Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Federal Government has proposed a national economic policy framework to ensure consistent economic decision-making across successive administrations reduce uncertainty for businesses and investors and make job creation rising incomes and poverty reduction the main measures of economic progress.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Taiwo Oyedele said the proposed Nigeria Economic Policy Framework would establish lasting principles for economic policymaking replacing frequent policy changes and ad hoc decisions with a more predictable system of governance.

Speaking at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit Oyedele said Nigeria has produced numerous economic blueprints development plans and reform programmes over the past four decades without achieving the prosperity expected from such efforts.

He attributed the problem not to a lack of ideas or ambition but to the failure to maintain a consistent economic direction and implement policies with discipline.

‘Our challenge has never been a shortage of ambition or good ideas. It has been the absence of an enduring economic philosophy consistent policymaking and disciplined implementation’ he said.

He said progress made through one reform is often undermined by another policy and successive administrations frequently shift the country’s economic direction.

The minister said the proposed framework aimed to address this problem by establishing principles to guide economic decisions regardless of changes in political leadership.

He explained that the document was not a conventional development plan or a list of government projects but a national economic doctrine that would define how Nigeria makes economic decisions and measures their impact.

‘Governments will come governments will go but Nigeria’s economic horizon must outlive every electoral calendar’ Oyedele said.

He said the Federal Government is seeking to build a productive competitive diversified and inclusive economy capable of creating quality jobs increasing household incomes and delivering shared prosperity.

Under the proposal economic performance would be assessed not only by growth in gross domestic product (GDP) but also by improvements in the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

Oyedele said a graduate securing productive employment a farmer increasing output while reducing post-harvest losses and a small business expanding without being overwhelmed by multiple taxes and arbitrary regulations were examples of the outcomes the country should pursue.

‘GDP growth matters but per capita income matters even more’ he said adding that actual investment in productive capacity was more important than announcements of investment commitments that might not translate into economic activity.

The minister’s proposal comes as the Federal Government seeks to establish a more predictable policy environment in which businesses can plan investments expand operations and create jobs with greater confidence.

He identified uncertainty around government policies as a major obstacle to investment and economic growth warning that frequent regulatory changes could impose substantial costs on businesses.

Oyedele said regulators sometimes introduced major policies without sufficient evidence proper assessment of their likely effects or meaningful consultation with the businesses expected to comply.

He also criticised the practice of announcing rules for immediate implementation without giving affected companies enough time to adjust their operations.

According to him policies driven by personal preferences and anecdotal impressions rather than credible data make it difficult for businesses to plan for the future.

‘Policy uncertainty is an invisible tax on enterprise and unlike most taxes it generates no revenue for government. It only destroys value and discourages investment’ he said.

He explained that unpredictable policies could make investors hesitant increase the cost of capital reduce business opportunities and prevent job creation.

To address these concerns the proposed framework would require policy impact assessments before major economic interventions.

Oyedele said significant measures including tax adjustments tariff changes regulatory restrictions and incentives should be supported by documented evidence showing the problems they are intended to solve and their likely consequences.

Policymakers would be expected to explain the evidence behind a proposed measure identify who would benefit and who would bear the cost and specify the conditions under which the policy would expire.

The minister said this approach aimed to replace arbitrary decision-making with transparent predictable governance.

The proposal could have significant implications for businesses across different sectors particularly manufacturers and other investors whose decisions depend on the stability of tax rules trade policies regulations and government incentives.

Oyedele also called for greater coordination among ministries departments and agencies arguing that businesses experience the combined effect of government policies rather than the actions of individual institutions in isolation.

He said every government institution should consider how its decisions affect the overall economy instead of concentrating solely on its own responsibilities or expanding its bureaucratic requirements.

According to him the framework would promote a whole-of-government approach that coordinates economic policies to improve national productivity and competitiveness.

Another major proposal is to introduce an annual National Economic Scorecard to measure the country’s economic performance against outcomes that directly affect Nigerians.

Oyedele said the scorecard would be published every year on or before Independence Day October 1 to publicly assess whether real wages were increasing productive jobs were being created and poverty was declining.

