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The 2025 campaign carries the slogan ‘Strive for Five’, urging communities to mobilize at least 5 percent of their populations. Research indicates that this percentage marks the tipping point necessary to drive systemic societal and environmental change.

This year’s focus highlights one of the most pressing yet under-discussed waste issues: the pollution caused by the fashion and textile industry. Globally, an estimated 92 million tonnes of textiles are discarded annually, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothes being dumped every second. Addressing textile waste is closely tied to promoting sustainable consumption and transitioning toward circular economies.

World Cleanup Day directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land

Over the years, many national, regional, local governments and communities have been undertaking clean-up activities. Globally World Cleanup Day represents the reflection on their achievements. The clean-ups serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in preserving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment as well as sustainable waste and resources management.

Solid waste management affects every single person in the world, whether individuals are managing their own waste or governments are providing waste management services to their citizens. As nations and cities urbanize, develop economically, and grow in terms of population, the World Bank estimates that waste generation will increase from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016 to 3.40 billion tonnes in 2050. At least 33 percent of this waste is mismanaged globally today through open dumping or burning.

This year’s World Cleanup Day in Nigeria paraded NGO’s, Students, Banks, Agencies of government and Corporate Organisations and others.

For instance in a bid to mark this year’s World Cleanup Day, the National Association of Nigerian Students, Lagos State Chapter, mobilised students to lead what it described as the ‘largest environmental cleanup in Lagos State.’

The event took place at Iyana-Iba Market in Ojo Local Government Area, with hundreds of student volunteers, community members, and partner organisations removing solid waste, promoting recycling, and educating traders and residents on sustainable environmental practices.

The exercise featured collaboration between development partners, student bodies, and local NGOs.

The large-scale activation, hosted at Iyana-Iba Market, Ojo Local Government Area, brought together hundreds of student volunteers, student leaders, community members, and partner organisations, including GenImpact Africa, Lima Adejoke Foundation, and the Rotaract Club of Lagos State University (LASU). Participants worked collectively to remove solid waste, promote proper recycling practices, and sensitise traders and residents on sustainable environmental management.’

The Lagos Waste Management Authority helped to evacuate the collected waste.

The organisers said, ‘The initiative formed part of an ongoing collaboration between UNICEF and NANS Lagos aimed at advancing youth engagement on climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals.’ They also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the activity.

‘The organisers expressed profound appreciation to all volunteers, market stakeholders, and partner agencies whose contributions made the World Cleanup Day event a benchmark for coordinated environmental action in Lagos,’

Among the corporate organisations that participated actively in this year’s clean-up was Wema Bank where volunteers took on the vital work of cleaning and restoring their communities. 133 staff members of the Bank spread across Lagos, Abia, Nasarawa, and Ogun State showed up with gloves on and bags in hand to contribute to the initiative.

At the end of the exercise, the numbers spoke volumes: These volunteers had cleared 3,962 kilograms of waste from streets, drains, beaches and markets. 89.5 kilograms of the waste were recyclable materials that will now be re-channeled into the circular economy.

For Wema Bank, this was no one-off show of goodwill. The Bank has been an active participant in the global World Cleanup Day movement, evacuating over 13,000kg of waste and recyclables over the last 7 years. In previous years, the bank has proudly joined this cause by actively partnering with community groups and organizations to commemorate the day each year. From restoring the Kids Beach Garden in Lekki (2018) to collaborating with Ibadan Catholic Youth Organization (IBCYON) and the state government to revitalize communities in Ibadan (2019), the Bank has expanded its impact.

In the following years, the Bank joined forces with prominent cleanup initiatives like theAfrican Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) to restore vital coastal and urban areas such as Eleko-Idado Beach and Ojuelegba, Navy Beach and Makoko (2020-2025) respectively.

So far, statistics say over 63,730 beneficiaries have been impacted with this initiative.

