The exchange rate between the Naira and the US dollar, according to the data released on the FMDQ Security Exchange,the official forex trading portal, showed that the naira closed at 1343 per $1 on Friday, Septermber 4th 2026. The naira traded as high as 1320 to the dollar at the investors and exporters (I&E) window on Thursday. This is brought to you by Bizwatch Nigeria.
Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1403 and buy at ₦1395 on Thursday September 3rd, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)
Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate
₦1405
Buying Rate
₦1398
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)
CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate
₦1326
Lowest Rate
₦1315
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
Brent crude falls marginally to $95.55 a barrel as concerns over prolonged Strait of Hormuz disruption ease
US Vice President JD Vance says Washington is not seeking an “indefinite war” with Iran
US officials say military escorts have helped 40 commercial vessels carrying 18 million barrels of oil through the strait
Main Story
Crude oil prices eased on Friday as continued oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and US assurances against an “indefinite war” with Iran reduced concerns over prolonged supply disruptions.
International benchmark Brent crude futures for November delivery traded at $95.55 a barrel, down 0.03% from the previous close of $95.52, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures for October delivery fell 0.3% to $91.55 a barrel.
US Vice President JD Vance said at a White House press briefing on Thursday that Washington retained “all options” concerning Iran, including military, economic and diplomatic measures, but was not seeking an indefinite conflict.
Vance said the US was applying military, economic and diplomatic pressure to protect commercial vessels and maintain oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that about 15 million barrels of oil had passed through the waterway despite the conflict.
CNN, citing US officials, reported that US forces had enabled oil shipments through the strait to continue at levels close to those recorded before the conflict.
The officials said US forces had escorted 40 commercial vessels carrying a combined 18 million barrels of oil through the strategic waterway while striking about 60 Iranian military targets.
Before the conflict, about 20 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products moved through the Strait of Hormuz each day on average.
What’s Being Said
“All options remain on the table,” US Vice President JD Vance said at a White House press briefing, while adding that Washington was not seeking an indefinite war with Tehran.
Vance also said the US would not resume talks with Iran unless Tehran stopped attacks on commercial shipping, while maintaining that Washington’s actions were aimed at protecting commercial vessels and preserving energy flows through the strait.
What’s Next
Markets will continue to monitor the movement of commercial vessels and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz
Further US-Iran developments could influence crude prices if they threaten the continuity of energy shipments
Traders will watch for changes in geopolitical risk premiums as the conflict develops
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: Oil prices are easing because physical flows through the Strait of Hormuz have continued despite the conflict. However, the waterway remains a critical supply route, leaving crude markets highly sensitive to any renewed disruption to commercial shipping or escalation between the US and Iran.
Overnight lending rate rises two basis points to 22.20% as system liquidity falls after Treasury bills settlement
Financial system liquidity opens at ₦3.66 trillion, down ₦930 billion from Wednesday’s close
Analysts expect liquidity to remain comfortable as ₦734.81 billion in matured Treasury bills returns to the system
Main Story
Nigeria’s overnight lending rate rose two basis points to 22.20% as financial system liquidity tightened following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Treasury bills auction settlement.
The open buyback rate remained unchanged at 22.00%, maintaining the floor it has held, while system liquidity opened at a credit balance of ₦3.66 trillion, according to Herwood Securities Limited.
The opening liquidity position represented a ₦930 billion decline from Wednesday’s closing balance, reflecting the impact of Treasury bills settlement on available funds.
The market nevertheless remained in surplus despite the CBN’s aggressive liquidity sterilisation programme, which included ₦2.888 trillion in OMO bills sold earlier in the week.
Money market liquidity had stood at ₦4.61 trillion at midweek, supporting increased demand for Nigerian Treasury bills as banks increased their exposure to short-term investment instruments.
The movement in overnight rates indicates a modest tightening in short-term funding conditions, although the market continues to retain a substantial liquidity buffer.
Herwood Securities said the system is expected to receive ₦734.81 billion from matured Treasury bills, which should provide additional liquidity and ease pressure on short-term funding conditions.
What’s Being Said
“The financial system liquidity is expected to remain comfortable, supported by the ₦734.81 billion inflow from matured Treasury bills,” Herwood Securities Limited said in its market assessment.
Market expectations remain that the inflow will help limit further pressure on overnight funding costs, provided there are no significant additional liquidity debits.
What’s Next
₦734.81 billion in matured Treasury bills is expected to flow back into the financial system
Banks and other market participants will monitor liquidity conditions for their impact on overnight funding costs
OBB and overnight rates are expected to remain around current levels if system liquidity stays broadly comfortable
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: The rise in the overnight rate signals modest tightening rather than a broad liquidity squeeze. With a sizeable surplus still available and Treasury bill maturities expected to inject ₦734.81 billion, short-term funding conditions are likely to remain relatively stable.
Naira appreciates to ₦1,315.6717 per dollar at the official foreign exchange market
Interbank FX turnover rises 62% to $152.04 million as the number of deals increases to 153
The currency trades between ₦1,302 and ₦1,324 per dollar during Thursday’s session
Main Story
The Nigerian naira strengthened against the US dollar on Thursday, closing at ₦1,315.6717 at the official foreign exchange market as interbank turnover rose sharply.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the official spot rate improved from ₦1,326.6862 per dollar on Wednesday, representing an appreciation of about ₦11.
Market transactions were conducted between ₦1,302 and ₦1,324 per dollar during the session, according to Broadstreet analysts cited by MarketForces Africa.
The improvement came alongside a significant increase in foreign exchange market activity. CBN data showed that Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) interbank turnover rose by more than 62% to $152.042 million from $93.655 million recorded in the previous session.