He said the purpose was to make economic performance more transparent and strengthen accountability for the results of government policies.

‘What gets publicly measured cannot be quietly ignored’ the minister said.

The proposed scorecard would focus more on the effects of economic policies on households and businesses rather than relying solely on aggregate economic indicators.

Oyedele said the framework would organise the country’s economic priorities around seven interconnected systems: stability productivity enterprise capital people markets and institutions.

He explained that one area’s performance depended on the strength of the others noting that Nigeria could not build competitive industries without adequate infrastructure and efficient logistics.

He also said sustained economic growth would require substantial investment in education healthcare and human capital.

The minister identified private enterprise as the principal driver of production investment and employment under the proposed economic doctrine.

He said government’s role should include providing public goods maintaining the rule of law correcting genuine market failures and protecting vulnerable people.

On industrial policy Oyedele said the government could support local industries but should not allow protective measures to become permanent shelters for inefficient businesses.

‘A tariff must serve as a runway for local industry to take off never a permanent shelter from competition’ he said.

The proposed approach suggests that trade protection should help domestic industries develop the capacity to compete rather than shield them indefinitely from market pressures.

Oyedele said the framework would also guide decisions on taxation investment subsidies and other economic interventions to ensure that policies in one area did not undermine progress in another.

He argued that the ultimate objective was to create an economy in which businesses could expand workers could earn better incomes and economic growth could generate wider benefits for the population.

The minister however stressed that the proposed framework had not yet been adopted as government policy and was being presented for public consultation.

He said the consultation would remain open until November 27 2026 with Nigerians invited to examine the document and respond to 17 core questions through the Ministry of Finance’s website finance.gov.ng.

He called on the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) private-sector organisations and other stakeholders to scrutinise the proposals offer alternative views and provide evidence to improve the document.

Following the consultation and validation process the framework is expected to proceed to the Federal Executive Council for approval and the National Economic Council for endorsement according to the minister.

Oyedele said the government wanted the framework to emerge from a broad national consensus rather than be imposed without adequate consultation.

He argued that policies should be developed with the participation of those affected implemented transparently and corrected when evidence shows that changes are necessary.

He warned that even well-intentioned reforms could produce poor results if they lacked consistent principles and effective implementation.

The minister also suggested that national agreement on economic policy could change the nature of political debate with parties focusing more on implementing an agreed economic direction than on presenting competing policy manifestos.

He said Nigeria’s long-term prosperity would depend on its ability to make sound decisions and sustain them across generations.

‘Nigeria has the talent. We have the enterprise. What we must now build together is policy certainty’ he said.

Oyedele urged summit participants and other stakeholders to support the consultation process describing the proposed framework as an opportunity to replace unpredictable economic decisions with a lasting national agreement on how to manage the economy.

He said the initiative’s success would depend on Nigerians’ willingness to contribute evidence challenge proposals where necessary and support policies that deliver lasting economic benefits.

The newly appointed Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode arrived in Johannesburg on Sunday to officially begin his diplomatic mission.

Fani-Kayode who is also concurrently accredited to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini landed at O. R. Tambo International Airport where senior diplomats and a large gathering of the Nigerian diaspora welcomed him.

A statement from his media aide Lizzy Okoji quoted the envoy as outlining his primary objectives emphasising that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate centres on restoring strong bilateral relations and safeguarding the interests of Nigerians living in South Africa.

‘Our focus is to rebuild the bridge of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa while protecting the interests of our citizens’ Fani-Kayode said. He emphasised that as Africa’s two largest economies both nations must maintain a united front to drive regional stability economic prosperity and Pan-African unity.

His arrival comes at a critical juncture for bilateral relations following recurring socio-economic friction and concerns over the welfare of the Nigerian community. The High Commissioner is expected to engage in high-level talks with South African authorities to address these challenges and foster peaceful coexistence.

The airport reception featured cultural displays and fanfare from various diaspora groups. Key officials present to welcome the envoy included Amb. Temitope Ajayi former Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria; Amb. (Mrs.) Ninikanwa Okey-Uche Consul General in Johannesburg; and Mr Puleng Chaba Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Representatives from major civil professional and regional bodies-including the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) the Nigeria Doctors Forum and student organisations-were also in attendance.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has announced plans to give its late leader Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti a befitting burial.

