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The Director-General of the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Mr. Edwin Harris has said countries in Africa must do everything possible to avoid being on the financial action task force (FATF) grey list by strengthening anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing (AML/CFT) efforts.

GIABA, a specialised ECOWAS agency has been championing anti-money laundering initiatives among West African countries in the last 25 years.

Daily Trust reports that the FATF grey list countries are classified as jurisdictions under increased monitoring.

Nigeria was placed on the list in 2023 as a jurisdiction under increased monitoring while the country was expected to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) activities.

It would be recalled that the DG had disclosed that Nigeria would exit the FATF grey list this month. He spoke in Guinea Bissau during the Regional Training of Journalists on Investigative Reporting of Economic and Financial Crimes in West Africa.

Speaking with Daily Trust at the conclusion of the training which held recently in Bissau, the Guinea Bissau Capital, Harris said while the FATF list is not a punitive list, it is a disincentive to investment.

‘If you are on the grey list, when it comes to anti-money laundering, you’re not too strong, I’m not too sure I can invest my money in your country. That’s why it’s not good for a country to go on the grey list, to do all they can to maintain the balance,’ he said.

Harris stated that as GIABA celebrates 25 years of establishment this year, the body has been successful in establishing financial intelligence units across the region.

He said, ‘We have provided training for judges, journalists. We have written several topologies and research to assist. We have brought to bear in the public space the issue of financial crimes and its impact, and how it impacts negatively on the governance process, peace and stability, for instance, take you for Nigeria, take the issue of terrorism and things like that.

‘You know the negative and adverse impact on the governance process. So, all we continue to do since 2000 is to assist national governments or federal government in whatever context to strengthen their own regulatory frameworks to fight these menaces that have impact on our governance, on our peace and prosperity.’

He stated that having learnt a lot in the last 25 years, the group had given valuable tools to member states and all stakeholders including the government, the private sector, the media, civil society, ‘in having a concerted effort and fight against terrorist financing and money laundering.’

He stated that the FATF recommendations representation the gold standard for every country in the world to adopt in the fight against money laundering and tansnational crimes.

He explained that one of the challenges in the fight against money laundering is in the informal sector where 80 per cent of the economy is cash-based.

The morning of October 10, 2025, started like any other in Bucksnort, Tennessee small, rural community nestled among rolling hills. But for the residents of this quiet town, the day would become one marked by grief, confusion, and loss, as the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) factory was rocked by a massive explosion. The blast sent shockwaves throughout the town and surrounding counties, shaking buildings miles away. The factory, a significant local employer specializing in the production of explosives for both military and commercial use, became the site of one of the most devastating industrial accidents in recent memory.

At approximately 7:45 a.m., the factory erupted in an explosion that leveled a building and caused massive destruction. The force of the blast was so intense that it could be felt as far as 20 miles away, and its impact was immediately apparent16 lives were lost, and the factory was left in ruins. The community, which had already been impacted by the challenges of living in a rural, industrial area, now faced the overwhelming reality of recovering from a tragedy that would forever change their lives.

The Immediate Aftermath and Search for Survivors

Following the explosion, authorities quickly shifted their focus from rescue to recovery. The plant was located on a large 1,300-acre site, and emergency responders, including fire and rescue teams, were deployed to the scene. Despite the rapid response, no survivors were found in the debris. Search teams worked tirelessly, sifting through the wreckage, but the damage was so severe that hopes for finding survivors dwindled as the hours passed.

As the explosion had occurred early in the morning, most of the factory’s employees were present. The high number of casualties compounded the grief felt by families, friends, and co-workers. The authorities, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), have launched a full-scale inquiry into the cause of the explosion. At this time, the exact cause is still unknown, though preliminary investigations point to a potential failure in one of the factory’s hazardous materials systems.

The news spread quickly, sending shockwaves through the town. Neighbors rushed to check on one another, and families began anxiously waiting for updates on their loved ones who worked at the factory. The town, already a tight-knit community, was now united by an unspoken bond of shared pain and collective mourning.

The Legal and Financial Impact

In the aftermath of a tragic event like the AES explosion, the affected families often find themselves navigating a complex landscape of legal, emotional, and financial challenges. This is especially true for families who have lost loved ones in industrial accidents. The road to justice for the victims can be long, but it is one that many families choose to pursue in the hope of accountability and financial support.

