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Costly loans setback for domestic manufacturing, industrialisation, says minister

Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh yesterday said that costly loans from banks constitute significant setback for manufacturing and industrialisation of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at the second technical session of the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG) in Lagos, he warned that Nigeria cannot industrialise when manufacturers borrow at interest rates above 30 per cent while competitors in Benin Republic and Cameroon access credit at about eight per cent.

Enoh, who is also Chairman of the RWG, said the high cost of credit had become a major policy constraint to industrial growth. He called on government to move beyond policy statements and deploy financing instruments capable of delivering affordable and long-term capital to manufacturers.

According to him, the recently rebased Nigerian economy had become statistically larger but had not yet become more industrial, with manufacturing contributing less than 10 per cent of total output.

He said the rebasing showed that Nigeria’s economy now stood at N372.8 trillion, with services accounting for more than half of output, while real estate had overtaken oil.

However, he said manufacturing, which he described as the sector that built every rich nation, remained a single-digit contributor to the economy.

He said: ‘So I will say plainly what the rebasing conversation has danced around for a year: the rebasing made Nigeria statistically larger. It did not make Nigeria more industrial. We got a bigger mirror; we did not yet get a stronger body. The mirror is not the achievement. And the body is built in factories.’

The minister cited the experiences of South Korea, China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Morocco, arguing that those countries’ sustained commitment to industrial policies, infrastructure, financing and skills had helped them build competitive manufacturing sectors.

He said the next decade should therefore be judged by the volume of goods Nigeria manufactures rather than how well the country measures its economy, declaring that ‘the execution decade begins in this room.’

The minister also identified energy, infrastructure, regulation, local production, skills and innovation as other binding constraints that must be addressed if the country is to achieve broad-based industrial growth.

Speaking on regulation, Enoh advocated merger of overlapping licences and the abolition of unnecessary levies, saying, ‘Where two agencies perform one function, recommend which one stands down. Name the licences to be merged, the levies to be abolished’.

He also called for stronger enforcement of standards, punishment of counterfeiters and proper measurement of federal procurement under the Nigeria First policy.

The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir said that manufacturing had remained resilient but lacked the depth for inclusive economic growth.

In his State of Industry Report, titled: ‘The Real Numbers of the Real Sector: Nigerian Manufacturing and the Rebased Economy,’ the MAN boss said manufacturing’s share of GDP had dropped, despite growth in output.

He said manufacturing grew in the second quarter of 2026 but remained below the overall GDP growth of 4.43 per cent, with capital-intensive oil refining and cement accounting for much of the industrial expansion.

However, employment-intensive sectors such as food, beverage and tobacco lagged behind.

He disclosed that oil refining grew by 43 per cent while cement rose by 12.75 per cent, against three per cent recorded by food, beverage and tobacco.

He called for broader manufacturing growth to generate jobs, tax revenue and inclusive economic expansion.

He said manufacturers also faced expensive credit and high logistics costs, which had continued to weaken competitiveness and capacity utilisation.

Ajayi-Kadir said Nigeria should pursue a broad-based acceleration of manufacturing rather than settle for a selective recovery, with cheaper credit, improved energy supply and stronger demand for employment-intensive products.

‘Resilience should not be a permanent state. And so, when you are resilient, it doesn’t mean that you are growing,’ he said.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, said the session was aimed at translating policy commitments into investment, production, jobs and national prosperity.

Isokpunwu, who was represented by the Director of the Industrial Development Department, Mohammed Bala, said the IRWG had provided a platform for government, private financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to address practical barriers to industrial growth.

He urged participants to renew progress, improve access to finance and infrastructure, strengthen coordination and agree on clear and realistic timelines for implementation.

Suchai upbeat despite uphill trek in Japan

Tennis chief Suchai Pornchaisakudom believes that the Asian Games competition will be challenging but remains confident that Thai athletes can pull off a strong showing in Aichi-Nagoya.

He pointed to impressive performances by both Lanlana Tararudee and Mananchaya Sawangkaew at the last two Grand Slam events this year while Kasidit Samrej and Prachya Isaro also had a fine season.

Lanlana and Mananchaya, who are both ranked in the world’s top 100, reached the main draw of both Wimbledon and US Open.

Women’s world No.94 Mananchaya made it to the third round at the All England Club while No.76 Lanlana reached the second round. Both players reached the second round at Flushing Meadows.

The country’s men’s No.1 player Kasidit also had a breakthrough last week after reaching his first-ever ATP Challenger 75 final at the International Challenger Zhangjiagang in China.