The organisation also expressed appreciation to individuals and groups commiserating with it over the death of the centenarian assuring members and the public that it remained united despite his demise.

Afenifere National Publicity Secretary Comrade Jare Ajayi disclosed this in a statement adding that the Chairman of the National Executive Committee Oba Olu Falae was working with the family to constitute a burial committee.

According to the statement the committee will oversee arrangements for a befitting farewell for the late Asiwaju Yoruba.

Ajayi also dismissed claims of a leadership crisis within the organisation.

He said Oba Falae would lead delegates from Afenifere branches across Yorubaland to pay a formal condolence visit to the family on Tuesday October 27 2026.

The visit will take place on the eighth day after Fasoranti’s death a day known in Yoruba tradition as ‘Ojo Kejo’ which carries symbolic significance.

The delegation is expected to include representatives from the organisation’s state branches in Kogi Kwara Oyo Osun Ogun Ekiti Lagos and Ondo states.

The statement indicated that members of Afenifere worldwide are presently preoccupied with how to give their leader a glorious burial.

‘Our attention presently is on how to give our leader and Asiwaju Yoruba a glorious burial that he deserves. It would be a height of irresponsibility to be talking about leadership when the remains of the respected leader have not been interred. Such is very much against Yoruba principles’ Ajayi’s statement read in part.

He added that in due time everything would be laid bare for the public.

Chief Fasoranti breathed his last on Tuesday October 20th at the age of 100 a few months after he celebrated his centenary birthday on May 11 2026.

He gave the details of the funeral programmes as follows:

‘A Christian wake-keeping service will be held on Wednesday December 16 2026. The venue is the premises of Omolere Nursery and Primary School within the late leader’s estate in the Fiwasaye area of Akure.

‘The funeral service will be on Thursday December 17th at St. David’s Cathedral Ijomu Akure.

Interment will follow immediately at the church’s cemetery. Guests will be entertained at the leader’s residence while the Thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday December 20th at the same St. David’s Cathedral Ijomu Akure.’

Ajayi quoted Afenifere Exco Chairman Oba Falae as describing Papa Fasoranti as someone who would be sorely missed.

‘He was a great man whose legacy of firmness resilience humaneness hard work and exemplary deeds remains as a beacon for us.

‘We are celebrating the leader’s life rather than grieving because he had lived a purposeful and fulfilling life’.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate has confirmed the evacuation of Nigeria’s first imported case of Ebola virus disease to Switzerland.

In a statement posted on X on Monday Pate said the patient departed Abuja early that morning with his approval after ‘significant clinical improvement.’

According to the Minister the patient was ‘stable conscious and communicating’ while her laboratory test results were ‘approaching baseline levels.’

However he cautioned that the improvement did not necessarily mean she was no longer infectious stressing that ‘strict public health protocols remained in place.’

Pate said the patient was evacuated with her spouse who remained asymptomatic.

He commended the clinical personnel who treated the patient and the public health officials who coordinated the evacuation ‘in accordance with established public health measures.’

The Minister said the government would provide further updates later Monday following the ‘successful arrival of the patient and her spouse at their destination.’

He also assured Nigerians that public health measures were continuing to contain the imported virus effectively urging citizens to ‘remain vigilant and rely on credible sources of information.’

Earlier reports indicated that the 42-year-old woman said to be the wife of a Swiss diplomat in Nigeria was transported by ambulance convoy to the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja in preparation for the medical evacuation.

Airport officials reportedly cordoned off the private wing as medical personnel prepared the aircraft for departure.

A video circulating on social media appeared to show officials moving the patient who appeared to be in an isolation unit onto a stretcher before transferring her into the aircraft.

One worker was trapped in the rubble when a storey building collapsed during manual demolition at Adedoyin Street Ijegun Ikotun in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on Monday.

Another worker who sustained a hand injury in the incident had been taken to the hospital before the arrival of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) response team.

LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed this in a statement stating that rescue operations are ongoing at the scene.

He said the agency received a distress call about the collapse at about 1:44pm and immediately deployed its Beta Team from the Igando Base.

