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Nigerian governance and policy
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Debate on economic solutions to Nigeria's fuel subsidy and cost-of-living crisis
A public discourse emerged regarding potential solutions to Nigeria's cost-of-living crisis, specifically focusing on calls to reinstate the petrol subsidy. The debate was triggered by a dramatic rise in petrol prices from approximately ₦195 per litre on May 29, 2023, to between ₦1,230 and ₦1,300 per litre currently. Critics of subsidy reinstatement, including voices questioning the proposals of figures like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, highlighted that returning to the ₦195 price point would require a fiscal commitment of roughly ₦19.017 trillion per year. Analysts emphasized that while subsidy removal exacerbated current hardships, the crisis is multifaceted, involving broader issues such as inflation, infrastructure gaps, and agricultural productivity.
Governor Namadi reaffirms commitment to peace and development on Jigawa's 35th anniversary
Jigawa State marked its 35th anniversary on 27 August 2024, commemorating its creation from the former Kano State by the Federal Military Government in 1991. Governor Umar Namadi utilized the milestone to pay tribute to the state's founding fathers, past leadership, and various societal stakeholders who contributed to the region's development since its inception. The governor emphasized a renewed commitment to justice, peace, and sustainable development as the core pillars for the state's future administration.
Jackrich petitions Tinubu on Senate resolution for Egberipapa Camp amnesty slots
High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, leader of the Niger Delta Liberation Force, formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to integrate 4,000 former agitators from Egberipapa Camp into the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). The petition cited a 2021 Senate resolution that recommended the allocation of 2,000 slots to the camp, a directive that remained unimplemented by previous PAP leadership. Beyond integration, Jackrich demanded an independent forensic and performance audit of the PAP to address transparency concerns regarding funding and historical slot allocations. He framed the request as a preventative measure to ensure accountability and resolve longstanding grievances within the oil-producing region.
Minister reports 26,000 children enter Nigerian custody annually
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim reported at the 66th Nigerian Bar Association conference that approximately 26,000 children enter Nigeria's custodial facilities annually. Data presented indicated that 74 percent of these children are held in pre-trial detention, while 68 percent lack legal representation from their first contact with the justice system. During a plenary session on justice for children, government officials and advocates, including Ebonyi State Attorney-General Ben Odoh and UNICEF’s Natalie Macaulay, discussed the necessity of shifting toward diversion policies and rehabilitation rather than relying on formal criminal proceedings. The discussion centered on closing the gap between existing legal frameworks, such as the Child Rights Act, and their practical implementation.
Jide Akintunde responds to Donald Duke's claims on Nigeria's Paris Club debt deal
Jide Akintunde challenged Donald Duke's recent assertions regarding the 2005 Paris Club debt relief deal, specifically disputing Duke's claim that former President Olusegun Obasanjo was solely responsible and that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala took 'vain glory' for the outcome. Akintunde argued that Duke's account ignored six years of complex economic reforms and negotiations, including the 2000 rescheduling of $24.297 billion in debt. The dispute emerged following an interview published on 22 August 2026, where Duke characterized Okonjo-Iweala's role as secondary. Akintunde emphasized that Okonjo-Iweala's recruitment was essential to address deep creditor distrust through institutional reforms, such as the establishment of the Debt Management Office and the implementation of home-grown fiscal policies that met IMF standards.
Okin Biscuits resumes production in Ijagbo, Kwara State
Okin Biscuits resumed production on one of its rehabilitated lines at the Ijagbo factory in Kwara State on 25 August, marking the company’s first activity after 17 years of closure. The facility, founded in 1980 by businessman Emmanuel Adesoye, underwent significant repairs after critical electronic components were stolen during its period of inactivity. As part of the revitalization process, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company reconnected the factory to a 33kV Band A electricity supply to support further technical calibration. While the company stated that the biscuits produced are not yet ready for commercial distribution, the successful trial represents a key milestone in efforts to restore the indigenous brand to the Nigerian market.
Nigerian government says 60% of electricity consumers have been metered
The Nigerian federal government announced that 60% of active electricity customers have been metered, with 668,000 meters installed out of 1,033,000 delivered under the World Bank-financed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. During a National Council on Privatisation meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, officials noted that these efforts, alongside the Presidential Metering Initiative, aimed to eliminate arbitrary estimated billing. Additionally, the Bureau of Public Enterprises reported that 17 states had established their own electricity regulatory commissions since April 2024, prompting the government to coordinate stakeholders to harmonize and refine the national Electricity Act.
