Nigerian governance and policy

Governor Uba Sani targets 3 million votes in Kaduna for 2027 elections

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani announced an increased 2027 electoral target of three million votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the return of former commissioner Muhammad Bashir Sa’idu and other political allies from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The shift included the return of several former associates of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, such as Jafaru Sani and Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari, who brought a claimed 200,000 supporters to the APC through the Kaduna De-Initiatives group. Governor Sani attributed the party's rising electoral ambitions to federal government projects, political appointments in the state, and the ascension of Tajudeen Abbas to Speaker of the House of Representatives. Muhammad Bashir Sa’idu stated that the ADC has effectively lost relevance in Kaduna after his group left due to dissatisfaction with the party’s internal leadership and candidate selection processes.

Kwankwaso denies plans to withdraw in favor of Atiku for 2027 election

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State and vice presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NDC), publicly denied claims that his ticket with Peter Obi planned to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favor of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This statement followed allegations from the ADC Presidential Campaign Council that Kwankwaso was covertly aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to fracture opposition votes. Kwankwaso dismissed these accusations as smear campaigns and reaffirmed the NDC's intent to remain in the election as a viable alternative to both the APC and the ADC. The conflict deepened amid broader political volatility, including recent criticisms of ADC candidate Atiku Abubakar by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Finance Ministry disputes claims regarding federal interest payment ratios

The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Finance disputed claims that federal interest payments reached 124 percent of government revenue in the first half of 2026, labeling the figure as misleading. The Ministry argued that the calculation incorrectly compared federal revenue against debt serviced on behalf of other government tiers and excluded independent agency revenue. While interest payments rose by 38 percent to ₦7.7 trillion, the Ministry noted that revenue grew by 72 percent to ₦6.2 trillion, resulting in a year-over-year decline in the interest-to-revenue ratio from 156 percent to 124 percent.

Tinubu's campaign council includes politicians from opposition parties

On 13 October, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appointed three opposition politicians to lead President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in specific states: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike (PDP) for Rivers and the FCT, Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA) for Anambra, and Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke (Accord) for Osun. These appointments, which are part of a broader campaign plan spanning from October to January 2027, triggered criticism from both APC members and opposition figures regarding party loyalty and the role of non-party officials in campaign structures. The move formalizes support for President Tinubu while leaving questions regarding how these figures will integrate with existing APC campaign frameworks.

ESDIAC receives license to operate in Nigeria's data market

ESDIAC Global Systems Limited, led by founder and CEO Austin Ugbebor, secured a license to operate within Nigeria's data market. The company intends to utilize this authorization to provide cross-border data solutions, global eSIM services, and international connectivity to Nigerian consumers and businesses. ESDIAC, which currently operates in 150 countries and 400 cities, stated that the license will facilitate the expansion of its telecommunications services and local infrastructure investment.

Katsina Governor calls for APC unity ahead of 2027 elections

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and himself during a ceremony at the newly completed state secretariat. During the event, the Governor appealed for party unity and forgiveness from those offended by his administration, while urging members to engage in active grassroots mobilization rather than relying on the party's inherent popularity. Appointments to the campaign council included State Chairman Bishir Gambo-Saulawa as deputy chairman, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa as Director-General, and Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji as Secretary-General.

Lagos Water Corporation serves 1.03% of population, official says

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), represented by Deputy Director Rasaq Anifowoshe, reported that its network serves only 1.03% of Lagos State's estimated 20 million residents, totaling approximately 206,444 people. Although the LWC maintains an installed production capacity of 210 million gallons per day (MGD), actual daily production averaged only 7.21 MGD, significantly trailing the estimated state demand of 540 MGD. Anifowoshe attributed this output gap to ageing distribution infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, and population growth, which have forced residents to rely on expensive private vendors, philanthropists, and boreholes. The failure of the public utility has resulted in substantial household costs, with some residents reporting daily expenditures as high as N1,500 for water.

