Category: PM News

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of $20,000 and CFA 110,000 intercepted by operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State, to the Federal Government.

The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, followed a motion on notice filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa.

The intercepted funds were handed over by the NCS to the EFCC for further investigation after they were discovered at the border checkpoint.

Justice Dipeolu had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order on the funds and directed that the order be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested parties to show cause why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the government.

While moving the final forfeiture application, Kofarnaisa informed the court that it was supported by an 18-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Mufassir Jega, an EFCC investigating officer.

She also confirmed that the interim order had been duly published in the Daily Trust newspaper on August 29, 2025, in compliance with the court’s directive.

The EFCC lawyer submitted that the funds were ‘reasonably suspected to have been acquired from unlawful activities,’ and urged the court to grant the final forfeiture request.

Justice Dipeolu agreed with the prosecution, ruling that the application had merit, and consequently ordered that the seized sums be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Knorr, one of Nigeria’s most iconic food brands, celebrated Adekunle Gold’s latest album, Fuji, with a night of food, music, and art titled Fuji Reignited on October 10, 2025, at The Sphere, Lagos.

The event brought together musician Adekunle Gold and renowned visual artist Victor Ehikhamenor in a cultural collaboration that paid homage to Nigerian heritage.

The event, organized by Unilever Nigeria Plc, creators of Knorr, served as a creative fusion of taste and tradition. Guests were treated to meals inspired by Adekunle Gold’s music, capturing the flavour and emotion behind Fuji, his new album that celebrates Nigerian roots and sound.

Speaking on the partnership, Damilola Dania, Food Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Nigeria Plc, said the collaboration was aimed at celebrating what makes Nigerians unique.

‘Knorr has always been part of our everyday lives, from our kitchens to our celebrations. This collaboration with Adekunle Gold and Victor Ehikhamenor was about celebrating the things that make us who we are – our food, our art, our music, and our culture,’ she said.

Adekunle Gold, who performed songs from Fuji including Don Corleone, Coco Money, and Many Many People, described the project as deeply personal.

‘Fuji is one of the Nigerian sounds I grew up on and fell in love with. Working with Knorr made this moment even more special because it feels personal. Growing up, I was always sent to buy Knorr Chicken cubes, and that memory stuck with me,’ he said. ‘When I say ‘O dun bi Knorr chicken’ in Don Corleone, it comes from a real place. This collaboration feels like coming full circle.’

In addition to the musical performance, Victor Ehikhamenor unveiled a specially created artwork inspired by Adekunle Gold’s Fuji album and Knorr’s cultural legacy. The piece, displayed in an intimate gallery space, celebrated the enduring relationship between Nigerian sound, art, and food.

The night ended on a nostalgic note as Adekunle Gold thrilled fans with hit songs such as Ogaranya and Pick Up, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, joy, and cultural pride.

Fuji Reignited highlighted Knorr’s longstanding presence in Nigerian homes, showing that beyond being a kitchen staple, the brand continues to be part of the nation’s cultural story connecting people through flavour, music, and art.

The Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ARPSSON), Ogun State chapter, has faulted the Federal Government’s recent policy removing Mathematics as a compulsory requirement for admission into arts and humanities courses in tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the association’s 3rd annual congress in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the President of the association, Alexander Obadimu, described the decision as ‘not well thought out,’ warning that it could weaken academic discipline and reduce students’ motivation to study Mathematics.

Obadimu said the new policy could promote laziness among students and undermine educational standards in the long run.

He stated, ‘It is very unfortunate that such decisions could come up at this time. Many students would run away from Mathematics. It plays a vital role in academics, and removing it as a requirement could lead to academic decadence.’

The former principal also expressed doubt about the policy’s sustainability, predicting that some higher institutions might not comply with the directive.

‘I want to believe that it won’t stay for long because some higher institutions might not take it as decided by the Federal Ministry of Education,’ he added.

The Federal Ministry of Education had on Tuesday announced the reform through its spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo. The statement revealed that senior secondary school students in the arts and humanities would no longer need a credit in Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to qualify for tertiary admissions.

According to Boriowo, the change aims to remove barriers that have denied many qualified candidates access to higher education. She explained that despite over two million candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, only about 700,000 gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Under the new framework, Mathematics remains mandatory only for science, technology, and social science courses, while English Language continues to be compulsory across all disciplines.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the reform as a deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education, estimating that it could increase annual admissions by up to 300,000.

‘Every year, over two million candidates sit for the UTME, yet only about 700,000 gain admission. This imbalance is not due to lack of ability but outdated and overly stringent entry requirements,’ Alausa said.

He added that the policy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at creating equitable access to education and fostering national development.