Doris Ogala pledges to seek Nnamdi Kanu's release if elected Abia governor
Doris Ogala, an African Action Congress (AAC) governorship aspirant, publicly pledged to advocate for the pardon of incarcerated IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu if she is elected governor of Abia State in 2027. During an interview with ABN TV, Ms. Ogala described Mr. Kanu as a 'messiah' and urged President Bola Tinubu to secure his release following his November 2025 conviction on seven terrorism-related counts. She further asserted that if AAC leader Omoyele Sowore were to become president, he would release Mr. Kanu immediately.
Nasarawa governor orders dismissal and prosecution of hospital staff over theft allegations
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule ordered the immediate dismissal and prosecution of staff at Umaisha General Hospital following allegations that they sold medical equipment donated to the facility. The directive followed a viral social media video showing lawmaker Sa’ad Abdullahi confronting hospital management about the disappearance of 50 fans and 50 orthopaedic mattresses he had donated to improve patient care. In response, Governor Sule tasked the Commissioner for Health, the Head of Service, and the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission with conducting an investigation and pursuing legal action against those responsible. The governor emphasized that the incident, which he characterized as inhumane, highlighted a critical need for integrity and patriotism within the state's public healthcare sector.
NFVCB moves to block Lagos premiere of film over content concerns
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) moved to block the Lagos premiere and media press call for the film Living in Colors, citing its failure to undergo mandatory classification and the inclusion of content deemed to be explicit pornography and the promotion of same-sex relationships. The Board, led by Director-General Shaibu Husseini, stated that the film had not been submitted for the required regulatory approval prior to its scheduled public exhibition. Producers Tega Idogho, Manuel Ruben, and the film's cast were targeted by the Board, which coordinated with security agencies and threatened sanctions against the hosting venue. The NFVCB justified its intervention by referencing the NFVCB Act and the 2013 Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act.
EFCC recovered over $500 million in assets and cash in three years
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Ola Olukoyede, announced at the 43rd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime that the agency secured the forfeiture of over $500 million in assets and cash to the Nigerian government over the past three years. Utilizing legal frameworks similar to those in Australia and Canada, the EFCC obtained these forfeitures through High Court ex parte applications based on probable suspicion of criminal proceeds, regardless of whether a criminal conviction was secured. Notable forfeitures included an aircraft linked to a $30 million bribe involving a power project committee member, 753 housing units from a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, and 48 of 57 properties linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami.
Nigeria targets 30% power access for health facilities by 2027
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako announced a government target to provide reliable electricity to at least 30 percent of Nigerian health facilities by the end of 2027. The initiative, dubbed the Nigeria Power-for-Health Initiative, was prompted by data indicating that 40 percent of functional Primary Healthcare Centres lack electricity, with most others receiving only six to 10 hours of daily power. Salako noted that hospitals currently spend 40 to 50 percent of their operating budgets on energy, primarily diesel, and that this lack of reliable infrastructure disrupts essential services like vaccine cold chains and oxygen production.
ICPC identifies civil servants accused of aiding fraudulent agency
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) revealed that civil servants facilitated the inclusion of the fraudulent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) into Nigeria's government systems, including the 2026 federal budget. The investigation, ordered by President Bola Tinubu, identified that officials, including Rose Achem, Patricia Akhigbe, and Mimi Abu, processed fraudulent requests from PFIPC director-general Adeniyi Adeyemi despite the agency lacking a legal basis. These actions granted the fake entity administrative codes, self-accounting status, and access to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), with Adeyemi also paying Akhigbe N500,000 for her assistance.
Presidency seeks clarification on Atiku Abubakar's stance on fuel subsidy
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his inconsistent proposals regarding the restoration of petrol subsidies. The dispute followed Atiku’s pledge to implement a 'targeted subsidy' to improve citizen purchasing power, a move the presidency condemned as politically motivated and economically confused. The criticism was further fueled by conflicting public statements from Atiku’s own aides regarding the nature and duration of his proposed subsidy policy. This exchange highlights the significant ideological divide regarding President Bola Tinubu’s May 2023 decision to remove petrol subsidies.