Jigawa Fulani community endorses Tinubu and Namadi

The Fulani community in Jigawa State, led by Shehu Hadejia, formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umar Namadi, and all APC candidates for the 2027 general elections during a gathering at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse. The endorsement followed government efforts to improve livestock development and foster peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities through the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development. Key state initiatives cited included the gazetting of grazing reserves, animal vaccinations, the provision of water stations, and a ₦3.1 billion investment in artificial insemination. Governor Namadi and Commissioner for Livestock Development Professor Salim Mohammed emphasized that these interventions were central to the community's support and the state's ongoing stability.

Governor Abiodun mourns the death of Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, expressed his condolences following the death of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander for Ogun State, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi. Governor Abiodun extended his sympathies to the national leadership of the FRSC, as well as the family and professional associates of the deceased. The Governor recognized the late commander's contributions to traffic regulation compliance, public enlightenment, and efforts to improve road safety within Ogun State.

Jigawa governor commissions 3.5 billion naira asphalt and precast plant

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi commissioned a 3.5 billion naira industrial facility in Dutse owned by ALREN Construction Company, featuring asphalt, concrete batching, and precast plants. The facility was established to provide local access to essential construction materials, aiming to reduce operational challenges for indigenous small-scale contractors and eliminate the need for them to source supplies outside the state. The project currently employs 265 Jigawa State indigenes, with company leadership pledging to increase the total workforce at the site to 500 by the first quarter of 2027.

Governor donates ₦60 million to Offa hospital project and student scholarships

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq donated a total of ₦60 million during the Annual Maolud Nabiy celebration in Offa, Kwara State, organized by Chief Imam Muyideen Hussein. The donation included ₦50 million for an ongoing hospital project and ₦10 million in scholarships for 50 students from an Arabic institution. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, and several political figures. Governor AbdulRazaq’s participation and financial contributions were publicly commended by local leadership for their impact on the community.

Lessons from Nigeria's health reforms for the next WHO director-general

By September 2026, Nigeria’s health reforms resulted in over 23 million health insurance enrolments and emergency maternal care for 80,000 women, highlighting the importance of tracking resources from allocation to service delivery. As the WHO approaches its 2027 director-general election, member states faced a global health landscape defined by shrinking development aid—which declined by 23.1 per cent in 2025—and the withdrawal of the United States from the WHO. The Accra Reset panel proposed a strategy of "One Plan, One Budget, One Platform" to align disparate donors and institutions with national health plans. This shift is critical as World Bank projections indicated that 80 per cent of low-income countries could face reduced combined government and donor health funding by 2030.

Lambar-Rimi wind farm project remains stalled in Katsina State

The 10MW Lambar-Rimi wind farm project in Katsina State remained stalled after 21 years of development characterized by ownership shifts between state and federal governments and contractor transitions. Originally initiated in 2005, the project faced significant delays due to security challenges, including the abduction of a French engineer, and persistent logistical failures that left the facility at an estimated 80 to 95 percent completion rate. In 2025, the federal government transferred the project back to the Katsina State government, which announced plans to hybridize the site with a 10MW solar plant and resume assessments with the original contractor, Vergnet S.A. Despite these plans, officials failed to provide updates on current funding or the status of the stalled infrastructure.

Babafemi A. Badejo on the Kila affair and professional accountability

On 3 October, the PREMIUM TIMES published an investigation questioning the academic credentials and professorial title of Anthony Kila, a television personality and the suspended pro-chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University. A subsequent report on 10 October challenged the validity of his undergraduate and doctoral qualifications, prompting Kila to announce that he stood by his credentials and had instructed his lawyers to review the publications. While Kila remains presumed innocent, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) reportedly established a team to investigate the matter. Babafemi A. Badejo wrote on the incident, arguing for a distinction between ensuring the personal well-being of the individual and maintaining institutional accountability.

protest18 Oct 2026

Health workers begin one-week warning strike in Katsina State

Health professionals in Katsina State, represented by the Assembly of Health Professionals, commenced a one-week warning strike following an impasse with the state government regarding welfare and remuneration. The unions, which include the MHWUN, NANNM, and NUAHP, initiated the action after the government failed to implement recommendations from a March 2025 committee report addressing wage discrepancies between state and federal health workers. Although the government increased its settlement offer from 10 percent to 15 percent of the salary difference, the unions rejected the proposal as insufficient. The industrial action resulted in the disruption of services at public facilities, including the Turai Yar’Adua Maternal and Child Hospital.

