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Presidency Rebuts Atiku’s Hunger Claims, Says Tinubu Administration Steering Nigeria Towards Progress

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Presidency Rebuts Atiku’s Hunger Claims, Says Tinubu Administration Steering Nigeria Towards Progress

The Presidency has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s assertion that hunger is ravaging the country, insisting that Nigeria is on the right path under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

In a statement issued on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Tinubu administration is proud of the progress achieved so far, stressing that many of the current challenges were inherited from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) era when Atiku served as Vice President.

Atiku had earlier criticised the government for what he described as widespread food insecurity and poverty, questioning the administration’s ability to address the crisis more than two years into its tenure.

Responding, Onanuga accused Atiku of being out of touch with developments in the country. He described comparisons of Nigeria’s current situation to the unrest in pre-revolutionary France and Russia as “grossly misleading.”

“Talk is cheap. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his handlers are clearly out of touch with the positive developments currently unfolding in our country,” Onanuga stated.

He cited fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), noting that headline inflation had declined for the fifth consecutive month, with the latest figures showing improvements in trade balance and foreign reserves, which have climbed from $32 billion to nearly $42 billion since President Tinubu assumed office.

Onanuga further highlighted record non-oil export contributions, prompt payment of salaries and gratuities by states, and increased revenues under the current administration as evidence of a turnaround.

“Nigeria is moving in the right direction,” he said. “After just two years and five months in office, we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership.”

He urged Nigerians to disregard “doomsday scenarios” and “revolutionary rhetoric” from Atiku and his allies, assuring that the government’s bold reforms would deliver sustainable growth and development.

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops To 20.12% In August As FG Suspends 4% Import Levy

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Nigeria’s Inflation Drops To 20.12% In August As FG Suspends 4% Import Levy

Nigeria’s inflation rate fell to 20.12 per cent in August 2025 from 21.88 per cent in July, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced on Monday. The moderation was driven by lower food and energy prices and coincided with the Federal Government’s suspension of a controversial four per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) levy on imports.

Finance and Economy Minister Wale Edun ordered the immediate suspension of the levy through a letter dated September 15, 2025, following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. He said the decision was necessary to ease trade facilitation and reduce the financial burden on businesses, which risked worsening inflation and undermining competitiveness.

According to the NBS, headline inflation slowed year-on-year to 12.03 per cent, down from 32.15 per cent in August 2024, partly reflecting a rebased index. Food inflation also eased to 21.87 per cent from 37.52 per cent a year earlier, as average prices of rice, maize flour, sorghum, millet, semolina, and soya milk declined.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile agricultural and energy items, dropped to 20.33 per cent year-on-year from 27.58 per cent in August 2024. Urban inflation slowed to 19.75 per cent, while rural inflation stood at 20.28 per cent.

At state level, Ekiti (28.17 per cent), Kano (27.27 per cent), and Oyo (26.58 per cent) posted the highest year-on-year headline inflation, while Zamfara (11.82 per cent), Anambra (14.16 per cent), and Enugu (14.20 per cent) recorded the lowest.

The Finance Ministry said the suspension of the levy would enable broader stakeholder engagement and a review of customs revenue frameworks, paving the way for a more equitable and efficient system to fund Nigeria Customs Service operations and modernisation.

Dangote: Our Refinery Ended 50 Years of Fuel Scarcity, Saves Nigeria $1bn Annual Demurrage

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Dangote: Our Refinery Ended 50 Years of Fuel Scarcity, Saves Nigeria $1bn Annual Demurrage

Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that his 650,000 barrels per day refinery has ended Nigeria’s five-decade-long fuel scarcity and is saving the country about $1 billion annually in demurrage costs.

Speaking on Monday at the refinery complex in Lagos during a press conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol production and the rollout of 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, Dangote said Nigerians had endured persistent fuel queues since 1975 but are now witnessing “a new era.”

He noted that the refinery’s output has significantly reduced the price of petrol from nearly ₦1,100 per litre before production began to ₦841 in parts of the country, with plans for the gradual rollout of CNG trucks to drive further cost reductions nationwide.

