The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • JUST IN: Inflation drops to 15.15% in December as NBS adjusts methodology

    JUST IN: Inflation drops to 15.15% in December as NBS adjusts methodology

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Thursday said Nigeria’s Headline Inflation declined to 15.15 percent in December 2025.

    Although the figure is higher than 14.45% reported in November, the adjustment in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased the figure to 17.33 percent.

    The NBS in its monthly report said the December 2025 year-on-year Headline inflation rate, including all other sub-indexes, were obtained through maximisation of the index reference period, that is, using a 12-month index reference period where the average CPI for the 12 months of 2024 is equated to 100.

    According to the report, “This is a departure from the single-month index reference period, in which December 2024 was set to 100, which would have produced an artificial spike in the December 2025 year-on-year inflation rate. This artificial spike is induced by the base effect, which is methodological, not structural, resulting in a rate that is not in tandem with current inflationary realities; hence the need to resort to the 12-month index reference period, by equating the entire 2024 to 100.”

    Read Also: World Bank: inflation decline drives 5.6% growth prospect

    It noted that this definitely affects the raising factor used for the re-referencing of the 2024 CPI series and the already released year-on-year inflation rates for January to November 2025.

    “This process is in line with International Best Practice as contained in the Consumer Price Index International Monetary Fund (IMF) Manual, specifically in Section 9.125 and the ECOWAS Harmonised CPI Manual, which address index reference period maximisation, following a rebasing exercise.”

    It went on to state that the 2024 re-reference CPI and the revised year-on-year inflation rates for January to November 2025 can be found in the Excel Tables published together with this report on the NBS website.

    The report further disclosed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 131.2 in December 2025, up by 0.7 points from the previous Month (130.5).

    “The December 2025 year-on-year Headline inflation rate stood at relative to the November 2025 headline inflation rate (17.33%).”

    It said on a year-on-year basis, the December Headline inflation rate was 19.65% lower than the rate recorded in December 2024 (34.80%) and shows that the Headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in December 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., December 2024), though with a Different base year, November 2009 = 100.

    On a month-on-month basis, it said the Headline inflation rate in December 2025 was 0.54%, which is 0.69% less than the rate recorded in November 2025 (1.22%).

    “This means that in December 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level was lower than in November 2025.

  • NASENI begins construction of agric incubation centre at University of Abuja

    NASENI begins construction of agric incubation centre at University of Abuja

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commenced construction of a state-of-the-art Agricultural Incubation Centre at the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, aimed at boosting food security and driving innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    NASENI, in a statement by Director, Information, New Media and Protocol, NASENI, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, noted that the project, situated on a 10-hectare parcel of land within the university campus, is designed as a technology-driven, commercial agricultural hub integrating poultry production, aquaculture, crop cultivation, and research-based innovation.

    When completed, it stated that the facility is expected to serve as a model for replication across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

    The centre will house an agribusiness training and incubation facility, alongside three commercially sustainable production units for broiler and layer poultry, high-tunnel greenhouse farms, catfish and tilapia fish farms, a tissue culture laboratory, greenhouses, an administrative block, and extensive open-field cultivation supported by drip irrigation and modern agricultural technologies. These components are projected to significantly increase food production and support Nigeria’s food security agenda.

    Read Also: NASENI takes inter-agency innovation competition roadshow to FCT MDAs

    Speaking on the strategic importance of the initiative, the Acting Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure Directorate at NASENI Headquarters, Engr. Dr. Abdulrasheed Agavah said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing food security.

    “This agricultural incubation centre, which will be commissioned this year, is designed to make food available and affordable through technology-driven farming, breeding, and research. Its location within a university environment is deliberate, as it will strengthen research and development as well as knowledge transfer.”

    Agavah disclosed that a similar project is currently underway at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), with plans to replicate the initiative at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and other remaining geopolitical zones.

    Also speaking during an on-site inspection, the Project Manager of Onida Agric and Aquaculture Solutions Ltd, Mr. Christian Montano, explained that the poultry component consists of a 5,000-capacity broiler unit and an 8,000-capacity layer unit.