SERAP sues INEC over failure to account for 126 billion naira in electoral funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) filed a lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2507/2026) at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The litigation follows the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which alleged that over ₦126.46 billion in electoral funds were diverted, lost, or unaccounted for between 2022 and 2023. SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus to compel INEC to disclose full financial documentation regarding these expenditures, which reportedly included payments for electoral materials and vehicles made without competitive bidding or evidence of procurement. The legal action asserts that such financial oversight is essential for public confidence as the 2027 general elections approach.

Gombe community gets 1MW solar power plant after 17 years off national grid

A 1-megawatt solar mini-grid project was installed in Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State. The project followed a 17-year period during which the community was disconnected from the national grid.

Accord chairman requests clarification on Adeleke's role in Tinubu's campaign

Lagos State Accord Chairman Oladele Oladeji addressed an open letter to the party’s national leadership seeking clarification regarding reports that Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke was appointed to coordinate President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign in Osun. Mr. Oladeji questioned the governor’s political allegiance, noting that Mr. Adeleke was elected on the Accord platform and that such alignment impacts the party's electoral identity. He emphasized that the request was intended to protect the interests of the party’s candidates and maintain an independent political direction for the organization.

Nigeria Targets 7% Economic Growth, Exceeding IMF 4.3% Projection

On October 17, 2026, Nigerian Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele announced a national economic growth target of 7% while attending the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok. This goal, supported by Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso, sits significantly higher than the IMF’s recent projections of 4.2% for 2026 and 4.3% for 2027. Oyedele characterized the IMF forecasts as too conservative, stating that the government aims to leverage fiscal measures and lower production costs to achieve the higher target. The announcement follows Nigeria’s second-quarter growth of 4.43% and a recent central bank benchmark interest rate cut to 23%.

Review finds gaps in responses on Atiku Abubakar's Ask AA platform

On 15 October, former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar launched the 'Ask AA' online platform to address questions regarding his political record and policy proposals. A subsequent review by the PREMIUM TIMES examined 100 responses and identified instances where the platform provided incomplete information, failed to commit to public asset disclosure, or displayed potential historical inaccuracies. Specifically, the platform omitted details regarding privatized assets, avoided explicit one-term tenure commitments, and provided imprecise data concerning the 2005 Paris Club debt settlement. Additionally, the platform incorrectly labeled the Petroleum Technology Development Fund in its responses.

Pat Utomi faces criticism over defense of Anthony Kila's credentials

Nigerian political economist Pat Utomi faced public backlash after defending Anthony Kila against allegations regarding the authenticity of Kila's academic credentials and professorial title. Critics, including law lecturer Ekokoi Solomon, argued that Utomi conflated Kila's personal character and intelligence with the substantive issue of potential certificate fraud raised by PREMIUM TIMES investigations. The newspaper's October 2026 reports stated that they found no evidence for the existence of the institution Kila claimed awarded him a professorship in 2016 and documented discrepancies in his claimed academic qualifications. In response, Utomi stated he had not personally verified Kila's documentation, while Kila maintained the validity of his credentials.

Tricycle operators endorse Mbah and Tinubu; governor extends operation hours

The Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State, represented by state chairman Kingsley Edeh and national secretary Sunday Enang, officially endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term and President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election. The association cited the administration's infrastructure projects, such as the Enugu–Onitsha Road and the Obinagu Flyover, as well as improvements in security and the establishment of Smart Green Schools as reasons for their support. Following this endorsement, Governor Mbah eliminated the N750 daily ticket fee for tricycle operators and extended their permitted operational hours from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. He also confirmed that operators would be exempt from fees at the state's modern transport terminals.