Since its launch, the World Cleanup Day has stood as a global movement dedicated to uniting millions in the fight against environmental pollution. The event mobilizes millions across continents for a single 24-hour wave of action. Let’s Do It World NGO’s data notes that more than 20 million volunteers across 191 countries took part in the 2024 edition, just one year after the UN officially proclaimed September 20 as the annual observance day. The participants were all united by a simple but powerful mission: rid the planet of waste and mismanaged trash, one community at a time. If left unchecked the consequences are stark experts say suggesting increased greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing waste, microplastics in oceans, and the growing economic costs of cleaning and managing refuse.

The bank has worked on building a culture of environmental consciousness that is as consistent as it is impactful. This custom is embedded in staff and recreated across the bank where waste management and recycling is a big part of how its amenities are managed. What began as a single day of volunteer action in 2018 has become a daily and by extension, yearly tradition that reflects the bank’s broader commitment to sustainability and community stewardship.

‘Our job as a financial institution doesn’t end at providing banking solutions. We are deeply invested in the communities we serve, and part of that responsibility is making sure those communities are healthy, safe, and sustainable. World Cleanup Day gives us a chance to put our values into practice,’ says Managing Director and CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni,. ‘It allows us to roll up our sleeves and show that we care, not just about today’s business but about tomorrow’s environment. Over the years, our involvement in World Cleanup Day has allowed us to bring staff, partners and local stakeholders together to leave a meaningful footprint on our localities.’

Wema Bank’s actions on World Cleanup Day are not just about filling trash bags; they are about reducing disease vectors, protecting waterways, restoring civic pride, and demonstrating that collective action works. This year’s cleanup was a logistical feat. In Lagos, where urban density makes waste management a perennial challenge, Wema Bank partnered with Ocean Conservancy Nigeria to mark the 40th International Coastal Cleanup under the theme Seathechange.

At Alpha Beach in Lekki, 70 volunteers joined other stakeholders to tackle marine pollution head-on, preventing 285kg of debris from reaching the ocean. In Ogun State, the team turned its attention to Kuto Market in Abeokuta, partnering with Orange Strategy Waste Value Ltd for a cleanup that drew 75 volunteers. The volunteers split into two teams, one focusing on plastics and community advocacy, the other on general waste. In just ninety minutes, they cleared 720kilo gramme of refuse, including 68kilo gramme of plastic to be recycled.

Children came out to watch, some even joining in, turning the day into a spontaneous community learning moment about environmental hygiene. The effort earned praise from the Baba Oloja of Kuto Market.

In Abia, where market districts are often overwhelmed with post-trading waste, Wema Bank partnered with Sosocare for a cleanup at the bustling Shopping Clothing Center in Aba. Volunteers from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) and National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) joined the effort.

By the end of the exercise, 121kilo gramme of waste had been cleared and properly disposed of, leaving the market cleaner and more accessible. The recyclables were sorted and transported for proper reprocessing, making a small but significant contribution to Nigeria’s growing recycling value chain.

The market cleanup continued in Mararaba Market, Nasarawa State, where it partnered with SproutBud , a community-driven social enterprise dedicated to waste recovery and recycling. Twenty Wema Bank volunteers, joined by representatives from Nasarawa State Waste and Sanitation Agency (NASWASA), Karu Youth Group, and PathShaker, began the day with a talk on responsible waste management and community participation.

By the end of the exercise, an impressive 2,800kg of waste had been cleared from the market and surrounding areas, making it one of the most impactful cleanups of the year and a powerful example of what corporate and community collaboration can achieve.

For volunteers like Victor Olajumoke, the experience went beyond corporate responsibility; it was deeply personal. ‘Walking through a beach littered with plastic, wrappers, bottles and even food waste, you see how ugly nature can look like when littered and how much of a difference a few hands can make. As I joined in the cleanup at Alpha Beach, I felt an immense sense of purpose,’ she says. ‘This is my community where I live and being able to take action to keep it clean means so much. It was also inspiring to see strangers join us along the way, asking for bags so they could help too. It reminded me that sometimes, people just need to see someone else take the first step.’

Her words capture the heart of World Cleanup Day as a movement built on the quiet power of example and community.

