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The Federal Government has launched the 2025 nationwide mass anti-rabies vaccination campaign, with a pledge to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths in Nigeria by 2030 in line with global targets.

Speaking at the flag-off in Abuja to commemorate World Rabies Day (WRD),Idi Mukhtar Maiha minister of Livestock Development, described rabies as ‘one of the deadliest yet most preventable zoonotic diseases, stressing that the campaign reflects government’s commitment to protecting lives and strengthening public health.

‘This year’s theme, ‘You, Me, and the Community,’ reminds us that rabies elimination cannot be achieved by government efforts alone. It requires the active involvement of citizens, policy makers, veterinarians, dog owners, hunters, teachers, parents, and indeed the whole community,’ Maiha said. He disclosed that 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines have been procured for immediate deployment, particularly in eight frontline states with the highest reported rabies cases in the last six months – Lagos, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Cross River, Osun and the FCT.

Veterinary teaching hospitals and colleges will also receive allocations, while the COBO tool application will be deployed to capture real-time data on vaccinated animals. ‘Rabies continues to claim thousands of lives globally, with Africa and Asia bearing the greatest burden. Most victims are children under 15 years. Yet rabies is entirely preventable through vaccination,’ the Minister said.

He added that the campaign would enlist private veterinarians, veterinary students, and even retired professionals, likening the fight against rabies to a ‘war’ requiring mobilisation of all available expertise. ‘We are launching, but we are not retreating. We will only retreat when the last rabies virus has been killed and buried,’ Maiha declared.

George Uzaga, national coordinator of the Rabies Control Programme, said Nigeria continues to record rabies outbreaks, citing a recent case in Borno where an infected dog bit 30 schoolchildren.

‘Rabies is the most deadly zoonotic disease in the world. Once symptoms appear, there is no cure. That is why vaccination of dogs and cats is our best weapon,’ Uzaga said.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that the success of the ‘Nigeria First Policy’ hinges on its deliberate and inclusive implementation to ensure equitable benefits for all stakeholders.

As the policy aims to strengthen local industries and promote economic growth, MAN’s input highlights the importance of careful planning and execution to achieve its objectives.

Francis Meshioye, president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who made this known on Tuesday at a press briefing on the association’s upcoming 53rd Annual General Meeting in Lagos, said the Nigeria First Policy is a turning point for the nation as it seeks to foster economic self-reliance, industrialisation, and national pride.

According to him, by mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods and services that can be sourced locally, the federal government has signalled its resolve to place local industries at the heart of economic transformation.

He noted that the country’s economic environment has remained challenging, but it is marked by renewed hope, as bold policy steps are being taken to reposition the economy for growth.

‘The Nigeria First Policy is more than a policy directive; it is a call to action to strengthen our industries, deepen local value chains and reposition Nigeria from being a consumer-driven economy to a productive economy,’ Meshioye said.

‘We must, however, emphasize that while the policy holds immense promise, its success depends on inclusive and deliberate implementation,’ he added, while calling on manufacturers, SMEs, policy makers and Nigerians to play their part. He noted that the task ahead requires addressing long-standing structural challenges, infrastructure, regulations, financing gaps, and capacity building, saying that only through coordinated action, sustained investment and accountability can Nigeria unlock the policy potential.

Speaking on MAN’s upcoming AGM, the president said that the event provides an excellent platform to deepen conversation on the Nigeria First Policy.

He said the theme for this year’s AGM is ‘Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria,’ explaining that it underscores Nigeria’s unwavering belief that prioritizing local production is the surest path to sustainable growth, employment generation and national development.

He announced Aliko Dangote, Africa’s renowned industrialist, as the distinguished guest for the event, describing his entrepreneurial story as an epitome of the Nigeria first spirit.

‘He has built one of Africa’s largest Conglomerates, spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers and oil refinery. His investment has redefined Nigeria’s industrial landscape, created thousands of jobs and reduced dependence on imports.’

‘His business decisions, over the past decades, capture the very essence of our theme and his presence will inspire our discussions as we navigate the next phase of Nigeria’s Industrial growth.’

