Category: Daily Trust

The declaration of a low-key celebration should not be for Independence Day alone. This has been the style in recent years, as the nation comes to terms with its realities. However, scaling down on celebrations should not be merely symbolic. It should be part of a national strategy to confront the tragedy that has happened to the country so that the time to celebrate can come.

This is a hard fact that Nigerians have come to accept because the mood of the nation at the moment does not agree with any form of flamboyant or elaborate festivities.

This is why many young Nigerians, especially the Gen Z generation and younger, have lost or missed the joy of nationhood. Every year, the citizens look forward to a celebration of the beauty of being born in Nigeria. However, for several years now, this expectation has turned out to be a mirage.

Nigeria’s conditions at the moment make celebrations of any sort irrelevant or impractical. Nigeria is besieged on virtually all fronts. The country is facing financial difficulties, making grand celebrations impractical.

Nigeria is facing perhaps the worst national turbulence. On the economic front, times are hard for many citizens. On the social front, there is evidence of discontent. On the physical plane, Nigerians have not been so unsafe and vulnerable. Indeed, the nation is besieged on every side, grappling with crises, conflicts, health, and security emergencies. These warrant a more subdued tone of any form of merrymaking.

Nigeria’s crisis state is not sectional or regional. What we have is a nationwide conflagration that requires deep thinking and reflection, and then strategies to confront it. It is not a short-term phenomenon either. It has lingered for years now and has since widened. It is also evident that without concrete efforts being deployed to arrest it, the crisis portends wider and deeper social, economic, and physical dislocations.

There are a million reasons why Nigeria must suspend all forms of celebrations. Celebrations cost money, to start with, and whatever the government can do now to cut expenses must be done from now on. A time when the government is experiencing an economic crunch, the emphasis must be on cutting off all forms of extravagant expenditures, and the national independence celebration at a time such as this is one of such events. After all, the value of everything must be viewed contextually.

Often, these celebrations merely reflect the notions of national greatness that countries or governments confer on themselves. Sometimes, these notions of national greatness are misplaced, especially at times when the overall well-being of the citizens is at stake. The truth now, however, is that any such notions that we carry of ourselves and the country have been greatly impacted. Nigeria’s notion of greatness has been seriously dented, and the government must focus on the restoration of the greatness of the country first. Based on the above facts, celebrations should wait.

Besides, who indeed will be celebrating in Nigeria now? Celebrations are done within physical and social milieus. Which of these is fit for elaborate or even moderate celebrations, if we are not out to deceive ourselves? Celebrations are not held in environments of fear and intimidation, which is what Nigerians are going through currently. We are harvesting the deaths of citizens on different fronts. Nigerians are being plucked off their vehicles – whether cars or buses – and marched into the forests by bandits. At home, they are not safe because death – whether from armed robbers or kidnappers – also comes calling with so much ease.

The above realities have left deep cuts or disruptions on our economy, the very foundation of our national life. The economy is feeling the impact of insecurity on different fronts. Farmers are running away from their farms because of bandits who now see them as easy prey. So, farming communities are getting deserted as those who are expected to produce the food for the nation run for their lives. Any wonder then that the country suffers or will suffer from a food crisis? If it is not evident now, it will soon be, should the trend continue. Who would be holding lavish celebrations at such a time?

What is happening to farmers in the rural areas is also confronting some in the cities. The roads are not safe for them as they travel in their luxury vehicles or by public transport. Therefore, the economy faces constraints because goods can no longer be transported easily from where they are produced to where the consumers are. This is a redefinition of economics because being produced and not getting to those who need them means that there is a break in the cycle of economic activities.

What Nigeria needs now, more than any other thing, is a cap on irrelevancies and a focus on the matter of the moment. That matter is the restoration of the nation’s sense of dignity- the dignity of the country and the dignity of each citizen, big or small. We need a return to the stage where each citizen counts.