Dangote also revealed that between June and the first week of September 2025, the facility exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its capacity to meet domestic demand and earn foreign exchange. He disclosed plans to expand the refinery’s capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation.

Highlighting the refinery’s role in job creation, Dangote stated that 4,000 CNG-powered trucks would generate at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria. He said employees are paid three times the minimum wage with life and health insurance, pensions, and additional benefits, emphasising that no jobs have been displaced.

He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, warning against the dumping of cheap imports and urging the National Assembly to enact legislation supporting the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy. “We must build and industrialise our own economies. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty,” he said.

Dangote announced plans to begin investment in electric vehicles from January 2026 and projected $500 million in annual cement exports starting next year. He stressed that the refinery will remain open to partnerships but will not enter the retail market, focusing instead on strengthening supply and boosting Nigeria’s position as Africa’s refining hub.

He thanked the Federal Government, partners, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Nigerian public for their continued support, while showcasing the CNG-powered trucks now loading petrol from the facility.

Akpabio Urges Patience, Says Tinubu’s Reforms Will Deliver Prosperity

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Akpabio Urges Patience, Says Tinubu’s Reforms Will Deliver Prosperity

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implements key reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and achieving national renewal.

Speaking as Chairman at the opening of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio likened the process of nation-building to constructing a “mighty cathedral,” requiring time, sacrifice, and perseverance.

“Let me seize this opportunity to urge my compatriots to be patient with your government as we lay again the foundations of this house. Do not despair when the winds blow strong or the scaffolding shakes. For a nation is like a mighty cathedral, it is not raised overnight, but stone by stone, prayer by prayer, hand by hand,” he said.

Representing President Tinubu at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to renewing hope, stabilising the economy, and implementing reforms to deliver inclusive growth.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno praised the Catholic Church for promoting justice and people-centred policies, highlighting his government’s poverty alleviation initiatives and calling for continued partnership with the church in delivering democratic dividends.

The plenary was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, Catholic Bishops from across the country, National Assembly members, political leaders, and thousands of worshippers.

WHO Launches Ebola Vaccination Drive In DRC Amid Growing Outbreak

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WHO Launches Ebola Vaccination Drive In DRC Amid Growing Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a vaccination campaign in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Kasai Province following the country’s first Ebola outbreak in three years.

An initial 400 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine have been delivered to Bulape, the epicentre of the outbreak, from a national stockpile of 2,000 doses. The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision has also approved the release of 45,000 additional doses to support containment efforts.

According to the DRC Ministry of Health, there have been 32 suspected cases, including 20 confirmed and 16 deaths. One case has been confirmed 70 kilometres from Bulape, raising fears of wider spread and potential cross-border transmission to neighbouring Angola.

WHO Programme Area Manager Patrick Otim described the risk of cross-border transmission as “moderate” and emphasised the urgency of rapid intervention amid declining foreign assistance and weakened support structures.

The vaccination drive is part of a wider emergency response that includes surveillance, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns. The DRC has recorded more Ebola outbreaks than any other country since the virus was first identified in 1976.

DMO Allots ₦3.05bn FGN Savings Bond In September

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DMO Allots ₦3.05bn FGN Savings Bond In September

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has announced the successful allotment of the September 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Savings Bonds, totaling ₦3.05 billion across two-year and three-year tenors.

According to figures released over the weekend, the bonds—offered at ₦1,000 per unit with a minimum subscription of ₦5,000 and maximum of ₦50 million—opened on September 1 and closed on September 5, 2025.

The two-year FGN Savings Bond due September 2027 was allotted at an interest rate of 15.541% per annum, raising ₦631.762 million from 793 successful subscriptions, while the three-year FGN Savings Bond due September 2028 attracted stronger demand with ₦2.416 billion allotted at 16.541% per annum from 1,246 investors.