Meshioye said the three-day event, scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 14th to Thursday, 16th, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, features a line-up of activities that is rich and impactful.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was the hero at Rams Park on Tuesday night as his penalty fires Galatasaray to a 1-0 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

Osimhen smashed home from the spot in the 26th minute after Dominik Szoboszlai struck Baris Alper Yilmaz in the face inside the box. The goal not only sealed a famous win for the Turkish champions but also saw Osimhen become the first Nigerian to reach 10 goals in the Champions League proper, surpassing Obafemi Martins.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot opted for a surprising line-up, deploying Dominik Szoboszlai at full-back and pushing Jeremie Frimpong further forward, while Mohamed Salah was left on the bench. Despite dominating possession, the Reds failed to break down a disciplined Galatasaray side, with Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz seeing efforts saved by Ugurcan Çakir.

At the other end, Osimhen’s pace unsettled Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, and the hosts pressed with relentless energy, buoyed by a raucous Istanbul crowd.

The defeat marked back-to-back losses for Liverpool in Europe, raising concerns for Slot, who admitted his side’s performance was as troubling as the result.

For Galatasaray, the win ended a dismal run of one victory in their previous 18 Champions League group games and none in their last seven European ties.

Coach Okan Buruk’s men showed grit and passion to revive their European campaign and hand their fans a night to remember.

Presidency on Monday said it welcome former President Goodluck Jonathan to the 2027 Presidential race.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated this while reacting to a statement credited to Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information, who revealed that the former President would contest the 2027 Presidential election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Onanuga noted that there are premature desperation of the opposition ganging up against President Bola Tinubu despite his glaring giant economic strides.

‘We are once again regaled with a cacophony of voices, most of them full of sound and fury, signifying nothing, to paraphrase inimitable Williams Shakespeare in one of his classic works, Macbeth.’

Presidency stated that the’former Minister of Information and National Orientation, moving to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2007 Presidential race, affirmed that the former president would contest the coming election the platform of the discredited People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which bequeathed a legacy of economic ruins, after 16 years of bad governance.’

He stated that’Gana even deluded himself, asserting that the former President would defeat President Tinubu to reclaim power after 12 years.

‘Gana of the defunct MAMSER fame is free to delude himself and engage in his usual comedy; after all, Jonathan’s entering the race would provide another job for the Niger State-born former university don.’

Onanuga however cautioned former President Jonathan to be wary of the PDP sugar-coated cheerleaders.

The Presidential Spokesman said Politicians of Jerry Gana’s ilk merely want to lure Jonathan into the race to satisfy their personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests, but added that ‘They will abandon him midstream, as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch.

‘Don’t get us wrong: President Jonathan reserves the right to run if he wishes.

‘It is his inalienable right to contest the presidency again. President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race.

‘But Jonathan will have his date in the court of the land. Indeed, the jury will determine whether Jonathan, who was sworn in twice as president, satisfies the constitutional requirements and is eligible to contest the presidency and be sworn in, if successful, for a third term in office.

‘Some of all those selfish considerations for which some PDP big guns find his candidacy appealing, President Jonathan will also have his encounter with the people as to whether he has anything new to offer after his disastrous six years, for which they voted him out in 2015. Onanuga, while speaking about Jonathan’s record in office, said Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry how ‘his regime, devoid of any clear economic agenda, engaged in frivolous spending, ran the economy aground and put the country in dire straits.

‘The nation’s economic downturn, which President Tinubu is working very hard to overcome, actually began under President Jonathan.

‘The Jonathan administration severely damaged the economy, and all key indicators declined under his watch. Under him, the so-called business moguls allocated foreign exchange to import fuel, simply pocketing the dollars without importing anything. Some of those big men still have court cases on the issue today.

‘Jonathan and his National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), freely distributed security funds to friends and cronies.

He also recalled that in ‘2010, President Jonathan inherited a total of $66 billion, of which $46 billion was in foreign reserves and $20 billion in the noble-but-abused Excess Crude Account.

‘By 2015, when the people democratically removed him from office, the foreign reserves had fallen below $30 billion, and the Excess Crude Account had been depleted to $2 billion, despite generating record revenue from crude oil sales that the country had never achieved in more than 25 years combined.

‘It is on record that between 2010 and 2013, crude oil sold for an average of $100 per barrel. By December 2014, however, the Jonathan-led Federal Government could no longer pay salaries to Federal Civil Servants. At least 28 states across the country owed workers huge salary arrears’

Presidency said in contrast, President Tinubu has taken bold decisions over the last 28 months to reset the economy, removing the ruinous fuel subsidy and abolishing multiple exchange rates, which paved the way for arbitrage to flourish.

‘The President has stabilised the economy in slightly over two years in office. In 2025 Q2, the Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%, the highest in four years, outpacing the 3.4% projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation decreased to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years.

