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Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to N152.40 trillion as of June 30, 2025, from N149.39 trillion recorded at the end of March, according to the latest data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The figure represents a quarterly increase of N3.01 trillion, or 2.01%, while in dollar terms, the debt stock climbed from $97.24 billion to $99.66 billion, reflecting a 2.49% rise.

According to the report, external debt rose to $46.98 billion (N71.85 trillion) in June from $45.98 billion (N70.63 trillion) in March.

Multilateral lenders remain Nigeria’s largest creditors, holding a combined $23.19 billion, which accounts for 49.4% of external obligations. The World Bank, through the International Development Association (IDA), is the single largest lender with $18.04 billion outstanding.

Bilateral loans amounted to $6.20 billion, led by the Export-Import Bank of China with $4.91 billion, followed by smaller exposures to France, Japan, India, and Germany.

Meanwhile, commercial borrowings totalled $17.32 billion, nearly all of which are Eurobonds, representing 36.9% of the external portfolio. An additional $268.9 million was owed under syndicated facilities and commercial bank loans.

On the domestic side, Nigeria’s debt rose to N80.55 trillion by June, up from N78.76 trillion in March-an increase of N1.79 trillion. Federal Government bonds remained dominant, accounting for N60.65 trillion or 79.2% of total domestic debt. This includes N36.52 trillion in naira-denominated bonds, N22.72 trillion in securitised Ways and Means advances, and N1.40 trillion in dollar bonds.

Treasury bills accounted for N12.76 trillion (16.7%), while Sukuk bonds stood at N1.29 trillion. Other smaller instruments included savings bonds (N91.53 billion), green bonds (N62.36 billion), and promissory notes (N1.73 trillion)-the latter comprising both naira and foreign currency-denominated liabilities converted at the June CBN exchange rates.

Out of the total N152.40 trillion public debt, the Federal Government accounted for N141.08 trillion, representing 92.6% of the total.

This comprised N64.49 trillion in external obligations and N76.59 trillion in domestic debt.

The DMO wrote: ‘The Foreign Denominated Promissory Notes Outstanding amount of USD850,069,492 and £98,526 as at June 2025 were converted to Naira using CBN Official exchange rate of 1USD to N1,529.2105 and 1GBP to N2,093.9479 as at June 30, 2025.’

Concerns over public debt

Daily Trust reports that there have been concerns from experts and Nigerians over the rising public debt even as the federal government plans to borrow more money.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu asked the Senate to approve a fresh external borrowing of $2.3billion.

The President’s request was contained in a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu said the new loan is to implement the 2025 Appropriation Act, refinance maturing Eurobonds, and expand Nigeria’s debt instruments to include Islamic finance products.

‘The 2025 fiscal framework anticipates $9.27bn in new borrowings to address the budget deficit, of which $1.84bn is earmarked for external sources at an assumed exchange rate of N1,500 to the dollar,’ he said in the letter.

A key element of the plan is the refinancing of Nigeria’s $1.118bn Eurobond, issued in 2018 at a coupon rate of 7.625% and due in November 2025.

‘This is a standard practice in debt capital markets,’ the President wrote. ‘Refinancing through

Eurobonds or syndicated loans will guarantee debt sustainability and boost investor confidence.’

Economist and CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the devaluation of the naira occasioned by the floating of the exchange rate system had put more pressure on Nigeria’s debt profile.

He said, ‘One important factor that amplified the debt number was the exchange rate. Because if you look at the totality of our debts in dollar terms, you will discover that the difference between where we were and where we are now is not that significant, but because of the naira depreciation, the dollar component of the debt has gone up by almost three times.

‘We used the exchange rate of N450/$ before the coming of this administration to convert dollar debt; now we are using N1,540/$ to convert it; that is three times. So, the exchange rate factor is a very big factor in the growth of the debt. The only way to understand this is to look at the DMO figure and check the total debt in dollars.’

Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, was agog at the weekend as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received scores of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other political parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The event, tagged a ‘Defection Tsunami’, drew massive crowd to the Dutse Modern Stadium, turning the state capital into a hub of political and economic activities as traders also recorded massive sales.

Recall that prominent opposition members including governors – Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) – had defected to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. APC leaders have also said more bigwigs are being expected into the party ahead of 2027.

President Tinubu, represented by Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, described the mass defection in Jigawa as a vote of confidence on the APC.

‘From today, you are full members of the APC and will enjoy equal rights and opportunities as older members. We are proud of your courage, faith, and commitment to the progress of our great nation,’ Tinubu said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing national security, stimulating the economy, and completing key infrastructure projects particularly the Kano-Maiduguri Federal Highway, which he described as vital to regional trade and connectivity.

Similarly, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who led members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to the event said, ‘The APC belongs to all of you. Feel at home, participate fully, and work for the continued success of the party.’

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to support port development in Nigeria.

Oyetola made this pledge during a meeting with the management of International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) in Abuja.

The visit was part of ongoing engagements aimed at deepening collaboration between the Federal Government and the private sector in advancing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy agenda.

