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APC targets 80% of sokoto votes for Tinubu in 2027

By
Annette Ikponmwonba
-
APC Disbands Presidential Campaign Council

By Annette Ikponmwonba | October 12, 2026

Keypoints

• APC chieftain Yusuf Dingyadi says the party is targeting at least 80 per cent of votes in Sokoto State for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

• Dingyadi expressed confidence that the APC would win the presidency, governorship and all legislative seats in the state.

• He said the party expects to secure at least 15 million votes across the North-West.

• The APC presidential campaign is scheduled to launch in Kaduna on October 24.

• The remarks came during an empowerment programme for 300 indigent people in Sokoto State.

Main Story

The All Progressives Congress has set a target of securing at least 80 per cent of votes in Sokoto State for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the APC National Chairman, Yusuf Dingyadi, expressed confidence that the ruling party would win all elective positions in the state, including the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats.

Dingyadi spoke on Sunday at Dundaye, headquarters of Dundaye District in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State, during an empowerment programme organised by the Managing Director of the Sokoto State Media Corporation, Labaran Dundaye, for 300 indigent residents.

“We have no doubt that we will win elections. By the grace of God, APC is going to win the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship and Presidency, “Out of 100 per cent, we will get at least 80 per cent of all votes to be cast,” he said.

The former BBC Hausa Service correspondent also expressed optimism about the party’s chances across the North-West, claiming that the region had more than 20 million votes, of which the APC expected to secure at least 15 million, He attributed the party’s confidence to its preparations for the elections, including the establishment of campaign committees at ward, local government and zonal levels.

Dingyadi also announced that the APC presidential campaign would be launched in Kaduna on October 24, The APC chieftain commended Dundaye for providing cash assistance to 300 beneficiaries drawn from Dundaye, Gumburawa and Gidan Bubu districts, describing the initiative as an example of people-oriented leadership.

He urged politicians and public office holders to support residents in their communities through assistance and empowerment programmes, Dingyadi also called on Nigerians to contribute to community development and complement government efforts instead of relying entirely on the government for social amenities.

In his remarks, Dundaye said the financial assistance was intended to complement the efforts of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu to improve residents’ welfare and ease their economic difficulties, He urged Sokoto residents to support Tinubu, Aliyu, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

Dundaye praised the projects attributed to the Tinubu administration in northern Nigeria and described the coming election as an opportunity for residents to reciprocate the government’s efforts, The Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Council, Umar Dundaye, also commended the empowerment programme and urged other political leaders to emulate the initiative.

Other speakers, including APC Assistant State Financial Secretary Sani Dalla Dalla, the party chairman in the area, Rua Umar Nabana, and the SSMC Manager of Social Media and ICT, Siraju Bello Gumburawa, described the programme as commendabl, They encouraged beneficiaries to use the financial assistance judiciously, while some recipients expressed appreciation to the donor and pledged continued support for the APC.

The Issues

The APC’s target reflects its ambition to consolidate political support in Sokoto State and the wider North-West ahead of the 2027 general elections, However, the projected 80 per cent share of votes in Sokoto and the target of 15 million votes across the North-West remain party expectations rather than confirmed electoral outcomes, The empowerment programme also highlighted the role of community-level financial assistance in political engagement ahead of the elections.

What’s Being Said

Dingyadi said the APC was confident of victory at all levels and pointed to the party’s campaign structures as part of its preparations, Dundaye urged residents to support Tinubu and other APC candidates, arguing that government projects and efforts to improve welfare deserved public support, Other party representatives called for unity and encouraged beneficiaries to make responsible use of the financial assistance.

What’s Next

The APC presidential campaign is expected to launch in Kaduna on October 24, according to Dingyadi, The party is also expected to continue its preparations through campaign committees established at ward, local government and zonal levels ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bottom Line

The APC has announced an ambitious target of winning at least 80 per cent of votes in Sokoto State for Tinubu in 2027. While Dingyadi expressed confidence in the party’s prospects across the North-West, the eventual outcome will be determined by voters at the polls.

IDG: Nigerian NGO calls for immediate end to child marriage

UCL- arsenal, man united, barca face tough clashes

By
Annette Ikponmwonba
-

By Annette Ikponmwonba | October 12, 2026

Keypoints

• The UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 features 18 matches across Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 14.

• Atlético Madrid host Manchester United, Arsenal face Lille, and Galatasaray welcome Barcelona on Tuesday.

• Real Madrid visit Roma, while Manchester City host defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

• The matches offer clubs an opportunity to build on their opening results and strengthen their positions in the league phase.

Main Story

The UEFA Champions League returns on Tuesday with a series of high-profile fixtures as Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 league phase gets underway across two nights, Nine matches are scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, with another nine taking place on Wednesday, October 14, as Europe’s leading clubs seek to improve their positions following the opening round in September.

Tuesday’s headline fixtures include Atlético Madrid against Manchester United, Arsenal versus Lille and Galatasaray against Barcelona. Wednesday will feature another major contest as defending champions Paris Saint-Germain travel to Manchester City, while Real Madrid visit Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, According to UEFA, the five highlighted fixtures will kick off at 8pm Nigerian time, with the full programme offering several opportunities for clubs to strengthen their campaigns.

Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United

Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid

Kick-off: Tuesday, October 13, 8pm Nigerian time

Atlético Madrid host Manchester United in one of Tuesday’s most anticipated fixtures, with both sides aiming to improve their league-phase positions, Manchester United began their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Sabah, while Atlético suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Liverpool.

UEFA statistics show that Atlético have never won a Champions League group-stage or league-phase match against English opposition, recording four draws and seven defeats. United, meanwhile, have lost only one of their last 11 matches against Spanish teams, winning seven and drawing three, United will look to build on their opening performance, while Atlético aim to secure their first points of the campaign.

Arsenal vs Lille

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

Kick-off: Tuesday, October 13, 8pm Nigerian time

Arsenal welcome Lille as they seek to continue their strong record in the Champions League league phase, The Gunners opened their campaign with a 1-0 away win over Napoli, while Lille suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Real Betis, According to UEFA, Arsenal have won 13 consecutive league-phase matches and lost only two of their last 31 group-stage or league-phase games in European competition. They have also kept five clean sheets in their last seven Champions League matches.

Lille face a difficult challenge, having lost their last eight away matches against English clubs, Arsenal defender Gabriel previously played for Lille, making 52 appearances for the French club between 2017 and 2020. Viktor Gyökeres also scored against Lille while playing for Sporting CP in September 2024.

Galatasaray vs Barcelona

Venue: RAMS Park, Istanbul

Kick-off: Tuesday, October 13, 8pm Nigerian time

Barcelona travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray after an impressive start to their Champions League campaign, Barcelona defeated Feyenoord 5-1 in their opening match, while Galatasaray lost 3-1 to Sporting CP, UEFA statistics show that Barcelona’s last 31 Champions League matches have produced 141 goals, an average of 4.55 per game. However, the Catalan club have failed to keep a clean sheet in 16 consecutive matches in the competition.

Teenage forward Lamine Yamal will also be one to watch. He has scored 12 Champions League goals as a teenager, one fewer than Kylian Mbappé’s record, Galatasaray have struggled against Spanish opposition, winning only one of their last 22 matches against teams from Spain. Their only victory over Barcelona came in November 1994, when they won 2-1.

Roma vs Real Madrid

Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Kick-off: Wednesday, October 14, 8pm Nigerian time

Real Madrid visit Roma in another high-profile encounter as the Spanish side seek to maintain their strong historical record against the Italian club, Madrid began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter, while Roma drew 1-1 away to Fenerbahçe.

UEFA records show that Madrid have won eight of their 12 meetings with Roma, who have recorded three victories, with one match ending in a draw. Madrid have also won their last four meetings with Roma without conceding a goal, Roma, however, will draw confidence from their home record, having won eight of their last nine Champions League matches at the Stadio Olimpico.

The fixture could also provide a milestone for Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, who is approaching 100 Champions League appearances. According to UEFA, he could become the youngest player to reach that mark if he features.

