Category: Nigerian Tribune

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the suspension of the vehicle tinted glass permit enforcement following a Court order.

The decision was disclosed by the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, during an interview on AIT.

According to Adeh, the police received the court order, and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict.

‘Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict,’ she said.

The police directive to suspend enforcement will remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process regarding the tinted glass permit.

‘We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict,’ Adeh added.

The tinted glass regulation was introduced for security reasons, with Adeh explaining that some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

‘The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,’ she said.

It emphasises the importance of the tinted glass permit as a measure to enhance safety.

Adeh also dismissed claims that the policy was designed for financial gain, stating that all payments related to tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.

The European Union (EU) and its partners have pledged renewed and sustained support to Nigeria in implementing its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, as the country takes bold steps to strengthen its climate ambition and institutional capacity ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

Speaking during the EU-Nigeria NDC roundtable held in Abuja on Tuesday as part of activities marking the EU Green Diplomacy Week (October 6-10), officials from both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing climate action through transparency, accountability, and robust collaboration.

The EU and its Member States welcomed Nigeria’s official submission of the updated and more ambitious NDC 3.0, describing it as a significant milestone that positions the country as the first in West Africa to submit a new climate pledge aligned with long-term development priorities.

Head of the Green and Digital Economy Section at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, said the dialogue demonstrated the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s climate transition and the shared goal of achieving sustainable growth.

‘The Green Diplomacy Week is something we celebrate every year, bringing together our partners to discuss climate change, the environment, and our shared objectives,’ she said. ‘This year is particularly important, as it marks ten years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. For us at the European Union, it is an opportunity to reflect on collective progress while recognising that much more still needs to be done.’

She noted that while the EU has made impressive progress in reducing its emissions, global cooperation remains essential to achieving climate targets.

‘Within the EU, we have reduced emissions by nearly 40% since 1990 and are on track to achieve our 2030 target of a 55% reduction. But this is not something we can achieve alone. As we push forward within the EU, we are also working closely with our international partners. We are here to support, to collaborate, and to share experiences that strengthen trust and accountability in the global process.’

Stefanowicz emphasised the importance of a strong Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system as the foundation for credible and effective climate policy.

‘The MRV system is a cornerstone of the internationally adopted climate framework. It ensures transparency, enhances credibility, and builds the trust needed for effective climate policy. A strong MRV system is indispensable for both public and private climate finance, supports evidence-based policymaking, and lays the foundation for successful carbon markets. This is something Nigeria is now taking forward, and the EU is proud to support that journey.’

Representing the Minister of Environment, Mrs Halima Bawa-Bwari reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to move from ambition to measurable action. ‘Ambition alone is not enough. We must demonstrate progress with clarity and confidence. For Nigeria, a robust MRV system ensures accountability by tracking emissions, converting targets into measurable outcomes, and unlocking climate finance by assuring partners of real impact. It also enables data-driven policies that deliver smarter interventions and maximise socio-economic benefits.’

She acknowledged the progress already made by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and relevant ministries but noted that key institutional challenges remain. ‘We have a unique opportunity to co-create a world-class MRV architecture that reflects Nigeria’s realities while meeting global standards. We recognise the progress already made by the National Council on Climate Change and other ministries and agencies. But we also acknowledge the remaining gaps, such as fragmented data, weak coordination, and limited capacity. Overcoming these requires a holistic approach and the continued support of partners such as the European Union.’

In his remarks, Omotenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General of the NCCC, stressed that technology, data, and innovation must be matched with inclusivity and cooperation to deliver results. ‘We are here to make progress in implementing the Paris Agreement and our NDC commitments. To do this, we need MRV systems that effectively track progress across Nigeria’s diverse governance and economic structures. Cooperation at all levels-national, subnational, and international-is essential. Strengthening capacities, building skills, and ensuring sustained support are all critical to meeting evolving global climate reporting requirements.’

The EU-Nigeria exchange served as a vital platform for dialogue among government institutions, civil society, and the private sector on how best to operationalise NDC 3.0. Discussions focused on aligning Nigeria’s climate goals with the Paris Agreement, the National Development Plan, and the country’s long-term net-zero vision, while strengthening institutional frameworks that support implementation.

