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Rice prices have dropped drastically across several Lagos markets due to a surge in imports through the borders easing the burden on consumers.

The development, however, has raised concern among traders over reduced profits and business sustainability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a 50kg of rice in Lagos currently sells for between N55,000 and N70,000 depending on the brands.

The traders and consumers who spoke with NAN in separate interviews in Lagos disclosed that the stable food has witnessed a sudden crash in the price. They noted that both local and foreign rice brands have witnessed a steep drop in price reversing the surge seen earlier in the year.

In popular markets such as Oyingbo, Arena (Oshodi), Festac Town and Mile 12, a 50kg bag of local rice that sold for around ?85,000 in January now goes for between ?60,000 and ?70,000.

Similarly, foreign rice, which was ?95,000 at the beginning of the year, currently sells for between ?65,000 and ?75,000, depending on the brands and market location.

At the Arena Market, Mrs Precious Okoro, a rice dealer, lamented that the recent crash had left many traders struggling to recover their investments.

‘We are selling at a loss. I bought several bags at ?80,000 and ?85,000 early this year, and now I have to sell them for as low as ?65,000. The fall came suddenly, and it’s been tough for us,’ Okoro said.

She added that while customers are excited about the new prices, traders are counting heavy losses.

‘Rice doesn’t spoil easily like other food items, but when prices crash this way, our capital just ties down. Some of us can’t even restock,’ she said.

Okoro said that the government needed to be intentional in stabilising the price of rice in the country through regular support to local farmers to boost the supply chain.

‘The government needs to provide incentives for local farmers to increase production and improve the infrastructure for storage and distribution.

‘This will help to reduce the cost of production and make rice more affordable for consumers,’ Okoro said.

At the FESTAC Town Market, a retailer, Mrs Edith Nwaruh, said a 50kg rice Pretty Lady sold for ?57,000, Mama Africa, ?62,000, Mama Gold, ?67,000 and Big Bull Premium ?73,000.

Nwaruh said the decline began around August, following reports of improved local harvests and increased rice supply from northern states.

‘We have more rice in the market now. Local production improved, and imports also increased. When there’s too much supply, prices must drop,’ she said.

Another trader at the Mile 12 Market, Mr Odion Michael, described the situation as a ‘double-edged sword.’

‘Consumers are happy, but traders are weeping. We want prices to be stable, not jumping or falling suddenly. Price stability helps us to plan our business,’ he said.

However, a rice farmer and stakeholder who pleaded anonymity, attributed the price drop to the reopening of land borders, which has allowed an increased inflow of rice from neighbouring rice-producing countries.

He disclosed that the development had caused a flooding of the market with both imported and locally produced rice, leading to a temporary fall in prices.

He, however, cautioned that the decline might not be sustainable, warning that prices could surge again before December due to market instability and fluctuating supply levels.

A trader at the Oyingbo Market, Mr Ben Chidi, attributed the development to improved supply and reduced market stockpiles.

He said that the government’s renewed support for local farmers and improved distribution channels contributed to the glut.

This, he said, ensured that consumers, however, are relieved.

Mrs Andriana Okoromaro, a consumer, said the drop was timely given the high cost of other food items.

‘At least, rice is affordable again. I used to buy a half bag because it was too expensive. Now, I can buy a full bag for the family. It’s a big relief,’ she said.

Another consumer, Mrs Oluwaseun Alade, said she hoped prices would remain low during the festive season.

‘Rice is essential during Christmas and New Year. This drop if sustained means more families can celebrate without worry,’ she said.

Mrs Ngozi Okolie, a consumer, said the fall is not only linked to increased supply but also to reduced purchasing power among Nigerians, which has lowered demand.

‘People don’t have much money, even with lower prices. The economy is slow, so even when goods are cheap, sales are not what they used to be,’ she added.(NAN)

A student of the University of Jos (UniJos), Plateau State, was allegedly murdered by his fellow student last Friday at his off-campus apartment.

It was gathered that the deceased, identified as Peter Mafuyai, a 300-level student of the Department of Banking and Finance, was reportedly killed by Nanpon Timnan, a 200-level student of Agriculture, who subsequently buried him in a shallow grave.

Sources revealed that the two students were friends and would often spend time together.

