A group of soldiers in Benin announced on Sunday that they had removed President Patrice Talon from office, though officials within the presidency have dismissed the claim, stating the president is secure and national forces are countering the situation.
The soldiers, identifying themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), appeared on state television declaring that they had resolved to end Talon’s tenure as president of the republic.
The broadcast comes on the heels of recent political instability across West and Central Africa, with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau experiencing coups in the past two months. Benin shares borders with Niger and Burkina Faso—two other countries that have undergone military interventions.
In a statement on X, the French Embassy confirmed reports of gunfire at Camp Guezo, located near the presidential residence in Cotonou, the nation’s economic hub, and advised French nationals to stay indoors.
However, officials close to Talon insisted that the situation was under control.
“This is an isolated faction controlling only the television station. The national army is restoring order. Both the city and the country remain secure,” the presidency said in a statement to AFP.
Benin has a history marked by several coups and attempted power seizures, though the nation has enjoyed relative stability in recent years.
Talon, who assumed office in 2016 and is serving his second term, is constitutionally required to step down in 2026. Critics frequently accuse him of tightening political space, while supporters credit him with significant economic reforms.
The disqualification of the major opposition party from the upcoming presidential race has intensified political tension, leaving the ruling party to compete mainly with a moderate opposition group.
Talon, a 67-year-old entrepreneur widely known as the “cotton king” before joining politics, has led economic growth initiatives but continues to face scrutiny over alleged authoritarian tendencies.
The Federal Government has confirmed the rescue of 100 pupils who were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, located in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The development, first reported by TVC News and Channels Television on Sunday, marks a major breakthrough in ongoing security operations, although federal officials had not yet released a formal statement as at the time of filing this report.
The attack, carried out on November 21, saw armed men invade the remote settlement around 2 a.m., arriving on motorbikes and operating with little resistance for nearly three hours.
A total of 315 individuals were captured during the raid, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.
Within the first 24 hours of the incident, approximately 50 students managed to escape and were reunited with their families, bringing the number of those still missing to 265.
Further updates are expected as security agencies continue operations in the area.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a detailed set of instructions to guide candidates preparing to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The board also outlined common difficulties candidates may face during the process.
The information was shared on Sunday through JAMB’s official X platform, where the examination body urged prospective candidates to ensure they are fully prepared ahead of the registration period.
Updated Registration Procedure
Candidates are advised to verify the accuracy of all personal data—such as National Identification Number (NIN), email address, and applicable A-Level credentials—before attempting to generate a profile code.
To begin, candidates must send their 11-digit NIN to either 55019 or 66019 using the required format (e.g., NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019).
Once issued, the profile code cannot be altered. All biodata linked to the NIN is automatically pulled from NIMC’s database. After receiving the profile code, candidates are to proceed to the nearest JAMB office or any accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre to continue registration.
E-PINs must only be purchased through authorised outlets, including approved banks, digital platforms, and official sales agents stationed at registration centres. Candidates must confirm that the correct registration template is used and that all data submitted is accurate before finalising registration.
JAMB emphasised the strict need for correct biodata, noting that inconsistencies may cause significant delays or complications during the admission process.
Key Advisory Notes
The examination body advised candidates to complete all necessary NIMC corrections—such as changes to name, date of birth, gender, or state of origin—long before registration and ensure such updates reflect correctly on the NIMC portal.
JAMB also stressed that phone numbers and email addresses serve as unique identifiers and must not be shared, reused, or altered during registration.
Candidates experiencing biometric capture issues are required to visit the nearest JAMB office, as CBT centres are not authorised to force biometric enrolment. The board added that dual screens must be used during registration and urged candidates to verify their passport photo and fingerprints before submission.
Common Challenges Highlighted
JAMB identified several recurring issues encountered during profile code generation:
“Error 550/66019” – Caused by wrongly formatted requests; candidates must follow the correct text format.
“Number Already Registered” – Occurs when a phone number is tied to another profile; candidates should recover the original SIM or use a new number.
“Unable to Verify NIN” – Candidates are advised to wait briefly and attempt again.
The sale of forms for the 2026 UTME is scheduled to run from Friday, January 31, 2026, to Saturday, March 8, 2026.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released its full registration framework for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), outlining a detailed process designed to prevent errors and help candidates successfully complete their registration. With registration set to run from Friday, January 31, 2026, to Saturday, March 8, 2026, candidates are strongly advised to understand every step before beginning.
This guide breaks down the complete procedure, important warnings, and common issues candidates may encounter, ensuring prospective applicants have everything they need to navigate the 2026 UTME registration smoothly.
STEP 1: Confirm the Accuracy of Your Personal Information
Before attempting to generate a JAMB profile code, candidates must ensure that their personal data with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is correct and up to date.
Once your details are confirmed, the next step is generating your JAMB profile code — the most critical part of the registration process. To generate your profile code, send your 11-digit NIN in the following format:
NIN 00000011111 Send to 55019 or 66019
Important notes:
This command must be typed correctly to avoid errors.
