The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Author: Editor

  • FG Approves Textbook List, Introduces QR Tracking Codes

    FG Approves Textbook List, Introduces QR Tracking Codes

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Ministry of Education has released the final list of textbooks approved for use in Nigerian schools between 2026 and 2028.

    The ministry announced the release on Monday in a statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, following the completion of the first phase of the national textbook ranking exercise.

    The approved textbooks cover Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 and Senior Secondary School 1.

    According to the ministry, each approved textbook has been assigned a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code containing information such as the title, author, publisher and year of publication.

    The new identification system, it said, was introduced to strengthen the monitoring of approved instructional materials and improve transparency in their selection, procurement and use.

    The ministry explained that the process of generating and assigning individual tracking codes contributed to the time required to validate and finalise the approved list.

    The exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, with the final list approved by Alausa.

    The ministry said the national textbook ranking exercise would be conducted in phases, with the second phase expected to cover Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2 and SS 2.

    It added that the same tracking system would be applied to textbooks approved under subsequent phases.

    The Federal Ministry of Education urged publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies and other stakeholders to consult the approved list before selecting or purchasing textbooks for the affected classes.

    It said the exercise was part of efforts by the Federal Government to ensure that teachers and pupils have access to relevant, quality and curriculum-aligned instructional materials.

    The ministry also emphasised the need for stakeholders to comply with the approved list in the provision and use of textbooks for the specified classes.

    The complete 2026–2028 list, including the Ranking/QR Tracking Code assigned to each approved textbook, has been made available by the ministry through its designated platform.

  • PACESETTER Celebrates IGP Olatunji Disu on Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from St. Gregory’s College

    PACESETTER Celebrates IGP Olatunji Disu on Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from St. Gregory’s College

    PRESS STATEMENT

    The entire Board of Editors of Pacesetter Frontier Magazine extends its warmest congratulations to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, psc(+), NPM, following his conferment with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by his alma mater, the Old Boys Association of St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.

    The honour was bestowed upon the Inspector-General on September 26, 2026, during a grand reception held at the Naval Dockyard on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The high-profile event also served as the official launch of the institution’s N25 billion Endowment and Perpetual Fund, celebrating eminent alumni who have made significant contributions to national development.

    IGP Disu’s recognition highlights his exceptional career, dedication to public safety and leadership at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force. The milestone further underscores his lifelong commitment to excellence and reflects the foundational values of his historic alma mater.

    PACESETTER commends the Inspector-General for being a shining ambassador of professional integrity and national service.

    The organisation offers its best wishes for his continued success, strength and wisdom as he continues to spearhead vital reforms and contribute to securing the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Signed:
    Barr. Dabere Egbo,
    Managing Editor, Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, Nigeria.
    September 29, 2026.

  • ‘It Never Happened’ – Obuoffia Pathfinders Debunks Reports of Arrest of Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker

    ‘It Never Happened’ – Obuoffia Pathfinders Debunks Reports of Arrest of Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker

    The Obuoffia Pathfinders has dismissed a report alleging the arrest of traditional ruler Igwe Obiora Igwesi, former federal lawmaker Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi, popularly known as USA Igwesi, and eight others over an alleged attack on a New Democratic Congress (NDC) ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    The group, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Ani Onyekachi, described the publication as “fake news, propaganda and fabricated lies,” alleging that it was part of a political campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputations of the traditional ruler and former lawmaker ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The Obuoffia Pathfinders denied that the Inspector-General of Police ordered the arrest of Igwe Obiora Igwesi, USA Igwesi or any of the other individuals named in the report.

    It also disputed the claim that detectives from Zone 13 Command in Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, conducted an operation against the individuals in connection with an alleged attack on an NDC meeting.

    According to the group, the purported petition dated September 15, 2026, and the allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault, threatening violence and stealing contained in it were “pure inventions designed to generate cheap publicity and blackmail.”

    The group further rejected claims that the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State had witnessed “co-ordinated armed attacks sponsored by Local Government Chairmen” allegedly targeted at silencing opposition groups.

    It described the allegation as “mischievous propaganda” and accused Chinyeaka Ohaa and the NDC of promoting what it called false narratives to distract from their political activities in the state.