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued new restrictions on who can qualify to operate as Point of Sale (PoS) agents under its revised Guidelines for the Operations of Agent Banking in Nigeria, effectively barring individuals with unresolved debts, watch-listed Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), or a history of financial misconduct from participating in the fast-growing agent banking sector.

The guidelines, released on October 6, 2025, aim to tighten due diligence standards in an industry that has become critical to financial inclusion but is also plagued by fraud, over-concentration of risk, and weak oversight.

The new rules mark a significant tightening of Nigeria’s agent banking framework, moving beyond transaction monitoring to focus on the integrity of the individuals who operate at the last mile of financial inclusion.

Under the new rules, any person or entity with a non-performing loan with any financial institution in the last 12 months is ineligible to be appointed as an agent. The CBN said credit information would be verified through licensed credit bur-eaus, closing loopholes that have allowed individuals with bad debts to resurface as POS operators.

Also disqualified are individuals whose BVNs have been watch-listed, as well as anyone who has been blacklisted for financial mis-conduct. Agents convicted of felonies, fraud, dishonesty, or related offences will also not be permitted to operate.

In addition, persons declared bankrupt or companies that have filed for insolvency are automatically barred from agent banking, reinforcing the regulator’s stance that only financially stable and trustworthy actors can hold such positions.

For those seeking approval, the guidelines stipulate basic eligibility conditions. Prospective agents must demonstrate the ability to carry out permissible activities such as deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments. They must also provide all mandatory information required under CBN regulations, secure au-thorisations from relevant authorities where necessary, and, in the case of individu-als, be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.

The central bank also mandated that principals – banks, super agents, and licensed payment service providers – conduct comprehensive due diligence before appointing agents. This includes verifying credit history, criminal records, sources of funds, business ad-dresses, and pre-existing relationships that could pose risks.

Agent banking has expanded rapidly in Nigeria, driven largely by PoS operators who bring financial services to rural and underserved com-munities. There are over 8.3 million registered PoS terminals in the country and 5.9 million already deployed as of March 2025, with agents handling billions of naira in transactions monthly.

However, the sector has faced rising cases of fraud, theft, and unlicensed operators exploiting gaps in over-sight. By cutting off access for individuals with poor credit records or compromised BVNs, the CBN is signalling its intent to clean up the PoS industry and safeguard customer trust. Industry oper-ators, however, face higher compliance costs, as principals must integrate credit checks, BVN verification, and legal clearances into their onboarding processes.

The new qualification criteria are part of broader reforms, which also include mandatory geo-tagging of Pos devices, transaction lim-its, real-time settlement re-quirements, and stiffer sanctions for default.

In August 2025, the CBN had already ordered operators to geo-tag all Pos devices within 60 days and align with the global ISO 20022 messaging standard. That directive set the stage for tighter rules in October, which now embed sanctions and stricter onboarding checks.

However, the latest guidelines have extended the deadline to April 1, 2026. The extension to April 2026 gives breathing space but does not soften the threat: come enforcement day, non-geo-locked terminals may be shut down, and agents or institutions may iCBN bars debtors, blacklisted BVNs from operating as Pos agents

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued new restrictions on who can qualify to operate as Point of Sale (PoS) agents under its revised Guidelines for the Operations of Agent Banking in Nigeria, effectively barring individuals with unresolved debts, watch-listed Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), or a history of financial misconduct from participating in the fast-growing agent banking sector.

The guidelines, released on October 6, 2025, aim to tighten due diligence standards in an industry that has become critical to financial inclusion but is also plagued by fraud, over-concentration of risk, and weak oversight.

The new rules mark a significant tightening of Nigeria’s agent banking framework, moving beyond transaction monitoring to focus on the integrity of the individuals who operate at the last mile of financial inclusion.

Under the new rules, any person or entity with a non-performing loan with any financial institution in the last 12 months is ineligible to be appointed as an agent. The CBN said credit information would be verified through licensed credit bur-eaus, closing loopholes that have allowed individuals with bad debts to resurface as PoS operators.