Doubles specialist Prachya, who is ranked 95th in the world, has also secured championship and runner-up titles in men’s doubles across various professional tournaments this year.

“Winning a tennis medal in the Asian Games is difficult, given the presence of top-tier competitors. However, considering the recent performances of Thai players — which serve as a warm-up for the Asian Games in Japan — along with their physical and mental readiness, that could also put us in contention for a medal,” said Suchai, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT).

At the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou three years ago, Prachya and Maximus Parapol Jones won a bronze medal in the men’s doubles event for Thailand.

The team for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is coached by former national players Patcharapol Kumsamarn and Thanakorn Srichaphan.

The tennis competition will take place from Sept 27-Oct 3.

How iron ore mining is benefiting communities in Kigezi

Artisanal iron ore mining in the Kigezi region is improving the livelihoods of hundreds of local residents involved in the trade, while local governments are also benefiting from royalties paid by mining companies.

The growing trade has created jobs for miners, machine operators, truck drivers and other people involved in the iron ore value chain.

Mr Edison Kabahena Ngoma-Ngime, the vice chairperson of the Kigezi Iron Ore Artisanal Miners Association, said about 2,000 people were earning a living from the trade.

‘Local people who are involved in iron ore gathering and mining sell one tonne of iron ore to investors who own iron ore crushing machines for between Shs30,000 and Shs50,000, depending on the quality,’ Mr Ngoma-Ngime said.

He said the income had enabled families involved in the trade to meet household needs, including paying school fees, buying scholastic materials and purchasing essential household items.

Another iron ore dealer in the region, Mr Jackson Muhumuza, said the establishment of about 10 iron ore crushing facilities had boosted the local trade by providing a ready market for miners. He added that the facilities had also created employment opportunities for machine operators and truck drivers.

Districts cash in

Kabale District LC5 Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe Ndyomugyenyi said the district had collected about Shs290 million in royalties from mining companies during the first quarter of the financial year.

He attributed the revenue collection to a strategy under which the district requires mining companies to sign memoranda of understanding with the local government.

‘We shall not allow any mining company to operate in our district unless it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the district administration showing the terms and obligations of each entity,’ Mr Ndyomugyenyi said.

He said the district was also requiring mining companies to install weighbridges to establish the volume of minerals extracted and facilitate accurate assessment of royalties.

‘We are also demanding that every company carrying out mining activities must have a weighbridge so that we can demand royalties from the line ministry after knowing how many tonnes of minerals have been mined from our district,’ he said.

Pollution concerns

While some residents are benefiting from the growing iron ore trade, authorities have raised concerns about its environmental impact.

Kabale Resident District Commissioner Maj Godfrey Katamba said the district security committee would not tolerate mining and iron ore crushing companies that fail to control air and water pollution in communities where they operate.

‘After receiving several concerns about air and water pollution from community members where iron ore mining and crushing activities are taking place, I have issued warning letters and companies that fail to put in place dust arresters shall risk being closed,’ Maj Katamba said.

However, some operators say they have adopted measures to minimise their environmental footprint.

Mr Brian Munanura, the deputy general manager of Sino Minerals, which operates an iron ore crushing facility in Buhara Sub-county, Kabale District, said the plant uses wet-crushing technology to minimise dust emissions.

‘At our facility, we use wet crushers that are dust-free and the water used in the process is collected in an established pond and recycled and reused in subsequent crushing processes. We observe social and environmental safeguards to avoid pollution of any nature,’ Mr Munanura said.

Government calls for responsible mining

The environmental concerns are not new. During a consultative meeting with artisanal miners from the Kigezi region in June 2024, State Minister for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro urged miners to observe environmental, health and safety standards as they carry out their activities.

The minister said structural challenges facing artisanal and small-scale miners, including inadequate regulation, nomadic operations, limited geological information, poor market access, environmental degradation and inadequate technical and financial capacity, needed to be addressed by all stakeholders. She added that addressing the challenges would enable artisanal and small-scale miners to contribute more effectively to Uganda’s social and economic development.

Tinubu hails Etsu Nupe at 74, 23 years on throne

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on his 74th birthday and 23rd anniversary on the throne.

The President, in a statement he personally signed on Friday, described the first-class traditional ruler as a patriot whose leadership has contributed significantly to peace, unity and national development.

The Etsu Nupe will mark the two milestones on Saturday (tomorrow), September 12, 2026.

Tinubu praised the monarch for combining grace, integrity, and discipline in discharging his responsibilities, noting that his service to the country predates his ascension to the throne.

