News Archives - Page 13 of 77

Inflation Climbs to 15.38% Amid Surging Food and Transport Costs

April 15, 2026 by admin

Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to 15.38 per cent in March 2026, reversing the recent downward trend, as rising costs of food, transportation, and accommodation drove prices up, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This was the first time the headline inflation rate had increased since March 2025. The latest Consumer Price Index report released on Wednesday showed that headline inflation increased from 15.06 per cent in February 2026, indicating renewed pressure on household spending. According to the report, “in March 2026, the Headline inflation rate rose to 15.38 per cent, up from 15.06 per cent in February 2026,” reflecting a 0.32 percentage point increase on a year-on-year basis. The NBS noted that the Consumer Price Index rose to 135.4 points in March, up 5.4 points from 130.0 in February. On a month-on-month basis, inflation accelerated sharply, highlighting the pace of price increases within a short period. The report stated that “the Headline inflation rate in March 2026 was 4.18 per cent, which was 2.17 per cent higher than the rate recorded in February 2026 (2.01 per cent).” This suggests that, while annual inflation remains below the 27.35 per cent recorded in March 2025, underlying price pressures are building again. A breakdown of the drivers showed that food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the biggest contributor to inflation, accounting for 5.55 percentage points of the headline figure. Restaurants and accommodation services followed with 3.26 percentage points, while transport contributed 1.80 percentage points. The data also revealed a divergence between urban and rural inflation trends. Urban inflation stood at 14.64 per cent year-on-year, while rural inflation was significantly higher at 17.22 per cent, showing stronger price pressures in rural areas. On a monthly basis, rural inflation surged to 6.73 per cent, up from 0.71 per cent in February, indicating a sharp spike in prices in rural communities. Food inflation remained elevated, continuing to exert pressure on households. The NBS said, “the Food inflation rate in March 2026 was 14.31 per cent on a year-on-year basis,” compared to 25.22 per cent in the same period of 2025. This represents an increase from the 12.12 per cent recorded in February 2026, reinforcing the upward movement in food prices during the period. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation stood at 4.17 per cent, reflecting persistent increases in staple food items such as yams, cassava, tomatoes, and potatoes. Core inflation, which excludes volatile agricultural produce and energy, rose to 16.21 per cent year-on-year, down from 27.12 per cent in March 2025. On a monthly basis, core inflation climbed to 4.03 per cent, indicating broader price increases beyond food. The NBS further noted that the average inflation rate for the 12 months ending March 2026 stood at 20.05 per cent, higher than 18.58 per cent recorded in March 2025, suggesting sustained medium-term inflationary pressure. At the state level, inflation remained uneven. Bayelsa recorded the highest year-on-year inflation rate at 27.37 per cent, followed by Sokoto at 26.03 per cent and Bauchi at 23.67 per cent. In contrast, Osun recorded the slowest rise at 5.25 per cent, while Kano and Kaduna posted 9.85 per cent and 10.38 per cent respectively. On a month-on-month basis, Zamfara recorded the highest increase at 10.77 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 9.37 per cent and Sokoto at 9.05 per cent, while Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers recorded the slowest increases. The report noted that variations across states reflect differences in consumption patterns, warning that direct comparisons may be misleading due to varying weights assigned to goods and services. The World Bank earlier warned that the ongoing surge in global oil prices could directly add around 3.1 percentage points to Nigeria’s headline inflation, as rising fuel costs ripple through the economy. “Overall, an increase in oil prices to about $80 per barrel… would directly add around 3.1 ppts to headline inflation under a full pass-through assumption,” the World Bank noted in its most recent Nigeria Development Update, adding that indirect effects from higher fuel costs on transport, logistics, and food prices could push inflation even higher.