In total, 2,166 investors participated—892 opting for the two-year instrument and 1,274 for the three-year option. The settlement date was September 10, with quarterly coupon payments scheduled for March 10, June 10, September 10, and December 10 each year.

The FGN Savings Bond programme, introduced in 2017, is designed to deepen the domestic bond market, promote financial inclusion, and offer retail investors access to secure, low-risk government securities. It also qualifies as an approved investment under the Trustee Investment Act and enjoys recognition as a government security under the Company Income Tax Act (CITA) and Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), making it tax-exempt for pension funds and other qualified institutional investors.

The September allotment was slightly lower than the ₦3.3 billion raised in August.

Peter Obi Visits Ladoja, Pledges Support For Olubadan Designate

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Peter Obi Visits Ladoja, Pledges Support For Olubadan Designate

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has visited the Olubadan-designate, Rashidi Ladoja, in Oyo State, pledging support for his leadership of Ibadan.

Obi, accompanied by Labour Party campaign spokesman Yunusa Tanko, 2023 Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Segun Adebanjo, also met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the trip.

Speaking to journalists, Obi said his visit was to pay homage to the Olubadan-designate, describing Ibadan as strategic to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic development. He expressed confidence that Ladoja’s experience as a former senator, governor, and businessman would position the city for greater progress.

“The visit is about Nigeria, selfless leadership, leadership that is committed to turning society around,” Obi said. “I will support him as Olubadan for the sake of one Nigeria.”

In his response, Ladoja said his aspiration to the throne was a continuation of his service to humanity and expressed gratitude to God for his life and achievements.

Obi later wrote on his official X handle that the meetings provided opportunities to discuss Nigeria’s unity, fairness, and justice, and to reaffirm the possibility of building a new Nigeria through competent and compassionate leadership.

Seoul Probes Rights Violations After US Raid on Korean Workers at Georgia Plant

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Seoul Probes Rights Violations After US Raid on Korean Workers at Georgia Plant

The South Korean government has opened a full investigation into alleged human rights violations following the detention of hundreds of Korean workers during a US immigration raid at a Hyundai electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia.

Seoul expressed “strong regret” and formally demanded that the rights and interests of its citizens be protected during US law enforcement operations. More than 300 workers returned to South Korea last Friday after spending a week in US custody, while others remain under investigation.

President Lee Jae-myung condemned the raid as “bewildering” and warned it could discourage foreign investment. He stressed that it is standard practice for Korean firms to send workers to establish overseas factories and said criminalising the process was “unacceptable.”

The raid, described as the largest single-location immigration sweep since President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on illegal migrants, has delayed the plant’s opening by at least two months. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said the detained workers had overstayed visas or lacked proper authorisation. Witnesses reported panic and confusion as federal agents descended on the plant, with some workers reportedly led away in chains.

South Korean trade unions have demanded an official apology from Trump, accusing Washington of humiliating Korean nationals and straining bilateral ties.

Trump responded on Truth Social, saying South Korean specialists remain “welcome” in the US and that their expertise in industries like shipbuilding, chipmaking, and computing benefits America.

South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will continue working with affected companies and international partners to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.

Judge Refers Nnamdi Kanu’s Medical Transfer Motion To Chief Judge For Reassignment

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Judge Refers Nnamdi Kanu’s Medical Transfer Motion To Chief Judge For Reassignment

Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has referred the motion filed by the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, back to the Chief Judge for reassignment.

Kanu is seeking an order to be transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent medical treatment.

In a short ruling on Monday, Justice Liman said the motion, filed late during the court’s annual vacation, could not be decided by the vacation court. He noted that under Section 46(8) of the Federal High Court Rules, any case not concluded within the vacation period must be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.

Counsel to Kanu, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), had applied for the motion to be reassigned, which was not opposed by DSS counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).

Justice Liman explained that the court had over 30 cases listed for the day but had to prune them down to six due to time constraints. He said that although Kanu’s motion was urgent on health grounds, it was filed too late to be heard within the vacation.

Awomolo stated that while the DSS was ready to take the motion “any time, any day,” the late filing meant it could not be accommodated during the vacation period.