‘ The foreign reserves stand presently at $42. 03 billion. The Naira has virtually stabilised. Investor confidence in our economy has been restored, and investors are betting on Nigeria.

Onanuga said the nation has turned the corner, and our people have started reaping the gains of the bold reforms instituted by the Tinubu administration.

He cited road infrastructure being boosted, while old roads are being reconstructed while new ones, like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, among others, are springing up. The government is addressing security issues in some parts of the country.

‘We can go on and on, reeling out the many macroeconomic gains of the Tinubu administration. However, the point is that the PDP and Jerry Gana’s co-travellers broke the economy; President Tinubu is fixing it.

‘President Jonathan and others are welcome to the 2027 race. They broke the economy before, but millions of Nigerians who will not easily forget the recent past will not allow them to return to run it down again.’

Business recovery and insolvency stakeholders have called for the strengthening of insolvency institutions to enhance practitioners’ effectiveness and align Nigeria’s frameworks with global best practices.

This was made known at the 2025 Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) conference in Lagos. The two-day event focused on deepening the use of insolvency tools to resolve chronic indebtedness and financial distress facing businesses.

Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, represented by Justice Akintayo Aluko, told participants that practitioners, regulators, and the judiciary all play critical roles in restructuring and insolvency processes, especially during periods of economic turbulence. He urged professionals to uphold integrity, independence, impartiality, and transparency while avoiding personal gain from sensitive corporate information.

‘The role of an insolvency practitioner in the life of a company under distress is significant. Insolvency does not necessarily signal the end of a business,’ Tsoho said. ‘Practitioners must carefully adopt tools such as receivership, administration, mergers and acquisitions, or bankruptcy in the best interest of both creditors and debtors.’ Chimezie Ihekweazu, BRIPAN President, said this year’s theme, ‘Deepening Insolvency Tools for Resolving Commercial and Financial Challenges of Businesses’, was timely given Nigeria’s exposure to economic headwinds, geopolitical shifts, and technological disruptions.

‘In Nigeria and across Africa, it has become imperative to sharpen and deepen the tools at our disposal for business rescue, debt restructuring, and sustainable recovery,’ he said. Justice Victoria Nwoye, also speaking at the conference, stressed that insolvency frameworks should serve as ‘economic stabilisers,’ not punitive measures. She warned that many regimes worldwide remain inaccessible to businesses that need them most, leaving both small enterprises and multinationals vulnerable during financial crises.

‘Be it small enterprises or multinational corporations, the ability to navigate distress is no longer a peripheral concern; it is central to survival and growth,’ she noted.

The conference concluded with a consensus that Nigeria must strengthen its insolvency institutions, enforce ethical codes for practitioners, and improve access to restructuring mechanisms to safeguard businesses and the wider economy.

Access Bank has launch of its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton 2025 programme, empowering female entrepreneurs across Africa with essential skills, knowledge, and resources to drive business growth and self-sufficiency.

Applications for the program commenced on Friday, September 19, 2025, and will close on Friday, October 3, 2025.

In a statement, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Group head, Women Banking, said the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton has empowered hundreds of women with business training, mentorship, and access to funding since its launch in 2019. ‘This year, the program is back and better, offering women entrepreneurs the opportunity to scale their businesses, gain visibility, and connect with like-minded trailblazers across the continent. The 2025 edition promises a rich and rewarding experience for women in business. Selected participants will undergo an intensive Mini-MBA program designed in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), equipping them with the knowledge and tools required to grow sustainable businesses. In addition, participants stand a chance to access significant financial support, with over N17.5 million to be awarded in grants to the most outstanding businesses. The program also ensures that the impact goes beyond the winners, as other finalists will enjoy consolation benefits and other business support services to help strengthen their brands and operations’ she said.

Reiterating Nene’s comments, Oyeyipo Ifeoluwa, project manager, Womenprenuer Pitch-a-ton said ‘We have trained 878 women and awarded grants of up to $175,000.00 since the launch of Womenprenuer pitch-a-ton since 2019. The programme is not just about competition; it is a holistic journey designed to transform women-led businesses and contribute to Africa’s economic development.

The program is open to women entrepreneurs whose businesses are registered, have been existing for more than one year and own at least 50 percent shareholding in their business’ Oyeyipo concluded.

Industry leaders in Nigeria’s maritime say collaboration among all key sectors of the economy and engagement from all levels of government is necessary if Nigeria must compete globally.

