Author: user user

Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers accepted the instruments of self-government from colonial rule, let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be the beacon of light to the rest of the world.

Our founding heroes and heroines-Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and other nationalists-believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.

For decades, the promise of our Independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and we have survived. While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them. In 65 years since our Independence, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development. Our economy has experienced significant growth since 1960.

Although, it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress. Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000. Available data indicate that, as of year 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country. At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions. We have experienced a significant surge in growth across every sector of our national life since Independence – in healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence, among others.

Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, as is normal for every nation and its people. We fought a bitter and avoidable civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises. In all these, we weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination. While our system and ties that bind us are sometimes stretched by insidious forces opposed to our values and ways of life, we continue to strive to build a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find better accommodation and find purpose and fulfilment.

Fellow Compatriots, this is the third time I will address you on our independence anniversary since I assumed office as your President on May 29, 2023. In the last 28 months of my administration, like our founding fathers and leaders who came before me, I have committed myself irrevocably to the unfinished nation-building business.

Upon assuming office, our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth. As a new administration, we faced a simple choice: continue business as usual and watch our nation drift, or embark on a courageous, fundamental reform path. We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today. Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit.

In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority. At the same time, the masses received little or nothing from our Commonwealth. Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path, channelling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure, such as roads, power, broadband, and social investment programmes. These initiatives will generally improve Nigerians’ quality of life. As a result of the tough decisions we made, the Federal and State governments, including Local Governments, now have more resources to take care of the people at the lower level of the ladder, to address our development challenges.

Fellow Nigerians, we are racing against time. We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit, and construct the schools our children will attend and the hospitals that will care for our people. We have to plan for the generations that will come after us. We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today, or the resources to repair our deteriorating roads, build seaports, railroads, and international airports comparable to the best in the world, because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago. Our administration is setting things right.

I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour.

Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%-Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years-and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs.

In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies:

We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023.

We have restored Fiscal Health: Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous ‘Ways and Means’ advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation. Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.

We have a stronger foreign Reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September-the highest since 2019.

Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent. The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January. The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners.

We are now a Net Exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home. Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to ?7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas.

Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023. The increase occurred due to improved security, new investments, and better stakeholder management in the Niger Delta. Furthermore, the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades. It has also established itself as the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.

The Naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024. The gap between the official rate and the unofficial market has reduced substantially, following FX reforms and fresh capital and remittance inflows. The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history. Additionally, our currency rate against the dollar is no longer determined by fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.

Coal mining recovered dramatically from a 22% decline in Q1 to 57.5% growth in Q2, becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors. The solid mineral sector is now pivotal in our economy, encouraging value-added production of minerals extracted from our soil.

The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports. Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.

The world is taking notice of our efforts. Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025.

At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.

SECURITY:

We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe. They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping. We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation. Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.

YOUTH:

I have a message for our young people. You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high. We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits. Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.

Credicorp, another initiative of our administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more.

YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement.

Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of background, has an equitable opportunity to access a better future-thus, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. The Bank of Industry is driving the programme, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank. This initiative is at the cusp of implementation. Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE

Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.

The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities. Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level, and the local government autonomy are yielding more developments.

Therefore, on this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes.

Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation.

With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Amen.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Presidential Villa,

Abuja.

Calls for sweeping constitutional and institutional reforms to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy dominated the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, where political leaders and reform advocates warned that without urgent action, the 2027 elections may lack legitimacy.

The summit themed, ‘Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027’ and convened virtually by the National Consultative Front and the Labour and Civil Society Front, featured interventions from former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former lawmaker Usman Bugaje, political economist Pat Utomi, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, and Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

Amaechi struck a pessimistic note, insisting that politicians in power would never willingly carry out reforms that weaken their hold on office.

‘There is absolutely nothing anybody can do about electoral reform in Nigeria under the present government,’ he said. ‘Politicians will not do that. Why would they, when politics has become a source of income for them? Electoral reform would mean taking power back to the people, so that votes can hire and fire. They don’t want that.’

Bugaje reinforced Amaechi’s warning, pointing to widespread electoral manipulation and judicial complicity. ‘This regime has shown that they are not even prepared to conduct an election,’ he said, citing recent polls in Kaduna where results were announced before ballots were cast.

‘The 2027 election as things stand is not going to be won or lost at the ballot box. It’s going to be won or lost on the streets of Nigeria. We must begin to organize to resist those who are hell-bent on staying in power irrespective of the votes Nigerians cast.’

Utomi, however, emphasised that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on restoring legitimacy through credible elections. ‘A government that is perceived as lacking legitimacy will never be effective in governing,’ he said.

‘Legitimacy is earned when people believe elections reflect their will. If we do not do everything to ensure free and fair elections, everybody loses, including those who think they have power for the moment.’