Also disqualified are individuals whose BVNs have been watch-listed, as well as anyone who has been blacklisted for financial mis-conduct. Agents convicted of felonies, fraud, dishonesty, or related offences will also not be permitted to operate.

ýThe Rotary Club of Ibadan Pathfinder, on Monday, donated a brand-new sewing machine to a local tailor in need, as part of its economic empowerment initiative.

ýThe beneficiary, Mr. AbdulRaman Alao, popularly known as Tasere, had been working with a rented sewing machine for several years.

ýThe donation took place at Dugbe Market, Ibadan, where members of the club gathered to present the gift.

ýSpeaking at the event, the President of the club, Rotarian Mojibola Babalola, said the gesture was part of Rotary’s commitment to community service and economic development.

ý’Rotary is a humanitarian service organization with a presence in over 119 countries around the world. Before we give out any item, we usually carry out an assessment,’ Babalola explained. ‘Our immediate past president, Rotarian Femi Joseph, discovered that Mr. Alao had been using a borrowed sewing machine that was worn out and later retrieved by its owner. When we learned he could no longer work because of that, we decided to step in and empower him with a new machine.’

ýShe added that the donation coincided with Rotary’s Economic and Community Development Month, which focuses on initiatives that enhance livelihoods and promote self-reliance.

ý’Rotary digs wells we don’t drink from and plants trees we may never sit under,’ Babalola said. ‘This is the spirit of service that defines who we are. We encourage more people to join us in making a difference.’

ýShe also advised the beneficiary to make good use of the equipment and, in turn, give back to the community when he can.

ýIn his remarks, Mr. Alao expressed profound gratitude to the club, saying he would ‘forever be thankful’ to the Rotary Club of Ibadan Pathfinder for ‘putting bread on his table.’

ýThe immediate past president, Rotarian Femi Joseph, also urged Alao to maintain the machine properly and use it to build a sustainable means of livelihood.

Nigeria’s President, Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government in making the country a hub of business activities that will grow the economy.

The President was speaking in Bauchi on Wednesday when he was declared open, the first International Business and Investment Summit organised by the Bauchi State Government.

Represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the President assured investors of Nigeria’s stable and profitable business environment under the current administration.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday shifted the further trial of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, over charges bordering on alleged terrorism, to October 16, 2025.

The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, adjourned the case to October 16 following the inability of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to conclude its assessment of Kanu’s health status and present its report before the court.

At the last adjourned date, the judge had ordered the NMA President to constitute a board of medical experts to investigate the alleged deteriorating health of the IPOB leader.

The purpose of the medical examination was, among other things, to determine whether the medical facility at the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) could cater for Kanu, or if he should be moved to the National Hospital as requested by the defendant.

The report is also expected to determine whether Kanu is fit to continue with his trial.

However, at Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel to the DSS, Mr Suraj Sa’ad, SAN, informed Justice Omotosho that the medical board had contacted them to indicate that the report was not ready for presentation as directed by the court.

The senior lawyer therefore applied for a one-week adjournment to enable the NMA medical board to conclude its investigation.

Following no objection to the request for adjournment by Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, who represented Kanu, Justice Omotosho fixed October 16 for the board to submit its report and for the court to determine the next line of proceedings.

It would be recalled that Kanu made a no-case submission shortly after the Federal Government concluded the presentation of its case against him, having called five witnesses and tendered some exhibits.

Kanu, through his lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, had on July 18 applied to the judge to dismiss the terrorism charges against him on the grounds that he was not properly or legally linked to any terrorism offences, and therefore asked the court to discharge and acquit him.

The senior lawyer drew the court’s attention to the fact that the charges against Kanu had been amended eight times, yet no witness came forward to testify that he was instigated to violence.

Insisting that the ingredients of the terrorism charges were not established throughout the trial, Agabi urged the judge to hold that no prima facie case had been made against Kanu to warrant calling him to enter a defence.