     He added that the aquaculture section includes three production tanks, each measuring 16 metres in diameter, with an estimated annual output of about 25 tonnes of fish.

    According to Montano, the crop production segment features 10 greenhouse tunnels of 500 square metres each, a 2.5-hectare net house, and four hectares of open-field farmland. He noted that the tissue culture laboratory is designed to accelerate seedling production and improve crop quality by significantly reducing the time required to propagate planting materials.

    He further stated that the centre is equipped with six solar-powered boreholes, power store workshops, an irrigation control room, and a gatehouse, while plans are underway to construct a water retention structure to ensure an uninterrupted water supply during both rainy and dry seasons.

    The Agricultural Incubation Centre is expected to enhance capacity building, promote research-led agribusiness, and contribute to sustainable food production upon completion.

  • Osogbo special court orders remand of five in attempted murder case

    Osogbo special court orders remand of five in attempted murder case

    …as family seeks justice for victim

    A Special Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the remand of five suspects accused of attempting to kill and harvest the organs of Farouq Abdulahi Taiwo, a 16-year-old primary six pupil in Ikire.

    The suspects — Awotunde Saudat, Muyideen Olutoki, Fatai Abiodun, Usman Ademola, and Ismaila Abiodun — were arraigned on allegations of attempted murder.

    Although they pleaded not guilty, the presiding judge, Ayilara, directed that they be remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre.

    The matter has since been transferred to the Chief Magistrate Court, Ikire, under charge number MOS/SSA CID/15c/2025.

    The count reads, “That you Awotunde Saudat, Muyideen Olutoki, Fatai Abiodun, Usman Ademola, Ismaila Abiodun, and others at large on 25th July 2025 at Ako area, Awotedo did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit, murder and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under section 324 of the criminal code Cap 34 vol II of Osun state of Nigeria, 2022.

    Count II: “That you Awotunde Saudat, Muyideen Olutoki, Fatai Abiodun, Usman Ademola and Ismaila Abiodun and others now at large on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did attempt to unlawfully killed one Farouq Abdulahi Taiwo age 16 by unlawfully harvesting one of his testicles and cut open his abdomen with cutlass in attempt to extract his heart and other internal organ for ritual purposes and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under section 320 of the criminal code Cap 34 vol II of Osun State Nigeria 2002.”

    When the case came up at Ikire on Thursday, 15th January 2026, Magistrate M.A. Ojo adjourned the case to 21st of January 2026, for bail application after counsel to one of the suspects, Chief Abimbola Ige, argued for bail.

    Read Also: Oyetola’s ex-aide, APC chieftain drag IGP, Adeleke’s aide to court over alleged threat to life

    Meanwhile, narrating what transpired, a family member of the victim, Alhaji Musbaudeen Daud, said, “The incident occurred on July 26, 2025, at about 4:00 p.m., when Ismail Abiodun, Usman Ademola, and Faruq went to cut grass at Arademi Area, Ikire.

    “Abiodun and Ademola allegedly lured Faruq into a remote bush, attacked him, and cut open his abdomen in an attempt to remove vital organs. They removed the victim’s scrotum but fled when the victim raised an alarm.

    “Farouq was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital before he was referred to the University College Hospital (UCH) for further treatment.

    “Farouq took permission from his mother before coming to his grandma’s place. He was missing after eating that day. We searched for him, but we didn’t see him till the following day, when the Police came to us and said he had been found, but in UCH.

    “We were told that he was kidnapped, and some of his kidnappers have been arrested. The two prime suspects initially arrested by the Police confessed to the crime and said they used to sell the harvested organs to some people at the Owode market in Apomu

    “We have spent between 16 and 18 million on Farouq.”

    He, however, called for adequate justice for the victim, lamenting that ritual killings have been a recurring issue in the area.

    He said three such incidents had happened a few years back without perpetrators of such acts being dealt with.

    “We want the intervention of the government on the issue so that this matter will not be swept under the carpet.”

