The Nation Newspaper

Category: autopost

  • How sustained government policies reshaped forex transactions

    How sustained government policies reshaped forex transactions

    Foreign exchange, often called “forex,” affects the daily lives of millions of Nigerians, even if many people do not deal with dollars or euros directly. The price of food in the market, the cost of fuel, school fees, medicines, and even transport fares are all linked to the exchange of the naira against other currencies. Over the past few years, Nigeria’s forex story has been one of big promises, tough policies and mixed results, reports Assistant Editor NDUKA CHIEJINA.

    At the onset of the current phase of forex reforms initiated by the Bola Tinubu administration, the situation was in dire straits. Nigeria’s economy heavily depended on imports of fuel, machinery and many household goods. This meant there was always strong demand for foreign currencies, especially the United States dollar. At the same time, the main source of forex inflow, which is crude oil exports, was facing challenges ranging from oil theft, lower production, and fluctuating global prices. Foreign investors were also cautious about bringing money into the country because of concerns over the difficulty of repatriating their proceeds.

    Before the initiation of the reforms, Nigeria operated a system where there were multiple exchange rates. There was an official rate set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and there were other rates in the parallel market, often called the black market. This gap created confusion and opportunities for people to engage in round tripping. They buy dollars cheaply at the official rate and sell them at a higher price on the street. Many businesses complained that they could not access dollars at the official window, forcing them to rely on the parallel market, which was more expensive and unstable.

    When the new government came in, many Nigerians hoped for a fresh approach. President Bola Tinubu made it clear that he wanted a more transparent and market-driven forex system. He spoke about the need to remove practices that encouraged corruption. The President said the country could not continue to run a system where a few people benefited from cheap official dollars while ordinary Nigerians and genuine businesses struggled to survive.

    In one of his early pronouncements, President Tinubu explained that a single, unified exchange rate would help attract foreign investors and restore confidence in the Nigerian economy. According to him, investors want to know that when they bring money into the country, they can change it at a fair rate and take it out again without facing restrictions or heavy losses. He also linked a strong and stable forex market to job creation, saying that more investments would lead to more factories, offices, and opportunities for young people.

    In driving home the new policy thrust, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun said: “Nigeria now have a foreign exchange rate that is market based and also a deregulated oil market pricing which are two reforms that are long overdue over many decades that President Tinubu is currently implementing.

     “The exchange rate stability achieved makes Nigeria competitive globally, regionally and continentally,” he stated.

    On his part, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Olayemi Cardoso advocates for a “willing buyer, willing seller” model, believing that artificial controls are unsustainable. He stated that a stable exchange rate will boost investor confidence and attract foreign investment. The CBN management has adopted a market forces approach, noting that artificially holding down the price of a commodity determined by forex is unsustainable.  Cardoso also emphasised that closing the gap in exchange rates, though painful initially, showed commitment to transparency and sound monetary policy.

    Following these positions, the government and the Central Bank moved to change how forex was managed. The main policy initiative was the unification of the exchange rate. This meant that instead of having different rates for different users, the market would determine the value of the naira, based on demand and supply. The official and parallel market rates were expected to come closer, reducing the wide gap that had existed for years.

    The Central Bank also introduced measures to clear the backlog of unmet forex demands, especially for foreign airlines, manufacturers and international companies that had been waiting to repatriate their funds. The idea was to send a message to the world that Nigeria was serious about honouring its financial obligations and creating a friendly business environment.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    Another part of the policy drive was to encourage more forex inflows. This included efforts to boost non-oil exports such as agriculture, solid minerals, and manufactured goods. The government talked about making it easier for Nigerians in the diaspora to send money home through official channels, offering better rates and fewer charges. There were also discussions about improving oil production and reducing theft so that more dollars could come into the country from crude sales.

    The outcome of these policies has been mixed. On the one hand, the unification of the exchange rate brought more transparency. The wide gap between the official and parallel market rates reduced, at least for a period. Some foreign investors began to show renewed interest, and Nigeria recorded improvements in capital inflows. Operators said the system was clearer, even though it came at a cost.

    On the other hand, the value of the naira weakened because the exchange rate was now market determined. This had a direct effect on the cost of living. Imported goods became more expensive, and the prices of locally produced items rose because many of the inputs, such as fuel and machinery, are linked to the dollar. Inflation climbed, and many families felt the pressure on their monthly budgets.