    “It is a classic example of the falsehoods being peddled by Chinyeaka Ohaa and the NDC to distract from their own political irrelevance and lack of grassroots acceptance in Enugu State,” the statement said.

    Defending Igwe Obiora Igwesi and USA Igwesi, the Obuoffia Pathfinders said the two men were respected indigenes who had contributed to the development of Enugu State.

    “These are respected sons of Enugu who have contributed meaningfully to the development of the state and cannot be reduced to common criminals by the stroke of a pen from a failing opposition,” it said.

    The group called on members of the public, particularly residents of Enugu State, to disregard the SaharaReporters publication, describing it as a “hit-job” and “manufactured lies and allegations carefully packaged by Chinyeaka Ohaa and his NDC to score cheap political points.”

    “The truth remains that there was no attack sponsored by any Local Government Chairman, no arrest of the named individuals over the alleged incident, and no basis whatsoever for the wild claims contained in the report,” the statement said.

    The Obuoffia Pathfinders also maintained that Enugu State remained peaceful and focused on development under the current administration, accusing opposition elements of attempting to create tension through what it described as propaganda and falsehood.

    The group advised the public to treat the publication as “the political fiction and sponsored falsehood that it truly is.”

  • FACT-CHECK: Did the Police Arrest Enugu Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker, 8 Others Over Attack on NDC Meeting?

    FACT-CHECK: Did the Police Arrest Enugu Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker, 8 Others Over Attack on NDC Meeting?

    𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺: Police has arrested an Enugu traditional ruler, ex-lawmaker, 8 others over attack on NDC meeting

    𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁: 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗘

    𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱:

    A SaharaReporters publication dated September 27, 2026, reported that “a prominent Enugu traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother, former federal lawmaker Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi, popularly known as USA Igwesi, and eight other suspects have been arrested over the violent attack on a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.”

    According to the online platform, it “gathered that their arrests on Tuesday, September 22, ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, were executed by detectives from the Zone 13 Command in Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State.”

    Continuing, SaharaReporters revealed that their sources “told SaharaReporters on Sunday that those arrested alongside the traditional ruler and the former lawmaker include Uchenna Moses Ani (alias Odogwu), Chidi Ani, Oko Nwodo (alias Buzuzu), Dominic Arum (alias City Hangout), Ifeanyi Solomon Nwobodo (alias Agege), Victor Okechukwu (alias Ogboni), Nnabuike Ani (alias Stone), and John Chukuma Ogbodo.”

    This claim was also repeated in a Punch Online publication dated September 28, 2026. Titled “Enugu monarch, ex-lawmaker, others in custody over NDC attack”, part of the report by a Punch correspondent, Raphael Ede, also read “Eight people were reportedly injured in the incident. They were identified as Donald Onovo, a local government ward councillor;…”

    𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁: 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗘

    𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

    Our findings revealed that there was no arrest of Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother, former federal lawmaker Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi, popularly known as USA Igwesi, and eight others by the Nigerian Police on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

    Our findings also revealed that there was no arrest of Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother, former federal lawmaker Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi, popularly known as USA Igwesi, and eight others by the Nigerian Police on any day whatsoever before or after the reported Tuesday, September 22 date of arrest.

    A search on the verified social media accounts of the Nigerian Police Force on X (@PoliceNG), Facebook (@ngpolice), or Instagram (@nigeriappoliceforce), showed that there was no report of such arrest on, before, and after September 22, 2026.

    On X, a verified user, Alhaji Afunwa (@Krucifix), while responding to the claim of the arrest shared by another X user, Chuks (@ChuksEricE), asked grok to confirm the report of the alleged arrest. Grok responded: “Unable to confirm. No official police statement or credible news reports verify the arrests of Igwe Obiora Igwesi, USA Igwesi or others. SaharaReporters covered the earlier NDC meeting attack in Obuoffia but has no article on these arrests. The claim appears unverified and circulating only on social media.”