In the same vein, Wema Bank’s cleanup campaign is never done in isolation. The bank works with state and local government authorities, sanitation agencies, community leaders, and private waste operators to ensure that the cleanup is not just symbolic but part of a sustainable waste management chain. Trucks, waste bags, disposal points, and other logistical support are coordinated ahead of time so that what is collected is disposed of responsibly.

This year, the Lagos cleanup was supported by partners like Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Plastic Evolution, and the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research.

In Ogun State the support came from the Ogun State Waste Management Authority officials. Such partnerships are crucial as Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, of which only about 30 percent is collected. By collaborating with public institutions, Wema Bank ensures that its efforts plug into formal systems, amplifying impact and avoiding duplication.

Head of Corporate Sustainability, Wema Bank, Abimbola Agbejule, sees these collaborations as essential to the bank’s long-term strategy.

She shared, ‘World Cleanup Day is our opportunity to bring people together, to inspire action, and to demonstrate what corporate social investment looks like. But it’s also a launchpad for the relationships we build with government agencies, local waste managers, and community groups that allow us to keep the conversation going all year long. Our long-term goal is to see cleaner cities, healthier citizens, and stronger recycling habits in the communities where we operate. That can only happen when we all work together.’

The impact of cleanup actions like Wema Bank’s extends far beyond what can be measured on the scale.

Removing nearly four tonnes of waste means fewer clogged drains and reduced risk of flooding, which is a real benefit for public health in urban areas. Diverting 89.5 kilograms of recyclables means lower demand for virgin raw materials and a small but measurable reduction in carbon footprint.

Each volunteer hour contributes to a shift in culture, signaling that waste management is everyone’s business.

The work also maps neatly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showing that cleaner environments reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, making progress toward good health and well-being more attainable. Also, cleaner streets and well-managed waste make cities more livable and resilient; recycling and waste sorting encourage responsible consumption and production; and reduced landfill waste means lower methane emissions and climate action.

Going further, the effects of a well-organized cleanup day means there would be less plastic entering waterways and that protects marine life and supports life below water. Healthy terrestrial ecosystems also benefit when litter and hazardous waste are removed from soil, and the collaboration between private sector, government, and civil society demonstrates that partnerships are key to driving lasting change.

The Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Lukmon Agbaje, has said pupils stand to benefit many things by participating in the Spelling Bee Competition.

The competition was introduced in Lagos State by First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her husband’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Speaking during the event, which had the participation of pupils from primary and secondary schools in the council, Agbaje said the competition was more than just a spelling contest.

He added that the competition revives the dying reading culture and encourages excellence among the pupils.

‘This spelling bee is about building confidence, promoting a reading culture, and encouraging excellence among our children. Education remains the best legacy we can give, and Ayobo-Ipaja will continue to invest in it for the sake of our future generations,’ he said.

The Deputy Director, Education District 1, Mrs. Rihanat Adeogun, praised the initiative, noting that ‘spelling bees sharpen vocabulary, strengthen reading culture, and prepare children for future academic challenges’.

In the primary school category, Praise Paul emerged as the winner, with Adedayo Abigail and Ayodele Victoria clinching the second and third positions respectively. Their performances drew loud applause and admiration from the audience.

Expressing gratitude after his victory, Paul said: ‘All I can say is that God helped me. I also want to thank the council chairman for this great opportunity.’

The secondary school category also featured outstanding performances, with participants demonstrating remarkable confidence and determination. Though the results were highly competitive, organisers described every contestant as a winner for their courage, hard work, and dedication.

Some of the parents at the event also commended the programme, describing it as a motivation for pupils to take education more seriously.

The competition concluded with the presentation of prizes, certificates, and group photographs.

Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) is set to hold architecture, and building exposition from November 25 – 28, at NIA Architectural Village, Abuja.

The event will showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable design practice, and visionary projects transforming Nigeria’s landscape.

President, Mobolaji Adeniyi, .in a statement, said as Nigeria marks 65 years of Independence today, NIA is honouring the nation’s resilience, creativity, unity and contributions of our heroes, living and dead.

‘The theme, ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation’, is a call to compatriots and members to build a future reflecting our shared aspiration and architectural excellence.