Manchester City vs Paris Saint-Germain

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Kick-off: Wednesday, October 14, 8pm Nigerian time

Manchester City’s meeting with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain is among the standout fixtures of Matchday 2, City began their campaign with a 2-0 away victory over Porto, while PSG recorded a 6-1 win against Slovan Bratislava, UEFA records give City the advantage in their head-to-head meetings, with four wins to PSG’s two and two draws. However, PSG won their most recent encounter 4-2 at home during the 2024/25 Champions League league phase.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will be a major talking point. He has scored 59 goals in 59 Champions League appearances and netted 36 times for City in the competition, level with Sergio Agüero as the club’s leading scorer, PSG will look to Ousmane Dembélé, who has scored in five consecutive Champions League appearances, registering eight goals across those matches.

City have lost only one of their last 25 home group-stage or league-phase matches in the competition, while PSG are unbeaten in their last 11 European matches against English teams, Both clubs will aim to maintain their winning starts and establish themselves among the leading contenders in the league phase.

Other Champions League Fixtures

Beyond the five headline matches, several other clubs will be in action across Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday, October 13

• Lens vs Sporting CP — Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens; 5:45pm Nigerian time.

• Sabah vs Slavia Praha — Baku Olympic Stadium, Baku; 5:45pm Nigerian time.

• Inter vs Club Brugge — San Siro, Milan; 8pm Nigerian time.

• RB Leipzig vs PSV Eindhoven — Red Bull Arena, Leipzig; 8pm Nigerian time.

• Viking vs Bayern Munich — Lyse Arena, Stavanger; 8pm Nigerian time.

• Villarreal vs Napoli — Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal; 8pm Nigerian time.

Wednesday, October 14

• Feyenoord vs Como — De Kuip, Rotterdam; 5:45pm Nigerian time.

• LASK vs Liverpool — Raiffeisen Arena, Linz; 5:45pm Nigerian time.

• Aston Villa vs Fenerbahçe — Villa Park, Birmingham; 8pm Nigerian time.

• Shakhtar Donetsk vs AEK Athens — Stamford Bridge, London; 8pm Nigerian time.

• Bodø/Glimt vs Borussia Dortmund — Aspmyra Stadion, Bodø; 8pm Nigerian time.

• Real Betis vs Porto — Estadio La Cartuja, Seville; 8pm Nigerian time.

• Slovan Bratislava vs VfB Stuttgart — Tehelné pole, Bratislava; 8pm Nigerian time.

The Issues

The second round presents an early test for teams seeking consistency in the league phase. Clubs that dropped points in their opening matches will be under pressure to respond, while those who started with victories will aim to maintain their momentum, The head-to-head records, home performances and attacking form of the teams involved could also shape the outcomes of the week’s biggest fixtures.

What’s Being Said

UEFA’s statistics highlight several key storylines, including Arsenal’s run of consecutive league-phase victories, Barcelona’s high-scoring recent matches and Real Madrid’s historical advantage over Roma, The figures also point to contrasting records for Atlético Madrid against English clubs and Galatasaray against Spanish opposition.

What’s Next

The 18 fixtures will determine how the participating clubs progress after the opening two rounds of the league phase. Teams will seek valuable points as they work towards securing places in the knockout stage.

Bottom Line

Matchday 2 brings together some of European football’s biggest clubs, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain among the teams to watch. Their results across Tuesday and Wednesday could provide an early indication of their progress in the 2026/27 Champions League campaign.

IDG: Nigerian NGO calls for immediate end to child marriage

IDG: Nigerian NGO calls for immediate end to child marriage

By
Grace Johnson
-

Key Points

  • The Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has called for urgent action to end child marriage and strengthen the protection of girls’ rights.
  • HSSI President Dr Jumai Ahmadu says empowering girls through education, confidence-building and leadership is essential to securing their future.
  • The organisation wants stronger child-protection laws, safe schools and confidential reporting channels for girls facing abuse.
  • HSSI is urging governments, parents, community leaders and civil society organisations to turn their commitments into measurable action.

Main Story

Every girl deserves the opportunity to grow up, receive an education and build a future based on her own hopes and ambitions. But for girls threatened by child marriage, those opportunities can disappear before they have the chance to discover what life has to offer.

The Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has renewed its call for an end to child marriage, urging governments, families and community leaders to do more to protect girls and defend their fundamental rights.

The organisation’s president, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, appealed in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”, Ahmadu said meaningful investment in girls must go beyond keeping them safe. It must also give them access to quality education, help them develop self-confidence and create opportunities for them to take on leadership roles.

She pointed to initiatives such as the Voice of the Girls Parliament, which gives young girls a platform to speak up, understand their rights and engage with those responsible for their welfare.

“Every girl deserves to grow up knowing that her voice matters, her safety matters and her dreams are valid,” Ahmadu said.

She explained that encouraging girls to express themselves respectfully should never mean expecting them to remain silent when they experience abuse, intimidation or injustice.

Girls, she stressed, must be able to raise concerns, seek help and report threats without fear of being blamed or punished.

According to her, the responsibility for protecting children rests with adults and institutions, not with girls alone.

The Issues

Child marriage can have consequences that extend far beyond childhood. It can interrupt a girl’s education, expose her to serious health risks and limit her opportunities to become financially independent.

For many affected girls, marriage at an early age can mean taking on responsibilities for which they are not physically, emotionally or financially prepared. Leaving school can further narrow their employment opportunities and make it harder to break cycles of poverty.

These challenges make it important to address the conditions that leave girls vulnerable, including barriers to education, inadequate protection systems and social pressures that undermine their rights.

Ahmadu outlined five priorities for governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, educators and civil society organisations.

She called for stronger legal frameworks to prevent early marriage, abuse and exploitation. She also urged stakeholders to ensure that girls have access to safe, inclusive and affordable schooling, with additional support for those at risk.

Another priority is establishing safe and confidential reporting channels where girls can report abuse and receive timely assistance.

She further called for investment in girl-led initiatives, mentorship programmes and skills development, alongside greater participation by young girls in decisions affecting their lives.

The demands highlight a critical point: protecting girls requires more than public awareness. It also requires effective systems that can prevent abuse, respond to reports and give vulnerable children access to meaningful support.

What’s Being Said

Ahmadu’s message places the voices of girls at the centre of efforts to end child marriage.

Through the Voice of the Girls Parliament, HSSI seeks to encourage girls to understand their rights, express their concerns confidently and engage with people responsible for their welfare.

However, the organisation also recognises that speaking up is not enough if the adults and institutions responsible for protection fail to act.

A girl who reports abuse should be met with support, not blame. Her concerns should be taken seriously, and appropriate assistance should be available when she needs it.

HSSI is therefore calling for a collective response that brings together government institutions, families, schools, community leaders and civil society groups.

What’s Next

The next step is turning these demands into practical results.

Governments and relevant institutions must work to strengthen child-protection measures, improve access to education and ensure that girls can report abuse safely.

Parents, teachers and community leaders also have a role in creating environments where girls feel supported and where threats to their safety are addressed promptly.

Measuring progress will be essential. Stronger protections must translate into safer learning environments, accessible support services and meaningful opportunities for girls to participate in decisions affecting their future.

HSSI has called for stakeholders to demonstrate measurable progress, although the statement provided no specific implementation timetable.

Bottom Line

Ending child marriage requires more than promises made during an annual celebration. It demands sustained action from governments, families, schools and communities.

HSSI’s appeal is a reminder that girls should not have to fight alone for their right to education, safety and a future of their choosing.

A girl’s future should be shaped by her dreams and opportunities, not cut short by child marriage. Protecting her rights is a shared responsibility, and the true measure of commitment is the action taken to make those rights a reality.

Nigerian tailor begins 120 hour sewing marathon for guinness record

By
Annette Ikponmwonba
-
Guinness Word Records Certifies Hilda Baci's Cooking Marathon

By Annette Ikponmwonba | October 12, 2026

Keypoints

• Kano-based tailor Abdulkadir Hassanul Basari has begun a 120-hour non-stop sewing marathon.

• The five-day challenge started on October 7 and is expected to end on October 12, 2026.

• Basari aims to surpass the reported record of 106 hours, 55 minutes and 20 seconds.

