“I can report to you… at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” Tinubu said. “I’m making frantic efforts to contact other nations. If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training.”

The president described insecurity as a major challenge facing his government , saying it threatens development and prosperity. He told the governors that equipment acquisition was also one of the key issues raised during his UK trip.

Tinubu also warned that the ongoing Middle East crisis could worsen inflation and hit Nigerians’ purchasing power through higher fuel and transport costs, which often feed into food prices.

The push for external support comes as Nigeria battles multiple security threats, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions, separatist tensions in the South-East and widespread kidnapping.

It also follows recent bombings in Maiduguri , after which Tinubu ordered security chiefs to relocate to the city and approved additional equipment and operational support to boost counterterrorism efforts.

Investigators say Amandi was allegedly recruited by the coup suspects to act as a propagandist, helping promote or support the plot, which reportedly involved plans to assassinate senior government officials.

Sources briefed on the matter said President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas were among those allegedly marked for elimination.

Military confirms coup investigation

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters confirmed that officers had been investigated for attempting to remove the government illegally. In a statement, the military said the inquiry was “comprehensive” and had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities in line with existing regulations.

It said the findings identified “a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” calling such actions inconsistent with the professional ethics of the armed forces.

The accused officers are expected to be arraigned before military judicial panels.

Premium Times first reported in October that at least 16 officers were being investigated, although the army initially described the case as involving “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

Since then, more officers and civilians have reportedly been arrested as investigators expanded the probe.

Military suspects are expected to face court-martial proceedings first, while civilians implicated, including Amandi, would be tried in civil courts.

Background to the alleged plot

Sources cited by Premium Times said the plot was allegedly masterminded by a colonel identified as Alhassan Ma’aji. The coup was initially planned for May 29, 2023, during Tinubu’s inauguration, but was reportedly postponed due to funding and logistical challenges. Investigators say the plan was revived in 2025, with claims that former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva helped bankroll the effort through nearly N1 billion transferred in multiple tranches. Sylva was later declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and his home was reportedly raided during investigations.

Stanley Amandi is known in Nollywood as an actor, director and production manager. His works include The Album, Tiger King (2008), Cornerstone (2019), and Once Upon a Dream (2024).

Abubakar, 63, had been serving as Defence Minister since August 2023. In his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu, he explained that health concerns made it impossible for him to continue in the role. The president accepted his resignation and thanked him for his service to the nation.

Nigeria has been grappling with an alarming rise in mass kidnappings, particularly of schoolchildren. According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 402 people , mostly students, have been abducted since mid-November.

In one of the latest attacks, gunmen kidnapped 20 people in northern Nigeria, including a Christian pastor and a Muslim bride with her bridesmaids. Meanwhile, around 250 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Niger State are still missing after one of the largest school abductions in recent weeks.

It is not yet clear who is behind all the kidnappings. While analysts say most are carried out by criminal gangs seeking ransom, a presidential spokesperson told the BBC that authorities suspect jihadist groups may be responsible for some attacks. The government has come under criticism for a slow response, leaving many communities feeling vulnerable.

President Tinubu has declared a national security emergency and announced plans to strengthen the country’s security forces, including expanding the police to 50,000 officers by recruiting an additional 20,000 personnel.

Abubakar served two terms as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 and was a key supporter of Tinubu’s presidential campaign, helping secure strong votes in his home state. His appointment as Defence Minister was widely seen as a recognition of his political loyalty.

With Abubakar’s departure, the president is expected to inform the Senate of his successor later this week. Nigeria now faces the challenge of filling the leadership gap while continuing to confront a range of security threats, from kidnappings and Islamist insurgency in the north to separatist unrest in the southeast and clashes over land and water in central regions.

According to Punch Nigeria, over 1,043 people have died from violence between May 2023 and May 2025.

Global South World sought to understand the gravity of the impact and what steps have been taken so far to address these dastardly acts through an interaction with Nigerian journalist, Segun Adewole.