The Kano State Shura Committee has suspended Sheikh Lawal Shuaib Abubakar, popularly known as Triumph, from all teaching and preaching activities pending the outcome of investigations into allegations of blasphemy leveled against him.

Briefing journalists after a review meeting on the matter, Secretary of the committee, Shehu Wada Sagagi, said the committee had listened to and viewed audio and video clips of the cleric before reaching its decision.

‘Today, we reconvened to receive and review the allegations against Sheikh Lawal Shuaib Abubakar, popularly known as Triumph. We listened to and viewed both audio and video clips from him.

‘In our deliberations, we carefully examined the issues, separating those supported by evidence from those without. We resolved that allegations lacking evidence should be set aside, while those with verifiable evidence have been duly recorded. Even instances where he stammered or hesitated in the videos were noted in the report,’ the committee said. It added that Sheikh Triumph will be summoned in writing to defend himself, after which recommendations will be submitted to the government for further action.

‘A formal summon will be issued, and pending his defense, he is suspended from all teaching and preaching activities. After he presents his defense, the committee will submit its report and recommendations for the government’s decision on the matter. He will be invited shortly and given adequate time to appear,’ Sagagi added.

Daily Trust reports that the allegations against Malam Abubakar include claims that he made derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad (SAW), questioned aspects of his birth, and suggested his parents were in hellfire.

A farmer, identified as Ishaku Abalis, has been beheaded in the Panyam District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Bulus Dabit, the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that the attack occurred amid incessant attacks and kidnappings in the Panyam and Pushit districts of the Mangu LGA.

Dabit, who described the attacks as relentless, called for the creation of state police, explaining that local policing is critical to enhancing federal security operations, effectively tackling unlawful killings, and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

He stated, ‘Abalis’ head was cut off and taken away by the killers. The local security outfits are aware. The Sector Commander in Mangu LGA mobilised his officers and men to the site and is aware of the sporadic attacks on our people. The DPO Mangu is aware.’

The National President also called for an enhanced security presence to prevent the vulnerability of the region, urging for a strategic and robust deployment of security personnel to the most affected areas.

He believes that a visible security presence can deter further attacks, instill confidence among residents, and safeguard innocent lives from the lurking threat of violence.

While calling for the deployment of security forces, Dabit also urged security agencies to intensify their efforts in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators of these heinous acts.

Major Samson Zhakom and DSP Alabo Alfred, spokespersons for Operation Enduring Peace and the State Police Command respectively, did not respond to inquiries from our correspondent regarding the incident at press time.

For Hajiya Rukaiya Abubakar Kushu, a near-death experience from pregnancy complications led her to start helping less privileged women with similar conditions. What started as assisting women who faced gynecological problems over the years grew into offering assistance in various sectors.

‘My passion for humanitarian work, especially in maternal and child health, was inspired by a near-fatal pregnancy complication I survived. I underwent three different surgeries during birth, and in each surgery, I had to travel abroad for medical treatment. After my third birth, doctors recommended a permanent stoppage of childbirth; in other words, I should be prevented from giving birth for the rest of my life.

‘That painful experience was what drove me into thinking of coming up with something that will save the lives of the less privileged women suffering from gynaecology-related sickness,’ she told Daily Trust.

She said the experience of her maid prompted her, in 2018, to establish the Abubakar Kushu Foundation, named after her father, to help less privileged women and children. ‘Divorced due to her gynecological complications and sent back to her parents with ten children, she spent two years at home battling with the illness and at the same time taking care of her children. The day she told me her story, I could not sleep throughout the night.

‘In the morning, I took her to the hospital and after all the necessary checkups, the doctors said she needed to undergo a minor surgery. And to my surprise, the cost of the surgery was just N30,000. So, I went back home with the intention of raising funds from family and friends.

‘I posted the woman’s case on my WhatsApp status and requested my followers to come to her rescue by donating money to cover the expenses of her surgery. In less than five minutes, people started sending their donations. It was on a Friday, I recall, and by Monday, I went to the hospital with over N200,000 in my account.