    Additionally, PACESETTER can confirm that it has received videos of Igwe Obiora Igwesi, and his brother, Rt. Hon. USA Igwesi participating at the September 26, 2026 local government election in their Obuoffia ward. The video has been attached to this report. If Igwe Obiora Igwesi and his brother and ex-lawmaker, Hon. USA Igwesi were actually arrested, how were they also present to carry out their civic obligation of exercising their franchise?

    Another person named as one of those arrested is Ifeanyi Solomon Nwobodo (alias Agege), who confirmed to PACESETTER that he was not in Enugu State on the September 22, 2026 date, but only returned to participate in the local government election on Friday, September 25, 2026.

    The claim that one of those injured is a local government ward councillor is false as reports obtained from Nkanu West local government indicates that the named individual had been suspended by the Nkanu West Legislative Council and was no longer a sitting councillor of the local government.

    John Chukwuma Ogbodo was also named as one of the eight persons in the alleged arrest. However, our findings revealed that John Chukwuma Ogbodo is the current Executive Chairman of Nkanu West LGA and was the APC Chairmanship Candidate in the local government election held on September 26, 2026, an election he eventually won and received his certificate of return from the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) on Sunday, September 27, 2026. If he was actually in police detention, he couldn’t have been physically present as a candidate for the Saturday election.

    The report by SaharaReporters from which the claim went viral did not imply or categorically state that the named persons were on bail but reported thus: “a prominent Enugu traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother, former federal lawmaker Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi, popularly known as USA Igwesi, and eight other suspects have been arrested over the violent attack on a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State”, an indication that the named persons were currently in police custody, according to them. If the arrest ever happened, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, Hon. USA Igwesi and the eight others couldn’t have participated in the local government election in full public view.

    Igwe Obiora Igwesi, according to our findings has been in his Obuoffia palace, attending to his duties as a traditional ruler. His brother, Rt. Hon. USA Igwesi, has also been circulating in Enugu State, both unfettered.

    𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻:

    The report of the arrest is entirely 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗘 and should be disregarded by the public.

     

  • JAMB Restores CAPS, Sets Admission Deadlines For 2026/2027 Session

    JAMB Restores CAPS, Sets Admission Deadlines For 2026/2027 Session

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has restored its Central Admissions Processing System following a temporary disruption, urging tertiary institutions to accelerate their admission processes.

    JAMB announced the development in a statement on Monday, saying CAPS was “fully restored and is now operational.”

    The board called on institutions to make up for the time lost during the disruption and ensure that admissions are concluded within the approved timelines.

    “With CAPS back online, institutions are urged to accelerate their admission processes to recover lost time and meet the agreed admission deadlines,” JAMB stated.

    The board also advised candidates who receive admission offers to accept them promptly to facilitate the completion of the admission process.

    According to JAMB, public universities are expected to conclude their 2026/2027 admission exercise by October 31, 2026.

    Private universities have until November 30, 2026, while other tertiary institutions have been given December 31, 2026, as the deadline.

    Candidates Asked To Update Results

    JAMB also urged candidates who previously indicated that they were awaiting their examination results to upload or verify their credentials following the release of the 2026 National Examinations Council Senior School Certificate Examination results.

    The board said updating the results would ensure that candidates’ credentials were available for consideration as institutions intensified their admission activities.

    “Following the release of the 2026 NECO SSCE results, candidates who previously awaited their results are advised to upload and/or verify them promptly to ensure their credentials are available for consideration as institutions intensify their admission processes,” the board said.

    JAMB apologised for the inconvenience caused by the temporary CAPS disruption and thanked candidates, institutions and other stakeholders for their patience.

    The board urged all parties involved in the admission process to make use of the restored platform and complete the necessary procedures before the respective deadlines.

  • 2027 Election: Atiku, ADC Seek To Amend Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Eligibility

    2027 Election: Atiku, ADC Seek To Amend Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Eligibility

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until October 13 to hear an application by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress seeking to amend their suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date on Monday after counsel for the plaintiffs, Joseph Silas, informed the court that all the defendants had been served with the relevant court processes within the stipulated period.

    Silas also told the court that the plaintiffs had received and responded to the processes filed by the defendants.