Nigeria and Thailand to Expand Bilateral Ties in Technology and Energy
Nigeria and Thailand committed to expanding bilateral cooperation across technology, agriculture, commerce, and renewable energy during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting involved Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and a Thai delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Yousef Khalawi. During the discussions, Nigeria expressed a desire to move beyond traditional commodity trade, while Thailand introduced the "Thailand-Africa Initiative" to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties across the continent. Nigeria emphasized its strategic position, demographic advantages, and natural resources as key incentives for Thai investment.
Katsina survey reports data on household food consumption and maternal healthcare
On 20 August 2025, the Katsina State government unveiled the 'General Household Survey 2025: Data for Development,' which detailed significant socioeconomic disparities across 34 local government areas. The survey, which interviewed 10,269 households, reported that 87.8 per cent of families consumed only one to three food varieties daily and 60.8 per cent of recent births occurred at home. With average monthly household income recorded at ₦66,420, the data highlighted stark inequalities between rural and urban residents, as well as across wealth quintiles regarding healthcare access and nutrition. The findings were intended to serve as a baseline for future state planning, budgeting, and the targeting of public interventions.
Jigawa government approves N13.8bn for education and agriculture projects
The Jigawa State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Umar Namadi, approved N13.8 billion for education and agriculture intervention programs. The allocation included N12.68 billion for projects at 50 senior secondary schools, N517.6 million for Integrated Education Board schools, and N615.6 million for the purchase of 18,000 bags of NPK fertilizer. Additionally, the council approved an MoU between the state Ministry of Health, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and development partners to facilitate the delivery of routine immunization vaccines and essential healthcare commodities.
Ophthalmologist reports over two million cases of avoidable blindness in Nigeria
The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) reported that over two million Nigerians are currently living with avoidable blindness, primarily caused by cataracts. During a briefing ahead of the 51st Annual General Meeting, OSN Vice-President Abubakar Rafindadi stated that the country has failed to reach necessary cataract surgical rates despite improvements in ophthalmic training and technology. While the OSN has expanded primary healthcare integration to 21 states and trained over 2,500 workers, the organization noted that specialists remain unevenly distributed due to insecurity and limited employment opportunities in rural regions.
President Tinubu mourns journalist and publisher Dotun Oladipo
President Bola Tinubu issued a formal statement of condolence following the death of veteran journalist and publisher Dotun Oladipo, who passed away suddenly on Tuesday at age 56. Oladipo, the founder of The Eagle Online and a former Political Editor at PUNCH Newspapers, was recognized by the President for his three-decade career in journalism and his contributions to digital media. The statement highlighted Oladipo's role in strengthening Nigeria's democracy through his work in political reporting and public accountability.
NFF investigation alleges officials influenced national team selections for profit
A six-member committee chaired by Fanny Amun, appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on 14 August, alleged that NFF board members, management staff, and coaches influenced national team player selections for financial gain. The committee was established to investigate systemic failures following the Super Falcons' loss to South Africa in a WAFCON play-off, which resulted in the team failing to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The leaked report also cited inequities in how NFF delegations were paid, noting that board members and management often received payments while players and officials went unpaid. While the report did not name specific individuals, it called for the NFF to implement structural reforms regarding team management, compensation, and governance.
Kaduna State government builds over 2000 classrooms for basic education
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani initiated a campaign to ensure universal access to basic education, resulting in the return of over 360,000 previously out-of-school children to the classroom. To support this influx, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), led by Executive Chairman Mubarak Mohammed, constructed over 2,000 new classrooms. The government formally launched the 2026/2027 School Enrollment Campaign, which included a public awareness walk to the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi market to encourage parents to enroll their children.
APC petitions police to arrest and prosecute Abayomi Hunye over governorship claim
The All Progressives Congress (APC) petitioned Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu to arrest and prosecute Abayomi Hunye for allegedly impersonating the party's governorship candidate for the January 2027 Ogun State election. The party stated that Hunye, who was suspended on 7 April for alleged anti-party activities, has been falsely presenting himself as the candidate despite the party’s official nomination of Senator Solomon Olamilekan (Yayi) and running mate Kudirat Balogun. According to the APC, the party concluded its primary and submitted the particulars of its recognized candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 7 August. The petition argued that Hunye’s actions constitute false representation and pose a risk to public peace in Ogun State.
