Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said the adoption of the T+1 settlement cycle in Nigeria’s capital market is going smoothly, describing it as a development that has enhanced competitiveness and provided relief to market participants.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, represented by the Director of Registration, Exchanges and Market Infrastructure, Mrs Hafsat Rufai, said both local and international investors had expressed satisfaction with the new settlement cycle.

She said, ‘Feedback from them has been excellent. They are happy with T+1, and the local investors are also happy with T+1. The fear initially was around the availability of cash to settle, with time zones being one of the major considerations.

‘Sometimes, in some countries, when we are closing our market at 4:00 p.m., it is still early in the day. Sometimes, it’s even longer than being early in the day; it’s midnight in some countries. And so everybody is concerned about how to source cash or how to source funds for settlement.

‘But knowing that it is not at 8:00 a.m., it is 5:00 p.m., I think that gives enough time for the custodian banks, who are representatives of those investors, to source the funds required and settle the securities and cash as well, because it’s a DVP market. It’s delivery versus payment.’

According to a statement by the Commission, Agama said no default had so far been recorded due to the unavailability of funds for settlement at the new deadline.

‘It’s just a matter of letting everybody understand that the settlement time is not 8:00 a.m.; it is 5:00 p.m. And by 5:00 p.m., everybody is good. So far, it has been good. Feedback has also been very excellent.’

He explained that the Nigerian capital market had operated on a T+3 settlement cycle for several years before the market began a phased transition aimed at modernising the market, improving competitiveness and attractiveness, increasing liquidity and reducing settlement risks.

The DG said the market moved from T+3 to T+2 on 28 November 2025 before migrating to T+1 on 1 June 2026.

‘Transaction day or the trade day, when your shares are bought or sold on a particular day, that is day T, and then plus one, which is the current settlement cycle, means that when you buy your shares, say, for instance, you buy today, being a Monday, the shares will settle in your account by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow,’ he explained.

Agama said the reduction in the settlement cycle was aimed at making the Nigerian market more efficient by allowing investors to receive their securities or cash sooner.

‘The emphasis on 5:00 p.m. is that over the years, when you were on T+3 or T+2, settlement time was 8:00 a.m. Meaning that if you buy your shares today on T+2, that is the trade date, and then two days after, which would have been Wednesday when you were on T+2, you would get your shares if you bought or you get your cash if you sold at 8:00 a.m.

‘Now we decided that we need to do better for the Nigerian market by shortening that cycle. So why buy today and wait for another 48 hours or thereabout, or two days, before you get your security? So, we shortened that transaction cycle, or settlement cycle, I beg your pardon, to T+1, meaning that the trade day and a day after, that’s the first step.’

The SEC DG further disclosed that the market had also shifted the settlement deadline from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. following the extension of trading hours.

He said trading hours on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) had earlier been extended from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

‘If you recall, we extended trading hours earlier this year from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the NGX, and then we thought, if the market closes at 4:00 and we ask people to settle, that is, to provide cash and securities, at 8:00 a.m. the next day, that kind of close to being T+0 is almost as good as just telling me to pay today, and we don’t want that strain,’ the statement noted.

APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has recorded a six percent increase in export volumes in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the country’s non-oil export growth and improving access to international markets.

Speaking in a statement released on Sunday, Terminal Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, attributed the growth to the resilience of Nigerian exporters, supported by a series of operational and service improvements designed to facilitate export trade.

‘Over the last five years, exports through our terminal have maintained a positive growth trajectory. This reflects both the resilience of Nigerian exporters and the targeted improvements we have made to facilitate export trade, simplify cargo flows and improve access to international markets,’ Alhraishat said.

He highlighted several initiatives introduced by the terminal to encourage exports, including dedicated export lanes at the terminal gate to accelerate cargo terminal access.

‘Our role goes beyond handling containers. We want to make it easier, faster and more competitive for Nigerian exporters to access global markets. Dedicated export lanes and our rail connectivity are all designed around that objective.

‘The rail connection between Lagos and Moniya (Ibadan) operates three times a week, providing exporters with an efficient alternative to road transportation. By reducing reliance on trucks and exposure to interstate and Apapa traffic, we can improve the predictability of cargo movement and help exporters reach international markets more efficiently,’ he added.

The terminal also receives export cargo through the Ebute Metta rail corridor, which facilitates cargo movement from various parts of Lagos, helping exporters avoid traffic congestion and reduce transit times to the port.