Just like many locals in the country, Segun believes that at least 200 people were killed from this treachery which received global attention.

According to the journalist, several measures like doubling the weapons of security personnel as well as dialogue on security are in place to tackle the insecurity menace in the country.

However, efforts at dialogue seem to be producing nothing as security forces appear overwhelmed by the consistent loss of lives in the line of duty.

“How can they go to Benue State and kill people? Killed 200 people and no police could come and do something about it. They went to Benue, killed 200 people. For 2 days, they operated, and the police could not go there. Yet we have the military, we have the army, the navy, the police, the NSCDC, and different security agencies. That shows that there's something wrong somewhere,” Segun said. 

This, Segun also attributes to a problem in the governing structure of the country.

“No matter who becomes president, if Trump should come into Nigeria, with the kind of structure we have right now, he won't be able to succeed because the structure is not created for success,” he added.

Away from the boiling insecurity, the ordinary Nigerian seems to be getting some respite from the new tax measures President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law.

In a statement , the president said “The tax reforms will protect low-income households and support workers by expanding their disposable income.”

During the discussion, Segun explained that workers or individuals earning less than a million naira ($653.41) are exempt from paying taxes.

“The tax reforms signed into law, they affect the ordinary citizen, the ordinary man on the streets, because right about now, I think there's a portion that says if you are earning less than a million naira you won't, you'll be exempted from tax. That is one good thing because how can I be earning something little and I'm, I'll still be required to pay tax? So, the payment of tax would be for those earning above 1 million naira and the majority of the populace are earning below 1 million naira, so they are exempted from tax,” he explained.

The new tax laws are: the Nigeria Tax Act , which simplifies taxation by merging rules and scrapping 50+ overlapping taxes; the Tax Administration Act , which standardises tax collection nationwide; the Nigeria Revenue Service Act , replacing FIRS with the independent NRS; and the Joint Revenue Board Act , which boosts coordination and creates a Tax Ombudsman and Appeal Tribunal.

Watch the discussion attached to this story.

According to the State House Nigeria , the initiative builds on Visa’s ongoing investments in the country, which exceed $1 billion. These include a technological partnership with Lagos-based fintech MoniePoint to advance digital payment solutions, a $200 million investment in Interswitch, and a collaboration with ThriveAgric to support smallholder farmers and boost food security.

Torre highlighted that the planned data centre infrastructure aims to introduce new technologies to Nigeria, strengthening the country’s growing digital economy.

Vice President Shettima welcomed the initiative, emphasising the administration’s focus on modernising the agriculture sector, a key priority in President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point agenda.

"Nigeria is where the action is. Of the ten fintechs in Africa, about eight are in Nigeria… Agriculture is key to the 8-point agenda of the present administration. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is really keen on repositioning the agriculture industry here, and we have to invest in technology, we have to invest in modernisation," he said.

The government says the plan will reduce corruption, lower tax collection costs, and make the system more transparent.

Currently, different agencies collect various taxes and fees, such as customs duties and oil sector levies. These agencies allegedly keep part of the money as collection fees on some occasions.

However, under the new system, all funds will go directly to the central government, local news reports.

The NRS will replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which handles many of Nigeria's taxes. Zacch Adedeji, the current FIRS head and a close ally of the president, is expected to lead the new agency.

Meanwhile, the announcement has received mixed reactions as some Nigerians welcome the reform due to corruption scandals involving customs and other agencies. Others worry the changes might create new problems including shifting corruption and increased smuggling.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured citizens in Libya of their safety following a CAF ruling against the Libyan Football Association for mistreating the Nigerian team. Reports of harassment against Nigerians were addressed, with the Ministry affirming that they are conducting their daily activities without interference. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting the well-being of Nigerian citizens abroad, emphasizing that their safety remains a top priority.