Once generated, your profile code cannot be changed.
Your biodata will automatically be retrieved from NIMC.
The phone number used to generate the code becomes your unique identifier for all JAMB activities.
If your SIM card is linked to another candidate, JAMB will notify you. In that case, retrieve the original SIM or use a fresh one.
STEP 3: Purchase Your JAMB E-PIN from Approved Channels
After successfully generating your profile code, the next step is to obtain your UTME E-PIN. JAMB warns candidates strictly to buy E-PINs only from authorised platforms.
Approved channels include:
Commercial banks
Accredited online payment platforms
JAMB offices
Approved vendors stationed at CBT centres
Avoid purchasing E-PINs from unapproved agents to prevent invalid codes or registration fraud.
STEP 4: Visit an Accredited JAMB CBT Centre for Registration
Once you have your E-PIN, proceed to any accredited JAMB CBT Centre or official JAMB office to complete the registration.
What to expect at the centre:
You will be presented with the official JAMB registration template.
Ensure that every detail filled in matches the information displayed on your dual screen during registration.
Verify your passport photograph, subjects, course selection, and institution choices before submission.
Your fingerprints and facial biometrics will be captured at the centre.
JAMB emphasises that no CBT centre is allowed to force biometric capturing. If your fingerprints fail to register, you must visit the nearest JAMB office for assistance.
STEP 5: Check and Recheck All Your Details Before Final Submission
JAMB urges candidates to thoroughly review all information before finalising the registration. The dual-screen setup at centres ensures that candidates can cross-check their biodata, subject combinations, photograph, and biometrics in real time.
Once submitted, correcting errors becomes difficult and sometimes impossible. JAMB warns that inaccurate data can lead to admission delays or complete disqualification.
STEP 6: Resolve All NIMC Issues Before Attempting Registration
Some of the most common challenges faced by candidates occur during the verification of NIN details. JAMB advises candidates to handle the following long before registration opens:
Wrong name arrangement
Incorrect date of birth
Gender mismatch
Unupdated data on NIMC portal
Changes must be done at NIMC and verified on the candidate’s mobile number before generating the profile code.
COMMON JAMB REGISTRATION ERRORS AND HOW TO FIX THEM
JAMB also identified several recurring issues that candidates often encounter during profile code generation:
1. “Error 55019/66019”
This occurs when the request is incorrectly formatted. Fix: Use the accurate command: NIN 00000011111 to 55019 or 66019.
2. “Number Already Registered”
This means the phone number is currently linked to another JAMB profile. Fix: Retrieve the linked SIM card or use a new phone number.
3. “Unable to Verify NIN”
This error often happens due to network delays between NIMC and JAMB. Fix: Wait for some time and retry.
Candidates should also ensure they use a functioning email address and personal phone number, as both cannot be changed or used by more than one candidate.
REGISTRATION SALE PERIOD FOR THE 2026 UTME
The form for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination will officially be available between:
Friday, January 31st, 2026 to Saturday, March 8th, 2026
Candidates are strongly advised to complete all NIMC corrections and prepare required documents ahead of time.
There’s something fascinating about watching an economy shift gears—especially one as large, unpredictable, and surprisingly adaptive as Nigeria’s. Q3 2025 didn’t deliver fireworks in every corner of the economy, but it did reveal a cluster of sectors moving with a kind of quiet confidence. You could say the numbers didn’t shout; they hummed. And for executives and business owners, that hum matters because it signals where real activity—and possibly future opportunity—is taking shape.
GDP growth may have moderated compared to the energetic pace of Q2, yet certain industries still sprinted ahead, shrugging off inflation, exchange-rate swings, and the general unpredictability that has become part of Nigeria’s macroeconomic DNA. What’s even more interesting is that these fast-growing sectors aren’t just numbers on a quarterly spreadsheet—they mirror demand patterns, investment impulses, and policy signals that shape long-term strategic decisions.
It’s almost amusing how road transport keeps showing up, quarter after quarter, like that colleague who never misses a meeting. Sure, the Q3 growth of 10.13% looks modest when compared to Q2’s loud 24.50%, but context matters.
Urban mobility kept expanding. Ride-hailing apps stayed busy. Logistics companies—especially those tied to FMCG and e-commerce—continued to move goods from warehouses to street corners to final customers. But fuel prices, rising transport costs, and the usual seasonal slump softened the momentum.
Even with the slowdown, 2025 has been a clearly positive year. And the reason is simple: Nigeria still runs on wheels. When the roads breathe, the economy breathes.
9. Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management & Remediation — 10.26%
Some sectors grow quietly. No drama. No turbulence. Just consistent performance. This one falls neatly into that category.
Q3’s 10.26% growth aligns with its steady path across Q1 and Q2. Private waste operators expanded routes. Urban water upgrades gained traction. State utilities continued slow but visible progress. And because these services are essential, demand doesn’t swing wildly like commodities or luxury retail.