‘After the woman was treated and discharged, I told the doctors that I wanted to spend the remaining money on other patients suffering from related sickness.’

After a meeting with the management of the hospital, her request was granted, and she spent the remaining money on treating other patients. I saved the lives of seven women with the remaining money.

Following these incidents, she told the management of the hospital to contact her whenever they received such cases, and since then she has been helping women with such complications, especially the less privileged, divorced and widows. These categories of women have all been treated free of charge under this arrangement.

‘All I was after then was what I could do to ensure no woman or child suffers in silence when compassion and action could save their lives. The foundation was to handle only gynecological surgical cases because that was what I suffered. That was how I started because I realised that many women were dying simply because they didn’t have the means to treat themselves.’

A few months into the activities of the foundation, Rukaiya also saw the need for the foundation to include children suffering from pediatric-related illnesses in its programs. She said, ‘So, from women suffering from gynecological-related cases, we included children with pediatric cases in our activities. This is because anything to do with the mother has to do with her child.’

An activity that started on her WhatsApp status gradually evolved into a foundation today known as the Abubakar Kushu Foundation, which gave birth to El-Kush Community Development Initiatives, another body rendering assistance to communities in need.

Through both organisations, Rukaiya champions advocacy to policymakers, leads grassroots sensitisation, and works with communities to improve access to healthcare services. With support from family and friends, she has facilitated over 200 free surgeries, as well as providing financial support for Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients.

‘I have achieved all these through updating my WhatsApp status with my activities. Family and friends view and donate. My foundation has never received a donation from any foreign or local organisation. Alhamdulillah, together we are saving the lives of many vulnerable and less privileged people.

‘Whenever I hear of a patient with gynae complications in need of help, I personally go there and assist the patient with the little I have and also solicit funds on her behalf through social media, and people do contribute immensely,’ she said.

The 43-year-old mother of three has, through both platforms, remained committed to turning empathy into action, restoring dignity, and building equity in underserved communities.

Beyond health, she’s involved in humanitarian services as she has mobilised resources to provide over 200 wells and boreholes, building and equipping more than ten community schools with solar power, sanitary facilities, housing for teachers, and recruitment of qualified staff.

Rukaiya’s humanitarian services are also extended to provide potable water because of the demand from various communities. ‘What normally happens is that after I post a project like a local well on my WhatsApp status, someone indicates interest in building a mosque around the well, or if it’s a mosque that I posted, a donor will volunteer to construct a well or a borehole around the mosque.’

Also, Rukaiya was able to take off the streets over 250 out-of-school children and enrolled them into western and Islamic schools, providing them with uniforms, books, and other learning materials. She shoulders their school fees and other fees with a view to retaining them in the schools.

Apart from that, Rukaiya has also renovated several Islamiyya schools in her community through the assistance of family and friends, saying, ‘As a result of my frequent visits to the schools where my sponsored students are studying, I observed that the structures of some of the schools need renovations and therefore initiated a special project for that.

‘Some of the benefiting schools, which operate as purely Islamiyyah, now combine both Islamic and Western education,’ she said.

Rukaiya also empowers women with take-off capital for businesses, thereby promoting financial inclusion and self-reliance among women.

Explaining the secret of her success in humanitarian services, Rukaiya said: ‘I believe the secret behind my success is nothing but honesty, transparency and commitment. We do things openly; we don’t hide anything, and whatever you ask us to do with your money, we will ensure that we spend the money judiciously and for the purpose it was meant for. Whatever we do, we post it for donors to see.

‘Let me tell you an incident that involved my sister. She sent $100 from abroad as a donation from her Christian friend. It was during Christmas, so I treated a Christian child with part of the money, and when the girl was discharged, I gave her the remaining balance to celebrate Christmas. I later posted the details of how I spent the $100, and the donor was delighted when she saw it on my WhatsApp status.