During the meeting, the minister expressed his appreciation for ICTSI’s investments in Nigeria’s maritime sector, particularly in the Onne Multipurpose Terminal, which according to him, has significantly improved cargo handling efficiency and reduced vessel turnaround time.

Oyetola stated that the Federal Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in the maritime industry, adding that efforts are being made to address the challenges facing port operations in the country.

The ICTSI team, led by Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of ICTSI Nigeria, included Mr. Hans Ole Madsen, Vice President; Mr. Nicolo Scannavini, Managing Director of Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT); and Mr. Chidi Nzerem, Director.

Discussions during the meeting focused on the current operational developments at OMT and explored strategies for its future expansion and efficiency enhancement in line with the Federal Government’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable blue economy.

Oyetola commended ICTSI for its investments and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime growth, emphasizing the Ministry’s readiness to sustain a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation and innovation across the sector.

Since commencing operations in 2021, ICTSI’s Onne Multipurpose Terminal has played a transformative role in boosting cargo throughput and reducing vessel turnaround time at the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State.

The terminal, designed to handle a diverse range of cargo – including containers, break bulk, project and heavy-lift, and roll-on/roll-off cargo – features a 1,000-metre heavy-lift quay, 45 hectares of yard area, modern warehousing, and four new Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, among other state-of-the-art equipment.

In June 2025, OMT made history when it received the Kota Oasis, a Singaporean-flagged, LNG-powered container ship – the first of its kind to berth in West Africa. The vessel’s arrival, operated by Pacific International Lines (PIL), marked a milestone in the region’s shift toward environmentally sustainable shipping and underscored OMT’s commitment to green port operations.

The car buyers of 2025 are most likely to have chosen their next car on the grounds of safety and technology. The rugged, no-nonsense Mahindra Scorpio Classic SUV remains a cult icon for the die-hard purists who seek an authentic off-road experience. Meanwhile, the new entry from Kia, the Syros, is less muscle and more futuristic vision – it is a car packed with advanced safety aids and state-of-the-art technology that pleases tech-savvy individuals.

The two vehicles serve different tastes, but when you line them up head-to-head, some interesting observations are made. So, let’s take a deeper look at how these two measure up in the categories of safety and technology.

Safety and Technology in the Scorpio Classic

The Scorpio Classic from Mahindra has always been known for its raw power and ruggedness, but with the needs of the modern buyers changing, the SUV has been provided with some much-needed features, as well. Its focus is more on functional safety, solid engineering and driver convenience, and not tech-averse gimmicks.

The Scorpio Classic delivers dependable safety and technology, albeit more rooted in practicality and essential features than futuristic innovation.

Safety and Technology in the Kia Syros

The Kia Syros embraces advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connected car technology as almost its trademark, thereby putting it a notch ahead on the safety and technology front. It is aimed at customers who desire a vehicle that is strong on the style quotient but isn’t without substance.

The Kia Syros has almost every technology feature you can expect from a car in its segment. It offers a great value proposition and is a great option for people who want their cars to seamlessly merge with their digital, connected lives. Kia Syros offers some advanced features that not only add to the convenience but also improve the safety quotient. This offers peace of mind to buyers, knowing their SUV has their back.

Conclusion

The Scorpio Classic and Kia Syros appeal to diametrically opposite buyers. The Scorpio Classic has made a name for itself owing to its ruggedness, which, combined with its practical features, no-nonsense safety systems and strong build, appeals to those who are more inclined towards strength and torque than style. On the other hand is the Kia Syros, which embodies the modern wave of car design and comes with advanced ADAS safety, connected tech and premium comfort in a futuristic form.

For anyone who wants reliable and proven ruggedness, the Scorpio Classic does have a lot to offer. But if you want your SUV to be a tech-laden, future-ready machine with a full array of safety aids, the Kia Syros eases away.

Madagascar’s armed forces minister on Sunday recognised as new head of the army an officer chosen by a military contingent siding with protesters demanding the departure of President Andry Rajoelina.

General Demosthene Pikulas was installed as chief of the Army Staff during a ceremony at the army headquarters attended by the armed forces minister, Manantsoa Deramasinjaka Rakotoarivelo.

‘I give him my blessing,’ the minister said of Pikulas, who was chosen by the mutinying CAPSAT unit that on Saturday joined the youth-led demonstrators.

Earlier in the day, Rajoelina denounced an ‘attempt to seize power illegally’.

Pikulas admitted to journalists after the ceremony that events in Madagascar over the past few days had been ‘unpredictable’.

‘So, the army has a responsibility to restore calm and peace throughout Madagascar,’ he said.

When asked if he called for Rajoelina to resign, the new Chief of Army Staff said he refused to ‘discuss politics within a military facility’.

Rajoelina last week appointed Rakotoarivelo as minister of armed forces after he sacked his entire cabinet in a bid to quell the near-daily protests that have rocked the Indian Ocean island since September 25.