    The case had previously been delayed over a dispute concerning the service of court processes on Tinubu, who is the first defendant in the suit.

    During Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the President, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, recalled that at the September 1 hearing, counsel representing the Independent National Electoral Commission, Popoola Owosanya, had offered to receive the processes on Tinubu’s behalf.

    Olanipekun said the plaintiffs’ counsel rejected the offer and later approached the court for an order allowing substituted service on the President, claiming that efforts to serve him personally had been unsuccessful.

    He further alleged that the plaintiffs subsequently attempted to mislead the court by maintaining that they had been unable to serve the President.

    Justice Ekwo, however, directed the lawyers to concentrate on the matter scheduled for the day.

    Silas subsequently informed the court that the plaintiffs had filed an application seeking to amend their originating summons and that all the defendants had been served with the application.

    After confirming that the parties had received the relevant processes, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to October 13 for hearing of the application.

    Atiku and the ADC had instituted the suit to challenge Tinubu’s eligibility to participate in the 2027 presidential election.

    A major aspect of their case concerns an alleged discrepancy between the name appearing on a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the President’s official name.

    The substantive issues raised by the plaintiffs are yet to be determined by the court.

    On September 16, Justice Ekwo granted the plaintiffs permission to serve Tinubu through the All Progressives Congress after they told the court that attempts to personally serve the President had proved difficult.

    The substituted service order was subsequently challenged by the APC, which argued that Tinubu’s legal representatives had already received the originating processes and filed his defence before the plaintiffs applied for substituted service.

    Meanwhile, INEC has filed a response challenging the competence of the suit, including arguments concerning the plaintiffs’ locus standi and alleged abuse of court process.

  • Domestic Airlines Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Union Disruptions

    Domestic Airlines Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Union Disruptions

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Domestic airlines operating under the Airline Operators of Nigeria have threatened to suspend operations nationwide if aviation unions or other groups disrupt the activities of any of their members again.

    The warning followed the disruption of Air Peace operations at airports in Lagos and Abuja on August 11, 2026.

    The AON issued the warning in a communiqué released after its general meeting in Abuja and made available to journalists on Monday.

    The association condemned the action, describing it as a “violent disruptive action” that affected airline operations and left passengers stranded.

    According to the operators, union members blocked access to Air Peace departure terminals, check-in counters, offices and workstations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminals 1 and 2 in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

    The AON said the action brought flight operations at the affected airports to a halt and went beyond a labour dispute because of its impact on passengers, airline employees and airport security.

    The dispute between the airlines and aviation unions has centred on several issues, including the payment of statutory funds to government agencies.

    The unions have argued that the failure of airlines to remit the required funds could have implications for aviation safety. They have also accused some airlines of preventing workers from joining unions.

    The AON, however, said the August 11 disruption resulted in violence against some airline workers, with some employees allegedly sustaining injuries while attempting to carry out their duties.

    The disruption also had financial consequences for passengers and airlines, according to the association.

    It said flights were cancelled or disrupted, leaving travellers stranded and forcing airlines to rebook passengers, provide accommodation and process refunds.

    The association said more than 70 Air Peace flights were affected, resulting in estimated losses of over N2bn.

    It added that more than 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were also disrupted, affecting approximately 13,000 passengers.

    Airlines also incurred additional expenses from crew repositioning, aircraft rescheduling and other measures required to restore normal operations.

    The AON said the financial impact came at a difficult time for domestic carriers, which were already dealing with high aviation fuel prices and increased maintenance costs linked to foreign exchange fluctuations.

    Airlines Issue Shutdown Warning

    Against this backdrop, the airline operators said their members had agreed to respond collectively to any further disruption.

    The association stated that any repeat of the August 11 incident against a domestic airline would result in an industry-wide suspension of operations.

    “To this end therefore, the AON would like to state in unequivocal terms that should the events of August 11, 2026, repeat themselves again against any domestic airline, the entire AON member airlines will immediately shut down operations,” the communiqué stated.

    The operators also raised concerns about airport security, saying the ability of union members to block access to airline facilities exposed weaknesses in existing security arrangements.

    The AON referred to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Annex 17, which addresses unlawful interference with civil aviation, and said the incident raised concerns for the aviation industry in Nigeria.