Alhraishat noted that beyond operational improvements, the terminal continues to create platforms that encourage collaboration among stakeholders across the export value chain.

‘Through our Exporters Forum, now in its third year, we are creating a platform where exporters, government agencies, shipping lines, logistics partners and other stakeholders can come together to address real challenges across the export value chain.

‘The objective is not only to discuss these challenges, but to translate the feedback into practical actions that make Nigerian exports more efficient and competitive. Our next session is scheduled to hold at the terminal on Wednesday, September 2,’ he said.

The terminal’s major export commodities include soybeans, cashew nuts, cocoa, hibiscus flowers and solid minerals.

Speaking on the significance of the Exporters Forum, Head of Commercial, Kayode Olufemi-Daniel, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to build an export-led economy.

‘Time is a critical factor in export trade, particularly for agricultural products. Delays within the supply chain can affect the quality of goods and, in some cases, render them unsuitable for export by the time they reach their destination. That is why we continuously review our operational processes and engage all stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and reduce delays across the value chain,’ Olufemi-Daniel said.

He added that APM Terminals Apapa remains committed to working with customers, government agencies and other industry partners to strengthen Nigeria’s export ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets.

The Kano State Multi-Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has warned politicians against using drug-influenced youths to cause violence, intimidation and unrest during the 2027 general election campaigns.

The chairman of the task force, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, said any political thug found engaging in criminal activities under the influence of illicit drugs would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of the identity of their sponsors.

Rimin-Gado issued the warning during a briefing with journalists in Kano, where he outlined the state government’s new strategy to tackle drug abuse and its connection with violent crimes among youths.

He cautioned politicians against recruiting innocent young people to create tension during political activities, saying the task force would not allow the misuse of youths to cause deaths and injuries.

‘The commission is out to tame enemies of progress who will be using our youths to cause untimely deaths and injure people,’ he said.

The chairman disclosed that the state government had set a target of removing 10,000 drug users from the streets and rehabilitating them within one year as part of efforts to address substance abuse.

He explained that the programme would go beyond arrests and imprisonment by focusing on detoxification, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and economic empowerment.

‘Our goal is to take away 10,000 people from the streets within one year. This is a different approach from only taking them to prison. We are thinking about rehabilitation,’ Rimin-Gado said.

According to him, beneficiaries would first undergo detoxification before being enrolled in rehabilitation programmes and trained in various skills to enable them to become productive members of society.

He listed tailoring, shoemaking, garment production and other crafts among areas where rehabilitated persons would receive training, adding that the programme would later expand to other trades and services.

Rimin-Gado said the initiative was aimed at addressing the link between drug abuse, unemployment and violent crimes, especially gun-related offences involving youths.

‘If you look at our operations, when going after these youths, it is not because we hate them or do not want them. It is because we want them rehabilitated,’ he said.

He added that the task force had started discussions with correctional authorities and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that released inmates could access rehabilitation and skills acquisition programmes to support their reintegration into society.

The chairman further explained that drug users would be treated based on the severity of their cases, noting that those involved in multiple substance abuse could face prosecution, while others could be placed under the supervision of parents or guardians.

He said the government also planned to create economic opportunities for rehabilitated persons by connecting them with markets in Kano State.

‘We do not only eradicate the issue of drug dependence, drug abuse or gun violence; at the same time, we are building our economic potential,’ he said.

Rimin-Gado expressed confidence that collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, correctional authorities, private sector operators and other stakeholders would ensure the success of the initiative.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through its Bauchi State office, over the weekend published the names and biodata of 19 governorship candidates and their running mates contesting the 2027 general elections in Bauchi State.

The list, displayed at the INEC office in Bauchi, contained candidates presented by various political parties seeking to participate in the governorship election.

A visit to the INEC office over the weekend showed political supporters and party officials checking the displayed list to confirm and ascertain the inclusion of their candidates in compliance with the Commission’s requirements and the electoral laws.

Some supporters who spoke with our correspondent expressed confidence in INEC’s preparations, while calling for a free, fair and credible election acceptable to all political parties and voters.

One of them, Auwal Captain, said the early publication of the candidates’ details had increased public confidence in the electoral process.

‘I am fully convinced that INEC is ready to conduct the election, judging by these early preparations. The display of candidates’ information gives us more confidence in the process,’ he said.

He urged the Commission to ensure that the eventual outcome reflects the choice of voters rather than the interests of individuals or groups.

Similarly, another supporter, Malam Adamu Anatare, called on INEC to justify the confidence Nigerians had placed in the Commission by ensuring that votes were properly counted and results reflected the wishes of the electorate.

