FAAC allocated ₦2.428 trillion in September 2026 revenue to the Federal Government, 36 states and 774 local government councils.
The distributable amount comprised ₦1.672 trillion in statutory revenue and ₦756.587 billion from Value Added Tax.
Gross revenue available for distribution stood at ₦3.913 trillion, with deductions, transfers, refunds and savings accounting for substantial amounts.
Statutory revenue increased by ₦246.384 billion from August, while gross VAT revenue declined by ₦17.972 billion.
MAIN STORY
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared ₦2.428 trillion in September 2026 revenue among the Federal Government, the 36 state governments and the 774 local government councils in Nigeria.
The Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), Bawa Mokwa, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, saying the allocation was approved at FAAC’s October meeting.
The distributable revenue comprised ₦1.672 trillion in statutory revenue and ₦756.587 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT).
According to the statement, total gross revenue of ₦3.913 trillion was available for distribution in September. This was reduced by ₦131.758 billion in collection costs, while transfers, refunds and savings amounted to ₦1.352 trillion.
Gross statutory revenue stood at ₦3.096 trillion, representing an increase of ₦246.384 billion from the ₦2.850 trillion recorded in August 2026.
Mokwa said gross VAT revenue, however, declined to ₦816.872 billion in September from ₦834.843 billion in August, a decrease of ₦17.972 billion.
Of the total distributable revenue of ₦2.428 trillion, the Federal Government received ₦832.242 billion, while the state governments received ₦799.872 billion. The local government councils were allocated ₦560.660 billion, and ₦236.049 billion was shared among eligible states as derivation revenue, representing 13 per cent of mineral revenue.
A breakdown of the statutory revenue allocation showed that the Federal Government received ₦756.583 billion, while the state governments received ₦383.749 billion. The local government councils received ₦295.855 billion, with the benefiting states receiving ₦236.049 billion as derivation revenue.
From the ₦756.587 billion distributable VAT revenue, the Federal Government received ₦75.659 billion, the state governments received ₦416.123 billion, and the local government councils received ₦264.805 billion.
The revenue performance varied across tax and oil-related sources during the month. Mokwa said Petroleum Profit Tax, Hydrocarbon Tax, petroleum royalties, import duty, Common External Tariff levies and excise duty recorded significant increases.
In contrast, Companies Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duties Tax, VAT, mineral royalties, gas-flaring penalties, rental gas-flaring fees and miscellaneous oil revenue declined considerably.
THE ISSUES
The September allocation highlights the importance of statutory revenue and VAT to the funding available to Nigeria’s three tiers of government. The increase in gross statutory revenue provided a boost to the month’s receipts, while the decline in gross VAT revenue indicated weaker collections from that source compared with August.
The allocations provide funds for government operations and public services at federal, state and local levels. However, the amount available to each tier is also affected by statutory sharing arrangements, derivation payments and deductions made before distribution.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
“This was higher than the sum of N2.850 trillion received in the preceeding month by N246.384 billion.” – Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations, OAGF
“Also, Companies Income Tax (CIT), CGT & SDT, Value Added Tax (VTA), Mineral Royalties, and Gas Flared Penalty, Rental Gas Flared Fee and Misc. Oil Revenue decreased considerably. – ”Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations, OAGF
WHAT’S NEXT
The next FAAC meeting will provide an update on revenue available for distribution and how collections from statutory sources, VAT and other revenue streams compare with the September figures.
BOTTOM LINE
FAAC distributed ₦2.428 trillion in September revenue among the Federal Government, state governments and local councils. While gross statutory revenue increased from August, gross VAT revenue declined, reflecting mixed performance across major revenue sources.
ANALYSIS: Non-Oil Revenue Surpasses Oil Income By N52.86bn in 2020
KEY POINTS
The Federal Government is seeking private investment in livestock processing, leather manufacturing and fodder production to expand non-oil exports and create jobs.
Livestock Minister Idi Maiha said an abattoir processing about 500 cattle daily could support an estimated 10,000 direct jobs, depending on its operating model.
NACCIMA reported that Nigeria’s non-oil exports reached $6.1 billion in 2025, up from $5.46 billion in 2024.
NIRSAL said Nigeria had fewer than one tractor per 1,000 hectares of arable land, highlighting the need for agricultural mechanisation and financing.
MAIN STORY
The Federal Government is seeking greater private-sector investment in livestock processing, leather manufacturing and fodder production to strengthen domestic industries, create jobs and increase Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the AGROMEQA Expo 2026, themed “Technology and Investment for Agro-Expo”. Organised by the Agricultural Trade Group of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in collaboration with JMT Plus Farms and Agro-Allied, the expo aimed to promote mechanisation, innovation and export development.
Maiha said Nigeria’s large domestic market offered opportunities for livestock businesses to expand production and meet growing demand. However, he stressed that the sector needed stronger animal identification, disease surveillance, laboratory testing and traceability systems to improve product safety and meet international export standards.
Citing Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania as examples, the minister said investment and effective organisation had helped African countries make progress in dairy and red meat production. He also identified leather manufacturing as an opportunity for Nigeria, which supplies leather to European and Asian markets.
According to Maiha, an earlier assessment valued the industry’s potential at more than $1 billion. He urged investors to move beyond semi-processed leather into finished products such as footwear, bags and upholstery, supported by improved hide preservation, modern tanning equipment and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Fodder production was another area he identified for investment, noting that it could generate employment while supporting livestock production. Maiha said investments in fodder, meat processing and leather manufacturing could reinforce one another across the value chain. He added that an abattoir processing about 500 cattle daily could support an estimated 10,000 direct jobs, depending on its operating model.
“Livestock investment can improve food security, conserve foreign exchange, expand non-oil exports and create opportunities for women and young people.
“Also, investors should provide capital, technology and expertise,” he said.
Maiha reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening animal health, setting standards and improving the investment climate. He also pledged to work with industry stakeholders to develop the livestock sector.
The expo’s organisers linked agricultural investment to both economic development and community security. Dr Olasetemi Thompson, ACCI vice-president for agriculture and livestock and chairman of JMT Plus Group of Companies, said the initiative could encourage more productive use of farmland and reduce communities’ vulnerability to criminal activities by creating economic opportunities.
“The initiative is the maiden edition of the programme and has been designed to become an annual event,” Thompson said.
The discussion also extended beyond livestock to the wider agricultural value chain, particularly mechanisation, processing and export infrastructure. Dr Jani Ibrahim, president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), called for increased private-sector investment in these areas to raise productivity, strengthen non-oil exports and create employment.
Ibrahim said Nigeria’s non-oil exports reached a record $6.1 billion in 2025, compared with $5.46 billion in 2024, citing figures from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. Agricultural commodities contributed significantly to export earnings, with cocoa beans generating about $1.99 billion, cashew nuts $456.9 million and sesame seeds $300.3 million.
He said investment in tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems and precision agriculture could improve farm productivity. Machinery leasing, he added, could make modern equipment more accessible to smallholder farmers who may be unable to purchase expensive machinery outright.
Ibrahim also identified inadequate storage, processing and transportation infrastructure as major constraints, calling for investment in drying facilities, cold rooms, warehouses and food-processing plants to reduce post-harvest losses.
He urged banks, investors and development finance institutions to expand equipment leasing, warehouse-receipt financing and other funding arrangements suited to farmers and agribusinesses. He also stressed the need for investment in quality assurance, certification, traceability technology and logistics to help Nigerian exporters meet international standards, reduce product rejections and secure long-term supply contracts.
The need to close the mechanisation gap was reinforced by Ewaen Imohe, executive director of operations at the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), who said Nigeria had fewer than one tractor per 1,000 hectares of arable land.
Imohe called for appropriate financing and improved agricultural productivity, arguing that clustering farmers into cooperatives could strengthen their access to mechanisation, irrigation and finance. He added that NIRSAL’s Land Bank Initiative had mapped more than 100,000 hectares for commercial agricultural production.
He urged stakeholders to develop innovative financing models and digital platforms to improve equipment utilisation, reduce costs and strengthen agricultural exports, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The discussions at the expo highlighted the links between agricultural production, processing capacity, financing and export readiness. While Nigeria has opportunities to increase earnings from livestock and agricultural commodities, participants stressed that turning these opportunities into sustainable growth would require investment in technology, infrastructure, skills and systems that allow producers to meet market requirements.
THE ISSUES
Nigeria’s agricultural export ambitions depend not only on producing more commodities but also on processing them locally, maintaining consistent quality and meeting international standards.
In livestock, better animal health monitoring and traceability systems are necessary to improve product safety and support access to export markets. In leather manufacturing, moving from semi-processed hides to finished goods could allow more value to be retained within the domestic economy.
Mechanisation and inadequate infrastructure remain broader constraints. Limited access to machinery, storage, processing facilities and suitable financing can reduce productivity and increase post-harvest losses. Investment in these areas could help farmers and agribusinesses raise output and improve their ability to supply domestic and international markets.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
“Livestock investment can improve food security, conserve foreign exchange, expand non-oil exports and create opportunities for women and young people.” – Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development
WHAT’S NEXT
The Ministry of Livestock Development has pledged to work with industry stakeholders to strengthen animal health, standards and the investment environment. Investors, financial institutions and agricultural organisations have also been urged to expand financing for mechanisation, processing, storage and export infrastructure.
The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on whether investment commitments translate into improved production capacity, lower post-harvest losses, more local processing and stronger access to export markets.
BOTTOM LINE
The Federal Government is seeking private capital and technology to develop Nigeria’s livestock and wider agricultural value chains. Investment in processing, leather manufacturing, fodder, mechanisation and export infrastructure could create jobs and increase non-oil earnings, but progress will depend on addressing financing, productivity and quality-control constraints.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 14.63 per cent in September 2026 from 15.39 per cent in August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Year-on-year inflation fell from 20.98 per cent in September 2025, while food inflation eased to 19.59 per cent.