On the day of the incident, they reportedly went out to play football, returned home, and later proceeded to a music studio for a recording session before coming back to their residence. ‘Upon returning from the studio, he (Nanpon) went to get a machete. The other occupants of the compound, who were also friends with them, asked what he wanted to do with it, and he said he needed it for something.

‘He then struck his friend with the machete. The other occupants of the compound began shouting and asked what the victim had done to deserve that, but he did not respond. They ran out to call for help, and by the time they returned, he had buried the body behind the house in a shallow grave.

‘The police have since invited all the friends for questioning and are currently investigating the matter,’ a source said.

As for the motive behind the killing, another source said it was still unclear but might not be unconnected with the music project they were working on together.

The source added that the lack of clear details could also be due to the ASUU strike, which has kept most students away from campus.

Another source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the possible impact of the incident on the university’s upcoming hosting of the Nigerian University Games (NUGA) 2025, scheduled to hold in about 10 days.

‘This incident is coming at a very sensitive time. Hosting the games has already faced several challenges, and there were even talks of taking it away from UniJos over perceived security concerns in Jos and Plateau State.

‘People coming from other states have been calling to ask if it is safe to come for the games because of the general belief that the state is not secure.

‘This development could give more reasons to those who argue that Jos is unsafe and that the games should be relocated. That’s why efforts are being made to manage the situation carefully so it doesn’t tarnish the university’s image or affect the games,’ the source said.

When contacted, the university’s Acting Head of Information, Tongdyen Dachung, declined to comment on the matter.

She, however, said she would need to make some confirmation before responding officially, adding that she had nothing to say at the moment.

However, the President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Jane Pwajok, said the case was being handled by the police and that the union was working to confirm the full details of what actually transpired.

On the NUGA Games, Pwajok said students were also making efforts to manage the flow of information so as not to jeopardize the event, noting that they stand to benefit greatly from hosting it.

Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as he neither answered calls placed to him nor responded to a text message sent to him.

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has condemned recent comments by Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, which linked the implementation of Shari’ah law in northern Nigeria to rising violence.

The Council described the remarks as ‘unfair and insensitive,’ insisting that the cleric’s views misrepresent both the history and purpose of Islamic law in the region.

In a statement signed by Engr. AbdurRahman Hassan, Secretary of the Council, the SCSN argued that Kukah’s comments failed to acknowledge the deep spiritual and cultural roots of Shari’ah in northern Nigeria.

‘Shari’ah, as practiced in these states, is not a political weapon but a reflection of faith, tradition, and moral discipline deeply rooted in the lives of millions of Muslims,’ the statement read.

The Council maintained that violence in the region stems from broader socio-political challenges, not religion.

‘Numerous studies affirm that violence often stems not from religion but from corruption, poor governance, and societal inequality,’ Hassan stated.

‘It is therefore unfair and insensitive to attribute unrest to a system that millions of Nigerians follow peacefully and voluntarily.’

The SCSN also reminded critics that Shari’ah predates colonial rule in Nigeria and remains an integral part of Muslim identity.

‘Muslims in northern Nigeria practiced Shari’ah centuries before colonial rule. It remains a way of life, not an imposition,’ the statement noted.

The Council warned that dismissing or ridiculing the system undermines peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.

Emphasizing interfaith respect, Hassan said:’No responsible Muslim scholar attacks Canon Law; likewise, no Christian cleric should insult Shari’ah.’

The Council also challenged Reverend Kukah to propose how Canon Law could be applied in Christian-majority states ‘to determine whether his objection to Shari’ah stems from principle or prejudice.’

The statement concluded with a call for restraint among religious leaders and a renewed commitment to peace.

‘Religious leaders must be agents of peace, not division. The true test of any legal system, religious or secular, is its ability to protect rights, promote justice, and foster peace,’ Hassan said.

He reaffirmed that, when properly applied, Shari’ah promotes justice and harmony – not violence – and urged Nigerians to focus on good governance and national unity rather than demonizing any faith tradition.

The Kano State Hisbah Board has foiled an alleged same-sex marriage ceremony in the city, arresting 25 persons in connection with the event.