Surge in Terror Attacks Aims to Distract Tinubu, says Akpabio

April 14, 2026 by admin

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the intensified spate of terrorist attacks across the country is a “gang up” to distract President Bola Tinubu’s reforms. Akpabio made the assertion during his goodwill message at the official commissioning of the Nigeria Revenue Service Headquarters, Abuja. He said, “Believe me, Mr President, two weeks after you win the elections, the bomb blasts will stop. People are sponsoring it to distract you from your work. “You’re doing so well despite the gang up on your administration.” His comments come barely 24 hours after Tinubu held closed-door talks with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and a French general at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Sources close to the President who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity described Monday’s engagement as part of intensified collaboration on Nigeria’s security situation. The meeting, which began at about 2:00 pm on Monday, was Tinubu’s first official engagement since his return from Bayelsa on Friday. It came three weeks after the President announced that France had agreed to supply military equipment and training to Nigerian forces battling insurgency in the North-East. Akpabio’s comments come against the backdrop of rapidly deteriorating security conditions across Nigeria, including a controversial air strike on Saturday that killed over 100 civilians, and a fresh United States advisory authorising the voluntary departure of non-emergency embassy staff from Abuja. On Saturday, a Nigerian Air Force strike targeting Boko Haram insurgents hit the Jilli market in Yobe State, near the Borno border, killing over 40 civilians, including children. Amnesty International cited survivors and hospital authorities confirming the death toll, with local sources putting the figure as high as 200. The military defended the operation as a precision strike on a terrorist logistics hub, but Amnesty International condemned what it described as “reckless use of deadly force” and called for an independent investigation. The Presidency also defended the operation. Speaking with Bloomberg earlier on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said, “The market was a legitimate military target because it has been turned into a logistics and trading hub by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.” Military air raids have killed at least 500 civilians since 2017, according to multiple reports, with failures in intelligence gathering and coordination between ground forces and air assets cited as contributing factors. Days earlier, on April 8, the United States Department of State authorised the voluntary departure of non-emergency government employees and family members from the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation. The move elevated 23 Nigerian states to a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning, the highest risk category, including newly added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states. The US highlighted threats from Islamist insurgents in the Northeast, criminal gangs in the Northwest, and ongoing violence in parts of southern and southeastern Nigeria, including oil-producing regions. The embassy said visa appointments in Abuja had been suspended, though the Lagos consulate continues to provide routine and emergency services. The Federal Government said the travel alert was guided by US internal protocols and did not reflect the overall security situation across Nigeria. “While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” Minister Mohammed Idris stated. Nigeria is battling multiple security threats across its six geopolitical zones, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgency in the Northeast, banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and North-Central regions, and separatist violence in the Southeast.

Atiku’s Suspension Linked to “Indian Hemp Smoking,” Says Ex-SGF

April 13, 2026 by admin

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has urged the public to ignore the alleged suspension of Atiku Abubakar, himself, and others, dismissing the group behind it as “Indian hemp smokers.” Babachir is the Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, North East region. A factional chairman of ADC in the state, Raji Zumo, announced during a press conference on Monday the suspension of Atiku, Lawal and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim. Speaking exclusively to PUNCH, Babachir said, “If some people take heavy Indian hemp, they can claim to be President of Nigeria, so don’t consider them as normal people. Indian hemp is at duty.” He said Raji has no reasonable position in the ADC that empowered him to speak on behalf of the party. “Raji’s actions demonstrated the power of Indian hemp against our young men. What is his position in the party in Adamawa State, if not influence of drugs?” he said. Also speaking, the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Mr. Shehu Yohanna, said the statement credited to Raji was not only baseless but also insisted that he had left the party long ago. “Raji was my deputy, before he disappeared to an unknown place, only for him to resurface on social media on Monday, suspending our father, Atiku Abubakar,” he said. An Adamawa State High Court on Thursday suspended the ADC congresses in the state. Justice Ahmed Isa of Yola High Court No. 6, who presided over the case, ordered the suspension of the congresses slated for Thursday until the determination of the case. The court adjourned the case to April 15, 2026, for continuation of hearing. The embattled ADC chairman of the Adamawa State chapter, Shehu Yohanna, approached the court and asked it to halt the congresses due to his exclusion from the planning process. Yohanna filed the suit against Mr. Sadiq Dasin, the state chairman of the transition committee of the ADC, Adamawa State chapter. When PUNCH contacted Lawal, he denied knowledge of the court ruling. “I am in Abuja, so I don’t know about the case. Go and ask those that were in court today. I don’t know anything concerning the court case,” he said. The Adamawa State chapter of the ADC has been engulfed in crisis since last year over the leadership of the party, creating three different factions.