    Manufacturers also faced challenges. While they welcomed a more open forex system, the high cost of dollars made it harder for them to import raw materials and spare parts. Some companies reduced production, while others passed the extra costs to consumers. Small businesses, in particular, struggled to cope with the fast-changing exchange rates.

    Today, the inevitable adjustment is gradually gaining traction. Forex inflow has improved, although not in the required volume. Oil production has picked up compared to previous lows, but it has not yet reached levels that can comfortably support the country’s forex needs.

    The Central Bank has continued to adjust its policies, including raising interest rates to make naira investments more attractive. The idea is that higher interest rates can encourage foreign investors to bring money into Nigerian bonds and other financial instruments, increasing the supply of dollars. There have also been efforts to strengthen monitoring and reduce illegal forex trading.

    Many Nigerians now ask a simple question: where are we today? The answer depends on who you ask. Government officials often point to improvements in transparency and investor confidence. They say the system is now fairer and more open than before. Some economists agree that, in the long run, a market-driven forex system is better for the economy.

    However, for the ordinary Nigerian, the reality is tough. The high cost of living is the most visible sign of a weak naira. Food prices, transport fares, rent, and school fees have all risen, but are moderating. Looking ahead, projections for Nigeria’s forex market depend on several key factors. One is oil production. If Nigeria can increase output and reduce losses from theft and pipeline damage, more dollars will flow into the system. Another is non-oil exports. Expanding agriculture, mining, and manufacturing for export can help reduce the country’s heavy reliance on crude oil.

    Foreign investment is also crucial. If investors believe that Nigeria’s policies are stable and fair, they are more likely to bring in funds. This requires clear rules, respect for contracts, and a strong legal system. The government’s ability to manage inflation and public debt will also play a role in shaping confidence. Diaspora remittances offer another opportunity. Nigerians abroad send billions of dollars home every year. Making official channels more attractive can increase the amount that passes through the formal forex system, strengthening supply. There are also risks. Global oil prices can fall, reducing earnings. International interest rates can rise, making investors prefer safer markets. Local challenges such as insecurity and poor infrastructure can discourage business growth and export expansion.

    From a personal and professional point of view, the current state of Nigeria’s forex situation calls for patience, consistency, and deeper reforms. The move toward a more open and transparent system is a step in the right direction, but it should be supported by strong efforts to grow the local economy. Nigerians need more factories, better farms, and stronger industries that can produce what the country consumes and sell to the world.

    There is also a need for clear communication. Many people do not fully understand why the naira has fallen or what the long-term plan is. Simple and regular explanations from policymakers can help build trust and reduce fear and speculation in the market.

    In the end, forex is not just about numbers on a screen. It is about jobs, food on the table, school fees, and the future of young Nigerians. A stable and strong naira will not come from policy changes alone. It will come from a productive economy where Nigeria earns more from what it makes and sells, not just from what it digs out of the ground.

    As the country moves forward, the challenge will be to turn today’s difficult adjustments into tomorrow’s lasting gains. The road may be hard, but with steady policies, honest leadership, and the hard work of millions of Nigerians, the goal of a healthier and more stable forex market remains within reach.

    Speaking to this development, Dr. Galadima Simon: “Growth is projected to do better in 2026 than in the previous year, 4.49 per cent this year as against 3.89 per cent in the year prior. This would be driven by the non-oil sector meaning FX reserves inflows would be diversified, leaving the Naira stronger. FX reserves are expected to climb to around $51 billion, inflation to decelerate further and exchange rate to experience appreciation.

    “The situation is largely net positive in value as the gains outweigh the pains. However, it is not uhuru as market dichotomy still exists despite unification, foreign exchange earnings still not diversified enough with oil playing an outsized role.”

    On his part, Economic Analyst, Dr. Yusha’u Aliyu noted: “Looking at the market behaviour in the last six months, it’s likely that the current trend will extend to the six months of 2026 when the budget of the year will begin to translate some provisions to the economy and subsequently when the electioneering takes effect, some elements of political expenditures will trigger in balance of the exchange rate, especially dollarisation.”