• The initiative, tagged Sew for the Nation, aims to produce school uniforms for disadvantaged pupils in public schools.

• Guinness World Records must verify the attempt before a new record can be officially recognised.

Main Story

Kano-based tailor Abdulkadir Hassanul Basari has begun a 120-hour non-stop sewing marathon in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest sewing marathon by an individual, Basari, Chief Executive Officer of Basari Apparels and Textiles Nigeria Limited, commenced the five-day challenge on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The attempt is expected to conclude on Monday night, October 12, at the sports complex of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria in Kano, The project, tagged Sew for the Nation, combines Basari’s record-breaking ambition with a charitable initiative aimed at supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In a video released on October 1 to announce the challenge, the tailor explained that he intended to sew school uniforms for less privileged pupils attending public schools, “My name is Abdulkadir Hassanul Basari, I’m the CEO of Basari Apparels and Textiles Nigeria Limited. I am here to announce Sew for the Nation, a Guinness World Record attempt,” he said, He added that the uniforms would be produced to support pupils who might otherwise struggle to obtain them.

Basari described the initiative as more than an attempt to secure international recognition, saying it was also intended to demonstrate the value of creativity, determination and vocational skills in community development, “This is more than a record, this is for every dreamer, every artisan and every young Nigerian with a vision,” he said, while encouraging members of the public to support the project.

The tailor is targeting 120 hours of continuous sewing in a bid to surpass the reported record of 106 hours, 55 minutes and 20 seconds, achieved by fellow Nigerian tailor Oluwaseun Kuforiji in January 2025, However, Basari’s achievement will depend on verification by Guinness World Records before it can be officially recognised.

The Issues

The challenge highlights the potential of vocational skills to support social causes while creating public awareness of the tailoring and fashion industry, By producing school uniforms for disadvantaged pupils, Basari hopes to connect his personal ambition with efforts to improve access to education and support vulnerable communities.

The attempt also draws attention to the growing interest among Nigerians in pursuing Guinness World Records through endurance-based activities and creative projects, However, completing the 120-hour target alone will not guarantee recognition, as the attempt must satisfy the organisation’s evidence and verification requirements.

What’s Being Said

Basari has presented Sew for the Nation as an initiative intended to inspire young Nigerians, artisans and people with ambitions of their own, He said the project was designed to use creativity and resilience to support education, particularly by providing school uniforms for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, His message centres on the idea that a record attempt can serve a wider purpose by directing attention and resources towards community needs.

What’s Next

Basari is expected to continue the sewing marathon until the scheduled conclusion on October 12, 2026, After the attempt, the relevant evidence will need to be submitted and assessed under Guinness World Records’ verification process before the achievement can be confirmed, The distribution of the school uniforms to the intended beneficiaries would also be an important part of fulfilling the project’s charitable objective.

Bottom Line

Abdulkadir Hassanul Basari is attempting a 120-hour non-stop sewing marathon in Kano, aiming to surpass the reported 106-hour record while producing school uniforms for disadvantaged pupils, Beyond the record attempt, Sew for the Nation seeks to demonstrate how vocational skills and personal ambition can be used to support education and community development.

Iyabo Obasanjo names ex-BBC journalist as media aide

Iyabo Obasanjo names ex-BBC journalist as media aide

By
Annette Ikponmwonba
-

By Annette Ikponmwonba | October 12, 2026

Key Points

· Former senator Iyabo Obasanjo has appointed Gbolahan Macjob, a former senior BBC journalist, as her spokesperson

· The appointment was announced in a statement from her media office on Monday

· Macjob is expected to draw on his journalism and media experience to communicate her positions, activities and public engagements

· The move comes amid renewed political activity involving Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo

· Obasanjo represented Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011 and returned to active politics in 2026 after an academic career in the United States

· Macjob is also a filmmaker and is keen to scale up the creative sector across Ogun Central

Main Story

A former senior journalist with the British Broadcasting Corporation, Gbolahan Macjob, has been appointed spokesperson to former senator Iyabo Obasanjo. The appointment was announced in a statement from her media office, shared with PUNCH Online on Monday.

The statement said Macjob, who has worked with the BBC, was expected to draw on his journalism and media experience in communicating Obasanjo’s positions, activities and public engagements. “His professional profile and published work indicate experience in broadcast journalism, including contributions to BBC reporting,” the statement said.

Obasanjo represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011 and previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health. She later pursued an academic career in the United States before returning to active politics in 2026, according to the statement.

The Issues

The appointment reflects a growing trend in Nigerian politics of recruiting professionals with international media backgrounds to shape political communication. As public figures rely more on strategic messaging and timely engagement with the press, a former BBC journalist offers credibility and experience across both traditional and digital platforms.

It also signals that Obasanjo is serious about her political comeback. Having spent years in academia abroad, she is rebuilding her public profile, and putting communication at the centre of that effort suggests she intends to be visible and active in the political space, Macjob’s filmmaking background adds a local dimension, linking her political brand to the creative sector, which the statement described as Nigeria’s second-largest employer after agriculture.

What’s Being Said

The statement from Obasanjo’s media office described the appointment as placing media communication at the centre of her public engagement, noting that Macjob’s experience in news gathering and broadcasting could be relevant to managing communications across multiple platforms.

It added that the appointment highlighted the movement of professionals from international media organisations into Nigeria’s political communication space. The statement also said Macjob, as a filmmaker, would be keen to scale up the creative sector across Ogun Central.

What’s Next

Attention will turn to how Macjob shapes Obasanjo’s public messaging as her political activity picks up, and to what specific political ambitions she signals in the coming weeks, It also remains to be seen whether his creative sector focus translates into concrete proposals for Ogun Central as part of her wider political platform.

Bottom Line

By bringing in a former BBC journalist as spokesperson, Iyabo Obasanjo is putting communication at the heart of her return to politics, signalling a more strategic and media-conscious approach as she re-enters the Ogun political scene.

Week 14 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday October 3 2026

Week 14 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday October 3 2026

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
Week 14 Pool Fixtures for Sat 8 Oct 2022 – UK 2022/2023

Now you can find the Week 14 pool fixtures 2026: pool fixtures for this week, this week pool fixtures, football pools results and fixtures, pool fixtures this week, classic pool fixtures, Aussie pool fixtures, UK pool fixtures, advance pool fixtures, Australia pool fixtures, pool panel results, pool result today Saturday, pool results and fixtures this week, fortune soccer pool fixtures.

Find all the Week 14 pool fixtures on Bizwatchnigeria.ng as soon as they are released by the FPA (Football Pools Authority).

WEEK: 14; SEASON: UK 2026/2027; DATE: 03-10-2026
№Pools FixturesStatus
1FinlandAlbaniaEKO
2BelarusSan MarinoLKO
3CroatiaEnglandLKO
4EstoniaLuxembourgLKO
5IcelandBulgariaLKO
6N. MacedoniaScotlandLKO
7SpainCzechiaLKO
8SwitzerlandSloveniaLKO
9AzerbaijanLithuaniaSunday
10KosovoAustriaSunday
11MaltaAndorraSunday
12GreeceGermanySunday
13IrelandIsraelSunday
14NetherlandsSerbiaSunday
15PortugalNorwaySunday
16WalesDenmarkSunday
17Burton A.HuddersfieldSaturday
18Leyton O.PlymouthSaturday
19ReadingBradford C.Saturday
20Wigan A.MansfieldSaturday
21AccringtonCheltenhamSaturday
22CreweBristol R.Saturday
23ExeterRotherhamSaturday
24GillinghamNewport Co.Saturday
25GrimsbyShrewsburySaturday
26RochdaleSwindonSaturday
27Salford C.FleetwoodSaturday
28WalsallCrawleySaturday
29G. MortonRaithSaturday
30LivingstonAyr UnitedSaturday
31PartickArbroathSaturday
32AirdrieMontroseSaturday
33East FifeE. KilbrideSaturday
34Queen O’SthC. RangersSaturday
35Ross CountyAlloaSaturday
36HamiltonPeterheadLKO
37AnnanStirling A.Saturday
38DumbartonForfarSaturday
39Elgin CityClydeSaturday
40Spartans FCK. HeartsSaturday
41StranraerEdinburgh C.Saturday
42AldershotCarlisleSaturday
43BarrowWealdstoneSaturday
44Boreham W.AltrinchamSaturday
45EastleighWokingSaturday
46HarrogateHornchurchSaturday
47HartlepoolTamworthSaturday
48ScunthorpeForest G.Saturday
49YeovilBoston Utd.Saturday
Dollar trades at ₦1,332.49 officially, ₦1,380 parallel market

Week 15 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday October 10 2026

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
Week 15 Pool Fixtures for Sat 15 Oct 2022 – UK 2022/2023

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Find all the Week 15 pool fixtures on Bizwatchnigeria.ng as soon as they are released by the FPA (Football Pools Authority).