The number of deals executed also increased to 153 from 105 previously, indicating higher participation in the interbank market.
The naira’s appreciation has brought the currency closer to the ₦1,300-per-dollar level after a period of steady gains in the foreign exchange market.
Analysts attributed the movement partly to increased activity by financial institutions acting as market makers, which contributed to the rise in market turnover.
Nigeria’s gross external reserves also moved closer to $54 billion following fresh inflows, according to the information provided. A stronger reserve position could provide additional support for the naira if sustained.
What’s Being Said
Broadstreet analysts said increased activity by financial institutions as market makers helped drive the surge in FX market turnover.
The CBN data showed that the rise in turnover coincided with higher deal volumes, with 153 transactions recorded during the session compared with 105 the previous day.
What’s Next
Market participants will monitor the official exchange rate and NFEM turnover in subsequent sessions to determine whether the naira’s recent appreciation can be sustained.
The level of gross external reserves and continued foreign exchange inflows will also remain important indicators for the currency’s near-term performance.
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: The naira’s latest gain was accompanied by a sharp increase in interbank FX activity, making the rise more significant than a movement in the quoted exchange rate alone. Sustained liquidity and market participation will be critical to determining whether the currency can remain around the ₦1,300-per-dollar level.
Seplat Energy leads gainers as the NGX All-Share Index rises 0.15% to 246,388.22 points
Market capitalisation increases by ₦238.37 billion to ₦159.15 trillion as trading value and volume climb
Oil & Gas gains 2.22%, while Insurance, Banking, Consumer Goods and Industrial Goods sectors decline
Main Story
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed higher on Thursday as buying interest in Seplat Energy, Dangote Sugar Refinery and FCMB lifted the All-Share Index by 0.15%. The NGX All-Share Index gained 369.05 points to close at 246,388.22, while market capitalisation rose by ₦238.37 billion to ₦159.15 trillion, according to market data.
Trading activity also strengthened during the session, with total volume and value traded increasing by 1.68% and 3.03%, respectively. Investors exchanged 434.02 million shares valued at ₦29.30 billion across 42,303 deals.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) dominated trading volume, accounting for 26.14% of total units traded. GTCO followed with 7.91%, Access Holdings with 5.74%, Sovereign Insurance with 4.90% and WAPIC Insurance with 4.75%.
UBA also led the value chart, accounting for 17.87% of the total value traded on the exchange.
Seplat Energy led the gainers, rising 10.00%, followed by Learn Africa with 9.49%, Regal Insurance with 4.76%, Jaiz Bank with 4.22%, WAPIC with 4.18% and UPDC with 2.82%.
However, 33 stocks declined, led by RT Briscoe, which fell 10.00%. Consolidated Hallmark Insurance declined 9.86%, while Sovereign Insurance, Abbey Mortgage Bank, Daar Communications and Nascon Allied Industries also recorded losses.
The market therefore closed with negative breadth, with 21 gainers against 33 losers.
Sector performance was similarly mixed. The Oil & Gas sector gained 2.22%, while Insurance declined 2.00%, Banking fell 0.27%, Consumer Goods dropped 0.18% and Industrial Goods slipped 0.001%.
What’s Being Said
The trading session reflected renewed bargain hunting in selected mid-cap and blue-chip stocks, while the strong performance of Seplat Energy drove the day’s gains.
Market data showed that Seplat Energy was the strongest-performing stock, gaining the maximum 10.00% during the session.
What’s Next
Investors will continue to monitor sector rotation and the performance of major blue-chip counters in subsequent trading sessions.
Market participants will also watch whether the positive momentum in Oil & Gas stocks can offset weakness across the Insurance, Banking and Consumer Goods sectors.
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: The NGX’s gain was narrow rather than broad-based, with strong performances in selected stocks offset by declines across most major sectors. The session therefore points to selective investor demand rather than a broad market rally.
ChatGPT, Claude and Grok experienced service disruptions on September 3, affecting users across their platforms
OpenAI, Anthropic and xAI each recorded or confirmed service problems affecting their AI products
The three services subsequently restored operations, although OpenAI recorded another APAC-related incident on September 4
Main Story
ChatGPT, Claude and Grok experienced service disruptions on Thursday, September 3, affecting users of three major artificial intelligence platforms.
OpenAI recorded elevated errors across ChatGPT and Codex on September 3, with the company later marking the incident as resolved. The incident affected 15 ChatGPT components and four Codex components, according to OpenAI’s status page.
Anthropic also reported elevated errors affecting several Claude models, including Mythos/Fable 5.1, Mythos/Fable 5, Opus 5, Opus 4.8 and Opus 4.6. The company subsequently said the affected services had recovered, with the incident ending at 9:16 p.m. Pacific Time on September 3.
xAI’s Grok also experienced an outage affecting its services. The simultaneous disruption across the three major AI platforms drew attention because the services are operated by separate companies.
The Verge reported that the disruptions affected major ChatGPT functions, while Claude experienced a partial service disruption across Claude, Claude Code and the Claude API. It also reported that Grok experienced outages across its web and mobile platforms. All three services had been restored by the time of its report.
The outages came as reliance on generative AI services continues to expand among consumers, developers and businesses, increasing the operational impact of interruptions to widely used AI platforms.
What’s Being Said
OpenAI said its September 3 incident involving ChatGPT and Codex had been resolved and that it was monitoring recovery.
Anthropic’s status page said the issue affecting Claude models had been resolved and that the impact ended at 9:16 p.m. Pacific Time.
What’s Next
OpenAI is continuing to monitor service performance following the September 3 disruption. Its status page separately reported increased errors affecting some users in the Asia-Pacific region on September 4, including ChatGPT, image generation, file uploads, Voice and Codex Cloud.