  • Hospitals as slaughter slabs

    Hospitals as slaughter slabs

    Reported deaths from medical procedures in recent times freshly raised concerns about the quality of healthcare delivery in Nigerian hospitals. Bitter experiences that people had ranged from wrong diagnoses of ailments and errors in surgical processes to delayed treatment even in emergencies and poor post-surgical care, resulting in loss of loved ones who entered hospitals seeking help and never returned home. Allegations are rife that many of the patients might have made it, but they were speeded onto their death by indiscretions or utter negligence of medical personnel in healthcare facilities who, for most part, deny responsibility.

    Early last week, there was the report of a school headmistress in Ibadan who died because hospitals in the Oyo State capital declined response to her emergency situation. Relations said the headmistress of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Model Nursery and Primary School, Letmuck Barracks in Mokola, Mrs. Ajayi Omowunmi Fajuyigbe, gave up the ghost after being rejected by several hospitals to which she was rushed in critical condition. A relative was cited saying Fajuyigbe, on Monday, 13th January, was moved at night between hospitals in Mokola, Adeoyo, Oluyoro and Basorun areas of the capital city, but was denied admission on sundry grounds until about 1:00a.m. when a private hospital in Idi-Ape took her in after a hefty payment.

    Even then, according to the relative, an urgent surgery that was required for the endangered patient was not carried out by the hospital that finally took her on admission, until she went into coma and eventually died. “It is painful that hospitals appear more interested in money than saving lives,” she lamented, wondering why hospitals would turn away emergency patients at night. “My sister’s life could have been saved if she had received prompt attention,” the relation added.

    A particularly sensational case was the death on 6th January in a Lagos hospital of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, one of the twin boys of internationally renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Nkanu and his twin brother were born to United States-based Adichie and her spouse, Ivara Esege, a doctor, by surrogacy in 2024 – eight years after the birth of their first child, a girl. He died at Euracare Hospital, a private medical facility, following a brief illness.

    Nkanu’s death occurred a day before he was due for medical evacuation to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, not far from the couple’s US home. He had been referred from another Lagos hospital to Euracare for a series of diagnostic procedures that included an echocardiogram and a brain MRI. The parents, in a legal action filed against Euracare, alleged lapses during the child’s admission and lack of basic resuscitation equipment, amounting to medical negligence.

    In a WhatsApp chat to family members that was leaked to social media, Adichie said a doctor confessed to her that the resident anaesthesiologist administered sedative overdose on Nkanu. Despite efforts at his resuscitation and being put on a ventilator, the boy suffered cardiac arrest that led to his death. Adichie described the anaesthesiologist as having been “fatally casual and careless.”

    In response to the leak, Euracare expressed its “deepest sympathies” over the loss of the child but denied administering improper care, saying its services were “in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards.” According to the hospital, it is inaccurate to suggest that medical negligence caused Nkanu’s death, but rather that its personnel provided standard care upon admission of the toddler who was brought in “critically ill.”

    Lagos State Government ordered a probe of the matter, saying it “places the highest value on human life and has zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct.” Special Adviser to the State Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, added: “Any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law.”

    Meanwhile, a 30-year-old Lagos father, about the same time Adichie’s bereavement became news, took issue with government’s own facility, accusing a primary healthcare centre in the state of causing the deaths of his nine-month-old twin boys whom he took for routine immunisation. Samuel Alozie, known as Promise Samuel on TikTok, alleged that the twin boys died same day after being administered immunisation at Ajangbadi primary health centre in Ojo council area.

    Alozie said in a social media post that he took the children for immunisation on December 24, 2005, and they died on Christmas Day. According to him, the immunisation made the boys very weak and inflamed their body temperature such that they had to be given paracetamol as advised by the nurse. “My wife and I, after we left the health centre, went home and gave the two of them paracetamol, but it didn’t solve anything. We even bathed them in cold water,” he recalled.

    The distraught father dismissed explanation by the health facility that food bacteria was responsible for the infants’ death: “The nurse said it was food bacteria that killed my children… Food that I’ve been giving them from one month to nine months, and it didn’t kill them?” Alozie accused the health centre of having possibly administered expired or fake vaccines, or an overdose on the twins for which he held government liable. He noted that while an autopsy had been conducted, he has reservations about the possible outcome: “The reason I’m scared is that I don’t know if government will give me justice because this is government-to-government. The primary health centre is government’s, and the people running the case are government people.” The Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Board had yet to issue an official statement on the alleged incident or release autopsy findings.