Week 15 Football Pools Fixtures 2026 (Match Schedule)

The table below outlines the core matchups featured on the pool coupon for this week. Match statuses include regular Saturday early kick-off (EKO), late kick-off (LKO), Friday matches marked “Void” in some coupons, Sunday fixtures and in some rare event (weeks) Monday fixtures.

WEEK: 15; SEASON: UK 2026/2027; DATE: 10-10-2026
№Pools FixturesStatus
1Aston VillaBrentfordSaturday
2ChelseaBournemouthSaturday
3IpswichFulhamSaturday
4SunderlandBrightonSaturday
5Man Utd.TottenhamLKO
6BlackburnCardiffSaturday
7BoltonStokeSaturday
8DerbyWrexhamSaturday
9MiddlesbroWolvesSaturday
10PrestonMillwallSaturday
11Sheff Utd.LincolnSaturday
12WatfordBurnleySaturday
13Bradford C.Leyton O.Saturday
14Cambridge U.BlackpoolSaturday
15DoncasterBurton A.Saturday
16HuddersfieldSheff Wed.Saturday
17LeicesterPeterboroSaturday
18MansfieldBromleySaturday
19Milton K.D.ReadingSaturday
20StevenageWigan A.Saturday
21StockportBarnsleySaturday
22WycombeLutonSaturday
23Bristol R.BarnetSaturday
24CheltenhamSalford C.Saturday
25CrawleyChesterfieldSaturday
26FleetwoodWalsallSaturday
27Newport Co.ColchesterSaturday
28Port ValeGrimsbySaturday
29RotherhamGillinghamSaturday
30ShrewsburyExeterSaturday
31TranmereRochdaleSaturday
32York CityNorthamptonSaturday
33Dundee Utd.HibernianSaturday
34FalkirkDundee FCSaturday
35HeartsSt. MirrenSaturday
36RangersKilmarnockSaturday
37ArbroathG. MortonSaturday
38Ayr UnitedDunfermlineSaturday
39InvernessStenhsemuirSaturday
40LivingstonPartickSaturday
41RaithQueen’s PkSaturday
42AlloaHamiltonSaturday
43C. RangersEast FifeSaturday
44E. KilbrideAirdrieSaturday
45MontroseRoss CountySaturday
46PeterheadQueen O’SthSaturday
47AlavesAtl MadridLKO
48BarcelonaGetafeLKO
49Real MadridVillarrealLKO
Dollar trades at ₦1,332.49 officially, ₦1,380 parallel market

Week 16 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday October 17 2026

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
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Now you can find the Week 16 pool fixtures 2026: pool fixtures for this week, this week pool fixtures, football pools results and fixtures, pool fixtures this week, classic pool fixtures, Aussie pool fixtures, UK pool fixtures, advance pool fixtures, Australia pool fixtures, pool panel results, pool result today Saturday, pool results and fixtures this week, fortune soccer pool fixtures.

Find all the Week 16 pool fixtures on Bizwatchnigeria.ng as soon as they are released by the FPA (Football Pools Authority).

WEEK: 16; SEASON: UK 2026/2027; DATE: 17-10-2026
№Pools FixturesStatus
1BrentfordLiverpoolSaturday
2FulhamHull CitySaturday
3Man CityIpswichSaturday
4NewcastleAston VillaLKO
5BirminghamQ.P.R.Saturday
6Bristol C.Sheff Utd.Saturday
7DerbyStokeSaturday
8NorwichPortsmouthSaturday
9SouthamptonBoltonSaturday
10SwanseaWest HamSaturday
11West BromBlackburnSaturday
12WrexhamPrestonSaturday
13BarnsleyCambridge U.Saturday
14Bradford C.StevenageSaturday
15LeicesterDoncasterSaturday
16Leyton O.BlackpoolSaturday
17PlymouthHuddersfieldSaturday
18Sheff Wed.A. WimbledonSaturday
19StockportBromleySaturday
20Wigan A.ReadingSaturday
21WycombeNotts Co.Saturday
22AccringtonGillinghamSaturday
23ColchesterExeterSaturday
24CreweRochdaleSaturday
25GrimsbyNorthamptonSaturday
26Newport Co.York CitySaturday
27OldhamCheltenhamSaturday
28Port ValeChesterfieldSaturday
29Salford C.CrawleySaturday
30SwindonWalsallSaturday
31TranmereBarnetSaturday
32AberdeenSt. MirrenSaturday
33HibernianFalkirkSaturday
34KilmarnockMotherwellSaturday
35St. J’StoneDundee Utd.Saturday
36Dundee FCRangersSaturday
37DunfermlineLivingstonSaturday
38G. MortonQueen’s PkSaturday
39InvernessArbroathSaturday
40StenhsemuirRaithSaturday
41East FifeAlloaSaturday
42E. KilbrideMontroseSaturday
43PeterheadC. RangersSaturday
44Queen O’SthRoss CountySaturday
45AirdrieHamiltonLKO
46Real BetisBarcelonaLKO
47ValenciaAth BilbaoLKO
48B. MunichRB LeipzigLKO
49RomaGenoaLKO
Naira weakens despite CBN intervention and rising reserves

Week 18 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday October 31 2026

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-

Now you can find the Week 16 pool fixtures 2026: pool fixtures for this week, this week pool fixtures, football pools results and fixtures, pool fixtures this week, classic pool fixtures, Aussie pool fixtures, UK pool fixtures, advance pool fixtures, Australia pool fixtures, pool panel results, pool result today Saturday, pool results and fixtures this week, fortune soccer pool fixtures.

Find all the Week 18 pool fixtures on Bizwatchnigeria.ng as soon as they are released by the FPA (Football Pools Authority).

Week 18 Football Pools Fixtures 2026 (Match Schedule)

The table below outlines the core matchups featured on the pool coupon for this week. Match statuses include regular Saturday early kick-off (EKO), late kick-off (LKO), Friday matches marked “Void” in some coupons, Sunday fixtures and in some rare event (weeks) Monday fixtures.

Pool Fixtures For This Week: 18; SEASON: UK 2026/2027
№Advance Pool FixturesStatus
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Trump urges Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian diesel

Week 17 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday October 24 2026

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
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Now you can find the Week 17 pool fixtures 2026: pool fixtures for this week, this week pool fixtures, football pools results and fixtures, pool fixtures this week, classic pool fixtures, Aussie pool fixtures, UK pool fixtures, advance pool fixtures, Australia pool fixtures, pool panel results, pool result today Saturday, pool results and fixtures this week, fortune soccer pool fixtures.

Find all the Week 17 pool fixtures on Bizwatchnigeria.ng as soon as they are released by the FPA (Football Pools Authority).

Week 17 Football Pools Fixtures 2026 (Match Schedule)

The table below outlines the core matchups featured on the pool coupon for this week. Match statuses include regular Saturday early kick-off (EKO), late kick-off (LKO), Friday matches marked “Void” in some coupons, Sunday fixtures and in some rare event (weeks) Monday fixtures.

