Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

.scientists, stakeholders brainstorm at the Nigerian Academy of Science workshop on cannabinoids use

There are indications that Nigeria will soon join the league of major exporters of cannabis oil, also known as CBD, a chemical found in marijuana, largely grown in large quantities in Nigeria.

The global cannabis oil market is considered to be huge at $7.2bn, currently, but is projected to be about $39.7bn by 2034.

The usual CBD formulation is a vaporised liquid oil sold as an extract and does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high.

As part of efforts to harness the aboundance of the huge potentials from the specie of marijuana that grows freely in Nigeria, Buba Marwa, chairman/chief executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said the Agency is considering ‘controlled and regulated export of cannabis oil to countries who desire it, while remaining opposed to its local consumption.’

If the policy is adopted, it is likely to change the current law around the cultivation and use of the plant, as Nigeria currently forbids the cultivation and use of marijuana.

The law also doesn’t differentiate between CBD and THC-rich marijuana, as any ‘part of the plant of the genus Cannabis’ is illegal, meaning that CBD and CBD products are prohibited in Nigeria.

But speaking at a stakeholders workshop themed ‘Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria’, organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja on Wednesday, Marwa described the dialogue on cannabis oil as ‘a welcome development.’

‘At NDLEA, our position on cannabis oil is simple: we welcome dialogue. We believe Nigeria must make informed choices, not choices driven by half-truths, commercial interests, or global trends.’

Marwa, who noted that although Cannabis oil may have medicinal properties worth investigating, added that ‘it also carries health risks, potential for misuse, and implications for public safety.

‘This is why scientists, medical experts, policymakers, and regulators must be in the same room to bring facts to the table, scrutinise evidence, and weigh options carefully.

‘ Let me assure you that NDLEA is not opposed to science, nor are we indifferent to innovation. What we insist on is caution. Policy must protect lives, safeguard public health, and strengthen-not weaken-our fight against drug abuse.’

The Agency had been at the forefront of fighting the illicit drug trade in Nigeria, where it is estimated that about 14% of the population engages in substance abuse.

The NDLEA recently revealed that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of misuse of cannabis worldwide.

‘For a country already grappling with 14.4 percent substance abuse prevalence rate as against the global average of 5.6 percent and a staggering figure of 10.6 million cannabis users based on the last drug use survey report of 2018, the risks associated with cannabis cannot be dismissed. Rather, the reality should remind us that while cannabis oil may have medical potential, its dangers are real and must be addressed with strong safeguards before any policy shift is considered.’ The anti-narcotic agency said it is ‘not be averse to the idea of controlled export of cannabis oil to foreign companies and countries who desire it, as part of our drive as a country to enhance foreign earnings.’

It is on record that while some countries have approved the use of cannabis oil for therapeutic purposes, others, including Nigeria, have yet to. ‘Our concern however is about its consumption in Nigeria. In essence, we are not opposed to the idea of exporting the oil to those who desire it but such must be strictly controlled, licensed and monitored by NDLEA with such process located only within export free zones’, Marwa stated

Explaining the position of the Agency further, the NDLEA boss said the conversation is necessary because ‘we are talking about Cannabis, which is not just another plant. It is a substance with complex medical, social, and economic dimensions.

‘For decades, the debate has been one-sided. Advocates often highlight the supposed benefits of cannabis oil, while its risks and consequences are glossed over. This, no doubt, informs the decision by us at the NDLEA to commission an ongoing study on cannabis oil by this respected apex body of scientists, the Nigerian Academy of Science.

‘In a country like Nigeria, which is already contending with a high burden of drug abuse, it is imperative that we approach this matter with sobriety, clarity, and balance. Till today, much of the public debate highlights the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis oil and the commercial value of its export.

‘What about the risks? Evidence shows that cannabis, including its oil extracts, can have adverse effects on mental health, especially among young people. The prolonged or uncontrolled use of cannabis and its extracts is linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive impairment. In addition, dependence and addiction are real concerns as well. In reality, these side effects create additional social and economic costs for families, communities and society at large.’

The NDLEA boss highlights a fundamental issue of ‘lack of standardised production and regulation in many countries means products sold as ‘cannabis oil’ often vary in potency, contain contaminants, or are misused outside of medical supervision.’

He called on scientists to come up with measures to mitigate the consequences of illicit drug cultivation and production is the decision by the Agency, as the first in Africa, to introduce an alternative development project in 2023.