According to the Hisbah, the arrests were made on Saturday night at an event centre located along Hotoro Bypass in Tarauni Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the incident, the Deputy Commander General (Special Operations) of the Board, Sheikh Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen Abubakar, said the operation followed an intelligence tip-off from a concerned resident.

He explained that the intelligence report indicated that one Abubakar Idris was allegedly planning to marry another young man, adding that acting on the information, Hisbah operatives stormed the venue and found a party in progress under dim lighting conditions.

‘Upon arrival, our personnel discovered a gathering of young men and women who appeared to be conducting a marriage ceremony,’ Dr. Mujahid said.

He further disclosed that 25 individuals were arrested during the operation; 18 crossdressers, identified as ‘yan daudu, and seven women from different areas, including Sheka, Yar Gaya, and Kofar Nasarawa.

Dr. Mujahid added that all suspects had been taken to Hisbah custody and would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

He appealed to parents and guardians to instill sound moral values in their children and urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities to Hisbah or other relevant authorities.

The Deputy Commander reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting a morally upright society and upholding Kano State’s reputation as a community guided by discipline and Islamic principles.

Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has weighed into the ongoing conversation of alleged genocide against Nigerian Christians.

The Christian genocide narrative gained traction after the address of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.

Shettima had said the situation in Gaza was ‘heart-wrenching’ and demanded an immediate ceasefire that will birth Palestinians independence and a home of their own on territories already recognised by the UN and international law.

He had said a two-state solution remained the most viable path to peace and warned that continued neglect of international law only fuels propaganda and undermines global stability. After that episode, voices from the West started echoing genocide, with one Eric Prince, founder of a private security company in America, calling on the Vatican, the Pope, President Donald Trump, and prominent Christian leaders from all over the world to ‘fund and support’ a private Christian army to ‘protect the Christian community in Nigeria’.

But weighing into the conversation, Parolin warned against framing of the security crisis in Nigeria as a genocide targeting Christians.

Parolin, who spoke in Rome during the presentation of a new report on global religious freedom by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), said Nigerian Muslims were also victims of worsening insecurity.

‘It is not a religious conflict. Much of the violence stems from social causes such as land disputes between herders and farmers in the North-Central region.

‘We should also recognise that many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance. These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they see as an opponent,’ he said.

Earlier, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, had urged the international community not to re-designate Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing efforts to foster peace and interfaith dialogue.

Speaking at the launch of the Aid to the Church in Need (ACIN) 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom in the World held at the Augustinianum Hall, Vatican City, on Tuesday, Bishop Kukah acknowledged the country’s deep-seated challenges but insisted that Nigeria should be supported – not punished – as it works to overcome religious violence and national disunity.

The report documents a global decline in religious freedom, with more than 5.4 billion people living in countries where such rights are restricted.

It identifies authoritarianism, religious extremism, ethno-religious nationalism, and organised crime as key drivers of persecution across the world.

Kukah said that while Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, insecurity, and ethnic tensions, the situation cannot simply be categorised as targeted persecution of Christians.

‘We are not dealing with people going around wielding machetes to kill me because I am a Christian. I live and work in Sokoto, right in the womb of Islam, where collaboration between Christians and Muslims remains possible. Our lives should be defined by a better narrative,’ he said.

The cleric, however, admitted that Nigeria’s security breakdown has created conditions for what he described as ‘genocide’ in some communities, citing the federal and state governments’ failure to contain violence and protect citizens.

‘Nigerians are dying unacceptable deaths across the country – not only because of their religion but also their ethnicity. We are in the cusp of a weak state with a clear lack of capacity to arrest the descent into anarchy,’ Kukah said.

He described the eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari as ‘the worst phase in interfaith relations,’ accusing the administration of policies that alienated Christians and emboldened jihadists.

‘Under Buhari, to gain power, it was more important to be a northern Muslim than to be a citizen of Nigeria,’ he said.

Bishop Kukah noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has shown inclusiveness and goodwill through recent appointments that balance religious representation in government.

‘The President and Vice President are Muslims, yet Christians have not felt alienated. The Chief of Defence Staff, the Director of DSS, and the INEC Chairman are Christians. These are confidence-building measures aimed at restoring trust among Nigerians,’ he said.