CAPSAT Colonel Michael Randrianirina said his unit’s decision to join the protesters did not amount to a coup.

‘We answered the people’s calls, but it wasn’t a coup d’état,’ he told reporters.

‘The situation – I can call it chaos, but it’s not chaos caused by the army, it’s chaos caused by the leader,’ he said.

The FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu, has advised personnel to embrace insurance policies as a critical part of their welfare.

Odumosu gave the advice during a one-day sensitization workshop organized by the Insurance unit of the command for personnel.

He said that insurance schemes were extremely important for officers and men of the corps because of the high-risk nature of the job and unique challenges faced in the line of duty.

He added that it was imperative to educate and enlighten personnel on certain insurance schemes that the federal government had put in place to ensure proper welfare.

He listed some of the insurance schemes as accident, hazard, or investment-linked plans which provided savings or pension components that support personnel during and after retirement.

‘Government, as part of its moral and legal duty, has put in place policies to protect those who protect citizens by providing adequate insurance coverage as a key part of occupational welfare and human rights,” he said.

This week, we officially commissioned The Premiere’s state-of-the-art office in Victoria Island, Lagos – a defining moment that perfectly aligns with Customer Service Week and this year’s global theme, ‘Mission Possible.’

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO of The Premiere, described it as ‘a day of joy, gratitude, and new beginnings,’ reflecting our DNA as a service-driven organization built on excellence.

Chief Austin Albert, Chairman of The Premiere, reaffirmed our mission to expand across Africa and redefine access to global opportunities, wealth diversification, and international living.

We were honoured to have Elias Igbinakenzua, MD/CEO of Globus Bank, as the Special Guest of Honour to perform the ribbon-cutting – commending our leadership and confidence in The Premiere’s vision.

At The Premiere, we remain committed to connecting ambition to global opportunity – empowering individuals and families to live, invest, and thrive globally.

The presidency has released the full list of 175 convicts and former inmates granted presidential pardon and clemency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last Thursday.

The list released by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, over the weekend, contained the names of the beneficiaries and their offences.

On the list are illegal miners, white-collar convicts, drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba as well as capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa and the other Ogoni eight.

The presidential pardon and clemency followed the Council of State’s endorsement of recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy chaired by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

Onanuga said President Tinubu granted the clemency based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct.

The pardonees and their offences

Sixteen persons were granted presidential pardon. They are Nweke Francis Chibueze, 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine; Dr Nwogu Peters, 67, serving a 17-year jail term for fraud; Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, 63, who served a sentence for fraud; Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, 58, sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150m in the ICPC case; Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, 63, sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and had served the sentence; a former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, 62, sentenced to five years in 2021 for Corrupt Practices and had served the sentence.

Those granted posthumous pardon were Sir Herbert Macaulay, who was banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists; Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, sentenced in 1986 for treason; the Ogoni Nine sentenced for murder: Ken Saro Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawa, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine.

Presidential clemency was granted to 82 individuals, most of whom were said to have shown ‘either remorse or learned vocational skills in jail.’

The beneficiaries are Aluagwu Lawrence, 47, sentenced for Indian hemp in 2015; Ben Friday, 60, sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023; Oroke Micheal Chibueze, 21, sentenced to 5 years for dealing in cannabis sativa in 2023; Kelvin Christopher Smith, 42, sentenced to four years for importing cocaine in 2023; Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, 31, sentenced in 2021 to five years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine; Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi, 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramadol; Ahmed Adeyemo, 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis and already served nine years, 5 months at Kirikiri; Adeniyi Jimoh, 31, sentenced to 15 years for drugs in 2015 and had served nine years at Kirikiri; Seun Omirinde, 39, sentenced to 15 years for drugs in 2015 and had served nine years at Kirikiri.

Adesanya Olufemi Paul, 61, sentenced to 14 years for theft and had served eight years; Ife Yusuf, 37, sentenced for human trafficking in 2019 and had served six years at Kirikiri; Daniel Bodunwa, 43, sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for fraudulent intent to forge a land receipt and had served six years in jail; Fidelis Michael, 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa; Suru Akande, 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa

Safiyanu Umar, 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5kg of cannabis sativa in 2023; Dahiru Abdullahi, 46, sentenced in 2016 to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and had spent 10 years in jail; Hamza Abubakar, 37, sentenced to 5 years for peddling Indian hemp in 2022; Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, 52, sentenced in 2020 to seven years for criminal breach of trust; Mujibu Muhammad, 30, sentenced in 2022 to five years for cannabis; Emmanuel Eze, 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for heroine;

Bala Azika Yahaya, 70, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cannabis; Lina Kusum Wilson, 34, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide and had spent eight years in jail.

Buhari Sani, 33, sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 558 grams of cannabis; Mohammed Musa, 27, sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 16 grams of cannabis; Muharazu Abubakar, 37, sentenced in 2022 to five years for selling Indian hemp and had spent three years in prison; Ibrahim Yusuf, 34, jailed five years in 2022 for possession of 5.7 grams of Indian hemp; Saad Ahmed Madaki, 72, sentenced in 2020 for a 419 offence and had served four years; ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, 72, sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005 and had spent 20 years in prison.