The response team working with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) commenced a coordinated search and rescue operation to recover the trapped worker.

The area was cordoned off to prevent secondary hazards while the state government promised to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse and establish whether building regulations were followed.

Meanwhile LASEMA said its response teams had managed three other incidents across the state.

At Iyana Oworo inward the Third Mainland Bridge a Lexus Jeep with registration number BDG 404 KA somersaulted at about 1:30am following a loss of control attributed to reckless driving.

One adult male sustained injuries and was taken to hospital before the arrival of the agency’s team. No death was recorded.

The team cordoned off the scene managed traffic and evacuated the damaged vehicle to a lay-by with the assistance of a private tow truck. The operation was completed restoring free movement along the corridor.

At Ayetoro Road Epe an empty gas tanker with registration number T30015LA veered into the road median after its brakes reportedly failed while climbing the hilly Paramount Road near Okeabata Junction.

The truck blocked about 97 per cent of the roadway although no casualty was recorded.

LASEMA’s Whales Team from the Epe Base working with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service’s Okeoso Station secured the scene and arranged for a private tow van to recover the tanker.

In another incident at Arena Oshodi a truck conveying goods broke down on a railway track following a mechanical failure involving its propeller obstructing train movement.

The agency’s Beta Eagle Team from the Cappa Base alongside officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and soldiers diverted traffic while awaiting the arrival of LASEMA’s heavy-duty equipment Super Metro.

The truck was subsequently evacuated to a safe lay-by allowing both rail and road movements to resume.

Oke-Osanyintolu urged developers property owners and contractors to comply with building regulations and engage certified professionals for demolition and construction works.

He also advised motorists to avoid reckless driving and maintain their vehicles regularly to prevent avoidable accidents.

The senatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun Central Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo has declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and dismissed reports linking her to purported political alliance with the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr Peter Obi.

She described the report of her alliance with Obi as false saying she had never met him for political discussions and had not entered into any arrangement with him over a proposed cross-party voting strategy.

Her clarification followed a social media publication attributed to a blog Very Nigerian which claimed a political arrangement tagged ‘Rainbow Coalition’ was emerging in Ogun Central with Iyabo Obasanjo allegedly considering endorsement of Obi.

But the senatorial candidate of PDP in a swift response said her support for Tinubu was informed by her long-standing political relationship with the President and the respect he had consistently shown her.

She said: ‘I have never met Obi for any political discussion.

‘I’m supporting Tinubu because I know him as the best of all the presidential candidates as much as a senior politician. He has always treated me with respect.’

The Iyabo Obasanjo Senatorial Campaign Organisation also rejected the alleged alliance describing the publication as fabricated.

It accused its promoters of attempting to mislead voters and create confusion within the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement signed by its spokesman Peter Macjob the campaign organisation maintained that there had been no meetings consultations or agreements between Iyabo Obasanjo and Obi concerning the purported coalition.

It insisted that Obasanjo remained the duly cleared PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central and was concentrating on her campaign to return to the National Assembly.

The organisation urged voters and media organisations to disregard the report calling for political discussions to focus on candidates’ records policy proposals and capacity to deliver effective representation rather than unsubstantiated claims of secret alliances.

It said the campaign’s priority was to mobilise support across Ogun Central and convince constituents that Obasanjo’s return to the Senate would advance grassroots development and improve representation.

Obasanjo a former lawmaker representing Ogun Central is seeking return to the National Assembly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.

Her declaration of support for Tinubu while retaining her PDP senatorial candidacy highlights the distinction between her stated presidential preference and her ambition to contest Ogun Central seat under the opposition party.

BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu has challenged the Federal Government to create an environment that enables Nigeria to produce at least 100 more companies like BUA warning that high borrowing costs unreliable infrastructure and inconsistent government policies are holding back industrial growth.

Rabiu said Nigeria could not build a strong manufacturing economy if businesses could not secure affordable long-term funding or plan their investments with confidence beyond a few years.

Speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday the industrialist said the country needed to move beyond economic reforms and create the conditions for businesses to expand establish factories employ more Nigerians and compete in international markets.