The President recalled that Abubakar served diligently in the Nigerian Army and rose to the rank of Brigadier-General before answering his people’s call to occupy the throne of his forebears.

‘In Alhaji Abubakar, royalty finds grace, integrity, and discipline. His Majesty is a patriot who served our nation diligently in the army, rising to the rank of Brigadier-General before answering the call of his people to ascend the throne of his forebears’, Tinubu said.

He said Nigeria remained fortunate to have traditional rulers like the Etsu Nupe, whose influence and leadership continued to promote stability and harmonious coexistence within their domains and across the country.

‘Nigeria is fortunate to have royal fathers like the Etsu Nupe, who remain the bastions of peace, unity, and progress in their domains and beyond’, the President said.

Tinubu also commended the monarch for his patriotic service to Nigeria and his leadership role within the country’s traditional institutions.

He particularly acknowledged Abubakar’s contributions to nation-building and sustained efforts towards fostering peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

‘I commend the first-class traditional ruler for his patriotic service to our nation and leadership within the country’s traditional institutions.

‘I thank him for his contributions to nation-building and his continuous efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence among the citizens of our nation’, Tinubu said.

The President prayed for continued good health for the monarch and for enduring peace and prosperity in the Nupe Kingdom.

‘As His Majesty celebrates this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him continued good health and keep his reign over the Nupe Kingdom peaceful and prosperous’, he said.

Deaths linked to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections to rise to 39m by 2050 – Don

A professor of Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Ilorin, Mashood Raji, has said that the total number of global deaths directly attributable to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections is expected to rise to 39 million between now and 2050.

Delivering the 307th inaugural lecture of the university, titled, ‘Microbes: Invisible Enemies of Human and Livestock,’ Professor Raji also said that the number of global deaths directly linked to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections is predicted to rise from 1.27 million in 2019 to 1.91 million in 2050.

However, the inaugural lecturer said that more than one-third of that number could be averted if action is taken.

He said a study has demonstrated that poultry meat and meat products are a source of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains, stressing that the development is a serious concern for public health and food safety.

Professor Raji recommended that a coordinated national surveillance programme should be established and sustained to monitor disease incidence, identify epidemiological risk factors, monitor seasonal disease trends, and provide real-time surveillance of antimicrobial resistance to enable rapid public health interventions.

The don also said a formal and sustainable mechanism should be established for routine collaboration and information sharing among the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and institutionalise inter-sectoral collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Veterinary Teaching Hospitals (VTH), as such collaboration is essential for effective disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and coordinated emergency response.

He called for improved food safety, biosecurity and environmental sanitation, where governments, livestock producers and livestock market associations should enforce strict hygiene, sanitation and biosecurity standards throughout the production chain. Modern slaughterhouses, reliable water supply, effective waste disposal systems, routine inspection and strict compliance with food safety regulations are essential to reduce food-borne diseases and safeguard public health.

He called for strengthened public awareness and community engagement, where governments, educational institutions, professional bodies, civil society organisations and the media should intensify public education campaigns on food hygiene, responsible antimicrobial use, vaccination, environmental sanitation and zoonotic disease prevention, as community participation is indispensable for achieving sustainable disease prevention and control. Consultation, disease monitoring, electronic reporting and digital advisory platforms will improve access to veterinary and public health services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

He noted the need for increased investment in animal and public health, where governments at all levels should significantly increase funding for disease surveillance, laboratory infrastructure, vaccine development, antimicrobial resistance monitoring and research, as the private sector, development partners and philanthropic organisations should complement these efforts through strategic investments and public-private partnerships that strengthen national health security.

Raji added that regulatory agencies should intensify the enforcement of laws governing the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of veterinary drugs and vaccines, while the manufacture and circulation of counterfeit and substandard veterinary products should attract severe sanctions, proposing that the prescription and administration of restricted veterinary medicines should remain the exclusive responsibility of licensed veterinary practitioners to promote responsible antimicrobial stewardship.

Joe Trex set to release new music project next month

Nigerian born Gospel minister and singer Joseph Oyinlola aka Joe Trex is set to release a music project in October 2026.

Joe Trex made the revelation recently during a chat with The Nation.

The singer noted that he is currently working on a musical project entitled ‘Hallelujah song’ and is set for release on October 22, 2026.

He said that the project is expected to further showcase his artistic direction, with songs centred on worship, the character of God and the believer’s response to His presence.