Richard Ayuba, aged 38, sentenced to 5 years in 2022 for Indian hemp; Adam Abubakar, 30, sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 2kg of tramadol; Emmanuel Yusuf, 34, sentenced in 2022 to four years for possession of 2kg of tramadol; Edwin Nnazor, 60, sentenced in 2018 to 15 years for cannabis and had served 6 years, nine months; Chinedu Stanley, 34, sentenced in 2023 to three years for fake lubricant oil; Joseph Nwanoka, 42, sentenced in 2022 to five years for drugs; Johnny Ntheru, 63, sentenced in 1989 to life imprisonment for robbery and had spent 36 years in prison.

John Omotiye, 28, sentenced to six years for pipeline vandalism; Nsikat Edet Harry, 37, sentenced in 2023 to five years for Illegal possession of Indian hemp, cocaine and heroin; Jonathan Asuquo, 28, sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of Indian hemp and other drugs; Prince Samuel Peters, 54, sentenced in 2020 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence and had spent four years, three months in prison; Babangida Saliu, 35, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining; Adamu Sanni, 39, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining.

Abdulkarem Salisu, 30, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Abdulaziz Lawal, 18, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Abdulrahman Babangida, 20, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Maharazu Alidu, 22, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Zaharadeen Baliue, 38, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Babangida Usman, 30, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Zayyanu Abdullahi, 28, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining, 2024; Bashir Garuba, 20, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining.

Imam Suleman, 25, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024: Abbeh Amisu, 28, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Lawani Lurwanu, 20, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Yusuf Alhassan, 33, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Abdulahi Isah, 25, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Zayanu Bello, 35, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Habeeb Suleman, 22, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining.

Jubrin Sahabi, 23, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Shefiu Umar, 28, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Seidu Abubakar, 29, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining; Haruna Abubakar, 24, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Rabiu Seidu, 26, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining;

Macha Kuru, 25, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining; Zahradeen Aminu, 25, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining.

Nazipi Musa, 25, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Abdullahi Musa, 30, sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Habibu Safiu, 20, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Husseni Sani, 21, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Musa Lawali, 25, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Suleiman Lawal, 23, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Yusuf Iliyasu, 21, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Sebiyu Aliyu, 20, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Halliru Sani, 18, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

Shittu Aliyu, 30, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Sanusi Aminu, 27, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Isiaka Adamu, 40, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Mamman Ibrahim, 50, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Shuaibu Abdullahi, 35, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Sanusi Adamu, 28, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Sadi Musa, 20, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Haruna Isah, 35, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

The statement said Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis signed an undertaking to be responsible for the rehabilitation and empowerment of all the convicted illegal miners granted presidential clemency.

Others are Abiodun Elemero, 43, sentenced to life imprisonment for cocaine hawking in 2014 and had spent 10 years plus in Kirikiri;

Maryam Sanda, 37, sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.

Inmates recommended for reduced term of imprisonment are Yusuf Owolabi, 36, sentenced to life in 2015 for manslaughter and had spent 10 years at Kirikiri Prison. His term was reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

Ifeanyi Eze, 33, sentenced to life in 2021 for manslaughter and had spent four years at Kirikiri. His Prison term was reduced to 12 years. Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman, 59, sentenced to life in 2022 for armed robbery and possession of illegal firearms. His sentence was cut to 10 years based on good conduct.

Shettima Maaji Arfo, 54, sentenced in 2021 to seven years for corrupt practices and sentence reduced to four years, for good conduct and ill-health; Ajasper Benzeger, 69 and sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for culpable homicide and term reduced to 12 years based on old age and ill-health; Ifenna Kennechukwu, 42, sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for importing cocaine and had spent close to 10 years in Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years based on remorse and the acquisition of vocational skills.

Mgbeike Matthew, 45, sentenced to 20 years in 2013 for importing 3.10kg and term reduced to 12 years; Patrick Mensah, 40, sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drugs and term commuted to 11 years; Obi Edwin Chukwu, 43, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for drugs and term reduced to 10 years; Tunde Balogun, 32, sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drugs and term reduced to 10 years.

Lima Pereira Erick Diego, 27, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20 million for drugs, term reduced to 10 years; Uchegbu Emeka Michael, 37, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20m for drugs, term commuted to 10 years; Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen, 46, sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drugs, sentence reduced to 10 years; Napolo Osariemen, 61, sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for 2 kilos of Indian hemp, sentence reduced to seven years.

Patricia Echoe Igninovia, 61, sentenced in 2023 to seven years for trafficking in persons, term reduced to five years; Odeyemi Omolaram, 65, sentenced in 2017 to 25 years in prison for drug, term commuted to 12 years; Vera Daniel Ifork, 29, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for trafficking in persons, term reduced to eight years; Gabriel Juliet Chidimma, 32, sentenced in 2022 to six years for dealing in cocaine, term reduced to four years.

