Spotlights
Panic Hits FG Over High Wheat Import Costs
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has voiced concerns regarding recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
The data shows that the country spent over 1 trillion naira (approximately $600 million USD) on wheat imports from October 2023 to September 2024.
He described the figure as a troubling indicator of challenges in the agricultural sector, underscoring the urgent need to reduce reliance on imports.
The statement was made during the 2nd National Rainfed Wheat Farmers Day, held at the National Root Crops Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State. Organized by the Lake Chad Research Institute in Maiduguri under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the event aims to foster a modern agricultural research system to boost productivity, alleviate poverty, and create jobs.
Kyari highlighted the ministry’s focus on innovation and improving crop varieties to enhance yields. During a tour of a wheat farm in Vom, he showcased a new hybrid wheat variety, developed through advanced technology, which is more resilient to adverse conditions. He urged farmers to adopt these innovations to strengthen food security.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who joined the minister in inspecting the farm, expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s low crop yields per hectare. He directed the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Samson Bugama, to develop a three-year plan for successful wheat production in Plateau, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to revitalizing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers.
Speaking on behalf of commissioners from Nigeria’s 36 states, Bugama called the event a significant step toward food sustainability. Earlier, Professor Babagana Jugudum, Director and CEO of the Lake Chad Research Institute, emphasized the role of research in boosting agricultural output and appealed to the governor for 50 hectares of land to establish a research institute in the state. The event culminated in an inspiring inspection of the wheat farm in Vom, highlighting progress in agricultural innovation.
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President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately review the 2026 Hajj fares.
The directive comes after the naira’s continued appreciation against the dollar, a key factor in determining the cost of Hajj.
According to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the review is necessary to ensure that the benefits of the improved exchange rate are reflected in the fares.
The previous fares were N8.1 million for pilgrims from the Maiduguri zone, N8.2 million for other northern states, and N8.5 million for southern states.
NAHCON has been given two days to submit a new fare proposal. The Vice-President emphasized the need for close coordination between national and state officials to ensure uniformity in adopting the revised rate.
He also called for quick payment and remittance of funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure a smooth and timely operation.
Ibrahim Hadeija, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, said the discussion focused on finalizing arrangements for the 2026 Hajj, particularly on reducing fares for intending pilgrims.
He noted that the government’s economic reforms have strengthened the naira and that the president expects the benefits to be passed on to prospective pilgrims.
President Bola Tinubu has explained why his administration established the N200 billion intervention fund to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and manufacturers.
Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, stated this in Abuja on Monday at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit, organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
The president said it had become necessary to assist them in boosting competitiveness and addressing structural challenges.
He said beyond the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 4.23 per cent recorded in September 2025, the economic reforms spearheaded by his administration had started yielding tangible results across sectors.
According to him, it has surpassed projections from multilateral agencies and indigenous economic experts.
The president maintained that all the decisions taken by his administration had been “guided by the pursuit of balance between economic logic and public expectation.”
Tinubu restated his administration’s resolve to rekindle hope for poor, vulnerable and jobless Nigerians by creating corridors for them, especially the youth, to access loans, grants and equity investments.
He said, ” As a people-oriented government, our priority remains restoring hope to the unemployed, the poor, the excluded, and the vulnerable.
” We have created pathways for young Nigerians to access grants, loans, and equity investments of up to 100,000 dollars to scale their enterprises, innovate, and build sustainable livelihoods.
“We established a N200 billion intervention fund to support micro, small, and medium enterprises and manufacturers, helping them overcome structural challenges and enhance competitiveness.
“Our expansion of digital micro-loan access has improved financial inclusion, empowering small businesses and stimulating community-level productivity.
“These efforts underline our commitment to an economy that works for all Nigerians.”
The Nigerian leader attributed the significant progress his administration has made so far in stabilising Nigeria’s economy and rescuing public finance to the patience and sacrifices made by Nigerians.
“As experts in the economy, you know more than the average citizen that the stability in our foreign exchange market is not accidental.
” It reflects deliberate choices guided by the same economic wisdom that gatherings such as this embody.
“Along with subsidy removal, these decisions have rescued our public finances, stabilised the economy, and reassured investors at home and abroad.
” We owe this progress to the sacrifices of Nigerians, whose patience and understanding have been the bedrock of our endurance.
“To them, I say: the better days we promised are already within sight,” he stated.
