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No Better Time to Choose Nigeria Than Now, Tinubu Tells Investors

October 8, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu says there is no better time for investors to come and invest in Nigeria than now. He made this statement at the maiden Bauchi Investment Summit on Wednesday in Bauchi. The summit, with the theme “Revealing a Resilient Economy: Optimising Investment Partnerships,” is being organised by the Bauchi government to showcase the state’s investment potential. Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the president said Nigeria’s external reserve rose to 43 billion dollars in September. “We came to office promising to turn around the fortunes of the country while the debt service to revenue ratio has shot up to about 100 per cent. “Today, we are pleased to share that we have reduced it to less than 50 per cent. Our GDP gross rate as of last month stood at 4.23 per cent and oil revenues 411 per cent. “Our external reserve has grown to 43 billion dollars as of September 2025, and I assure investors that there is no better time to join Nigeria than now,” he said. According to Tinubu, considering its vast arable lands, Bauchi state can advance climate-smart agriculture and commercial outgrower skills. He highlighted that the state’s natural assets and cultural heritage could boost tourism and hospitality while its renewable and gas potentials could power industrial processes through public-private partnership. The president urged prospective partners to engage with the state governments and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government to access support. He commended Gov. Bala Mohammed for organising the summit and nationwide road show, to showcase investment opportunities at the stage. Also, Mohammed promised to make the state safe for investors. “We will make you and your investment safer than us. We will make you more important than us. “We are going to do a lot in terms of water resource management so that all our local government areas will have water to be driven by solar and gravity at a minimal cost,” Mohammed said. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, also tasked leaders to promote good governance as well as monitor various commitments, summits and conferences conducted within the northern states, to evaluate performance for better national development. NAN

Nigeria Needs Local, International Investments — Obasanjo

October 8, 2025 by admin

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday said Nigeria needs local and international investments to progress. The former president stated this while commissioning the newly constructed Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, describing it as a world-class facility capable of positioning the state as a major hub for investment and tourism in Nigeria. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Obasanjo commended the Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed for the initiative, noting that the project was a testament to the state’s vision for growth and global relevance. “With what we have, we can show the world that we are part and parcel of it,” Obasanjo said. “What others have and pride themselves on is not more than what we have. Some people don’t even have half of what we have. This world-class centre can be developed and made one of the tourist attractions in Nigeria”, he added. The former president added that the newly commissioned facility would promote interaction, tourism, and business engagements, stressing that the state could leverage it to attract both local and international investors. “Not only are we commissioning this, but we are also starting with a conference to talk about investment. What do we need in Nigeria today? We need to mobilise investments from local and international sources,” Obasanjo said. “I will go anywhere with the governor to get investments for Bauchi State,” he said. A view of the newly commissioned Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, Bauchi State. | Credit: Umar Sani. Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Architectronix Nigeria Limited, Ruben Okoya, whose firm handled the project, described the facility as “a masterpiece conceived, initiated, and completed under the visionary leadership” of Governor Bala Mohammed. “This incredible facility sits on 10,000 square metres and can accommodate 3,000 people at once.” “Every square metre of granite used in this facility was sourced from Bauchi State. That shows the abundance of natural resources available here, ”Okoya explained. A view of the newly commissioned Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, Bauchi State. | Credit: Umar Sani. Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Architectronix Nigeria Limited, Ruben Okoya, whose firm handled the project, described the facility as “a masterpiece conceived, initiated, and completed under the visionary leadership” of Governor Bala Mohammed. “This incredible facility sits on 10,000 square metres and can accommodate 3,000 people at once.” “Every square metre of granite used in this facility was sourced from Bauchi State. That shows the abundance of natural resources available here, ”Okoya explained. According to him, the centre boasts five main halls that can host up to ten separate events simultaneously. He said the facility also features an outdoor event space with a capacity of 2,500 people, a mosque, solar power installations, standby generators, and full internet connectivity. Okoya appealed to the Federal Government to consider hosting future national events, including the Nigeria Oil and Gas Summit, in Bauchi State, given its status as an oil-producing region and its new infrastructural capacity. He said, “This project is 100 per cent locally executed.” “It was built by local engineers and contractors, showing that when leaders believe in local capacity, great things happen,” Okoya added. He further recalled that the project’s foundation was laid in March 2021 by Professor Zulum, then a guest of the Bauchi State Government, and expressed satisfaction that the vision had now become a reality. The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and international guests, all of whom hailed the project as a milestone achievement in Bauchi State’s drive toward modernisation and economic transformation. Bauchi State Government approved N6.5bn for the dualisation of a 7.5-kilometre township road in Misau Local Government Area. The dualisation of the Misau township road is part of Bauchi State’s broader push to upgrade road infrastructure, improve connectivity, and reduce traffic accidents on key routes. Misau, a major commercial hub and transit town along the Bauchi–Azare highway, has long faced traffic congestion and frequent road mishaps due to the narrowness of its main artery.