‘My concern is the outcome of the election. People are ready to participate and vote, but they also want to protect their votes. Anything short of this could create problems,’ he said.

Meanwhile, political analysts urged INEC to ensure transparency throughout the electoral process, particularly in the deployment of sensitive materials, recruitment of ad hoc personnel and effective functioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

They also called for an uninterrupted flow of information before, during and after the election.

Among those listed as governorship candidates are Yakubu Adamu of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM); Senator Shehu Umar Buba of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Mohammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Senator Halliru Dauda Jika of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Usman Ahmed Sufi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Kashim Ibrahim Muhammad of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC); and Idris Aliyu Muhammad, the Labour Party candidate, among others.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections hot up, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expressed satisfaction with the list of its governorship and State Assembly candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reacting to the list during an interview with the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Ayenigba, said the party was satisfied with the list across the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, ‘Our great party, the SDP, has no issues with the list of our 2027 governorship and State Assembly candidates as released by INEC.

‘The names of all our nominated candidates in the states were correctly listed as submitted by the party.

‘There are no rumblings or crises in the state chapters of the SDP as a result of the list of candidates released by INEC.’

He urged the commission to continue to follow the rules and guidelines already released to the letter to ensure successful polls in 2027.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sokoto State Council, has mourned the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni, describing him as a courageous trade unionist whose death has left a huge void in the labour movement in Nigeria and Africa.

Ugboaja died on August 22 at about 2:00 p.m. after a prolonged illness.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the State Secretary of the NLC, Sokoto State Council, Comrade Hamisu Hussaini Yanduna, described the late union leader as a seasoned administrator, committed trade unionist, fearless advocate for workers’ rights and a pillar of organised labour.

Yanduna said Ugboaja remained committed to advancing workers’ welfare throughout his years of service, adding that he was a man of principle who consistently demonstrated courage in defending the interests of Nigerian workers.

‘Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja was a principled and hardworking unionist. He was deeply committed to the labour struggle and remained a nationalist who devoted himself to the service of Nigerian workers,’ Yanduna said.

He described the deceased’s contribution to the labour movement as significant, saying his leadership, courage and dedication had earned him the respect of workers and trade unionists within and outside Nigeria.

‘His death is an irreplaceable loss to the labour movement in Nigeria and Africa. His contributions to the struggle for workers’ rights and welfare will remain a lasting part of the history of organised labour,’ he said.

Yanduna further said Ugboaja’s humility and commitment to duty would be greatly missed by colleagues, workers and associates.

‘His dedication, humility and service to Nigerian workers will be greatly missed by all and sundry. We have lost a great comrade, administrator and advocate for workers’ rights,’ he added.

The Sokoto State Council extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues and the entire labour movement, praying for strength and comfort for those he left behind.

Ugboaja’s death has been widely regarded within organised labour as a significant loss, particularly given his role in advancing workers’ welfare, defending labour rights and contributing to national discourse on issues affecting Nigerian workers.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.

Tinubu’s first stop is London, United Kingdom, where he is expected to spend part of the working vacation before returning to Nigeria, according to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The presidential trip comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opened the campaign period on August 19, allowing political parties and candidates to begin official campaign activities ahead of the January 16 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Onanuga said the President would return to Nigeria after the vacation and resume activities ahead of the elections.

The statement read in part, ‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave. His first stop will be London, United Kingdom.’

Tinubu is seeking another term in office on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with the 2027 presidential contest expected to feature several major opposition figures.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is running under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are the flagbearers of the New Democratic Congress (NDC).

The President’s return to Nigeria will come as parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the January 2027 polls.

The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has, within the past one year, seized banned substances worth over N2 billion.

Several cases involving suspects accused of trafficking hard drugs and other banned substances into the state are also pending before the courts.

The State Commander of the agency, Mr Halilu Hamidu, made the revelation when he received the management team of the State Bureau for Orientation and Communications on a working visit to the NDLEA office to brief him on preparations for the Drug-Free Delta Phase Two Campaign, being implemented in collaboration with the NDLEA.

The commander further disclosed that women constitute a significant proportion of those arrested in connection with drug trafficking, urging the state government, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with the NDLEA towards the actualisation of a Drug-Free Delta.

Hamidu called for sustained collective action in support of the Drug-Free Delta campaign and the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, stressing that the government, law enforcement agencies, families, schools, civil society organisations and other stakeholders must work together to address the growing challenge of substance abuse.