Dias Santos Marcia Christiana, 44, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for importing cocaine, term reduced to 10 years; Alh. Ibrahim Hameed, 71, sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property under false pretence, sentence reduced to five years; Alh. Nasiru Ogara Adinoyi, 65, sentenced in 2023 to 14 years for obtaining property by false pretence, term reduced to seven years.

Chief Emeka Agbodike, 69, sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property by false pretence, sentence reduced to three years; Isaac Justina, 40, sentenced in 2022 to 10 years for cannabis sativa and had spent three years in prison, term reduced to four years; Aishat Kehinde, 38, sentenced in 2022 to five years for unlawful possession of cannabis, term commuted to four years.

Helen Solomon, 68, sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis sativa, sentence reduced to three years; Okoye Tochukwu, 43, sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa, term reduced to 3 years; Ugwueze Paul, 38, sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa, term reduced to three years; Mutsapha Ahmed, 46, sentenced in 2022 to seven years for criminal breach of trust, term reduced to five years.

Abubakar Mamman, 38, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for Possession of firearms and term reduced to seven years; Muhammed Bello Musa, 35, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for illegal possession of firearms, term reduced to seven years; Nnamdi Anene, 67, sentenced in 2010 to life imprisonment for illegal dealing of arms, term reduced to 20 years; Alh. Abubakar Tanko, 61, sentenced in 2018 to 30 years for culpable homicide, term reduced to 20 years.

Chisom Francis Wisdom, 30, sentenced in 2018 to 20 years for kidnapping, term reduced to 12 years; Innocent Brown Idiong, 60, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for possession of 700 grams of Indian hemp, term reduced to six years; Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem, 46, sentenced to 2021 to seven years, term commuted to five years; Ada Audu, 72, sentenced in 2022 to seven years, term reduced to four years;

Bukar Adamu, 40, sentenced to 20 years for advance fee fraud, term reduced to nine years.

Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe, 44, sentenced in October 2023 to 20 years for kidnapping, term reduced to 13 years; Frank Azuekor, 42, sentenced in 2023 for kidnapping for 20 years, term reduced to 13 years; Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus, 47, sentenced to life at Kuje Custodial Centre for drugs, had spent 11 years and term reduced to 13 years.

Professor Magaji Garba, 67, sentenced in 2021 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence, term was reduced to four years; Markus Yusuf, 41, sentenced in 2023 to 13 years for culpable homicide, term commuted to five years based on ill-health;

Samson Ajayi, 31, sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for drugs, term reduced to seven years; Iyabo Binyoyo, 49, sentenced in 2017 to 10 years for drugs.

Oladele Felix, 49, was in 2022 to five years for conspiracy and exploitation, term reduced to four years; Rakiya Beida, 33, sentenced in 2021 to seven years, for theft and cheating, term reduced to three years;

Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi, 44, sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for exporting cocaine, term commuted to eight years; Chukwudi Destiny, 36, sentenced in 2022 to six years for importing heroin, term cut to four years.

Felix Rotimi Esemokhai, 47, sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin, term reduced to four years; Major S.A. Akubo, 62, sentenced in 2009 to life for illegally removing 7,000 assorted weapons, term commuted to 20 years; John Ibiam, 39, sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter, term cut to 10 years; Omoka Aja, 40, sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter, term commuted to 10 years.

Chief Jonathan Alatoru, 66, sentenced in 2021 to seven years for conspiracy to cheat, term reduced to five years; Umanah Ekaette Umanah, 70, sentenced in 2022 to 10 years, term commuted to five years;

Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka, 60, sentenced in 2020 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence, term reduced to five years; Jude Saka Ebaragha, 44, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1million for conspiracy, term commuted to six years, and the fine was waived.

Frank Insort Abaka, 46, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1m fine for conspiracy, term reduced to six years and the fine was waived; Shina Alolo, 42, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1m fine, term cut to six years amd fine waved; Joshua Iwiki, 50, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1m for conspiracy, term commuted to six years in prison and fine waved; David Akinseye, 44, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1m fine for conspiracy, term commuted to six years, and the fine waived.

Ahmed Toyin, 46, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1m fine for conspiracy, sentence commuted and fine waived; Shobajo Saheed, 57, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1m for conspiracy, got a similar reprieve like the others; Adamole Philip, 52, sentenced to 12 years and a N1m fine for conspiracy, got a similar pardon.

Mathew Masi, 39, sentenced to 12 years and a fine of N1m for conspiracy, sentence reduced to six years, and the fine waived; Bright Agbedeyi, 46, sentenced in 2020 for conspiracy, also got a similar reprieve.

Some inmates on death row had it reduced to life imprisonment. They are Emmanuel Baba, 38, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide; Emmanuel Gladstone, 45; Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, 51; Abubakar Usman, 59; Khalifa Umar, 37; Benjamin Ekeze, 40 and Mohammed Umar, 43.