    Easily the most scandalous of medicare miscarriages was the case of Aishatu Umar, who died as a result of surgical implement being forgotten in her bowel after surgery. The 33-year-old mother of five lost her life 12th January, 2026, not from a sudden ailment but what family members described as drawn-out medical negligence that began with a surgery she underwent at Abubakar Imam Urology Centre (AIUC), Kano, in September 2025 after doctors diagnosed her with a kidney cyst that caused her frequent abdominal pain.

    Read Also: Ugbe: A pillar leaves MultiChoice Nigeria

    That surgery was projected to bring her relief, but the contrary was the case. Aishatu began having chronic pain that, upon complaining to the hospital, she was repeatedly assured was a normal post-surgery experience that would soon fade out. Unknown to her and her family, something had gone terribly wrong in the operating theatre: a surgical implement was forgotten in her bowel by doctors before sewing her back. Aishatu’s husband, Abubakar Mohammed, said he got a distress call from her on 9th January that she could no longer bear the excruciating pain. Upon being referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), a series of scans and other diagnostic tests revealed the object left in her abdomen during the earlier operation at AIUC. “Immediately the result came out, she was prepared for emergency surgery. Around 11p.m. on January 12th, Aishatu was taken into the theatre, but she did not come out alive. Before they even started operating, we lost her,” Mohammed recounted.

    The Chief Medical Director of AIUC, Balarabe Muhammad, was reported denying claims that a scissors was forgotten in Umar’s bowel: “It was an artery forceps that was forgotten in the patient and not a scissors. An artery forceps is not as sharp as a scissors.” He added: “I am not denying that a medical implement was forgotten in her system, but I can say that Aishatu didn’t die as a result of the forceps that was in her system. Rather, she died from anaesthesia administered on her at AKTH.”

    For his part, AKTH’s Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Suwaid Abba, rebuffed the claim that anaesthesia killed Aishatu.  “It is very unfair to push the blame on AKTH. If a medical equipment wasn’t forgotten in her system, she would not have been here in the first place,” he argued, adding: “She died before our doctors operated on her. It is unfair that anyone will blame us for the death.”

    The problem is largely the ecosystem of healthcare delivery in this country. Besides inadequacy of facility in hospitals, available doctors are overwhelmed by a high volume of patients amidst severe “brain drain” of medical professionals – with nearly 19,000 doctors having emigrated over the past couple of decades and a record 3,974 leaving in 2024 alone. Over 50 percent of licensed doctors have left, with more than half of those remaining actively seeking ways to leave. Official data show that Nigeria currently has roughly 3.8 doctors per 10,000 patients, significantly below World Health Organisation prescription. Government must find a way of stimulating reverse personnel traffic – i.e. “brain gain” – to remedy the situation.

    •Please join me on kayodeidowu.blogspot.be for conversation.

  • Dangote, NNPCL seal gas supply deal

    Dangote, NNPCL seal gas supply deal

    An enhanced gas supply deal that will ensure adequate supply to meet ongoing expansion projects by Dangote Group has been signed by the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    The deal saw three subsidiaries of DIL – Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Dangote Fertiliser Plant and Dangote Cement Plc – scaling up their Gas Sales and Purchase Agreements (GSPA) with two subsidiaries of the NNPC- Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited and NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC).

    The upscaled supply agreement is expected to support Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, resulting in increased output, better and cleaner energy supply.

    The agreements were signed at the unveiling of the NNPC Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026, tagged NGMP 2026 held at the NNPC Towers at the weekend in Abuja.

     Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Mr. David Bird, signed on behalf of the refinery, while the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvid Pathak, signed on behalf of the cement company. Mr. Mustapha Matawalle signed on behalf of Dangote Fertiliser FZE.

    Bird said that the agreement demonstrated the refinery’s bold steps to expand its capacity.

    According to him, the agreements marked a critical milestone in the expansion drive as well as a proactive measure to lock in vast energy requirements for the anticipated increase in its production capacity.

    Pathak described the agreement as an enabler of DCP’s strategic objectives.

    READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

    He outlined that the agreement guarantees the gas required to support the drive towards CNG adoption as auto gas and to meet the increasing gas demand as local production capacities are expanded.

    He added that the partnership also promotes the adoption of cleaner fuel for both auto gas through CNG and gas to support increased production output.

    Dangote Fertiliser FZE stated that the agreement would support its fertiliser capacity expansion projects, given that fertiliser is a product of natural gas.

    Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the GMP Master Plan as a deliberate pivot from policy articulation to disciplined execution, anchored on commercial viability and integrated sector-wide coordination.

    He said: “Today’s launch is not merely the unveiling of a document; it represents a deliberate shift towards a more integrated, commercially driven, and execution-focused gas sector, aligned with Nigeria’s development aspirations.

    “Nigeria is fundamentally a gas Nation. With one of the largest proven gas reserves in Africa, our challenge has never been potential, but translation: translating resources into reliable supply, infrastructure into value, and policy into measurable outcomes for our economy and our people. The Gas Master Plan speaks directly to this challenge”.

    Ekpo further noted that the plan’s strong focus on supply reliability, infrastructure expansion, domestic and export market flexibility, and strategic partnerships aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, positioning natural gas as the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security, industrialisation, and just energy transition.

    NNPC/L GCEO) Bashir Ojulari, described the NNPC Gas Master Plan 2026 as a bold, effective execution-anchored roadmap designed to unlock Nigeria’s immense gas potential and elevate the country into a globally competitive gas hub.

    Ojulari noted that with about 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves and an upside potential of up to 600 Tcf, Nigeria possesses one of the most consequential hydrocarbon basins in the world; one reinforced by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Federal Government’s gas-centric energy transition agenda.

    He said: “The Plan is structured not just to deliver – but to exceed- the Presidential mandate of increasing national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, while catalysing over 60 billion dollars in new investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030”.

    He explained that the plan prioritises cost optimisation, operational excellence, and systematic advancement of resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves, while strengthening gas supply to power generation, CNG, LPG, Mini-LNG, and critical industrial off-takers.

    He reaffirmed his personal commitment as chief sponsor of the initiative, stressing that the company has adopted a more collaborative, investor-centric approach in shaping the NGMP 2026, with strong alignment to industry stakeholders, partners, and investors.

  • Gen. Musa: how coup attempt was foiled at planning stage

    Gen. Musa: how coup attempt was foiled at planning stage

    • ‘Doing a coup now is impossible… Nigerians would have resisted it’

    A joint monitoring approach enabled the Armed Forces to foil a planned coup, the Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, said last night.

    According to him, a “disgruntled” Colonel, who failed his examination for promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General, initiated the plot and dragged others into it.

    The rumour of an attempted coup broke in October last year, but the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) at the time dismissed it, saying there was no such development.

    However, last month, the DHQ confirmed that there was indeed an attempted coup and that investigations had indicted 16 officers who are now to face court-martial.

    Gen. Musa, who spoke on Channels Television last night, was the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) at the time the plot was uncovered.

    He explained that the military did not immediately confirm the coup attempt when the rumour surfaced because of the need for a thorough investigation to uncover those behind it and to avoid arresting innocent officers.

    READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

    According to him, it was better not to rush into admitting the existence of a coup plot until investigations revealed how it was planned and who masterminded it.

    He described the plotters as “a bunch of unserious individuals” who grossly underestimated Nigeria’s democracy and military cohesion. He said security services had to closely monitor the suspected coupists to gather concrete evidence against them.

    Investigations, he said, revealed that the planning of the coup began before the advent of the Tinubu Administration in 2023.

    He dismissed claims that the plot was a reaction to current governance, saying: “These plans were hatched even before the President took office, once it was clear he had won the election.”

    Describing the plot as potentially bloody, Musa said the coup was carefully monitored and dismantled before execution.

    He added that he was personally listed as a target for arrest or assassination by the coupists.

    “I was also a target. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was to be shot. But that is the nature of the job,” he said.

    According to him, the plot was driven by a disgruntled Colonel who failed to meet promotion requirements and attempted to recruit other dissatisfied elements within the system.

    Most of those involved, he said, have been arrested, while international agencies, including Interpol, were tracking remaining civilian collaborators.