Core inflation dropped to 12.95 per cent year-on-year, but increased on a month-on-month basis.
Imo recorded the highest year-on-year headline inflation at 30.04 per cent, while Taraba had the lowest at 1.78 per cent.
MAIN STORY
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 14.63 per cent in September 2026 from 15.39 per cent in August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), indicating a slower annual increase in consumer prices.
The NBS disclosed this in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report for September, released in Abuja on Thursday. The latest figure represents a decline of 6.35 percentage points from the 20.98 per cent recorded in September 2025.
On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation slowed to 0.06 per cent in September from 0.71 per cent in August. The bureau said this meant the average price level increased at a slower rate during the month than in the preceding month.
The CPI, which measures changes in the prices of goods and services consumed by households, rose slightly to 146.38 in September from 146.30 in August, an increase of 0.08 index points.
Food inflation also eased on a year-on-year basis, falling to 19.59 per cent in September from 20.16 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation stood at -1.55 per cent, compared with 1.02 per cent in August, indicating a decline in average food prices relative to the previous month.
Despite the overall moderation, the NBS identified several food items whose price movements contributed to inflation. These included cornflour, maize, white flour, local rice, eggs, onions, palm oil, green beans, Irish potatoes, fresh tomatoes and plantain.
Core inflation, which excludes farm produce and energy, stood at 12.95 per cent year-on-year in September, down from 22.11 per cent in September 2025. However, on a month-on-month basis, core inflation rose to 1.11 per cent from -0.06 per cent in August, indicating renewed monthly price increases in the category.
The report also showed differences between urban and rural inflation. Urban inflation stood at 15.64 per cent year-on-year in September, while rural inflation was 12.46 per cent.
On a month-on-month basis, urban inflation was 0.53 per cent, while rural inflation declined by 0.89 per cent. The figures indicate that average price movements differed between urban and rural areas during the month.
State-level data showed that Imo recorded the highest year-on-year headline inflation at 30.04 per cent, followed by Enugu at 22.38 per cent and Niger at 22.05 per cent. Taraba recorded the lowest rate at 1.78 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 2.89 per cent and Adamawa at 3.66 per cent.
On a month-on-month basis, Imo also recorded the highest headline inflation at 8.64 per cent, followed by Kaduna at 4.46 per cent and Sokoto at 3.01 per cent. Adamawa recorded the largest decline at -6.10 per cent, followed by Bauchi at -5.31 per cent and Kano at -4.49 per cent.
Food inflation varied considerably across states. Lagos recorded the highest year-on-year food inflation at 34.40 per cent, followed by Imo at 33.79 per cent and Ondo at 31.49 per cent. Taraba recorded a year-on-year decline of 7.47 per cent, while Yobe recorded a decline of 0.37 per cent. Borno recorded food inflation of 2.18 per cent.
On a month-on-month basis, food inflation was highest in Imo at 5.15 per cent, followed by Ondo at 4.46 per cent and Oyo at 3.82 per cent. Adamawa recorded the steepest decline at 13.84 per cent, followed by Kano at 11.01 per cent and Bauchi at 10.21 per cent.
The September figures show that annual inflation continued to moderate, while monthly price movements remained uneven across categories and states. The decline in food inflation on a monthly basis points to lower average food prices nationally during the period, although the state-level figures show that some areas continued to experience increases.
THE ISSUES
The fall in headline inflation means consumer prices increased more slowly over the 12 months to September than they did over the corresponding period a year earlier. It does not mean that prices have returned to previous levels or that the cost of living has fallen across the board.
The decline in month-on-month food inflation suggests that average food prices fell relative to August, but individual products and locations experienced different price movements. The increase in monthly core inflation also indicates that price pressures persisted in some categories outside farm produce and energy.
The wide differences between states highlight how inflation can vary significantly by location, affecting household purchasing power and business operating costs differently across the country.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
“This means that in September, the rate of increase in the average price level was lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in August.” – National Bureau of Statistics, September 2026 CPI and Inflation Report
“The CPI increased to 146,38 in September, and reflected a 0.08 -point increase from the 146.30 recorded in August.” – National Bureau of Statistics, September 2026 CPI and Inflation Report
“This shows a decline of 9.16 per cent when compared to the 22.11 per cent recorded in September 2025.” – National Bureau of Statistics, September 2026 CPI and Inflation Report
WHAT’S NEXT
The next inflation reports will show whether the decline in annual inflation continues and whether monthly price movements become more stable across food and non-food categories. Changes in food prices and regional inflation will remain important indicators of the pressure on household budgets.
BOTTOM LINE
Nigeria’s headline inflation eased to 14.63 per cent in September, while annual food and core inflation also declined. However, the rise in monthly core inflation and sharp differences between states show that price pressures remain uneven despite the overall moderation.
The IMF has backed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy adjustment, saying declining inflation has created room for a measured change while policy remains restrictive.
The Fund projects Nigeria’s economy to grow by 4.2 per cent in 2026, up from 4.0 per cent in 2025, with growth expected to reach 4.3 per cent in 2027.
Higher oil prices, increased foreign exchange receipts and rising external reserves have supported improvements in Nigeria’s macroeconomic conditions.
The IMF urged the Federal Government to boost non-oil revenue, improve the business environment and direct fuel subsidy savings towards vulnerable households.
MAIN STORY
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has backed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) monetary policy adjustment, describing it as appropriate amid declining inflation while stressing that the overall policy stance remains restrictive.
The Director of the IMF’s African Department, Zeine Zeidane, stated this at the department’s news briefing during the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. He said Nigeria had made significant progress in reducing inflation, creating room for the CBN to adjust its policy without moving towards an accommodative stance.
According to Zeidane, the adjustment would lower the real interest rate, but it did not amount to monetary easing because the overall policy position remained tight. His comments suggest that the Fund views the change as a recalibration of monetary policy rather than a shift towards stimulating economic activity through looser financial conditions.
Beyond monetary policy, Zeidane highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s macroeconomic conditions, supported by higher oil prices, increased foreign exchange receipts and rising external reserves. These developments have strengthened the country’s external position and helped improve foreign exchange availability.
However, he said the government needed to increase non-oil revenue to create more fiscal space for critical sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure. Greater revenue mobilisation would give the government more capacity to fund public services and development priorities without relying excessively on volatile oil earnings.
Zeidane also identified Nigeria’s large domestic market, young entrepreneurs and technology-savvy population as significant investment opportunities, provided the country addressed structural constraints that limit business growth.
He stressed the importance of reforms in governance, the business environment and economic integration to accelerate economic growth and create jobs. Improving these areas, he said, would help Nigeria translate its macroeconomic progress into stronger private investment and broader economic opportunities.
The IMF official also addressed energy subsidies, urging the government to direct savings from subsidy reforms towards vulnerable households rather than maintaining broad-based support.
He argued that energy subsidies often disproportionately benefit wealthier segments of society, reducing the resources available to people who need assistance most. He therefore advocated a gradual phase-out of subsidies alongside measures to ensure that the resulting savings reach vulnerable households.
The IMF’s assessment of Nigeria’s economic outlook was reinforced by the Deputy Director of its African Department, Montfort Mlachila, who said improved external conditions had strengthened the country’s growth prospects.
Mlachila attributed part of the improvement to higher oil prices, which had increased foreign exchange receipts and reserves, contributing to better liquidity in the economy.
The IMF projects Nigeria’s economy to grow by 4.2 per cent in 2026, compared with 4.0 per cent in 2025, with growth expected to accelerate to 4.3 per cent in 2027. Mlachila said favourable external conditions had contributed to the outlook, while the services sector remained the main driver of economic activity.
He also noted that declining inflation since 2025 had improved Nigeria’s macroeconomic conditions and foreign exchange availability. However, he cautioned that sustaining stronger growth would require deeper structural reforms, improved domestic revenue mobilisation and a better business environment capable of attracting private investment.
The IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook similarly highlighted the role of policy reforms in improving economic conditions across the region. The report said foreign exchange market reforms and fuel subsidy reductions in Nigeria and Ethiopia had supported greater macroeconomic stability.
It added that improvements in fiscal revenue and monetary policy frameworks had created a clearer basis for private investment across the region.
Taken together, the IMF’s assessment points to improving conditions for Nigeria’s economy, supported by easing inflation and stronger external receipts. However, the Fund’s recommendations indicate that sustaining the progress will depend on the government’s ability to strengthen public finances, improve the conditions for businesses and ensure that the benefits of reform reach vulnerable households.
THE ISSUES
The IMF’s endorsement of the CBN’s adjustment distinguishes a measured policy change from a broader move towards monetary easing. Although declining inflation has created room for adjustment, the Fund maintains that monetary policy remains restrictive.
Nigeria’s growth outlook has also benefited from higher oil prices and improved foreign exchange receipts. However, dependence on favourable external conditions leaves the economy exposed to potential changes in oil markets.
The IMF’s call for higher non-oil revenue highlights the need to strengthen public finances, while its recommendations on energy subsidies underscore the importance of protecting vulnerable households as reforms continue.
WHAT’S NEXT
The outlook for Nigeria will depend partly on whether declining inflation and improved foreign exchange conditions can be sustained. The IMF has called for deeper structural reforms, stronger non-oil revenue collection and improvements to the business environment to support private investment.
The government also faces the challenge of directing subsidy savings towards vulnerable households while expanding funding for essential public services.
BOTTOM LINE
The IMF has endorsed the CBN’s monetary policy adjustment as appropriate amid declining inflation, while maintaining that policy remains restrictive. Although higher oil prices and improved external conditions have strengthened Nigeria’s growth outlook, sustaining the gains will require stronger public revenue, structural reforms and targeted support for vulnerable households.