Pool Fixtures For This Week: 17; SEASON: UK 2026/2027
№Advance Pool FixturesStatus
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Trump urges Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian diesel

Fuel price cut, Tinubu misleading Nigerians — ADC chieftain

By
Annette Ikponmwonba
-
President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

By Annette Ikponmwonba | October 12, 2026

Key Points

· ADC Jigawa State governorship candidate Sabo Muhammad Nakudu has criticised the Tinubu administration over the rising cost of living

· He described the one-month fuel price reduction announced by the government as deceptive and incapable of providing lasting relief

· Nakudu blamed the economic hardship on APC policies since Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023

· He linked the price cut to Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027

· He called on the Federal Government to take urgent and sustained steps to ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians

· Nakudu said the ADC wants to rescue Nigerians from economic hardship and insecurity

Main Story

The camp of the African Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living, arguing that Nigerians need lasting relief rather than a temporary reduction in fuel prices. The party’s Jigawa State governorship candidate, Sabo Muhammad Nakudu, made the remarks in a post on his official Facebook page on Sunday.

Nakudu blamed the economic hardship facing many Nigerians on policies introduced by the ruling All Progressives Congress since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023. He called on the Federal Government to take urgent and sustained steps to improve living conditions and reduce the burden on ordinary citizens, He also described the one-month reduction in fuel prices announced by the administration as deceptive, insisting that the measure would not provide lasting relief from the rising cost of living.

The Issues

The criticism centres on whether a time-limited fuel discount can meaningfully address the wider economic pressure on households. Nakudu argues that a one-month cut does nothing for the underlying cost of living, which has remained high since the removal of fuel subsidy was announced on May 29, 2023.

There is also a clear political angle. Nakudu tied the price reduction to Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidy if elected in 2027, suggesting the government is responding to opposition pressure ahead of the election rather than offering a genuine long-term fix. Whether the timing is coincidental or strategic is likely to be debated as the campaign season builds, The dispute also shows how fuel pricing has become a central campaign issue, with both the ruling party and the opposition trying to claim ownership of the relief narrative.

What’s Being Said

Nakudu was blunt in his assessment, calling the temporary price cut insufficient to address the wider economic challenges facing the country. He urged Nigerians not to mistake it for a permanent solution, alleging that it was intended to mislead the public, He also argued that Nigerians have continued to struggle with the effects of subsidy removal, and said the ADC wants to rescue citizens from the economic hardship and insecurity which, according to him, have marked the APC-led administration.

What’s Next

Attention will turn to what happens when the one-month reduction ends, and whether prices rise again or the government extends or makes the relief permanent. The Presidency or APC officials may also respond to the ADC’s claims, The fuel subsidy question is likely to remain a major talking point as Atiku and other opposition figures continue to make it part of their 2027 campaign messaging.

Bottom Line

The ADC is framing the temporary fuel price cut as a political gimmick rather than real relief, using it to reinforce its case against the Tinubu administration and to promote Atiku’s pledge to restore fuel subsidy ahead of 2027.

Trump urges Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian diesel

Trump urges Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian diesel

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
KEYSTONE, SOUTH DAKOTA - JULY 03: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 03, 2026 in Keystone, South Dakota. Trump is holding a rally and fireworks show at Mount Rushmore, kicking off a weekend of 250th Independence Day celebrations across the country. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | October 12, 2026

Key Points

  • U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to stop attacking Russian diesel infrastructure amid rising global fuel prices
  • U.S. diesel prices have exceeded $6 per gallon, while Ukrainian drone strikes have disrupted Russian fuel production
  • Ukraine maintains that Russian refineries are legitimate military targets amid continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure

Main Story

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt attacks on Russian diesel infrastructure, warning that the strikes are worsening global fuel shortages as U.S. diesel prices rise above $6 per gallon.

Trump made the remarks on Sunday, September 13, 2026, while attending the Irish Open in Doonbeg, Ireland, where he called on Ukraine to redirect its military operations away from facilities supplying diesel.

“Mr. Zelensky has to do one thing: He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump told reporters, according to Reuters. “There are plenty of other targets. Don’t hit diesel fuel. That’s hurting the world.” <escape> </escape><Link url=”https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/trump-tells-ukraines-zelenskiy-stop-hitting-russian-diesel-2026-09-13/” title=”Reuters report”/>

The appeal follows months of long-range Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have reduced domestic fuel production and contributed to gasoline shortages in Russia. The attacks form part of Ukraine’s broader military campaign against infrastructure supporting Russia’s war effort.

According to reports, the U.S. national average diesel price exceeded $6 per gallon for the first time in the period preceding Trump’s remarks, increasing pressure on fuel-dependent industries, including transportation, agriculture and logistics.

Ukraine, which continues to face Russian attacks on its own energy infrastructure, considers Russian refineries legitimate military targets. Kyiv’s position reflects the strategic importance of energy facilities to Russia’s economic and military capacity.

Trump has attributed the global diesel shortage to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, arguing that attacks on fuel infrastructure are affecting international markets. His remarks place additional diplomatic pressure on Kyiv as the United States seeks to influence the conduct of the conflict and address rising energy costs.

The dispute highlights the connection between military operations against energy infrastructure, fuel availability and prices in international markets.

What’s Being Said

Donald Trump, President of the United States: Trump argues that Ukraine’s attacks on Russian diesel infrastructure are contributing to global fuel shortages and should be redirected towards other targets.

Ukrainian government: Ukraine maintains that Russian refineries are legitimate military targets, particularly given Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The supplied report does not include a direct response from Zelenskyy to Trump’s specific remarks.

What’s Next

  • Ukraine’s military strategy: Kyiv’s approach to targeting Russian energy infrastructure will remain a key factor in the dispute.
  • Global diesel prices: Fuel prices and supply conditions will indicate whether disruptions to Russian production continue to affect international markets.
  • U.S.-Ukraine relations: Further diplomatic engagement will determine whether Washington’s appeal influences Kyiv’s military decisions.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: Trump’s intervention underscores the growing tension between Ukraine’s military strategy and the international economic consequences of attacks on energy infrastructure. The central question is whether pressure to protect fuel supplies can influence Kyiv’s targeting decisions while Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure continue.

CBN maintains deadline for local data storage

Naira weakens despite CBN intervention and rising reserves

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | October 12, 2026

Key Points

  • The naira depreciated by 0.40% week on week to close at ₦1,326.52 per dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM)
  • The Central Bank of Nigeria reportedly sold $151 million into the official market, while external reserves rose by 0.52% to $54.41 billion
  • Bonny Light crude climbed 18.32% to $121.33 per barrel, providing potential support for foreign exchange inflows despite continued currency volatility

Main Story

The naira weakened against the U.S. dollar at the official foreign exchange market despite Central Bank of Nigeria intervention and rising external reserves, as demand pressures continued to weigh on the local currency.

The naira depreciated by 0.40% week on week to close at ₦1,326.52 per dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), according to the supplied market report. The CBN reportedly sold $151 million into the official market to meet dollar demand from banks.

In the parallel market, the naira strengthened to ₦1,370 per dollar, leaving a ₦44 gap between the official and informal exchange rates at the close of trading on Friday.

Nigeria’s external reserves increased by 0.52% week on week to $54.41 billion. The report attributed the increase to inflows from multiple sources, including remittances and foreign portfolio investments.

Higher crude oil prices also supported expectations of improved foreign exchange inflows. Brent crude traded at $104.20 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at $99.17 per barrel. Both benchmarks had risen above $108 and $103 per barrel, respectively, earlier in the week.

Nigeria’s Bonny Light crude appreciated by 18.32% during the week to settle at $121.33 per barrel, strengthening the potential for higher export earnings.

However, stronger oil prices and reserve accumulation have yet to translate into sustained naira appreciation. Persistent demand for foreign currency continues to challenge the CBN’s efforts to stabilise the market.

The report expects the naira to remain volatile in the near term, although higher reserves and elevated crude prices could provide some support.

What’s Being Said

Central Bank of Nigeria: The CBN reportedly intervened with $151 million in foreign exchange sales to address demand at the official market. The supplied report does not contain a direct statement from the Bank explaining the intervention.

Market analysts: The supplied market analysis suggests that rising external reserves and stronger crude oil prices could support the naira, although persistent dollar demand remains a source of pressure.

Foreign exchange market participants: The divergence between the official and parallel rates indicates that exchange-rate conditions remain uneven across market segments. The supplied report does not include direct quotations from individual traders or market participants.

