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Kun Khalifat FC striker, Ebuka Nwokorie, has described his stunning free-kick winner against Enyimba as one of the proudest moments of his career as he continues to lead the NPFL goal scorers’ chart with five goals this season.

Nwokorie’s exquisite set-piece sealed a 1-0 victory for the newcomers over the record NPFL champions in Owerri, ending Enyimba’s unbeaten run.

‘I feel excited to score the only goal of the game. I am a free-kick specialist and I believe in myself that I could do it,’ Nwokorie said.

‘During training, I always strive to perfect the art of free kicks. We were told to be more active in the 18-yard box and ensure we get a win.’

The young forward, who has now scored two goals from direct free kicks this term, also credited his football inspiration to Manchester City’s Belgian midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne.

‘Kevin De Bruyne is my role model. I feel very excited to be the current highest scorer. It’s a dream I’m living presently. To score against Enyimba is a special privilege,’ he added.

Nwokorie’s form has been pivotal to Kun Khalifat’s resurgence in the NPFL, as they continue to climb away from the relegation zone.

In a related development Head coach of Kun Khalifat FC, Obinna Uzoho,hailed the fighting spirit of his players and the massive home support that spurred his side to a famous 1-0 win over Enyimba in Owerri.

Uzoho, whose team had played most of their early fixtures away from home, said returning to familiar ground played a key role in their performance.

‘I told them they must play the game with pride and ensure we pick the maximum points. We are happy to win,’ Uzoho said. ‘It all happened because we are back at home. There is no place like home. The fans really contributed and my boys were in high spirits because of the support. The players gave their all. I want to thank the fans for their support.’

The coach reserved special praise for his in-form striker Ebuka Nwokorie, describing him as a player destined for greatness.

‘Ebuka Nwokorie is a complete footballer and I know with time he will truly unbundle his potential,’ he noted.

The spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, has described what he described as the coordinated attacks on the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo by desperate politicians as a failed project.

Nwauju recalled that a group named Concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora United Kingdom (CND-UK) last week demanded the Minister’s suspension on issues already debated in the public domain and thrashed as part of history.

He said the attempt to resurrect the issue of the Minister ‘s NYSC certificate was unbelievable because according to him the Minister never forged the document and the empirical evidence that he was mobilised for the national service was not in doubt.

Nwauju said: ‘Whereas there is no offence of perjury or falsification of documents or records, what then is the hullabaloo all about?

‘Nigerians are interested in the major issue of the day which is the undeniable fact that this Minister has outshone all his predecessors in office put together.

‘I challenge them to a public debate on all available performance indices, if by any stretch of luck to agree to such public debates, maybe they will realize the folly in embarking on needless mob attack against a Minister that has proven to be more patriotic than most of those attempting to distract him.

‘Have a Minister in cabinet who has been a better salesman of the Nigerian brand through the introduction of several innovative ideas, dismantling the burden of inefficiency that clogged service delivery in all the paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior, prioritizing welfare of these with the promotion of over 50,000 officers and men, opening up these agencies for recruitment of youths with the recent employment drive’.

Nwauju in a statement on Tuesday said the politicisation of an individual’s public records in the guise of scrutinising a public servant was not part of the issues people were interested in.

He said: ‘Nigerians are more interested in the fact that their passport application/issuance processes has become seamless and do not have to fall into hands of middlemen or offering bribes-for-services.

‘Nigerians are interested in the openings coming out of the parastatals under the Interior Ministry that will take our youths out of the labour market by offering them pensionable jobs.

‘Nigerians are interested in discussing the fact that once upon a time, they endured embarrassing moments stepping into our embassies abroad to get their passports renewed only to get stuck in our embassies/missions waiting for weeks and months and some having to waste their savings flying down to Nigeria just to get passports renewed’.

Nwauju said the visible and verifiable reforms introduced by this minister could not be downplayed by the handiwork of desperadoes.

‘Those who have suddenly woken up to re-introduce an issue long rested, have not really told Nigerians what they actually want.

‘Finally, I will suggest they find more ingenious ways of presenting their attacksInterior Ministry under Dr Tunji-Ojo and cannot find a way around discrediting his Ministerial credentials’.

The Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) yesterday rated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu macroeconomics policies very high but urged the government to protect the vulnerable groups in the country.