‘In the spirit of Independence, NIA is re-echoing our contribution to nation building by presenting Archibuilt 2025, a forum for innovation.

‘Archibuilt is a showcase of products, and services as well as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, as it brings together architects, engineers, surveyors, policymakers, and others to find solutions for housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and urban development.”

‘This year’s theme speaks to our national reality of building a nation on a good economic and socio-political foundation where professionals are in the forefront of its development.”

‘Also, it highlights the role architecture plays in fostering economic stability, growth and resilience by creating sustainable spaces and prioritising community needs.

‘Archibuilt 2025 will feature the building clinic, Nigerian content challenge, students’ innovative projects, artisans’ challenge and much more.

‘We invite Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and citizens to participate in Archibuilt 2025. Whether as exhibitors, speakers, volunteers, or attendees, your voice and vision are vital to the conversation,’ it said.

Former Nigerian international, Dimeji Lawal, has cautioned the Super Eagles not to get carried away by FIFA’s sanction against South Africa, stressing that the real challenge lies in their capability to win their remaining qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

The world soccer ruling body, FIFA, on Monday docked South Africa three points and overturned their previous 2-0 victory over Lesotho after fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a preliminary qualifier on March 21, 2025. The disciplinary ruling awarded Lesotho a 3-0 win, while South Africa was fined CHF 10,000. Mokoena also received a formal warning from football’s governing body.

Speaking on the development, Lawal acknowledged the significance of the ruling but insisted that Nigeria’s qualification hopes depend on the Super Eagles’ performances in their last two fixtures.

‘I don’t get excited about the sanction of South Africa because one thing is to get three points taken away from South Africa. Another thing is for us to be able to win our remaining games,’ Lawal posited. ‘The bottom line is: can we win the last two games?

‘That’s the question and this is the crucial part of it. I’m not so excited about removing South Africa’s points. What I am looking forward to is how we can prepare ourselves in a manner that we can win the next two games.’

Lawal, who represented Nigeria at both youth and senior levels before moving abroad to play in Spain, Belgium, and South Africa, emphasized that FIFA’s decision was expected given their long-standing stance on player eligibility.

‘They won’t bend their rules at that level. They will not like to undermine their own regulations. So for sure when South Africa made that mistake, I knew they were going to forfeit the three points and three goals,’ he added.

The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs Adetola Abubakar, has described education as a path to success.

She spoke during the Spelling Bee Competition in the council.

Mrs Abubakar commended the participating pupils for their outstanding performances, noting that their preparation and determination reflected a bright future for the area’s education sector.

She stressed the importance of continuous learning, urging children to study diligently, ask questions, and always strive for improvement.

‘Education remains the only true path to success. It is the best legacy we can leave for our children, and my administration is determined to prioritise it. What we are witnessing today is a new dawn in the education sector in Agboyi-Ketu,’ she said.

Education Secretary at the Kosofe Local Government Education Authority, Babatunde Shoneye, emphasised the broader significance of the event.

He noted that the competition provided a valuable platform for pupils across Lagos State to demonstrate their brilliance, expressing optimism that pupils from Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu and Ikosi-Isheri LCDAs would excel at the state level.

‘This is our time to move beyond second place. With the right preparation and support, our pupils can secure first position and bring pride to our communities,’ he said.

A teacher at Irepodun Primary School, Mrs. Esther Awofodun, described the competition as uplifting.

According to her, it had strengthened her resolve to prepare her pupils even better for future contests.

She applauded the council chief’s initiative and called for the continuity of such programmes, which she said were crucial for motivating both students and educators.

A pupil of Community Senior High School, Sewura Adabira, expressed gratitude to God for advancing to the next stage, admitting she had not been fully prepared but was determined to study harder and refine her skills.

‘I thank God for this opportunity, and I am grateful to the council boss for making this possible. I will work harder to make my school and community proud,’ she said.

Sterling Bank has once more redefined the boundaries of customer-first banking in Nigeria by scrapping Account Maintenance Fees (AMF) across all personal accounts.