The companies’ incident records will provide further information on the causes and reliability measures following the disruptions.
Bottom Line:
The simultaneous disruption of three major AI platforms highlights how dependent users and businesses have become on a small group of large AI service providers. Although the September 3 incidents were resolved, continued status incidents underline the importance of service resilience as AI becomes embedded in everyday workflows.
Seplat and UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust led the gainers with increases of 10.00% and 9.88%
NGX All-Share Index rose 0.15% to 246,388.22 points, adding ₦238.37 billion to market capitalisation
Trading volume, value and deals increased, although 33 decliners outnumbered 22 gainers
Main Story
Nigeria’s equities market returned to positive territory on Thursday as buying interest in Seplat and UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust lifted the NGX All-Share Index by 0.15%.
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) All-Share Index closed at 246,388.22 points, while market capitalisation increased by approximately ₦238.37 billion to ₦159.15 trillion. The market’s year-to-date return consequently stood at 58.33%.
Seplat and UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust were the session’s strongest performers, gaining 10.00% and 9.88%, respectively, while Learnafrica rose 9.49%.
Trading activity also improved across the market. According to NGX data, traded volume increased 1.71% to 433.97 million shares, while transaction value rose 3.48% to ₦29.26 billion. The number of deals increased 2.00% to 42,217.
United Bank for Africa led the volume chart with 113.26 million shares valued at approximately ₦5.23 billion across 1,107 deals. Guaranty Trust Holding Company followed on the value chart with transactions worth approximately ₦4.55 billion across 2,568 deals.
Despite the index gain, market breadth weakened, with 33 stocks declining against 22 gainers, indicating that the advance was concentrated in a relatively small group of large or actively traded stocks.
RT Briscoe led the decliners with a 10.00% loss, followed by Conoil Financial Services, which fell 9.86%, and Sovereign Trust Insurance, which declined 9.73%.
Sector performance was mixed. Oil and Gas gained 2.49%, Commodity rose 1.62%, Insurance increased 0.67%, and Industrial Goods advanced 0.23%. Banking declined 0.85%, while Consumer Goods fell 0.39%.
What’s Being Said
The session’s performance points to renewed demand for selected equities, although the negative market breadth suggests that the broader market did not participate equally in the advance.
NGX data showed that the index gain coincided with higher trading volume, value and deal count, while the concentration of gains in selected stocks limited the breadth of the rally.
What’s Next
Investors will watch subsequent NGX sessions for evidence of whether the buying interest in Seplat, UPDC REIT and other leading gainers can broaden across sectors.
Market participants will also monitor the banking and consumer-goods sectors following their declines during Thursday’s session.
Bottom Line:
The NGX’s return to positive territory was supported by strong gains in a handful of stocks rather than a broad market rally. The combination of higher turnover and weak market breadth suggests investors remain selective despite the index’s strong year-to-date performance.
NAICOM has launched the Insurance Sector Strengthening Programme (ISSP) to deepen insurance penetration, financial inclusion and innovation.
The Nigerian Insurance Association says the programme targets an increase in insurance penetration from about five per cent to 10 per cent of GDP by 2030.
The initiative focuses on consumer awareness, human-capital development, gender and youth inclusion, and MSME and value-chain development.
Main Story
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has launched a programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s insurance industry and doubling insurance penetration to 10 per cent of GDP by 2030.
The Insurance Sector Strengthening Programme (ISSP), unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, is designed to advance insurance penetration, financial inclusion and innovation while improving the sector’s capacity and competitiveness.
Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olusegun Omosehin, said the programme would address consumer awareness, professional development, gender inclusion, youth engagement, and the insurance needs of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He said public understanding and trust remained essential to expanding the insurance market because consumers must recognise insurance as a tool for financial protection and risk management.
“No sector can achieve sustainable growth when large segments of society remain sidelined or underrepresented,” Omosehin said.
He said the programme would also strengthen technical expertise and professionalism as technology and customer expectations continued to change.
Mrs Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Nigerian Insurance Association (NIA), represented by its Director-General, Mrs Bola Odukale, said the industry’s five per cent penetration level could be doubled through sustained collaboration, innovation and institutional commitment.
She said the target should be viewed beyond premium growth, describing wider insurance coverage as a means of expanding financial protection.
The NIA pledged to mobilise its members and provide data, expertise and support for initiatives aimed at improving consumer confidence and access to affordable insurance products.
What’s Being Said
“A strong and resilient insurance industry is essential to protecting lives and assets, supporting businesses and encouraging investment,” said Sen. Mukhail Abiru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, represented by Mr Victor Inedu.
Dr Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, said the industry would struggle to grow if it relied mainly on compulsory insurance and legislation.
“Products that do not reflect the aspirations and realities of young Nigerians will struggle to gain acceptance,” Adesina said.
What’s Next
NAICOM and industry stakeholders will work towards the 10 per cent insurance penetration target by 2030.
The NIA will mobilise insurers and provide data and expertise to support implementation.
Nigeria and Canada are expected to explore further cooperation in insurance, regulation, innovation and knowledge sharing.
The Bottom Line: NAICOM’s ISSP seeks to move insurance beyond compulsory coverage and limited market participation by expanding consumer trust, inclusion and access, with the industry targeting a doubling of penetration by 2030.
Ondo State Government has launched a digital Human Resource Management System and automated pension migration platform.
The systems are designed to reduce errors, delays and paperwork in payroll, personnel and pension administration.
The digital platforms will integrate BVN and biometric verification while giving workers access to salary and employment records remotely.
Main Story
The Ondo State Government has launched digital Human Resource (HR) and pension platforms to improve personnel administration, payroll processing and the transition of retiring workers to pension.