Utomi also urged international pressure on Nigeria’s political class. ‘We should internationalise this problem to the point that our country could face isolation. Sadly, many of us helped bring Nigeria to pariah status in the past, but sometimes shame is necessary to pull back from the brink.’ He accused Nigeria’s legal profession of betraying democracy: ‘Nigerian lawyers are the shame of Africa. Judges have behaved like they didn’t go to school. We must not betray the essence of our professionalism for crumbs.’

Ezekwesili laid out a detailed framework for reform, stressing INEC’s financial and operational independence, mandatory electronic transmission of results, and stronger prosecutorial powers to punish electoral offenses.

‘Relying on the police and attorney-general for prosecutions has only rewarded bad behavior,’ she argued.

She also pressed for transparent appointment of INEC commissioners, expanded timelines for voter registration and candidate nominations, and stronger oversight of result collation.

The former minister criticised what she described as enabling ‘courtroom democracy.’ ‘Elections are being decided in court rather than at the polling station,’ she said.

‘That destroys the spirit of democracy. We need specialised electoral courts, automated systems for assigning cases to judges, and strict timelines for resolving disputes. Right now, elections have become an industry for the judiciary.’

For her, the ultimate solution lies in mass citizen action. ‘The political class does not care about a few elites talking about reforms. What they fear is when Nigerians themselves take ownership of the struggle for credible elections. For as long as our electoral system is a mess, it continues to destroy lives and futures. We must get citizens to say: this is the hill we are prepared to die on,’ she said.

Obi also lending his voice to the reform agenda. ‘This is a very critical thing that has to happen before our next election,’ he said. ‘Without a proper electoral system that can guarantee free and fair elections, our democracy will remain fragile.’

The former Anambra governor added the electoral reform should also discourage cross-carpet by politicians, proposing that any politician who jump party after winning election should lose his seat.

The summit ended with consensus that achieving meaningful reforms before 2027 will require citizen-driven pressure, civil society mobilisation, and a collective refusal to accept compromised elections as the norm.

Delta State has emerged victorious in the Basic Education School Sports Competition, emerging national champions at the tournament sponsored by the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) and the National School Sport Federation (NSSF) in Abuja.

This victory automatically qualifies Delta State to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming Under-15 Confirmation of African Football (CAF) Competition.

Samuel Mariere, Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), stated this on Tuesday when the victorious team visited him in Asaba, to formally present the National Championship Cup.

Delta State was crowned champion of the Basic Education School Sports Competition after topping the national championship held in Abuja from September 21 to 27.

According to Mariere, these children were randomly picked from various schools in the state and their participation was not planned, but they surprisingly came back victorious.

He attributed the success to the grace that follows Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who he described as education-loving governor of the state, noting that ‘his grace precedes and we shall always emerge victorious as we go on to represent Nigeria in the CAF.’

Mariere also announced that the governor had approved the commencement of Basic School Sports, where every school from the local government to the senatorial level will be selected for competition, with the finals to be held in Asaba, the state capital.

He added that the victorious children would be handed over to the Delta State Sports Commission to be formally groomed. This, he emphasised, is not limited to football as other sports would also be included.

Also speaking, Joshua Akporiaye the Sports Officer in charge of Basic Education School Sports, announced that Delta State led the competition with 13 points, followed by Ekiti with 10 points, while Enugu placed third with 7 points.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to establish an endowment fund for the creative sector following the completion of the National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

Speaking at the official reopening of the iconic facility in Lagos, the President said he would personally contribute to the proposed fund, which is aimed at supporting long-term growth and sustainability in Nigeria’s creative industry. Tinubu also urged citizens to shift their mindset, emphasising the importance of telling positive stories about Nigeria and fostering belief in the country’s potential.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, speaking at the event, revealed that the Bankers’ Committee invested N68 billion in the restoration and modernisation of the National Theatre complex.

Jose Mourinho was beaten on his return to Stamford Bridge as his Benfica side lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Richard Rios’ first-half own goal ruined Mourinho’s hopes of a dream comeback against the club where he enjoyed his greatest success.

The 62-year-old, who won three Premier League titles and seven major trophies across two spells at Chelsea, was warmly welcomed back by fans who repeatedly chanted his name.

However, his poor record at the Bridge since leaving in 2015 continued, with no wins in seven visits as manager of Manchester United, Tottenham, and now Benfica.

Despite the defeat, Mourinho praised his players’ effort.

‘A defeat is always a defeat, but this one can be a start for us. It was a stable performance,’ he said.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez denied Vangelis Pavlidis and Dodi Lukebakio in a strong Benfica spell, but the own goal proved decisive.

Peter Obi, Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 general election, has urged governments at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of justice when dealing with issues affecting the people, especially at this difficult time.