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Nigeria Draw Colombia 1-1, Advances to Knockout Round

October 6, 2025 by admin

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have advanced to the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in the early hours of Monday. At the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, the seven-time African champions delivered a spirited performance, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt making crucial saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the scores level during a tense opening period. Despite Colombia’s early pressure, the Nigerians were the more enterprising side, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani constantly troubling the South American defence and striking the upright on several occasions. Colombia broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through Kener Gonzalez, who converted from Neyser Villareal’s assist. Undeterred, the Flying Eagles piled on relentless pressure, and defender Odinaka Okoro came close with a header in the 76th minute. Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi calmly slotted home from the penalty spot after a Colombian defender handled Maigana’s goal-bound effort. The Nigerians nearly clinched a late winner, but Arierhi’s shot in the 89th minute was blocked inside the area. The result means Nigeria will now face Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday a repeat of the quarter-final clash from the last U20 World Cup hosted by Argentina, where the Flying Eagles triumphed 2–0 in San Juan. Elsewhere, Colombia will meet South Africa, while Norway takes on Paraguay in other Round of 16 fixtures.

No religious persecution in Nigeria – Tinubu

September 30, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has categorically denied any deliberate religious persecution in Nigeria. He stated this on Tuesday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, at the book launch on “A decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria authored by Governor Hope Uzodimma. Tinubu insisted there is religious tolerance in Nigeria and Christians and Muslims were coexisting well. The president asserted that the talk of persecution in the country is false and unfounded. “It’s a lie”, he said. Report says that American talk show host Bill Maher had claimed that Christians are being systematically killed in Nigeria. Maher, in a viral clip from his show Real Time with Bill Maher, alleged that up to 500,000 Christians had been killed in the country, describing the situation as genocide. The video was circulated by international influencers, including Radio Genoa, an anti-Islamic personality on X. More to come…

FG Declares October 1 Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary

September 29, 2025 by admin

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed and released on Monday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. According to the statement, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora and urged citizens to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity and resilience that have sustained the nation since 1960. “He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity. “The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development,” the statement added. He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration. Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. This year anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” activities for celeration has begun with prayer at mosques and churches.