The state Head of Service, Mr Segun Odusanya, said at the launch in Akure on Wednesday that the initiative would replace largely manual processes with a centralised digital system for managing personnel information and services.
He said the HR platform would reduce administrative errors and bottlenecks while improving access to accurate and up-to-date personnel records.
“With this initiative, civil service processes will become more efficient, accountable and transparent,” Odusanya said.
The platform is expected to provide government with information on workers’ deployment, professional competencies and career progression, while supporting workforce planning and identification of capacity development needs.
Odusanya urged civil servants to embrace the transition and acquire the skills required to use the new system. He also charged permanent secretaries, directors and personnel officers with ensuring effective implementation.
Mr Geoffrey Dashe, Head of Sales at SmartApps IT Ltd, the technical partner, said the platform would give workers access to payslips and other employment information from home.
He said salaries could be processed within a day once funds were available, while integration with Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), facial recognition and fingerprint verification would help ensure salaries were paid to the correct employees.
The system also includes an automated pension migration application designed to facilitate the transition of retiring workers from active service to pension with less reliance on physical documentation.
What’s Being Said
“The increasing complexity of government operations has made it necessary to move from largely manual personnel administration to a digital system capable of providing timely, accurate and accessible information,” Odusanya said.
Dr Peter Akingbade, Permanent Secretary, Pension Transition Office, said the digital pension system would help eliminate delays, lost files and repetitive paperwork that had affected pensioners.
“The digital pension system would restore dignity to pensioners,” Akingbade said, adding that the office would ensure legitimate pensioners were not excluded from the process.
What’s Next
Civil servants will transition to the digital HR and payroll system.
Government personnel officers and administrators will support implementation and continuous improvement.
Retiring workers will use the automated platform to migrate from active service to pension with reduced reliance on manual documentation.
The Bottom Line: Ondo is moving key workforce and pension processes from manual administration to digital platforms, with the aim of improving payroll accuracy, personnel records and the speed of pension transitions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed a four-point framework for a new Middle East security architecture.
The framework is based on common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.
Xi called for greater regional dialogue, development cooperation and stronger adherence to the UN Charter and international law.
Main Story
Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed a four-point framework for establishing a new security architecture in the Middle East based on common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.
Xi made the proposal during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday, urging countries in the region to take responsibility for their own affairs and reject external interference.
He called for stronger dialogue on peace and security and the development of a regional security architecture driven by greater cooperation among Middle Eastern countries.
Xi also advocated a comprehensive approach to the region’s interconnected conflicts, saying the Palestinian issue remained at the core of the Middle East question.
He said lasting peace and stability depended fundamentally on development and urged stronger development cooperation to address the underlying causes of conflicts.
“Lasting peace and stability fundamentally depend on development,” Xi said, while expressing China’s readiness to work with Middle Eastern countries to safeguard international shipping lanes, promote development cooperation and build mutual trust.
Xi further called for stronger international coordination, with the UN Charter and international law serving as the fundamental principles for handling Middle East affairs.
What’s Being Said
“The Palestinian issue remains at the core of the Middle East question,” Xi said, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to the region’s conflicts.
Sisi said Egypt appreciated China’s “consistent, objective and impartial” position on Middle East issues and reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to de-escalation and resolving conflicts through political means.
What’s Next
China and Egypt will strengthen coordination on regional tensions and stability.
China will seek greater cooperation with Middle Eastern countries on shipping security, development and mutual interests.
Egypt will work with China to explore a new regional security architecture.
The Bottom Line: Xi is proposing a Middle East security model centred on regional ownership, broader cooperation, development and international law, while calling for greater international support for political solutions to the region’s conflicts.
Schools have reopened in Ebola-affected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo after authorities reversed plans for remote learning in high-risk zones.
More than 3,000 people have died from Ebola, with 6,186 confirmed cases recorded across six provinces.
More than 1,000 schools in Ituri Province remain classified as high-risk or active transmission zones.
Main Story
Schools have reopened in Ebola-affected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after authorities reversed plans to keep institutions in high-risk zones on remote learning.
The decision followed concerns that prolonged distance learning could leave pupils in affected communities academically behind their peers.
Government data showed that more than 3,000 people had died from the outbreak, with 6,186 confirmed cases recorded across six provinces and a case fatality rate of 48.6 per cent.
More than 1,000 schools in Ituri Province are classified as “red zone” areas because of high risk or active Ebola transmission.
Education ministry regulations issued on Aug. 19 had required schools in those areas to use worksheets and radio and television programmes for distance learning.
An education ministry official said provincial authorities requested the reversal because of concerns about the impact of prolonged remote learning on pupils’ academic progress.
“Schools would close and introduce distance learning immediately if an Ebola case was detected,” the official said.
Schools have also reopened in parts of North and South Kivu controlled by Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels, with pupils and staff required to observe hand-washing and social distancing measures.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which the source says there is no approved vaccine or treatment.
What’s Being Said
“Schools would close and introduce distance learning immediately if an Ebola case was detected,” an education ministry official said.
Parents have continued to take precautions against transmission. In Beni, North Kivu, one mother said she packed disinfectant for her three children and warned them against physical contact with classmates.
What’s Next
Schools in red zones will continue operating under enhanced hygiene measures.
Education authorities will switch affected schools to distance learning if an Ebola case is detected.
Schools will maintain hand-sanitising facilities, wash basins and other hygiene measures to reduce transmission risks.
The Bottom Line: Schools have reopened despite continued Ebola transmission risks, with authorities relying on strict hygiene measures and immediate closure if cases are detected. The move reflects efforts to balance public health concerns with the need to prevent prolonged disruption to pupils’ education.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski will contest Holborn and St Pancras at the next election.
