News
NIMMME Inaugurates Engr. Michael Orekyeh as 13th National Chairman in Abuja

Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers (NIMMME or 3M), a vital division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has inaugurated Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Orekyeh, MNSE, as its 13th National Chairman in a colourful ceremony held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Abuja.

Center …Igwe Aguleri Dr Michael Idigo (Ezeudo) Royal Father of the Day and Deputy President of NSE Engr Valerie Agberagba (Representing the President of NSE Engr Ali Rabiu MFR) to his left.
NSE President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, MFR, who delivered the opening remarks through his Deputy, Engr. Valerie Ifeuko Agberagba, FNSE, described the event as a major milestone for engineers specialising in metals, mining and materials science – professionals whose expertise is crucial for constructing durable roads, factories, bridges and other infrastructure projects essential to Nigeria’s economic growth and industrialisation.
Engr. Rabiu warmly congratulated Engr. Orekyeh, a Senior Mechanical Engineer at the Federal Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, alongside his newly elected executive committee, for securing the confidence of their peers through a democratic election process.
He emphasised that the inauguration transcended a mere change of guard, positioning it as a renewed commitment to repositioning the 3M Institution for greater impact in addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
These engineers are at the forefront of transforming raw natural resources extracted from the earth – such as iron ore, coal, limestone, gold and other solid minerals – into finished products like steel beams, construction aggregates and high-performance materials used in homes, industries and public infrastructure across the country.
The NSE President expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing National Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, FNSE, for his exemplary service during his tenure, while calling on all members to close ranks and provide unwavering support to the incoming leadership.

Engr Michael Orekyeh National Chairman 3M-NIMMME Delivering his speech after being sworn in
In a detailed charge to the new executives, Engr. Rabiu outlined key focus areas in straightforward terms: aggressive advocacy for policies that boost the metals, mining and materials sectors; development and enforcement of rigorous professional standards; expanded capacity-building programmes for members; upholding ethical leadership and integrity; fostering collaboration with other NSE technical divisions and branches; and proactive engagement with government agencies, private industries and the general public to drive tangible outcomes.
He underscored the urgency of these priorities amid Nigeria’s pressing national issues, including dilapidated road networks, high unemployment rates, inadequate industrial base and environmental degradation, urging engineers to forge stronger partnerships with policymakers, research institutions and the organised private sector.
“The challenges facing our country today demand stronger synergy between engineering professionals, policymakers and industry stakeholders,” Engr. Rabiu stated, reaffirming NSE’s overarching mission to promote engineering excellence that safeguards lives, property and the nation’s natural resources.
A standout feature of the event was the spotlight on a homegrown innovation in road construction tailored to Nigeria’s tropical climate characterised by year-round warmth and heavy torrential rains, in contrast to the frost-resistant designs prevalent in temperate Western countries.
Dubbed Cement-Stabilised Soil Pavement with Integrated Microsurfacing, the technology leverages abundant local soils like laterite as the base material, stabilised with cement and specialised additives in a central mixing plant to achieve uniform strength and superior water resistance.
This approach eliminates the inconsistencies of traditional in-situ mixing methods, delivering roads that are more durable, cost-effective and quicker to build while reducing dependency on imported asphalt.
The inauguration lecture, themed “Diversifying the Nigerian Economy through Metals and Solid Minerals Development,” resonated deeply with participants, highlighting Nigeria’s vast untapped reserves of over 40 commercially viable solid minerals spread across more than 500 locations nationwide. Engr. Rabiu reiterated NSE’s steadfast commitment to supporting federal and state governments with technical expertise, policy recommendations and innovative solutions to responsibly harness these resources for job creation, revenue generation and sustainable development without compromising ecological balance.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Vassily Oye Barberopoulos, Managing Director of Nigerian Foundries Group based in Ota, Ogun State, passionately advocated for replicating the successful Local Content policy from the oil and gas sector in the solid minerals industry.
He noted that mining operations demand a wide array of components – from castings and forgings produced in foundries to fabricated parts – yet foreign mining firms predominantly import these, stifling local manufacturing. Mr. Barberopoulos called for robust legislation championed by the National Assembly, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and NIMMME to mandate local sourcing, mirroring the transformative impact of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in petroleum, which unlocked billions in opportunities for indigenous firms.
Guest Lecturer, Engr. Ebosie Ezeoke, Executive Chairman of Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory (ASMTL), enlightened the audience on an eco-friendly, low-cost cold paving technology for road construction.

L-R Mr Obi Asika Director General National Council on Arts and Culture NCAC….Mr Vassily Oye Barberopoulos MD Nigerian Foundries Group
He described the method as revolutionary, being five times stronger and far more durable than conventional flexible asphalt pavements, while slashing costs and minimising environmental impact through reduced energy use and emissions during production and application – ideal for Nigeria’s constrained budgets and harsh weather conditions.
Engr. Michael Orekyeh, also linked to Anambra State’s ICT Agency initiatives, was formally sworn in by the immediate past Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, FNSE, represented by Prof. Aje Tokan, a former National Chairman of the institution.
In his acceptance speech, the new helmsman unveiled an ambitious strategic roadmap centred on maximising member participation in specialised committees and Strategic Sector Groups (SSG); deepening partnerships with government ministries, agencies and private sector players; rolling out comprehensive training schemes to upskill 3M professionals; and introducing a modernised certification framework to enhance credibility and employability in the global marketplace.
The well-attended ceremony drew an array of high-profile dignitaries, reflecting the event’s national significance and the broad support for advancing Nigeria’s engineering landscape.
Prominent among them were the Royal Father of the Day, Igwe Dr. Michael C. Idigo (Ezeudo), Igwe Aguleri; Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Abuja; Keynote Speaker Mr. Vassily Oye Barberopoulos; Guest Lecturer Engr. Ebosie Ezeoke; Director-General of the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO), Engr. Obadiah Nkom (represented by Engr. A. Habila); President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Engr. Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe; Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers (NIPE), Dr. Yetunde Aladeitan; past 3M National Chairman, Prof. Aje Tokan; and Managing Director of Geocardinal Engineering, Engr. Jacob Adeyemo.
News
Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.
Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.
Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.
“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers,” Goh told Reuters.
Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.
Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.
The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.
“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.
News
Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC
In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.
The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”
Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”
Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”
Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.
He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.
“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.
The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”
Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.
The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.
News
UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.
With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.
Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.
These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.
The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.
It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.
Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.
“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”
Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.
The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”
Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.
“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”
Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.
The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”
All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.
The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.
This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.
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