state from 2007 to 2015, reportedly passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026.

His death was announced in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family, which described his passing as a devastating loss to the family, Delta State and Nigeria.

The family said the former governor was a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch, whose life and service touched many people across the state and the country.

“His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria,” the statement said.

Uduaghan held several key positions in the Delta State Government before becoming governor. He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.

He subsequently emerged as governor in 2007 and remained in office until 2015, during which the family said he demonstrated commitment to the human and infrastructural development of the state.

The family described his death as a profound loss, noting that he was a source of strength, a father figure and a respected elder whose memories and legacy would remain cherished.

“We are grateful to Almighty God for his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind,” the statement added.

The family prayed for the repose of his soul and divine comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.

“Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,” the family said in its farewell message.

Uduaghan’s death marks the loss of a former leader who occupied prominent positions in Delta State’s political and administrative history.

The family concluded its announcement with a prayer for his peaceful repose, saying, “May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, has launched a Human Capacity Development programme to train 48 Nigerians in subsea engineering.

The kick-off ceremony took place over the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of the Board’s efforts to address critical skills gaps and strengthen indigenous technical expertise in the oil and gas industry.

The programme combines six months of classroom instruction with six months of structured on-the-job training, giving participants specialised knowledge and practical experience in subsea engineering.

The curriculum covers risers and hydrodynamics engineering, offshore structures design and engineering, pipeline engineering, and computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD).

In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, FNSE, represented by the General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Emelle Alexis, said the programme would equip the trainees with the technical expertise required for complex subsea operations and the safe, efficient and reliable operation of modern oil and gas facilities.

“Today marks the beginning of a transformational journey for 48 young Nigerians in a highly specialised field that demands precision, discipline and accountability. Through intensive classroom instruction and structured on-the-job training, the participants will gain hands-on experience in subsea engineering,” he said.

Ogbe stressed that subsea operations require technical competence, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to safety.

“The competencies you acquire through this programme are critical to the safe, efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible operation of modern oil and gas facilities. Beyond technical proficiency, the training is designed to develop your problem-solving skills, teamwork, professionalism and commitment to safety,” he stated.

The Executive Secretary urged the trainees to make the most of the opportunity and demonstrate the discipline and commitment required to succeed in the industry. He expressed confidence that they would emerge with the skills and professional standards needed to contribute to the sector.

In his remarks, the Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Heritage Energy, Felix Osiwo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to indigenous skills development. He noted that a skilled Nigerian workforce is essential to delivering current and future energy infrastructure projects and sustaining industry growth.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, George Ebuh, represented by Engr. Ifedolapo Aderibigbe, described the programme as a strategic investment by Heritage Energy, NCDMB and Global Oceon in developing indigenous subsea engineering expertise. He noted that skilled local professionals are vital to the safe and reliable operation of offshore and deepwater infrastructure.

The trainees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to acquire specialised subsea engineering skills, identifying safety training and AutoCAD as important areas of learning. The programme is part of NCDMB’s Top 10 Field Readiness Human Capacity Development initiatives, designed to address critical skills gaps in the oil and gas industry. It supports the Board’s efforts to develop specialised Nigerian expertise for offshore and deepwater operations, facilitate technology transfer and increase local participation in high-value industry activities.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of NCDMB, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, as well as the trainees, facilitators and other industry stakeholders.