Just months after abolishing transfer fees on local online transactions in April 2025, the bank has dismantled yet another long-standing industry practice, cementing its role as the nation’s leading force for transparent, fair, and customer-focused banking.

This decision cuts at the heart of a revenue model that has long cost Nigerian customers dearly.

In 2024 alone, tier-1 banks raked in over ?650 billion from account maintenance and e-banking charges.

Sterling’s move rewrites Nigeria’s banking rulebook while amplifying its bold stance: customers deserve freedom from too many deductions and the right to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman explained the principle driving this bold action.

He said: ‘Every fee we remove is one less barrier between our customers and true financial freedom. This was the rationale behind eliminating transfer fees in April, and it is the same principle we uphold as we eliminate account maintenance fees.’

Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling

Bank, reinforced this position.

‘This initiative is about building lasting relationships that fuel sustainable growth. We put transparency and customer value first, and in doing so, we are building a foundation that serves both our customers and Sterling’s future.’

As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, Sterling Bank presents this decision as a declaration of financial independence for millions of Nigerians.

By freeing customers from deductions that silently erode their balances, Sterling is empowering them to keep and grow their wealth while redefining true financial freedom.

With two unprecedented moves in quick succession, the removal of transfer fees in April and now the elimination of account maintenance charges, Sterling Bank continues to challenge the status quo and champion a new era of fairness in Nigerian banking.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas yesterday said that the future of Nigeria is bright.

In their messages to Nigerians on the occasion of the 65th Independence Anniversary, they urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the reforms produce results.

Akpabio said that Nigeria is moving in the right direction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms.

He urged Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms a little while longer ‘in the interest of our children and future generations’.

He said: ‘My dear resilient and wonderful people of this great nation, I wish to heartily congratulate you for witnessing Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration. At 65, we are matured and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of our people.

‘We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.

‘In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria’, I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms. We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms, but I want to assure you, very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.

‘Let me also congratulate our President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his demonstrated commitment to the peace and development of our dear country, Members of the National Assembly for the steadfastness in their legislative engagements, the judiciary and the Nigerian people at home and in diaspora on this auspicious occasion.’

He added: ‘I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable. We are on the right pedestal and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.

‘If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the promised land.’

Abbas urged Nigerians to look beyond the current challenges and anticipate a bright future.

The Speaker, who said God has blessed the country with immeasurable human and natural resources, called for collective efforts towards building ‘a nation of our dreams regardless of religious, ethnic and political differences.’

According to the Speaker, Nigeria remains on the right path with the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He expressed optimism that the country remains the giant of Africa, adding that it would reclaim its position as the biggest economy on the continent.

He urged Nigerians to remain undaunted by the security and socio-economic challenges.

Abbas called for more prayers and patriotism from law-abiding Nigerians, assuring that the House would provide accountable leadership, good governance and dividends of democracy, especially at the grassroots.

On October 1st, 1960, Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. It was celebrated as freedom from centuries of human and economic exploitation. It marked the end of the slave trade, the dehumanization of our people, and the systematic drain of our natural wealth. But more than six decades later, the question still echoes: Did Nigeria truly achieve independence, or was it only the beginning of another phase of control?

From the very first administration in 1960, it became clear that independence was not complete. Nigeria’s leadership was forced to operate within frameworks designed by Western interests, particularly around the control of natural resources.

As military coups toppled governments and dictatorships emerged, foreign influence remained in place. Policies were shaped abroad, debts piled up, and sovereignty was limited. Independence too often looked like an illusion.

At the heart of this neo-colonial arrangement was the constant effort to dominate Nigeria’s natural wealth. By keeping the country dependent on foreign refineries, international lenders and imported goods, external powers ensured that Nigeria remained under their grip. Successive governments, from one Head of State to another, found it difficult to break free. Progress was slowed and dignity was weakened.

The story began to change with the rise of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Though educated abroad, Tinubu was forged in Nigeria’s own political struggles. From his days in NADECO resisting military dictatorship to his transformation of Lagos State into Africa’s fastest-growing economy and one of the most creative hubs in the world, he built a reputation for resilience, vision and innovation. What he did in Lagos was a preview of the national rebirth he now drives as President.