‘It’s a multistakeholder issue that requires collaboration across various stakeholders. The silo approach does not work,’ stated Mfon Usoro, National President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, during BusinessDay’s maritime conference in Lagos in 2025.

This year, the marine and blue economy sector introduced an ambitious ten-year policy aimed at achieving an annual growth target of 7 percent and creating 100,000 new jobs each year.

Usoro proposed a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to integrated planning and execution. She explained that this strategy would involve incorporating the blue economy into national and local government policies and programs. ‘It has to be regarded as a national project for it to become a reality,’ Usoro emphasised. She added that it is the responsibility of every sector to view the maritime sector as an ‘enabler’ of growth in other areas. ‘All stakeholders need to come together to take action,’ she noted.

Regarding funding, as Nigeria looks to bonds to relieve a constrained budget, experts suggest that collaborative support from other ministries is essential. ‘I’m not sure that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) can independently raise a bond. If the NPA cannot do it alone, then the Ministry of Finance, for example, must be involved. This also includes the Minister for Trade. All these elements need to work together,’ said Oluwafikayo Ogunrinde, representing Echefu Ukattah, head of Maritime Practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP.

‘Our call for new funding is in cooperation with the relevant agencies, ministries, and government bodies, so we can start advocating for improvements,’ she added.

Patricia Igwebuike, Commissioner for Transport in Anambra State, stated that her office is also contributing to this effort. ‘Most of the imports into the eastern parts of Nigeria come through Anambra State. We recognize the poor condition of our roads. Everyone must work together to ensure that Onitsha River complements the other ports in Nigeria,’ she explained. Usoro agreed, saying, ‘We don’t have adequate road infrastructure to connect terminals to manufacturers, markets, and farms. As a result, we invest in dredging that ultimately does not benefit us. The Minister for Works needs to be involved, and even security must be part of the conversation.’

Usoro noted the lack of Nigerian ownership in seagoing vessels. In 2021, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reported that 4,100 vessels called at the nation’s ports, but ‘none of them flew the Nigerian flag,’ she stated. ‘These are markets that Nigeria must enter.’

Experts agree that a comprehensive approach is necessary to enhance competitiveness in shipping. They suggested that import taxes imposed on shipowners be eliminated. Just as zero import taxes have benefited the aviation sector, the same should apply to shipping.’

Nigeria and the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis recently entered into a reciprocal visa-free travel agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to visit each other for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.

This arrangement, which came into effect in this September 2025, marks the first time Nigeria has extended such privileges to a country outside Africa.

The agreement is widely seen as a strategic move to deepen ties between Africa and the Caribbean, with implications for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Entry requirements and travel implications

The visa waiver follows a series of high-level engagements between President Bola Tinubu and Terrance Drew, prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Their meetings held earlier this year in Abuja and later in Saint Lucia, laid the groundwork for broader cooperation with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean states

The waiver applies to holders of ordinary, official, and diplomatic passports, although travellers are still required to meet standard entry conditions. These include presenting a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and completing arrival documentation upon entry.

Travel information to St. Kitts and Nevis

Getting a flight to St. Kitts and Nevis from Nigeria can be challenging for Nigerian passport holders, as it typically requires two or three layovers or stopovers in Europe that necessitate Schengen visas, or a layover in North America that requires transit visas.

Also, direct flights between Nigeria and St. Kitts and Nevis are rare.

However, a recent charter flight from Abuja to Basseterre marked a historic milestone, establishing the first direct air link between West Africa and the Caribbean nation.

Air Peace also made headlines in June this year with a 10-hour non-stop flight earlier this year, signalling growing interest in bridging the two regions.

For those planning on visiting St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN), here’s what you need to know:

St. Kitts and Nevis uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$ or XCD), pegged at a fixed rate to the USD. As of today, 1 EC$ is around N549.

Flights from Lagos (LOS) to Basseterre (SKB) averages $1,175-$1,852 (about N1.8m-N2.9m at current rates), depending on the season and airline.

For a single person, the monthly expenses are around EC$3,500-5,000 (around N1.9m-2.8m), covering rent, food, and basics.

Cultural exchange and shared celebrations Travellers from Nigeria can consider visiting St. Kitts in December and January during the Sugar Mas carnival, while Nevis can be visited in late July for Culturama.

These festivals, are similar to Nigeria’s own cultural events such as the Calabar Carnival and the Osun-Osogbo Festival, and involve music, dance and masquerade. The best time to visit the islands is during the dry season, which runs from December to April, coinciding with peak tourist activity and major cultural events.