Citing the Global Terrorism Index Report 2025, Kukah acknowledged a 37 percent decline in terrorist attacks in 2024 but cautioned that religious identity still plays a decisive role in violence, particularly against Christians in northern Nigeria.

He also called on the government to ensure full constitutional compliance across all states, particularly regarding the application of Sharia law in 12 northern states, which he said fuels mob justice and discrimination.

‘The President should go to court to have the adoption of Sharia law declared unconstitutional. The secular state anticipated by the Constitution must be enforced,’ he said.

A petrol-laden tanker has fallen on the Lambata-Lapai-Agaie Road in Niger State, causing fear among residents in the area.

Daily Trust gathered that the tanker, which took off from Lagos and heading to Kano, overturned in the early hours on Sunday at Takalafiya village in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.

A resident of Lapai town, Mallam Mahmud Abubakar, told our correspondent on telephone that the scene of the incident is just about 2km from Lapai town.

He said the spot where the tanker fell had been recently reconstructed under the ongoing NNPCL intervention project, but the road had already started deteriorating within a short period. Another source, Mohammed Hassan Sonmaji, told our correspondent that the prompt intervention of the fire service unit of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL) and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) helped avert a major disaster.

He added that officials of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Lapai Chapter, mobilised to the scene to assist in managing the situation.

It was further gathered that the spilled fuel was recovered into drums to prevent wastage and environmental hazards.

When contacted, Dr. Ibraihim Audu Hussaini, the Director of Information and Special Duties, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said there was no cause for alarm.

He confirmed that the truck did not explode and fire fighting trucks of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai were on standby at the scene.

He added that security personnel had also been mobilized to guard the scene.

A multimedia journalist with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, Salis Manaja, has regained freedom ten days after his abduction by gunmen.

Manaja was abducted on Wednesday, October 13, while travelling to Ilorin to participate in the annual Young Communication Fellowship programme organised by IMPR.

His release was confirmed by the Founder of IMPR, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, who spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the fellowship’s closing ceremony weekend in Ilorin.

Shuaib said the victim had since reunited with his family after the ordeal.

‘He was on his way to Ilorin when the unfortunate incident happened. We thank Almighty Allah that he has been released and reunited with his family,’ Shuaib said.

According to him, Manaja’s colleagues became alarmed when he failed to arrive in Ilorin for the fellowship and could not be reached as his phone line was switched off.

Shuaib used the opportunity to urge young communicators to remain steadfast in telling positive stories about Nigeria despite the country’s challenges.

‘No matter the situation in the country, journalists should always champion democratic advancement, ensure proper narratives, and prioritise fact-checking in their stories,’ he said.

He lamented that social media was gradually overshadowing professional fact-checking, stressing that IMPR’s training programmes were designed to equip young people with the right skills to use technology responsibly.

‘During the week-long training, participants interacted with experts from America and Germany through virtual platforms, thanks to facilities provided by NITDA at our training centres in Ilorin, Kano, and Abuja,’ he added.

Shuaib encouraged Nigerian youths to make the best use of the facilities available at the PRNigeria Centres to enhance their ICT and artificial intelligence capabilities in line with global trends.

Also speaking, Professor Saudat Sallah Abdulbaqi of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, commended the graduands for demonstrating the zeal and professionalism required to excel in media and public relations practice.

The PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship is an annual capacity-building programme organised by IMPR to train emerging journalists and communication specialists.

So far, 20 young journalists have been trained in Kano and Ilorin, while another 10 are expected to undergo

Residents of Borno and Yobe states have been thrown into darkness following yet another act of vandalism targeting the national power infrastructure.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed on Sunday that suspected vandals destroyed one of its 330kV transmission towers along the Gombe-Damaturu line, disrupting electricity supply to major parts of the two states.

In a statement, Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, said the vandalism occurred around 5:46 p.m. on Friday when Tower T347 was attacked.

‘Our team on routine inspection along the Gombe-Damaturu transmission line discovered that the tower’s legs had been cut off, causing it to buckle to one side,’ Mbah said.

She explained that the incident led to partial power disruption in Maiduguri, Damaturu, and other neighbouring communities, leaving thousands of residents without electricity.

According to her, the company has activated emergency measures to minimise the impact of the outage.