What’s Next

  • External reserves: Further reserve data will help determine whether the recent increase can be sustained through continued export earnings, remittances and portfolio investment inflows.
  • Crude oil prices: Developments in global oil markets will influence Nigeria’s potential foreign exchange earnings, although higher prices alone do not guarantee immediate currency appreciation.
  • Foreign exchange demand: The naira’s performance will depend partly on the balance between available dollar supply and demand at the official and parallel markets.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: Rising reserves and stronger crude oil prices provide potential support for the naira, but the reported depreciation despite CBN intervention shows that these buffers do not automatically translate into currency strength. Sustained stability will depend on the consistency of foreign exchange inflows and the extent to which available dollar supply meets market demand.

CBN maintains deadline for local data storage

INEC disowns viral governorship candidates announcement.

By
Annette Ikponmwonba
-

By Annette Ikponmwonba | October 12, 2026

Key Points

· INEC has warned Nigerians against a fake announcement circulating online about governorship candidates in six states

· The publication mentions Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano, and INEC says it did not originate from the commission

· INEC described the announcement as fraudulent and urged the public to disregard it and avoid sharing it

· The commission also dismissed claims that it had issued a special announcement on governorship candidates in the affected states

· Nigerians are advised to verify electoral information only through INEC’s official website, news portal and verified social media handles

· INEC provided a call centre, short code, phone numbers and an email address for enquiries

Main Story

The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned Nigerians against a fake announcement circulating online about governorship candidates in six states. The commission said the publication, which mentions Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano states, did not originate from it.

INEC made this known in a public notice released on its X handle, describing the announcement as fraudulent and urging members of the public to disregard it and avoid sharing it. The commission also dismissed claims that it had issued a special announcement concerning governorship candidates in the affected state, It advised Nigerians to verify electoral information through its official communication channels rather than rely on unconfirmed publications circulating on social media.

The Issues

The notice highlights the growing problem of fake election-related content spreading on social media, particularly as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 elections. A forged announcement that appears to come from INEC, especially one naming specific states and candidates, can easily mislead voters, stir political tension and damage public trust in the electoral process.

It also shows how quickly unverified material can circulate before the authentic source has a chance to respond. By naming six states, the fake publication was designed to look specific and credible, which makes it more likely to be shared widely without checking, The episode puts pressure on INEC to keep its official channels visible and responsive, and it places a responsibility on citizens to confirm information before forwarding it.

What’s Being Said

INEC was firm in rejecting the publication, calling it fraudulent and stressing that it had issued no special announcement on governorship candidates in the affected states. The commission urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and confirm election-related information through its verified platforms to avoid being misled.

INEC listed its official channels as its website at inecnigeria.org, its news portal at inecnews.com, INEC Nigeria on Facebook, and @inecnigeria on X and Instagram. For enquiries, it provided its call centre line 0700-2255-4632, short code 4632, phone numbers 090844444333 and 09050858629, and the email iccc@inec.gov.ng, The commission reiterated its commitment to providing accurate information to the public.

What’s Next

Nigerians are expected to continue relying on INEC’s verified platforms for authentic election information, while the commission is likely to keep issuing clarifications whenever fake notices surface, Attention may also turn to whether any action is taken against those behind the forged announcement, and whether INEC steps up public awareness efforts as the election cycle gathers pace.

Bottom Line

INEC has made it clear that the viral governorship candidates announcement is fake, and its message to the public is simple, verify through official channels before believing or sharing any election-related information.

World bank targets $5.79bn in private financing for Nigeria

CBN maintains deadline for local data storage

By
Annette Ikponmwonba
-

By Annette Ikponmwonba | October 12, 2026

Key Points

· The Central Bank of Nigeria has ruled out any extension of the January 1, 2027 deadline for locally storing and managing payment transaction data generated in Nigeria

· The position was reiterated at the CloudReady Nigeria Financial Services Roundtable in Lagos by CBN’s Payments System Supervision Department

· The requirement comes from a circular issued on June 15, 2026, covering payment service providers and other covered institutions

· Compliance must extend beyond database location to transaction logs, audit trails, metadata and supporting systems

· Institutions are warned to preserve service continuity and data integrity throughout migration

· Industry players say the policy could create opportunities for Nigerian cloud providers, data centre operators and cybersecurity firms

Main Story

The Central Bank of Nigeria has ruled out an extension of the January 1, 2027 deadline for financial institutions to store and manage payment transaction data generated in Nigeria locally, putting pressure on banks, fintechs and payment service providers to complete their migration plans. The position was made known at the CloudReady Nigeria Financial Services Roundtable in Lagos, hosted by Africa Hyperscalers Company in partnership with 100 Women in Digital Infra, Open Access Data Centres, Layer3, Nobus Cloud Services and the National Information Technology Development Agency.

Director of the CBN’s Payments System Supervision Department, Dr Rakiya Yusuf, whose remarks were delivered by Assistant Director Babatunde Ajiboye, reiterated the stance. “The compliance date hasn’t changed. It is 1 January 2027,” she said. The requirement was set out in a circular issued on June 15, 2026, directing payment service providers and other covered institutions to keep payment transaction data generated within Nigeria in the country.

Yusuf said institutions must look beyond the physical location of their databases, with compliance work covering transaction logs, audit trails, metadata and the systems supporting payment operations. “The practical sequence is to audit and classify the data, agree on the local architecture and contracts, then migrate, test, and independently verify completion,” she stated.

The Issues

The firm deadline leaves affected institutions with limited time to assess their systems, review contracts with technology providers and complete the migration of relevant data. For institutions whose applications are built around overseas cloud platforms, the move may require architectural changes and testing, and can affect costs depending on the complexity of the workload.

There is also a risk that compliance on paper could undermine operations in practice. Yusuf warned that a migration that meets the location requirement but disrupts payment services or compromises records would not adequately address the operational risks involved. Cross-border transactions add another layer, as institutions must keep covered records compliant while accounting for the needs of foreign counterparties.

Beyond compliance, the policy raises questions about readiness of local infrastructure. Open Access Data Centres CEO Dr Ayotunde Coker said local data centre space is only one part of the picture, with connectivity, redundancy, reliable power and disaster recovery equally important. Providers’ claims also need to be assessed against technical evidence and resilience arrangements, particularly their ability to maintain services during an outage.

What’s Being Said

Africa Hyperscalers Executive Director Temitope Osunrinde noted that Nigeria has taken important steps toward greater control of its digital infrastructure through the National Cloud Policy, the National Sovereign Cloud Policy, the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the CBN’s data localisation requirements. He said the challenge is no longer setting policy direction but helping institutions implement it, which will require clearer guidance on data and workload classification, resilient infrastructure, trusted providers and regulatory coordination.

Nobus Cloud COO Stephen Okoye argued that locally developed cloud technology can support institutions moving workloads into Nigeria while keeping the technical controls regulated operations require. He cited the company’s two availability zones, ISO, PCI DSS and Nigeria Data Protection Act credentials, and a claimed 100 per cent uptime. Coker urged institutions to assess their needs and risks before deciding what to migrate, rather than treating localisation as a simple relocation exercise.

The Nigerian Data Protection Commission, represented by Ibukunoluwa Owa on behalf of National Commissioner Dr Vincent Olatunji, stressed data protection impact assessments, third-party risk assessments and proper data processing agreements. Owa also highlighted breach reporting, transparent privacy policies, remedies for possible downtime and disaster recovery plans.

What’s Next

Institutions experiencing difficulties are expected to show the progress they have made, identify outstanding gaps and present credible plans to close them. The CBN also urged them to review agreements with cloud and technology providers to establish where data is stored, how it is processed and backed up, and whether current arrangements can meet the new requirements.

With the January 1, 2027 date fixed, attention will turn to how many banks, fintechs and payment service providers complete migration in time, and whether local cloud providers and data centre operators can demonstrate the security, reliability and capacity financial institutions need.

Bottom Line

The CBN has made clear there is no wiggle room on its data localisation deadline, leaving banks, fintechs and payment providers with a tight window to migrate safely, while opening a major opportunity for Nigerian cloud and data centre providers able to prove they can handle regulated financial workloads.