‘The question we must ask ourselves is not simply how BUA can continue to grow. It is how Nigeria can create another 100 BUAs’ he said.

He explained that the country needed more large businesses across manufacturing agriculture mining technology and other productive sectors to generate employment support smaller suppliers increase exports and strengthen the economy.

Rabiu argued that Nigeria’s industrial future should not depend on a small number of established companies. Instead government policies should encourage more businesses to grow from small operations into major enterprises capable of investing billions of naira in production and creating jobs on a large scale.

He said this would require a more predictable business environment affordable financing and infrastructure that allows manufacturers to produce and distribute goods at competitive costs.

‘We cannot expect businesses to make 20-year investments if they cannot plan with confidence beyond the next few years’ he said.

The BUA chairman explained that industrial investments require substantial spending before companies begin to earn returns. Businesses must acquire land build factories buy machinery train workers and finance production with some investments taking 10 to 20 years to reach their full potential.

He said such projects cannot be financed mainly with expensive loans that must be repaid over short periods.

‘You cannot build a strong industrial economy primarily with expensive short-term finances’ Rabiu said.

He called for a stronger financial system that provides businesses with long-term capital at affordable rates arguing that the country must find better ways to direct domestic savings toward productive investments.

He said pension funds insurance companies banks development finance institutions and the capital market all play important roles in providing the funding needed for industrial expansion.

Such funding would help businesses plan for the long term increase production capacity and undertake projects that may not generate immediate returns but could deliver significant economic benefits over time.

Rabiu’s call comes as manufacturers continue to balance borrowing costs with the need to invest in equipment expand factories and maintain production.

He said financing alone would not solve the problem if businesses continued to face unreliable electricity poor transport links and uncertainty over government policies.

While calling for improvements in the business environment Rabiu supported changes to Nigeria’s foreign exchange system saying the market-based approach made it easier for businesses to obtain foreign currency.

He recalled that he previously had to visit the Central Bank of Nigeria every two weeks to seek foreign exchange allocations for business needs.

Under the earlier arrangement he said an attractive official exchange rate did not necessarily mean companies could obtain the dollars they needed.

He said he preferred a transparent market where businesses could access foreign exchange at prevailing rates and plan their operations with greater certainty.

‘As an industrialist I’d rather operate in a transparent market where I can plan than in a system where the official rate appears attractive but foreign exchange is unavailable because certainty gives businesses the confidence to invest’ he said.

His position reflects the importance of predictability to manufacturers particularly those that need foreign currency to import machinery spare parts and other production inputs.

However Rabiu acknowledged that the government’s economic reforms had increased pressure on households and businesses with many Nigerians still struggling with the cost of living and companies facing high operating expenses.

‘Of course high financing costs infrastructure gaps and pressures on household incomes remain serious challenges’ he said.

He urged the government to ensure the reforms translate into higher domestic production more jobs and improved living standards.

Rabiu also called for investment in roads railways electricity and logistics saying moving goods across the country must become cheaper and more efficient if Nigerian manufacturers are to compete successfully.

He said factories should be able to supply customers across Nigeria and reach export markets without being held back by poor transport links and high distribution costs.

‘Infrastructure is not simply about building roads and railways; it is about building one connected competitive Nigerian economy’ he said.

Better transport networks would enable manufacturers to move raw materials to factories and finished products to markets more efficiently. Reliable electricity would also help reduce the cost of production and make locally manufactured goods more competitive.

Rabiu further called for greater processing of Nigeria’s agricultural produce and mineral resources within the country rather than relying on exports of raw materials and importing finished products.

He cited cement manufacturing as an example of how investment in domestic production could reduce dependence on imports and strengthen local industrial capacity.

Expanding local processing he said would create opportunities for farmers miners manufacturers transport operators and other businesses connected to production and distribution.

To address the challenges facing businesses the BUA chairman proposed an economic accord built around five priorities: stable government policies productive investment human capital development affordable long-term financing and shared prosperity.

He said the government must provide the policy environment and basic infrastructure needed to encourage investment while businesses must respond by building factories developing farms expanding production and creating employment.