‘Just two weeks ago, Favor and her mother visited my house and spent time with me. We took pictures which I posted on my WhatsApp status with the following question: Do you remember this girl? You need to see the reactions of the donors.’

She said she was motivated by the smiles on the faces of the less privileged and vulnerable families. ‘This is what I enjoy most in my life, and Alhamdulillah, I am really achieving my objectives through the activities of the foundations,’ she concluded.

Those whose lives have been touched one way or the other spoke on the emphatic nature of hajiya Rukaiya.

Malam Rabi Muhammad is the maid speaking to Weekend Trust said that she worked with Rukaiya as a maid before she got to know about her health condition and It was her co-worker that btold her about her condition.’After we had a discussion, she took me to the hospital and paid the bills for the surgery conducted on me. It’s exactly seven years now.’

‘After I was discharged and fully recovered, I returned to her house and continued with my work. However, courtesy of Hajiya’s generosity, she asked me to relocate to her residence; so, as I speak with you now, I reside in her residence. Sincerely, I don’t know how to thank Hajiya for all the things she had done for me. Asides myself, my parents have also benefited from her kindness.’

She noted thatHajiya Rukaiya is a rare person with passion for helping the less privileged and vulnerable familiesin society. She is just a kind person whose concern is to help and assist the needy. I have known her to be like this since I met her ten years ago and has not changed.’ she attested.

Malam Usman Muhammad Gambo, founder of Inara Islamic Academy at Fadamar Mada quarters, one of the schools that benefited from the humanitarian services from the Abubakar Kushu Foundation, noted that Hajiya built three additional classrooms and furnished them with seating facilities and also renovated the three existing classrooms and toilets in the school. ‘Annually, Hajiya pays not less than N360,000 as school fees for these students besides their expenses for books and other items. I recently forwarded the names of three additional students to Hajiya requesting her to sponsor their education and she promised to get back to me,’ he said.

Also commenting on Rukaiya’s contributions to the education sub-sector, Malam Ibrahim Muhmmad Inuwa, founder of Madarasatul Tathnim Litahfizul Qur’anil Kareem Wal-Dirasatil Islamiyyah, Fadamar Mada, confirmed that Rukaiya had renovated his school and provided it with seating and teaching facilities.

‘She has been sponsoring 20 students comprising 10 orphans and 10 children of the less privileged families in the school for two years now. She asked the management of the school to select the beneficiaries from within the community and she had been paying their school fees annually,’ he concluded.

Recently, Rukaiya was inaugurated as an AIM-MNCHN Advocacy Champion under the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN). AIM-MNCHN-Maternal Neonatal Child Health and Nutrition is an organisation handling a project about reducing maternal mortality.

She is also an active member of several health, peacebuilding, and development committees under the Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organizations, and a member of the Forum of Executive Directors of CSOs in Bauchi State.

‘Through these platforms and my foundations, I remain committed to turning empathy into action, restoring dignity, and building equity in underserved communities.

A holder of a B.Sc. in Sociology and Anthropology, a M.Sc. in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Rukaiya is currently the Deputy Registrar and Head of the Guidance and Counselling Unit at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers of duties.

Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, during a valedictory session with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, on Wednesday, Fubara said said the decision had to do with the Supreme Court judgement which affected their appointments.

Daily Trust recalls that on February 2025, the Supreme Court had recognised the House of Assembly loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

At the height of the rift between Fubara and Wike, the governor’s appointees were screened by then factional speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo.

The house under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule had kicked against the development but Fubara caried on.

However, after the declaration of State of Emergency which led to the suspension of the governor and lawmakers for six months, series of meetings were held and it was reportedly agreed that new set of commissioners should be appointed.

In a statement on Wednesday, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara’s spokesman,

quoted the governor as thanking members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years.

He said: ‘The Governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.

‘The Governor also reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor, while thanking all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

‘Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect,’ Chukwudi said.

At its inaugural sitting after the expiration of emergency rule, the lawmakers had asked Fubara to send a list of commissioner nominees.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the claim that there is religious persecution in Nigeria is a lie from the pit of hell.