The Federal Government has denied plans to increase electricity tariffs, describing social media reports of a planned hike as misinformation.
A 17.7MW hybrid solar mini-grid project with battery storage is expected to serve 22,597 customers across five community clusters in Oyo State.
The project will cover communities in Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas.
The government says it plans to strengthen the national grid across three energy corridors to improve electricity supply.
MAIN STORY
The Federal Government has ruled out plans to increase electricity tariffs, saying its priority is to improve power supply, as it launched a 17.7MW hybrid solar mini-grid project with battery storage for communities in Oyo State.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, gave the assurance on Thursday in Ibadan while flagging off the project, dismissing reports circulating on social media that the government intended to raise electricity tariffs.
“I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs.
“What we are planning is a power sector that works round the clock,” he said.
Tegbe said the government’s commitment to more reliable electricity included developing three energy zones: the Lagos-Ogun corridor, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, and the Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
He explained that the Oyo project would improve electricity supply to communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas. The interconnected mini-grid is expected to provide power to homes and businesses, reduce dependence on generators and create better conditions for investment and employment.
The project is being developed by Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) using its existing distribution infrastructure to integrate and deliver the electricity generated.
IBEDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Deolu Ijose said the project would provide electricity to 22,597 customers across five community clusters: Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo-Oluwa and Sooko-Elega.
He said the installation would comprise 17.7 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar photovoltaic generation capacity supported by battery storage. The arrangement is intended to demonstrate how electricity distribution companies and private developers can collaborate to expand access to power.
Ijose added that the project builds on previous interventions by IBEDC, including the Mokoloki mini-grid in Ogun State and the recently commissioned Oke-Oyi mini-grid in Kwara State. He urged host communities to protect the infrastructure.
Providing details of the installations, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar-Aliyu, said Bola in Akinyele Local Government Area would receive 1.8MW of capacity, while Jiboye in Ido would receive 3.5MW.
Molade in Ibadan North would receive 6.9MW, Ogo-Oluwa in Egbeda 3.6MW, and Sooko in Lagelu 1.9MW.
The project forms part of wider efforts to improve electricity access beyond areas adequately served by conventional grid infrastructure. Tegbe said the Federal Government intended to build and strengthen the national grid across the eastern, western and central corridors as part of its ambition to extend round-the-clock electricity supply across Nigeria.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda and acknowledged the support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland. He also thanked the REA, Paras Energy, the World Bank, IBEDC and the Oyo State Government for their contributions to the project.
The importance of extending electricity infrastructure to underserved communities was also highlighted by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who praised the minister for including rural communities in power reform initiatives.
Ladoja urged the Oyo State Government to accelerate work on its ongoing hybrid power project and complete it before 2027 so residents could begin benefiting from more reliable electricity.
Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, said the state government would continue to pursue practical electricity interventions across Oyo State.
He said the state’s Hybrid Independent Power Project, designed to supply the state secretariat and other strategic public facilities, had a capacity of 11MW. The first 5MW phase was commissioned in 2024.
“Our wide agenda includes solar power for public facilities, rural electrification, mini-grids, as well as private sector-led generation and distribution.
“Therefore, no single technology can meet every need,” Makinde said.
The governor also urged the developer and implementing institutions to maintain clear construction and commissioning plans and comply with applicable licences and technical standards.
THE ISSUES
The tariff clarification comes as the government seeks to improve electricity supply through grid expansion and decentralised power projects. However, the launch of additional generation capacity does not, by itself, establish how consistently electricity will be delivered to customers or what they will pay for the service.
For the beneficiary communities, the project’s impact will depend on the successful integration of solar generation, battery storage and distribution infrastructure, as well as the reliability of operations after commissioning.
The initiative also illustrates the role of partnerships between public agencies, distribution companies, private developers and development institutions in extending electricity access to underserved areas.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
“I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs.” – Joseph Tegbe, Minister of Power
“What we are planning is a power sector that works round the clock.” – Joseph Tegbe, Minister of Power
“Our wide agenda includes solar power for public facilities, rural electrification, mini-grids, as well as private sector-led generation and distribution.” – Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor
WHAT’S NEXT
The project will need to move through implementation and commissioning before its expected benefits can be assessed in practice. The developer and implementing institutions have also been urged to comply with technical standards, while host communities have been asked to protect the infrastructure.
The Federal Government’s wider plans include strengthening the national grid across the three identified energy corridors, while the Oyo State Government is expected to continue work on its 11MW hybrid power project serving public facilities.
BOTTOM LINE
The Federal Government has denied plans to raise electricity tariffs while promoting a 17.7MW hybrid solar mini-grid project expected to serve 22,597 customers in Oyo State. The project’s significance will ultimately depend on whether the new infrastructure delivers reliable electricity to households and businesses across the five beneficiary clusters.
The Nigeria Customs Service’s Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command seized contraband with a duty paid value of ₦722 million.
Items recovered included second-hand clothing, women’s bags, cigarettes, unregistered pharmaceutical products and other drugs.
The command said suspects abandoned the truck used to convey the goods after discovering they were being trailed by operatives.
Customs urged Nigerians to provide intelligence to support anti-smuggling operations and protect public health and the economy.
MAIN STORY
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, has seized contraband with a duty paid value of ₦722 million in Sokoto, including second-hand clothing, cigarettes and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The Acting Area Comptroller, Halliru Isa-Abdullahi, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday, listing the seized items as 59 bales of second-hand clothes, seven sacks of second-hand women’s bags, 43 cartons of cigarettes and seven cartons of coffee.
Other items included unregistered pharmaceutical products, 100 packages of quinine, 500 packages of amodiaquine, 140 packages of paracetamol and 300 packages of anti-cold medication. The command also recovered a carton of analgesic injections, four cartons of Dynewell syrup and tablets, and one carton of Clear Cold.
Isa-Abdullahi said the operation aligned with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, which emphasises consolidation, collaboration and innovation in anti-smuggling operations to secure Nigeria’s borders and protect the economy.
According to the acting comptroller, the suspects abandoned the vehicle after discovering that customs operatives were trailing them. Repairs were subsequently carried out on the truck before it was conveyed to Sokoto.
He said the operation resulted in the seizure of a used DAF truck allegedly used to transport the contraband into the country.
“Operatives of the command ensured blocking and suppression of smuggling, which have successfully led to the seizure of a used DAF truck as a means of conveyance of the contraband items into the country,” Isa-Abdullahi said.
He added that the command’s anti-smuggling operations had continued to yield results despite insecurity in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The acting comptroller urged Nigerians to provide credible information to the NCS to help curb smuggling, warning that unregistered drugs entering the country could pose serious health risks to consumers.
He also said tackling smuggling would support economic activity and help the Federal Government generate resources for the provision of social amenities.
Isa-Abdullahi warned smugglers and their collaborators to abandon the practice, saying customs operatives would continue to intensify efforts to intercept illegal consignments.
THE ISSUES
The seizure highlights concerns about the movement of unregistered pharmaceutical products and other prohibited goods across Nigeria’s borders. Medicines that have not undergone the required registration and regulatory checks may pose risks to consumers, while cigarette and other contraband trafficking can undermine lawful trade and government revenue.
The reported ₦722 million duty paid value represents the customs assessment of the seized goods, rather than necessarily the amount of revenue lost or recovered by the government.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
“Operatives of the command ensured blocking and suppression of smuggling, which have successfully led to the seizure of a used DAF truck as a means of conveyance of the contraband items into the country.” – Halliru Isa-Abdullahi, Acting Area Comptroller, Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command
WHAT’S NEXT
The command says it will sustain anti-smuggling operations and is calling on members of the public to provide intelligence that could help identify and intercept illegal consignments.
BOTTOM LINE
The NCS Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command has reported a seizure of contraband valued at ₦722 million, including unregistered medicines and other goods. The operation underscores the role of border enforcement in curbing illegal trade, protecting consumers and supporting lawful economic activity.
The IMF projects global economic growth of 3.1 per cent in 2026, despite energy disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that rising public debt and interest payments are limiting governments’ capacity to respond to economic shocks.
The Fund cautioned that rapid AI adoption could increase infrastructure costs, inflationary pressures, unemployment and cybersecurity risks.
The IMF called for additional funding for its Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust to support vulnerable member countries.
MAIN STORY
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that rising public debt, inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions threaten global economic stability, urging governments to strengthen fiscal policies and prepare for risks associated with rapid technological change.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva gave the warning during the 2026 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings Plenary on Friday in Bangkok, Thailand, where she said the global economy remained resilient despite mounting pressures.
The Fund projects global economic growth of 3.1 per cent in 2026, unchanged from its forecast a year earlier. Georgieva attributed the resilience to opposing forces, with energy supply disruptions weighing on economic activity while the artificial intelligence (AI) boom supports growth and investment.
However, she said economic performance varied significantly across countries. Economies affected by war faced weaker growth prospects, while countries connected to the AI value chain recorded improvements.
Georgieva identified high debt levels, energy supply shocks, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological changes as major challenges confronting policymakers. She warned that mounting public debt was reducing governments’ ability to respond to economic shocks, while rising interest payments were crowding out development spending in low-income countries.
Energy supply disruptions are also creating a difficult combination of weaker growth and higher inflation, she said. Shipping risks and shortages of refined petroleum products and natural gas are worsening the pressures, complicating efforts by policymakers to maintain price stability without further weakening economic activity.
The rapid expansion of AI presents another challenge, particularly as businesses and governments require greater investment in infrastructure to support the technology. Georgieva warned that these investment needs could add to debt and short-term inflationary pressures, even as AI is expected to deliver productivity gains.