The seat was retained by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the 2024 general election.
Greens currently poll at 13 per cent nationally, behind Labour, Reform UK and Conservatives.
Main Story
Britain’s Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, will contest Holborn and St Pancras, the parliamentary constituency formerly represented by ex-Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Polanski told the Camden New Journal on Thursday that he would stand as the Green Party candidate in the constituency, which has traditionally leaned towards the political left.
Starmer retained the seat for Labour in the 2024 general election, although Labour’s share of the vote fell considerably. An independent candidate who campaigned mainly against Israel’s war in Gaza won nearly 19 per cent, while the Green candidate secured more than 10 per cent.
The result has raised expectations that the Greens could mount a stronger challenge for the constituency at the next election.
Polanski’s candidacy comes as the Greens seek to build support among voters on Labour’s left. The party recently recorded a surprise by-election victory in Greater Manchester, where current Prime Minister Andy Burnham served for years as mayor.
“Labour stands up for corporations and big money. I’ll stand up for people and our communities,” Polanski said in a post on X.
The Issues
Green Party support has reached as high as 20 per cent in some national opinion polls. However, Polanski’s personal popularity has declined following his criticism of police officers over the arrest of a man accused of stabbing two Jewish people in north London in April, according to YouGov.
What’s Being Said
“Labour stands up for corporations and big money. I’ll stand up for people and our communities,” Zack Polanski, Green Party leader, said.
What’s Next
Polanski will contest Holborn and St Pancras as the Green Party candidate at the forthcoming general election.
The Greens will seek to build on their recent by-election gains and increased support among Labour’s left-wing voters.
National polling will remain a key indicator of the party’s prospects ahead of the election.
The Bottom Line:
Polanski’s decision turns Starmer’s former constituency into a potential Green-Labour battleground, with the Greens seeking to convert growing national support into parliamentary gains.
NDPHC says NIPP Phase 2 will focus on renewable energy in Northern Nigeria.
The company plans to explore solar, mini-hydropower and off-grid solutions.
NDPHC says more than 1,500MW of generation capacity is mechanically available but only about 500MW is dispatched hourly.
Main Story
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is set to begin the second phase of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), with a focus on renewable energy investments in Northern Nigeria.
NDPHC Managing Director, Ms Jennifer Adighije, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during an oversight visit to the company’s headquarters by the House of Representatives Committee on Power, chaired by Rep. Victor Nwokolo.
Adighije said the initiative would diversify Nigeria’s electricity generation mix in line with the country’s Energy Transition Plan, particularly by exploiting the solar and other renewable energy resources available in Northern Nigeria.
She said NDPHC was considering off-grid solutions, mini-hydropower projects and other solar interventions to address electricity supply gaps.
“We are currently in NIPP Phase 1, which is power generation from fossil fuels, from gas. NIPP Phase 2, in line with the Energy Transition Plan, is where we are diversifying our generation mix and preparing to transition to renewable energy,” she said.
The Issues
Adighije said NDPHC currently contributes about 4,000MW to Nigeria’s installed generation capacity of approximately 12,000MW, representing about 30 per cent.
Under NIPP Phase 1, the company has built 10 power plants. Seven are commercially operational, two are under construction and one is undergoing upgrades.
The company has also undertaken projects across the transmission and distribution segments. Adighije said 120 transmission projects had been completed, comprising 60 330kV substations, 31 132kV substations and 37 expansion projects, with combined transformer capacity exceeding 10,000MVA.
She said NDPHC had also implemented hundreds of distribution projects involving distribution transformers and 33kV and 11kV lines.
However, transmission constraints, low tariffs, inadequate market settlements, gas supply problems, unpaid debts and vandalism remain major challenges.
Adighije said NDPHC had more than 1,500MW of mechanically available generation capacity but was allocated an hourly dispatch of only about 500MW.
She estimated that the resulting suppressed and stranded capacity had cost the company more than N300 billion and called for regulatory intervention to review the dispatch merit order.
What’s Being Said
“We have also been to their power stations. And honestly, they are taking reasonable actions towards making Nigerians access electricity,” Nwokolo said.
“If they don’t generate, there’s nothing to transmit. If they don’t transmit, there’s nothing to distribute. So, I must commend them,” he said.
What’s Next
Adighije appealed to the House committee to intervene in debts owed NDPHC by electricity market participants, including the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), which she said had accumulated liabilities exceeding N400 billion.
She also sought settlement of obligations arising from NDPHC assets recognised in the regulated asset base of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The NDPHC managing director said the company had recovered 110 abandoned containers and 216 packages within its first 100 days, saving more than N30 billion.
She also reported the recovery of about $12 million from cross-border bilateral customers in Togo and other debtors, out of outstanding debts exceeding $50 million.
According to her, several turbines had also been recovered across NDPHC power plants, contributing about 470MW to the national grid.
Nwokolo said the committee would examine the challenges raised by NDPHC and work with relevant stakeholders to address them.
He said the legislature would support the company, noting that NDPHC could not resolve all the challenges confronting the power sector on its own.
Bottom Line
NDPHC is preparing to move into renewable power generation under NIPP Phase 2, with planned investments in solar, mini-hydropower and off-grid solutions in Northern Nigeria. The move comes as the company grapples with transmission constraints, market debts and more than 1,000MW of available generation capacity that it says is currently not being fully dispatched.
Former IYC president urges Federal Government to prioritise rehabilitation of government-owned refineries.
He says savings from fuel subsidy removal should fund refinery rehabilitation.
Eradiri rejects calls to reintroduce fuel subsidy, saying it failed to achieve its intended purpose.