According to him, ‘The Alternative Development Project demands ethical responsibility and commitment to develop transformative policies and humanitarian responses to mitigate drug-related problems and end the complexities and violence of the war on drugs in Nigeria and globally.’

Abubakar Sambo, president of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), who was represented by the vice president, Friday Okonofua, noted that several research studies have considered various uses of cannabis and its side effects.

He said the workshop was aimed at reaching a consensus on the contentious issue of the use of cannabis oil.

‘At the end of the day, we’ll have evidence-based consensus work, which will be properly documented that will lead us to decide what we should be doing regarding the use of cannabis in this country’, he stated.

Also contributing, Musbau Akanbi, chairman of the NAS study committee on cannabis oil use, commended NDLEA for being proactive and working with the Academy to obtain a science-driven guide for Nigeria.

‘As we all know, cannabis oil is extracted from cannabis, and the legalisation of the use of the oil would translate to large-scale cultivation of the weed itself. The Nigerian Academy of Science consequently constituted the consensus study committee on the cannabis oil debate, comprising experts in all fields that had to do with the study request.

‘The committee collected a lot of literature on the subject matter from all over the world, reviewed what is happening in other lands, and decided to arrange this workshop where experts from various related fields will come together with stakeholders and present evidence that will be collated to assist NDLEA in carrying out its honest responsibility.’

Samuel Adekola, who represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state noted that, ‘this all-important workshop will offer our great country, Nigeria, the opportunity to move from debate to design, from potential to policies and I urge all participants to contribute constructively so that together we can rise to craft a model that not only benefit the consumers of health, also the sunshine state and Nigeria, but also position our nation as a leader on the African continent in this emerging field.

‘Let us proceed with vision, with courage, and with unity of purpose.’

In his keynote address, Oye Gureje, director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, Neurosciences, and Substance Abuse, University of Ibadan, stated that cumulative evidence suggests that ‘cannabis has some limited medical use’, and ‘widespread recreational use is likely to lead to increased risk of psychosis’, while ‘public health may be moderately affected by increased use (e.g. road accidents).’

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm Idris Olorunnimbe as chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with Dr Aminu Wada retaining his position as executive vice chairman and chief executive officer.

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

The letter also included the nomination of other members to the NCC Board.

They are Abraham Oshidami (executive commissioner, technical services), Rimini Makama (executive commissioner, stakeholder management), Maryam Bayi, Col. Abdulwahab Lawal (retd.), Lekan Mustafa, Chris Okorie, and Oforitsenere Emiko.

The President explained that the nominations were part of the administration’s efforts to reposition key communication and regulatory institutions for better service delivery. In similar correspondences, President Tinubu sought the Senate’s confirmation of Dr Musa Babayo as chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr Aminu Yusuf as chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), and Prof. Adeniran Raymond Tella as resident electoral commissioner (Oyo State) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Also forwarded for legislative approval was the nomination of Keji Onwu as independent director on the Board of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), alongside nominees for the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

After reading the letters, Akpabio referred the nominations to the relevant Senate committees for screening and report, directing the INEC Committee to conclude its assignment within one week.

Under Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), all presidential appointments into key federal positions must be confirmed by the Senate before appointees can assume office.

A group of prominent Nigerians, including religious leaders, economists, civil society advocates, and former public officials, have issued a joint statement calling for restraint, dialogue, and respect for both workers’ rights and national economic interests in the wake of recent labour unrest at the Dangote Refinery.

Last week, members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) embarked on strike over the alleged sack of about 800 unionised employees at the refinery. The industrial action was suspended following the intervention of the minister of labour and employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, and Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser.

In the statement dated October 6, 2025, the signatories, including Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Atedo Peterside, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and former SEC DG Arunma Oteh said the refinery represents ‘a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve’ and must be protected from disruptions that could deter investors.

Other signatories include Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, Dudu Mamman Manuga, Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Opeyemi Adamolekun, Osita Chidoka, Senator Sola Akinyede, and Aisha Yesufu. ‘For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, the waste of trillions of naira in subsidies, and dependence on fuel imports,’ the statement read.

‘These failures left citizens exposed to scarcity, inflation, and insecurity. In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture; it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve.’

The group noted that the refinery’s operations have already begun easing fuel supply pressures across the country, leading to a 55 percent reduction in petrol prices in some areas, from about N1,500 per litre to around N820.