Think of this sector like infrastructure in the background—you may not see it, but executives know nothing works without it.
8. Water Transport — 15.02%
If Q1 (3.46%) was sleepy and Q2 (27.90%) was dramatic, then Q3’s 15.02% looks like a sector settling into its stride.
Better port-linked logistics, revived inland waterway usage, and increased coastal freight have reshaped this space. For an economy where roads often take the spotlight, it’s refreshing to see water transport quietly maturing.
And honestly, if Nigeria is serious about logistics competitiveness, this sector’s performance is the kind of data point policymakers should frame on their walls.
7. Oil Refining — 19.42%
Oil refining is having what you might call its “comeback tour.” Q1 was good, Q2 was better, and Q3 delivered a strong 19.42%—its best in years.
The story here is largely operational: fewer shutdowns, better throughput, and a steady shift toward domestic sourcing. Executives watching the energy space know that refining stability has ripple effects—from forex savings to fuel supply confidence to industrial cost planning.
If this pace holds, refining might pull off one of the most meaningful multi-quarter rebounds in recent memory.
6. Financial Institutions — 19.46%
Banking didn’t surprise anyone by growing—but the magnitude still matters. Q3’s 19.46% marks its strongest point this year.
Higher interest rates kept margins healthy. Credit growth improved. Investment flows—both domestic and cross-border—kept the sector busy. And digitization? That wave hasn’t slowed down; if anything, it has become the new baseline.
Finance remains one of Nigeria’s most resilient engines, even when the wider environment looks shaky.
5. Insurance — 20.78%
Insurance might be the most interesting comeback story after mining.
From 7.08% in Q1 to 15.70% in Q2, and now 20.78% in Q3, the trajectory hints at a deeper shift: individuals and corporations are actually buying policies. Underwriting improved. Digital platforms broadened distribution. And risk awareness—especially among SMEs—has grown.
For a country where insurance penetration has been historically low, this year feels different. It’s early, but the momentum is real.
4. Rail Transport & Pipelines — 33.29%
You know that feeling when a system finally starts working the way it should? That’s rail and pipelines in 2025.
Even though Q3 slowed from Q2’s incredible 43.08%, the 33.29% growth remains impressive. Freight volumes improved, corridor connectivity got better, and pipeline operations remained more stable than usual.
Nigeria has always talked about rail; 2025 is one of the first years where the talk turned into measurable output.
3. Quarrying & Other Minerals — 39.49%
Let’s be honest: Q1’s –21.55% contraction was brutal. But Q2’s 45.86% rebound and Q3’s 39.49% growth tell a different story—one shaped by real demand.
Construction is booming again—public roads, housing estates, private industrial parks. When you see cranes dotting the skyline or new projects breaking ground, this is the sector doing the heavy lifting.
It’s a vivid reminder that Nigeria’s built environment is expanding, even if it doesn’t always make the front page.
2. Coal Mining — 57.96%
Coal mining hasn’t just recovered—it has exploded back into relevance.
After –22.28% in Q1, the 57.53% leap in Q2 looked extraordinary. Then Q3 matched it with 57.96%. A lot of this is fueled by industrial users turning back to domestic energy sources, power operators tweaking their supply mix, and better operational stability in mining communities.
Yes, the YoY base effect exaggerates the numbers, but the operational momentum is real. Distributed energy markets are shifting, and coal is—surprisingly—part of that conversation.
1. Metal Ores — 59.11%
And finally, the star of Q3: Metal Ores.
From a healthy 25.20% in Q1 to a painful –6.96% in Q2, and now a dramatic 59.11% in Q3, the volatility tells you everything about this industry. Export markets improved. Global metal demand—especially for manufacturing and clean-energy technologies—rose sharply. Domestic operations became more efficient. And investors, both local and foreign, renewed interest in the solid minerals space.
Part of the growth comes from a low base, but part of it is genuine competitiveness. You can sense that the sector is entering a new phase—less predictable, yes, but full of possibility.
So what does all this mean for businesses and decision-makers?
Three themes stand out:
Transport (road, rail, water) is quietly rebalancing—which has deep implications for logistics costs and supply chain strategy.
Mining and minerals are re-emerging as serious contributors to GDP, signaling opportunities in energy, exports, and industrial inputs.
Financial services and insurance remain bedrocks—not glamorous, but stable, consistent, and crucial to corporate planning.
And one more thought—perhaps the most important: Nigeria’s growth pockets don’t always move in a straight line. They zig. They zag. They rebound. They cool. But they reveal where momentum is building, and for any business leader, that’s the stuff strategy is made of.
The Society for Family Health has announced plans to support the enrolment of 1.9 million people living with HIV into Nigeria’s national health insurance scheme.
The organisation’s Managing Director, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, made this known in a statement released on Friday. He said the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen access to care for people living with HIV, tuberculosis, and family planning services under the National Health Insurance Authority.