Kano State Assembly addresses diphtheria outbreak in Rano LGA
The Kano State House of Assembly passed a resolution urging Governor Abba Yusuf to escalate emergency responses to a diphtheria outbreak that caused multiple pediatric deaths in Rano Local Government Area. Legislators, including Ibrahim Muhammad and Usman Tasiu, reported that the disease has spread beyond Rano to neighboring communities in Kiru, prompting calls for a joint emergency task force across six LGAs. The House directed its Committee on Health to work with the Ministry of Health to enforce the state’s Health Protection Law, which permits free healthcare, isolation measures, and movement restrictions to contain the spread.
Women's inclusion forum held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja
The NGO I Teach Africa hosted a summit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja titled 'Empowering Her for Governance: Advancing Women’s Leadership for Inclusive Governance and Security.' Attendees included ambassadors, security experts, and development specialists, while professional politicians were largely absent from the event. Facilitated by Eugenia Abu and featuring speakers such as Ebi Elezieanya, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, and Dr. Ferdinand Ikwang, the forum addressed the role of women in conflict prevention and decision-making. The discussion highlighted the connection between inclusive governance and national security, emphasizing that exclusion of marginalized groups, particularly women, hinders long-term stability.
Adeleke wins re-election as Osun governor
Ademola Adeleke won re-election as the governor of Osun State, Nigeria, by defeating All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji with 511,067 votes to 444,815. Following the declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Adeleke was presented with a certificate of return in Osogbo. His victory marked the failure of the APC to reclaim the governorship four years after losing it in the 2022 election. This outcome solidified Adeleke's political status from a candidate reliant on his influential family's legacy to an incumbent governor reaffirmed by voters in a state known for its history of frequently rotating political parties.
Zenith Bank holds seminar on strategies to scale Nigeria's non-oil exports
Zenith Bank Plc hosted its 10th International Trade Seminar on Non-Oil Export on August 25, 2026, to discuss strategies for diversifying the Nigerian economy beyond raw commodity exports. Group Managing Director Adaora Umeoji and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole joined industry stakeholders to address the transition toward value-added production and regional trade integration. The discussion followed a record $6.1 billion in non-oil exports for 2025, marking an 11.5 percent increase from the previous year. Participants focused on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and improving trade infrastructure to sustain this growth.
Governor Otti commissions 80-bed hospital in Obingwa, renames it for Chima Ubani
On August 25, Abia State Governor Alex Otti commissioned the newly remodeled and digitally equipped 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital in Mgboko, renaming the facility in honor of the late human rights activist Chima Ubani. The project is part of a broader health initiative under the Otti administration, which has reportedly undertaken 301 infrastructure projects in the sector, including the development of 277 Primary Health Centres. The governor stated that the facility, which features renewable energy and advanced diagnostic technology, is intended to provide 24-hour medical access for residents of Obingwa, Aba, and surrounding areas.
Nigeria Health Watch launches tracker for 2027 election health promises
Nigeria Health Watch launched the Health Manifesto Tracker in Abuja to document, analyze, and monitor health-related promises made by political candidates during the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. Senior Manager Solomon Oladimeji stated that the tool aims to ensure commitments are specific and measurable, with a post-election phase designed to track implementation using government data and citizen feedback. The initiative was triggered by concerns over low health sector funding, as Nigeria’s 2026 budget allocated only 3.7% of funds to health, falling significantly short of the 15% target established by the 2001 Abuja Declaration. The organization asserted that the current lack of political investment results in poor health outcomes and exposes families to financial hardship due to high out-of-pocket medical costs.
Shell and NNPC Sign Terms for $21 Billion Bonga Project
On 24 August, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and its OML 118 partners, including Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater), and Nigerian Agip Exploration, signed an addendum to their production sharing contract and a dispute settlement agreement. This move formalized fiscal terms approved under President Bola Tinubu’s recent deep offshore incentives order, clearing a key commercial obstacle for the Bonga South West Aparo development. The project, which is projected to attract between $15 billion and $21 billion in investment, reached the end of its early engineering phase and will now move into detailed design. With peak production estimates of 175,000 barrels of oil and 140 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, the development serves as a significant attempt to boost Nigeria's crude output from deepwater sources.
ICPC identifies inclusion of non-existent agency in 2026 budget
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) revealed that the Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) included a non-existent agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in the 2026 federal budget. The investigation found that the BOF processed the council based on unverified, scanned documents and an administrative code from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, despite lacking official confirmation of the agency's legal existence from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service. Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, had secured an office at the Federal Secretariat and is now facing eight-count criminal charges for forgery and impersonation. The BOF had proposed an allocation of N1.3 billion for the non-existent agency before the anomaly was identified.
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