Tinubu acknowledged what he described as a “resounding consensus” that ongoing reforms by his administration had stabilised the nation’s macroeconomic environment, with the economy “expanding to N372.8 trillion in 2024, up from N309.5 trillion in 2023.”
Tinubu said, “Our total revenue collection also rose from N19.9 trillion in 2023 to N25.2 trillion in 2024, and as of August 2025, it had reached N27.8 trillion, surpassing the revenue target of N18.32 trillion.
“These triumphs and projections are guided by the promise we have made to the nation — to grow Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio from 97 per cent, where we met it, to a sustainable level.
“Aside from the good news that this ratio has now reduced to less than 50 per cent, I am proud to share that this performance, in our early days in office, inspired Fitch to upgrade Nigeria’s sovereign rating to B, with a stable outlook, and Moody’s to lift our issuer rating to B3 with a stable outlook.
“Both praised our improved economic foresight and clearer policy direction as their barometers.”
For non-oil revenues, the president said it grew by 411 per cent year on year in August this year, with tax-to-GDP ratio now nudging 13.5 per cent, up from barely seven per cent a few years ago.
The president assured that the four Tax Reform Acts he recently signed into law would boost domestic revenue mobilisation, reduce dependence on oil, and simplify compliance.
“These reforms protect low-income earners, ensure fairness in corporate taxation, and strengthen digital innovation in tax administration.
” By promoting transparency and coordination among all tiers of government, we are laying the foundation for a fairer and more prosperous Nigeria,” Tinubu added.
The Chairman of the NESG, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, advised the relevant stakeholders and authorities to address security as an enabler of reforms.
He said that without peace, reforms cannot take root, investors cannot take risks, and Nigerian youths cannot find opportunities for prosperity.
“Tackling insecurity in rural and urban areas alike is vital to unlock productivity and restore confidence,” he added.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has criticised the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, over his recent comments on the dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery.
Speaking last Friday on Arise TV, Senator Oshiomhole faulted the industrial action embarked upon by PENGASSAN in protest against the Dangote Refinery, which led to a nationwide shutdown of oil facilities. He described the move as “hasty” and “unfair to other workers.”
Oshiomhole noted that while unions have the right to defend workers, they must do so in ways that do not worsen the country’s economic situation.
“I think that in seeking to protect a particular set of workers, you do not then risk the jobs of several other workers. When you are pursuing a dispute, the tools you deploy must be such that they do not undermine other people’s jobs,” he said.
However, in a statement signed by Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG President and General Secretary respectively, the union expressed disappointment over Senator Oshiomhole’s remarks, describing them as a betrayal of labour principles and a distortion of established laws.
“We witness with utter disappointment a former labour leader now transformed into a vocal advocate for corporate oppression, actively campaigning against the very rights he once championed. His attempts to rationalise the victimisation of workers for exercising their fundamental rights of association and peaceful action are not only nauseating but represent a flagrant misrepresentation of Nigerian Labour Law and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions,” the statement read.
In the statement titled “Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole’s Undistinguished Anti-Worker Vitriol,” NUPENG accused Oshiomhole of betraying the cause of Nigerian workers by ignoring the sack of over 800 employees while faulting PENGASSAN’s strike method.
“Adams Oshiomhole’s criticism of PENGASSAN’s strike is an act of profound historical revisionism and political amnesia.
Section 31 of the Trade Unions Act, Cap T14, LFN 2004, legally recognises trade disputes, including industrial actions undertaken in sympathy with other workers.
PENGASSAN’s solidarity action with its members at Dangote Refinery is therefore a protected legal action.
The principle that ‘an injury to one is an injury to all’ is the foundational ethic of trade unionism globally,” NUPENG stated.
The union further described Oshiomhole’s stance as hypocritical, noting that he once led similar strikes as NLC President.
“Shockingly, this was a man who served several times on the Governing Council of the ILO and in the Committee on Application of Standards that reviews violations of workers’ rights globally. It is unfortunate that Senator Oshiomhole, by his comments, has demonstrated monumental ignorance of trade unionism,” it added.
NUPENG declared that it would no longer participate in any labour-related event where Senator Oshiomhole is present, describing him as persona non grata among oil and gas workers.
“The leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers for his undistinguished denunciation of PENGASSAN’s strike against the unjustifiable sack of 800 engineers.