Today, under President Tinubu, Nigeria is walking firmly toward true independence.

His words, ‘It is time to work as partners, not as masters and servants,’ capture a new spirit of leadership. His government has refused to bow to external pressure, choosing instead to design policies that directly serve Nigerians. His leadership beats like the drum of freedom, breaking the chains of neo-colonialism that have held the nation for decades.

In the oil and gas sector, Nigeria now hosts the world’s second-largest refinery, a bold step that ends reliance on foreign refineries. In finance, Tinubu’s reforms focus on reducing debt, exempting the poor from excessive taxes and strengthening the naira. These are practical steps that secure Nigeria’s sovereignty and give the people control over their future.

Healthcare, education, infrastructure and agriculture are also being reshaped. Federal medical centres are being expanded and the cost of dialysis has been reduced. A new health insurance network is being built to protect citizens. The NEL Fund supports students and young people.

Airports are being revived and transport systems upgraded. In agriculture, regional food hubs are being established to stabilize prices, ensure food security and reduce dependence on imports.

In less than two years, these reforms have started to show real results. Nigerians are seeing change in their daily lives, from cheaper access to healthcare to new opportunities in education and work.

Unlike past administrations that kept the country tied to dependency, Tinubu’s government is building structures that guarantee lasting independence. For the first time, Nigeria is setting its own terms and standing tall in global affairs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven himself to be more than a reformer. He is the leader who has finally redefined independence for Nigeria.

What began in 1960 as political freedom is now becoming full economic and institutional independence. Under his leadership, Nigerians can celebrate freedom that is real, practical and irreversible.

– Gbenga Abiola, national coordinator, Tinubu Media Force, Nigeria’s largest progressive grassroots media structure

On a humid morning in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Lagos-Ibadan train glides into its terminal with clockwork precision. From its doors pour a cross-section of Nigeria-civil servants gripping files, traders balancing bags of goods, students with backpacks slung over shoulders. Only hours earlier, they had departed Lagos, Africa’s largest city, where clogged roads once stretched the 120-kilometre trip into a punishing half-day ordeal. Today, the same journey takes just a little over two hours.

Completed in 2021, the Lagos-Ibadan rail line was initially celebrated as another milestone in infrastructure delivery. But fresh data suggests it is quietly maturing into something more transformative: a driver of economic efficiency. Between January and August 2025, the train carried 690,169 passengers. Monthly ridership climbed from 79,672 in January to 109,413 in August-a 37 per cent increase in just eight months. Behind those numbers lies a human story: workers reaching offices earlier, traders opening shop on time, students saving on bus fares and stress.

One civil servant captured the sentiment on X (formerly Twitter): ‘I left Lagos at 6:00 a.m. and was in a 9:00 a.m. meeting in Ibadan. By road, that was impossible.’ Economists say such time savings translate directly into productivity and disposable income. The World Bank notes that in economies burdened by high logistics costs, each minute shaved off travel yields measurable economic output. By saving passengers an estimated two hours each trip, the Lagos-Ibadan line restored nearly 1.4 million productive hours to Nigeria’s economy in just eight months-the equivalent of 160 years of labour time regained.

Freight revolution: The steel backbone of trade

If passenger trains showcase the rail’s social value, freight is the steel backbone that powers economies. Between January and August 2025, the Lagos-Ibadan line hauled 382,340 tons of cargo-cement, steel coils, gypsum, soda ash, and containerised goods, the very lifeblood of Nigeria’s industries. In April alone, over 73,000 tons moved on the line. That is freight that might otherwise have clogged highways, driven up haulage costs, or perished before reaching destination. By contrast, road transporters contend with soaring fuel bills, congestion delays, and accident risks.

For traders, the difference is tangible. A tomato merchant told Channels TV: ‘By road, half of our goods rot before reaching Ibadan. By train, more arrive fresh and we make more money.’ This is logistics efficiency at work. In Nigeria, transport typically consumes 30-40 per cent of business expenses-compared to under 10 per cent in developed economies. Every ton shifted from truck to train reduces costs, raises margins, and improves competitiveness.