2027: INEC Adds 3.4 Million New Voters to Register

April 9, 2026 by admin

The Independent National Electoral Commission has recorded over 3.4 million new voters in the ongoing second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise nationwide. According to the commission’s week 13 update released on Wednesday in Abuja, a total of 3,441,121 registrations have been completed as of April 3, covering both online pre-registrations and physical walk-ins. INEC disclosed that 2,068,384 citizens completed their registration online, while 1,372,737 others registered physically at designated centres across the country. State-by-state data showed that Jigawa recorded the highest number of registrants with 201,047, representing 5.84 per cent of the total. Lagos followed with 181,095, while Kano ranked third with 177,681 registrations. Youth participation remained dominant, with citizens aged between 18 and 34 accounting for 2,354,768 registrants, representing 68.43 per cent of the total figure. Gender distribution indicated a higher turnout among women, with females accounting for 1,922,143 registrations (55.86 per cent), compared to 1,518,978 males (44.14 per cent). On occupational breakdown, students formed the largest group of new voters at 1,235,931, representing 35.92 per cent. This was followed by those in business at 701,912 (20.40 per cent) and individuals in farming and fishing at 615,967 (18.28 per cent). INEC also reported that 48,330 Persons with Disabilities registered during the period. The commission noted that the figure remains provisional, explaining that it is “a preliminary figure pending data clean-up during the period for citizens’ claims and objections, followed by the deployment of the Automated Biometric Identification System.” It further stated that voter registration remains suspended in the Federal Capital Territory in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, following the Area Council Election held on February 21. INEC urged eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to visit its official portals to complete their registration before the deadline.

Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Debo Akande Unveils Ibadan Hall Of Fame Project, Targets Preservation Of City’s Legacy

April 7, 2026 by admin

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Dr. Debo Akande, has unveiled plans to establish an Ibadan Historical Library and Hall of Fame as part of efforts to preserve the city’s rich cultural heritage. Akande, who currently serves as the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde, disclosed this during a foundation-laying and groundbreaking ceremony held at Bode Amoo Hall, Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo, under the auspices of the 2026 Historical Tour Committee. Speaking at the event, Debo Akande described the initiative as a long-term vision aimed at creating a lasting legacy for Ibadan and ensuring that its history is preserved for future generations. “This is something that has been very paramount in my mind for a long time. It is not just about today; it is about creating a legacy that will stand the test of time,” he said. He expressed concern over what he termed a growing disconnect between younger generations and the history of Ibadan, noting that many youths lack awareness of the city’s significant contributions to Yoruba culture and national development. “If you ask a young person today about key figures in Ibadan’s history, many may not be able to provide answers. Yet, Ibadan has produced individuals who have made remarkable contributions across different sectors, both locally and internationally,” he added. Akande explained that the proposed Hall of Fame would function as both a museum and a knowledge hub, documenting and showcasing the achievements of past rulers, warriors, professionals, and other distinguished indigenes. “Where is this history documented? Where can people go to see what our heroes have done and when they did it? This project is about answering those questions and preserving our identity as a people,” he said. In his remarks, the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief (Barr.) Sulaiman Ajewole, said the project was conceived to immortalise the legacies of Ibadan’s heroes and heroines. Ajewole explained that the Hall of Fame idea originated from a historical subcommittee within the council, and would serve as a platform to honour past rulers, warriors, philanthropists, politicians, and community leaders. “This is how we preserve our history. By documenting and celebrating those who have contributed to the growth of Ibadan, we are ensuring that their names are not forgotten,” he said. He commended Akande for championing the initiative, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Ibadanland, and expressed optimism that the project would be completed within a short time. According to him, the Ibadan Historical Library and Hall of Fame will stand as a major cultural landmark in the city upon completion.