The Director-General of the Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe, had earlier commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), for strengthening the agency’s drug integrity test and visa clearance initiatives, describing them as timely and strategic interventions in Nigeria’s continuing war against substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related social vices.

The NDLEA currently operates online platforms for both Drug Integrity Tests and Visa Clearance, with the agency describing the Drug Integrity Test as part of its demand-reduction strategy and an early intervention mechanism.

The Bureau chief said the NDLEA Drug Integrity Test initiative goes beyond routine screening, as it provides an important mechanism for early detection, intervention, counselling and rehabilitation, particularly among young people who are increasingly vulnerable to the devastating consequences of substance abuse.

He noted that the initiative, alongside the Visa Clearance programme, reinforces national efforts to discourage drug use and trafficking, promote responsible behaviour and protect Nigeria’s international image.

The Director-General said the NDLEA initiatives are particularly relevant to the Drug-Free Delta Campaign, a major public enlightenment and behavioural-change programme of the Delta State Government, launched under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as part of his administration’s commitment to building a safer, healthier and more productive Delta State.

Oghenesivbe disclosed that his office will commence Phase Two of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign on September 21, 2026, in collaboration with the Delta State Command of the NDLEA, with intensive sensitisation programmes across universities, colleges and selected secondary schools in the state.

He explained that Phase Two is designed to reinforce awareness among students and young people about the dangers and negative consequences of substance abuse, drug dependency and illicit drug peddling, while equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to resist peer pressure and other influences that may lead them into drug use or trafficking.

The Director-General further disclosed that the Delta State Government is considering the introduction of Drug Integrity Tests across tertiary institutions as a possible precondition for admission and graduation, subject to the necessary approvals and policy considerations.

He said such a measure, if approved and properly implemented, could contribute significantly to curbing substance abuse and the use of illicit drugs among students across the state.

Oghenesivbe called on parents, teachers, school authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, student unions, youth organisations, civil society groups and the media to support Phase Two of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign, stressing that government alone cannot win the war against substance abuse.

He urged students, in particular, to become ambassadors of the Drug-Free Delta vision and reject the use, sale and promotion of illicit drugs.

Covenant Mandate College of Health Technology and Medical Sciences, located at Covenant Cathedral, Covenant Bus Stop, Covenant City, Oloko, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, has held its maiden matriculation ceremony for newly admitted students.

The ceremony brought together hundreds of matriculating students, parents, members of the academic community, traditional and community leaders, as well as other dignitaries to mark the beginning of the students’ academic journey at the institution.

Addressing the matriculating students, the Chief Executive Officer of Covenant Mandate College of Health Technology and Medical Sciences, Rev. Dr. Mercy Ajani, urged them to remain focused and diligent in their studies while putting their absolute trust in God, whom he described as the source of wisdom and an excellent spirit.

‘I urge our matriculating students to remain focused, diligent and committed to their studies, knowing that God is the giver of wisdom and an excellent spirit.

‘Healthcare is not just a profession; it is a calling to serve humanity, save lives and make a meaningful difference in society.

‘As you begin this academic journey, trust absolutely in God, but also complement your faith with hard work, discipline and dedication.

‘At Covenant Mandate College, our goal is not only to train healthcare professionals, but to raise competent, compassionate and responsible practitioners who will positively impact lives.’

The CEO encouraged the students to take their academic responsibilities seriously and uphold the values and standards expected of future healthcare professionals.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Professor Olalekan Adebimpe, urged the students to strictly adhere to professional ethics and pay close attention to details in the course of their training.

The PS/IGE Zone 3 noted that medical and health-related professions are a divine calling because practitioners are entrusted with the responsibility of saving and improving human lives. He, therefore, charged the students to approach their training with discipline, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.

The CEO expressed appreciation to all the dignitaries and stakeholders, especially the PS/IGE Zone 3, The LIE and the LEO community, who honoured the institution with their presence and support at the maiden matriculation ceremony.

The government-approved and accredited College of Health Technology offers programmes in Community Health, including Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) and Junior Community Health Extension Worker (JCHEW), Medical Imaging Technology (MIT), Health Information Management (HIM), Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS), Health Assists courses giver Programme, among other health-related courses.

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed the Presidency’s claim that his proposed targeted subsidy intervention will cost N22 trillion, describing it as ‘arithmetic vandalism’ designed to justify continued hardship.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the latest petrol price hikes, despite softer crude oil prices, showed that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms had become ‘a conveyor belt transferring pain from government policy directly into Nigerian homes.’