Idogho said the next phase of implementation would focus on mapping insurance accredited health facilities that provide HIV, TB and family planning services. He added that the programme would also support the treatment of an estimated 500,000 tuberculosis cases each year under the insurance scheme.
According to him, SFH will help strengthen the supply of medicines and medical commodities and improve logistics for HIV, TB and family planning services within the insurance framework. He said the organisation will also support the National Health Insurance Authority in improving quality assurance systems to ensure compliance with national and global best practices.
He recalled that in March 2023, SFH and NHIA jointly held a multi stakeholder workshop to design service packages for HIV, TB and family planning services under health insurance. He said the meeting led to the creation of technical working groups to refine the framework.
By June 2023, SFH engaged an international health actuary to collect cost data from health facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He said the model built from this data was later validated by stakeholders and adopted by NHIA to revise the national basic minimum healthcare package.
Idogho said the services were also fully integrated into the updated Basic Health Care Provision Fund, now known as BHCPF 2.0, following reviews by the Ministerial Oversight Committee.
He said SFH has worked in Nigeria for over 40 years on HIV, TB, malaria and reproductive health, but declining donor funding made it necessary to push for sustainable domestic financing.
According to him, the organisation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NHIA in February 2023 to provide technical support for benefit design, actuarial analysis and resource mobilisation.
He added that SFH recently recognised the Director General of NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, for his leadership in expanding HIV, TB and family planning services under the insurance scheme.
Nigeria has one of the highest HIV burdens in the world, with between 1.8 million and 2 million people living with the virus. As foreign funding from programmes such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund declines, the Federal Government has increasingly shifted focus toward using health insurance to sustain critical public health services.
The revised National Health Insurance Act of 2022 made insurance mandatory and expanded the mandate of NHIA to cover essential health services, including HIV, TB and reproductive health.
Banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions saw their contribution to Nigeria’s economy fall by 15 per cent to N1.512 trillion in the third quarter of 2025.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the sector’s output declined for the second straight quarter after reaching N1.778 trillion in the first quarter of the year.
In the second quarter of 2025, the sector’s contribution fell by 7.1 per cent to N1.651 trillion. This was followed by a further 8.4 per cent decline in the third quarter, when it dropped to N1.512 trillion.
Despite the quarterly slowdown, the sector recorded growth on a year on year basis. Total contribution for the first nine months of 2025 stood at N4.94 trillion, up 16.8 per cent from N4.23 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.
The share of the finance and insurance sector in total Gross Domestic Product also increased. It rose to 3.0 per cent in the first nine months of 2025 from 2.7 per cent in the corresponding period of 2024.
Further analysis showed steady yearly growth across the three quarters. In the first quarter of 2025, the sector grew by 15 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Growth rose to 16.1 per cent in the second quarter and climbed further to 19.6 per cent in the third quarter compared with Q3 2024.
The figures highlight a sector that is growing compared to last year but struggling with short term declines in 2025.
The Federal Government has clarified that senior secondary school students are free to register any approved subjects for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, regardless of whether they are in science, arts, or commercial classes.
The clarification came after confusion and misinformation spread across social media and schools about the revised senior secondary school curriculum.
In a statement signed by Folashade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the government said there are no restrictions tied to subject selection.
According to the ministry, students are not locked into subjects based on their class stream. Science students can choose arts or social science subjects if they wish. Likewise, arts and commercial students can select science subjects. The ministry added that such choices should be made with proper guidance from school authorities, parents, or professional counsellors.
The government also addressed concerns about the subject formerly known as Information and Communication Technology. It confirmed that the subject has simply been renamed Digital Technology, with no change in content and no disadvantage to students.
On trade subjects, the ministry explained that six approved trade subjects exist under the curriculum. However, students can only register for these trades if their schools offer and teach them. Students who were never taught any trade subjects are not required to register one.
The clarification comes as registration for the 2026 WAEC examination continues across the country. WAEC has warned schools to be careful with subject entries ahead of the January deadline, noting that wrong subject combinations have led to withheld or invalid results in previous years.
Education officials said the curriculum is designed to be flexible and student focused, allowing learners to align subject choices with their future career plans.
The ministry urged the public to rely on official information, warning that misinformation remains common during examination periods.
Both Ends Believing (BEB), an international non-governmental organisation, has reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the Plateau State government and other organisations to strengthen child protection systems through technology, capacity building, and policy support.
Silas Gyang, Country Director of BEB, made this known while speaking at the Plateau State Data Review and Debrief meeting in Jos. He said, “Our work is centred on ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, loving family. We emphasise safe and loving because those two are not automatically the same. We want to ensure that the children we support are growing in environments that truly protect them.”
About a year ago, the Plateau State government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BEB and the Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) to create digital identities for children in orphanages across the state.
Gyang noted, “Plateau State was the first in the country to sign a memorandum with us. We entered Nigeria in November 2022, starting our work through the partnership with ASOHON. It has been a very meaningful partnership and has opened doors for more access to government support.”