On its part, the Federal Government told the court that the threat by the Biafra nation agitator to break up the country and establish a Republic of Biafra was not a mere empty threat but a deliberate one.

The government said the detained IPOB leader made a broadcast on Biafra Radio where he openly and publicly declared his intention to break up Nigeria.

The Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, said the broadcast by Kanu caused Nigerians to live in great fear and prayed Justice Omotosho to reject Kanu’s claim that he had no case to answer in the seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

In a ruling delivered last month, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the no-case submission filed by the IPOB leader and held that the DSS had established a prima facie case against Kanu.

He accordingly ordered Kanu to enter his defence, stating that the prosecution had succeeded in convincing the court beyond a reasonable doubt that he had a case to answer in the alleged terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

Justice Omotosho held that the evidence presented by the DSS through its five witnesses was such that Kanu needed to provide explanations regarding the allegations in the charge.

The IPOB leader has been in detention since he was brought back to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021 under controversial circumstances.

The Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPN), Kaduna State chapter, has expressed deep concern over the rising number of illegal private colleges of health technology operating across Kaduna State.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Wednesday, the chairman of ACHPN, Kaduna state chapter, Comrade Aliyu Abdulrasheed Umar, noted that only 25 schools or colleges of health technology are operating legally against over 60 illegal schools.

He warned that the operations of these mushroom schools pose a serious threat to public health and professional standards within the community health sector.

‘As of today, we have only 25 schools that are recognised. Over 60 schools or colleges of health technology are operating without accreditation by the board. Posing a serious health challenge.

‘These schools are claiming to train Community Health Practitioners without approval from the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN).

‘We have identified several illegal institutions across various Local Government Areas, misleading the public and producing unqualified personnel. This act promotes quackery and undermines the quality of health care delivery in our communities,’ he said.

The association has submitted a comprehensive list of unaccredited schools to the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, urging immediate action to: checkmate and close the illegal institutions in collaboration with security agencies and Local Government Councils.

The chairman also said they advised the ministry to publish the list of duly recognised and accredited health institutions in the state and restrict clinical training in public health facilities to students from approved institutions only.

Umar also called on parents and guardians to verify the accreditation status of any school before enrolling their wards to avoid wasting time and resources on unrecognised programmes.

‘ACHPN remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the Community Health profession and will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and CHRN to ensure only qualified practitioners serve the people of Kaduna State,’ he added.

The association further appealed to the media to help sensitise the public on the dangers of patronising unaccredited schools and the need to uphold professional health standards.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has signed into law the Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission (GITDEC).

The Governor described the development as a strategic response to the evolving global digital landscape and a bold step towards positioning Gombe State as one of Nigeria’s leading tech-driven economies.

‘This Commission will serve as the engine room for innovation, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment across our state,’ the Governor stated.

The Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission is designed to drive policy formulation and implementation in the areas of ICT development, digital literacy, e-governance, and innovation.

It will also promote skills development across all demographics, support tech start-ups and innovation hubs, attract investment into the digital sector, and ensure cybersecurity and data protection across government platforms.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, officially handed over a copy of the newly assented law to the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Abdullahi Bappah Garkuwa, for further action.

In his remarks, Professor Abdullahi Garkuwa hailed the establishment of the Commission as a great milestone in Gombe State’s march towards digital advancement.

He noted that the new body will bridge the gap between traditional governance and modern technological solutions, thereby creating new opportunities for youths, women, and entrepreneurs.

‘This is about unlocking the full potential of our people and economy through smart, inclusive innovation,’ Abdullahi Garkuwa remarked.

The signing of the GITDEC law follows a series of recent collaborations between the Gombe State Government and national as well as international technology organisations, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Uniccon Group, aimed at boosting digital infrastructure and capacity building across the state.

With this development, Gombe State joins the ranks of forward-thinking states embracing the digital economy as a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and sustainable development.

The Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) has scaled up its partnership with top Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to strengthen the implementation of non-custodial sentencing and advance criminal justice reform in Nigeria in its efforts to address the challenge of prison congestion.

The total number of prison inmates in Nigeria as of late 2025 is approximately 81,349.