‘The latest trick is the claim that Atiku’s targeted intervention will cost ?22 trillion. That figure is not Atiku’s policy. It is Villa arithmetic built on Villa assumptions.

‘They selected their own pump price, subsidy rate and financing model, multiplied their assumptions and then presented the result as Atiku’s bill. That is not economic analysis. It is arithmetic vandalism.’

Atiku clarified that he had never proposed a return to the opaque import-subsidy regime.

‘Atiku has never proposed an unlimited resurrection of the import-subsidy racket. His proposal is targeted, capped, appropriated, transparent and independently audited, tied to domestic production and measurable consumer benefit,’ he said.

‘Account for N30trn under Tinubu first’

The ADC candidate faulted the Presidency for manufacturing figures for an opposition policy while failing to reconcile revenues under the current administration.

‘The irony is particularly striking because while the Presidency is quick to manufacture a ?22 trillion bill for an opposition policy, it has yet to provide the detailed public reconciliation he has demanded for nearly ?30 trillion in Federation revenues, deductions, savings and transfers identified from published FAAC figures,’ Atiku said.

He said his earlier analysis put the cumulative amount requiring explanation at nearly N30 trillion as of July 2026.

‘If Aso Rock has suddenly discovered a calculator, Nigerians would like it applied to the Federation Account too. Before inventing trillions for Atiku, account clearly for the trillions collected, deducted, saved and transferred under Tinubu,’ he stated.

‘The question remains painfully simple: with government revenues substantially higher, why are ordinary Nigerians still being crushed by food, transportation and energy costs? Where is the prosperity that supposedly followed subsidy removal?’

‘Nigerians paying real bills, not imaginary ones’

Atiku cited a report that MRS increased petrol from ?1,205 to ?1,310 per litre, with other marketers selling between ?1,315 and above ?1,400, even as crude oil prices declined from about $92 to $87.31 per barrel. He warned that prices could rise towards ?1,500 per litre.

‘At ?1,500 per litre, 20 litres would cost ?30,000. That is not an abstract figure on an economist’s spreadsheet. That is money disappearing from a family’s feeding allowance,’ he said.

He traced how fuel costs cascade into food prices:

‘The tomato farmer in Plateau pays more to move produce. The truck driver adds his fuel cost. The Mile 12 trader adds transportation. The neighbourhood market woman adds hers. By the time a mother buys tomatoes for stew, she is paying for every kilometre Tinubu made more expensive.

‘The same mathematics follows bread from the bakery, garri from the farm, a child into a school bus and a worker into a commercial vehicle. The barber running a generator and the vulcaniser keeping his shop open feel it too. Petrol enters the Nigerian pocket long before the Nigerian enters a filling station.’

Faults timing of Tinubu’s Europe trip

Atiku also criticised the timing of President Tinubu’s announced three-week vacation in Europe, which the Presidency said began on August 30, starting in London.

‘The President is constitutionally entitled to annual leave. But leadership also has optics, timing and responsibility. At the very moment petrol prices are surging, families are struggling to feed, businesses are battling higher energy costs and insecurity remains a daily fear, Nigerians watch their President leave for three weeks in Europe,’ he said.

‘Millions of Nigerians can no longer afford ordinary journeys within their own country… Yet the man presiding over this cost-of-living crisis can still leave Abuja for London while Nigerians remain trapped at home by the economy he created.

‘That is the painful symbolism of Tinubu’s Nigeria: the President can afford to leave; millions of Nigerians can barely afford to move.’

‘Make Nigeria affordable again’

Atiku said his economic alternative prioritised household purchasing power over government revenue figures.

‘The argument is not between reform and irresponsibility. It is between a reform that transfers every economic shock to the citizen and an alternative that asks how Nigeria’s resources can reduce production costs, transportation costs and the cost of living without restoring the corruption of the past,’ he said.

‘You cannot make transportation expensive, make food expensive, make energy expensive and then distribute rice as evidence that your economic policy works. You cannot break a man’s leg and demand applause because you brought him a crutch.

‘The ?22 trillion scarecrow will not reduce one bus fare or put one extra measure of garri in a family’s bowl. Nigerians do not live inside the Presidency’s calculator. They live in markets, buses, farms, workshops and kitchens where Tinubu’s policies confront them every day.

‘A country in distress cannot be governed like a tourist itinerary. Tinubu made Nigeria expensive. Atiku will make Nigeria affordable again.’