Obi stated this on Wednesday after visiting the Lagos International Trade Fair site that was recently affected by demolition in Lagos

Obi, writing on his X handle, noted that many of the affected traders invested heavily – often through loans – in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy.

‘To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive.

‘Today, alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, Tony Nwoye, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Segun Sowonmi, George Adegeye, Labour Party Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and coordinator of the Obidient Movement Tanko Yunusa, we visited the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair in Lagos, where plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite approvals.’ He commended the traders for their remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss.

This is as he equally commended the senators and the House of Representatives members who pledged to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to light the circumstances that led to the development, and most importantly, ensure that the situation does not occur in the future.

Obi noted that ‘a society that seeks to make progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens.’

According to him, ‘Incidents like this should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.’

On October 1st, Nigerian schoolchildren will line up in crisp uniforms, flags in hand, rehearsing patriotic songs beneath a sun that spares no one. Politicians will mount podiums, soldiers will salute, and the nation will once again perform the ritual of independence. Yet for millions of citizens, there is little to celebrate. Sixty-four years after self-rule, the freedom Nigerians were promised feels more like a mirage: a hollow ritual of sovereignty overshadowed by insecurity, inflation, and an ever-deepening cost-of-living crisis. The parades may honour independence, but the people remain shackled by hunger, corruption, and despair.

To be clear, it would be false to claim that nothing has changed since 1960. Nigeria has grown into Africa’s largest economy by GDP, with a dynamic fintech sector, a booming creative industry, and a diaspora remitting over $20 billion annually. The present administration, under President Bola Tinubu, insists that current pains are the necessary price of reform. Subsidy removal, exchange-rate unification, and renewed investment drives are presented as bitter medicine meant to cure decades of economic mismanagement. The government claims to be charting a difficult but necessary path, much like India or Indonesia endured turbulence before their economic takeoffs.

Yet here lies the paradox: Nigerians have heard this story before. From ‘austerity measures’ of the 1980s to structural adjustment in the 1990s, every generation has been told to ‘tighten belts’ for a brighter future. Each cycle leaves citizens poorer while political elites grow richer. Reform is not the problem; execution is. Policies are rolled out with haste, but without social safety nets, planning, or the political discipline to resist capture. The result is an economy where the poor bear the heaviest burden of reform, while the privileged remain insulated.

Consider the current subsidy removal. Yes, it was long overdue. Nigeria could not continue bleeding trillions to subsidize consumption. But removing it overnight, without credible palliatives or an efficient public transport system, has driven transport fares, food costs, and school fees beyond the reach of average families. In Lagos, the price of staples like rice and garri has nearly doubled within months. Meanwhile, the government promises palliatives that barely reach beyond photo opportunities. The policy may be right in theory, but in practice, it feels like punishing citizens for the state’s failure to plan.

Inflation hovers around 30 percent, the naira has lost much of its value, and foreign investors remain cautious despite official optimism. If reforms were meant to restore confidence, why then are businesses shuttering, multinationals exiting, and professionals leaving in droves under the ‘japa’ wave? Nigeria is witnessing not just capital flight, but talent flight. This is the most damning indictment of all: citizens no longer trust their leaders enough to stake their futures on this soil.

Some will argue that independence is about more than economics. Nationhood, they say, must be celebrated regardless of hardship. But symbolism cannot mask substance. Compare Nigeria with peers who began the journey at the same time. South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore have built thriving, innovative economies, while Nigeria is still struggling to provide electricity, secure its roads, or keep its universities open consistently. Even within Africa, Rwanda and Kenya have shown that disciplined institutions and political will can translate to growth. The tragedy is not that Nigeria is poor, but that it has been deliberately impoverished by its own leaders.

This is why the rituals of October 1st ring hollow. We may fly the flag, but the nation is adrift. The challenge is not colonialism; it is our own ruling class, addicted to rent-seeking, incapable of long-term vision, and unwilling to confront the institutional rot that has corroded governance. Until Nigeria wins independence from misrule, all we have is geography, not destiny.

Yet there is still a sliver of hope. It lies not in podium speeches, but in the restless energy of Nigeria’s youth. They are building tech startups, pushing creative boundaries, and finding their voices in activism. They are also voting with their feet, migrating abroad in record numbers. The real question is whether the state can channel this energy inward, rather than exporting it. Can Nigeria build institutions that give its young people a reason to stay? Can reforms move beyond policy papers into live improvements in jobs, security, and justice?

True independence is not declared once a year; it is earned daily through accountable governance, functioning institutions, and an economy that offers dignity. The administration may be right that reforms are necessary, but Nigerians are equally right to demand evidence of progress. Without trust, reforms are simply pain without promise.