Henceforth, we will not participate in or lend legitimacy to any event featuring Senator Oshiomhole. The NLC, TUC, and all conscionable civil society organisations should kindly take notice,” the statement said.
The union concluded by describing Oshiomhole’s position as “a dangerous toxin designed to weaken the working class,” adding that his comments amount to a “monumental betrayal.”
“The undistinguished position of Adams Oshiomhole on the PENGASSAN strike qualifies him as the Judas Iscariot of Nigerian trade unionism. What a monumental betrayal of the cause of the working class! We advise Senator Oshiomhole to retire from commenting on labour matters, as he has irretrievably lost the moral right and legitimacy before Nigerian workers, especially those in the oil and gas sector,” NUPENG stated.
Leadership
The recent allegations of certificate forgery involving Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, have sparked significant debate.
Nnaji maintains that he graduated from the University of Nigeria (UNN) in Nsukka, Enugu State, stating that his name is included in the university’s convocation brochure for the 1985 graduating class.
In response to the accusations, Nnaji’s lawyer, Sebastian Hon, criticized an online newspaper for what he described as an attempt to tarnish his client’s reputation by disregarding existing court orders related to the matter.
Robert Ngwu, an aide of the minister, spoke for him at a news conference in Abuja. Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), carpeted the online publication at a Federal High Court(FHC) also in Abuja.
Nnaji had, in September, sought an order of mandamus from the court compelling UNN and its officials to release his academic records to him.
He also asked the court to order the Minister of Education, Morufu Alausa and the National University Commission (NUC) to exercise their supervisory powers to compel UNN to release his transcript.
Besides, the Education minister and NUC, others listed as defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025 are the UNN, its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya; the Registrar, a former acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oguenjiofor Ujam and the Senate of the university.
On September 22, Judge H.J. Yilwa granted some of the minister’s prayers but did not issue any injunctive order against the defendants. She adjourned to October 6 (yesterday) for further hearing.
The matter was, however, stalled due to the inability of the lawyer to the UNN and its officers to file their responses.
At the news conference where his aide made available via WhatsApp, two pages of the university’s 1985 convocation brochure, Nnaji is listed as number five on one page. His picture is number 17 on the second page.
But Ngwu did not say why his boss did not go for his certificate 40 years after graduation.
He said the minister is a proud UNN alumnus who obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.
Describing the controversy as a case of political desperation disguised as academic inquiry, Ngwu said, apart from the 1985 convocation brochure, the university’s registry confirmed that Nnaji’s academic history was not in doubt.
According to him, the only valid and authentic communication issued by the university regarding the minister’s academic record is a letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of the Registrar, Dr Celine Nnebedum.
According to him, the letter explicitly confirmed that ‘’Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.’’
“This remains the official position of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, properly stamped, duly issued, and still valid,” he emphasised.
Ngwu expressed shock that nearly two years after the university’s official confirmation, another letter emerged in May 2025, purportedly denying the existence of the minister’s records.
He questioned the timing and motive of the new claim, noting that it coincided with the emergence of two card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Acting Vice-Chancellor and later substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.
“The question every well-meaning Nigerian should ask is: what changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the change in leadership at the University? Ngwu asked.
The minister’s aide explained that alleged attempts within the university to tamper with the academic file of his boss necessitated the suit at the FHC.
He said that on September 22, 2025, the court not only issued protective orders restraining UNN management from altering the minister’s records but mandated it to immediately release his academic transcript.
“These are not speculative claims. They are certified orders of the Federal High Court, which should have settled the matter once and for all,” Ngwu added.
He lamented that instead of complying with the court’s directives, the Vice-Chancellor, who is a lawyer by training, allegedly resorted to cyber-bullying and politically-motivated media campaigns against the minister.
Ngwu alleged that the controversy was fuelled by a coordinated attempt to tarnish the image of a reputable public servant for political gain.
He blamed a governor, whose name he did not give, of being behind the saga
The governor, according to him, wants to remove his boss as the APC leader in the state to enhance his (governor ) second-term ambition.
His words: “It is no coincidence that the so-called exposés are being driven by partisan actors and amplified by certain media outlets like Premium Times.
“This is a deliberate campaign to weaponise institutions and discredit a serving minister committed to national innovation and development.
“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity-it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry.
‘’The timing, the sources, the false documents, and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.
“UNN must uphold its proud motto of restoring the dignity of man. It must regain its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own official record.