Swearing-in of ministers

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in seven new ministers in a cabinet reshuffle aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. The ceremony on November 4 included the appointments of Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, among others. This follows the dismissal of five ministers in response to public calls for a restructured cabinet to tackle rising inflation and unemployment, Pulse Nigeria reports.

Increased cost of goods

Cargo clearance at Nigeria's Apapa and Tin-Can Ports is facing significant delays due to ongoing disruptions in the electronic banking systems of various commercial banks, which are migrating to upgraded networks. Many cargoes remain trapped as agents cannot transfer clearance jobs between banks. This situation leads to increased storage and demurrage charges, ultimately driving up the cost of goods in the market.

MTN Nigeria to support working capital

MTN Nigeria Communications PLC plans to raise N50 billion through a new issuance of commercial paper (CP) under its N250 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme. According to Naira metrics , this initiative aims to enhance short-term working capital and diversify financing sources, supporting the company’s operational and growth needs as it expands infrastructure and services. With significant external loans totalling approximately N1 trillion, including N522.3 billion in short-term debt, MTN Nigeria is leveraging CP issuances to manage cash flow and address immediate financial obligations.

Bobrisky leaves Nigeria

Nigerian social media personality Bobrisky has announced that he has finally left Nigeria after two previous attempts thwarted by law enforcement. Following a publicized incident on November 1, 2024, where he was dragged off a plane, he shared a photo on Instagram from a flight, captioning it, "See you soon, Nigeria," which drew criticism from followers for his lack of discretion, Pulse Nigeria reported. Bobrisky had previously been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Seme border while attempting to leave for the Benin Republic.

On Friday, November 1, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police arraigned the minors along with 76 suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants, reportedly detained for three months, face a 10-count charge, including accusations of treason, intentions to destabilise Nigeria, and incitement to mutiny by calling for military intervention against President Bola Tinubu's government.

Footage of the minors appearing undernourished while being arraigned circulated widely on social media , drawing strong condemnation from civil society groups and rights advocates.

According to Punch Nigeria , four of the minors collapsed while being called to enter their pleas and were escorted out for medical assistance. The court subsequently granted bail, with trial proceedings scheduled to resume in January, according to defence attorneys.

Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed during clashes with security forces on the protests’ first day, further intensifying scrutiny of the government’s response to the demonstrations. 

This was announced by Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) during the 8 th Brigadier General Michael Agu (Rtd) annual distinguished lecture and awards ceremony.

The West African country has in recent years made strides in space technology development.

Dr. Adepoju says the move is necessary as some existing satellites are nearing the end of their missions.

Reacting to this, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, Otega Ogra denied any government associations with the said yacht.

In a post on X , he further educated the public, noting that flags used by the President or the Nigerian Armed Forces don't feature a coat of arms as seen on the one bore by the yacht at the centre of the matter.

“There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth," the post said.

“The 42-metre Benetti yacht currently being circulated online has been privately owned for around five years since its construction.

“It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, President, or Armed Forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply untrue and inaccurate. It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the centre. Placing anything in the centre of the flag is a clear deviation,” Otega Orga added .

In November last year, President Bola Tinubu approved the budget for the purchase of a presidential yacht, and private jet among others despite the public furore.

Isayaku Musa, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer believes that the startup’s innovative solutions hold great potential. “With drones, you can reduce the traditional method of farming, whereby you use tractors and other things, where you emit carbon dioxide and other unwanted air pollutants into the environment… You can minimise that. That is part of the mitigation aspect of climate change,” Musa explained in an interview with Global South World.

Despite their vision, Vora Robotics has struggled to thrive due to a lack of financial support. After initially raising 3 million Naira (approximately $1,920) with five co-founders, the startup has faced difficulties in securing grants or additional funding.

According to Musa, this lack of investment hampers their ability to fully realise the potential of their climate-smart agricultural technology.

The absence of government support contrasts sharply with promises made during Nigeria’s 2023 elections. President Bola Tinubu’s manifesto vowed to support innovation and entrepreneurship by transforming Nigeria into a nation of creators rather than consumers.