‘This impact on transport costs and food prices offers Nigerians a glimpse of how local productivity can improve daily life,’ they said. ‘It also signals to investors at home and abroad that industry, rather than speculation, can still thrive in Nigeria.’

However, they cautioned that the strikes and threats that recently disrupted operations at the refinery ‘send the wrong signals’ to investors at a time when Nigeria needs stability and confidence to attract capital and innovation.

The statement outlined three guiding principles for managing such disputes: respect for workers’ rights, protection of markets and productivity, and adherence to social responsibility by large investors. The signatories also called for transparent and lawful handling of concerns around monopoly or market dominance, urging stakeholders to use appropriate government institutions such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) instead of resorting to strikes.

‘Concerns about monopoly or market dominance should not be settled by disruptive industrial action,’ they said. ‘There is no legal monopoly here; others are free to invest in refining, provided they can mobilise the necessary resources and expertise.’

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday called on Nigerians to safeguard and respect the multibillion-dollar investment, describing the $20 billion refinery as a ‘national treasure’ that must not be undermined by industrial disputes or political sentiment.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, Shettima said the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, one of the largest in the world, was central to Nigeria’s ambition for energy security, job creation, and global competitiveness.

Shettima, while commending the government’s mediation, urged labour unions and the organised private sector to exercise restraint and patriotism in resolving disputes, warning that reckless actions could jeopardise national progress.

‘It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute,’ he said. ‘Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.’

Reacting to Shettima’s remarks, a former state attorney-general and public policy expert, who asked not to be named, said the vice president ‘missed a huge opportunity’ to speak directly to investors and uphold the rule of law.

‘The VP spoke yesterday as he often does, with authority and erudition, but I believe he missed the chance to reassure investors that the government will enforce the law dispassionately,’ he said.

According to him, existing legislation such as the Trade Disputes Act and the Trade Disputes (Essential Services) Act explicitly prohibit strike actions in the energy sector, which is classified as an essential service.

‘A VP who swore to uphold the Constitution ought to have reminded the unions that no one, certainly not a trade union, is above the law,’ he argued.

‘A further statement that the Federal Attorney-General had been instructed to file a declaratory lawsuit against those two racketeering and blackmailing trade unions (it is not too late to do so) would, in my view, have had a more salutary effect both on the Unions’ behaviour and on the perception of domestic and foreign investors about Nigeria as an investment destination,’ he said.

He cited precedents, including a 2002 court case against the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which upheld the government’s right to prevent industrial action in essential services.

Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) installed 225,631 meters in the second quarter of 2025, indicating a 20.55 per cent increase from the 187,161 meters deployed in the first quarter, according to the latest report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

According to the commission’s second quarter 2025 report, of the total installations, 147,823 meters (65.52 per cent) were provided under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, 65,315 through the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) scheme, 12,259 via the Vendor Financed model, and just 234 under the DisCo Financed scheme.

Despite the progress, NERC revealed that as of June 2025, only 6.42 million out of 11.82 million registered customers in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) had been metered, a national metering rate of 54.33 per cent. This means nearly half of electricity users remain unmetered and continue to face estimated billing.

To protect these customers, NERC said it continues to enforce the monthly energy cap policy, which limits how much energy unmetered customers can be billed based on actual consumption patterns of metered users on the same feeder. Meanwhile, customer complaints across DisCos declined during the quarter. NERC’s report showed that 227,267 complaints were recorded in Q2, down 10.67% from 254,404 in Q1. However, at NERC’s Central Complaint Unit (CCU), only 1,129 of 2,474 complaints were resolved, a 45.63% resolution rate, which the regulator described as unsatisfactory.

Most complaints related to metering, billing, and service interruptions, consistent with previous trends.

The report also noted that two Forum Offices were shut down during the quarter, reducing active offices to 24. Out of 1,418 active appeals (including 1,040 new cases), the panels resolved 958, achieving a 67.56 per cent resolution rate, down from 74.10 per cent in Q1.

In April, NERC penalised eight DisCos, Abuja (AEDC), Ikeja (IKEDC), Eko (EKEDC), Enugu (EEDC), Jos (JEDC), Kaduna Electric, Kano (KEDCO), and Yola (YEDC), for violating the energy cap on estimated billing for unmetered customers.

The Commission imposed fines totalling over N628 million and directed the companies to issue credit adjustments to affected customers. The penalties, however, sparked mixed reactions among electricity consumers and power sector experts.