    ### Airlines Explain Flight Disruptions

    The operators also addressed the frequent delays and cancellations experienced by passengers, rejecting suggestions that airlines deliberately keep passengers waiting or cancel flights.

    According to the AON, airlines also suffer financial and reputational losses whenever flights are delayed or cancelled.

    The association attributed disruptions to several factors, including bad weather, congestion in aircraft parking areas at Lagos and Abuja airports, restricted operating hours at some secondary airports and VIP movements.

    Other factors listed were bird strikes, foreign object damage, fuel shortages, inefficient air traffic flow and inadequate airport infrastructure.

    The association said the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel had risen above N2,500 per litre, while supply remained unreliable at some secondary airports.

     AON Seeks Input On Lagos Airport Reconstruction

    The AON welcomed the ongoing reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos but called for airlines to be involved at an early stage of the design process.

    The operators said airline representatives should be consulted during the planning and design of airport facilities to help identify potential problems that could affect the movement of passengers and aircraft.

    The association said greater collaboration between airport authorities, airlines, unions and other stakeholders would help address operational challenges and reduce disruptions across the domestic aviation sector.

  • Nigerian Navy Opens 2026 Batch 39 Recruitment, Sets October 31 Deadline

    Nigerian Navy Opens 2026 Batch 39 Recruitment, Sets October 31 Deadline

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Nigerian Navy has announced the commencement of its 2026 recruitment exercise for Batch 39 of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School.

    The application window will open on October 2 and close on October 31, 2026, with eligible applicants required to complete the process online through the Navy’s official recruitment portal. The announcement was made by the Navy on Monday.

    The recruitment is open to Nigerian citizens by birth who possess a National Identification Number and meet the prescribed educational, age, physical and medical requirements.

    Applicants are required to be medically, physically and psychologically fit, while candidates must have no previous criminal conviction.

    The Navy also stipulated a minimum height of 1.69 metres for male applicants and 1.65 metres for female applicants.

    For candidates applying with O’Level qualifications, the guideline requires applicants to be between 18 and 22 years as of December 31, 2026, with at least five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, in not more than two sittings.

    Different age and qualification requirements apply to candidates seeking entry through categories requiring OND, NCE, medical qualifications, trades and sports-related skills.

    The Navy said successful applicants would be required to print their acknowledgement, parent or guardian consent, Local Government attestation and guarantor’s certification forms after completing their online registration.

    It added that details of the recruitment examination, including the date and venues, would be communicated to applicants at a later date.

    The Navy warned prospective applicants that the recruitment process is completely free and advised them not to pay anyone claiming to have the ability to influence their selection.

    It also cautioned that only one application would be accepted from each candidate, adding that multiple applications would result in disqualification.

    Applicants must also be able to communicate in basic English, as failure to meet the requirement could lead to disqualification at any stage of the recruitment process.

    The Navy urged interested Nigerians to consult the official recruitment portal for the complete guidelines when registration opens on October 2.

  • Dangote: Lamu Refinery To Generate 1,000MW, Bigger Than Nigerian Plant

    Dangote: Lamu Refinery To Generate 1,000MW, Bigger Than Nigerian Plant

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The planned Dangote refinery in Lamu, Kenya, will feature a power-generation plant capable of producing about 1,000 megawatts of electricity, twice the capacity of the power plant supporting the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Nigeria.

    President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, disclosed this during Kenyan President William Ruto’s visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, ahead of the planned groundbreaking of the Lamu project.

    Dangote said about 500MW of the electricity generated by the Kenyan facility could be made available to the Kenyan government, providing an additional source of power for the country.

    He also revealed that the Lamu refinery would be equipped with heavier processing machinery than some of the equipment installed at the Lagos refinery and would include a coker, a processing unit not currently installed at the Nigerian plant.

    Dangote said the scale of the Kenyan project would exceed what Ruto saw during his tour of the Lagos facility.

    “Here I will give you a sense of an idea of what we’re going to have in Kenya, just that Kenya will be a little bit bigger than what you are going to see, Your Excellency, today,” he said.