Investment in human capital is also necessary to ensure that businesses can find workers with the skills required to operate modern factories and support the growth of productive industries.

Rabiu said the objective should be to build an economy where businesses can expand workers can earn income and more Nigerians can benefit from economic activity.

He urged the government to measure the success of its reforms by the changes they bring to citizens’ lives rather than by policy announcements or economic figures alone.

‘The reforms we have taken must now lead to more factories more jobs more competitive businesses and better lives for our people’ he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has published the voter register on its website ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission has asked Nigerians to use the publication to submit observations on the register noting that it is processing claims and objections arising from the earlier display of the register at the registration level.

In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Mohammed Haruna the commission noted concerns from Nigerians and other stakeholders about making the register accessible through its online platform.

The statement read ‘The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to provide an update on the display of the Preliminary Register of Voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

‘In accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026 the Commission conducted the physical display of the Register at Registration Areas nationwide from 9th to 15th October 2026 providing registered voters the opportunity to inspect their particulars and submit claims and objections as prescribed by law.

‘The Commission has taken note of the concerns expressed by Nigerians and other stakeholders regarding the desirability of making the Register accessible through its online platform in addition to the physical display already conducted.

‘Accordingly and in furtherance of its commitment to transparency accessibility and public confidence in the electoral process the Commission has decided to make available on its online platform https://display.inecnigeria.org the same Preliminary Register of Voters earlier displayed at the Registration Areas.

‘This additional measure complements the physical display already undertaken and is intended to facilitate wider public access to the Register.

‘Meanwhile the Commission continues to process claims and objections arising from the exercise in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026 preparatory to the certification and publication of the Final Register of Voters on 15th December 2026.

‘The Commission appreciates the continued interest and constructive engagement of Nigerians and stakeholders and reiterates its commitment to transparency accountability and the faithful implementation of the Electoral Act 2026 in delivering credible elections.’

The Arewa Think Tank says the North has spoken through the massive turnout of supporters at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

The group described the gathering as a strong political statement to Tinubu’s opponents in the January 16 poll that their chances are slim.

Convener of the Think Tank Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu made this known in a statement yesterday he made available to reporters just as the City Boy Movement (CBM) lauded the youth for turning up en masse to register their support for the President’s second term.

Yakubu commended the people of the North governors of the region and key APC stakeholders for their contributions to the successful hosting of the rally.

He particularly praised the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Abdulaziz Yari and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for their leadership and organisational efforts.

Yakubu said the turnout and expressions of support at the gathering demonstrated the enthusiasm and determination of Tinubu’s supporters across the North to work towards his re-election.

‘The successful gathering in Kaduna sends a strong political message about the enthusiasm and commitment of supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across Northern Nigeria.

”The voices expressed at the event reflect a determination among these supporters to stand with President Tinubu and advocate for his re-election in 2027’ he said.

The Arewa Think Tank Convener described the rally as a significant political engagement that underscores the importance of unity grassroots mobilisation and active participation in Nigeria’s democratic process stressing that the North remained a critical stakeholder in the country’s political development.

Yakubu congratulated Governor Sani and the people of Kaduna State for successfully hosting the campaign’s flag-off noting that their hospitality coordination and organisational efforts contributed significantly to the success of the gathering.

‘I particularly commend Governor Uba Sani and the government and people of Kaduna State for their hospitality organisational efforts and commitment to ensuring the successful hosting of the event’ he stated.

He also applauded the Northern governors political leaders youth groups women’s organisations and grassroots mobilisers who participated in the rally saying their collective involvement demonstrated the importance of collaboration among political stakeholders and citizens in strengthening democratic participation.

The convener also said Yari’s efforts ensured the successful conduct of the political gathering.

The City Boy Movement(CBM) has described the turnout of young Nigerians at Saturday’s flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in Kaduna Kaduna State as an affirmation of its sustained grassroots enlightenment and mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It said youth participation at the colourful political gathering demonstrated growing interest among young Nigerians in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development agenda and their determination to participate actively in shaping the country’s political and economic future.