Nigeria and Qatar have officially activated a strategic partnership to combat illicit drug trafficking, following a symbolic exchange of ratified instruments in Abuja.

The ceremony, held at the Qatar Embassy, saw Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, formalize the agreement. According to Femi Babafemi, the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA in a statement, this activation follows the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha on March 3, 2024.

The agreement outlines cooperation on combating the illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors.

During the event, the NDLEA Chairman, stressed the NDLEA’s commitment to the collaboration, highlighting the global threat posed by substance abuse.

The World Bank Group has announced that despite the reforms of the federal government, which has yielded more revenues for the government in all tiers, Nigerians living in poverty in 2025 is estimated at 139 million.

Mathew Verghis, country director, world bank Nigeria stated this at the launch of the Nigerian Development Update in Abuja on Wednesday.

He noted that poverty which started to rise in 2019 due to policy missteps and external shocks including COVID has continued to increase even after the reforms.

According to Verghis, Nigeria’s economic growth has picked up, with revenues rising, debt indicators improving, foreign exchange market stabilising, reserves rising and inflation beginning to ease.

‘So these results are exactly what you need to see in a stabilisation. These are big achievements, however despite these stabilisation gains many Nigerians are still struggling. Most households are struggling with eroded purchasing power.

‘In 2025 we estimate that 139 million Nigerians live in poverty. So the challenge is clear, how to translate the gains from the stabilisation reforms into better living standards for all,’ he said.

Verghis emphasised that Nigeria must reduce inflation particularly food inflation, ensure effective use of public funds and expand safety nets, to address the high rate of poverty in the country, and ensure that citizens enjoy the gains of reforms.

‘Food inflation affects everybody but particularly the poor and has the potential to undermine political support for the reforms. Use public resources more effectively ensuring that spending drives real development results that benefit people and three, expanding the safety net so that the poorest and vulnerable get support,’ he added.

Presenting the overview of the report, titled: ‘From Policy to people: bringing the reform gains home’, Samer Matta, world bank lead economist for Nigeria noted that gross revenues collected as federation allocations have increased greatly in the past 8 months of 2025. He however decried the huge sum being paid as deductions to revenue collecting agencies, stating that it does not impact development in the country.

For Matta, the outlook is cautiously optimistic, supported by steady growth, easing inflation, fiscal stability, and a strong external position amid ongoing risks.

According to the report, GDP growth is projected to rise modestly from to 4.4 percent in 2027, driven by strong services, a rebound in agriculture, and improved industrial activity amid a more stable environment.

The Bank expects inflation to ease to 15.8 percent in 2027, supported by tight monetary policy and easing supply pressures, also the fiscal deficit is expected to average 2.7 percent of GDP in 2026-27, supported by rising revenues from tax reforms and lower interest payments, keeping debt stable in the low 40 percent of GDP. The report showed higher spending by both federal and subnational governments. Subnational governments recorded increase in their capital expenditure (capex), which accounts for almost 60-65 percent of their spending.

It also rose from almost one percent of GDP in 2022 to 2.7 percent of GDP projected in 2025.

However, in the period under review, wages and salaries account for around 70 percent of the spending of the federal government which doesn’t leave too much space for capex.

‘The outlook is subject to several risks: growth and disinflation remain vulnerable to oil price shocks, reform fatigue, election uncertainties, and climate shocks,’ the report indicated.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday consolidated its dominance in the Senate, gaining 72 seats following the defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu from the Labour Party (LP) to its fold.

Chukwu, who represents Enugu East Senatorial District, announced his defection during plenary, citing internal crisis and loss of direction within the Labour Party as reasons for his decision.

Chukwu, who replaced his late brother, Oyibo Chukwu, as the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 general election, said his decision followed ‘extensive consultations’ with his constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Enugu State.

In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read during plenary, Chukwu cited internal wrangling, leadership crises, and lack of direction within the LP as reasons for his defection.

‘Recent developments within the Labour Party, including internal wranglings, leadership crises, policy disagreements, and lack of focus at both state and national levels, have made it increasingly difficult for me to effectively discharge my duties to my constituents,’ he said. ‘After careful reflection, I am convinced that the All Progressives Congress, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provides a more stable, progressive, and inclusive platform for achieving our shared goals of economic growth, good governance, and national unity.’

Chukwu added that his move was driven by a desire to ‘bring more dividends of democracy’ to his constituents and better represent their interests in the Senate. Responding, Senate President Akpabio welcomed the defector, joking that he was no longer worried about the shrinking opposition in the chamber.