He added that BEB now operates in almost all Nigerian states except Taraba, Kogi, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Sokoto. The organisation has covered 231 orphanages nationwide, documenting the information of 7,140 children, which averages 22 children per orphanage. Gyang also highlighted that the Children First Software is a web-based platform developed by BEB and provided to the government free of charge.
At the event, Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Caroline Dafur, represented by Rebecca Shaseet, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, emphasised the government’s commitment to advancing child protection and strengthening data systems. She said, “The Memorandum of Understanding is not just a document. It is a promise to ensure that every vulnerable child in Plateau State is seen, documented, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.”
Dafur commended BEB for providing technical support, computers, printers, and working alongside the state government to modernise the child protection system.
Sandra Chikan, National Northern Vice President of ASOHON, also spoke at the event. She said, “Data is one of the main keys to unlocking care systems and reforms for children. Without it, many of us may just be running around in circles. With accurate data, we can identify gaps, assess work done, and understand the potential to impact more lives for our children.”
The Senate has assured Nigerians that it is working with government agencies and stakeholders to deploy technology to tackle rising insecurity across the country.
Senator Shuaibu Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, spoke with reporters after the induction of new members and executives of the Abeokuta Sports Club 1904. He said the Senate is revising the National Cybercrime Law to address modern security challenges, including technology-driven offences.
Salisu, representing Ogun Central, said the Senate recently held consultations in the South West on insecurity and plans to extend them to all regions. He explained that the new cybersecurity law will replace the existing one to account for new technologies, artificial intelligence, and global cybercrime conventions.
He said technology is now involved in almost every type of crime, including phone fraud. To combat this, the Senate is focusing on broadband coverage and rural telephony to ensure no part of the country is left unconnected. Salisu also highlighted the role of the Universal Service Provision Fund in bridging gaps in telecom infrastructure. Strengthening digital identity will allow security agencies to trace criminal activity more effectively.
The senator also encouraged organisations like the Abeokuta Sports Club to participate in civic education and leadership development, helping policymakers improve public policy.
Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele urged the new club leadership to focus on progress, harmony, and sustainable impact, while the newly elected President, Alhaji Taoheed Awodele, pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, and commitment to excellence in sports, community engagement, and legacy building.
The introduction of new products helped to boost customer demand in November, leading to further expansions of new orders and business activity in the Nigerian private sector. Meanwhile, the recent trend of easing inflationary pressures continued. Input costs increased at the slowest pace in almost five years, while output prices rose to the least extent since April 2020.
The headline figure derived from the survey is the Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI®). Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.
The headline PMI remained comfortably above the 50.0 no- change mark in November and has now signalled improving business conditions on a monthly basis throughout the past year. At 53.6, the latest reading signalled a solid strengthening in the health of the private sector, and one that was only slightly less pronounced than seen in October (54.0).
In line with the headline PMI, output growth eased slightly in November but remained marked overall. Expansions were signalled across all four broad sectors covered by the survey.
Panellists linked output growth to higher sales, the securing of more customers and the launch of new products, which also helped to boost new business. New orders increased for the thirteenth month running, and at a sharp pace that was the fastest in three months.
Companies were helped by an easing of inflationary pressures, continuing the trend seen through much of 2025. The rate of overall input cost inflation remained sharp, but eased to the lowest in almost five years amid weaker increases in both purchase prices and staff costs.
In turn, the pace of output price inflation eased for the sixth time in the past seven months and was the weakest since April 2020.
Companies increased both their staffing levels and purchasing activity in November, albeit to varying degrees. While employment growth slowed and was only marginal, the rate of expansion in input buying hit a seven-month high.
Muyiwa Oni, Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank commented: “Nigeria’s headline PMI remained in the expansionary territory in November but moderated when compared to October. Nonetheless, the strong output continues to reflect easing inflationary pressures which is helping to support higher sales for businesses who are now launching new products and securing more customers. Hence, new orders rose to a three-month high of 56.9 points from 56.3 points in October. More positively, new orders have now increased in each of the past 13 months. Consequently, output increased across all four broad sectors (Agriculture, Manufacturing, Wholesale & retail, and Services) covered by the survey, led by Manufacturing and Services.
The sharp rise in purchasing helped inventories to increase at the fastest pace since June 2023 as companies stockpiled in response to higher new orders and prepared for future customer requirements.
Despite expanded capacity, backlogs of work increased for the first time in four months amid delayed payments by customers.
Suppliers’ delivery times, on the other hand, continued to shorten, with vendor performance improving for the fifth month running in November.
Business confidence continued to trend downwards midway through the final quarter, easing for the fifth month running to the lowest since May. Those respondents with an optimistic outlook for output over the coming year linked this to business investment and expansion plans.
Verve, Africa’s leading payments card brand and a proudly African card scheme powered by the Interswitch Group, has announced a landmark industry achievement, surpassing 100 million Verve cards issued across the continent.
At a media briefing in Lagos, Chidi Oluaoha, Divisional Head, Growth Marketing (Paytoken and MVNO), Group Marketing and Corporate Communications at Interswitch, delivered a keynote address on behalf of Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group.