Main Story
The Federal Government has been urged to use savings from the removal of fuel subsidy to rehabilitate and fully operate the country’s government-owned refineries.
Mr Udengs Eradiri, a former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), made the call in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Yenagoa.
Eradiri also called for a review of the economic reform strategy of the current administration, saying increased domestic refining capacity would help address fuel supply and reduce pressure on the cost of living.
“The rehabilitation and full operation of government-owned refineries should be an immediate priority for the Federal Government,” he said.
“Increased domestic refining capacity will boost fuel supply, reduce petrol prices and trigger a corresponding reduction in the cost of goods and services,” he added.
The Issues
Eradiri said a well-planned rehabilitation programme for the refineries could strengthen the economy and improve citizens’ welfare.
He argued that government should direct resources saved from the removal of fuel subsidy towards projects capable of lowering the cost of living, rather than reversing the policy.
The former IYC president also rejected former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s call for the reintroduction of fuel subsidy.
What’s Being Said
“I disagree with the former vice president, the intended objective of fuel subsidy was not achieved, it failed to bring succour to the people,” Eradiri said.
“Instead of reintroducing subsidy, the Federal Government should invest savings from its removal in projects that will reduce cost of living,” he said.
What’s Next
Eradiri urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and full operation of its refineries as part of a review of its economic reform strategy.
He said increasing domestic refining capacity could improve fuel availability and reduce petrol prices, with a potential knock-on effect on the cost of goods and services.
Bottom Line
Eradiri wants the Federal Government to channel savings from fuel subsidy removal into reviving government-owned refineries rather than reintroducing subsidy, arguing that stronger domestic refining capacity would help reduce fuel costs and ease pressure on households.
ICC dismisses anonymous request seeking investigation into alleged systemic kidnappings in Nigeria.
Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi says the filing breached established Court procedures.
Federal Government says no ICC investigation has been opened against Nigeria.
Main Story
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed an anonymous request seeking an investigation into alleged systemic kidnappings in Nigeria as crimes against humanity.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Communication and Publicity, Kamarudeen Ogundele.
The filing, titled ‘Formal Communication Requesting Investigation into Systemic Kidnappings in Nigeria as Crimes Against Humanity’, was submitted anonymously under reference number ICC-RoC46(3)-01/26.
Fagbemi said the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber II rejected the communication at the threshold because it had not been properly brought before the Court and lacked a legal basis for consideration under its governing framework.
He said the communication had earlier been assigned to Pre-Trial Chamber II by the President of the Pre-Trial Division under Regulation 46(3).
The minister said Nigeria welcomed the Chamber’s dismissal but remained concerned about what he described as the improper initial handling of the anonymous filing.
The Issues
Fagbemi said the assignment was made without a prior reasoned determination of the Chamber’s competence or whether the communication was manifestly frivolous.
He described the development as a breach of what he called the “foundational procedural safeguards” under the Court’s regulations.
“The Federal Government notes with serious concern that on August 26, the President of the Pre-Trial Division improperly initiated a procedural process,” Fagbemi said.
He identified the judges on Pre-Trial Chamber II as Rosario Salvatore Aitala, Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godínez and Haykel Ben Mahfoudh.
Fagbemi said the anonymous filing had bypassed established legal channels and warned that the handling of such requests could affect Nigeria’s relationship and cooperation with the ICC.
“The activation of internal registry mechanisms based on an unverified filing represents an unusual and troubling departure from the governing statutory framework,” he said.
The minister said the authority to evaluate information or request an investigation rested with the ICC Prosecutor, while formal referrals could also come from a State Party or the UN Security Council.
What’s Being Said
“The authority to evaluate information or request an investigation rests solely with the Prosecutor of the ICC,” Fagbemi said.
“However, the primary constitutional responsibility for investigating and prosecuting domestic criminal activities, including kidnapping and banditry, resides firmly with Nigeria’s national judicial and law enforcement institutions,” he said.
What’s Next
Fagbemi urged all organs of the ICC to comply strictly with established statutory procedures to protect the credibility of international criminal justice and maintain the confidence of sovereign State Parties.
He said Nigeria remained committed to the Rome Statute, international accountability and the rule of law.
The minister also reassured Nigerians and the international community that the ICC had not opened an investigation against Nigeria and had made no adverse finding against the Nigerian Government or its institutions.
He said Nigeria’s position was consistent with the principle of complementarity, under which domestic judicial and law enforcement institutions retain primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting domestic criminal offences.
Bottom Line
The ICC has dismissed an anonymous communication seeking an investigation into alleged systemic kidnappings in Nigeria. The Federal Government welcomed the dismissal but criticised what it described as procedural irregularities in the handling of the filing.
Zoho upgrades Catalyst with AI-powered tools for building and deploying applications.
New features allow AI coding assistants to perform development tasks with greater platform integration.
Students can use Catalyst free for non-commercial projects without subscriptions or credit cards.
Main Story
Zoho Corporation has upgraded its Catalyst cloud platform with AI-powered tools designed to help developers turn computer-generated code into tested and deployable applications.
The Country Head, Zoho Nigeria, Mr Kehinde Ogundare, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
Ogundare said the upgrade was aimed at simplifying application development, testing and deployment while reducing the time developers spend managing underlying technology and multiple cloud services.
He said AI coding assistants had accelerated the process of writing applications, but developers still faced challenges in preparing AI-generated code for real-world deployment.
According to him, Catalyst provides the infrastructure needed to build, launch and scale applications on a single platform.
Developers can use AI coding assistants, including Claude Code and OpenAI’s Codex, while Catalyst manages much of the underlying technology required to run the applications.
“Developers still spend significant time managing infrastructure and bringing together separate cloud services,” Ogundare said.