Abiodun Presents Ceremonial Sword to Tinubu, Advocates Ongoing Crackdown on Crime

April 7, 2026 by admin

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his recent visit to the state, during which several key infrastructure projects were commissioned. Abiodun disclosed this in a Facebook post on Tuesday, where he also revealed that he presented the President with a ceremonial sword as a symbolic gesture. “Yesterday, I had the honour and privilege to visit and thank the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, for the historic visit to Ogun State to commission the Gateway International Airport, Gateway Airlines, welcome the first cargo airline, and other landmark projects,” he said. The governor explained that the presentation of the sword was tied to Tinubu’s traditional title and leadership role, urging him to continue efforts to tackle national challenges. “I presented him with a ceremonial sword in his esteemed capacity as the Jagaban (leader of warriors/conquerors), urging him to continue his war on crime and criminality, anti-corruption, and particularly as he embarks on the second-term re-election,” Abiodun added. He also reaffirmed the state’s political support for the President. “Assuring him that in Ogun State, we are solidly behind him,” he stated. Recall Tinubu on Saturday visited Ogun State to commission the Gateway International Airport located in Iperu, alongside the unveiling of the state-owned airline, Gateway Air. The event marked a major milestone in the state’s infrastructure drive, with the projects expected to boost transportation, logistics and economic activities within the region. The commissioning ceremony, which was broadcast live, also underscored collaboration between the federal and state governments in advancing development initiatives. The President is also expected to inspect and commission additional projects across sectors, including transportation, energy, agriculture and security, as part of efforts to strengthen economic growth in the state.

Fresh Attacks: Enough of ‘hollow rhetoric,’ Atiku Tells Tinubu

April 6, 2026 by admin

Former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the recent wave of attacks in parts of the country, urging the Federal Government to take more decisive steps to address insecurity. In a post via his official X handle on Monday, Atiku expressed concern that recent violent incidents appear to contradict assurances earlier given by the President following the Angwan Rukuba attack. “I wish to remind President Bola Tinubu to keep to his words that ‘this (Angwan Rukuba attack) will not repeat itself,’” he said. He added, “It does appear that those words are hollow because barely 72 hours later, another attack in Benue State claimed over a dozen lives. The Commander-in-Chief should brace up to the challenges of governance.” The former presidential candidate also raised alarm over developments in a community in Nasarawa State, where residents reportedly fled their homes amid fears of further attacks. “I am also concerned, like all well-meaning Nigerians, about what is going on in a Nasarawa community where families had fled on foot amid threats of attack,” he said. Atiku further cited a separate incident in Kaduna State, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of insecurity. “And as if those are not enough, there was a fresh attack in Kaduna State at the weekend,” he added. He emphasised that the foremost duty of the government is to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens. “The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property and the promotion of the welfare of citizens,” he stated. Calling for urgent action, Atiku urged the President to move beyond rhetoric. “Enough of this hollow rhetoric, Mr President. It is time to fold your sleeves and get to work,” he said. He also extended condolences to the victims of the attacks. “Meanwhile, my thoughts and prayers are with the families who may have lost a dear one in these attacks,” he added.

Easter: PDP Chieftain, Olayinka Segelu Calls on Christians to Embrace Peace, Hope, Unity, and Renewal

April 5, 2026 by admin

As Christians across Nigeria mark the Easter celebration, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and community leader, Aare Olayinka Akintola Oladimeji Segelu, has extended heartfelt Easter greetings, calling on believers to reflect deeply on the core values of faith, sacrifice, love, and unity. In his Easter message to Christians on Sunday , Chief Oladimeji described the season as a powerful reminder of hope and renewal, emphasising that the resurrection of Jesus Christ offers strength and encouragement in challenging times. “The message of Easter goes beyond festivity,” Oladimeji said. “It is a celebration of triumph over darkness, a promise that no situation is permanent, and that through faith and resilience, victory is assured.” He urged Christians to allow the lessons of Christ’s resurrection to shape their daily conduct, stressing that the values of compassion, forgiveness and selfless service should be reflected in personal and communal life. Segelu also used the occasion to call for greater unity among Nigerians, noting that the spirit of Easter calls citizens to rise above divisions and work collectively towards peace and progress. “At a time when our nation faces various challenges, may the hope and renewal symbolised by Easter inspire us to be agents of goodwill, understanding, and mutual respect,” he said. The PDP leader further encouraged believers to remain steadfast in prayer, expressing confidence that a deepened faith would foster resilience, courage, and optimism across all facets of life. He concluded by wishing Christians a peaceful, joyful and fulfilling Easter celebration, praying that the season would usher in renewed hope and lasting blessings for families and communities.