‘I have always worried about the left side of the aisle, but I’m no longer worried.

‘If they like, let them all move here,’ Akpabio said, drawing laughter from lawmakers.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, described the defection as a testament to the APC’s growing influence, saying it showed that ‘the APC is doing well.’

However, Abba Moro, (PDP-Benue South), the Senate Minority Leader, reminded Chukwu that he entered the Senate on what he called a ‘sympathy vote,’ noting that the Labour Party ticket was given to him on compassionate grounds after his brother, Oyibo Chukwu, was assassinated in February 2023, shortly before the election.

Moro, however, said he would ‘reserve the story of Senator Chukwu’s defection for another day.’

Muhammadu Sanusi, Sarkin Kano, says the economy of Nigeria has been pulled out of the brink of total collapse by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), made the observation, Tuesday during an interview with News Central Television.

Sanui said that the improvement is attributable to the ongoing economic reforms introduced by the current leadership of the CBN, noting that the lapses in the exchange rate system have been corrected.

Sanusi said, ‘At the moment, as far as monetary policy is concerned, I have nothing but positive words for what the Central Bank has done.

‘We are coming from a background of very high levels of instability as a result of loose money and uncontrolled money supply, and the Central Bank has taken the last year to mop up all that excess liquidity. ‘Interest rates are high, yes, but we have stabilised the exchange rate and pulled back from the brink of total economic collapse.’, he noted.

He disclosed that the efforts of the administration have stimulated the economy in a way that it is now growing faster than the population, describing the development as a sign that Nigeria is on the right path.

‘Inflation is coming down – it’s still around 20%, which is very high – but it has declined from the extremely high levels of a few years ago.

‘This is the first time in a long time that the economy is growing faster than the population. Nigeria is on the right path,’ he further stated.

Commenting specifically on fiscal policy introduced by the CBN, Sanusi noted that presently there was an improvement in revenue collection, noting that there is, however, a mounting cost of governance that needs to be addressed.

‘We’ve seen better revenue performance, but we are still spending too much on the cost of governance – too many political appointees, too many offices, and too much money wasted on subsidies that do not reach the people,’ he said

In every market cycle, a handful of projects rise above the rest by combining fundamentals, delivery, and visibility. These aren’t just hype-driven stories but examples of timing and proof that investors take seriously when looking for higher returns. In 2025, four names stand out: BlockDAG, Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano.

Each brings something unique to the table. BlockDAG (BDAG) pairs a BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership with a live testnet and a $420M+ presale, making it more than another early-stage token. Ethereum is leading the ETF wave, strengthening its institutional appeal. Solana continues to set the pace on scalability and speed, while Cardano builds momentum with its upcoming privacy sidechain. Together, they highlight where the strongest opportunities could emerge before the next major run.

1. BlockDAG: $420M+ Presale Backed by Delivery, Not Empty Promises

BlockDAG (BDAG) isn’t just talking about growth; it’s showing it in real time. The project has raised over $420 million in its presale, pricing each BDAG coin at $0.0012, with the live Awakening Testnet already processing over 1,400 TPS. That kind of delivery before launch has made it one of 2025’s fastest-scaling networks. Add in its multi-year partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team, and the visibility goes global, with race weekends, hackathons, fan zones, and live activations tying blockchain utility to one of the world’s most-watched sports.

What’s fueling more excitement is BlockDAG’s new exclusive TGE code.

Code ‘TGE’ allows early access at launch, depending on your rank:

1- 300 Rank: Instant Airdrop

301 – 600 Rank: Airdrop after 30 min

601 – 1000 Rank: Airdrop after 60 min

1001 – 1500 Rank: Airdrop after 2 h

1501 – 2000 Rank: Airdrop after 4 h

2001 – 5000 Rank: Airdrop after 6 h

> 5001 Rank: Airdrop after 24

What’s driving interest is that this presale isn’t built on empty promises. Developers can already deploy smart contracts using its EVM-compatible testnet, mint NFTs, and explore live dApps like Reflection and Lottery. It’s rare to see real products ahead of listing, and that’s exactly why traders call BlockDAG the best crypto for higher returns heading into 2026.