The Issues
One of the new features, Catalyst Agent Skills, provides AI assistants with information needed to work with the platform and follow recommended development procedures.
Ogundare said a non-interactive command-line tool would allow AI assistants to carry out multiple development tasks without requiring developers to provide instructions at every stage.
The platform’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) support also enables developers to perform tasks such as creating database tables directly from their usual coding environments.
He said the features were designed to shorten the path from writing code to testing and deployment while reducing reliance on multiple cloud services.
Human oversight remains part of the process, however. Developers must manually move applications from testing environments into production.
Ogundare said Catalyst also provides records of actions taken by AI assistants, while changes can be tracked, reversed and attributed to individual users.
What’s Being Said
“Developers still spend significant time managing infrastructure and bringing together separate cloud services,” Ogundare said.
What’s Next
Zoho said students developing non-commercial applications can use Catalyst without charge, subscriptions or credit cards.
The student offering provides access to application hosting, database management and AI experimentation tools, giving learners practical experience in developing and deploying applications.
Developers can also access a free monthly option, while users seeking broader access can receive N192,500 in free credits over six months.
Catalyst operates on a pay-as-you-go model, with spending controls that allow users to monitor and manage costs.
Zoho has also released some Catalyst development tools as open-source projects, enabling developers to inspect, improve and contribute to them.
Applications built on the platform run on Zoho’s data centres and are supported by security measures including cyberattack protection and regular security testing.
Bottom Line
Zoho’s Catalyst upgrade is designed to address the gap between AI-generated code and production-ready applications by combining AI coding assistants with cloud infrastructure, development controls and deployment tools on one platform.
Five people died in a multiple crash on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Eighteen others were injured in the accident involving three vehicles.
FRSC blames preliminary findings on wrongful overtaking and speed violation.
Main Story
Five people were killed and 18 others injured in a multiple accident on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu State on Thursday.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the crash, which occurred at about 3:18 p.m. near the LNG Plant at Ugwu-Onyeama.
FRSC Route Commander, Theophilus Okoduwa, who is also the Enugu State Sector Command Public Enlightenment Officer, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that 25 people were involved in the accident.
The victims comprised 13 males and 12 females. The five fatalities were four males and one female, while the 18 injured victims comprised seven males and 11 females.
Okoduwa said the crash involved a Dongfeng trailer, a Mitsubishi L300 commercial bus and a Honda car.
He said FRSC personnel, patrol vehicles and an ICU ambulance arrived at the scene within nine minutes of the incident being reported at about 3:25 p.m.
The Issues
The crash caused an obstruction on the expressway, prompting the FRSC to divert traffic while efforts were made to remove the wreckage.
The injured victims were taken to Tex Hospital at 9th Mile Corner for immediate medical treatment.
Okoduwa said the remains of the five deceased victims were deposited at Ekochin Morgue, 9th Mile, after medical officials confirmed their deaths.
Preliminary findings indicated that wrongful overtaking and speed violation might have contributed to the crash.
What’s Being Said
“Within nine minutes of reporting the incident to the FRSC Sector Command at about 3:25p.m, our officers and marshals as well as patrol vehicles and ICU ambulance arrived at the scene,” Okoduwa said.
“The injured victims were taken to nearby Tex Hospital, 9th Mile Corner, for immediate medical attention while after confirmation from medical officials, the remains of the five deceased were deposited at Ekochin Morgue, 9th Mile,” he said.
What’s Next
FRSC personnel are continuing efforts to clear the expressway of the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.
The corps is also expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, with preliminary findings pointing to wrongful overtaking and speeding as possible contributing factors.
Bottom Line
Five people died and 18 were injured after a trailer, commercial bus and car collided on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. FRSC’s preliminary investigation points to wrongful overtaking and speed violation as possible causes.
NIA inaugurates technical committees on agricultural insurance and reinsurance.
The committees increase the association’s technical committees to 16.
NIA says the move will strengthen technical capacity and industry standards.
Main Story
The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has inaugurated technical committees on agricultural insurance and reinsurance as part of efforts to strengthen professional expertise and promote best practices in the industry.
The association disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the inauguration brought its number of technical committees to 16.
NIA Director-General, Mrs Bola Odukale, said the committees were established in response to calls from members of the association’s Governing Council and other stakeholders for dedicated platforms to address emerging issues across key insurance segments.
She said the Agricultural Insurance Technical Committee would promote best practices and improve members’ capacity in underwriting and claims management.
According to Odukale, the Reinsurance Technical Committee would similarly address issues and practices in reinsurance while strengthening members’ technical capacity in underwriting and claims management.
She urged members of both committees to contribute to improving technical standards and supporting sustainable development of the insurance industry.
The Issues
The committees are expected to provide specialised platforms for addressing technical and emerging issues in agricultural insurance and reinsurance.
Before the elections, members were briefed on their responsibilities and expected contributions to the growth of the industry.
Leonard Okoroafor of AIICO Insurance Plc was elected Chairman of the Agricultural Insurance Technical Committee, with Baron Omiji of Guinea Insurance Plc as Deputy Chairman.
Adebayo Olukolajo of Leadway Assurance emerged Secretary, while Ndidi Olagunju of Industrial and General Insurance became Assistant Secretary.
For the Reinsurance Technical Committee, Helen Osadunkwu of Cornerstone Insurance Plc was elected Chairman, while Ochuko Efenure of Zenith Insurance Plc became Deputy Chairman.
Uwem Offong of NSIA Insurance was elected Secretary, while Otoikhila Godskingdom of Emple Insurance emerged Assistant Secretary.
What’s Being Said
“The committees are essential platforms for advancing Nigeria’s insurance industry,” Odukale said.