Economic multipliers

Economists classify railways as general-purpose infrastructure-assets that lower transaction costs, stimulate trade, and integrate markets. Studies by the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) suggest every dollar invested in rail can yield $1.50-$2.20 in wider economic output once spillovers into agriculture, manufacturing, and services are included. On the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, passenger fares and freight receipts totalled about ?12 billion (roughly $8 million) in the first eight months of 2025. Using AfDB’s multiplier, this translates into an additional $13-$19 million in economic value in less than a year.

The impact extends well beyond revenues. Towns along the line-Papalanto, Abeokuta, Moniya-are stirring back to life as stations double as logistics hubs. Land values around Ibadan station are rising, while shops, eateries, and small service firms sprout around the steady stream of commuters and traders. More broadly, the line is altering Nigeria’s inflation and growth dynamics. By shifting passengers and freight from the chronically congested Lagos-Ibadan expressway to rail, it chips away at one of the country’s deepest structural problems: high logistics costs.

For farmers and food traders, the change is striking. Perishable produce that once spoiled after a day in traffic now reaches markets intact, reducing waste and stabilising supply. Consumers, in turn, feel the benefit in more moderate food prices-vital in a country where food carries the heaviest weight in the inflation basket. The Lagos-Ibadan rail line is thus more than a transport project. It is a quiet lever of productivity, competitiveness, and price stability.

The headline inflation rate, which eased to about 20.1 per cent in August 2025 after months of food-driven surges, reflects a mix of influences. But improved efficiency along critical supply corridors such as Lagos-Ibadan stands out as one of the quiet structural supports cushioning upward pressure. The growth story becomes even clearer when viewed through output. Every commuter who reaches Ibadan in two hours instead of five embodies regained productivity: fewer wasted hours in gridlock, more time contributing to the economy. Every ton of cement, steel, or grain that moves inland by train rather than truck lowers factory input costs and distributor expenses, freeing up margins for reinvestment and expansion.

This productivity dividend loops back into the inflation story. Lower transport costs help cool food prices, and with food carrying the heaviest weight in Nigeria’s inflation basket, this feeds directly into headline inflation. The Lagos-Ibadan line is thus more than a commuter service. It is the flagship of a broader rail reform agenda under the Renewed Hope government. Central to this is the Track Access Programme, which opens Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) lines to licensed operators. Lagos State is already linking its Red Line commuter rail into the corridor, while Chinese partners are piloting freight runs. By attracting private capital and easing the government’s fiscal burden, the programme is breaking open a sector long closed to outside players.

The reform also doubles as industrial policy. At the Abuja International Railway Conference in September, the NRC signed a five-year agreement with Ajaokuta Steel Company to produce rolling stock components locally-especially steel wheels. The Lagos-Ibadan line will be among the first to benefit, reducing import dependence while channelling demand into Nigeria’s long-struggling steel sector.

Energy transition is another pillar. In partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), the NRC plans to convert diesel locomotives into hybrids using liquefied natural gas, while replacing diesel generators with gas-fired alternatives. For the corridor, that means lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and new demand for Nigeria’s gas reserves. Complementing this are shuttle vehicles linking stations to nearby towns, tightening intermodal connections and feeding local economies.

Equally critical is human capital. Through agreements with universities and technical institutes, the NRC is training a new cadre of engineers and technicians in modern rail operations. The Lagos-Ibadan corridor doubles as both showcase and classroom-embedding skills alongside steel, and building the human foundation for Nigeria’s rail future.

At Obafemi Awolowo Station in Moniya, Ibadan, the promise of rail-driven growth is visible – but uneven. Business activity peaks only when the trains arrive, then quickly fades into silence until the next service. Taxi operators, tricycles, and motorcycle riders spring to life as passengers with luggage disembark, haggling over fares in scenes that reflect both the vibrancy and fragility of the station’s economy. Operators told The Nation that while their incomes have improved compared to before the station opened, the pace of growth remains far below expectations. Comrade Abraham Temitope, a cab driver who has worked at the station for three years, put it bluntly: ‘Except for trains coming down, there’s nothing here again. Immediately the train leaves, nothing else happens until the evening. The government needs to work on more trips and create facilities around the station to attract people.’