For those affected, it is critical to consult with legal professionals who specialize in industrial accidents and wrongful death claims. These lawyers have the expertise needed to guide families through the often-overwhelming process of filing lawsuits, understanding their rights, and holding accountable those responsible for the explosion.

Additionally, compensation through legal channels can help victims’ families cover medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. Though no amount of money can bring back a loved one, it can offer some measure of relief as families cope with the aftermath.

Simply Google search ‘AES factory explosion lawyers’ to find them. These legal experts can help navigate the complexities of industrial accident cases, ensuring that the families of those lost have the best chance for justice.

Preventing Future Explosions: Industry and Safety Reforms

While the legal battles and recovery efforts continue, there is also a broader conversation about industrial safety and the need for stricter regulations. Explosives manufacturing, by its very nature, involves significant risks. However, incidents like the AES explosion highlight the importance of stringent safety measures, comprehensive training, and regular inspections.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other regulatory bodies must step up efforts to ensure that all facilities handling hazardous materials are adhering to the highest safety standards. Additionally, industry leaders and companies must prioritize safety above all else, considering not only the financial aspects of their operations but also the well-being of their workers and the surrounding communities.

The industry needs to learn from tragedies like the AES explosion and make improvements. The explosion serves as a stark reminder that safety protocols should never be overlooked, especially in facilities that handle volatile materials. In the coming months, the TBI and OSHA will likely increase their scrutiny of industrial sites in Tennessee and across the country.

A Community Grieves, but Moves Forward

Despite the profound tragedy that has befallen the town, the spirit of resilience is palpable. Bucksnort, a community of fewer than 2,000 people, has come together in support of one another. The loss of 16 lives is unimaginable, but the collective healing of the community has begun. Local churches have opened their doors to offer counseling services, and community leaders have arranged memorials to honor the victims.

In addition to grief support, the town has banded together to provide practical help for those affected. Fundraisers and charity drives have been organized to assist the families who are now without their loved ones. These efforts exemplify the community’s commitment to supporting one another during such a challenging time.

The recovery process will take time for the physical site of the explosion and for the emotional scars left behind. However, the community’s resilience will undoubtedly drive its healing. Over time, Bucksnort will rebuild, but the memory of the AES factory explosion will remain a somber chapter in its history.

Conclusion

The explosion at the AES factory in Tennessee is a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the lives of those directly affected, as well as on the broader community. As the search for answers continues, families are forced to cope with loss while also pursuing justice through the legal system. The need for stronger safety regulations in industrial settings is more evident than ever, and the AES tragedy serves as a cautionary tale for industries dealing with dangerous materials.

As time moves forward, the town of Bucksnort will heal, but the lessons learned from this devastating event must be remembered. For those grieving the loss of loved ones, support is available, and legal professionals are ready to guide them through the complex process of seeking justice. Together, the community and the victims’ families can find a path to recovery, but the scars of this tragedy will likely remain for years to come.

As part of its CSR initiative for youth empowerment, Julius Berger’s experienced, full-service aluminium and glass solutions provider, ABUMET Nigeria Ltd, recently organised a CSR developmental programme that tasked youths to express their creativity while incorporating elements of ABUMET’s identity.

The initiative, which focused on education and human capital development, thus saw the company hosting its first-ever Graffiti Art Competition in Abuja, designed to give university students a platform to express their creativity even as they were encouraged to incorporate elements of the company’s identity, like aluminium profiles, façades, and the spirit of craftsmanship.

For over two days, the competing students transformed blank shipping containers into vibrant works of art, showcasing originality, technique, and innovation.

The competition was judged by experienced local artists, with entries evaluated on creativity, originality, relevance to the theme, execution, and overall impact.

At the end of the competition, three winners emerged: Johaness, who clinched the first prize of N1m. She was closely followed by Zaphaniel and Boluwatife, who came out second and third, respectively, winning N500,000 and N300,000, respectively.

In line with the acclaimed philosophy of the company to reward every effort employed in service delivery, consolation prizes were awarded to all other participants in recognition of their creativity, effort, and contributions to the event’s success.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the General Manager of ABUMET, Diemo Schillack, disclosed that the Abumet Graffiti Art Competition reflects the company’s commitment to supporting young talent, driving creativity, and empowering the next generation of leaders. He further advised that we should continue such initiatives eventually, to sustain the impact and build on the momentum created.

Mixed reactions yesterday trailed the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report which showed that prices of food reduced slightly in September when compared to August 2025 with headline inflation rate dropping to 18.02.