    The Lamu refinery is planned to have a crude-processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, making it one of the largest planned refining projects in Africa. The project is also expected to form part of a wider industrial complex involving petrochemical and other related activities.

    ### Ruto Confirms September 30 Groundbreaking

    Ruto confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery would take place on September 30, 2026, saying his administration had already secured the land required for the project.

    The Kenyan President said the government was also working to put other necessary project enablers in place and remove administrative bottlenecks that could delay construction and subsequent operations.

    The planned refinery is being developed on land within the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor. Kenya has described the project as an important part of efforts to expand its energy and industrial capacity.

    Preparations for the groundbreaking have intensified, with heavy construction machinery already arriving at Lamu Port ahead of the ceremony.

    The refinery is expected to process crude from Kenya and other sources in the region and supply refined petroleum products to markets in East and Central Africa.

    Ruto said the project would also create opportunities in engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, business and other sectors, while supporting the development of related industries around the refinery.

    The Lamu project is expected to take several years to complete and, if delivered at its planned capacity, would significantly expand refining capacity in East Africa.

  • Atiku Backs Higher Minimum Wage, Blames Tinubu Policies For Rising Cost Of Living

    Atiku Backs Higher Minimum Wage, Blames Tinubu Policies For Rising Cost Of Living

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has backed organised labour’s demand for a substantial increase in the national minimum wage, arguing that rising costs have eroded the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

    Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of imposing what he described as a severe economic squeeze on workers.

    He argued that the increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 had not translated into improved living conditions because of rising prices of petrol, food, transportation and housing.

    Atiku particularly criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying the policy pushed up living costs without adequate measures to protect working families.

    He said the current N70,000 minimum wage could buy only about 50 litres of petrol at N1,400 per litre, compared with about 118 litres that the previous N30,000 wage could purchase when petrol sold at the April 2023 national average of N254.06 per litre.

    According to him, the comparison showed that the increase in workers’ pay had not kept pace with the rise in living costs.

    “The payslip has grown, but the fuel it can buy has more than halved. Tinubu has given workers a larger number and left them with a smaller life. That is hardship dressed up as a wage increase,” Atiku said.

    He called on the Federal Government to agree to a substantial increase in the minimum wage that reflects the current cost of food, transportation, rent and other essential needs.

    Atiku also promised that, if elected in 2027, his administration would begin work on raising the wage floor from its first day in office and introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of living.

    He proposed support for domestic production, targeted assistance for vulnerable Nigerians and a production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians.

    His comments came amid renewed calls from organised labour for a review of the N70,000 minimum wage, which labour leaders have argued no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic conditions.

    ### Akume Calls For Peace Ahead Of 2027 Elections

    Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has urged Nigerians to maintain peace and unity as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

    Akume made the call on Sunday during a national church service held at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

    In his vote of thanks, the SGF said Nigeria’s democratic development depended on citizens maintaining peace and unity, urging voters to approach the 2027 elections with hope rather than division.

    “As we look toward the 2027 elections ahead, let us remember that democracy is sustained by peace and unity. Our votes must be cast not in division, but in hope,” Akume said.

    He urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue and reject actions that could deepen divisions, saying the electoral process should reflect the aspirations of a united population.

    Akume also reflected on Nigeria’s 66 years as an independent nation, noting that the country had experienced sacrifices, challenges and achievements over the decades.

    He further highlighted the country’s uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 as one of the milestones recorded in Nigeria’s post-independence history.

  • Shettima Returns To Nigeria After Representing Tinubu At UNGA

    Shettima Returns To Nigeria After Representing Tinubu At UNGA

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after leading the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

    Shettima arrived in Abuja on Monday after spending several days in the US, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at the annual gathering of world leaders.

    The Vice President had departed Nigeria on September 20 following Tinubu’s directive to lead the Nigerian delegation to the UNGA.

    During the visit, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate on behalf of the President.

    According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Nigeria used the gathering to renew its call for reforms to the United Nations Security Council.

    The Federal Government also advocated permanent African representation on the Security Council, improved access to global financing, increased climate support and stronger international cooperation.