The commitment to fostering economic growth through manufacturing and invention raised hopes among startups like Vora Robotics. However, since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu’s administration has been met with widespread criticism over economic challenges, inflation, and unsatisfactory policies.

Frustration culminated in the #EndBadGovernance protests that swept across the country from August 1 to August 10, 2024. These protests, driven by economic hardship and dissatisfaction, had severe consequences for businesses.

For Vora Robotics, the unrest led to a complete halt in operations. “We have not even resumed to the office because of a fear of the unknown,” Musa said at the time of the interview.

Operating out of Kaduna in northern Nigeria, the team has been particularly affected by the protests, which turned violent in many areas. “The protests have gone to the level whereby you can be injured… They can even kill you, if I'm not mistaken, because a lot of people lost their lives because of this protest,” Musa disclosed.

The company continue to face significant obstacles, from financial constraints to security challenges. Yet, Musa remains hopeful that with the right support and investment, their drones could revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria.

Watch the full interview:

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu agreed to raise the monthly minimum wage to 70,000 naira ($43) for federal workers, including civil servants, airport staff, and public teachers. However, this hike from 30,000 naira is considerably lower than what labour unions had demanded.

Here are some reactions from Nigerians to the increase:

Ekele Esther, civil servant

"I believe it is not enough. It is not enough, not only to civil servants but also to Nigerian populace as a whole. And I mean the 70,000 minimum wage as it sounds it's nothing compared to what they are getting."

King James, civil servant

"That they increase this minimum wage it'll be manageable for now. But I believe that they will still do something by the special grace of God."

“The refinery will meet 100% of Nigeria’s refined product requirements and have a surplus for export, creating a market for $21 billion per annum of Nigerian crude,” Dangote stated.

Matawalle lauded Dangote’s significant investments and highlighted their positive impact on the Nigerian economy through wealth creation and job generation. He also emphasised the Bola Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to providing security to maintain high production levels at the multi-billion-dollar refinery.

In May, Dangote, while speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, revealed that his refinery, the largest in Africa, can fulfil Nigeria’s fuel demands and supply fuel to West Africa and Central Africa starting this June.

“Nigeria shouldn’t import anything like gasoline; not one drop of a litre. We have enough gasoline to give to at least the entire West Africa, and diesel to give to West Africa and Central Africa. We have enough aviation fuel to give to the entire continent and also export some to Brazil and Mexico,” he said.

Speaking at an investment summit in Nasarawa, President Bola Tinubu encouraged lithium-rich states across the country to seize opportunities in the mining sector, highlighting lithium's crucial role in shaping the future, TVCNews reports

"The 4,000 tonnes per day processing plant is a testament to the state's commitment to investments. I urge other states to follow Nasarawa's example by intensifying efforts to attract investors. Initiatives like this investment summit are pivotal in showcasing the vast opportunities awaiting investors across all sectors of the Nigerian economy," President Tinubu stated.

Emphasising the importance of lithium, President Tinubu described it as "the future" and stressed the need for proactive measures to capitalise on the global demand for lithium by establishing additional processing plants in lithium-rich states throughout Nigeria.

"Lithium is the future," he said, adding, "Manufacturers have continued to produce cars powered by lithium batteries. Therefore, as a country, we must prepare for this by ensuring we take full advantage of the global demand for lithium by developing even more processing plants in Nasarawa and across other states rich in lithium in Nigeria as a whole," as quoted by local media Punch .

The central bank directed all banks and mobile money operators to charge 0.5% of the value of domestic electronic transfers as a cybersecurity levy to fund government activities to curb illegal cyber activities.

The levy was expected to be implemented in two weeks to clamp down on cryptocurrency which authorities have blamed for the weakening of the country’s currency, the Naira but was met with stiff opposition by sections of the public.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the retraction of the levy on May 14.

"The cybersecurity tax policy implementation has been directed by the government to be put on hold, so it has been suspended,” he said.