Joe Trex explained that for him, music is more than entertainment. He stressed that his ministry is built around an expression of salvation through music – a conviction reflected in the meaning behind his name, TREX: The Real Expression of Salvation.

Speaking about his musical journey, Joe said he started singing at the age of 7 with the influence of his father, a Juju musician turned Pastor.

‘I started singing at the age of 7 and was greatly influenced by my father, who was a Juju music singer before turning into a pastor. Aside from this, I have consistently emphasised the importance of remaining focused on Christ while developing excellence and structure around my music ministry,’ he said.

The UK based singer has performed alongside some of the respected names in Nigerian and African gospel music including Sinach, Eben, Ebuka Songs, Abbey Ojomu, Folabi Nuel and Neon Adejo, among others.

With songs that seek to draw listeners into deeper fellowship with God, his approach to music places emphasis not only on musical performance but also on the message behind each song including ‘We Wait (Spirit of the Living God),’ ‘I No Fear.’

World Suicide Prevention Day: Police urges Nigerians to always check on loved ones

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has urged Nigerians to always check on people around them to minimise rising suicide cases.

In doing so, the NPF advised that people facing serious emotional difficulties should be encouraged rather than passing judgments on them.

The Force made the appeal yesterday as the world marked World Suicide Prevention Day, joining the global campaign against the stigma and the silence that often prevent people from speaking about their struggles.

The police said that persons with emotional difficulties might not always display obvious signs. stressing the need for family members, friends, colleagues and other members of the public to reach out to them.

Nigeria records an estimated 15,000 suicide deaths annually, with official and health agency estimates pointing to a suicide mortality rate of roughly 6.9 to 9.5 per 100,000 people.

Health agencies list multi-faceted factors, including life stressors such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness as the primary triggers.

In a message to mark the day, the police said a simple conversation, a listening ear or timely intervention could make a meaningful difference in the life of someone going through a difficult period.

‘A person who is struggling may not always show it. Taking the time to listen, check in on someone, offer support and encourage them to seek appropriate help can make a meaningful difference,’ the Force said.

The NPF also called for greater openness in discussing suicide and mental health. It said stigma could make vulnerable people withdraw further and discourage them from seeking assistance.

It urged Nigerians to create supportive environments where people can speak about their challenges without fear of condemnation or ridicule.

‘Let us challenge the stigma and silence that can prevent people from speaking about what they are going through.

‘Let us listen without judgement, respond with compassion, and encourage those who may be struggling to seek appropriate support,’ the Force said.

The police stressed that suicide prevention should not be left to individuals or professionals alone, but a collective responsibility of families, communities, workplaces and relevant support services.

The Force also called on Nigerians to take signs of distress seriously and ensure that people who may be at risk are encouraged to obtain appropriate professional help.

The appeal is part of broader efforts to promote compassion, early intervention and open conversations around suicide prevention, while reminding Nigerians that reaching out to someone in distress can be an important first step towards getting help.

MTN Nigeria wins digital company of decade award

MTN Nigeria has been recognised as the Digital Company of the Decade. The recognition, presented as part of Daily Times Nigeria’s centenary celebrations, acknowledges the company’s contribution to the growth of digital connectivity and its role in shaping how Nigerians communicate, work, transact and access services.

Receiving the award, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, expressed appreciation to the organisers and all those whose support made the award possible.

‘We are honoured to receive the Digital Company of the Decade Award, and grateful to all the stakeholders whose votes and confidence made this possible. ‘

The award is timely as it coincides with the commemoration of our 25 years of contributing to our nation’s socio-economic development. We consider it a privilege for MTN Nigeria to be featured among institutions shaping Nigeria’s development journey and remain committed to building our digital economy underpinned by innovation and the transformative power of technology,’ he said.

The award comes at a time when digital technology has become increasingly central to Nigeria’s economic and social life. Over the years, MTN Nigeria has expanded beyond traditional telecommunications, investing in connectivity and digital solutions that have helped bring more Nigerians, businesses and institutions into an increasingly connected economy.

That evolution has seen mobile connectivity become more than a means of making calls. It now serves as an important gateway to financial services, education, entertainment, commerce and enterprise, while digital platforms and solutions continue to create new ways for individuals and businesses to interact with the economy. MTN Nigeria’s expansion across these areas reflects the changing demands of a country experiencing rapid digital adoption.

The Digital Company of the Decade recognition therefore speaks to a broader transformation within both the telecommunications industry and Nigeria itself. As the country continues to build its digital economy, the infrastructure and services provided by telecommunications companies have become increasingly important to productivity, inclusion and access to opportunity.