In his keynote paper at the 18th NAEE/ International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) Annual International Conference in Abuja, the former NAEE President, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, who thumped up for the government also urged the President to identify the susceptible group because the market will not address their issues automatically.

The theme of the conference is ‘Emerging Geopolitics of the Energy landscape – Navigating Global Shifts and their impacts on Developing Economies.’

He said, ‘In terms of macro policies, macro stability, government is doing fantastically well. But you see, in this kind of reforms, you must also find a way of ensuring that you identify the vulnerable groups and see how you can protect them. The market will not do that for you.’

He aligned with the position of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund that the Nigerian Marco economic policies are good to move the citizenry forward in the long run.

Proffering solutions on how to address the issues of the vulnerable, he asked the government to give every Nigerian access to affordable electricity with deployment of solar energy.

Adenikinju also called for the removal of constraints to access to domestic gas to allow penetration of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Meanwhile, the African Petroleum Producers Association (APPO) Secretary General, Dr. Omar Faruk said for the first time since the International Energy Agency (IEA) began to strongly advocate the end of fossil fuel use, the agency has now admitted that fossil fuels cannot be easily eliminated and that the much-touted promises of renewable energy are far from being realized within the timeframe the world has been led to believe.

According to him, what the IEA has now acknowledged is something APPO has consistently maintained since the formal global shift away from fossil fuels symbolized by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

He added that ‘As leaders in Africa’s energy industry, I hope this significant admission by the IEA encourages us to be more critical in accepting dogmas presented as scientific facts.’

Continuing, he said, ‘If Africa fails to produce the components it needs, whether in renewable or conventional energy, it will remain trapped in dependency.

‘My first point, therefore, is this: whatever the direction of the global energy transition, we must understand its economic implications for Nigeria. ‘The term ‘transition’ implies moving from one system to another. But before we can move, we must first master what we currently have.

‘Right now, we are energy insecure. Our power systems remain fragile, and our mastery of even the existing technologies-alternating and direct current systems-is still limited.’

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Tayo Oyetibo, yesterday accused the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), of abusing the court process in the ongoing trial of three defendants – Alex Ochonogor, Ademola Owolabi, and Adebayo Akeju – over alleged forgery and willful property damage.

The defendants were arraigned before the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square for allegedly forging land documents and demolishing a property in Lekki. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

At yesterday’s proceedings before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, said the trial would not proceed because the Attorney-General had ordered a reinvestigation of the case.

He requested an adjournment to allow the police to carry out the directive.

But Oyetibo, representing Ochonogor, opposed the move, calling it ‘an abuse of court process.’

He argued: ‘You cannot file a matter and then ask the police to reinvestigate it. That is oppression.’ He added that the case should not have been filed if investigations were incomplete.

Dr. Martins explained that the decision followed concerns raised by the first defendant’s counsel, Abiodun Layonu (SAN), who had earlier requested further inquiry.

Justice Sonaike noted that Layonu had previously written to the court suggesting reinvestigation, though the prosecution claimed it was unaware of the letter.

Oyetibo maintained that the police had already concluded their inquiry, saying: ‘If the defence is aware of a letter that the prosecution isn’t, then there’s a problem.’

Justice Sonaike adjourned the matter to January 12, 2026, for the police to communicate their findings to the prosecution.

A letter from the Lagos Ministry of Justice dated August 22, 2025, and signed by DPP Director Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, directed the police to reopen the investigation and interrogate new witnesses, including Dr. Obidigwe Eze and Major Hamza Al-Mustapha.

This followed a second police report, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dahiru, which cleared Ochonogor and Owolabi of wrongdoing. The report stated that no documents were forged and that the demolition was authorised by Lagos State officials.

It further confirmed that the demolition notice was genuine and published in The Punch of September 11, 2009, and that documents attributed to Al-Mustapha were properly signed and registered.

Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA) and Amisec Industrial Company have signed a Public-Private Partnership agreement to develop AgroCity Doma, a N5 billion Phase One project that will transform Doma Dam Irrigation Area in Nasarawa State into a climate-smart agro-industrial hub for organic sesame production, processing, and export.

LBRBDA is to provide 1,000 hectares of irrigable land with access to water from the dam, while Amisec will lead the investment, infrastructure development, cultivation, and project management.

The initiative is positioned as a flagship model for sustainable land utilisation and value-added agriculture under Nigeria’s river basin development framework.