Earlier, local media Punch reported that Members of the House of Representatives on May 9, asked the Central Bank Nigeria to withdraw the circular directing financial institutions to begin the implementation of the 0.5 percent cybersecurity levy, describing it as “ambiguous”.

The Deal

According to the Nigerian presidency, the government had finalised a $600 million investment agreement with Maersk during a meeting held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia. President Bola Tinubu reportedly met with Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla, where Uggla pledged the investment, emphasising the company's belief in Nigeria's potential. Tinubu expressed the government's commitment to modernising and automating ports to enhance trade efficiency and curb corruption. "We believe in Nigeria, and we will invest $600 million in existing facilities and make the ports accommodating for bigger ships," the Nigerian presidency quoted Uggla, Reuters reported.

The controversy

However, doubts surfaced following Maersk's failure to confirm the existence of such an agreement. Reports from Lloyd’s List revealed that despite Tinubu's assertions, Maersk officials denied any formal deal with the Nigerian government, casting doubt on the authenticity of the announced investment.

Further, a video surfaced on social media showing a purported meeting where a Maersk representative pledged a $500 million investment in Nigeria. This video, shared by a special assistant to President Tinubu's new media team, Reno Omokri, was captioned, “Hear Keith Svendsen, Global VP of Maersk, Promising To Invest $500 Million In Nigeria-Who Is Lying Between @ARISEtv and @Maersk?”

Omokri's post contradicts Maersk's public statements, raising questions about the validity of the claims made by both parties. Again, Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, posted on his X page that “The media’s headline choice sparked controversy, not Maersk’s. Maersk hasn’t contradicted or denied the Federal Government of Nigeria’s statements.”

Reactions

Amidst the conflicting narratives, reactions from Nigerians on social media highlight a growing scepticism towards official announcements from the presidency. Many recalled previous instances where similar announcements were later disputed or disproved, leading to concerns about transparency and accountability in government dealings.

The Presidential Aircraft Fleet (PAF) of six jets and four helicopters is set to experience downsizing to reduce the fleet to just seven aircraft. This move is part of efforts to streamline operations, reduce government expenditure, and cut maintenance costs.

“The President is uncomfortable with the rising cost of maintaining the planes. Three planes have been pencilled down for disposal. The main reason is cutting down high maintenance costs. I think officers in PAF were particularly concerned about the frequency of maintenance and how much it costs the nation ," a source told The Nation

“The President decided to let off the aircraft that constitute the most burdensome ," the source added.

During President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2016, attempts to sell two aircraft faced some challenges. The government rejected initial offers of $24 million for a Dassault Falcon 7x executive jet and a Beechcraft Hawker 4000 business jet, which deemed a reduced bid of $11 million unacceptable.

The current PAF lineup includes Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7X, HS 4000, two Agusta 139, and two Agusta 101. Of note, the BBJ 737 exclusively serves as the Nigerian Air Force One, catering solely to the President's travel needs.

The airport which was previously named after the late Nigerian literary icon less than a year ago in June 2023 was commissioned by President Tinubu on March 11.

The governor after the airport name change decided to rename the Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, after Abubakar Imam.

In a live interview with TVC News Nigeria , he stated that naming the State Polytechnic Zungeru after the late Abubakar Imam is more fitting and it ensures that "we are putting a square peg in a square hole."

"Bola Ahmed Tinubu being a father of the nation, being a very astute politician who has paid his price needs to be celebrated," he said

"He has been so magnanimous to us and he gave us the first agro-processing free zone airport in Nigeria... I sat down with my stakeholders and we thought it was wise for us to do that immediately, we got his approval," he added.

The Tinubu-led government in June 2023 instructed Nigerian aviation officials to rename fifteen federal airports in honour of notable Nigerians, including former presidents which included the renaming of the Niger state airport (then Minna Airport) to Abubakar Imam airport.