Daily Trust reports that NBS in its monthly inflation report said the Food inflation rate in September 2025 was -1.57 percent, down by 3.22 percent compared to August 2025 (1.65 percent).

It attributed the decrease to the drop in the average prices of maize (corn) grains, garri, beans, millet, potatoes, onions, eggs, tomatoes, fresh pepper etc.

‘Purchasing power remains low’

But many Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions over the NBS report, saying the report has not reflected on the standards of living of the citizens.

A civil servant in Abuja, Khadija Adam stated that the price of food commodities has reduced but the reduced purchasing power of Nigerians has made it difficult for most people to purchase.

She said a measure of rice that was hitherto sold for N2,500 in her area in Suleja in Niger State, has now dropped to N1,500.

‘But still I know people who can’t afford it as their purchasing power has declined over the years. So it is the people that have the money that will enjoy the drop in price of commodities,’ he said.

Also, a provision seller at Lugbe, a suburb of Abuja, confirmed the reduction of prices in food commodities.

He said commodities like rice, beans, spaghetti and macaroni have all reduced in prices.

When asked if people are still buying, he said, ‘Yes people are buying but not at the quantity when prices were running high the last two years. On the price, a bag of 50 kg rice is sold to us ranging from N50,000 to N55,000 while we also sell it at N60,000.’

Kehinde Olufowobi who resides in Ikorodu described the inflation figure as a reflection of the market, saying prices of staple food have reduced.

‘The inflation rate in Nigeria witnessed a decline in the month of September, marking a notable improvement in the country’s economic indicators. This development suggests that the government’s efforts toward stabilizing the economy and curbing price increases may be beginning to yield results.

‘Interestingly, the effect of this decline in inflation is already visible at the grassroots level. In my area (Ikorodu) in Lagos, the prices of several food items have noticeably decreased. Staples such as rice, beans and garri which had previously surged in price, are now being sold at more affordable rates. This reduction has brought a sense of relief to many households, especially for low- and middle-income earners who have been struggling to cope with the rising cost of living in recent months,’ he said.

He expressed optimism for further reduction in the cost of food items, saying that it will improve household welfare.

Speaking with our correspondent, president of the Premium Bakers’ Association of Nigeria (PBAN), Engr. Emmanuel Onuorah said the reduced prices are not reflecting in people’s pockets.

He said, ‘Suddenly inflation dropped by three per cent but it should reflect in people’s pockets. For us some materials are still going up though our baking ingredients are stable and that is why premium bread makers have not increased prices of bread in the last one year.

‘Questions should be asked, we must ask NBS how this inflation is coming down and there is no trickle-down effect. It is like the data is for the uptick. For all I know if inflation is coming down in the western world, maybe UK, America, Australia, Canada or even China, people feel it in their pockets. When people are not feeling inflation in their pockets, I don’t know how you would explain it.’

What the NBS is saying

It added that the average annual rate of Food inflation for the twelve months ending September 2025 over the previous twelve-month average was 24.06 percent, which was 13.47 percent points lower compared with the average annual rate of change recorded in September 2024 (37.53 percent).

‘The food inflation rate in September 2025 was 16.87 percent on a year-on-year basis. This was 20.9 percent lower compared to the rate recorded in September 2024 (37.77 percent). The significant decline in the annual food inflation figure is technically due to the change in the base year.’

It added that headline inflation rate eased to18.02 per cent relative to the August 2025 headline inflation rate of 20.12 per cent.

‘Looking at the movement, the September 2025 headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 2.1 percent compared to the August 2025 headline inflation rate. In addition, on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 14.68 percent lower than the rate recorded in September 2024 (32.70 percent).’

‘This shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in September 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., September 2024), though with a different base year, November 2009 = 100. However, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in September 2025 was 0.72 percent, which was 0.02 percent lower than the rate recorded in August 2025 (0.74 percent). This means that in September 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level was lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in August 2025.’

Inflation highest in Adamawa, Katsina

The report noted All Items inflation rate on a Year-on-Year basis was highest in Adamawa (23.69 percent), Katsina (23.53 percent), and Nasarawa (22.29 percent), while Anambra (9.28 percent), Niger (11.79 percent) and Bauchi (12.36 percent) recorded the lowest rise in Headline inflation on a Year-on-Year basis.