As Nigeria turns 65, the lesson is clear: we cannot eat symbolism. We cannot live on nostalgia. Until leaders deliver freedom from corruption, hunger, and insecurity, October 1st will remain a day of flags, not of freedom.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to building a stronger and more united nation, even as he observed that the country’s economy has improved tremendously.

Oborevwori, in his Independence message signed by Festus Ahon, his chief press secretary (CPS), urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ as well as his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’, which, he said, were designed to improve the living standards of the people.

He noted that his government was investing heavily in massive infrastructure upgrades across Delta State, advancing a power revolution through a renewable energy mix, and creating an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investments. The efforts, he explained, were aimed at making life more meaningful for Deltans and residents and significantly boosting the state’s economy. The governor also used the occasion to appeal to all ethnic groups in the state to embrace peace and remain united, stressing that peace was a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and pledged to continue working for the progress and prosperity of all Deltans.

Much of the federal government has shut down after Republicans and Democrats in the Senate failed to agree on rival funding bills to keep it open.

Republicans blocked a Democratic bill that would have funded the government through October and extended Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire this year. Democrats, in turn, rejected a Republican-backed House measure to keep funding flat until Nov. 21. Both needed 60 votes but fell short along party lines.

After the failed votes, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought told agencies to ‘execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.’

Essential services such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and veterans’ benefits will continue, but delays are expected. About 750,000 federal employees may be furloughed daily, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Trump hints at firings during shutdown

President Donald Trump suggested the shutdown could be used to permanently shrink government.

‘We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible,’ he told reporters, hinting at mass layoffs. ‘We don’t want to do that, but we don’t want fraud, waste and abuse.’

What’s at stake if the shutdown drags on

Federal workers and active-duty service members may miss paychecks by mid-October.

Air traffic controllers and TSA officers, deemed essential, could work without pay, as in past shutdowns, some may call in sick.

The WIC nutrition program for women and children could run out of money.

National Parks may remain open but unstaffed, as in the last shutdown.

Democrats insist they will not back a spending bill without health care subsidies. ‘Republicans are plunging America into a shutdown . and risking America’s health care,’ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Republicans accuse Democrats of hostage-taking. ‘Senate Democrats have sacrificed the American people to Democrats’ partisan interests,’ said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

No clear path forward

Republican leaders say they will keep forcing votes in hopes of drawing more Democrats. Three crossed over on Tuesday to back the GOP bill.

The last shutdown in 2018-2019 lasted 35 days, the longest in US history. With both parties refusing to yield, there is no clarity on how long this one will last.

The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), is always in search of opportunities to businesses in the oil city. The City Chamber is fighting to create alternative businesses other than oil and gas, though not ignoring the hydrocarbon industry.

Since the days of Emi Membere-Otaji as president, the PHCCIMA has worked to reposition its focus to non-oil businesses especially by attracting foreign business partners to open doors to the business community in the Garden City.

Now, Chinyere Nwoga, the first female president, has revealed to members how best to queue into the wealth avenue of the Chambers. She urged members to dive into chamber programmes to unlock a wealth of business opportunities.

Speaking at the third-quarter General Forum at the PHCCIMA secretariat in Port Harcourt, she highlighted the importance of leveraging the chamber’s resources to fuel business success. Nwoga emphasized that active participation in chamber activities is key to reaping the full benefits of membership. The well-attended forum showcased strategic initiatives, including collaborations with the Lagos City chamber, trade group programmes, and member-engagement opportunities, all aimed at driving business growth.

The forum featured discussions on the upcoming 2025 Port Harcourt International Trade Fair with calls for innovative strategies to elevate its global stature and explore franchising opportunities. Trade group leaders delivered impactful presentations.

Fenibo Fubara, ICT Trade Group chairman, advocated for digitizing chamber processes to streamline resource access and attract new members.

Ofon Udofia, Export/Import Trade Group chairman, urged PHCCIMA to push for reduced bureaucratic hurdles at southern ports, addressing International Maritime Organization (IMO) policies causing rate disparities.

Jack Daboikiabo (SME/NGO Trade Group) and Chief Ernest Elochukwu (Membership Committee) shared their groups’ achievements and upcoming events.

The forum also celebrated the induction of 12 new member-companies, with oaths administered by past President Emeka Unachukwu, an engineer and doctorate degree holder in International Trade. Notable attendees included a past president (Vincent Furo), 1st deputy president Isaac Wonwu, Financial Secretary Emmanuel Ogbonda, and Welfare Secretary Florence Nwosibe, all offering valuable insights for chamber progress.

A highlight was the presentation by #StartupSouth organizers, inviting members to leverage their platform to expand markets, attract capital, and strengthen the Rivers State business ecosystem.