“Productivity gains from AI are expected, although their scale and speed remain uncertain,” she said.
Against this backdrop, Georgieva said central banks would need to prioritise price stability, supporting recent monetary tightening by the United States Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan.
“Timely interest rate increases are preferable to delayed action that could require more aggressive tightening later,” she said.
However, higher interest rates could also increase government borrowing costs, making credible fiscal consolidation particularly important for heavily indebted economies. Georgieva urged governments to develop medium-term fiscal plans, implement credible measures, protect vulnerable citizens and pursue structural reforms capable of strengthening economic growth.
She also called for greater preparedness for the economic and social consequences of AI, warning that its risks included youth unemployment, erosion of tax revenues, financial instability and escalating cybersecurity threats.
“Stronger international cooperation is needed to improve cyber resilience, as weaknesses in one country’s digital systems could expose others to risks,” Georgieva said.
Beyond the immediate economic outlook, she highlighted the IMF’s role in supporting member countries through financial assistance, economic surveillance, technical assistance and training aimed at strengthening economic and financial systems.
She said the Fund’s outstanding credit and undrawn commitments stood at $240 billion, while concessional lending had reached $36 billion, approximately four times its historical average.
Georgieva called on member countries to provide additional funding for the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT), which provides support to the Fund’s poorest and most vulnerable members.
According to her, 39 countries had provided assurances representing about 48 per cent of the required support, with efforts continuing to raise the figure to 90 per cent.
She also disclosed that the IMF secured more than $100 million in new commitments for capacity development during the annual meetings.
Georgieva further urged countries to address global economic imbalances through adjustments in domestic economic policies. She argued that the United States needed to save more, China needed to consume more, and Europe needed to invest more.
She said coordinated international action remained essential to managing economic risks and ensuring that technological advances and economic progress benefited people across the world.
THE ISSUES
The IMF’s warning highlights the difficult choices facing governments as debt servicing costs rise and energy disruptions threaten growth. Higher interest rates may help contain inflation but can also increase public borrowing costs and restrict spending on development.
For low-income countries, these pressures could further limit resources available for infrastructure and essential public services. Meanwhile, AI presents both productivity opportunities and risks to employment, public revenue and financial stability.
The challenge for policymakers is to balance inflation control and fiscal discipline with measures that protect vulnerable populations and support sustainable growth.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
“Productivity gains from AI are expected, although their scale and speed remain uncertain.” – Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director
“Timely interest rate increases are preferable to delayed action that could require more aggressive tightening later.” – Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director
“Stronger international cooperation is needed to improve cyber resilience, as weaknesses in one country’s digital systems could expose others to risks.” – Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director
WHAT’S NEXT
The IMF is seeking additional commitments from member countries to strengthen the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, with funding assurances reported at 48 per cent of the required support and a target of 90 per cent.
Governments will also face pressure to develop credible medium-term fiscal plans, manage inflation risks, strengthen cybersecurity cooperation and prepare workers and institutions for the economic effects of AI.
BOTTOM LINE
The IMF says global growth remains resilient, but rising debt, energy disruptions and geopolitical tensions are threatening economic stability. Its warning underscores the need for governments to balance inflation control and fiscal discipline with development spending, social protection and preparation for technological change.
Hello, my fellow Steering-Wheel Economists, Surge-Price Survivors, and Emergency Trekking Champions. Welcome back to our weekly sanctuary! Today is Thursday, October 15, 2026. If you opened your favorite ride-hailing app this morning expecting a quick car to your office, only to see the dreaded “No Drivers Available” screen or a fare estimate that looked like a mortgage down-payment—pull up an ergonomic plastic chair. You are in the safest, most empathetic room on the internet.
Forget routine workplace boundary wars, synthetic juice panics, or long-form reading debates; today, we are auditing the single most universally chaotic, physically demanding, and hilarious urban survival story currently sweeping across Lagos and major Nigerian hubs: The E-Hailing Drivers’ Indefinite Strike and The Great Commuter Calisthenics!
Earlier this week, driver unions across the state pulled the emergency handbrake on digital cab platforms, declaring an indefinite strike over skyrocketing fuel costs, heavy platform commissions, and base fares that haven’t kept up with market realities.
Let’s break down the explicit details, hilarious street realities, and commuting physics behind our latest transit crisis.
If you tried booking a ride between Ikeja, Lekki, Yaba, or Victoria Island over the past 48 hours, you were treated to a masterclass in modern frustration:
The Phantom Car Trap: You see five tiny car icons spinning on your map screen, giving you false hope. You click Request, and the app searches for 12 minutes before returning a polite pop-up message essentially telling you, “My friend, go and wear comfortable sneakers!”
The “Offline” Negotiation: The few drivers brave enough to venture onto the roads are executing the ultimate Nigerian compromise—accepting the ride on the app, calling you immediately, and asking: “Boss, how much are you actually adding offline? Because what the app is showing cannot buy half a liter of petrol!”
When digital cabs stop moving, the ripple effect on the rest of urban transport physics is swift and unforgiving:
Danfo Conductors as Stock Brokers: The local yellow bus conductors instantly activated Wall Street-level surge pricing. A standard ₦500 leap from Maryland to CMS suddenly turned into ₦1,800, complete with conductors shouting, “No change o! If you don’t have exact fare, stay at home!”
The Unexpected Marathon: Corporate professionals in crisp suits and pristine sneakers were spotted doing accidental 5km brisk walks across the Ikoyi Link Bridge and Iyana-Oworo. Suddenly, smartwatch step-counters across the city were breaking historical records before 9:00 AM!
Behind the inconvenience and viral memes lies a genuine economic dilemma. Drivers are facing high fuel pump prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and platform commission deductions, while passengers are fighting inflation on every side.
When both sides are squeezed, the platform becomes a pressure cooker. The strike is a real-time reminder that in 2026, the gig economy isn’t an isolated tech bubble—it lives and dies by the daily cost of living on the street.
Lessons to Carry into the Weekend
Dust Off Your Walking Shoes: Keep a pair of comfortable, flat shoes in your office bag or car trunk. When urban transport dynamics break down, mobility becomes a personal physical asset!
Negotiate with Empathy: If you must use private transport or offline arrangements during a strike, remember that fuel isn’t cheap for the driver either. Find a fair middle ground without losing your cool.
Embrace Off-Peak and Remote Windows: If your workplace allows flexible hours or remote days, this is the week to utilize them. Avoid unnecessary cross-city trips during peak rush hours.
Stay safe out there, keep your hustle sharp, hydrate properly on your treks, and don’t let the commute humble you too early. See you next Thursday!
Afie Braimoh, SACFruits CEO delivering a keynote address at the 2026 NNEW Summit and Exhibition
KEY POINTS
Women entrepreneurs have called for stronger collaboration, improved digital skills, better access to markets and policies that support small businesses.
SACFruits CEO Afie Braimoh urged women-owned businesses to pool resources and production capacity to fulfil larger orders.
NNEW highlighted training, mentorship, networking and financial inclusion initiatives to support women entrepreneurs.
Exhibitors identified skilled labour shortages, import tariffs, foreign exchange costs and consumer purchasing power as business challenges.
MAIN STORY
Women entrepreneurs and business leaders have called for stronger collaboration, improved digital skills, better access to markets and policies that support small businesses as the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) holds its 2026 annual summit in Lagos.
The two-day summit, themed “Rise. Lead. Transform,” is taking place on October 15 and 16 at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja, bringing together women entrepreneurs, business leaders and other stakeholders to discuss business growth, technology adoption, market access and the challenges facing small businesses in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, Afie Braimoh, chief executive officer of SACFruits and a former commissioner for Industry, Trade and Cooperative in Edo State, stressed the importance of collaboration among women-owned businesses. She argued that entrepreneurs could improve their capacity and competitiveness by pooling resources, sharing equipment and combining production capabilities to fulfil larger orders rather than attempting to handle every aspect of their operations independently.
Braimoh also called for more opportunities for African products to enter mainstream retail and export markets. She emphasised that women’s economic empowerment should be assessed through tangible business outcomes, including revenue growth, market access, job creation and business resilience. Her position reinforced the summit’s focus on moving beyond discussions about empowerment towards practical measures that enable women-owned enterprises to grow.
The need to strengthen business capacity also informed discussions about digital adoption, with participants examining how artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools could help entrepreneurs improve operations, reach customers and compete in changing markets.
During a panel session on digital adoption, speakers, including Dr Lanre Johnson and Evans Edabor, discussed how businesses could use technology to improve visibility, build customer trust and strengthen their operations. They emphasised that entrepreneurs should identify the specific problems they want to solve before investing in digital tools, rather than adopting technology without a clear business objective.
Participants also considered how entrepreneurs could share marketing costs and media exposure, particularly when individual businesses lack the resources to compete effectively for attention. The discussion recognised different levels of digital readiness, from entrepreneurs just beginning to use digital tools to social media sellers and businesses seeking to reach international customers.
The conversation extended to the relationship between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), AI and local business growth. Speakers highlighted product differentiation, intellectual property protection and a clear understanding of customer needs as important considerations for businesses seeking to enter new markets. They also cautioned entrepreneurs against uploading sensitive or proprietary business information to publicly available AI tools without assessing the risks.
Participants pointed to opportunities for locally developed AI solutions trained on relevant local content to improve customer engagement and automate aspects of business operations. The discussions underscored that digital adoption requires more than maintaining a social media presence. Businesses also need to understand how technology can improve productivity, strengthen customer relationships and support expansion into new markets.
Beyond technology, access to business knowledge, networks and finance emerged as another major concern. NNEW President Bolanle Edwards said the organisation supports women entrepreneurs through programmes designed to strengthen their business capabilities and connect them with opportunities.