But on a month-on-month basis, the highest increase was in Zamfara (9.36 percent), Adamawa (8.15 percent) and Nasarawa (7.49 percent), while Niger (-8.14 percent), Oyo (-5.56 percent), and Bayelsa (-4.61 percent) recorded declined.

It went on to state that food inflation when compared yearly was highest in Ekiti (28.68 percent), Rivers (24.18 percent), Nasarawa (22.74 percent), while Bauchi (2.81 percent), Niger (8.38 percent), and Anambra (8.41 percent) recorded the slowest rise.

‘On a month-on-month basis, however, food inflation was highest in Zamfara (15.62 percent), Ekiti (12.77 percent), Sokoto (12.55 percent), while Akwa Ibom (-12.97 percent), Borno (-12.95 percent), and Cross River (-10.36 percent) recorded decline in Food inflation on Month-on-Month basis.

Uwaleke links drop to appreciation of Naira

Speaking with Daily Trust, a professor of capital market, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said the drop which is caused by decline in food price was mostly fuelled by the appreciation of the Naira.

Uwaleke said: ‘One can also see the positive passthrough effect of naira appreciation in September on the core inflation which excludes the prices of volatile items such as food and energy. Core inflation rate is now under 20 percent.’

He however said at 18.02 percent, inflation rate is still far from the CBN long-run target of 9 percent.

‘The challenge before the government and the monetary authority is to ensure that this disinflation is sustained and that some of the downside risks to inflation including elevated spending as we approach the elections season are mitigated in good time.’

‘Also, it would appear that much of the increase in the food output which pushed down food prices occurred in the Southern States of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Anambra which recorded low food inflation rates.’

Inflation level remains high, eroding purchasing power – Muda

On his part, the Director/Chief Executive Office, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise [CPPE], Dr Muda Yusuf, said the disinflation trajectory is commendable but inflation levels remain high and continue to erode household purchasing power, undermine consumer confidence, and weaken real incomes.

He said the gains achieved so far must therefore be consolidated through decisive and well-targeted policy actions.

He added that the current disinflation has been shaped by a combination of structural and macroeconomic factors, including; increased food supply during the harvest season has moderated food prices, rebasing of inflation methodology earlier in the year that led to significant reduction in inflation figures, naira’s stability and ‘mild appreciation in some months helping to moderate imported inflation.’

‘Tighter monetary policy, reduced fiscal leakages, and better coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities have contributed to easing inflationary pressures. These factors collectively explain the progress made on price moderation, though the underlying structural issues that drive cost-push inflation remain significant.’

He added that despite the moderation, inflation remains high in key consumption and production sectors with persistent insecurity in farming areas, high transport costs, and climate-related disruptions continue to constrain food output.

‘There is High fuel prices, poor road networks, and multiple levies across states inflate distribution costs. Unreliable electricity supply and high energy costs raise the cost of production across sectors. And continued escalation in these essential services sustains upward pressure on living costs.

He went on to urge the federal government to strengthen security in farming regions to facilitate production and market access.

‘The sustained disinflation trend is a welcome development and a sign of improving macroeconomic fundamentals. However, the cost-of-living crisis remains acute, particularly for low- and middle-income households. The next phase of reform must therefore prioritize welfare-focused and cost-reduction measures that deliver tangible relief to citizens.’

‘Business confidence is rising, but consumer confidence remains fragile. Policies that enhance productivity, stabilize prices, and reduce the structural cost of doing business will not only strengthen the disinflation trajectory but also foster inclusive and sustainable economic recovery. With consistency, coordination, and structural reforms, Nigeria can achieve a stable single-digit inflation rate over the medium term – anchoring growth, improving welfare, and restoring confidence in the economy.’

The theme for this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, ‘The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis,’ paints a picture of resilience and agency. It resonates deeply with the lived realities of girls in Nigeria, especially, Northern Nigeria. The crisis is child marriage, and the frontline is her own home, her own body, and her own future. The question is not whether she is leading the fight for her life, but whether our strategies are designed to follow her lead or silence it.

The crisis is quantified by the recent 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), officially released in 2022, which shows a national prevalence of 30% of women aged 20-24 having been married before the age of 18, a noticeable decrease from 44% in 2016. However, this progress is highly uneven, with the practice remaining significantly concentrated in the northern regions; for instance, the North-West and North-East report prevalence rates of approximately 52% and 51.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the deep-seated connection to poverty is evident, as 58% of girls from the poorest households are married before turning 18, underscoring the urgent need for targeted geographical interventions. These numbers represent individual frontlines: girls facing immense family and social pressure; their education and health sacrificed for a custom they had no hand in creating.