President Bola Tinubu has urged wealthy individuals to support the less privileged in society, particularly during the Ramadan fast. Speaking in Kano during the inauguration of the distribution of 140 truck-loads of rice donated by Abdullahi Yari in honour of the president, Tinubu praised the gesture to aid those in need during this critical time, reports local media Premium Times . Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Tinubu emphasized the importance of collective action in assisting vulnerable members of society and called for unity to foster progress and a better Nigeria.

Mass abductions

Amidst the resurgence of mass abductions of pupils, the Federal Government has identified schools in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as being at risk of attacks by bandits and insurgents. The National Coordinator of Financing Safe Schools in Nigeria, Hajia Halima Iliya, confirmed the collection of data for intervention in these at-risk schools, Punch Nigeria reported. The recent wave of abductions saw no fewer than 465 pupils, teachers, and women still held captive by their abductors. In Sokoto State, fifteen pupils of an Islamiya school were kidnapped, following closely on the heels of the abduction of 287 schoolchildren and teachers from LEA primary school and Government Secondary School in Kaduna State.

African Games

Nigeria celebrated a triumphant sweep of all six gold medals in the women’s wrestling event, with Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborodudu leading the charge as team captain, securing a decisive victory over Blandine Nyeh Ngiri of Cameroon. Multiple world medalist Odunayo Adekuoroye followed suit with another gold, defeating Zineb Hassoune of Morocco. Commonwealth champion Mercy Genesis, African Games debutant Ogunsanya Christiana, and Hannah Reuben all contributed to the stellar performance, The Nation Nigeria reported. President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali, attributed the victory to hard work and dedication.

Access Bank CEO buried

The late Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, and their 29-year-old son Chizzy were laid to rest in a private cemetery, marking the end of an era for the Access Bank Group co-founder and Chief Executive. The burial took place at the family's estate within the premises of the Wigwe University in Isiokpo, Rivers State. They were victims of a tragic helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, between Nevada and California, following an 11-hour flight from London. During the burial ceremony the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, paid tribute to the departed Dr. Wigwe, praising him as a great mentor who had a positive impact on younger generations, guiding them towards greatness, local media Vanguard reported.

University staff strike

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has approved a seven-day warning strike starting on March 18 due to the federal government's failure to pay members four months' withheld salaries. President Bola Tinubu previously directed that workers in public universities who went on a prolonged strike in 2022 but weren't paid salaries during that period should be compensated for four months. While the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has paid the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as directed, the three non-teaching staff unions remain unpaid, reports local media Vanguard .

What they said.

Amnesty International Nigeria's director, Isa Sanusi, expressed concern over the effectiveness of President Tinubu's security measures, asserting that the latest mass abductions underscore the government's apparent lack of a robust plan to end the years-long reign of terror. Sanusi emphasized that the current security measures are not proving successful in curbing the increasing violence. "The latest mass abductions clearly show President Bola Tinubu and his government have no effective plan for ending years of atrocities by armed groups and gunmen that are increasingly having a free reign across many parts of Nigeria. Whatever security measures are being implemented by President Tinubu and his government are clearly not working," Sanusi is quoted by The Premium Times NG .

Constructed by China's state-owned CCECC construction firm, the Red Line spans a 27-kilometer (16.7-mile) route from a suburb just outside Lagos, commuting through the Yaba district, a hotspot for Nigeria's burgeoning technology startup sector. The next phase is expected to extend an additional 10 kilometres, reaching Marina, a prominent business district along Lagos's waterways.

With an estimated cost of $135 million, as disclosed by the Lagos government, this rail project is the second of its kind to be introduced in the city within the past year. The prior addition was the 13-kilometer first phase of the electricity-powered "Blue Line," which commenced operations in September. The collective aim is to transform Lagos's transportation landscape, with the trains anticipated to transport over half a million residents daily. Commute times are expected to be significantly reduced compared to traditional road transportation.