However, critics like Obadimu argue that Mathematics remains a foundational subject that supports analytical and problem-solving skills vital across all academic disciplines.

While supporters view the policy as progressive and inclusive, education stakeholders say its long-term effect on academic performance and curriculum development remains to be seen.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 18.02 percent in September 2025, marking a significant decline from 20.12 percent recorded in August, according to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The report revealed that the September figure represents a 2.1 percent decrease from the previous month’s rate, showing a sustained slowdown in price growth across key consumer categories.

On a year-on-year basis, inflation also dropped sharply by 14.68 percentage points, compared to 32.70 percent recorded in September 2024.

This, according to NBS, indicates a notable improvement in price stability over the past 12 months.

‘On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in September 2025 was 0.72 percent, which was 0.02 percent lower than the 0.74 percent recorded in August 2025,’ the Bureau said.

‘This means that the rate of increase in the average price level was lower in September than in August,’ it added.

The twelve-month average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the period ending September 2025 stood at 23.46 percent, representing an 8.27 percent decline from the 31.73 percent recorded in September 2024.

The NBS report showed that urban inflation stood at 17.50 percent in September 2025, which is 17.63 percentage points lower than the 35.13 percent recorded a year earlier.

However, on a month-on-month basis, urban inflation rose slightly to 0.74 percent, up from 0.49 percent in August.

The twelve-month average for urban inflation was 24.35 percent in September 2025, 9.6 percentage points lower than the 33.95 percent recorded in September 2024.

In rural areas, inflation eased to 18.26 percent year-on-year, a 12.23 percentage point drop from 30.49 percent in September 2024. Month-on-month, the rural inflation rate slowed to 0.67 percent, down 0.71 percentage points from 1.38 percent in August 2025.

The twelve-month average rural inflation rate stood at 22.08 percent in September 2025, which is 7.68 percentage points lower than the 29.76 percent recorded in September 2024.

Analysts say the decline reflects improving supply chain stability, a stronger naira, and sustained fiscal and monetary tightening. However, they caution that maintaining this trend will depend on continued policy coordination and effective management of food and energy costs.

A 40- year-old man and his 18- year-old wife who are suspected to be involved in gunrunning have been arrested with 1,207 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition by troops of the Nigerian Army in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

The suspects were apprehended on Oct. 8, by its troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEPin collaboration with Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY).

Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of the operation disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

Zhakom said that the 40 and 18 years-old suspects were apprehended on Oct. 8, by its troops in collaboration with Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY).

‘In a coordinated operation to enhance security across the Joint Operations Area, troops JTF OPEP in collaboration with that of OPFY tracked and apprehended two notorious gunrunners.

‘The suspects were intercepted at a snap checkpoint established by the joint troops of JTF OPEP and OPFY at the outskirts of Saminaka in Lere LGA.

‘The operation, prompted by auctionable intelligence from an intelligence agency in Plateau, led to the recovery of 1,207 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.

‘The ammunition was believed to be bound for armed groups operating in the North West region of the country,’ he said.

The media officer said that suspects and other items recovered are currently in its custody undergoing further investigation.

The JTF-OPEP is a special task force saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states.

Nigerian businessman Cubana Chief Priest has reacted to the criticism received from billionaire businessman Cosmas Maduka.

Chief Priest on his Instagram page explained why the new generation of wealthy people flaunt their wealth online. He claimed that the older generation built their wealth through investments in land and industries while the new generation builds theirs through attention and visibility.

Chief Priest also described the digital age as the new currency, emphasising the need for people to constantly flaunt wealth online.

‘With all due respect to the motivational speaking older generation who built wealth quietly, the world you thrived in is not the one we live in today. In your time, capital was factories, fleets, and real estate. In our time, attention is the main capital. These capitals listed cannot sell in today’s market without the major capital,’ he wrote.

Chief Priest added that most wealthy people flaunt their wealth because it in turn converts to more money for them.

‘Visibility has become the new currency. In a digital economy, obscurity is bankruptcy. What you don’t show doesn’t sell. What you don’t amplify dissolves into silence. We are the noise that’s why you know us to the extent you had to use us to make references in your dry speech. Because you want to use us to trend without paying us. Na why you dey run when you see us, you no wan show us real love. Tell me, Why musta billionaire pretend to use the toilet just to run away from an event, that’s a lot of stress for a real billionaire,’ he added.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun the construction of main carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II.

The Minister of the FCT, Nyson Wike said during the inauguration of the project in Abuja on Wednesday, that the project would ease traffic congestion along the Apo to Wasa road corridor.

Describing the road as a ‘very important’ project, the minister said that when completed, the road would address the long hours usually spent in traffic by residents going to the city centre from the axis.