The project will comprise a mechanised nucleus farm over 1,000 hectares; Solar-powered irrigation systems for sustainable water use; 10 MT/hour sesame processing plant for value addition; Agroforestry buffers and essential rural infrastructure and an outgrower programme engaging over 1,000 local farmers.

Once operational, the project is projected to generate annual revenue of up to $7 million (N10.8 billion) from organic sesame sales, creating over 500 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs across the value chain.

The Hybrid Implementation Plan allows farming activities to commence in the next rainy season, even as construction of infrastructure and processing facilities continues. Full processing and export operations are expected to begin by Q1 2027.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director of LBRBDA, Engr. Tersee Ninga, emphasised that the collaboration reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the productive use of irrigation assets in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘This partnership demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to productive use of our irrigation assets. AgroCity Doma reflects how strategic PPPs can expand food production, create jobs, and boost agro-industrial growth’.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer of Amisec Industrial Company Ltd, Abdulmuttalib Mohammad, said the company is investing ?5 billion in the project’s first phase, aiming to build a fully integrated organic sesame value chain capable of producing traceable, export-grade products.

‘Our goal is to create a sustainable sesame ecosystem that benefits local farmers and communities while positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global organic sesame market, which is valued at over $4 billion’.

A retired head teacher, Mr. Eliaser Olorunloju, has been abducted by suspected herders between Sasaro and Ayetoro along the dilapidated Igarra- Uneme-Nekhua – Ibillo road in Akoko-Edo local government.

Olorunloiu was returning from Igarra to to Ugboshi-ele when he was kidnapped.

He was said to have gone to make photocopies of some documents ahead of his son’s resumption at a tertiary institution.

The kidnappers were said to have demanded ransom payment of N70 million.

Director of Operations and Strategy, Concerned Minds Initiative of Akoko-Edo (CMIA), Comrade Victor Arogunyo, who confirmed the abduction said the incident occurred around Aiyetoro-Somorika Junction, close to a Fulani settlement on the Ibillo-Uneme-Nekhua-Igarra Road.

He said it was another sad reminder that the locality remained under siege.

Comrade Arogunyo identified factors fueling insecurity in Akoko-Edo to include bad roads, criminal herders, poor funding of security, low morale among vigilantes and hunters, and weak prosecution of arrested suspects.

‘In the last few months, this is about the fight kidnapping that is taking place on the same spot, close to that camp which is less than five minutes trekking away from there. The government must do something about this. I called his traditional ruler and he said they called on Sunday evening demanding N70 million.’

Also, a teenager kidnapped at Ayogwiri in Etsako West local government area.

The teenager was among women retuning from their farms.

Two of the women reportedly sustained injuries.

A ransom of N5 million has been demanded by the kidnappers to release the teenager.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the community, Vincent Ozemoya, called on all relevant security agencies in the area to rise up and rid their farms and forest of evil elements.

Edo Police spokesman, Moses Yamu, could not be reached for comments.

Mr Lukman Otunuga, a Senior Research Analyst with FXTM Academy has predicted the economic outlook for the country suggesting that Consumer Price Index (CPI) September’s report billed for release October 15, 2025 is likely to show inflation easing to 18.8 per cent from 20.1 per cent in August.

Describing October 15, 2025 as the biggest macro event for Nigeria , Otunuga predicted that a combination of softer food prices and a strengthening naira may have tamed price pressures.

Speaking in an interview, Otunuga said further signs of cooling price pressures may pave the way for further rate cuts by the CBN in November to stimulate economic growth.

Outside of Nigeria, the FXTM Senior Research Analyst, said it is another week packed with high-risk events and market shaking themes.

He said : ‘A 200-word post by Trump on Truth Social was enough to erase almost $2 trillion from US markets last Friday.

‘Risk aversion engulfed global markets after Trump threatened to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods starting from 1st November. US equity bulls were slaughtered as the S and P 500 tumbled 2.7 percent – its worst session since April.

The pain spread beyond equities with Bitcoin collapsing like a house of cards while safe-haven gold glittered through the chaos.’

Over the weekend, the Trump administration signalled an openness to talk with China, which has slightly eased concerns. Regardless, the damage has already been done with US-China trade uncertainty coming at a time when investors are already jittery over the US government shutdown, which started on October 1, 2025.