Nigeria Unshaken By Trump’s Tariffs, Trade Policies – Tinubu

September 3, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said his administration will remain resilient and has no fear of the trade policy direction of U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly tariffs targeting Nigerian exports. Tinubu made the remarks when he received in audience members of The Buhari Organisation led by former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Tanko Almakura, who paid him a solidarity visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The President cited Nigeria’s current economic trajectory and growing non-oil revenues as buffers against external shocks. Tinubu said, “If non-oil revenue is growing, then we have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side.” He highlighted Nigeria’s strengthened fiscal position, having met its 2025 revenue target as of August, and noted a stabilisation in the naira, which has appreciated to around N1,450 per dollar from a previous rate of N1,900 after he unified the exchange rates upon assuming office in May 2023. President Trump’s second term has ushered in sweeping changes to U.S. trade policy, including the imposition of a 10 per cent baseline tariff on nearly all imports, alongside country-specific levies. In his Liberation Day trade policy announcements on April 2, 2025, Trump introduced unprecedented reciprocal tariffs under his “America First” agenda, aiming to rebalance trade deficits. The policy included broad country-specific tariffs ranging from 11 per cent to 50 per cent on top of a 10 per cent baseline. Nigeria, like many sub-Saharan partners, now faces a 15 per cent tariff on its exports, effective August 7, following an initial 14 per cent rate announced in April. However, energy commodities, including oil and gas, have been exempted from the new tariff regime. Nonetheless, reports show that heightened trade tensions and tariff imposition have already dampened energy product exports globally in early 2025, disrupting demand flows for crude oil, gasoline, and diesel. Tinubu also pointed to progress on his administration’s agricultural reform agenda, citing a massive mechanisation programme across regions. “If we remove hunger, we have defeated poverty,” he said, arguing that food security is key to Nigeria’s economic recovery. Meanwhile, Tinubu recounted internal debates during the formative days of the All Progressives Congress, revealing that he clashed with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari over the party’s logo. Recalling the early merger talks that led to the APC creation in 2013, Tinubu said, “We disagreed to agree…We even argued over a symbol. He (Buhari) insisted on parliament, and I insisted on broom.” “He’s so stubborn,” Tinubu said amid laughter. Tuesday’s meeting brought together key northern party leaders, including Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda and former Governor Aminu Masari, and could be a consolidation of party ranks ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. The APC was officially formed in February 2013 through the merger of four opposition parties: the Action Congress of Nigeria, the Congress for Progressive Change, the All Nigeria Peoples Party, and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance. Tinubu, then National Leader of the ACN and former Governor of Lagos State, played a central role in the merger, while Buhari led the CPC. Tinubu said their differing political cultures often clashed in the run-up to registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The broom, ultimately chosen as the party’s logo, symbolised collective action against corruption and poor governance, party leaders say. The coalition helped the APC unseat the long-ruling People’s Democratic Party in the 2015 elections, bringing Buhari to power. Punch

Nigeria Hits 2025 Revenue Target in August, Tinubu Announces

September 2, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced that Nigeria hit its 2025 revenue target in August, driven largely by proceeds from the non-oil sector. According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu disclosed this at the Presidential Villa while receiving founding members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change and The Buhari Organisation led by former Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. Tinubu said the feat underscored the impact of his administration’s economic reforms. “The economy is now stabilised. Nobody is trading pieces of paper for foreign exchange anymore. The economy is now predictable. You do not need to know the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, to obtain foreign exchange or import goods,” the President said. Tinubu assured Nigerians that his Renewed Hope Agenda remained anchored on infrastructure renewal, improved health facilities, food sovereignty, and security. He disclosed that the federal government would establish agricultural mechanisation centres across all regions to boost cultivation, expand harvests, and create jobs. “What we need now is building the ship and the vessels for the export of our goods and creating more jobs for our people,” he added. The President also pledged to sustain and immortalise the legacies of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying a Buhari House would be established while more former CPC members would be brought into government. Al-Makura, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, assured Tinubu of the group’s loyalty and support ahead of the 2027 elections. He commended the President for giving Buhari a befitting state burial, noting that his presence throughout the rites was both “comforting and reassuring.” Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also lauded Tinubu for his statesmanship and accommodation of diverse political stakeholders. Nigeria has historically depended on crude oil for up to 70 per cent of government earnings and over 90 per cent of foreign exchange inflows. Repeated administrations promised to diversify the economy, but oil remained the dominant revenue source. The federal government approved a record N54.99 trillion budget, of which only N41 trillion was expected to come in as revenue, leaving a N13 trillion deficit to be filled largely through loans. Punch

Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s Digital Future, Says FG

September 2, 2025 by admin

The Federal Government, alongside international partners, has urged the integration of cyber, anticipatory, and digital diplomacy into the core of Nigeria’s foreign policy, highlighting the urgent need for the country to take a leadership role in shaping Africa’s digital future. The call was made at the inaugural seminar on “Anticipatory, Cyber, and Digital Diplomacy for Strengthening Nigeria’s Foreign Policy,” held in Abuja on Tuesday. Speaking at the opening session, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, said the country must not remain a passive observer in a rapidly changing digital world. “We are living through a historic transformation. The convergence of disruptive technologies, shifting geopolitical alignments, and deepening digital interdependence is redefining the foundations of diplomacy. “From artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to the geopolitics of data and the militarisation of cyberspace, the very nature of statecraft is being rewritten before our eyes,” Tuggar said. The minister stressed that Nigeria must act with urgency to position itself as “a principled, capable and forward-looking actor in the evolving global digital order,” calling for cyber diplomacy to be deeply integrated into Nigeria’s foreign service, national security framework, and multilateral engagements. He added, “We must lead Africa’s digital future, training a new generation of cyber negotiators, expanding regional incident response capabilities, and championing African-led solutions to global digital challenges. “This includes advancing climate-conscious data practices and ethical AI development.” Explaining the significance of anticipatory diplomacy, Tuggar said, “It provides us with the ability to detect early warning signals, foresee systemic shocks and plan strategically for the future, whether in the global race for critical minerals, the regulation of artificial intelligence, or the restructuring of global supply chains.” On cyber diplomacy, he noted it encompasses international cooperation on combating cybercrime, protecting infrastructure, safeguarding elections, and shaping global norms around data privacy, internet freedom, and information integrity. “This is not optional. We are part of the equation. The only question to ask is how prepared we can be. “Nigeria’s foreign policy must adapt to a world where private technology firms often wield more influence than sovereign states, and where digital platforms can shape public opinion, economic outcomes, and even conflict dynamics. “As we seek greater influence within ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations, our engagement must be anchored in sovereignty, trust, and innovation,” Tuggar emphasised. He also announced the creation of a Cyber Diplomacy Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s cyber-related foreign policy and championing ethical digital governance. “This is Nigeria’s digital gift to the world,” he said, referencing the launch of the Anticipatory Cyber and Digital Diplomacy Masterclass Series for African and Global South diplomats, which will be freely accessible online. Tuggar further highlighted that the inclusion of women and youth, regional collaboration, and engagement with the private sector and diaspora are central to Nigeria’s cyber diplomacy strategy. Echoing similar sentiments, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the digital era demands a fundamental transformation in statecraft. “The 21st century has introduced a paradigm shift in conflict, communication, and cooperation. “Traditional diplomatic methods are no longer sufficient,” Fagbemi noted. He underscored the need for legal and policy frameworks that can manage the impact of technologies like AI, data governance, and cybersecurity. “Cyber threats pose a danger to national infrastructure and the rule of law. “A legal framework must, therefore, be robust enough to deter cybercrime, enforce justice, and foster international cooperation to protect digital sovereignty,” the minister noted. Fagbemi emphasised that public diplomacy through social media and digital platforms must be managed ethically and responsibly, and that the Ministry of Justice is committed to working with security agencies, the private sector, and civil society to advance a secure digital future for Nigeria. Representing international partners, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to cyber and digital cooperation with Nigeria. “The British High Commission is very pleased to be one of the sponsors for today’s seminar,” Montgomery said, outlining the UK’s bilateral work with Nigeria under the Security and Defence Partnership, including a Memorandum of Understanding on cybersecurity signed last year. “In combination, we’ve agreed to share lessons and collaborate in five areas: threat hunting, building cyber threat intelligence capability, identifying critical national infrastructure, digital forensics, and national incident response planning,” Montgomery stated. He noted that these are fundamental to building government cyber capabilities and effective international cyber diplomacy. While emphasising that Nigeria will shape its own sovereign cyber decisions, Montgomery offered the UK’s support in sharing lessons from its own Foreign Office experience, especially in engaging research institutions, the private sector, and higher education to build a resilient digital ecosystem. “I fully agree with the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs about today’s seminar being framed by technological challenges and threats,” he said, noting that threats from hostile states, disinformation, hate speech, and cybercrime are real and growing. “We fear that this grey zone is going to be turbocharged by artificial intelligence tools,” Montgomery warned, adding that the UK and Nigeria have already recorded “shared successes” in tackling cyber fraud and crime, with more collaboration needed. The seminar was attended by diplomats, foreign policy experts, legal practitioners, security agencies, and members of the private sector. In recent years, diplomacy has evolved beyond traditional statecraft to address emerging issues in cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and global digital governance. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and European Union members have crafted comprehensive cyber diplomacy strategies, acknowledging the rising importance of cybersecurity, data privacy, AI ethics, and the growing influence of tech companies on international affairs. Nigeria’s digital foreign policy came under the global spotlight in June 2021 when the government suspended Twitter after the platform removed a tweet by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. It ignited international debate around digital sovereignty, platform accountability, and freedom of expression. By 2024, Nigeria was reportedly facing over 4,000 cyber attacks daily, according to cybersecurity firm Nitroswitch.