Tinubu stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the launch of the book authored by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state.

The book, titled ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance,’ was launched in Owerri on Tuesday.

Tinubu said Nigerians are more united and civilized under him than what is being projected. ‘Our Muslim brothers and sisters, our Christian brothers and sisters; our fathers are helping us to build a nation. We are united. No religious persecution in Nigeria. It is a lie from the pit of hell,’ he said.

Tinubu appealed to those saying ill of Nigeria to stop, saying his administration gives pride of place to an all-inclusive government.

He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for documenting the successes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in a book and executing projects that will positively impact the livelihood of his people.

While commissioning the 60-kilometre Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia federal road, Tinubu described it as ‘a bridge to prosperity, connecting markets, families and dreams.’

He also inaugurated the Assumpta Flyover, the Imo Digital Learning Centre, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, which he called symbols of ‘progress and opportunity.’

Uzodimma, in his speech, said the book was the product of months of deep reflection, careful research, and honest writing.

‘It offers a clear account of the APC’s journey in government from 2015 to 2025: the milestones, the challenges, and the lessons. More than a record of events, it is a reference point for where we have been and a guide for where we must go.

‘For me, the moment feels like the birth of something meaningful. After all the long hours and intense work, this book is now no longer mine alone; it belongs to the APC family, and indeed to the Nigerian people.

‘I was partly inspired to write this book out of curiosity. I know that the All Progressives Congress entered government in 2015 with enormous expectations on its shoulders. We inherited a fragile economy, deep security challenges, and a weary citizenry. Over the next decade, we faced storms, some of them global, some of them home-grown. Yet, at every turn, Nigerians looked up to us for answers. So, my curiosity was to find out if we provided the answers after ten years,’ he said.

Twenty people have reportedly been killed in a boat accident on the River Niger, involving passengers from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday.

Daily Trust gathered that they were on their way to a market in Edo State.

It was further gathered that the incident happened between Okpu and Odumomo settlements at the bank of the River Niger when the boat heading to Ilushi from Onugwa capsized midway to its destination.

According to the report from the area, the number of passengers on board is yet to be established. Local divers were said to have picked 20 bodies from the river, while many more bodies were said to be still missing.

Six people have so far been identified as having survived the incident.

‘The boat departed from Onugwa in Ibaji Local Government Area this morning to Ilushi market, but capsized shortly after taking off at Okpu and Odumomo area of the river.

‘Most of them are children and women going shopping in preparation for the Independence Day celebration on Wednesday.

‘So far, six people have been identified as survivors. And a family has been confirmed to have lost eight people in the incident,’ said Joseph Umonu from Onyedega, the capital of Ibaji Local Government Area.

Also, a report from the community said those who came for a burial ceremony in Onugwa and boarded the ill-fated boat are all missing.

‘The family members of those who came for the burial ceremony from Ilushi to Onugwa have been crying since the sad news broke.

‘They are among the passengers who boarded the boat to Ilushi after the burial ceremony. We have not seen any of them among the survivors or dead yet. Divers are still in the water, searching for more survivors or the dead.

‘We are yet to confirm the number of people onboard, dead or survivors, as the rescue mission is still being intensified at the scene of the incident,’ said Micheal Unwuchola, from the community.

When contacted, the Acting Manager, Corporate Affairs of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Suleiman Usman, did not pick up his call or respond to a text message over the incident.

However, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kogi State Police Command, SP William Aya, confirmed the incident.

‘The victims were said to be going to a market at Ilushi in Edo State when the incident happened. Our operatives at that flank are trying to confirm whether it happened at the Kogi side of the water or in the Edo State area.’

A cross section of residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the federal government to implement people-oriented policies that will alleviate economic hardship in the country.

They made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the 65th Independence anniversary celebrations of the country.

NAN reports the independence anniversary with the theme, ‘Nigeria @ 65: All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation” is featuring a blend of religious, civic and cultural activities including the Independence Day parade across the states on Oct.1.