In a reflection titled ‘Beyond the Road: Unlocking Opportunities Empowering Young Nigerians and Building a Prosperous Future’ the movement attributed the enthusiasm witnessed at the Kaduna rally partly to sustained grassroots engagements including its mobilisation and street walk in Kano.

‘The City Boy Movement was proudly on the ground engaging with young Nigerians and grassroots supporters who came out to demonstrate their commitment to the future of our country ” it said in the statement by its Director-General Francis Shoga.

‘The enthusiasm witnessed in Kaduna alongside our grassroots engagement and street walk in Kano reinforces our conviction that young Nigerians want to be part of a national conversation about development opportunity and a more prosperous Nigeria’ the group added.

Explaining that its activities extended beyond mobilising electoral support for Tinubu the CBM stressed that its central mission IS to educate and empower young people to understand government policies and take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.

It particularly hailed the inauguration of an 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway during the campaign flag-off describing the development as a demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and stimulating economic activities in the Northwest.

According to the group the strategic road corridor linking Abuja Kaduna Zaria and Kano offers opportunities for agricultural transformation industrial expansion regional trade private investment and employment generation.

The CBM noted that improved connectivity could benefit farmers traders transport operators and young entrepreneurs by facilitating access to markets reducing transportation difficulties and encouraging investments in logistics manufacturing food processing and related businesses.

‘The objective is not simply to build infrastructure. It is to create the conditions in which people can build businesses earn sustainable incomes create jobs and improve their standard of living’ it said.

The group however emphasised that infrastructure development must be complemented by sustained security operations effective intelligence gathering reliable electricity and investment-friendly policies to unlock the region’s full economic potential.

‘A good road connects destinations. A secure road connects people to opportunity. Together infrastructure and security can help unlock the economic potential of an entire region’ it declared.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general election the CBM said it would intensify grassroots engagements across the federation by educating young Nigerians about the administration’s reforms while encouraging peaceful democratic participation.

The CBM commended the youth participating in the rally and Kano mobilisation describing their enthusiasm as an encouragement to its nationwide efforts.

‘Every conversation every community engagement and every effort to educate and mobilise people can contribute to a stronger national movement and a more informed citizenry’ it said.

The group urged young Nigerians to assess the administration’s achievements and challenges acquire relevant skills embrace entrepreneurship and make informed political decisions.

‘Our message is simple: Do not sit on the sidelines while decisions that will shape your future are being made. Get informed get involved and make your voice count’ it declared.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his historic re-election for a record fourth term declaring Nigeria’s readiness to expand its strategic partnership with Brazil across critical sectors of both economies.

The President said Lula’s renewed mandate presented a fresh opportunity to consolidate the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Brazil particularly in trade investment agriculture energy manufacturing and technological development.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed on Monday in Abuja Tinubu described the Brazilian leader as a friend and expressed optimism that his electoral victory would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

‘I congratulate my friend President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil on his re-election for a record fourth term.

‘Your renewed mandate offers an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Brazil dating back to 1961’ Tinubu stated.

The President emphasised the strategic importance of cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil as two influential countries of the Global South stressing the need for stronger economic integration and collective action in addressing emerging global challenges.

According to him both nations occupy important positions in their respective regions and possess enormous potential to influence economic development international cooperation and the advancement of developing economies.

‘As two leading nations of the Global South we can promote economic integration and advance our shared interests in a rapidly changing global order’ he said.

Tinubu identified trade and investment agriculture and food security energy oil and gas manufacturing science and technology education aviation and cultural exchange as priority areas in which his administration would seek expanded cooperation with Brazil.

‘I look forward to expanding cooperation in trade and investment agriculture and food security energy oil and gas manufacturing science and technology education aviation and cultural exchange’ the President declared.

He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening multilateral engagement with Brazil particularly in advancing common priorities affecting Africa South America and other developing regions.

The President said stronger collaboration between the two countries would contribute to the pursuit of shared economic and diplomatic interests within the evolving international system.

‘I affirm Nigeria’s continued commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities in Africa South America and across the Global South’ Tinubu said.

He concluded by extending the goodwill of the Nigerian government and people to the Brazilian leader as he prepares for another term in office.

‘On behalf of the people of Nigeria I wish you a successful new term in office’ the President said.