In an interview, Edwards highlighted initiatives covering bookkeeping, digital business skills and the practical requirements of running a business. She also cited NNEW’s collaboration with the International Labour Organisation on programmes such as Women in Digital Business.
Edwards said the organisation had supported the development of Thrive Microfinance Bank, which emerged from its cooperative activities, as part of efforts to improve access to financial services. However, she acknowledged that funding remains a challenge for many women-owned businesses, alongside disparities associated with gender and age. The organisation’s Ruby group, which caters to women aged 18 to 45, is among its initiatives aimed at supporting different categories of women entrepreneurs.
NNEW Publicity Secretary Eniola Mayowa said the network also provides mentorship, training and networking opportunities to help members strengthen their businesses. These include guidance on bookkeeping, business registration and protecting their interests. According to Mayowa, chapter meetings and online groups enable members to exchange information, build relationships and support one another.
The challenges discussed by the organisation and panel speakers were also evident among businesses exhibiting their products at the summit. Exhibitors showcasing goods ranging from fashion accessories to imported food products highlighted difficulties involving skills development, import costs and consumer purchasing decisions.
Margaret Olushola of TWC Accessories, which produces jewellery, headpieces and other fashion accessories, identified finding and retaining skilled workers as a major challenge. She said passing traditional craft skills to younger people had proved difficult because some trainees expected immediate financial returns and were unwilling to commit the time and effort required to master the work.
Olushola said her involvement in a community of craft entrepreneurs provided opportunities for younger crafters to learn from others and seek guidance when they encountered difficulties. Her experience reflected the importance of skills transfer and peer networks in helping small businesses preserve expertise and sustain production.
For Feyi of Handy Gold Items, a seller of imported food products, importation costs, tariffs and foreign exchange expenses remain significant pressures. She called on the government to reduce import tariffs, arguing that the charges affect product prices and make business expansion more difficult. She also highlighted foreign exchange costs as an additional challenge for businesses that depend on foreign goods.
Feyi said she wanted to expand distribution while encouraging consumers to pay greater attention to the quality of the food products they purchase. She added that locally produced goods also need consistent quality standards if consumers are to trust them.
Meanwhile, an exhibitor representing Lorie Jay, a brand selling natural and infused products, said the business was responding to consumer interest in alternatives to conventional products. Its offerings include infused teas made with ingredients such as garlic, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. The exhibitor acknowledged that affordability influences purchasing decisions but maintained that consumers should also consider product quality when comparing prices.
Taken together, the keynote address, panel discussions and exhibitor interviews highlighted the gap between encouraging women to establish businesses and creating the conditions they need to sustain and expand them. Collaboration could help entrepreneurs share production capacity and marketing costs, while digital skills, training and access to finance could strengthen their ability to compete.
However, these measures must translate into practical improvements in business performance, including higher revenue, access to new customers, stronger production capacity and more sustainable operations. As the summit continues, the challenge for NNEW and participating entrepreneurs will be turning the ideas discussed into measurable gains in market access, business growth and the long-term survival of women-owned enterprises.
THE ISSUES
Women-owned businesses face interconnected challenges involving financing, skills, technology, production capacity and market access. Collaboration could help smaller firms pool resources, while targeted digital adoption could improve productivity and customer engagement. For import-dependent businesses, tariffs and foreign exchange costs add pressure to pricing and expansion. The broader challenge is ensuring that support programmes and business networks produce tangible improvements rather than ending at training and discussion.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
The summit’s theme is “Rise. Lead. Transform.”
Braimoh emphasised collaboration, including pooling resources and sharing equipment to fulfil larger orders.
Edwards highlighted NNEW’s training programmes, its collaboration with the International Labour Organisation and initiatives intended to improve access to financial services.
Olushola identified difficulties finding and retaining skilled workers, while Feyi called for lower import tariffs to ease pressure on businesses selling imported food products.
WHAT’S NEXT
The summit continues on October 16, with participating entrepreneurs and support organisations facing the task of translating discussions into practical business improvements. Priorities include strengthening business skills, expanding market connections, adopting relevant digital tools and improving access to finance.
BOTTOM LINE
The NNEW summit has placed collaboration, digital capability, financing and market access at the centre of discussions on women’s entrepreneurship. The impact will ultimately depend on whether these priorities lead to measurable gains in revenue, business growth, job creation and the long-term survival and thriving of women-owned enterprises.
-The Campaign for Democracy has called on INEC to investigate the omission of some candidates from the list for the 2027 general elections.
-The group raised concerns over the exclusion of PDP governorship candidate Isa Pantami in Gombe, Ladi Adebutu in Ogun and Adebutu’s running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo.
-CD President Ifeanyi Odili questioned why the candidates were missing from the final list without an immediate explanation.
-INEC attributed the omissions to the affected parties’ failure to comply with membership register requirements under the Electoral Act, 2026.
-The commission has given political parties until October 24 to notify it if they believe their candidates were wrongly excluded.
MAIN STORY
The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the omission of some political candidates from the list for the 2027 general elections, warning against political interference in the electoral process.
The pro-democracy group expressed concern over the exclusion of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates Isa Pantami in Gombe State and Ladi Adebutu in Ogun State, as well as Adebutu’s running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo.
In a statement issued in Lagos, CD President Ifeanyi Odili questioned why the candidates, whose names had appeared on an earlier list published by INEC on August 29, were subsequently omitted from the final list without an immediate explanation.
Odili said the timing of the omissions and the delay in the commission’s clarification had heightened the group’s concerns about the transparency of the process.
“The timing of the omissions was even more disturbing, and this was where we became concerned and alarmed,” Odili said.
He said INEC had a responsibility to demonstrate impartiality, transparency and strict adherence to electoral laws, adding that the development had raised concerns about the commission’s preparedness for the 2027 elections.
Odili maintained that the affected candidates had emerged through their parties’ primaries, which he said were monitored by INEC.
He also criticised the commission’s clarification, published late on Wednesday, describing it as belated because it came three days after the omissions became an issue.
The CD president called for an immediate investigation into allegations that some candidates’ names had been electronically removed after they were duly submitted.
He warned that the group could mobilise citizens and pro-democracy organisations nationwide for lawful civic action if it believed political pluralism and participatory democracy were under threat.
Odili stressed that elections belonged to Nigerians and should not be controlled by any political party, individual or governing interest. He said decisions affecting opposition participation must be supported by transparent procedures, constitutional justification and due process.
INEC, however, said the omissions resulted from the affected political parties’ failure to comply with membership register requirements under Sections 77(5) to 77(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the commission said the Supreme Court had upheld the provisions, which require political parties to submit their membership registers within the stipulated period. Parties that failed to comply were ineligible to sponsor candidates for the elections.
INEC also said parties that believe their candidates were wrongly excluded from the final list have until October 24 to notify the commission, in line with Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
THE ISSUES
The dispute centres on the omission of candidates from INEC’s final list and the commission’s explanation that the affected political parties failed to meet statutory membership register requirements.
While the Campaign for Democracy has called for an investigation and raised concerns about transparency, INEC maintains that its decision followed the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Supreme Court’s judgment.
The October 24 deadline provides an opportunity for political parties that believe their candidates were wrongly excluded to formally notify the commission.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
“The timing of the omissions was even more disturbing, and this was where we became concerned and alarmed,” Ifeanyi Odili, president of the Campaign for Democracy, said.
“This troubling sequence of events raises legitimate questions that Nigerians cannot afford to ignore,” Odili said.
“To the best of our knowledge, these are candidates that emerged through the primaries conducted by their various political parties which were monitored by the INEC,” Odili stated.
“Although the commission has just published a belated clarification on the incident, we consider this development deeply troubling and a serious blow to public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
“This is particularly because the published list provided no immediate explanation for the omissions of the governorship and other candidates,” Odili added.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Campaign for Democracy is seeking an investigation into the alleged removal of candidates’ names. Affected political parties have until October 24 to notify INEC if they believe their candidates were wrongly excluded. The commission’s handling of any complaints will determine whether the list is subject to further review.
BOTTOM LINE
The Campaign for Democracy has called for an investigation into the omission of some PDP candidates, while INEC says the exclusions arose from non-compliance with electoral requirements and has set October 24 as the deadline for parties to report alleged errors.
-INEC has urged Akwa Ibom residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
-Resident Electoral Commissioner Anugbum Onuoha expressed concern over the turnout at collection centres in Uyo.
-Residents who registered between August and December 2025 were advised to visit designated centres to obtain their cards.
-Residents who spoke during the monitoring exercise described the collection process as orderly, fast and free.
MAIN STORY
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on residents of Akwa Ibom State to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that only registered voters with their cards will be able to participate in the polls.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, made the appeal on Wednesday while monitoring PVC collection centres across Uyo metropolis.
Onuoha said he was assessing the effectiveness of the collection exercise but expressed dissatisfaction with the number of residents turning up to obtain their cards.
Although residents were visiting the centres, he said the turnout was below expectations, urging eligible voters to take advantage of the exercise before the elections.
“It is important to collect your PVC, having a voter card is a condition for participating in elections.
“Anyone who has not registered or collected their PVC will not be able to vote in the forthcoming elections,” he said.
The REC specifically urged residents who completed their voter registration between August and December 2025 to visit the designated collection centres and obtain their cards.
He also commended INEC officials working at the centres for their patience and diligence, while calling on the media to intensify public education on the importance of PVC collection.
Onuoha described the media as a critical stakeholder in the electoral process, stressing the need for continued public awareness ahead of the 2027 elections.
Residents who spoke during the monitoring exercise also commended INEC officials for their conduct and the organisation of the collection process.
A resident, Akanimo Paul, described the officials as thorough and well-mannered, encouraging others who had yet to collect their cards to do so.