Lagos, which contributes a fifth of Nigeria's GDP, is comparable in economic size to nations like Ghana, Kenya, Angola, and Ethiopia. Despite its economic significance, the city has long grappled with a subpar road network, consistently ranking among the least habitable cities.

The investment seeks to not only address traffic congestion but also attract more businesses to Africa's largest city, fostering economic growth and enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents.

Emphasizing the importance of unity and resolution, Tinubu stated that Africa's success in overcoming challenges relies on solid foundations of solidarity. He highlighted external challenges like climate change and unfair global trade patterns but also acknowledged internal obstacles such as coup-driven autocracies and manipulations of constitutional tenure provisions that Africans impose on themselves.

“As a continent and as individual nations, we face strong headwinds and difficult hurdles threatening to complicate our mission to bring qualitative democratic governance and economic development to our people. Many of these obstacles, such as climate change and unfair patterns of global trade, are largely not of our making. However, some of the pitfalls, including coup-birthed autocracies and the deleterious tinkering with constitutional tenure provisions, are developmental cancers we as Africans are giving to ourselves,” said Tinubu.

Addressing recent military takeovers in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, as well as the departure of three nations from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Tinubu urged that disagreements over unconstitutional changes of government should not lead to permanent ruptures in regional ties.

He emphasized that the pursuit of a peaceful, strong, and united West Africa transcends individual interests.

The 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government focuses on the AU's 2024 theme, "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century," aiming to build resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning across Africa. The event is hosted at the AU headquarters.

Chike made this statement in an interview with GSW’s Ismail Akwei following the public outcry after reports of the purchase of a presidential yacht in November 2023 by the Nigerian government amid the economic struggles in the country.

“If you look at some of the African countries, in my opinion, that are doing well, they have leaders with a vision. When I talk about vision, I don't mean let's just build roads or let's feed the hungry, those are important. But if you're building roads for 200 million people today, for a nation whose population might double in the next three decades, it means that 20 years from now, you have created another problem because you still have overpopulation, So the main problem we have in Nigeria is not having leaders who understand a vision that can carry the nation beyond now,” Chike said.

“We have a Congress that is buying cars for itself. You have a president who is doing whatever. Meanwhile, there are people in Nigeria who live in extreme poverty. It's like we have tone-deaf leaders who don't care about the masses. When the two basic responsibilities of governance are to provide and protect the people or create the environment that enables them to do that safely and as of yet, we're yet to see that,” he added.

Between 2014 and 2023, Nigeria's youth unemployment rate averaged 24.28%. In September 2023, the West African nation had a 26.72% inflation rate, 5.94% more than the 20.77% rate in the same month the previous year, the Guardian Nigeria reported.

Nigeria was also ranked as the 145 th best out of 180 nations globally in a Corruption Perceptions Index report according to corruption in the public sector.

What they said

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga in a statement described the suggestions as propaganda, “We consider it necessary to inform Nigerians that there is no iota of truth in the interpretations given to the directives in some quarters and the unfounded claims and rumours that President Bola Tinubu is planning to relocate the Federal Capital back to Lagos”. He further noted that the establishment of Abuja as the capital of Nigeria is backed by law and cannot be changed. “Those behind this renewed sordid narrative, using the recent decision of the CBN and FAAN as a pretext to start another round of toxic opposition are dishonest ethnic and regional champions, trying to draw attention to themselves. The status of Abuja as the Federal Capital has come to stay. It is backed by law,” he was quoted by local news outlet Daily Post .

What they said

The Director of Middle East and Africa sovereigns with Fitch, Gaimin Nonyane, has raised concerns about the persistent foreign exchange shortages in Nigeria, predicting ongoing pressure on the national currency, the naira. Nonyane said there exists a substantial 30% gap between the official and parallel exchange rates, highlighting the challenges faced by the central bank. "We think that the central bank is still very short of the amount it needs to be able to clear the foreign exchange backlog and also meet the extremely large external financing by the private sectors," Nonyane is quoted by Reuters. She added that despite President Tinubu's decision to triple fuel prices in May, there has been a notable reversal in the elimination of fuel subsidies. Thus, pump prices in naira have remained unchanged since July, despite global price fluctuations and considerable weakness in the national currency.