He and others argued that hotels, malls, and family-friendly spaces could help keep visitors longer and stimulate commerce. They also lamented the abandoned road linking Moniya to the Oyo-Iseyin axis, warning that the unfinished stretch damages vehicles and discourages patronage. ‘The road has been left unfixed for almost three years. It is to our detriment every day,’ Temitope added.

The General Secretary of the Micra Cab Operators, Mr. Adebayo Abiodun, echoed these concerns. He noted that only two daily trips – three on weekends – limit the economic spin-offs. ‘By now, the train should be running at least three trips every day. More trips mean more passengers, and more passengers mean more business for us all,’ he said.

Awareness is another hurdle. Abiodun observed that many residents in Ibadan and even Lagos remain unaware the service is operational. ‘Many people I carry still tell me they didn’t know the train station was working. Publicity will help bring passengers, and when they come, our businesses will grow,’ he added. Around the station, petty traders such as food vendors and snack sellers depend largely on staff and transport operators for patronage, with only occasional sales to passengers. Property values, which had spiked after the terminal opened, have since plateaued as development momentum slowed.

Challenges of maintenance and sustainability

Even as the Lagos-Ibadan line demonstrates promise, sustainability looms large. Earlier this year, a derailment on the Abuja-Kaduna line reignited fears about safety and maintenance. Although the NRC restored service far more swiftly than in the past – a sign of greater responsiveness – questions linger: can Nigeria sustain adequate maintenance funding, resist political interference, and guarantee governance discipline over the long term? ‘Infrastructure is not only about building. It is about maintaining and managing,’ noted Prof. Sam Amadi, former regulator and energy policy scholar. ‘Rail can catalyse growth, but without governance, it can also collapse.’

The Lagos-Ibadan line also forms the southern stretch of the Lagos-Kano-Maradi corridor, envisioned as a continental trade spine under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Properly linked to ports and extended inland, it could anchor Nigeria’s ambition to serve as West Africa’s logistics hub. Vice-President Kashim Shettima underscored this at the Abuja railway summit: ‘Railways connect raw materials to factories, workers to opportunities, and farmers to markets. They shape economies and societies. Every poor-looking country from China to Vietnam has used rail as a driver of development. Nigeria cannot afford to lag.’

Back at Ibadan station, as the last commuters head home and freight wagons roll north, the Lagos-Ibadan line feels like more than just steel and concrete. Each passenger carried and every ton of freight hauled chips away at Nigeria’s old reputation for inefficiency. Sustained momentum could turn this corridor into more than a transport link – into a lever for growth, integration, and renewal in a country searching for prosperity beyond oil.

The North Central PDP Youths Frontier has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for openly endorsing Christopher Maikalangu, chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Convener of the group, Nathaniel Iorzua, described Wike’s action as gross anti-party behaviour that undermines the discipline and values the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claims to uphold.

He alleged that the minister has consistently aligned with APC candidates and chieftains in Rivers State and beyond, warning that his conduct now constitutes ‘a public betrayal that threatens the unity and electoral prospects of the PDP nationwide.’

The group urged the national leadership of the PDP to launch an immediate investigation into Wike’s activities and apply sanctions without fear or favour.

‘The national executive must act decisively, including appropriate sanctions up to and including expulsion if the evidence so warrants,’ Iorzua said.

Reaffirming support for Zadna Dintani, the PDP’s candidate for the AMAC chairmanship election, the group called on party members to rally behind him.

‘The FCT is not Rivers. Local party structures and the people of Abuja will not accept external interference or attempts to subvert the will of the electorate,’ Iorzua said.

The North Central PDP Youths Frontier said it will mobilise peacefully for PDP candidates in the FCT, coordinate election monitoring with party agents and civil society groups, and pursue legal remedies through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts if any attempt is made to manipulate results.

It added that anti-party conduct would be challenged through party organs and public accountability mechanisms, not through intimidation or disorder.