Eromosele described the milestone as “a powerful symbol of growth, resilience, and the evolving needs of millions of Africans who rely on Verve every day”.
“What began as a simple idea, one card designed to empower everyday life, has grown into 100 million stories, 100 million touchpoints, and 100 million reasons to deepen our commitment to delivering secure, seamless, and meaningful payment experiences across Africa,” she said.
She emphasized that this accomplishment underscores Verve’s deep consumer insight, continuous innovation, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Whether through enhanced security features, improved user experience, or expanded acceptance channels, Verve’s evolution has consistently been inspired by the needs and aspirations of its users.
Today, Verve’s acceptance footprint stretches across Africa and reaches global markets through strategic partnerships with leading brands including Google, Netflix, Spotify, AliExpress, Temu, Flywire, YouTube Premium, and others, unlocking broader access to lifestyle, entertainment, commerce, and mobility solutions for millions of cardholders.
Eromosele further noted that the milestone is shared with the broader ecosystem; banks, processors, merchants, regulators, and partners, whose collaboration has fuelled Verve’s remarkable growth. Most importantly, she celebrated the millions of individuals who carry Verve cards in their wallets and mobile devices, acknowledging that their trust and loyalty continue to inspire the brand’s progress.
With the 100-million-card mark now crossed, Verve is poised to accelerate its expansion efforts, elevate customer experiences, and strengthen its global acceptance network. Through impactful initiatives such as Verve GoodLife Activations, the brand remains committed to shaping the future of digital payments and empowering people across Africa to truly enjoy the good life.
OpenAI is preparing to release GPT-5.2 next week after CEO Sam Altman reportedly declared a “code red” in response to growing pressure from Google and Anthropic.
According to sources familiar with the plan, GPT-5.2 is fully ready and could be announced as early as December 9. The update is expected to close the performance gap opened by Google’s recent Gemini 3 launch, which topped several AI benchmarks and drew praise from Altman and xAI chief Elon Musk.
The Information earlier reported that OpenAI’s upcoming reasoning model is already outperforming Gemini 3 in internal tests, based on comments from Altman.
Sources say OpenAI originally intended to release GPT-5.2 later in December. However, the strong competition from Google accelerated the timeline, prompting the company to push the update forward.
The release date could still shift, as OpenAI is known to adjust launch plans in response to technical issues, server load, or competitor announcements. Even so, GPT-5.2 is expected to arrive very soon.
Beyond the model update, users should expect a stronger and more reliable ChatGPT in the coming months. Altman has ordered the entire company to focus on speed, stability, and improved customization, marking a shift away from attention-grabbing feature releases.
GPT-5.2 is only the first step in this renewed push.
Kwara State has officially kicked off its smart city project with the handover of the construction site for the multistorey Senate building of the Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED). The site transfer took place on Thursday, according to a statement by Kunle Gbadeyan, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The university will be located in the First District of the Kwara Smart City in Alalubosa, Ilorin East. The district will also house other major public and private infrastructure as part of the state’s long-term urban development plan.
Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr Segun Ogunsola, said the smart city will consist of 20 districts. He explained that 30 kilometres of the planned 120 kilometres of roads in the first three districts have already been cleared to support the early stages of the project.
While handing over the site to the contractor, MC and T Nigeria Ltd, Ogunsola said the government expects a quality project that will deliver a modern and functional campus for the state.
He described the development as a historic step driven by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to expanding education and infrastructure. According to him, the smart city will feature residential areas, commercial zones, education and enterprise hubs, health facilities, recreational spaces, and a connected transport system.
Ogunsola added that the governor has also secured 250 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and another 100 units under the Renewed Hope Housing programme.
Several officials attended the ceremony, including the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Saadatu Modibbo Kawu; Permanent Secretary of the Housing Ministry, Alhaja Risikat AbdulAzeez; the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye; Vice-Chancellor of KWASUED, Prof Medinat Salman; and the Baale of Alalubosa, Alhaji Sakariyau Sonibare.
Modibbo and Ajakaye praised the governor’s vision, saying the project shows his commitment to education and sustainable development. They described the smart city plan as a blueprint for how Kwara should grow in the coming decades.
Baale Sonibare thanked the governor for locating the university in the community, expressing optimism that the project will drive growth and development in the area.
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate says it has paid more than N1 trillion in monthly pensions to retirees under the Federal Government’s Defined Benefit Scheme since taking over pension management in 2015.
The Director of Corporate Services at PTAD, Kabiru Yusuf, revealed the figure in Abuja on Thursday during a training workshop for pension reporters and online editors. He said PTAD had paid about N1.002 trillion to an average of 212,385 pensioners from 2015 to October 2025. He added that the achievement reflects PTAD’s mission to restore order, integrity and dignity to the old pension system.