A Nigerian Community, Kwanar Dutse in Zamfara State has been attacked by a terror group led by a notorious kingpin Damina, leaving 10 dead. The attack according to local news outlet Premium Times , was as a result of the failure of community members to pay some 20 million Naira (US$ 21,000) levy imposed on them some weeks ago. Hundreds of fighters stormed the community after evening prayers, minutes after 3 PM GMT, the report further noted.

Improved living standards for workers

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has indicated that the Federal Government will implement a new national living wage for industrious workers in 2024, NAN News reported. As part of his New Year message on Monday, the president said that the decision makes economic sense and is morally and politically correct. He further promised to take decisions that will benefit the most vulnerable and working people in the country.

Protests for market approval

Members of the Orilowo Perishable Food Market Association in Nigeria protested at the Lagos State House of Assembly for the approval of the market located at Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. According to the President of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) who collaborated with the Association for the protests, the market has fulfilled its requirements to operate and should be given the necessary approval. The non-approval of the market, according to these traders is threatening their livelihoods according to Nigerian media outlet Vanguard .

Suspension of fake accredited universities

The Federal Government will in the coming days, crack down on the proliferation of fake university degrees beyond countries like Benin and Togo. This was indicated by Education Minister Tahir Mamman following an undercover investigation by Umar Audu, a Mass Communication degree graduate from Benin University in Cotonou. The government has also suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republics of Benin and Togo, according to local news outlet The Guardian .

Joint task force neutralises terrorist attacks

The Joint Task Force North West, Operation Hadarin Daji, has foiled attacks from terrorists between Zamfara and Katsina States, Force Information Officer Captain Ibrahim Yahaya has said. Troops from the Task Force neutralized 10 terrorists and rescued 9 kidnapped victims while recovering arms and ammunition including operational motorcycles and communication gadgets at the camps. Other terrorists fled with gunshot wounds, media outlet Punch reported.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has extended an invitation to international investors from G20 nations to invest in the country. During a panel discussion, the president noted that Nigeria is one of Africa’s vibrant youth-populated countries that can maximise investor monies. He also highlighted how safe these financial investments will be. “There is stability and predictability in the socio-political development of our country, which provides a conducive atmosphere for business operations and investment,” he is quoted by Nigerian website Punch .

Football nominations

Nigerian footballers Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have been nominated in the men's and women's categories for the 2023 Globe Soccer Award, Nigeria’s The Guardian reports. The two who are also international players will battle for the award with other nominees in their respective categories. Osimhen will face 29 other nominees while Oshoala competes with 19 other nominees. The men’s category has nominees including Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo among others. This is the 14 th edition of the Globe Award.

Agriculture revamp

Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has promised the production of 2,000 tractors for the country on an annual basis to enhance food security and employment in the country, Premium Times reports. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from John Deere, an American corporation that manufactures agricultural machinery, the Agriculture Minister, Abubakar Kyari said the government will provide an enabling environment to make the tractors affordable at low-interest rates to Nigerian farmers and boost all-year-round farming, especially for women and youth.

Corruption activities

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has revealed that some personnel working for the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife, Osun state have been employed without provision in the government’s budget. This was established by an investigative panel established by the ministry. Premium Times disclosed that the Acting Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Afolabi Owojuyigbe according to the Federal Ministry’s statement, employed over 1,973 staff as against the waiver for 450 vacancies granted to the hospital in the 2022 employment process by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Funds for health delivery

Nigeria’s Federal government is requesting for more funds to tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases in the country by 2027, Punch has reported. Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, during a roundtable meeting in Abuja to mark Sightsavers’ 70th anniversary in the country, said more funds would help in eliminating these diseases while improving health status and preventing mortality and morbidity in the country.