‘’This is not about one man’s record-it is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in partisan politics.
“The minister will not be distracted by falsehoods or propaganda. He will continue to serve with integrity, dedication and focus.”
Judge adjourns minister’s suit till Nov.10
During yesterday’s proceedings, Nnaji’s lawyer, Hon, told the court that all the parties in the suit had been served with the necessary court documents.
Toluwani Odukoya, the associate senior pastor at the Fountain of Life Church, has confirmed the end of her marriage to Olumide Ijogun.
The couple, who got married in 2012, shares three children.
In a recent interview, the gospel singer revealed that “in the last 10 years, she has been separated”.
She said the circumstances leading to the collapse of her marriage “were beyond my control”, describing it as “a form of death”.
The 40-year-old clergywoman clarified that the breakup was not due to her failure to be a “good person,” but rather a fundamental misalignment.
Odukoya added that the split was part of a devastating 24-month period where she experienced multiple bereavements, including the passing of her stepmother, her father’s twin sister, and finally, her own father, all between 2021 and 2023.
“In the last 10 years, I have been separated. Most people do not know I am separated. And that has surely defined and shaped my life. It was circumstances beyond my control,” she said.
“But sometimes you do not get into a marriage to leave a marriage. It is a death in a way. When your marriage is over, it is death.
“I would say in the last ten years, I have experienced a couple of deaths. The death of my marriage, the death of my step mum, the death of my father’s twin sister, and the death of my father.
“And that happened in the course of 24 months. Between 2021 and 2023. My ex-lover was a great man, but sometimes I just feel like if God does not ordain you guys to be together and you force it, the likelihood of you staying together is very low.
“Also, if you guys are going on two different paths in life, it is not particularly that the person is bad; they are not just good for you. I was a good person. I was probably not good for him. And to see all that come to an end in the way it did, it really shaped my heart. I was very heartbroken. That happened in 2021.
“When someone dies of sickness, you see them deteriorating. My mother died suddenly. It was a crash. Sometimes when people are ill and you pray, and because you prayed, you believe God must answer. God does answer. It might not be the answer you are asking for.
“And those moments will determine if you continue to serve God. I had plans. I could see where my life was going to go. But I tell you today that I did not see what is happening to me in any way.
“When the call came to serve, I told God, I will trust you enough to say yes. I am not trusting you because I know I have it all together. He has been amazing to me.”
Odukoya is the first daughter of the late Bimbo and Taiwo Odukoya.
In a stunning climax to the season 10 edition of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), Imisi emerged victorious, triumphing over a fierce lineup of 28 housemates to seize the coveted grand prize of N150 million.
The grand finale, held on a dramatic Sunday evening, was a spectacle of emotions and excitement.
As the tension built, nine exceptional housemates stood at the brink of fame and fortune: Imisi, the resilient contender; Koyin, whose charm captivated the audience; Dede, a strategic mastermind; Mensan, the quiet yet fierce competitor; Sultana, known for her bubbly personality; Jason Jae, the entertainer; Kola, the wise strategist; Kaybobo, the crowd favorite; and Isabella, who brought grace to the game.
Each step they took toward the finale was charged with anticipation, but it was Imisi who ultimately basked in the glory of victory, etching their name into the annals of BBNaija history.
Kaybobo was the first housemate to be evicted, finishing in the ninth position while Isabella followed suit.
Mensan and Jason Jae came in seventh and sixth place respectively while Kola finished in fifth place.
Sultana emerged as the third runner-up while Koyin finished as the second runner-up.
Imisi, born Opeyemi Ayanwale, eventually announced as the winner with Dede taking the second spot.
The BBNaija season 10 edition kicked off with a two-day opening ceremony.
The female housemates were unveiled first on July 26 while the male contestants were ushered into the show on July 27.
Danboskid and Ibifubara became the first set of season 10 housemates to be evicted from the show on August 10.
Sabrina left the reality show on August 11 due to medical reasons, while Otega and Kayikunmi were evicted on August 17.
Victory and Gigi Jasmine were evicted on August 24.
On September 7, Big Soso, Ivatar and Doris were evicted. Tracy and Denari were sent packing the following week.
Bright Morgan and Thelma Lawson left the house after a surprise eviction. Joanna and Kuture followed suit on September 21.
Mide, Rooboy and Zita were evicted from the reality show last week.
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