The case file has now been referred to the registry for reassignment.

Owen Cooper, 15, Becomes Youngest Male Emmy Winner In History For Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’

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Owen Cooper, 15, Becomes Youngest Male Emmy Winner In History For Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’

Teen actor Owen Cooper made history on Sunday night, becoming the youngest-ever male Emmy winner at just 15 years old. Cooper won for his breakout role in Netflix’s mini-series Adolescence, which emerged as the night’s biggest winner with six awards.

“I was nothing about three years ago; I’m here now,” Cooper said in his acceptance speech. “Step out your comfort zone a little bit, who cares if you get embarrassed?” His remarks drew a standing ovation in a ceremony that celebrated both newcomers and veterans.

Seth Rogen’s workplace satire The Studio took home four trophies, including Best Lead Actor in a Comedy for Rogen himself. “I’m legitimately embarrassed by how happy this makes me,” he joked on stage.

In one of the evening’s biggest surprises, The Pitt won Best Drama over mega-hits Severance and The White Lotus. Severance claimed two awards, softening the loss for its fanbase.

Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony moved briskly thanks to a $100,000 charity donation gimmick that decreased for every speech exceeding 45 seconds. The twist kept speeches short while still allowing emotional moments.

On the red carpet, Sydney Sweeney, Pedro Pascal and Jenna Ortega stunned in high-fashion looks that dominated social media trends throughout the night.

Other winners included Noah Wyle, who took Best Lead Actor in a Drama, and Jean Smart, who triumphed again in Comedy for Hacks. Despite heavy odds in supporting categories, The White Lotus fell short as Katherine LaNasa of The Pitt and Tramell Tillman of Severance claimed the honours.

With historic wins, bold upsets and a rare on-time finish, this year’s Emmys proved unpredictable and unforgettable.

NDLEA Busts ₦3.9bn Tramadol Smuggling Ring, Arrests Indian Businessman, Three Nigerians At Lagos Airport

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NDLEA Busts ₦3.9bn Tramadol Smuggling Ring, Arrests Indian Businessman, Three Nigerians At Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 2.2 million pills of tramadol valued at ₦3.99 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, arresting an Indian businessman, Gupta Ravi Kumar, and three Nigerians linked to the smuggling ring.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said in a statement on Sunday that the drugs, disguised as multivitamins, were imported from Delhi, India, in 114 cartons aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight that arrived last Monday.

According to Babafemi, NDLEA operatives placed the consignment under surveillance and arrested a clearing agent and two drivers attempting to move the shipment in two trucks on Thursday. A follow-up operation the next day led to Gupta’s arrest when he came to take delivery.

In separate operations at the Lagos airport, NDLEA officers intercepted 900 grammes of cannabis concealed in crayfish in the luggage of a passenger, Onyeganochi Ifeanyi, heading to Doha. His confession led to the arrest of an accomplice, Ohadiegwu Uchenna, and the recovery of more drugs from his hotel room.

At Tincan Port, Lagos, 161 parcels of Canadian Loud weighing 81.7kg and 1.2kg of hashish oil were seized from a container of vehicle spare parts from Canada. Two suspects were arrested, while another 65kg consignment of Canadian Loud was intercepted on the Third Mainland Bridge, with the driver, Abubakar Ibrahim, taken into custody.

NDLEA operatives also uncovered a factory in Ikorodu producing “skuchies” — a cocktail of cannabis and blackcurrant drink. Over 6,000 bottles and 4,232kg of cannabis were recovered, and the factory manager, Joy Awosika, arrested.

Similar raids were carried out in Abuja, Kano, Oyo, Anambra, Yobe, Ogun and Edo states, where tonnes of cannabis and other narcotics were seized and suspects apprehended. In Edo, 16.9 tonnes of cannabis were destroyed on a plantation covering nearly seven hectares.

Commending the officers for the nationwide operations, NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), urged them to sustain the “balanced approach” in tackling drug trafficking through both enforcement and sensitisation under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

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