The FXTM Senior Research Analyst said US banks are expected to report strong Q3 earnings thanks to a rebound in investment banking. Easing regulations and expectations for lower US interest rates have boosted mergers and acquisition deals.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell will be back under the spotlight on Tuesday as he speaks at the NABE Annual meeting. Should Powell offer any clues on future policy moves, this may trigger outsized reactions in the absence of US government economic data.

Otunuga said : ‘In the commodity space, gold touched a fresh all-time high above $4070 on Monday amid US-China trade tensions. The precious metal has secured eight consecutive weeks of gains and is up almost 55 percent year-to-date. Given the fresh wave of risk aversion, the powerful bull run could extend towards $4100 and higher if $4050 proves to be reliable support.’

Sir: Election is a process governed by the law and its conduct must be both credible and reliable to be accepted by all and sundry. The ongoing electoral reforms is a timely constitutional exercise which, if well-handled and expeditiously executed, could impact positively on the conduct of the 2027 forthcoming elections.

With a little more than two years to 2027, the National Assembly, (NASS) must work assiduously round the clock to pass the electoral bill and also obtain the presidential assent for the bill to become law before the 2027 elections.

The current exercise is historic in the sense that this is the first time that such exercise is holding great promises especially for people hitherto constitutionally long forgotten like women, persons living with disabilities, traditional rulers and host of hoi-polloi who receive paucity of attention and care from relevant authorities.

The single-day elections mooted by the NASS, strikes the right constitutional cord if all attempts could be made by the relevant stakeholders and authorities to make such constitutional proposal a reality. Apart from reducing elections costs, it will also reduce or eliminate outright, the constitutional infractions usually associated with the conduct of scattered elections for president, governors and the assemblies at the federal and state levels.

For example, in a scattered election, once a political party wins the presidency, it automatically has band wagon effects for all other elections, be it governorship or the assemblies, as no community would want to be in the opposition party to the president.

Yet, the single-day elections as proposed by NASS is a gargantuan task which come with its great responsibilities both on their part, and more importantly on the INEC the electoral umpire.

For most of the complaints of the past about elections are more of poor preparations and abysmal conducts than outright rigging by hoodlums or frausters. The problem of INEC is not just in staff strength, but more especially in the skills, competencies and attitudinal disposition of officials to treat election success as part of the duties they owe their organization and the nation.

Poverty of ideas and purposes of an election by INEC officials constitutes the gravest problem facing INEC and for a proposal of a single day elections to be a reality, the NASS must be ready to empower INEC by way of training and infrastructural allocation to the body.

NASS must also endeavour that all relevant stakeholders like the National Orientation Agency (NOA), radio and television organizations and the mass media generally are involved in enlightenment campaign to sensitize the generality of the people from now on until the 2027 general elections.

Above all, 2027 may seem still far but except greater care is taken and NASS really speed up, it may be impossible to conclude the ongoing reforms, let alone have a bill to present to the president for assent for such proposal of a single day elections.

This notwithstanding, it is a good idea and whether for 2027 or the future, the idea of a single-day elections must be pursued until it becomes a constitutional reality and a check against perceived electoral infractions of the past.

Nigeria’s economy expanded by 3.9 per cent in the first half of 2025, up from 3.5 per cent in the same period of 2024. The growth, according to the latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) released by the World Bank, reflects the positive impact of ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms. The report credited the President Bola Tinubu administration’s bold policy moves-including the unification of exchange rates, removal of fuel subsidies, and tighter monetary measures-for helping to stabilise macroeconomic conditions and restore investor confidence.

With monetary policy easing now in full swing, analysts say global investors are likely to deepen their commitments to Nigeria, attracted by improving fundamentals and the prospect of higher returns. Overall, the Nigerian economy has remained resilient in recent months, despite a decline in crude oil prices, which still account for over 90 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Key indicators-such as the growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a gradual drop in inflation, exchange rate stability, rising external reserves, and increased capital inflows-underscore the steady progress being made.

Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), noted that monetary policy implementation has significantly improved, strengthening the economy’s resilience and boosting market confidence. ‘Findings showed that in the past, many economies were reluctant to let their exchange rates move freely. But with better-anchored inflation expectations and stricter macroprudential regulation, Nigeria has increasingly allowed the exchange rate to act as a shock absorber, and central bank shifted its focus toward stabilizing economic activity,’ he said.