As Daily Times marks 100 years of documenting Nigeria’s development, MTN Nigeria’s recognition captures the significance of the country’s digital transition over the past decade. Its inclusion among the DTN@100 honourees, and subsequent documentation in the Nigerian Grand Book, places the company’s digital journey within a wider record of institutions that have contributed to Nigeria’s development.

Ondo: Death Toll From Suspected Poisonous Drink Hits 30

The death toll from the suspected consumption of a locally made alcoholic drink in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 30, while about 50 others are receiving treatment in hospitals across the area.

Daily Trust had earlier reported that 24 persons died under mysterious circumstances linked to the consumption of a locally produced herbal-alcoholic mixture popularly known as ‘Monkey Tail.’

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the latest casualty figures and said families of the deceased had been directed not to bury the victims until necessary medical examinations were completed.

According to him, the council has approached the court to seek a coroner’s inquest into the deaths, while laboratory analyses, toxicological examinations and autopsies are being conducted to establish the actual cause.

The chairman disclosed that the council had released N2 million to support the emergency medical response and had sought additional financial assistance to tackle the crisis.

‘As of now, the death toll is over 30. We have not confirmed the source of death,’ he said.

He explained that samples of the suspected substance had been collected for laboratory analysis, while blood and urine samples were being obtained from surviving patients.

According to the commissioner, post-mortem examinations will also be conducted on some of the victims as part of efforts to determine the medical cause of death.

He warned residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic mixtures, herbal preparations and unidentified concoctions, noting that some could have fatal consequences.

One of the survivors, 32-year-old Shola Adebayo, speaking with Daily Trust, recounted how he narrowly escaped death after consuming the suspected drink.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Adebayo said he took two shots of the substance on Friday after a friend invited him to drink.

‘A friend brought it and asked that we drink together. I took two shots and went home,’ he said.

According to him, he woke up the following day with severe vision problems.

‘On Saturday, I discovered that I could not see very well. I called my sister, and she rushed me to the hospital. I am getting better now, but I am praying that I regain my sight completely.’

The traditional ruler of Odigbo Kingdom, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, described the number of deaths recorded in the community as alarming.

The monarch said concerns over the unusual fatalities prompted consultations with health authorities and local government officials.

Oba Akinrinmade called for intensified public enlightenment campaigns, particularly among young people, on the dangers of consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command was collaborating with the state government and health authorities to determine the cause of the deaths.

According to him, officers from the Police Medical Services are working alongside officials of the Ministry of Health and Odigbo Local Government to gather evidence and relevant information.

Jimoh said medical and toxicological examinations were ongoing to determine whether any substance was responsible for the fatalities.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators while advising members of the public to avoid consuming unregulated alcoholic and herbal mixtures pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Ohagwu, assured residents that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice once investigations are concluded.

Shettima heads to New Delhi for BRICS Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima is heading to New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, where Nigeria will push for deeper economic and diplomatic relations with key international partners.

The summit, scheduled for this weekend at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will bring together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, as well as other invited dignitaries, to discuss global economic growth, multilateral cooperation and shared development priorities.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced Shettima’s participation in a statement on Friday.

According to the Presidency, Nigeria intends to leverage the summit to consolidate bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation and advance its strategic interests, particularly in trade and investment, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, technology and innovation.

The engagement is also expected to provide Nigeria with another platform to promote greater cooperation among countries of the Global South.

India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship is anchored on the theme, ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,’ with deliberations expected to cover political and security cooperation, economic and financial partnerships, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

While in New Delhi, Shettima will participate in plenary and high-level sessions alongside leaders of BRICS member and partner nations.

The Vice President will also hold bilateral engagements with leaders and senior officials of participating countries, with discussions expected to focus on opportunities for deeper economic and diplomatic cooperation with Nigeria.

Nigeria has been a BRICS partner country since January 2025, a status that provides the country with another channel to deepen South-South cooperation and engage some of the world’s largest emerging economies on trade, investment, development finance and reform of global governance institutions.

The Presidency said Nigeria’s participation in the summit was consistent with President Tinubu’s drive to strengthen the country’s international economic partnerships, attract investment and open additional markets for Nigerian products.

Particular attention is expected to be placed on opportunities in agriculture, energy, solid minerals and other non-oil sectors as the administration pursues its economic diversification agenda.

The summit comes as BRICS marks 20 years since its establishment and seeks to strengthen practical cooperation among its expanding network of member and partner countries.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria shortly after participating in the summit.