CBN liquidity operations push Nigeria’s interbank rates higher

Dollar trades at ₦1,332.49 officially, ₦1,380 parallel market

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | October 12, 2026

Key Points

  • The Central Bank of Nigeria’s NFEM closing rate stood at ₦1,332.49 per dollar on Friday, October 9
  • Parallel-market quotations placed the dollar at ₦1,370 for buying and ₦1,380 for selling on Saturday, October 10
  • Nigerians making dollar-denominated payments should confirm current rates with their banks or authorised currency dealers

Main Story

The US dollar traded at an official closing rate of ₦1,332.49 on Nigeria’s Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) on Friday, October 9, while parallel-market quotations reached ₦1,380 for selling on Saturday, October 10, according to the latest available figures.

Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the NFEM closed at ₦1,332.49 per dollar on Friday, compared with ₦1,333.55 on Thursday, October 8. The movement represented a ₦1.06 appreciation in the naira against the dollar at the official market. CBN exchange-rate data

In the parallel market, the dollar was quoted at approximately ₦1,370 for buying and ₦1,380 for selling in the latest reported figures from Saturday, October 10. These quotations are indicative rather than guaranteed transaction rates and may vary by location, dealer and payment method. Parallel-market rate report

The difference between the official closing rate and the parallel-market selling quotation was ₦47.51 per dollar. This means that, using these reference figures, purchasing $1,000 at the parallel-market selling rate would cost approximately ₦47,510 more than the equivalent amount calculated at the official closing rate, before fees or other charges.

The exchange-rate difference remains relevant to individuals and businesses paying international tuition fees, financing overseas travel, importing goods and settling other dollar-denominated obligations.

The official figure reflects the last completed NFEM trading session available in the data reviewed, rather than a confirmed closing rate for Monday, October 12. The rate may change as the new trading session progresses.

What’s Being Said

The CBN’s published exchange-rate data places the official closing rate at ₦1,332.49 per dollar for Friday, October 9. The parallel-market figures reported for October 10 indicate a higher selling quotation of ₦1,380 per dollar.

No new direct statement from the CBN or an independent market analyst was included in the source material reviewed for this report. The reported figures should therefore be treated as dated market references, not as confirmation of the rate available to every customer on Monday.

What’s Next

  • Monday’s NFEM trading session: Market participants should monitor the CBN’s published exchange-rate data for the latest official rate and closing figure.
  • Parallel-market quotations: Buyers and sellers should confirm current rates directly with authorised dealers, as quotations can change during the day.
  • Dollar payment planning: Individuals and businesses with imminent foreign-currency obligations should compare available rates and applicable transaction charges before making payments.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: The naira’s official closing rate and parallel-market quotations provide different reference points for dollar transactions, with a ₦47.51-per-dollar gap between the figures cited. For individuals and businesses, the practical cost of obtaining dollars will depend on the rate actually offered, transaction fees and access to the relevant market.

Foreign investors account for just 4.89% of NGX trading

JAMB warns candidates against accepting admissions outside CAPS

By
Annette Ikponmwonba
-

By Annette Ikponmwonba | October 12, 2026

Key Points

· JAMB has warned candidates against accepting admission offers made outside its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS)

· The board says such offers may not be recognised as valid and could put candidates’ academic journey at risk

· Candidates are urged to verify their admission status on CAPS before accepting any offer

· JAMB’s 2026 guidelines state that any offer of admission without a JAMB Admission Letter is illegal and not recognised

· Candidates who accept admission outside CAPS do so at their own risk

· The warning was issued while promoting an episode of the JAMB Explained series

Main Story

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has warned candidates against accepting admission offers outside its Central Admissions Processing System, saying such offers may not be recognised as valid. The board shared the warning in a post across its official social media platforms on Monday, urging prospective students to verify their admission status on CAPS before accepting an offer.

“An admission offered by an institution outside the approved JAMB admission process may not be recognised as valid. Accepting such an offer could put your academic journey at risk and create complications with your admission records and related processes,” the board said, JAMB issued the warning while promoting an episode of its JAMB Explained series, which addresses what makes an admission illegal, the implications, and how candidates can protect themselves. “Your admission journey deserves the right foundation. Verify before you accept,” the board added.

The Issues

The warning points to a persistent problem in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions landscape, where candidates are sometimes offered places directly by institutions or intermediaries without going through the official process. Candidates who accept such offers risk investing time and money in an admission that can later be rejected, leaving them with complications in their academic records and no recourse.

The risk is heightened by the fact that many candidates are eager to secure a place and may not be aware that an offer outside CAPS carries no official standing. By framing the message around verification, JAMB is trying to shift responsibility onto a simple check that candidates can do themselves before committing, The warning also reinforces the board’s centralised control over admissions, a system designed to automate the process and bring uniformity and transparency across institutions, while limiting room for irregular or unauthorised admissions.

What’s Being Said

JAMB was firm in its guidance, stressing that candidates should confirm their status through the official system before proceeding. According to information on its website, CAPS was developed to automate the admission process into tertiary institutions, allowing candidates to check their status and confirm provisional offers while enabling institutions to process admissions through the approved framework.

The board’s 2026 admission guidelines are equally direct. They state that admissions offered by institutions must come through the board and be printed on its e-Facility platform, adding that any offer without a JAMB Admission Letter is illegal and not recognised. The guidelines also state that candidates who accept admission outside CAPS do so at their own risk, and that the board would neither recognise nor condone such admissions.

What’s Next

Candidates can check their admission status and access CAPS through JAMB’s official website, jamb.gov.ng. The board is expected to continue its public awareness efforts through the JAMB Explained series and its social media platforms as the admission cycle progresses, Attention may also turn to whether institutions found offering admissions outside the approved process face any further action from the board.

Bottom Line

JAMB’s message to candidates is simple: if an admission offer does not appear on CAPS, it should not be trusted, and verifying before accepting is the surest way to protect their academic future.

World bank targets $5.79bn in private financing for Nigeria

World bank targets $5.79bn in private financing for Nigeria

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | October 12, 2026

Key Points

  • The World Bank Group is supporting efforts to mobilise up to $5.79 billion in private financing across Nigeria’s agriculture, digital infrastructure and small-business sectors
  • Its BRIDGE and FINCLUDE programmes are expected to attract private investment, expand broadband access and support approximately 850,000 jobs
  • The institution says the financing combines investments already mobilised with anticipated capital, rather than representing a newly approved loan or grant

Main Story

The World Bank Group is helping mobilise up to $5.79 billion in private financing for Nigeria, targeting digital infrastructure, agriculture and small businesses to expand economic opportunities and support job creation.

The institution disclosed this in a report titled “Unlocking $5.79 Billion in Private Financing”, which outlines investment arrangements, policy reforms and risk-mitigation measures intended to attract private capital into productive sectors.

According to the report, the Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth (BRIDGE) Project is expected to attract at least $156 million in private equity through its initial investor-selection process. Subsequent financing rounds could unlock up to $1.1 billion by 2030.

The World Bank projects that the initiative could extend affordable broadband access to an additional 58 million Nigerians, increasing coverage from 92 million people in 2025 to approximately 150 million by 2030. The programme also targets connectivity for 38,800 public schools, 16,900 healthcare facilities and 3,400 local government offices.

In small-business financing, the Fostering Inclusive Finance for MSMEs in Nigeria programme, known as FINCLUDE, is expected to mobilise nearly $1.89 billion in private financing and support approximately 850,000 direct and indirect jobs. It targets more than 250,000 micro, small and medium enterprises.

The Bank also identified its Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Project, which is expected to support approximately one million smallholder farmers. The programme could attract $220 million from agribusiness companies and another $22 million from certified seed producers.

In the fertiliser industry, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) helped mobilise $1.02 billion for Dangote Industries Limited and $282.5 million for Indorama Fertilizer through financing arrangements involving development institutions and commercial lenders.

The institution also cited IFC’s participation in a $1.2 billion IHS Towers bond issuance, which helped attract more than $1.1 billion from private investors into telecommunications infrastructure.

The World Bank attributed the investment drive partly to economic reforms introduced since mid-2023, particularly foreign-exchange management and public-finance measures. It identified the IFC’s commercial financing expertise and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency’s (MIGA) risk guarantees as important mechanisms for attracting investors.