2. Ethereum: ETF Flows Fuel the Climb

Ethereum is once again proving its staying power. Trading near $4,510, ETH continues to attract institutional money through new ETFs and whale accumulation. Analysts from Citi and Standard Chartered see possible targets around $6,900 – $7,500 if current flows hold steady. Much of this optimism comes from Ethereum’s maturing infrastructure. The Dencun upgrade added cheaper data storage for rollups, and the upcoming Pectra update aims to make staking and smart contract execution smoother.

Beyond price, the network remains unmatched in developer depth, liquidity, and total value locked. Even with rising competitors, Ethereum’s leadership in DeFi and NFTs hasn’t faded. Traders looking for the best crypto for higher returns still view ETH as the large-cap choice that can steadily double if its ETF inflows and tech upgrades align before the next halving-driven rally.

3. Solana: The Speed Engine

At around $230, Solana is once again in the spotlight after leading the October ‘Uptober’ rally. The network’s ultra-fast throughput and low transaction costs keep developers coming back, and upgrades like Alpenglow and Firedancer promise even higher reliability. There’s also growing talk of a potential Solana spot ETF, which could accelerate institutional access much like Ethereum’s did.

Beyond speculation, Solana has built a strong base in DeFi, NFTs, and gaming dApps, often outperforming other chains in transaction count and user activity. Many traders believe SOL’s price could move toward $400 – $500 if the ETF rumor materializes. For investors weighing speed, adoption, and performance, Solana remains a realistic contender among the best crypto for higher returns this cycle, especially if it keeps winning users from slower networks.

4. Cardano: The Quiet Build With Big Potential

Cardano’s path has always been about research-first development, and 2025 could be its payoff year. ADA is trading near $0.8576, and accumulation from whales has topped 70 million ADA this month alone. The project’s latest focus is Midnight, a privacy-driven sidechain using zero-knowledge proofs, aimed at regulated finance and compliant tokenization. A niche few other blockchains are positioned to serve.

At the same time, ETF filings from REX-Osprey could open a new door for institutional exposure to ADA. Combined with its strong governance model and formal verification approach, this positions Cardano for steady long-term growth. While it lacks the hype of Solana or Ethereum, ADA’s mix of low price entry and future-ready infrastructure keeps it on the radar for those exploring the best crypto for higher returns over a multi-year horizon.

Final Verdict

Each of these four coins is moving with its own momentum. Ethereum is the established player drawing institutional money. Solana is the high-speed network regaining favor. Cardano is the methodical builder expanding its technology frontier. BlockDAG is the new force turning delivery into visibility, backed by a live testnet, a global BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership, and one of the largest presales in years.

For traders seeking the best crypto for higher returns, this combination of proof, price, and partnerships makes BlockDAG difficult to overlook. It is no longer just a vision on paper but a project shifting from concept to execution. If its adoption and visibility continue, BDAG could define the next bull run.

Preparations are in top gear for this year’s annual Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Auto and Allied Sub-Sectoral Group Symposium scheduled to hold October 8, 2025.

With, the theme, ‘Impact of Non-Passage of the NAIDP Policy into Law on the Automobile Industry.

Sub theme: Local Component, Prospects, Opportunities and Drawbacks’, key government officials, industry and allied stakeholders and other dignitaries and speakers have been invited to the event.

Among those invited include Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller-general Nigeria Customs Service (NCS);

Chukwunonso Okeke, director-general, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON); Joseph Osanipin, director-general, National Automotive Design and Development Council, (NADDC), and Anselm llekuba, chairman, Association of Local Content Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN). Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Femi Eguakhide, deputy managing director of R.T. Briscoe Plc and chairman, Auto and Allied Sub-sectoral Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that both the invited government officials and other industry players were critical to the discourse on local production, regulation, policy enforcement and import-related issues affecting the automotive sector and local industry players. The sectoral chairman further re-affirmed the groups commitment towards delivering a robust and impactful symposium that addresses the real issues within the Nigerian automotive ecosystem.

Giving more insights into this year’s event, Austin Akpovili, chairman of the Organizing Committee said that the event was generating excitement being a platform that will once again bring stakeholders together to deliberate on burning industry issues.

Corporate sponsors of the Symposium are Toyota Nigeria Ltd, CFAO Nigeria, Bras Motors, CIG Motors, Mikano Motors Ltd, Coscharis, Honda Automobile Western African (HAWA), Mandilas Motors, R.T. Briscoe Nigeria Plc and Coscharis Motors Plc.

The organisers also said that a good number of seasoned experts have also been invited as panelists and participants.