    At the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, the Nigerian delegation called on African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals by investing in processing, manufacturing and other forms of value addition.

    Shettima also participated in a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving education.

    The Vice President expressed support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5bn financing campaign and described education as a key investment in productivity, human capital development and national prosperity.

    During his stay in New York, Shettima also met with members of the Nigerian diaspora and highlighted the role of their investments, expertise and international networks in supporting Nigeria’s development.

    The Vice President held additional meetings with the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States Commission and the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.

    According to the statement, the engagements covered areas including development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security.

    Shettima’s return marks the end of his assignment as Nigeria’s representative at the 81st UN General Assembly on behalf of President Tinubu.

  • FG Seeks Fresh $1.5bn World Bank Loans As Public Debt Hits N166.79tn

    FG Seeks Fresh $1.5bn World Bank Loans As Public Debt Hits N166.79tn

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government is seeking $1.5bn in fresh financing from the World Bank as Nigeria’s total public debt rose to a record N166.79tn at the end of June 2026.

    Documents from the World Bank indicate that the proposed borrowing consists of three separate $500m facilities targeting climate resilience, social protection and early childhood development.

    The first facility is an additional $500m for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project, known as ACReSAL.

    The World Bank is expected to consider the facility on October 29, 2026. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Environment will implement the project.

    If approved, the additional financing will increase ACReSAL’s total funding from $700m to $1.2bn, with the new facility to be provided through the International Development Association, the World Bank’s concessional lending arm.

    According to the World Bank, the additional funds will be used to expand the project’s results and strengthen arrangements for sustainable landscape management.

    The proposed interventions include land restoration, watershed rehabilitation, erosion and flood control, irrigation and drainage, water harvesting and storage, reforestation and other climate adaptation measures.

    Of the $500m, $310m is earmarked for dryland management, $165m for community climate resilience and $25m for institutional strengthening and project management.

    ACReSAL currently operates in 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on land degradation, water insecurity, climate vulnerability and declining agricultural productivity.

    The World Bank estimates that desertification and land degradation affect about 43 per cent of Nigeria’s land area. It also projects that climate change could reduce the country’s gross domestic product by about 2.6 per cent annually by 2030 and as much as 6.7 per cent by 2050 if not adequately addressed.

    ### $500m Social Protection Loan

    The second proposed facility is a $500m IDA credit for the Household Prosperity and Empowerment-Social Protection Project.

    The project is still under preparation, with a technical design review scheduled for October 30, 2026. The World Bank has tentatively set March 16, 2027, for consideration of the project.

    The Federal Ministry of Finance is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction will implement the programme.

    The project comprises a $420m results-based financing component and an $80m investment project financing component.

    It is designed to establish regular social assistance for poor and vulnerable households while gradually increasing the contribution of federal and state governments to social protection financing.

    The proposed programme will include targeted conditional and unconditional cash transfers, an upgrade of the social registry, integration of the National Identification Number into the social protection information system and stronger implementation at federal, state and local government levels.

    The World Bank said Nigeria spent only 0.14 per cent of its GDP on social safety-net programmes in 2021, compared with a global average of 1.5 per cent and 1.2 per cent among lower-middle-income countries.

    The lender also estimated that the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty rose from 40 per cent in 2019 to 56 per cent in 2023 and could reach 62.5 per cent in 2026.

    It attributed the deterioration to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, natural disasters and conflict, while noting that the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms increased living costs in the short term.

    ### Third Loan Targets Early Childhood Development

    The third proposed $500m loan is for the Nigeria Early Childhood Development Programme.

    The project is expected to undergo technical design review on October 30, 2026, with tentative approval scheduled for March 15, 2027.

    The Federal Ministry of Finance will serve as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is expected to implement the programme.

    The project will cover all 36 states and the FCT and focus on improving access to healthcare, nutrition, early learning, childcare, water and sanitation and other essential services for children aged zero to five.

    The proposed financing consists of a $400m programme-for-results component and $100m in investment project financing.

    The World Bank said the programme was necessary because 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five are stunted, fewer than half are developmentally on track and only 36 per cent of children aged 36 to 59 months attend organised early learning.