According to him, by sustaining ongoing reforms and building on stronger economic foundations, Nigeria can transform its hard-won resilience into long-term stability and sustained growth. Monetary policy easing began last month, when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-led Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points, from 27.5 per cent to 27 per cent-the first rate reduction since the tightening cycle began five years ago. The decision, reached at the 302nd MPC meeting, marks a strategic shift toward supporting economic growth amid easing inflationary pressures. This move follows five consecutive months of slowing inflation, with projections pointing to continued disinflation through the remainder of 2025.

According to analysts, the policy easing underscores the CBN’s confidence in a stabilising macroeconomic environment. It is also designed to stimulate economic activity by reducing borrowing costs, improving liquidity within the banking sector, and spurring both consumer spending and investment growth.

Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of Nigeria and CEO of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), confirmed the positive trend, noting that the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed headline inflation dropping from 21.88 per cent in July to 20.12 per cent in August. ‘Headline inflation (year-on-year) moderated further to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, from 21.88 per cent in July, driven by the decline in both food and core inflation. Besides, the second quarter GDP report solidly puts growth within the quarter at 4.23%, representing a 4-year high of 4.23 per cent in second quarter of the year,’ up from 3.13 per cent in first quarter,’ he said.

The NBS report showed the growth was driven by appreciable improvements across the oil and non-oil sectors, with stability in the oil sector and expansions in agriculture, industries and services sectors cumulating in above average performance output. According to the GDP breakdown, oil sector grew by 20.46 per cent in second quarter 2025 as against 1.87 per cent recorded in first quarter, riding on the back of double-digit growth in crude oil production.

Olayemi Cardoso, CBN governor, said monetary policy easing became necessary following a review of macroeconomic developments. According to him, the decision by the MPC to ease the policy stance was made in the light of improving inflation trends. ‘The committee’s decision to lower the monetary policy rate was predicated on the sustained disinflation recorded in the past five months, projections of declining inflation for the rest of 2025 and the need to support economic recovery efforts,’ Cardoso said.

Bukola Bankole, Partner and Corporate Finance Expert at TNP, said that by lowering the benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 27%, the MPC made a modest but symbolic move as it marks the first break from months of aggressive tightening. For businesses already borrowing at rates above 30% however, this adjustment will not ease financing costs immediately, but it signals recognition that growth cannot be perpetually stifled in the name of inflation control. ‘For investors, Nigeria’s yield story remains unchanged because even after the cut, local instruments remain among the most attractive across frontier and emerging markets. So, a half point change does little to alter that. The real test is whether inflation starts to ease and whether the Naira can achieve meaningful stability.

‘As we all know, inflation in Nigeria is not demand-driven; it is cost-push, reflecting exchange rate volatility, the knock-on effects of subsidy removal, high energy costs, and food supply disruptions. So certainly, against this backdrop, further hikes would have been the wrong medicine.

‘I will say this MPC decision reflects an effort to balance vigilance on inflation with the need to create space for credit expansion and investment. The real challenge however remains consistency, as without predictable policy, stronger fiscal alignment, and structural reforms that address the root causes of inflation, this cut will remain symbolic as with a lot of other actions previously taken. If those elements are however in place, then this small cut could truly mark the beginning of a more sustainable policy mix that supports growth without abandoning the fight for price stability.’

Bismarck Rewane, managing director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, said the remainder of 2025 appears poised for a stronger performance, with foreign currency inflows and stable commodity prices providing support.

Monetary policy perspectives

In its efforts to tame inflation, the CBN recently hosted the Monetary Policy Forum 2025, featuring fiscal authorities, legislative, private sector, development partners, subject-matter experts, and scholars with the theme: ‘Managing the Disinflation Process.’ The forum is a major push to improve monetary policy communication, foster dialogue, and collaborate on critical issues shaping monetary policy.

During the event, Cardoso explained that the apex bank’s focus is to sustain price stability, the planned transition to an inflation-targeting framework, and strategies to restore purchasing power and ease economic hardship. He said the apex bank is continuing its disciplined approach to monetary policy, aimed at curbing inflation and stabilising the economy. Cardoso reiterated that the goal of the CBN is to ensure that monetary policy remains forward-looking, adaptive, and resilient.