Speaking on the anniversary, the residents called on the Federal Government to proffer lasting solutions to the hardship brought about by the economic reforms initiated by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration. They urged the government to look into various sectors of the economy and initiate policies and programmes that would ease their sufferings.

Alh. Ibrahim Musa, a businessman in Bwari, said that the two-pronged policies of fuel subsidy removal and unification of foreign exchange window, introduced by President Tinubu on assumption of office, have taken tolls on businesses and livelihood.

Musa said the policies brought about economic hardship with crumbling impacts on small businesses like his own, which are struggling to stay afloat.

According to him, the removal of fuel subsidies, in particular, had led to high transportation costs, causing daily price hikes for commodities.

‘Both traders and consumers are struggling to cope. Even my business, which once thrived, is no longer booming.

‘Sometimes, I sell goods below their cost prices just to break even and feed my family. If things continue like this, I’ll eventually go out of business.

‘A country with rich natural resources as Nigeria shouldn’t be plagued by hunger. We have everything needed to feed ourselves. Our biggest problem is corruption and bad policies,” Musa said.

Mr Charles Ibe, a lecturer, emphasised the need for the government to diversify the economy beyond the oil sector.,

According to him, the oil dependent economy is no longer sustainable, the government must explore other areas, such as agriculture, mining, and tourism to boost the economy.

Ibe noted that fuel subsidy removal was well intended, but the effects had worsened the country’s economic situation and increased the poverty rate.

He said the excess funds accruing from the removal of subsidy should be plowed to visible infrastructure development and poverty alleviating programmes

‘Most of our infrastructure, including roads, public schools and hospitals, require urgent attention.

‘Celebrating 65 years of independence while key sectors struggle is hollow.

‘Nigeria has immense potential for greatness, with abundant mineral resources, fertile soil for agriculture, and favourable weather.

‘These resources should be harnessed to improve citizens’ lives. Given our wealth, no Nigerian should live in poverty.

‘However, corruption has reduced many Nigerians to beggars in their own country,’ he said.

Mr Stanley Osho, a civil servant in Gwagwalada said that an average civil servant could not afford a decent accommodation as the cost of house rent continued to skyrocket.

Osho said that the 65th independence anniversary would have been a big celebration for Nigerians ‘if things are looking up for the country’.

‘The incessant increase in house rent is a serious concern to many civil servants.

‘Most of us with families, cannot afford a decent two-bedroom flat in the suburbs, talk more of the city centre.

‘What we are witnessing now in the FCT is civil servants relocating to areas with little or no infrastructure and security just to cut cost,’ he said.

Osho added: ‘It may also interest you to know that most civil servants go to their offices twice or thrice in a week now because of the high cost of transportation.

‘All these are having devastating consequences on productivity and the economy,’ he said

Osho urged the government to regulate house rents and provide affordable public transportation system to make life bearable for the ordinary citizens.

Mr Chinedu Okafor, a teacher in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said, while democracy has given Nigerians freedom of expression and participation, poor governance has hindered development.

He emphasised the need for urgent reforms in the power sector, citing the importance of a steady power supply in attracting investments and fostering business growth.

”Without reliable electricity, industries struggle to thrive and businesses can’t grow. The government must prioritise fixing the power sector,” he stressed.

Mrs Confidence Samuel, another civil servant, said workers are bearing the brunt of the current economic hardship, the more.

According to her, civil servants’ monthly salaries could barely cover their expenses for two weeks.

She said the N70,000 minimum wage is no longer sustainable with the economic realities and soaring cost of living.

While calling for upward review of the minimum wage, Samuel also underscored the need for targeted government interventions to boost food production, stabilise prices, and make basic amenities more affordable

Some residents, however, expressed the optimism that things would improve and Nigeria would be great again

Mr Akpoko Uloko, a civil servant, said that Nigeria’s independence holds great significance for him, stressing that over the years, the country has made notable progress in various sectors.