“I am impressed with the process, I encourage others who have yet to collect their PVCs to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
Another resident, Mrs Grace Nsikan, said the exercise was fast, free and satisfactory, noting that the process was peaceful.
“You can see that the situation is calm. There is no fighting, there is not struggling at all,” she said.
THE ISSUES
PVC collection remains an important step in preparing eligible voters for the 2027 general elections. While INEC is conducting collection exercises, the level of participation depends partly on whether registered voters come forward to obtain their cards.
Onuoha’s concern over turnout highlights the need for sustained voter education to ensure that residents who have registered do not miss the opportunity to collect their PVCs.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
“It is important to collect your PVC, having a voter card is a condition for participating in elections. Anyone who has not registered or collected their PVC will not be able to vote in the forthcoming elections,” Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom, said.
“I am impressed with the process, I encourage others who have yet to collect their PVCs to take advantage of this opportunity,” Akanimo Paul, a resident of Uyo, said.
“You can see that the situation is calm. There is no fighting, there is not struggling at all,” Mrs Grace Nsikan, a resident of Uyo, said.
WHAT’S NEXT
Residents who registered between August and December 2025 are expected to visit designated INEC collection centres to obtain their PVCs. Public awareness efforts by INEC and the media will also be important in encouraging more eligible voters to complete the process ahead of the 2027 elections.
BOTTOM LINE
INEC is urging Akwa Ibom residents to collect their PVCs ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the state’s REC expressing concern over turnout at collection centres in Uyo. The commission’s message is clear: eligible voters must obtain their cards to participate in the forthcoming polls.
-CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso says the bank is committed to building a credible and independent Monetary Policy Committee.
-External members are encouraged to challenge assumptions and contribute independent assessments during policy deliberations.
-Cardoso says members receive economic data in advance and can seek additional expertise to support their decisions.
-The CBN is prioritising transparent communication to strengthen public and investor confidence in monetary policy.
MAIN STORY
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to an independent and transparent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), saying diverse perspectives and open deliberations are essential to restoring confidence in monetary policy decisions.
Cardoso made the remarks on Thursday at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, during a discussion on central bank decision-making and communication in an era of uncertainty.
He said the CBN had taken deliberate steps to strengthen the credibility of the committee, including appointing independent-minded external members to improve the quality of discussions and reduce the risk of groupthink.
According to him, external members bring perspectives that may differ from those of internal members, who have closer involvement in the bank’s daily operations and access to its data.
Cardoso said the committee encourages members to question existing assumptions, examine available information and offer independent assessments before reaching policy decisions.
He also addressed concerns about the potential influence of his position as governor on internal members, saying he did not hold separate meetings with them to agree on conclusions before formal MPC meetings.
The governor said all members received relevant data in advance, allowing them to review the information, ask questions and conduct their own analysis before deliberations began.
He added that the CBN maintained a strong secretariat to respond to members’ inquiries and assist them in assessing policy options.
On the participation of external members, Cardoso said the bank provided them with support and allowed them to consult specialists outside the institution when necessary.
He said the CBN also organised retreats and engagements outside the formal meeting cycle, sometimes involving experts from other central banks, to deepen members’ understanding of monetary policy challenges and international experiences.
Cardoso explained that external members had been involved from the early stages of the bank’s transition towards inflation targeting, rather than being included only when policy decisions were ready for approval.
He said transparency was central to rebuilding the credibility of both the committee and the central bank, noting that external members sometimes questioned why certain information had not been made publicly available.
On monetary policy communication, the governor said the CBN sought to explain the economic conditions and considerations behind its decisions, particularly when they differed from financial market expectations.
He identified improved coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities, stronger cooperation between both sides and greater clarity in overnight financing rates as measures that had supported monetary policy effectiveness.
Cardoso also cited Nigeria’s improved external reserves, which he said had reached their highest level in 18 years at the time of the decision under discussion. He pointed to a sustained decline in inflation and continued economic growth as other developments in the economic environment.
He said the CBN’s engagement with the media after MPC meetings helped explain policy decisions and enabled market participants to understand the wider economic circumstances informing them.
THE ISSUES
The credibility of monetary policy depends not only on the decisions taken by the MPC but also on the independence of its deliberations and the public’s understanding of its actions.
Cardoso’s remarks highlight the importance of ensuring that committee members can examine economic data, question assumptions and express differing views without undue influence.
Access to information and external expertise is also important, particularly when members must assess complex economic conditions and weigh the potential effects of policy choices.
Clear communication remains another challenge for the CBN, as unexpected decisions can influence market expectations. Explaining the reasoning behind such decisions can help investors and other economic participants better understand the bank’s position.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
“I just want to emphasise something here once again. You see, for us, we were coming in at a time of crisis, and I am not just saying this as a cliché or anything like that.
“But the actions that we have taken post that time were essential to create the credibility of the Monetary Policy Committee and the central bank.
“So that’s really the background we have come from to ensure that we have another chance at building up a monetary policy committee that has credibility and to ensure that once they take decisions, there are decisions that are credible,” Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said.
“I don’t do that. All the data is given out to members in advance to allow them to examine the information, ask questions and conduct their own analysis before deliberations begin,” Cardoso said.
WHAT’S NEXT
The CBN’s approach will depend on how effectively it sustains independent deliberations, provides committee members with the resources they need and communicates the reasoning behind monetary policy decisions.
Maintaining transparency and consistent engagement with financial markets and the public will remain important to the bank’s efforts to strengthen confidence in the MPC.
BOTTOM LINE
Cardoso says the CBN is seeking to build confidence in monetary policy through independent committee deliberations, access to economic information and clearer communication of decisions. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on the committee’s ability to maintain those standards in practice.
• Pictures of Tinubu and Shettima adorn the First Niger Bridge ahead of its reopening.
• Works Minister Dave Umahi is expected to reopen the bridge linking Anambra and Delta states.
• Rehabilitation works, including repainting, road markings and repairs to expansion joints, have been completed.
• The bridge was closed from September 7 to September 21 for emergency repairs.
• The reopening is expected to ease traffic disruptions for motorists and residents.
MAIN STORY
Pictures of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima have been displayed on the First Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta states ahead of its reopening on Thursday following weeks of rehabilitation works, The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, is expected to reopen the bridge connecting Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State, It observed on Thursday that rehabilitation works had been completed, while photographs of Tinubu and Shettima were displayed along the bridge.
Some captions beneath the photographs read, “A road under strain before… To a road built for progress,” “From challenges to prosperity,” and “Hope connecting regions… let the good works continue, All Progressives Congress campaign posters and banners were also seen at strategic sections of the bridge, Although some railings had been repainted, painters were still carrying out finishing touches in certain areas. Road markings had also been repainted, while CCTV cameras, bolts and expansion joints had been installed or repaired.
THE ISSUES
Umahi Orders Display of Tinubu’s Pictures
Umahi had directed that Tinubu’s pictures be displayed during an inspection of the bridge weeks earlier, saying the move was to appreciate the President for his contributions to the South-East, The minister also directed that illegal advertisements be removed from the bridge, He said the President’s efforts deserved recognition and called for the bridge to be decorated with Tinubu’s pictures after the rehabilitation works.
Bridge Rehabilitation Completed
Speaking with a correspondent on Thursday, the Federal Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, said the minister was expected at the bridge to perform the reopening, Emenike said major rehabilitation activities, including tarring, repainting the railings and fixing bolts and expansion joints, had been completed, He added that the necessary infrastructure had been put in place to support the free flow of traffic and improve road safety, The reopening is expected to provide relief to motorists and residents who experienced disruptions during the rehabilitation period.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
Umahi said Tinubu’s pictures would be displayed to recognise what he described as the President’s contributions to the South-East, Meanwhile, Emenike confirmed that the major rehabilitation works had been completed and said the minister was expected to formally reopen the bridge.
WHAT’S NEXT
The bridge is expected to reopen following the minister’s arrival and formal proceedings, Security personnel were deployed around the bridge on Thursday, while some roads leading to it were barricaded to control movement as dignitaries and residents awaited Umahi’s arrival.
BOTTOM LINE
The First Niger Bridge has undergone emergency rehabilitation, with pictures of Tinubu and Shettima displayed ahead of its reopening. The restoration is expected to improve road safety and ease travel between Anambra and Delta states after weeks of traffic disruption.
• Tinubu transmits three executive bills to the House of Representatives for consideration.
• The NDLEA Bill, 2026, seeks to consolidate Nigeria’s drug enforcement laws.
• The NSIB amendment proposes expanding the bureau’s mandate to rail, maritime and other transport investigations.
• The National School of Government Bill seeks to replace the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON).
• The bills require legislative approval before the proposed changes can become law.
MAIN STORY
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted three executive bills to the House of Representatives, seeking reforms to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the establishment of a National School of Government to replace the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), The bills, dated October 12, 2026, were conveyed in three separate letters read by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Thursday, The letters, marked “Restricted”, were received by the Office of the Speaker on October 13.
Tinubu said the bills were forwarded pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and urged lawmakers to give them “expeditious consideration., The proposed legislation covers drug law enforcement, transport safety investigations and leadership and capacity development within the public service.
THE ISSUES
NDLEA Bill Seeks Consolidated Drug Laws
The NDLEA Bill, 2026, seeks to repeal the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, and the Indian Hemp Act, Cap 16, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, replacing them with a consolidated legal framework for drug law enforcement, In his letter to the House, Tinubu said the bill would establish a unified framework to enforce laws against the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of hard drugs, He added that the proposed legislation would empower the agency to investigate persons suspected of involvement in drug-related activities, The bill is expected to bring provisions currently contained in separate laws under a single legal instrument.
The NDLEA is responsible for combating illicit drug production and trafficking, investigating drug-related offences and enforcing relevant laws. Its operations also include efforts to curb the distribution of controlled substances and dismantle drug trafficking networks, The proposed legislation will undergo legislative scrutiny before any changes to the existing legal framework can take effect.