Nigeria’s correctional facilities are overcrowded, housing far beyond their intended capacity of just over 50,000 inmates.

About 66% of these inmates are awaiting trial, and the prison population includes both convicted and pre-trial detainees.

In its determination to confront the challenge, ACJMC, in partnership with LGCF and PAR-RVP Initiative, launched a three-day intensive capacity-building programme for key justice sector stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The training, which kicked off on Tuesday in Abuja, brought together over 150 participants, including Non-Custodial Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Court Registrars, Magistrates, Liaison and Desk Officers from the five Correctional Divisions of the FCT, including Maitama, Garki, Nyanya, Bwari and Gwagwalada.

Declaring the programme open, the Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, represented by the Chairman of the Steering Committee on Non-Custodial Measures, Hon. Justice Celestine Odo, commended the ACJMC and its partners for their commitment to promoting restorative justice and fostering effective inter-agency collaboration.

The technical sessions covered diverse topics, including the Legal Framework and Guiding Principles for Non-Custodial Sentences, the Guidelines and Monitoring Framework for Implementation and the Application of Non-Custodial Measures by the Courts.

Delivering a presentation on the Role of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the Implementation of Non-Custodial Sentences, Assistant Controller General (ACG) of Correction, Nwakaeze Emmanuel Anekwe (rtd) stressed on steps that should be adopted by the Correctional Service within the legal framework to ensure effective implementation of non-custodial sentencing in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of PAR-RVP Initiative, Mrs Ogechi Ogu, Esq, delivered a presentation on the Role of Court Liaison and Desk Officers in Ensuring Effective Implementation, while the Director of Litigation, FCT High Court, Folashade Oyekan, led a session on ‘Ethics, Human Rights, and Safeguards in Non-Custodial Measures’.

In attendance were ACG Nandang Ponyak, representing the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mrs Igbinedion Evbu, Esq, the Executive Secretary of the ACJMC.

Other dignitaries included Mrs Kanayo Olisa-Metuh, Executive Director of LGCF and a prominent advocate of non-custodial justice in Nigeria, who has been instrumental in driving nationwide initiatives aimed at decongesting correctional centres and equipping officers with the tools to support offender rehabilitation and reintegration.

Participants described the training as timely, highly engaging and impactful, emphasising that the training will further equip officers to effectively implement non-custodial sentences, strengthen rehabilitation frameworks, and enhance justice delivery in the FCT.

OUR economy has always been in a doldrums whether past or present. We continue to mismanage our economy whether knowingly or unknowingly. You cannot give what you don’t have, unfortunately, most of our leaders don’t have what it takes. Leadership in Nigeria is about whose fist is stronger and not ideas. The leaders that are in the know govern people according to their expectation. Having destroyed the educational system and weaponised poverty, some of our people don’t know any better. They praise politicians for the crumbs that are served to them. Their predicament makes them susceptible to the manipulation of the ruiners class (majority of our current leaders/politicians). The resilience of Nigerians is immense, so people remain docile and plod on. Our issues are obvious and not that difficult to solve but there is no will to tackle them. Nigeria, the so-called ‘Giant of Africa,’ is rich in natural and human resources. However, despite its potential, the country continues to face significant economic challenges. These problems have persisted over the years and have hindered sustainable development and poverty reduction. The major causes of our economic woes range from structural weaknesses and governance issues to external shocks and insecurity. Let’s break it down.

1. Overdependence on Oil: One of the most significant economic issues in Nigeria is its heavy reliance on crude oil exports. Oil accounts for over 90% of the country’s export earnings and a large portion of government revenue. This dependence makes the economy highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. When oil prices fall, government income drops, leading to budget deficits, inflation, and economic instability. This ‘mono-economy’ structure has stifled diversification efforts in other critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. In addition, the oil is being stolen. Bunkering remain rife and crude exploration is devastating to our environment, with local biodiversity loss. It is on the record that we don’t know the amount of oil that is pumped out of our fields. Whereas country like Saudi Arabia can account for every drop of oil they produce through technology; every inch of the pipeline is monitored remotely from a sophisticated control centre.