Citizenship, residency and long-stay options

For Nigerians considering longer-term opportunities, St. Kitts and Nevis has a popular and established Citizenship by Investment programme.

This scheme allows individuals to obtain citizenship through financial contributions to government-approved projects or real estate investments.

When you acquire citizenship under the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.

Applicants can include a spouse, children under 26, and parents aged 55 and over, as well as to add dependents after citizenship has been granted to the main applicant.

St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth, which entitles its citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries

There is no minimum stay required.

Requirements

To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and select one of the following options:

Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

A non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to SISC for an applicant and up to three qualifying dependents

$50,000 for each additional qualifying dependent over 18

$25,000 for each additional qualifying dependent under 18

A minimum non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to a public benefit unit in an Approved Public Benefit Project

The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of $325,000 from an approved real estate development, or a minimum of $325,000 for a condominium unit or $600,000 for a single-family private dwelling. The real estate purchased under both options can be resold after seven years under certain conditions

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and reporter with Arise News, who was killed during an armed robbery incident at her Katampe, Abuja residence.

In a statement signed by Eze Anaba, its president, and Onuoha Ukeh, general secretary, the Guild described her passing as a tragic loss not only to her newsroom but to the future of Nigerian journalism.

‘By Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country,’ the NGE said.

The Guild linked her killing to the wider climate of insecurity facing Nigerians, stressing that violent crimes have become an everyday threat. ‘The loss of this dedicated journalist from an armed robbery incident is a stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes and on the street,’ the statement noted. Condemning the rising tide of violent crimes, the editors demanded accountability and urgent reforms from the government.

‘The increasing frequency of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists. We demand action from the government to address the root causes of insecurity and take measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens,’ the Guild said.

The NGE also urged security agencies to bring Somtochukwu’s killers to justice. ‘We demand that those responsible for Somtochukwu’s death be fished out by security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law,’ it stated.

Extending its solidarity to Arise News, the Guild paid tribute to the late journalist’s memory, expressing hope that her legacy would continue to inspire her colleagues.

‘We pray that the memory of this talented young journalist who died at her prime inspire excellence in journalism, even in the face of adversity. May the memory of this vibrant journalist be a blessing to all who knew her,’ the Editors said.

Ann Pettifor, the British economist who became a global figure in the fight for debt relief, will deliver the keynote address at the 9th Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC).

Pettifor is best remembered for her pivotal role in helping Nigeria secure one of the most remarkable debt deals in modern African history. Between 2004 and 2005, she worked closely with Nigeria’s Debt Management Office. She also collaborated with the then Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to negotiate the clearance of more than $30 billion owed to the Paris Club of official creditors. The deal restored fiscal breathing room to Nigeria’s economy. It also set a precedent for how developing nations could reset their debt burdens.

Her influence on the global stage extends far beyond Nigeria. She was one of the driving forces behind the Jubilee 2000 campaign. The grassroots movement galvanised world leaders and ultimately secured the cancellation of more than $100 billion in external debts for 42 of the world’s poorest countries. Backed by churches, trade unions, and civil society groups, the campaign reshaped conversations around sovereign debt and international finance.

In recognition of her contributions, Nigeria’s former president Olusegun Obasanjo conferred on her the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2002, a rare honour for a foreign national.

Today, Pettifor serves as Director of Policy Research in Macroeconomics (PRIME), a UK-based think tank focused on sustainable finance and economic justice. She also sits on the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Commission, where she advises on climate finance and equitable economic policies. 9th Edition of GITFiC

At GITFiC 2025, she will act as both keynote speaker and lead discussant for the Global Debt Initiative and the GITFiC Agenda 2031. She is expected to bring decades of experience in global finance and advocacy into the ongoing dialogue on Africa’s debt sustainability.

The 9th edition of the conference, scheduled for October 29 to November 2 in Accra, will revolve around two major themes: the second Global Debt Initiative and the maiden AfCFTA Tertiary Students’ Congress.

Selasi Kofi Ackom, CEO of GITFiC, said the Global Debt Initiative was born out of the realisation that externally imposed solutions often failed to meet Africa’s needs.

‘Over the past years, we noticed that solutions designed outside Africa for Africans were not helping the continent’s financial architecture,’ Ackom noted.

‘This highlighted the need for an integrated, indigenous African financial architecture-cooked by Africans, made for Africans, and implemented by Africans. This vision gave birth to the Global Debt Initiative.’