‘Despite this setback, bulk supply is being maintained through the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, which currently feeds the Yola Electricity Distribution Company,’ she said.

‘The company is distributing power through major 33kV feeders, including Beneshiek, Damasak, Bama, University Campus, Maiduguri Town, Monguno, and others. Additionally, Damaturu and its environs will temporarily receive supply from the Potiskum Substation.’

Mbah said TCN engineers had already mobilised to the site to commence repair works and replace the damaged tower.

‘Our engineers are on site working round the clock to reconstruct the affected tower and restore normal transmission as soon as possible,’ she stated.

The company condemned the act of vandalism, describing it as ‘a deliberate sabotage against national development.’

‘We strongly condemn this repeated destruction of transmission facilities. These assets belong to all Nigerians and must be protected,’ Mbah added.

‘We urge members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities around power infrastructure to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.’

The incident marks another blow to power stability in the North-East, where Maiduguri and surrounding areas have faced repeated blackouts in recent years due to attacks on transmission lines by vandals and insurgents.

Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, lawmaker representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, has announced that he will not seek re-election into the House of Representatives in the 2027 general election.

He described the decision as a personal sacrifice to give more younger Nigerians a chance to serve.

Dasuki, who has been in the National Assembly since 2011, said his decision was motivated by his belief that Nigeria’s democracy must evolve to accommodate new voices and fresh energy.

‘The Nigeria we yearn for is only possible through sacrifice,’ he said. ‘After due consultation with my team, our leader, my family, and my conscience, I have decided not to seek re-election to the House of Representatives in 2027. This is not born out of fatigue or disillusionment, but a higher calling – a decision rooted in belief, in hope, and in a future we all desire to see.’

Dasuki, who also serves as interim chairman of the Future Is Now Project, a youth inclusion initiative unveiled on October 1, 2025, in Abuja, noted that the project’s declaration for 70% of House of Representatives seats to be occupied by Nigerians under 40 in 2027 was not just an advocacy statement but a moral challenge to current leaders.

‘I am still a youth by all standards, but I have crossed the 40-year threshold we proposed,’ he explained. ‘If we are to give meaning to our words, we must be willing to pay a heavy price. This, my dear constituents, is that sacrifice. And so I choose to make space for the vision we proclaimed.’

Dasuki’s decision marks a significant moment in Nigerian politics, where few politicians voluntarily step aside from elective office.

Reflecting on his 14-year political journey spanning the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and the State Executive Council, Dasuki expressed gratitude to his constituents, colleagues, and political mentor, former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, whom he credited for believing in his potential and giving him opportunities to serve and learn.

‘To my constituents, you gave me your trust, and I carried it like a badge of honour. To our youth, I say: no more waiting, no more excuses, no more silence. Take your place. Stand tall. Lead with courage, integrity, and vision,’ he said passionately.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his continued commitment to the development of Sokoto State and Nigeria, pledging to remain active in mentorship, policy advocacy and youth empowerment.

‘As I step aside, I wish to bequeath a new legacy in Nigeria’s political history, one that showcases leaders who know when to exit, paving the way for a fresher generation,’ he declared.

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has announced the expansion of the refinery’s daily production capacity from 650,000 per barrels to 1.4million bpd.

The feat, he said, makes the refinery the world’s largest.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos on Sunday, Dangote said: ‘The key announcement is that we are expanding the Dangote Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4m barrels per day.

‘This will make it the largest refinery in the world ever. ‘This expansion reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s future, our belief in Africa’s potential and our commitment to building energy independence for our continent and the world.’

With the expansion, he said the refinery will require additional 65,000 workers during the construction process.

Dangote added that the refinery would also ramp up its power generation from 500MW to 1,000 MW capacity.

Dangote noted that the refinery would be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2026, in order to give Nigerians the opportunity to be shareholders.

‘That’s a step towards broader ownership and market transparency. We want to give all Nigerians the opportunity of owning parts of the refinery.

‘You can buy as many shares as you can. Therefore, we are making sure that this refinery belongs to all Nigerians. I think it’s right time to put in your savings and join us in this journey.

‘Our long term goal remains clear – to build Africa’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical hub, the first of its kind on the continent,’ he said.

Dangote added that the project will be financed through cash flow, ‘and we also have one or two strategic investors.’