According to him, although, the economy has not reached its full potential, significance progress is being made.

Mr James Adeyemi, a cleric in Bwari, said Nigeria’s independence is worth celebrating, notwithstanding the unfavourable economic realities

Adeyemi said that independence celebration is a reminder of the country’s freedom, hope, self-determination and opportunities ahead.

He urged citizens to foster unity and responsibility, while calling on leaders to demonstrate transparency and genuine commitment to addressing national challenges.

‘With Divine guidance and effective leadership, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous nation,’ he added.

No doubt, Nigerians are passing through a difficult time because of the reforms the Tinubu’s administration put in place.

Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), acknowledged this, even, on Monday, at a World Press Briefing to mark the 65th independence anniversary.

According to the SGF, the reforms, though tough, were necessary to stabilise the economy, restore investors’ confidence and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

He, however said that the country is witnessing positive results as inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, foreign investment inflows have shown renewed interest, while job creation initiatives are expanding opportunities for the youths.

According to him, social intervention programmes are also being strengthened to cushion the effects of the reforms on the vulnerable.

Akume appealed to Nigerians in the spirit of celebration to remain resilient, united and committed to the ideals of peace and progress. (NAN)

The value of the Naira is typically compared to the U.S. dollar, which is the most widely used currency for trade and other international transactions and the world’s primary reserve currency.

Luckily for the Naira, the dollar is losing its value. In 2025, the dollar had lost about 11 per cent of its value against major currencies, dropping to its lowest value in over 50 years. Analysts describe it as one of the biggest falls since the 1970s. However, the dollar will recover; even the blind can see that.

But the issue is, what will Nigeria do when that happens? Before we answer that, we must know the value of the Naira at the moment.

Few things stir as much debate in Nigeria as the value of the Naira. It is true that, after years of relentless devaluation due to World Bank and IMF policy prescriptions tied to their loan conditions, the Naira has gained about 11 per cent against the dollar over the past year. The result is a rare moment when the Naira, long seen as perpetually weak, has appreciated even as the world’s reserve currency has stumbled.

Some say it is too strong, kept afloat by Central Bank trickery. Others insist it is too weak, beaten down by years of inflation and policy blunders. Both sides cannot be right. So, is the Naira overvalued or undervalued?

For clarity, when the Naira is overvalued, it means when it trades stronger than its true worth-say the Naira sells at N500 per USD while the fair value is actually N1,000. This will lead to exports suffering as goods will be costly abroad, but imports will become cheaper. On the other hand, the Naira is undervalued when it trades at a price weaker than its fair value-say N1,500 per USD against a fair value of N500. It will gain from exports with cheaper prices abroad, but imports grow costly, fuelling local inflation. For the record, an import-dependent economy should always seek to have cheaper imports.

As of late September, the official market places the Naira at roughly N1,500 to the dollar. On the streets, the going rate is only slightly worse, about N1,515. Compared to the chaos of a few years ago, when the gap between official and parallel rates was wide, this looks like progress on paper.

But the calm on paper only hides a real storm. The cost of the merger is being passed on to the final consumer, resulting in inflation on imported goods. Headline inflation is still punishing, running at over 21 per cent, but the 2025 budget estimated it to be 15 per cent. External debt service this year alone amounts to $5.4 billion. Foreign reserves are recovering but remain fragile. Oil still makes up more than 50 per cent of export earnings in 2025. In short, the fundamentals remain unsteady, but it is not for me to say.

A simple way to check the value of the Naira is by comparing what money buys at home and abroad. The Big Mac Index can be used here because it is a global symbol of standardisation. Assume the Big Mac burger sells for $5.79 in the U.S., while the same burger costs N3900 in Abuja. We can get the ‘implied’ exchange rate by dividing the Abuja price by the American price, which will mean about N1029 to the dollar. If we compare it with the current selling rate of N1,500, the Naira is 31 per cent, or almost three times, weaker than it ‘should’ be. That is the definition of undervaluation.