2. Poor governance and corruption: Corruption remains a deep-rooted issue in Nigeria. Mismanagement of public funds and widespread corruption at all levels of government reduce the effectiveness of economic policies and discourage foreign investment. Funds that should be allocated for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development are often embezzled or misused. As a result, the country’s economic progress is slowed, and public trust in government institutions is weakened. 3. Inadequate infrastructure: Nigeria suffers from serious infrastructure deficits, including unreliable electricity, poor road networks, limited railway systems, and inefficient ports. These challenges increase the cost of doing business, reduce productivity, and discourage both local and international investment. Power outages, in particular, force many businesses to rely on expensive generators, reducing their profit margins and limiting economic growth. The current administration is investing heavily in road projects, but at the end of it all, half of the money will be siphoned into individuals’ pocket, the project will be shoddily carried out and incomplete. The roads will have no adequate drainage, landscaping and signage.

4. Insecurity: Insecurity has become a major threat to economic activities in Nigeria. Armed conflicts, terrorism (such as the Boko Haram insurgency), kidnapping, banditry, and ethnic clashes disrupt agriculture, trade, and industry. Farmers are often forced to abandon their land, leading to lower food production and increased food prices. Insecure regions also experience reduced investment and tourism, further weakening the economy. Can you imagine we have ramshackle armed bandits in charge of certain parts of Nigeria? It was well publicised recently that they were holding press conferences and parading their captives. That is in a country with the rule of law. What a shambles! 5. High unemployment and underemployment: Unemployment, especially among youth, is a critical issue in Nigeria. Millions of young Nigerians graduate from schools and universities every year, but few jobs are available. Many are underemployed or forced into low-paying informal jobs. This situation increases poverty and crime and reduces national productivity. The resources of the country has been cornered by few people, they are living large at the expense of the rest of us, hence the productivity is low. They missed the civic class and lack moral values. They are in government to enrich themselves and not to serve.

6. Inflation and currency instability: Nigeria has been plagued by high inflation and exchange rate instability. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of citizens, leading to a decline in living standards. Frequent devaluation of the Naira, currency scarcity, and multiple exchange rates confuse investors and make economic planning difficult. A self-inflicted woe. The current administration attempts to address this pales insignificant to what is required. The reforms need to be radical and swift. 7. Weak industrial and agricultural base: Despite its agricultural potential, Nigeria imports a large portion of its food and manufactured goods.

Poor support for local farmers and industries has led to low productivity. Many factories operate below capacity or have shut down due to high production costs and poor infrastructure. Multinational manufacturing companies have left our shores and locations converted to churches where Nigerians go to pray for jobs. What a mess, Nigerians are tempting God. Unless we have a reset, we will continue to wallow in the multidimensional poverty that is rife in the country.

8. Debt Burden and Poor Fiscal Management – Nigeria’s rising debt profile is another source of concern. A large percentage of government revenue is spent on debt servicing, leaving little for investment in critical sectors. Furthermore, poor tax collection systems mean that the government relies heavily on borrowing rather than generating sustainable income. We continue to borrow for consumption. The cost of government is high with bloated executive and legislature.

9. Rapid Population Growth – Nigeria’s population is growing rapidly, putting pressure on non-existent or woefully existing infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, and the labor market. Unfortunately, economic growth has not kept pace with population growth, resulting in widespread poverty and urban congestion. Our best asset remains our people but we failed to make adequate investments in human capital.

10. Poor Education and Health Systems – Education and healthcare are essential for developing a productive workforce, but these sectors are underfunded and poorly managed in Nigeria. Many children lack access to quality education, and healthcare facilities are often inadequate. This limits human capital development and reduces the nation’s capacity for innovation and growth.

There is no denying that Nigeria’s economic problems are complex and interconnected. Addressing them requires bold and sustained efforts by government, private sector, and civil society. Diversifying the economy, fighting corruption, investing in infrastructure and education, and improving security are critical steps towards achieving economic stability and long-term prosperity. With the right policies and commitment, Nigeria can overcome these challenges and unlock its full economic potential.