Ogun State government responds to PDP candidate's claims on seaport project

The Ogun State government publicly criticized PDP senatorial candidate Abdul-Hameed Omotayo for labeling the proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Seaport project a 'broken promise.' The administration, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, asserted that the project—which includes a Blue Marine Special Economic Zone—is backed by formal agreements signed in Paris on September 24, 2026, involving global operator DP World and Nigerian federal officials. Government spokesperson Kayode Akinmade defended the project as a verifiable economic initiative that received support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is projected to create 50,000 direct jobs. The state government rejected Omotayo’s skepticism as partisan political rhetoric that ignores the substantive progress made toward implementing the maritime infrastructure.

Nnaji commends Enugu State Governor Mbah for agricultural development efforts

Sani Friday Nnaji, Managing Director of Ugwuanama Farms Ltd, commended Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah for his administration's efforts in agricultural transformation during the third World Food Day celebration under the current government. Nnaji attributed the expansion of commercial agriculture and increased investor confidence to the governor’s implementation of security measures, including the use of drones, AI surveillance, and Forest Guards to clear criminal elements from rural zones. He further noted that policy reforms regarding land tenure and the introduction of initiatives like Smart Green Schools had facilitated greater agricultural productivity and youth engagement in the sector.

Enugu government rescues teenager following alleged banishment

The Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development rescued a 16-year-old girl after she was banished from the Nenwe community in Aninri Local Government Area. The girl and her father were expelled by residents following allegations of incest, with the community labeling the incident an abomination. Commissioner Ngozi Enih stated that the teenager was allegedly raped by her father, who has since fled the area. The state government intervened following public outcry to ensure the survivor receives protection and psychosocial support.

Nigerian Senate moves to decriminalize attempted suicide

On 13 October 2026, the Nigerian Senate passed the second reading of the Suicide Prevention Bill, 2024 (SB 730), which aims to decriminalize attempted suicide. Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the bill seeks to replace existing criminal penalties under the Criminal and Penal Codes with a national framework for medical assessment and crisis response. Advocacy groups, including Nigerian Mental Health and the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, supported the initiative, noting that criminalization currently discourages those in distress from seeking help. The legislation now moves to the Senate Committees on Health and Judiciary for further review, where proponents have called for inclusive public hearings to include mental health professionals and those with lived experience.

disaster17 Oct 2026

Expert warns against collecting spilled fuel following tanker accidents in Nigeria

Timothy Iwuagwu, President of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, issued a warning against scooping spilled fuel at accident sites following a series of recent fire incidents, including a petrol tanker fire in Benin City and a pipeline explosion in Rivers State. He attributed the high frequency of these accidents to poor tanker design, insufficient mechanical inspections at ports, and a lack of enforcement regarding vehicle safety standards. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, 411 people died in 2024 while attempting to collect fuel from crash sites, representing approximately 7.6 per cent of the year's total road fatalities.

NCC introduces *315# verification code to identify counterfeit mobile devices

On 7 October, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) launched a new device verification system allowing consumers to check the authenticity of mobile phones by dialing *315#. Edoyemi Ogoh, the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, stated that the initiative aims to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, protect consumers from counterfeit products, and improve network service quality. The commission identified that the use of non-type-approved devices often contributed to technical issues that negatively affected both the individual user and the surrounding network environment. While importers and vendors are responsible for registering device IMEI numbers, the NCC specified that phones active on Nigerian networks before the 7 October launch date do not require verification.

Osinbajo spokesperson denies claims by former SGF Babachir Lawal

Laolu Akande, the former spokesperson for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, issued a formal rebuttal to allegations made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal regarding Osinbajo’s relationship with former President Muhammadu Buhari and the staffing of his office. Lawal had claimed that Buhari viewed Osinbajo’s 2022 presidential bid as "immoral" and alleged that the Vice President submitted a 20-name memo for staff appointments that was delayed by the Chief of Staff due to ethnic considerations. Akande rejected these claims as "fabrications," asserting that Buhari personally offered to support Osinbajo’s candidacy on four occasions and maintained a dignified, professional relationship with him. Furthermore, Akande denied the existence of the 20-name memo, stating that the Vice President had direct access to the President for approvals and that his office composition was pan-Nigerian rather than ethnically biased.