Easter: Debo Akande, Preaches Peace, Love, Urges Christians To Embrace Hope, Resilience

April 5, 2026 by admin

The Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Debo Akande, has called on Christians to draw inspiration from the message of Easter by embracing peaceful coexistence with one another, love, hope, resilience, and a renewed commitment to nation-building. In his Easter message on Sunday, Akande described the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a powerful symbol of victory over adversity and a reminder that hope should never be lost, even in challenging times. “Easter reminds us that no challenge is insurmountable. It reflects the triumph of light over darkness and gives assurance that better days lie ahead,” he said. He urged Christians to look beyond the festivities and reflect on the core values of sacrifice, love, and compassion, noting that these virtues are essential for promoting unity and societal progress. Akande also encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast in the face of prevailing economic and social challenges, stressing that faith, perseverance, and collective effort are critical to national development. “At a time like this, we must hold on to hope, strengthen our faith, and work together for the growth of our communities and the nation at large,” he added. He further wished Christians a peaceful Easter celebration, expressing optimism that the season would inspire renewed purpose, inner strength, and a shared commitment to building a better society.

RESTANCHOR Foundation Founder, Leye Adefioye Lauds Oyo First Lady’s Intervention In Child Welfare

April 4, 2026 by admin

THE founder of RESTANCHOR Total Child Parenting Foundation, Pastor Prince Leye Adefioye, has commended the Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, for her commitment to the welfare of orphans and vulnerable children across the state. Adefioye gave the commendation on Tuesday during the First Lady’s Easter visit to the foundation’s office in Ibadan, where over 3,000 orphans and vulnerable children were hosted in a celebratory outreach. In his welcome address, the cleric described the visit as “historic,” noting that Makinde is the first First Lady to physically visit the foundation’s children at its office since its establishment in 2006. “This act of compassion, humility, and identification with the vulnerable will remain indelible in our hearts and in the annals of this foundation,” he said. He praised the First Lady’s consistent advocacy for children’s welfare, adding that her intervention reflects a broader commitment by the administration of Seyi Makinde to child development and social protection. Adefioye recalled that in 2022, under the platform of the National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria, Governor Makinde was nominated as the best governor in children’s welfare in the South-West, a recognition he said was backed by documented advocacy and evidence. Highlighting the impact of the foundation, Adefioye said RESTANCHOR has, over the years, supported more than 5,000 children and over 3,000 families through education, healthcare, food assistance, mentorship, and empowerment initiatives. He, however, noted that many children still face severe economic hardship, describing them as “victims of circumstances beyond their control,” and called for sustained intervention from government and stakeholders. Meanwhile, the founder also made two key appeals to the First Lady, urging her to facilitate the formal recognition of a United Nations-related award linked to the governor’s contributions to child welfare, and to accept an invitation to serve as the Matron of the foundation at its 20th anniversary scheduled for October 22, 2026. Speaking during the outreach, the First Lady, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ajibike Lawal, said the Easter initiative was designed to demonstrate love and solidarity with vulnerable children amid prevailing economic challenges. She explained that the programme involved visits to 12 homes across the 33 local government areas of the state, with the distribution of food items and cash support to beneficiaries. “We are celebrating with these children to show them that they are loved and remembered by the Oyo State Government, despite the challenges around us,” she said. “Easter is a season of love and sacrifice, and we want them to feel that love.” Lawal also called on individuals, corporate organisations, and philanthropists to support vulnerable groups, stressing that acts of kindness contribute to building a more inclusive society.