In addressing our economic challenges, collaboration is key: ‘Managing disinflation amidst persistent shocks requires not only robust policies but also coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities to anchor expectations and maintain investor confidence. Our focus must remain on price stability, the planned transition to an inflation-targeting framework, and strategies to restore purchasing power and ease economic hardship,’ Cardoso said.

The CBN also focused on strengthening the banking sector, introducing new minimum capital requirements for banks (effective March 2026) to ensure resilience and position Nigeria’s banking industry for a $1 trillion economy. These reforms and developments reflect the Bank’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for inclusive economic development. However, achieving macroeconomic stability requires sustained vigilance and a proactive monetary policy stance. ‘As we shift from unorthodox to orthodox monetary policy, the CBN remains committed to restoring confidence, strengthening policy credibility, and staying focused on its core mandate of price stability,’ Cardoso stated.

He said moving from the exchange rate targeting framework to the inflation targeting framework aligned with the apex bank’s determination to bring inflation upsurge under control in line with its price stability mandate. Inflation uptick has remained a major concern to the CBN and is the time to use monetary policy tools to control it.

Non-oil sector growth continues

The non-oil sector also recorded growth of 45 basis points, expanding by 3.64 per cent in second quarter 2025 as against 3.19 per cent in the previous quarter. Non-oil sector’s contribution to the economy stood at 95.95 per cent in second quarter as against 96.03 per cent in first quarter, despite the strong oil sector growth. Segmental analysis indicated appreciable growths across the non-oil sector. Agriculture GDP grew by 2.82 per cent in second quarter 2025 as against 0.07 per cent recorded in previous quarter. It had grown by 2.60 per cent in second quarter 2024.

Industries GDP, which had grown by 3.72 per cent in second quarter 2024, doubled to 7.45 per cent in second quarter 2025 as against 3.42 per cent in first quarter 2025. However, Services GDP was slower with a growth of 3.94 per cent in second quarter as against 4.33 per cent in previous quarter. It had recorded 3.83 per cent in second quarter 2024. In terms of contribution, services, agriculture and industries accounted for 56.53 per cent, 26.17 per cent, and 17.31 per cent of the overall GDP respectively.

Experts said the latest GDP report showed that the economy was on the right track but called for more synergistic policies to deepen economic productivity. Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Niyi Yusuf, said the economic report underlined the gains of macroeconomic reforms, although the government needs to do more to catalyse the full potential of the economy. ‘This is a steady progress in the right direction, and we need to stay the course, maintain momentum, and drive for broad based growth across all sectors of the economy. We need more pro-growth regulations and regulators, predictable justice system, more private sector investments in critical sectors and security of lives and assets to fully unlock the potential of the economy,’ Yusuf said.

World Bank growth projection

The World Bank recently gave a positive verdict on Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory, highlighting three-year unbroken growth for the country. In the bank’s Global Economic Prospects for June, the bank posited that Nigeria will have three-year unbroken growth records- growing at 3.6 per cent in 2025, 3.7 per cent in 2026 and 3.8 per cent in 2027. The World Bank, however, slashed its global growth forecast for 2025 by 0.4 percentage point to 2.3 per cent, saying that higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty posed a ‘significant headwind’ for nearly all economies.

In its twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects report, the bank lowered its forecasts for nearly 70 per cent of all economies – including the United States, China and Europe, as well as six emerging market regions – from the levels it projected just six months ago before U.S. President Donald Trump took office. The bank stopped short of forecasting a recession, but said global economic growth this year would be its weakest outside of a recession since 2008. By 2027, global gross domestic product growth was expected to average just 2.5 per cent, the slowest pace of any decade since the 1960s.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, at 79.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late diplomat as a ‘trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work.’

Ambassador Ogwu, who served as Nigeria’s envoy to the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017, was a distinguished scholar and seasoned diplomat.

She also served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) where she played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s foreign policy and advancing international relations scholarship.

A two-time President of the UN Security Council-first in July 2010 and later in October 2011-Ambassador Ogwu was widely respected for her clarity of purpose, advocacy for disarmament, and commitment to global peace, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.

President Tinubu praised her legacy of service and dedication, noting that she ‘projected Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and worked tirelessly for the good of humanity.’

The President extended his condolences to Ambassador Ogwu’s family, including her five children, grandchildren, siblings, as well as members of the diplomatic and academic communities mourning her loss.

He prayed for the repose of her soul and for divine comfort for all who grieve the passing of the accomplished diplomat.