Another approach comes from the World Bank. Its figures, which compare the purchasing power of whole economies, tell a similar story. In 2023, when the dollar was around N950, the World Bank’s PPP index classified the Naira as undervalued by about 35 per cent. With soaring inflation despite rebasing and multiple devaluations since then, the gap today is probably closer to 200 per cent. In plain words, Nigerian goods and services are three times cheaper than their fair global value-this supports the result from our burger maths.

Of course, not everyone agrees. But in the reality of average Nigerians, where every imported good-from petrol to paracetamol-costs more than ever, most local analysts side with the view that the Naira is undervalued, though perhaps not as dramatically as our burger calculations show.

But let’s be clear, undervaluation is not all bad, especially for an export-oriented economy. A weaker currency makes exports more competitive. Oil, cocoa, sesame, and even manufactured goods all become cheaper to foreign buyers. That is useful for a government keen to diversify beyond oil.

But undervaluation has a dark side, especially for an import-dependent economy. Imports become painfully expensive. Nigerians rely on imports for fuel, pharmaceuticals, spare parts, and machinery. When the Naira trades at a steep discount, these goods cost far more than they should. Inflation rises, wages lose their purchasing power, and the average family feels poorer.

This is the cruel trade-off. What helps the exporter hurts the consumer. A cheap Naira may look good on paper, but on the ground, it is hardship and the cost-of-living crisis. Thanks to the deliberate, imperialist conditions imposed by the World Bank and the IMF, which devalued the Naira, among other reckless policies adopted by administrators of this administration.

So, what next? Much depends on the Central Bank’s ability to reconsider its policies. Dollar reserves are edging back towards $42 billion in 2025 from $33 billion in 2023. Surely, this is some breathing space. As long as the reserves continue to rise and the monetary policy is right, the Naira could even appreciate towards N750 per dollar. That would ease import costs and give consumers some relief.

However, this is pure blue-sky thinking. There are risks everywhere. The scariest part is that with one external action, everything will take the Naira back to its highly volatile position. A shift in US monetary policy, and this is inevitable, will make the dollar stronger. Speculation will likely increase dollar demand, and the Naira will likely be in free fall, with the dollar possibly reaching N2000 or higher. Given the heavy debt service burden, the CBN will have limited firepower to defend the Naira ‘when’ the pressure builds. Of course, we can borrow a leaf from Argentina and see how the US is planning to rescue it.

However we read it, the lesson will be grim. For households, the currency debate is not abstract economics. It is the daily reality of prices in the market. For businesses, it is the difference between competitiveness and collapse. For policymakers, it is a warning: patchwork reforms will not do.

One way to recover the Naira’s value is to address the structural problems-such as blindly accepting World Bank and IMF loan conditions, reliance on imports, overdependence on oil, and a lack of confidence among both local and foreign investors.

Until then, the Naira will remain what it is today: undervalued, unpredictable, and the image of our economic contradictions.

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, announced that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has agreed to call off its strike following two days of conciliation meetings with the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The meetings, which held on September 29 and 30, 2025, were convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and attended by senior government officials, security agencies, and representatives of organised labour.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meetings, Dingyadi said PENGASSAN’s strike action followed the disengagement of over 800 workers at the Dangote Refinery.

‘The leadership of PENGASSAN explained that the directives given to stop the supply of gas to Dangote Petroleum and the withdrawal of services were in response to the termination of appointment of over 800 members,’ the Minister said.

On its part, management of the refinery maintained that the job cuts were due to ‘ongoing reorganization in the company.’

After hours of deliberation, both parties reached a compromise.

According to the Minister, ‘the management of Dangote Group shall immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.’

The communiqué also emphasized that no worker would be victimised for their role in the industrial dispute.

On union rights, Dingyadi reaffirmed that ‘unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and that this right should be respected.’

He further disclosed that PENGASSAN had agreed to begin the process of calling off the strike in good faith.