    ### Public Debt Rises By N14.39tn

    The proposed borrowing comes amid a sharp increase in Nigeria’s public debt.

    According to the Debt Management Office, the country’s total public debt rose from N152.40tn in June 2025 to N166.79tn in June 2026.

    The N14.39tn increase represents a 9.44 per cent rise within one year.

    In dollar terms, total public debt increased from $99.66bn to $120.93bn, representing a $21.27bn or 21.35 per cent increase.

    The difference between the naira and dollar growth rates was partly linked to the exchange rate used to value Nigeria’s external debt. The DMO used an exchange rate of N1,379.1842 to the dollar in June 2026, compared with N1,529.2105 in June 2025.

    On a quarterly basis, public debt increased from N159.35tn in March 2026 to N166.79tn in June, representing a rise of N7.44tn or 4.67 per cent.

    Domestic debt accounted for the larger share of the portfolio at N91.59tn, or 54.91 per cent, while external debt stood at N75.20tn, representing 45.09 per cent.

    Domestic debt increased from N80.55tn in June 2025 to N91.59tn in June 2026, while external debt rose from N71.85tn to N75.20tn over the same period.

    ### Treasury Bills Drive Domestic Borrowing

    Federal Government domestic debt increased from N76.59tn in June 2025 to N87tn in June 2026.

    Federal Government bonds remained the largest component at N64.84tn, representing 74.53 per cent of domestic debt.

    However, Treasury bills recorded a significant increase during the period.

    Outstanding Nigerian Treasury Bills rose from N12.76tn in June 2025 to N19.48tn in June 2026, representing a N6.72tn or 52.64 per cent increase.

    Their share of Federal Government domestic debt consequently increased from 16.67 per cent to 22.39 per cent.

    Between March and June 2026, Treasury bills increased by N2.92tn, or 17.60 per cent, from N16.57tn to N19.48tn.

    Meanwhile, the securitised Ways and Means balance declined from N22.72tn in March to N22.11tn in June.

    FGN Savings Bonds increased from N91.53bn to N122.45bn during the year, although they remained a small portion of the government’s domestic debt.

    ### World Bank Exposure Hits $20.73bn

    The DMO figures show that Nigeria’s outstanding debt to the World Bank Group stood at $20.73bn at the end of June 2026.

    The amount comprises $19.12bn owed to the International Development Association and $1.61bn owed to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

    The combined exposure increased by $1.34bn, or 6.93 per cent, from $19.39bn in June 2025.

    World Bank exposure also increased by $907.09m between March and June 2026.

    At $20.73bn, World Bank obligations accounted for about 38 per cent of Nigeria’s $54.52bn external debt at the end of June.

    Nigeria’s total multilateral external debt stood at $24.76bn, representing 45.42 per cent of the country’s external debt.

    The African Development Bank, African Development Fund, Islamic Development Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development were among Nigeria’s other multilateral creditors.

    Commercial creditors accounted for $23.16bn, or 42.47 per cent of external debt, with Eurobonds alone accounting for $18.55bn.

    Bilateral debt stood at $6.61bn, representing 12.12 per cent of external obligations. China remained Nigeria’s largest bilateral creditor.

    The proposed World Bank facilities would therefore further increase Nigeria’s borrowing from the multilateral institution if approved and subsequently disbursed.

    ### Atiku Demands Debt Reconciliation

    The latest debt figures have also drawn criticism from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who called for a reconciliation of Nigeria’s public debt.

    In a statement issued by his Director of Strategic Communications, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku asked the Federal Government to account for newly recorded debt, changes in the naira value of foreign obligations and loans contracted since the Tinubu administration came into office.

    He also questioned the cost of servicing the country’s growing debt burden and its implications for public spending.

    Meanwhile, economist Adewale Abimbola said borrowing from multilateral institutions such as the World Bank could support development when the financing was concessional and directed towards productive projects.

    He said the key issue was how borrowed funds were utilised rather than borrowing itself.

    According to him, loans tied to viable projects and capable of supporting economic growth could have a positive impact, provided they were properly managed.