Nigeria Safer, Attacks Reduced — CDS

August 22, 2025 by admin

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said that Nigeria has significantly become safer today than it was two years ago, citing a reduction in the frequency of attacks and a return to normalcy in many communities as evidence of progress. He declared this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday. “I know we’re doing better. I’ve travelled around this country, and everywhere I’ve been to, people commend us for the effort,” Musa said when asked if Nigeria is safer currently than the previous two years. The defence chief acknowledged that isolated attacks still occur but emphasised that their frequency has drastically reduced compared to previous years. He stated, “Sometimes when you hear one attack, one strike, and you think. Then, in the past, it used to be rampant. Now, it’s slowing down. “To tell you we’re succeeding, markets are back, schools are opening, people go to church. Yes, there’ll be attack. There can never be 100 per cent, but I can tell you we’re moving forward, and we’ll continue to do more.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to securing peace in the country. “The government is working hard, the armed forces are working hard, and we all need Nigerians coming together to make sure, firstly, we must love each other as Nigerians, and then we must protect ourselves, and we can succeed,” the CDS said.

Akpabio Not Bigger Than Nigeria’s Constitution – Natasha

July 22, 2025 by admin

Suspended lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, cautioned Senate President Godswill Akpabio against placing himself above the Nigerian Constitution. The senator also accused the Senate leadership of violating a valid court order by preventing her from resuming duties at the National Assembly. She disclosed this in an interview with journalists at the assembly complex. The senator representing Kogi Central arrived at the National Assembly complex to reclaim her seat following a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, which nullified her suspension. However, she was denied entry by security personnel at the gate. Fuming after the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as a deliberate act of contempt by the Senate, particularly targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. I want Nigerians to know that the Office of the Senate President doesn’t give me legitimacy as a senator. The fact that he has done an appeal does not invalidate the decision of Justice Binta Nyako, and that does not stop me from being a senator. “I got my legitimacy as a senator from the people of Kogi who voted me into office as senator,” she said. The embattled senator said her continued exclusion speaks volumes about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. “That I’ve been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a statement being made. It’s on record that the National Assembly under Akpabio has decided to be in contempt of a court decision, and it’s quite ironic that they are lawmakers. “That poses the question: how far is our democracy in this day and age?” she stated. Akpoti-Uduaghan also faulted the legality of her initial suspension by the Senate. “Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent—the document was faulty,” she stated. She revealed that her legal team would be approaching the appellate court for further interpretation and redress. “Going forward, I will have a meeting with my legal team so they can proceed to the appellate court to seek interpretation into what just happened. I’m a law-abiding citizen,” she added. As of press time, the Senate leadership had not released any statement on Tuesday’s standoff at the National Assembly. Punch