Reactions trail Sanda, Farouk Lawan, others’ pardon

Meanwhile, the decision by Tinubu to grant clemency to the inmates convicted of murder and drug trafficking has stirred controversy among Nigerians, especially on social media.

Many faulted the president for pardoning several drug dealers and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death about five years ago for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. They, however, applauded the presidential pardon extended to some late nationalists.

One Dr Bello Anka said: ‘Pardon is indeed the prerogative of the President, but a list made up of a lot of drug dealers and a well-known murderer leaves more questions than answers.’

An X user, Megamixer, said: ‘Start with Farouk Lawan. Nigeria finally secured a rare, high-profile anti-corruption conviction, and the Supreme Court upheld it in January 2024. A presidential pardon converts a hard-won deterrent into a cautionary tale that elite sanctions are reversible. That is corrosive to ethics, public trust, and the rule of law. Then Nweke Francis Chibueze. Court records showed he exported 1.416 kg of cocaine through Murtala Muhammed International Airport. A full pardon for a serious trafficking offence, announced without a transparent rehabilitative rationale, normalises a predatory market that targets the young. It undercuts frontline narcotics enforcement and public health messaging.

‘Add Maryam Sanda. She was convicted of killing her husband, and the Court of Appeal affirmed the death sentence in 2020. Clemency here tramples victims’ rights. How should the Bello family process the state’s choice to relieve the killer of their son while offering them only memories? Mercy without restorative justice retraumatises families and cheapens the sanctity of life.

‘Consider Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, whose 12-year bribery sentence was affirmed by the Supreme Court. Nullifying apex-court outcomes in corruption cases tells ambitious graduates and public officials that consequences are negotiable.’

Gondo Andy wondered why presidential pardon was granted to ‘murderers, drug traffickers and financial criminals,’ when innocent people languish in prisons awaiting trial for years longer than the stipulated number of years they would have spent even if found guilty.

Julius Ayanladun also said, ‘I don’t know why we politicise everything in Nigeria. I’m sure those that really merited this didn’t get it. People who stole money, killed husband just 6 years ago, Tramadadol and cocaine dealers were the beneficiaries. Those who have spent 20 years plus should have been considered.’

Another X user, with the handle Xer_xes, said: ‘Though ‘a presidential pardon is legal,’ it raises serious questions about justice, deterrence and fairness to victims’ families, when people convicted of homicide and major crimes are freed or commuted so quickly.’

Presidential pardon to nationalists applauded

However, Tinubu was commended for pardoning iconic nationalist figures, describing his decision as a deep understanding that justice should have a touch of humanity.

On Facebook, Nanle Shiktu, stated, ‘By pardoning heroes like Herbert Macaulay and Major General Mamman Vatsa, and granting clemency to deserving inmates, the President demonstrates a deep understanding that justice must also serve humanity. Equally significant is the posthumous pardon of the Ogoni nine a long-awaited recognition of their sacrifice and struggle for environmental and social justice.’

Another commenter, Nanle Shiktu, said, ‘By extending posthumous pardons to iconic figures like Herbert Macaulay and Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, as well as the Ogoni Nine, the President demonstrates a strong commitment to truth, justice, and the restoration of dignity to those who were wronged by the weight of history.’

Tinubu using his constitutional powers recklessly – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticised President Tinubu for what it described as a reckless use of his constitutional powers in granting presidential pardon to several convicted individuals.

Speaking with Daily Trust, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said that although the President’s action falls within his constitutional rights, the way it was exercised reflects poor judgment and disregard for public sensitivity.

‘The presidential pardon falls within the constitutional powers of the President, and he can choose to exercise it recklessly. The onus is on Nigerians to review this and similar actions of these elements,’ Abdullahi stated in a message sent to Daily Trust in response to enquiries.

He urged Nigerians to critically assess the President’s recent decisions, including the controversial pardons, and to make their opinions known.

National disgrace – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described Tinubu’s action as ‘pathetic and a national disgrace.’

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the move undermines Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign, encourages criminality, and further damages the country’s international reputation.

‘The ADC finds it pathetic and an act of immense national disgrace that the recent presidential pardon and clemency granted to several convicted criminals amount to a grossly irresponsible abuse of the presidential prerogative of mercy,’ the statement read.

Abdullahi explained that presidential pardons are intended to correct miscarriages of justice or reward genuine reform, not to absolve dangerous offenders.

‘Pardons and clemency are granted for their social utility-to correct injustice or to those who have paid their debts to society. But what does Nigeria stand to gain from this act of clemency for convicts serving life sentences who have barely spent two years behind bars?’ he asked.

The ADC praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies for their relentless fight against narcotics, saying the presidential pardon undermines their sacrifices.

The ADC warned that the decision could also damage Nigeria’s global credibility in the fight against drug trafficking.

Atiku: Tinubu’s style of presidential pardon emboldens criminality

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Tinubu’s action as a reckless act that emboldens criminality and weakens the moral foundation of governance.