Yusuf explained that PTAD operates on the core principle of paying the correct pension to the correct pensioner at the correct time. He reminded the journalists that PTAD was created under the Pension Reform Act 2014 to take over pension administration for Federal Government workers who remained under the Defined Benefit Scheme after others moved to the Contributory Pension Scheme.
PTAD is responsible for the pensions of police retirees, Customs, Immigration and Correctional Service pensioners, civil service retirees and pensioners from treasury-funded parastatals. The Directorate operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance and is regulated by the National Pension Commission. It also works with the Office of the Accountant General, the Auditor General, the Budget Office and oversight committees of the National Assembly.
Yusuf said pension administration before PTAD was plagued by weak controls, poor funding, ghost beneficiaries and long-standing complaints. He noted that these failures caused financial losses and left many pensioners and families without their entitlements for decades. When PTAD took over, it inherited about 55,000 unresolved cases. These included more than 30,000 eligible pensioners who were not on the payroll and more than 10,000 unpaid death benefits.
He said this breakdown in the old system led to the pension reforms of 2004 and the strengthened Pension Reform Act of 2014, which created PTAD. He added that the Directorate built its operations on technology to avoid the mistakes of the past. These upgrades include a digitised pensioners database, mobile verification for aged or ill retirees, automated computation tools, a modern payroll manager and a complaints portal with a call centre.
PTAD also inherited about N304 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. Yusuf said the figure has been reduced to about N103.5 billion as of September 2025 due to steady funding support from successive governments. He highlighted several presidential approvals secured by PTAD, including health insurance coverage for all DBS retirees and a harmonisation policy that places eligible pensioners on the latest salary structure for their cadre.
He said the government also approved N45 billion in emergency funding to implement three pension increases of N32,000, 10.66 percent and 12.95 percent. In addition, President Tinubu approved the payment of N28.4 billion owed to NITEL and MTEL pensioners and N39.2 billion owed to parastatal pensioners for arrears covering August 2015 to July 2023.
Yusuf acknowledged that some challenges still remain. These include the lack of a legal provision making pension payments a first-line charge and the absence of a clear framework for reviewing pensions every five years as required by the constitution. He said the addition of ex-workers from 14 defunct or privatised agencies has also changed the expectation that the DBS population would shrink with time.
Despite these challenges, he said PTAD remains committed to running a pension system based on fairness, legality and compassion. He added that the goal is a system driven by innovation and empathy where retirees are treated with dignity.
Earlier at the event, the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Tolulope Odunaiya, represented by Yusuf, said the training was organised to help pension reporters better understand PTAD’s mandate and operations. She thanked the media for consistent and accurate coverage and said the Directorate relies on journalists to help clarify issues, correct misinformation and support the welfare of pensioners.
The Senate has passed the Nigeria Police Force Pension Board Bill, a major step toward improving the welfare of police officers by removing the Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme. The bill will create a fully independent board responsible for managing pensions, gratuities and other retirement benefits for all police personnel.
BizWatch had earlier reported that the bill was gaining strong support from serving and retired officers who wanted the Police to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme due to delays and complaints about poor benefits under the current system.
The legislation, which came from the House of Representatives for concurrence, scaled third reading on Wednesday after the Senate considered it clause by clause. With this passage, the Police will join other security agencies such as the Military and Intelligence Services, which run their own pension systems under a Defined Benefit Scheme.
The bill seeks to achieve two key goals. The first is the establishment of an independent Police Pension Board that will take full control of pension administration for all NPF personnel. The second is the formal exemption of the Police from the Contributory Pension Scheme by amending sections of the Pension Reform Act of 2014.
The new pension structure is expected to boost morale among serving officers by giving them clearer, more reliable retirement benefits. It will also address the financial difficulties many police retirees have faced under the existing arrangement.
With the bill now passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, it is ready to be forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
Tension is rising in the aviation industry after senior members of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) accused some stakeholders of trying to place the union under the control of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
In an open letter shared across the sector on Friday, the workers alleged that there are strong moves to ensure that the next ATSSSAN president comes from FAAN.
They described the move as suspicious because FAAN already leads two other major aviation unions. The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) are currently headed by officials from FAAN.
The workers warned that giving FAAN control of a third union would create what they called a dangerous monopoly. They added that it would silence the voices of workers from other agencies.
The letter was signed by Comrade Aderemi Adeerinkomi, Chairman of the NCAA ATSSSAN branch, Comrade Ekip Eso, PRO of the NAMA branch, and Comrade Henry Okon, Secretary of the NAHCO Plc branch.
According to them, ATSSSAN is a national union that represents senior staff from all aviation agencies. These include NAMA, NCAA, FAAN, airlines, and service companies. They said the union was never created to serve the interests of only one agency.
The group stated that allowing one agency to dominate the union would damage fair representation, weaken bargaining power, and reduce trust among aviation workers.
They also questioned why FAAN should lead the union again, asking whether the agency contributes more money to the union or faces more labour problems than others.