Odukale urged members to contribute meaningfully towards strengthening technical standards and advancing sustainable industry development.
What’s Next
The NIA said it would continue to strengthen technical capacity, promote collaboration and encourage professional standards across the insurance industry.
The association said the new committees would support sustainable growth and development within the sector.
Bottom Line
The NIA has expanded its technical committee structure to 16 with dedicated bodies for agricultural insurance and reinsurance, giving the two segments specialised platforms for capacity development and industry standards.
UNICEF says 20 million children aged 12 to 17 experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation across 21 countries.
Nearly 60 per cent of cases occurred on social media platforms.
More than 40 per cent of cases were never disclosed, while fewer than one per cent reached authorities.
Main Story
About 20 million children aged 12 to 17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, according to a new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The report, released on Thursday, said the figure represented about one in five children in the age group studied.
Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and WhatsApp, accounted for nearly 60 per cent of recorded cases.
UNICEF said more than 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, while nine million were pressured into sexual conversations or sharing sexual images.
Another four million had sexual images of themselves distributed without their consent.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, said the findings showed the scale of abuse occurring in digital spaces where children learn, play and communicate.
“More than 20 million children across the countries studied were subjected to unwanted explicit sexual content or exploitation online,” Russell said.
The Issues
The report found that online games were also used to facilitate abuse, accounting for 14 per cent of recorded exploitation cases.
According to UNICEF, perpetrators often exploited features of online platforms and games to build trust with children, while anonymity made it easier to carry out abuse.
The report said 38 per cent of children first encountered perpetrators online, while 57 per cent of cases across the 21 countries involved people known to the children, including peers, friends and family members.
In Montenegro, more than 80 per cent of reported exploitation cases involved social media platforms.
The effects extended beyond the immediate abuse. Children interviewed by researchers reported fear, shame, confusion and isolation, alongside damage to their emotional wellbeing, sense of safety and ability to trust others.
UNICEF said children who experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation were four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts, behaviours and self-harm.
The report also found significantly higher levels of anxiety among affected children, while Pakistan recorded more than seven times the risk of self-harm among exploited children.
What’s Being Said
“These experiences cause profound emotional and mental distress. Many children suffer in silence, unsure where to turn for help. We cannot look away,” Russell said.
“I didn’t know how to react. I felt a little in shock,” a young woman from the Dominican Republic said, recalling how private images of her were circulated without her consent when she was 14.
What’s Next
UNICEF said more than 40 per cent of technology-facilitated abuse cases were never disclosed, with fewer than one per cent reported to authorities.
The agency said children most commonly chose not to disclose abuse because they were uncertain about whom to tell.
Russell called on governments and technology companies to strengthen safeguards against sexual exploitation and abuse on digital platforms and ensure children have accessible channels for seeking help and reporting abuse.
Bottom Line
UNICEF says millions of children are being exposed to sexual exploitation through social media, online games and other digital spaces, while most cases remain undisclosed or unreported. The agency is calling for stronger protection measures from governments and technology companies.
UN General Assembly approves merger of UNITAR and UNSSC.
New UN Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation begins in January 2027.
Transition will run through 2026 while existing programmes and services continue.
Main Story
The United Nations General Assembly has approved the merger of two UN learning and training institutions, paving the way for a new body to begin operations in January 2027.
The 193-member Assembly adopted a resolution on Thursday approving the integration of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) into the UN System Staff College (UNSSC), including Nigeria.
Under the resolution, the two institutions will be brought together to establish the UN Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation (UNICLI).
The move forms part of the wider UN80 Initiative, which seeks to make the UN system more coherent, effective and responsive to emerging global challenges.
UNICLI will combine UNITAR’s work supporting governments, diplomats and public institutions with UNSSC’s expertise in training, leadership development and knowledge-sharing for UN personnel.
Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, said the new institution would help strengthen the capacity of the UN system and its Member States.
“Member States and the United Nations system are facing increasingly complex and interconnected challenges,” she said.
“The UN must continue to evolve, building stronger capabilities, fostering innovation, and enhancing institutional effectiveness to turn global commitments into tangible results.”
The Issues
The merger is intended to create a single platform for learning and capability development across the UN system and its Member States.
The United Nations said the arrangement would make it easier for Member States, UN entities and partners to access expertise and support, while reducing duplication and fragmentation between the existing institutions.
Miguel Panadero, Acting Director of UNSSC, said combining the institutions’ expertise would strengthen the UN’s capability-development function.
“By integrating UNSSC’s and UNITAR’s expertise in providing training for the UN system and Member States respectively, the new entity will be better positioned to provide a stronger, more coherent capability development function,” Panadero said.
What’s Being Said
“The Secretary-General welcomes the decision, which recognises that capability and development, continuous learning, and innovation are not ancillary functions, but strategic drivers of the UN’s effectiveness and reform, and impact for Member States,” Stéphane Dujarric, UN spokesman, said.
“The UN chief invites Member States, the UN entities, partners, and all stakeholders to join in shaping the new entity’s future and strengthening its contribution to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world,” Dujarric added.
What’s Next
The transition to UNICLI will be carried out in phases through the end of 2026 to maintain continuity of programmes, partnerships and services.
Until the transition is completed, UNITAR and UNSSC will continue to operate under their existing arrangements.
UNICLI will be headquartered in Geneva, while Turin will remain a UN learning campus and centre for leadership development. Existing operations in Bonn, Hiroshima, Madrid and New York will also continue.
Bottom Line
The General Assembly’s decision consolidates the UN’s two learning and training institutions into a new organisation focused on capability development, continuous learning and innovation, with UNICLI scheduled to begin operations in January 2027.