NSIB Mandate to Expand Beyond Aviation
The NSIB Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Establishment) Act, No. 35 of 2022, to expand the agency’s responsibilities beyond aviation accidents and incidents, Under the proposal, the bureau would become an independent, multimodal safety investigation authority covering rail, maritime and other transport occurrences, Tinubu said the amendment aims to reposition the bureau, broaden its investigative responsibilities, transfer supervisory oversight to the Presidency and strengthen its institutional, operational and administrative mandates.
The proposed expansion would give the NSIB a broader role in investigating transport-related accidents and incidents across different modes of transportation, Established under the 2022 Act, the bureau investigates accidents and incidents, identifies their causes and makes safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.
Extending its mandate to rail and maritime transport would bring investigations in those sectors within the bureau’s statutory responsibilities, subject to the provisions of the proposed amendment, The proposed transfer of supervisory oversight to the Presidency would also change the bureau’s institutional arrangements.
National School of Government to Replace ASCON
The third proposal, the National School of Government Bill, 2026, seeks to repeal the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Act, Cap A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and establish the National School of Government, Nigeria, According to Tinubu, the proposed law would establish the institution as a national centre for leadership development, policy delivery and executive capacity building.
The institution would focus on developing leadership skills, strengthening the capacity of public officials and improving policy implementation across government, ASCON was established to provide management training, research and consultancy services for public- and private-sector organisations. It has played a role in developing the skills of administrators and managers.
The proposed replacement signals a move towards a broader institutional framework for leadership training and executive capacity development within the public service, If enacted, the new law would provide the statutory basis for the National School of Government and define its functions and institutional arrangements.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
Tinubu said the bills were submitted to the House of Representatives in line with the constitutional process for executive legislation, He urged lawmakers to give the proposals expeditious consideration, highlighting their intended roles in drug law enforcement, transport safety investigations and public-sector leadership development, The proposals would introduce changes to the legal frameworks governing the three institutions if they are approved and enacted.
WHAT’S NEXT
The three bills will proceed through the House of Representatives’ legislative process, including consideration by relevant committees, Lawmakers will examine their provisions before deciding on the next steps. The proposed changes will require legislative approval and completion of the constitutional requirements for enactment before they become law.
BOTTOM LINE
President Bola Tinubu has sent three bills to the House of Representatives seeking to consolidate drug enforcement laws, expand the NSIB’s transport safety investigation mandate and replace ASCON with a National School of Government, The proposals have entered the legislative process, but their implementation will depend on approval by the National Assembly and completion of the required constitutional procedures.
Nigeria's Inflation Rate Declines to 11.40 percent
By Annette Ikponmwonba | October 15, 2026
KEYPOINTS
• Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 14.63% in September 2026 from 15.39% in August.
• Year-on-year inflation declined by 6.35 percentage points compared with September 2025.
• Month-on-month headline inflation slowed to 0.06% from 0.71% in August.
• Food inflation stood at 19.59% year-on-year, while month-on-month food inflation fell to -1.55%.
• Urban inflation was 15.64%, while rural inflation stood at 12.46% on a year-on-year basis.
MAIN STORY
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 14.63% in September 2026 from 15.39% in August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Naija News reports that the NBS released the figures on Thursday, showing a further slowdown in the annual rate of inflation.
According to the report, Nigeria’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 146.38 in September 2026, an increase of 0.08 points from 146.30 recorded in August, The September headline inflation rate of 14.63% was 6.35 percentage points lower than the 20.98% recorded in September 2025.
On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation stood at 0.06% in September, representing a decline of 0.65 percentage points from the 0.71% recorded in August, The NBS explained that the figures indicated that the average price level increased at a slower rate in September than in the preceding month.
THE ISSUES
Urban and Rural Inflation Rates
The report showed differences between inflation trends in urban and rural areas, Urban inflation stood at 15.64% year-on-year in September 2026. However, the month-on-month rate increased to 0.53%, compared with 0.28% in August, representing a rise of 0.25 percentage points, The twelve-month average urban inflation rate for the period ending September 2026 was 15.90%, down by 12.58 percentage points from 28.48% recorded in September 2025.
In rural areas, year-on-year inflation stood at 12.46% in September. The month-on-month rate declined to -0.89%, a decrease of 2.68 percentage points from the 1.79% recorded in August, The average rural inflation rate over the twelve months ending September 2026 was 15.32%, compared with 25.67% in September 2025, representing a decline of 10.35 percentage points.
Food Inflation Declines
Food inflation, a major component of Nigeria’s inflation figures, stood at 19.59% year-on-year in September 2026, compared with 20.16% in September 2025, On a month-on-month basis, food inflation fell to -1.55% in September from 1.02% in August, representing a decline of 2.57 percentage points.
The NBS attributed the monthly decline to falling prices of several food items, including guinea corn flour, maize flour, local short-grained rice, eggs, fresh onions, palm oil, fresh green beans, Irish potatoes, okra, fresh tomatoes, dried green peas and plantain, among others, The average annual food inflation rate for the twelve months ending September 2026 stood at 15.72%, down by 12.66 percentage points from the 28.37% recorded in September 2025.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
The National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate continued to ease in September, with the annual rate falling from 15.39% in August to 14.63%, The bureau’s figures also showed that month-on-month headline and food inflation slowed, with food inflation recording a negative rate during the month, The decline in food inflation was linked to lower prices of several food items, including grains, rice, eggs, vegetables and other produce.
WHAT’S NEXT
The coming months will show whether the decline in headline and food inflation can be sustained, Future inflation reports will provide further insight into price movements across food items and other consumer goods and services, as well as whether the slowdown translates into sustained relief for households.
BOTTOM LINE
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 14.63% in September 2026, while food inflation declined to 19.59% year-on-year. The figures point to a slowdown in the pace of price increases, although the continued impact on household budgets will depend on how prices develop in the coming months.
· The APC Presidential Campaign Council for Tinubu and Shettima’s 2027 re-election bid is paying a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja
· The visit is taking place at the Olubadan’s palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State
· The delegation is led by the council’s Director-General, Abubakar Yari
· Former governors Gbenga Daniel, Olusegun Mimiko and Rochas Okorocha, as well as Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), are among the dignitaries present
· Oyo APC governorship candidate Sharafadeen Alli and State Chairman Moses Alake also joined the visit
· Members of the Olubadan-in-Council and market women led by the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Saratu Konibaje, are in attendance
Main Story
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima is paying a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, The delegation is led by the council’s Director-General, Abubakar Yari, and comprises prominent APC chieftains, party supporters, members of the Olubadan-in-Council and market women.
Dignitaries at the visit include former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. Others are the Special Adviser to the President on Digital Information, Sunday Dare; the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli; his campaign Director-General, Yemi Aderibigbe; Senator Yinusa Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District; and the Oyo State APC Chairman, Moses Alake.
The Issues
Courtesy visits to traditional rulers are a familiar early move in Nigerian campaigns, aimed at securing goodwill and visibility in regions where royal institutions carry real influence. Ibadan, as a major population centre in the South West, is an important stop for the Tinubu re-election effort.
The make-up of the delegation also matters. By bringing together former governors from different states and parties of origin, alongside local candidates and market women, the council is projecting a broad coalition and trying to link the presidential campaign to the Oyo governorship race, At the same time, the South West is a region where the APC faces competition, so how far these gestures turn into votes remains to be seen.
What’s Being Said
The report so far covers the arrival and composition of the delegation. No remarks from Yari, the Olubadan or other attendees had been included at the time of reporting.
What’s Next
Attention will turn to what the Olubadan and Yari say during the visit, including any endorsement or message of support. The council is likely to make similar courtesy calls on traditional rulers and stakeholders in other states as the campaign builds toward 2027.
Bottom Line
The APC campaign council’s visit to the Olubadan is an early show of strength in Ibadan, bringing together prominent figures to court traditional and grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election, though the real impact will depend on what comes out of the meeting and how it plays at the polls.
· PRP presidential candidate Donald Duke claims Nigeria spends more on securing its oil than on producing it
· He said the actual cost of extracting crude is between $12 and $15 per barrel
· Security costs and deteriorating infrastructure push the figure to between $25 and $45 per barrel, he said
· Duke noted that NNPC says it is trying to bring the cost down to $20 a barrel
· He argued that tackling these costs could help lower petrol prices and the cost of living
· He spoke on Arise Television on Thursday
Main Story
The Peoples Redemption Party presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has claimed that Nigeria spends more money securing its oil than producing it. He made the claim during an appearance on Arise Television on Thursday, According to Duke, security expenses and deteriorating infrastructure have pushed production costs to between $25 and $45 per barrel, even though the actual cost of extracting crude is between $12 and $15. “The actual production cost of a crude in Nigeria is anywhere between $12 and $15. What takes it up to $25 or $45 is security costs and dilapidated infrastructure,” he said, He argued that addressing these expenses could help Nigeria lower petrol prices and reduce the cost of living, defending his proposal to cut fuel prices on the grounds that an oil-producing country should offer cheaper energy to its citizens.
The Issues
Duke’s claim touches on a long-standing concern in Nigeria’s oil sector: the high cost of producing each barrel compared with other producers. Oil theft, pipeline vandalism and insecurity in producing areas have pushed up operating costs, and those costs ultimately affect government revenue and the pricing of petroleum products.
His argument links upstream costs directly to what consumers pay at the pump, which is a debatable connection. Petrol prices depend on many factors, including refining, import costs, exchange rates and distribution, so lowering production costs alone may not translate quickly into cheaper fuel, The figures are also Duke’s own claims made in a television interview, and they have not been independently verified in the report. As a presidential candidate, he is also using the issue to set out a campaign message on energy and productivity.