The workers called on all aviation staff to reject any attempt to give FAAN full control of labour leadership. They insisted that the coming ATSSSAN elections must be transparent and open to all agencies.
They noted that the issue is not a fight against FAAN, but a fight against a pattern that could harm the future of labour unions in the aviation sector.
ATSSSAN elections are scheduled to hold on December 10 in Jos, Plateau State.
Nigeria’s latest Treasury Bills Primary Market Auction produced a notable reshaping of the yield landscape, with investors witnessing a mixed performance across short- and mid-term maturities. While the 91-day bill held steady at 15.30% (True Yield: 15.92%) and the 182-day paper remained anchored around 15.50% (True Yield: 16.81%), the long-term segment recorded a sudden jump that captured market attention.
The 364-day tenor climbed sharply to 17.50%, translating to a True Yield of 21.21%—a move that thrusts the one-year bill past the 20% mark and cements its position as one of the most attractive risk-free fixed-income options currently available.
The significant repricing of the long-dated bill reflects a renewed appetite among investors seeking returns that outpace inflation, as well as a preference for locking in elevated yields ahead of expected liquidity tightening toward year-end. With returns now at some of their highest levels in years, the environment presents a timely opportunity for portfolio managers to capture premium yields before interest rates potentially stabilise in early 2026.
Market participants are reminded to account for the statutory 10% Withholding Tax (WHT) on interest income when evaluating net returns relative to competing investment classes. Even with tax considerations, the 1-year paper continues to stand out within the risk-free asset category, reinforcing expectations that Treasury bill subscriptions will remain strong in the near term.
The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) is pleased to announce its 2025 Annual Workshop, themed “Empowering Host Communities through Strategic Partnerships.” The event will take place on December 10, 2025, at Rockview Hotel Apapa, Lagos.
This year’s workshop brings together esteemed guests, industry experts, and maritime stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for enhancing the capacity of host communities and promoting sustainable development in the maritime sector.
The Royal Father of the event, Oba Oyekunle Amodu Tijani Oluwa, the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, Lagos, will grace the occasion, setting the tone for a productive and insightful discussion.
The Keynote Speaker, Hon. Dr. Kalejaiye A. Paul, will deliver a thought-provoking presentation on the importance of strategic partnerships in empowering host communities. Dr. Eugene Nweke, Guest Speaker, will share his expertise on best practices for fostering collaborative relationships between industry stakeholders and host communities.
Special Chief Guests of Honour include Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly; Special Chief Hosts Hon. Sabur Oluwa, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Lookmon Olumoh, Lagos State House of Assembly; and Chief Host Hon. Olalekan Olu Akindipe, Executive Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government.
Other distinguished guests include Dr. Azeez Mustapha, Metu Augustine Ejike Esq, Chief Amb. (Dr.) Afam Chukwuma, Nze Chidiogo Okpara, etc.
The workshop promises to be a significant platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration, and is expected to attract a diverse range of participants from the maritime industry, government agencies, and host communities.
The Federal Government has released N4.7 billion as the first tranche of stipends to trainees and accredited centres under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills development programme.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the development on Thursday via his official X handle, marking a significant milestone in the nationwide rollout of the initiative, which commenced in May. The programme forms part of the government’s drive to expand youth skills training, reduce unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s technical workforce.
‘A major milestone’ — Education Minister
Dr Alausa said the disbursement represents the first round of direct financial support to thousands of beneficiaries under the Federal Ministry of Education’s TVET scheme. According to him, over 42,000 fully registered trainees and more than 600 independent training centres have now received payments.
“We have begun the first round of direct payments to trainees and training centres across the country,” he said.
“Over 42,000 fully registered students have now received their monthly N22,500 stipend for upkeep and transportation. More than 600 independent training centres have also been paid for the skills training they provide, ensuring quality and continuity.”
The Minister noted that the initial disbursement is only the beginning of a broader rollout and demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through practical, job-creating skills.
He added that the initiative aligns with the President’s directive for immediate implementation of skills-based empowerment programmes, saying the scheme has rapidly progressed from registration to hands-on training.
Ahead of the rollout, the Federal Ministry of Education invited vocational training centres, enterprise institutions and master-craft practitioners to apply for accreditation to enable them to receive government funding for candidate training under the TVET programme.
Accreditation requirements included registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), use of an NSQ-based curriculum, adequate workshop and practical facilities, a minimum instructor-to-student ratio, and the presence of qualified assessors and quality-assurance officers.
The structure of the programme provides that 80 per cent of the curriculum focuses on practical, hands-on learning while 20 per cent covers classroom-based theory. Within one week of the TVET portal going live, more than 90,000 applications were recorded.
Participation in the entrance examination rose significantly, climbing from 7,547 candidates in 2024 to 30,000 in 2025—an increase of nearly 300 per cent.
As part of the programme’s evolution, the Ministry also introduced an artisan-led mentorship model across 38 upgraded technical colleges, allowing experienced craftsmen and artisans to guide trainees through real-world skills acquisition.