In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Atiku said the development has ‘provoked outrage across the nation,’ adding that while the power of pardon is a legitimate constitutional tool, it must be exercised with prudence and integrity.

‘Ordinarily, the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative – a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with mercy and to underscore the humanity of the state,’ Atiku wrote.

‘When properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance. Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite.’

The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said extending clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption diminishes the sanctity of justice and sends ‘a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds.’

Atiku noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with insecurity, moral decay, and an alarming rise in drug-related offences, making the President’s decision ‘both shocking and indefensible.’

He said, ‘Particularly worrisome is the revelation that 29.2 percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes at a time when our youth are being destroyed by narcotics, and our nation still struggles to cleanse its image from the global stain of drug offences.’

Abstract Nigeria’s persistent unemployment crisis is fundamentally driven by a critical disconnect between the nation’s educational system and the evolving demands of its labor market. While an estimated 2 million graduates are produced annually, a significant proportion leave tertiary institutions lacking the practical skills, entrepreneurial mindset, or technical expertise demanded by modern industries. This article examines how antiquated curricula, chronic underfunding of technical and vocational training, limited private-sector collaboration, and weak policy implementation have created a profound mismatch between what is taught and what the economy desperately needs. Drawing sharp comparisons with nations that have successfully realigned their education systems with labor market realities, this piece asserts the urgent necessity for comprehensive reforms in curriculum design, deep industry-academia collaboration, and a robust embrace of skills-based education as the imperative pathway to reducing unemployment and unlocking Nigeria’s full productive potential.

The Challenge of a Misaligned System Unemployment in Nigeria has escalated to deeply troubling heights, particularly among its burgeoning youth population. While 2024 data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported youth unemployment at over 53%, the broader picture, as highlighted by a Q4 2020 NBS report (the last comprehensive data before a methodological change), showed overall unemployment at 33.3%, with youth unemployment (ages 15-34) peaking at an alarming 42.5%. This statistical reality underscores a long-standing and widening chasm between Nigeria’s education system and the dynamic skill requirements of the modern economy.

For decades, Nigeria’s educational institutions have disproportionately emphasized theoretical knowledge over applied, hands-on skills. Graduates are often prepared for roles in a shrinking public sector, or for white-collar jobs that are increasingly automated or require specialized digital competencies. Simultaneously, vital private industries-particularly in the rapidly expanding technology sector, the foundational energy and manufacturing sectors, and the high-potential agribusiness-face acute challenges in finding competent, job-ready local talent. The paradox is stark: millions of unemployed graduates co-exist with a multitude of growing job vacancies in critical economic sectors. This mismatch is not merely an inconvenience; it is a profound structural impediment to national economic growth.

Comparative Lessons from Other Nations Several developing and developed economies offer compelling blueprints for tackling this challenge by strategically aligning education with market needs:

These nations exemplify what is achievable when strategic policy, educational institutions, and private industry forge deep, collaborative partnerships.

Nigeria’s Missed Opportunities Despite the existence of regulatory bodies like the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the foundational initiatives by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)-both established with mandates to promote technical and vocational skills-Nigeria’s implementation has critically fallen short. Data from the Federal Ministry of Education indicates that TVET enrollment remains disproportionately low compared to general academic enrollment. Industry-academia collaboration, a cornerstone of successful skill development globally, remains largely anecdotal and unsystematic. Genuine, structured internship programs are scarce, with many institutions lacking the modern equipment or sustainable industry partnerships essential to provide meaningful hands-on training.

While entrepreneurship education has been introduced into some curricula, it is frequently delivered as purely theoretical instruction. Graduates often lack the critical incubation support, mentorship networks, or access to seed funding that would enable them to transition from conceptual understanding to building viable, real-world businesses.

Furthermore, curriculum development is painfully slow and often reactive rather than proactive. Regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) frequently operate without real-time, granular labor market data. This critical information gap prevents them from effectively aligning educational outcomes with the pressing, dynamic needs of Nigeria’s national economic priorities.

The Impact on Job Creation The debilitating consequence of this systemic disconnect is starkly visible in Nigeria’s labor market. Many companies, especially in the energy, ICT, and advanced manufacturing sectors, report spending months, or even years, recruiting for critical roles in engineering, data analytics, and project management-positions that should be readily filled by locally trained talent. Instead, they are frequently compelled to either recruit expatriate workers at considerable cost or invest heavily in extensive, often redundant, in-house retraining programs for inadequately prepared local hires.

Simultaneously, millions of Nigerian youths, armed with degrees in fields like Political Science, History, or Business Administration, face a bleak job market. They are either significantly underemployed or entirely out of work-not because these foundational fields are unimportant, but because the broader economy has undergone profound shifts while the academic curriculum has remained largely static, failing to integrate the cross-cutting competencies now demanded.