  • 2026 AFCRD: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to welfare, dignity of Armed Forces

    2026 AFCRD: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to welfare, dignity of Armed Forces

    …honours fallen heroes, assures serving personnel of continued support

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, assuring officers and men that the nation stands firmly behind those who defend its sovereignty.

    In a message to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), the President, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, said a secure Nigeria would continue to support its military personnel in the discharge of their duties.

    “As President and Commander in Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action,” Tinubu said.

    The President noted that the annual commemoration provided an opportunity for the nation to pause and honour the memory of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price in the service of the country.

    Read Also: FG honours COAS Shaibu, Buratai, Uba, others at AFCRD gala night

    “We remember the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who sacrificed everything for our country. Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace,” he said, adding that a nation that forgets its fallen heroes risks losing its sense of direction.

    President Tinubu also paid tribute to the families of fallen service members, acknowledging the deep pain borne by widows, children, and loved ones left behind.

    “Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices,” he said.

    While honouring the fallen, the President celebrated serving personnel across all formations, commending their discipline, courage, and professionalism in protecting lives and property on land, sea, and air, often at great personal cost and far from home.

    “From the frontlines to support positions, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty,” Tinubu said.

    He, however, prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen, strength for the Armed Forces, and God’s continued blessings on Nigeria.

  • JUST IN: Ex-Ondo deputy governor quits PDP over leadership crisis, set to join APC

    JUST IN: Ex-Ondo deputy governor quits PDP over leadership crisis, set to join APC

    A former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, has resigned from the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor to the late Dr Olusegun Agagu, announced his resignation on Thursday during the celebration of his 79th birthday organised by the Asiwaju Mandate Group in Akure, the state capital.

    The former Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda said his decision to quit the opposition party was informed by the “lingering leadership crisis” rocking the PDP at both the national and state levels, which he described as a lack of direction, foresight, and internal cohesion.

    Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor between 2003 and 2007 and was a former member of the PDP Board of Trustees, specifically accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of worsening the internal crisis within the party.

    “I am not leaving politics completely; I am only leaving the PDP. In another one or two weeks, I will let Nigerians know where I am heading politically.

    “The problem in the PDP has become so serious that it is no longer manageable. Nyesom Wike has reduced the PDP to nothing, and as a responsible person, I cannot continue in the party.

    “I have been in the PDP since 1998. I have never left before, but when the roof of a house is completely blown off, only a few people will remain inside. I have written my resignation letter and submitted it to my ward chairman,” he said.

    Reacting, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Engr Ade Adetimehin, described Oluwateru as a man of integrity and a valuable addition to the progressive family and party in the state.

    Although the former deputy governor did not formally announce his defection to the APC, Adetimehin expressed confidence that he would join the ruling party.

    “Oluwateru is a man of principles and integrity. He is an Omoluabi in the true sense of the word and will add great value to the APC in Ondo state.

    “He was the only deputy governor who never rocked the boat. His loyalty to the late Dr Olusegun Agagu speaks volumes. For him to take this decision today shows that he believes in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the direction the country is heading,” Adetimehin said.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, Mr Muyiwa Asagunla, congratulated Oluwateru on behalf of the group and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing him as humble, loyal, and diligent.

    Asagunla said the former deputy governor’s life and political career were worthy of emulation, adding that his decision to join the opposition PDP signalled a major collapse in the crisis-ridden party.

    “He was twice awarded the most diligent deputy governor during the Agagu administration, with the last award presented by a former acting president.

    “He is loyal, humble, and peaceful. There was never any rancour between him and Governor Agagu throughout their tenure. Even at 79, he remains very agile. His decision today marks a significant political shift after staying with the PDP since its formation in 1998,” he said.

    Read Also: Tinubu greets APC stalwart, Hafiz Kawu, on birthday

    Asagunla, however, added that Oluwateru’s exit from the PDP signalled a major blow to the opposition party in Ondo State.

    The group later presented gifts to the celebrant on behalf of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, as well as a separate gift from the Minister of Interior, in appreciation of his contributions to public service.