‘You will agree with me that this road is very important. In fact, before the Apo to Wasa service lane was constructed, you can only imagine when you are coming into the city, how many hours it will take you.

‘It was very horrible, but I thank God we are trying to do all we can to give the people of FCT the happiness that they desire,’ he said.

The minister attributed the ongoing infrastructural transformation in the FCT to the purposeful leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

He explained that through fuel subsidy removal, the Tinubu’s administration has made financial resources available to 36 states and the FCT to pay workers’ salaries and carry out infrastructural development projects.

The President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, has warned that Nigeria’s industrial sector is shrinking fast, calling it a serious problem for the country’s economy.

Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Meshioye said the industry’s share of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dropped from 27.65% in 2010 to 21.08% in 2019.

He added that the manufacturing sector recorded an average decline of -0.76% between 2019 and 2024, while sectors like services and agriculture continued to grow.

According to him, the figures show a worrisome move from production to consumption and services, warning that such a trend is unsustainable for long-term growth.

Speaking at the Made in Nigeria Exhibition (MiNE), part of MAN’s 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the theme ‘Nigeria First: Prioritising Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria,’ Meshioye said that despite harsh operating conditions, Nigerian manufacturers have remained committed, producing quality and competitive goods.

Also speaking at the event, Philbert Abaka Johnson, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, praised the theme as timely and in line with global efforts to promote sustainable industrialisation.

He stressed that the ‘Nigeria First’ policy should go beyond patriotic talk, urging the government, private sector, and citizens to take real and coordinated actions to support local industries.

Johnson noted that a strong manufacturing sector is vital for sustainable development.

He called for urgent and well-coordinated efforts in key areas such as infrastructure, energy, access to finance, technology, market access, and trade facilitation to revive Nigeria’s industrial base.

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced that he will contest again in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi said he is confident that he has what it takes to lead Nigeria and bring positive change within four years if elected.

‘I am contesting, and I am sure I will be on the ballot,’ he said. ‘People must look at who has the capacity and competence to lead. I believe I am qualified, and in four years, I can change Nigeria’s direction for the better.’

Obi, who ran under the Labour Party in 2023, is now part of an opposition coalition that has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform.

However, he insists he is still a member of the Labour Party and is working with other opposition leaders to

‘rescue Nigeria from bad leadership.’

When asked about rumours that he might return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi dismissed them, saying all patriotic Nigerians must unite to rebuild the country.

‘All of us need to come together as one people. That’s the only way we can do what is right for Nigeria,’ he added.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the spread of fake news and misinformation, noting that false narratives have far-reaching consequences on national unity, peace, and nation’s ‘s image.

Idris said this when a delegation from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) visited him on Tuesday.

Speaking to the NOUN delegation led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, Idris called on Nigerians to unite against false narratives and contrived misinformation by foreign interests to undermine the nation’s unity.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Minister’s Personal Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim on Wednesday in Abuja.

‘Nigerians should join hands collectively, to stop fake narratives about our country.

‘We all have a responsibility to project the truth and Nigeria’s image.

‘Misinformation has the capacity to divide nations, and we must not allow that to happen to ours.

‘Nigeria and the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is commitment to advancing media and information literacy as a tool for promoting truth, unity, and national development,’ Idris said.

He praised the NOUN for what he described as its excellence in promoting open distance learning and commitment to hosting the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI).

He added that, the certification for the IMILI would be done in November 2025, at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

‘IMILI is not only an educational initiative, but also a strategic national investment in truth, literacy and civic enlightenment.

‘And that is why my Ministry is committed to working with NOUN, UNESCO, and the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure Nigeria’s successful ratification and recognition of IMILI at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.

‘The IMLI objective is to promote responsible media practices and strengthen Nigeria’s global standing in information literacy as a leading voice in information integrity.

‘The establishment of IMILI not only positions Nigeria as a leading voice in media and information literacy across Africa, but the grand initiative aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes integrity, accountability, and public enlightenment,’ Idris said.

Peters, expressed the University’s profound gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation for entrusting it with the responsibility of hosting IMILI.

Peters acknowledged the Minister’s support and the Federal Government’s provision of a ?250 million Naira grant to facilitate the Institute’s development.

He described the Institute as capable of strengthening Nigeria’s leadership in global media education and pledged the full commitment of the NOUN to the success and international recognition of IMILI.

‘NOUN is fully prepared for the global accreditation of IMILI as a UNESCO Category Two Institute, and this recognition will further enhance Nigeria’s reputation in education and media literacy.’

He also guaranteed NOUN’s institutional capacity, digital infrastructure, and academic expertise to sustain the Institute, with structures already in place to ensure its autonomy and international relevance.