The girl on the frontline of the child marriage crisis in Northern Nigeria is fighting a battle that laws from Abuja cannot reach. While the Child Rights Act that sets 18 as the marriageable age gathers dust in 11 northern states, her crisis is immediate and local. Her leadership is not expressed in courtrooms but in her quiet defiance to stay in school, a daily act of courage against a system that sees her as a wife-in-waiting.

The failure of the CRA is a classic case of ignoring the frontline. The law is perceived as a ‘Western imposition,’ an ‘interference’ in religion and tradition. The real change, therefore, will not be legislated from the top down; it must be led from the ground up, by and for the girls most affected, supported by the leaders their communities trust. We must stop asking, ‘Why won’t they pass the law?’ and start asking, ‘How can we support the girls and their allies who are already changing minds?’

My research on ‘Child Marriage in Northern Nigeria: The Roles of Traditional and Religious Leaders’ was not just about statistics; it was about listening to girls on this frontline. I met 18year-olds fighting to stay in school, acutely aware that a marriage proposal could end their dreams at any moment. Their battle is not against a vague notion of tradition, but against a system where the most respected voices in their community, traditional and religious leaders, often legitimize the very practice that threatens them.

Yet, within this bleak landscape, a crucial insight emerges: the most strategic way to support a girl on the frontline is to win over the commanding officers in her own camp. The Emirs and Imams hold the cultural authority that can either reinforce the crisis or declare a ceasefire. They are not distant policymakers; they are the gatekeepers of the reality these girls navigate every day.

When a girl leads, she should not be leading alone. Our investment must be in building her a coalition. Here’s how we can rally the leadership in her community to her side:

1. Amplify Her Voice with a Megaphone She Can Use: A girl’s advocacy in her family is often dismissed. But when her plea is echoed by the village Imam during a sermon, or when the Emir declares that a girl’s education is non-negotiable, her family listens. We must invest in programs that create these alliances, bringing traditional leaders to the table not as targets, but as essential partners in the change girls are already trying to lead.

2. Provide Her with a Shield of Education: The single most powerful tool to keep a girl on the frontline of her education, and off the frontline of marital crisis, is to keep her in school. As one religious leader I interviewed astutely noted, the most effective strategy is not to condemn child marriage outright, but to relentlessly champion education. ‘If parents start educating all their female children,’ he said, ‘then these girls will be in school till 18.’ This aligns perfectly with a girl’s own ambition and is an argument that can be framed within, not against, community values.

3. Change the Rules of Engagement on the Ground: Girls on the frontlines need tangible support systems. This means investing in the capacity of local leaders to create and enforce community bylaws that mandate marriage registration and discourage marrying out school-aged girls. An Emir told me that with the right support and authority, his traditional council could ensure ‘no one should give their child out in marriage until it is certified.’ This creates a structural barrier that protects the girl leading her own quiet revolution at home.

This requires a new kind of investment. Instead of pouring resources solely into legal advocacy, we must invest in the ‘change she leads’ by empowering her most powerful potential allies: traditional and religious leaders. When an Emir speaks, his community listens. When an Imam reinterprets religious texts to prioritize a girl’s education and health, he legitimizes her struggle. Supporting girls on the frontline means funding the dialogues, the local-language radio programs, and the community forums that allow her reality to be heard by those with the power to transform it. The law is the destination, but she is leading the journey.

The girl in Northern Nigeria is already on the frontline. She is resisting in the only ways she can- by striving to learn, by dreaming of a different future. The change she leads is a desperate, courageous fight for self-determination.

On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us not just celebrate her resilience from afar. Let us strategically deploy our resources to ensure the most influential voices in her world are amplifying her struggle, not suppressing it. By investing in the leadership of her traditional and religious leaders, we don’t take the lead away from her. We finally give her the army she needs to win. The girl she is, is more than a bride. The change the girl child leads is more than survival-it is about rewriting the story for the next generation. In Northern Nigeria, every girl deserves the chance to say: ‘I am free, I am educated, I am the change.’

Lawrence is a human rights advocate and development practitioner, currently working as a Fellow with the Mastercard Foundation in Nigeria, where she works with the Workforce Development team to advance youth employment and inclusive economic growth.