    Sources who spoke to the Nation under the condition of anonymity said the decision by Ambassador Oluwateru to leave the PDP is to clear the way for his official defection to the ruling APC in the state.

    “His decision to quit PDP is to join his ally and supporters who have all moved to the APC. So, very soon, he would announce his major defection to the ruling APC,” one of the sources said.

    The event was attended by leaders and stakeholders of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, including Barrister Corporal Nana Opri, State Secretary; Barrister Ade Pelemo, Director of Legal Matters; and Engineer Babatunde Gbalajobi, Director of Special Duties, among others.

    Also present were notable political figures, including Chief Segun Adegoke, a former APC state chairman; Hon Saka Yusuf, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; and Mrs Olubunmi Ademosun, former Special Adviser to late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Public and Intergovernmental Relations.

  • Minister of Labour flags off APC e-registration in Abia LG

    Minister of Labour flags off APC e-registration in Abia LG

    The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has flagged off the electronic registration of All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

    The exercise was formally launched at Uhuolugho Hall in Ezi Ngodo Ward, Isuochi Town.

    Addressing party members, Onyejeocha expressed appreciation for their loyalty and consistent support, describing the e-registration rollout as an important step toward strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure.

    She said the nationwide e-registration initiative is aimed at establishing an accurate membership database, deepening internal party democracy, and bringing democratic benefits closer to the people.

    “This e-registration is an opportunity for us to truly know our members and to strengthen our party from the ward level upwards.

    “It is also a way of ensuring that governance and party organisation are driven by real data and genuine participation,” she said.

    Onyejeocha called on both new and existing APC members in Umunneochi to participate actively in the exercise by registering in their respective wards, stressing that the APC remains an inclusive party open to all Nigerians who share the vision of national progress.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Keyamo redeployed as Minister of Labour

    “The APC is a big family. It is open to everyone who desires a prosperous nation and believes in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she stated.

    The Minister assured APC executives in Umunneochi Local Government Area of her commitment to provide all necessary logistics to ensure a smooth and successful registration exercise.

    She further pledged to extend similar support to other parts of Abia State where necessary, to guarantee a hitch-free e-registration process across the state, urging all Abians to participate.

    She also called on party stakeholders at all levels to support the ongoing exercise and mobilise members to register in large numbers.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the APC in Umunneochi LGA, Nze Peter Igwe, said the e-registration exercise would help determine the true voting strength of the party in the local government and enhance effective planning ahead of future elections.

  • Alaafin absent as Makinde inaugurates Olubadan as chairman, council of Obas, chiefs

    Alaafin absent as Makinde inaugurates Olubadan as chairman, council of Obas, chiefs

    Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    Olubadan will chair the council for the next two years before it is rotated to another Oba.

    The Nation reports that the Council last met in 2011.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, was absent at the event.

    Read Also: Tradition, not rivalry shaped Alaafin’s conduct, says Agunbiade

    Over 40 monarchs from across the state were at the event, which was held at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Recall that after years of tussle, the House approved the rotation of the chairmanship of the Council between the Alaafin, Olubadan, and Soun of Ogbomoso

  • Indigenes responsible for kidnapping in Ekpoma, says Okpebholo

    Indigenes responsible for kidnapping in Ekpoma, says Okpebholo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that investigations by security agencies showed that many persons involved in criminal activities around Ekpoma were indigenes of the area.

    Residents of Ekpoma, last weekend, protested the high incidence of kidnappings in the area.

    The residents blamed herders for criminal activities in the area.

    However, Governor Okpebholo said many persons arrested in the forest by security agencies were natives of Ekpoma and environs.

    According to him, “Most of the incidents of people being kidnapped in Ekpoma are local. When soldiers and other security agencies went into the forest at night, the people caught were natives from Ekpoma. So we need to look at who our enemy really is.”

    Governor Okpebholo spoke when he received students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and others, who were released from the Correctional Centre after their arrest in connection with the Ekpoma protest.

    Okpebholo assured them of his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reform, and the overall development of the university and the state.