What’s Being Said
Duke questioned the logic of the security spending. “You can’t tell me that you pay about $10 or $15 to secure one barrel that is produced actually between $12 and $15,” he said, noting that even NNPC says it is trying to bring the cost down to $20 a barrel. In his view, oil producing companies have simply added security costs to their expenses.
He framed energy as central to economic progress. “I think the fundamental objective of government is the productivity of its citizens. So you’ve got to tackle all the things that are inimical to the productivity of your citizens,” he said. He added that energy and capital are crucial, questioning why Nigeria struggles with high petrol prices when it supposedly produces 1.7 to 1.8 million barrels a day.
What’s Next
Attention will turn to whether NNPC, oil producers or government officials respond to Duke’s figures and his claim about security costs. NNPC’s stated effort to bring the cost per barrel down to $20 will also be watched, As the 2027 campaign builds, fuel prices and energy policy are likely to remain a key issue, with Duke and other candidates expected to offer competing plans.
Bottom Line
Duke is arguing that inflated security and infrastructure costs are keeping Nigeria’s oil expensive to produce and, by extension, petrol expensive to buy, a claim that makes for a strong campaign message but one that rests on figures yet to be independently confirmed.
· PSG midfielder Vitinha has publicly called for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the Portugal national team
· He described the recent international break as “chaotic” and said the dressing room wants a quick resolution to the dispute with coach Jorge Jesus
· Vitinha spoke to TNT Sports after scoring in PSG’s 4-2 Champions League win over Manchester City on Wednesday
· The tension follows Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from Portugal’s Nations League camp
· The 41-year-old captain was an unused substitute in a 2-1 win over Norway on September 27, despite warming up for about 30 minutes
Main Story
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vítor Machado Ferreira, known as Vitinha, has publicly called for Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the Portugal national team. He described the recent international break as “chaotic” and expressed the dressing room’s desire for a swift resolution to the high-profile dispute between Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus.
Speaking to TNT Sports after scoring in PSG’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night, the 26-year-old playmaker struck a diplomatic yet hopeful tone. “I hope Cristiano Ronaldo returns with the national team. All I can do is hope he comes back and that everything is okay,” he said. “We all want that; I hope it happens!”
His comments come amid lingering tension following Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from Portugal’s Nations League camp. The 41-year-old captain was left as an unused substitute in a 2-1 win over Norway on September 27, despite warming up for around 30 minutes under the understanding that he would enter the game.
The Issues
The dispute is a major test for Jorge Jesus, who only recently began his tenure as head coach. Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and most capped player, so a public fallout with the captain puts the new coach under pressure from players, fans and the federation alike.
Vitinha’s remarks suggest the unrest is not limited to the two men involved. By saying the break was full of emotions and that everyone in the squad wants Ronaldo back, he signals that the dressing room is feeling the strain and would like the matter settled quietly, There is also a competitive angle. Portugal are in the middle of a Nations League campaign, and prolonged uncertainty over their captain’s availability could affect squad cohesion and preparation for upcoming fixtures.
What’s Being Said
Vitinha was careful and diplomatic, avoiding any criticism of either Ronaldo or Jesus. “It was a chaotic international break. Full of emotions. On my end, I just hope everything resolves for the best. That he returns and everything turns out fine. The truth is that’s what all of us want,” he said, He repeated his hope that the matter would be settled, saying he wants Ronaldo to come back and everything to be resolved. No statement from Ronaldo or Jesus was included in the report.
What’s Next
Attention will turn to whether Ronaldo and Jesus resolve their differences and whether the captain is included in Portugal’s next squad. Any comment from either man, or from the Portuguese Football Federation, will be closely watched, Portugal’s remaining Nations League fixtures will show whether the dispute is settled before it affects results on the pitch.
Bottom Line
Vitinha’s public plea shows the Ronaldo and Jesus dispute has spread into the wider squad, and with the dressing room hoping for a quick fix, Portugal’s coach faces mounting pressure to repair the relationship with his captain.
· The Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion on the Independence Bridge in Lagos Island as the Federal Ministry of Works begins urgent asphalt repairs
· Repairs start on the night of Friday, October 16, 2026, and continue through Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18
· Both the inbound and outbound lanes of the bridge will be affected
· Each section will be partially closed at a time, with one lane left open for motorists
· LASTMA officers will be deployed to manage traffic around the affected sections
· Motorists are urged to plan ahead, use alternative routes and allow extra travel time
Main Story
The Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion on the Independence Bridge in Lagos Island as the Federal Ministry of Works begins urgent asphalt repairs on the bridge. The works are scheduled to start on Friday, October 16, 2026, at night and continue throughout Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun, said the repairs would affect both the inbound and outbound lanes of the bridge, with traffic management measures in place to minimise inconvenience to motorists.
According to the government, the exercise will involve the partial closure of each section of the bridge at a time, while one lane remains open so motorists can still reach their destinations. “The Lagos State Government wishes to inform the public that traffic will be diverted on the Independence Bridge in Lagos Island as the Federal Ministry of Works commences urgent repairs of the bridge,” the statement said.
The Issues
The Independence Bridge is a key link on Lagos Island, so even partial closures can cause significant congestion. Scheduling the works for a weekend, starting at night, appears aimed at reducing the impact on weekday commuters, though weekend traffic and events on the Island could still lead to delays.
The repairs are described as urgent, which suggests the asphalt surface has deteriorated enough to need immediate attention. The work is being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works on a bridge within Lagos, so coordination between federal and state authorities is central to how smoothly the diversion runs, Keeping one lane open on each section is meant to prevent a complete shutdown, but it will reduce capacity, making compliance with traffic instructions important.
What’s Being Said
The government urged motorists to plan their journeys ahead of the repairs and use alternative routes. “Motorists are urged to plan their movement and make use of alternative routes to connect their desired destinations for the duration of the repairs,” the statement said.
It also appealed for patience and cooperation. “Motorists are implored to remain patient, obey traffic laws, and cooperate fully with the interventions made available,” the statement added. Motorists in Lagos Island and surrounding areas were advised to allow extra time and follow traffic instructions throughout the repair period.
What’s Next
Work begins on Friday night and is expected to run until Sunday, October 18. LASTMA officers will be deployed to manage traffic around the affected sections and ease movement during the period, Attention will turn to whether the repairs are completed within the three-day window and whether traffic returns to normal by Monday morning. Any extension would likely be announced by the state government.
Bottom Line
Motorists using the Independence Bridge should expect delays from Friday night to Sunday as urgent asphalt repairs take place, and planning ahead, taking alternative routes and following LASTMA’s directions will be the best way to avoid being caught in the congestion.
· The Ogun State Police Command has assured INEC of adequate security for its personnel, facilities and electoral materials ahead of the 2027 general elections
· The assurance was given by Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni during a visit to INEC’s Ogun office in Abeokuta on Wednesday, October 14, 2026
· He met with Resident Electoral Commissioner Feyijimi Saseyi and toured the INEC premises
· Ojajuni said the INEC office would become the police’s “second office” until the end of the elections
· Security plans will focus on intelligence-led policing, early threat assessment, information sharing and coordinated deployment
· He urged political parties and supporters to shun violence and residents to report credible security concerns promptly
Main Story
The Ogun State Police Command has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission of adequate security for its personnel, facilities and electoral materials ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, and posted on its X handle on Thursday, the assurance was given by Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni during a strategic visit to INEC’s Ogun State office in Abeokuta on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
During the visit, Ojajuni met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Feyijimi Saseyi, toured the INEC premises and discussed security arrangements as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process. He described INEC as a critical institution in Nigeria’s democratic process and stressed the need for sustained cooperation between the police and the electoral body. “From now until the end of the 2027 General Elections, the INEC office will become our second office,” he said.
He explained that the command’s preparations would centre on intelligence-led policing, early threat assessment, effective information sharing and coordinated deployment of personnel to protect electoral officials, voters, election materials and facilities. He added that all operations would be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law.
The Issues
Election security remains one of the biggest concerns in every Nigerian electoral cycle, with threats to officials, materials and voters often shaping public confidence in the outcome. Early engagement between the police and INEC, more than a year before the polls, suggests the command wants to avoid last-minute coordination gaps.
The commitment to impartiality is also significant. Police conduct during elections has often drawn scrutiny, so the commissioner’s emphasis on professionalism and lawful operations is a promise that will be tested once campaigns intensify and tensions rise.
There is also the matter of misinformation. Ojajuni’s warning against spreading unverified information reflects how false claims can inflame tensions and undermine trust in the process, a concern INEC itself has had to address in recent weeks.
What’s Being Said
Ojajuni urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to respect the law, shun violence and intimidation, and avoid actions capable of undermining the electoral process. He encouraged residents to report credible security concerns promptly through the nearest police station or established command channels.
Saseyi welcomed the visit and reaffirmed INEC’s readiness to work with the police and other stakeholders. “On our part, we will also be open, transparent and committed to this assignment so that, at the end of it all, we will achieve free, fair, transparent and credible elections,” she said, The command also recalled that it had earlier organised a security workshop in Abeokuta involving security agencies and stakeholders, in which INEC took part, to strengthen preparations for the 2027 elections.
What’s Next
The police command says it will continue working with INEC, other security agencies and stakeholders to promote public safety and support a peaceful electoral process. Further joint planning meetings and workshops can be expected as the election calendar approaches, Attention will turn to how these early commitments translate into practical deployment plans, and whether similar assurances come from police commands in other states as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Bottom Line
The Ogun police have moved early to reassure INEC that its staff, facilities and materials will be protected, pairing the pledge with a call for peace and impartiality, though the real test will come when campaigns heat up and the elections draw near.