What Must Change: A Blueprint for Reform To definitively resolve this crisis and position Nigeria for future global competitiveness, a holistic, aggressive overhaul of the entire education-to-employment pipeline is an absolute imperative. Key priorities, backed by robust data and consistent implementation, should include:

Conclusion Nigeria stands at a defining moment. With its youth population projected to exceed 100 million by 2030, the current trajectory of rising unemployment and under-skilled graduates is not merely a challenge but an existential threat. The country must act with unparalleled urgency and strategic foresight to fundamentally reform its educational system-not simply to churn out degrees, but to cultivate genuine competence, innovation, and job readiness.

We must decisively stop preparing students for a past that no longer exists and aggressively start equipping them for the real challenges and boundless opportunities of today’s rapidly evolving world. Bridging the systemic gap between education and industry is not merely a prudent policy choice-it is a national imperative, a non-negotiable step towards unlocking the true, boundless potential of Nigeria’s greatest, yet currently underutilized, asset: its people. When we truly align our classrooms with our economy, Nigeria will not only rise but thrive on the global stage.

Dr. Onyekachi C. Scott is a dedicated educational reform advocate and human capital development strategist, deeply committed to closing skill gaps and advancing workforce readiness.

During the heat of the campaign in 2022, Kashim Shettima, then Senator and running mate to the presidential candidate, regularly offered us his entertaining, funny side. I made a compendium of such witty remarks in a piece on this page, on 14th Nov 2022, titled ‘The Many Wisecracks of Kashim Shettima’. After taking the readers through many of the puns, the then vice-presidential candidate spun, and the massive amount of hilarity he caused across the nation, I concluded thus: ‘We still have a few months of the campaign to go, so I guess we still have more wisecracks and aching ribs to come. And I bet you, should their ticket win next year, the presidential villa will not be the same dull place again.’

Fast forward to the present, Kashim Shettima is now sitting pretty in the presidential villa, and readers can affirm that the state house is not ‘the same dull place again’. On any occasion, whether representing his principal, the President, or acting on his own, Kashim Shettima has maintained his own old self. His speeches are still seasoned with puns that draw guffaws from his audience, which serves as a relief in that kind of tense atmosphere. Far more than that, his speeches get down to earth, addressing the issues at hand with the types of words and turns of phrase that would gladden editors of media houses.

The 31st National Economic Summit, which took place last week in the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotel, was one of those events that brought out the vice-president’s wisest sayings. I was a delegate to the summit, where I had a good ringside view of events. The VP represented the President and dutifully read out the prepared speech, detailing what they have achieved so far, the challenges they met on the ground, and what is ahead. At the tail end of the speech, the VP suddenly raised his face from the lectern, went extempore, his eyes fixed on the audience and said:

‘I want to dwell on something very dear, a topical issue that is very dear to the heart of every Nigerian. Aliko Dangote is not an individual; he is an institution. And he is a leading light in the Nigerian economic firmament. How we treat this individual will determine how outsiders will judge us. If he had invested $10b in Microsoft, in Amazon, in Google, he probably might be worth $70-80b by now. But he opted to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to jealously guard, protect, promote and project the interest of this great Nigerian.

‘I wish to call for caution, retrospection, and a deeper sense of patriotism from both the labour and the organised private sector in defining and improving the relationship between labour and industry, in the interest of maintaining our steadily improving economic fortunes. It is not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.’

As the VP addressed the audience with calm assurance and persuasive clarity, I could see delegates exchanging nods, and some allowed relieved smiles to cross their faces, visibly reflecting the reassurance instilled by his remarks. The speech was well-received and roundly clapped for. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN became a catchphrase, resonating in the media from that moment and appearing as a headline in most newspapers that reported the story. When the clapping died down, one could discern an audible sigh of relief from the seated guests, many of whom are investors or potential investors in the many sectors of the national economy.

This reassurance had to be made public by one of the highest government functionaries because, when the fight broke out between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN, many accused the government of not taking a firm approach to the matter. The arrival of the Dangote Refinery had been a welcome relief. Since it started operation, there has hardly been any shortage of petroleum products in the country, and prices have remained relatively stable. For any union, whatever it grouses with the Dangote Refinery, to attempt to cause disruptions in the supply chain would not have had public support. If PENGASSAN had succeeded in disrupting the supply chain, then investor confidence in the Nigerian economy would have been severely depleted.

The government’s seemingly tepid approach to the crisis was dissimilar to how General Sani Abacha, then Nigeria’s Head of State, handled PENGASSAN in a similar situation. Probably some of us were nostalgic for that time in 1994, when General Abacha had swung the big hammer on the officials of PENGASSAN. They had waged a devastating strike by shutting down the oil industry, aiming at toppling his regime. Abacha came out furious, fired the leadership of PENGASSAN and replaced them with his appointees. Afterwards, throughout his tenure, there was relative peace in the oil industry.

Obviously, that would not be possible now, when the rule of law has replaced military fiat. Nevertheless, I hope both the unions, the government, and Dangote refinery have learned valuable lessons from this debacle.

When I reflect on this episode, the wise words of the VP resonate with me: Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.