    Read Also: My critics can say anything but Tinubu will win in 2027- Okpebholo

    He said he was deeply pained by the violent turn the protest took despite his commitment to the revival of AAU.

    Governor Okpebholo cautioned the students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements.

    He said, “Somebody said he is a student, and he protests. What are you protesting for? Don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so that you can be like us.”

    “The same way you are afraid of your life, is the same way I am afraid of my life. Kidnappers do not know the status of anybody, and so it’s a common problem we all have.”

    Governor Okpebholo condemned the destruction of shops and looting of properties during the protest, describing it as counterproductive.

    He asked, “Things are not moving, people are hungry, and you are burning shops and destroying properties. If it were yours, would you be happy?”

    He appealed to the students and youths to embrace peace and constructive engagement, assuring them that criminals would not be allowed to have a hiding place in Edo State.

    He said, “We have to work for Edo. Some of you may be innocent, but criminals will not have a hiding place in our state.”

  • 2026 budget: NIWA earmarks 16.09b for purchase of boats, dredging, others

    2026 budget: NIWA earmarks 16.09b for purchase of boats, dredging, others

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has earmarked N16.09 billion in the 2026 budget for projects aimed at boosting safety and infrastructure on Nigeria’s waterways.

    Details of the proposed budget by NIWA show that N10.313,800,000 billion will be used to purchase sea boats and N210 million for maintenance and rehabilitation of workshop machinery, marine crafts, and purchase of machine tools and accessories.

    The Agency also proposed N1.859,167,715 billion for the part dredging of 1000-kilometre navigable Inland waterways.

    N490 million has also been set aside for the construction of an inland river port at Oguta in Imo State, and N210 million for the removal of wrecks within inland waterways in the South East, South West, and South South geopolitical zones.

    N280 million is budgeted for the construction of jetties and ramps in Lagos, Yola, Eket, Kaduna, Kebbi, Benue, and Oziza in Ebonyi State.

    Read Also: LASWA, NIWA reiterate safety rules after Igbologun boat mishap

    N385 million is also proposed for mechanical and manual clearing of water hyacinth, floating debris, and wastes from the six geopolitical zones of Nigerian inland waterways.

    To enhance security and boost revenue, N245 million is set aside for the acquisition of security and revenue patrol boats.

    N294 million is budgeted for the establishment and rehabilitation of existing search and rescue stations, equipping them, sensitisation, and other relevant exercises to boost the efficiency of the Agency, reduce cases of mishaps on the waterways, and improve emergency response.

    The Agency also proposed N210 million for mapping and charting of waterways and their right of way nationwide (Bayelsa, Kebbi, Kwara, Nigeria, Lagos, Imo, Anambra, Adamawa, Kogi, Rivers, and Delta States).

    The Agency also proposed N70 million for environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment of inland waterways, and infrastructure.

    N140 million is also proposed for the digitisation of NIWA’s operations to improve operational efficiency.

  • Tinubu greets APC stalwart, Hafiz Kawu, on birthday

    Tinubu greets APC stalwart, Hafiz Kawu, on birthday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and former member of the House of Representatives from Kano State, Hon. Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu, on his birthday.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the President acknowledged Hon. Kawu’s service to the nation across the private sector, public service, and elective office, describing his career as young but eventful.

    Hon. Kawu represented the Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano State in the 9th National Assembly between 2019 and 2023.

    Prior to his election into the House of Representatives, he served as Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters in the Office of the Vice President from 2015 to 2019.

    Read Also: Hafiz Kawu: The Rising Star from Kano – Outstanding Young Legislator Award

    Last year, President Tinubu appointed him as Commissioner (Technical) at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), a role in which he currently serves.

    The President urged the former lawmaker to remain steadfast and to continue dedicating himself to national service, noting that his experience across different spheres of governance positioned him for greater responsibilities.

    President Tinubu wished Hon. Kawu God’s blessings and many more fulfilling years in good health, while commending his continued commitment to public service under the banner of the All Progressives Congress.