What’s Being Said

The World Bank Group’s report presents coordinated policy reforms, investment platforms and risk-mitigation instruments as mechanisms for converting improvements in the investment environment into commercially viable projects.

The institution also emphasises the role of the IFC and MIGA in structuring investments, providing financing and reducing risks that could discourage private investors. The supplied report summary contains no direct quotation from a named official, so no verbatim quote has been added.

What’s Next

  • Digital infrastructure: The BRIDGE Project’s subsequent financing rounds could mobilise up to $1.1 billion in private investment by 2030.
  • Broadband expansion: The programme targets approximately 150 million people with broadband coverage by 2030, alongside expanded connectivity for public institutions.
  • Private-sector development: FINCLUDE and the agricultural value-chain programme are expected to channel financing towards MSMEs, agribusinesses and smallholder farmers.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: The $5.79 billion financing target signals an effort to use private capital and risk-sharing mechanisms to support Nigeria’s development priorities without relying solely on direct public financing. Its economic value will ultimately depend on how much anticipated investment materialises and whether the resulting projects deliver measurable improvements in jobs, connectivity and agricultural productivity.

Foreign investors account for just 4.89% of NGX trading

CBN liquidity operations push Nigeria’s interbank rates higher

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | October 12, 2026

Key Points

  • Nigeria’s interbank overnight rate rose eight basis points week-on-week to 20.85% as system liquidity surplus fell to approximately ₦3.71 trillion from ₦5.98 trillion
  • Treasury bill settlements of ₦969 billion partly offset by ₦706 billion in maturities contributed to liquidity contraction, according to Cowry Asset Management
  • Approximately ₦2.4 trillion in scheduled OMO maturities could ease short-term funding pressures in the new week if the CBN does not offset the inflows with fresh liquidity withdrawals

Main Story

Nigeria’s interbank overnight rate rose to 20.85% last week as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) liquidity operations reduced the financial system’s surplus, despite substantial Open Market Operations (OMO) maturities and bank placements at the apex bank’s Standing Deposit Facility (SDF).

Cowry Asset Management Limited reported that net system liquidity surplus declined to ₦3.71 trillion from ₦5.98 trillion in the preceding week. The contraction followed the settlement of ₦969 billion in Nigerian Treasury bills, partly offset by ₦706 billion in matured Treasury bills.

The decline occurred despite approximately ₦2.2 trillion in OMO bill repayments and placements of excess funds by banks at the CBN’s SDF window. System liquidity remained positive at approximately ₦3.7 trillion, but the reduced surplus coincided with higher overnight funding costs.

According to Cowry Asset, the overnight interbank rate increased by eight basis points week-on-week to 20.85%, while the funding rate remained unchanged at 20.40%.

The Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR), however, recorded mixed movements across tenors. Its overnight and one-month rates declined by seven and five basis points to 20.24% and 20.73%, respectively.

The three-month NIBOR remained unchanged at 21.43%, while the six-month rate rose by 20 basis points to 21.91%, according to Cowry Asset Management. The divergence indicates that pricing conditions differed across short- and longer-term interbank funding periods.

Investment firms expect liquidity conditions to improve in the new week as OMO bills mature. The supplied reports cite approximately ₦2.4 trillion in scheduled maturities, although the opening section refers to ₦2 trillion, a difference that requires confirmation before publication.

The expected inflows could ease overnight funding pressures if the CBN does not substantially offset them through fresh sterilisation operations. However, subsequent rate movements will depend on the Bank’s liquidity management decisions, government borrowing requirements and investor demand at primary auctions.

What’s Being Said

Cowry Asset Management Limited attributed the liquidity contraction to Treasury bill settlements, noting that matured bills provided only a partial offset. The firm’s reported rate movements point to higher overnight funding costs despite the system retaining a substantial positive liquidity balance.

The supplied investment-market commentary states: “If these repayments are not substantially offset by fresh CBN sterilisation operations, the resulting liquidity injection could ease overnight funding pressures and moderate short-term money-market rates.” The original copy attributes this assessment to investment firms in separate reports but does not identify the individual firms responsible for the quotation.

What’s Next

  • OMO maturities: Approximately ₦2.4 trillion in scheduled repayments could inject additional liquidity into the banking system during the new week, subject to confirmation of the reported amount.
  • CBN liquidity management: Fresh OMO operations or other sterilisation measures could offset some of the expected inflows and limit the decline in short-term funding rates.
  • Primary-market borrowing: Government borrowing requirements and investor demand at Treasury bill auctions will remain important determinants of liquidity conditions and money-market pricing.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: Nigeria’s money market remains liquid in aggregate, but the rise in overnight funding costs shows that a large surplus does not automatically translate into cheaper short-term borrowing. The next direction of interbank rates will depend on how much of the expected OMO maturities reaches the banking system and how the CBN manages the resulting liquidity.

Foreign investors account for just 4.89% of NGX trading

Foreign investors account for just 4.89% of NGX trading

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
NGX Records N60bn Trading

By Boluwtife Oshadiya | October 12, 2026,

Key Points

  • Foreign investors accounted for 4.89% of Nigerian Exchange equity transactions in August, trading ₦62.03 billion
  • Total market turnover fell 46.38% month-on-month to ₦1.27 trillion, driven mainly by a sharp decline in domestic institutional activity
  • Foreign investors recorded cumulative net sales of ₦275.16 billion between January and August, while domestic trading rose 117.64% year-on-year

Main Story

Foreign investors accounted for just 4.89% of equity transactions on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in August 2026, as foreign trading fell to ₦62.03 billion and total market turnover declined 46.38% month-on-month to ₦1.27 trillion, according to the exchange’s latest Domestic and Foreign Portfolio Investment Report.

The report showed that foreign transactions fell 53.23% from ₦132.62 billion in July, while domestic investors traded approximately ₦1.21 trillion. Despite the monthly slowdown, August turnover remained 39.75% above the ₦908.4 billion recorded in August 2025.

Foreign investors recorded purchases of ₦26.47 billion against sales of ₦35.56 billion, resulting in net sales of ₦9.09 billion. Although this was significantly lower than July’s ₦49.44 billion net sell position, the reduction reflected weaker overall trading activity rather than stronger foreign buying.

Cumulative foreign net sales reached ₦275.16 billion between January and August, approximately 6.35 times the ₦43.36 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025. Foreign purchases declined 23.41% year-on-year to ₦539.83 billion, while sales increased 8.92% to ₦814.99 billion.

Foreign participation also weakened over the eight-month period. The NGX report showed that foreign investors accounted for 16.56% of transactions in March, before their share declined to 13.74% in April, 9.45% in May, 10.90% in June, 5.60% in July and 4.89% in August.

Domestic investors, meanwhile, accounted for 89.77% of total equity turnover between January and August, compared with 78.99% in the corresponding period of 2025. Their transaction value increased 117.64% to ₦11.89 trillion from ₦5.46 trillion.

The August decline was driven primarily by domestic institutional investors, whose transactions fell 60.39% to ₦654.61 billion from ₦1.65 trillion. Retail transactions declined by a smaller 5.08% to ₦552.88 billion.

Total NGX equity transactions reached ₦13.25 trillion between January and August, up 91.51% from ₦6.92 trillion a year earlier, according to the exchange.

What’s Being Said

The NGX’s August portfolio investment report shows a widening gap between domestic and foreign participation, with local investors accounting for nearly nine-tenths of market turnover during the first eight months of 2026.

Earlier market commentary cited in the supplied report attributed some of the weakness in foreign trading to settlement uncertainty, pre-election risk aversion and global portfolio rebalancing. However, the available material does not establish the relative contribution of each factor to August’s decline.

What’s Next

The next NGX Domestic and Foreign Portfolio Investment Report will provide evidence of whether foreign participation recovered or weakened further in September.

Investors will also be watching subsequent monthly transaction data to determine whether domestic institutional activity rebounds after its sharp August decline and whether foreign investors reduce their sustained net selling.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: Nigeria’s equity market is expanding in transaction value, but its growth is increasingly dependent on domestic capital. The decline in foreign participation raises questions about the depth and diversity of demand, while sustained local activity remains an important source of market liquidity.

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