    He, however, declined to name the indicted Colonel.

    “The Armed Forces promotion system is strict. He didn’t qualify and decided to exploit others who felt aggrieved.

    “Unfortunately, some young officers were misled and now face serious consequences,” Gen. Musa said, stressing that the military acted strictly on facts, not speculation.

    “This investigation was holistic, involving the DIA, NIA, DSS and other agencies. We were deliberate and painstaking because coup allegations are grave and must be proven beyond doubt,” he said.

    He maintained that executing a coup in modern-day Nigeria is nearly impossible, saying that the military is united and strongly committed to democracy.

    “You can’t just wake up and attempt a coup in Nigeria today. Even Nigerians would have resisted them without the Armed Forces. The era of military takeovers is over,” he said.

    On the welfare of families of the arrested officers, the Defence Minister said the Armed Forces were taking steps to ensure they were not unduly punished for the actions of their relatives.

    “Sometimes people forget they have families. We have briefed them and are ensuring their welfare is protected,” he added.

    Addressing broader security concerns, Gen. Musa said insecurity persists because of the complex nature of modern warfare, stressing that casualties are inevitable in active conflict zones.

    “In war, nobody is immune. The enemy also wants to survive. What matters is our ability to neutralise threats quickly,” he said.

    Gen. Musa added that the attempted coup had prompted a review and strengthening of the presidential security architecture.

    “Such incidents expose gaps. Once identified, you strengthen them. That is exactly what we are doing,” he said, reaffirming the military’s loyalty to the Constitution and its resolve to defend Nigeria’s democracy at all costs.

    On insecurity in the country, Gen. Musa said some individuals and communities were shielding terrorists and criminals.

    He urged Nigerians to stop introducing primordial sentiments when criminality is involved.

    Confirming that Sambisa Forest has been reclaimed by troops, Gen. Musa noted that terrorists usually flee to neighbouring countries when pressure is mounted on them.

    He said Nigeria must move beyond divisive narratives rooted in geography and ethnicity, warning that such thinking continues to hold the country back.

    “Every day we hear North, South, East and West. It does not help us. How long are we going to continue like this?

    “When you travel outside the country, you see even smaller nations moving forward,” he said, citing Ethiopia’s transformation as an example.

    He stressed that Nigeria is not as badly positioned as often portrayed, noting that only a few individuals project negative narratives about the country.

    “Very few people give Nigeria a bad name globally, but we don’t celebrate the many Nigerians doing exceptionally well across all fields.

    “Once you fail to celebrate the good, you create space for the bad,” he said.

    On recent coup-related developments in the region, Gen. Musa said those involved acted foolishly and would face the consequences.

    “Anyone who attempts a coup must be ready for the consequences. That is how it works,” he said.

    He warned against reviving ethnic interpretations of past conflicts, insisting that Nigeria must draw lessons from history rather than dwell on it.

    “We cannot, in 2026, still be talking about Biafra, coups and the civil war. So many people died on both sides.

    “Everyone suffered losses. But no nation develops amid constant internal wrangling,” he said.

    Gen. Musa defended the current administration, saying President Bola Tinubu has taken bold decisions that are beginning to yield results.

    “Things are gradually picking up. The dollar is dropping. New policies have been introduced. Some people will always complain, especially those who benefited from the old system and now feel excluded,” he said.

    He appealed to elders, religious leaders and traditional rulers to allow the younger generation chart a new course.

    “Let us stop poisoning young minds with past grievances. Mistakes were made on all sides. We must draw a line, leave the past behind and focus on the future,” he said, referencing China’s transformation under Chairman Mao as an example of national reset.

    Gen. Musa also highlighted Nigeria’s regional security role, saying Nigerian forces in December intervened to prevent a coup in the Benin Republic following a direct request from its president.

    “It was a direct call to President Tinubu. With his approval, we mobilised and, within 12 hours, secured the situation.

    “Our troops are still there and are being withdrawn gradually,” he said.

    The minister confirmed that Nigerian troops were still on the ground in the Benin Republic, adding that plans were underway for their withdrawal.

    He said the operation demonstrated Nigeria’s military capacity and underscored the need to build domestic defence capabilities through strategic partnerships.

    On Nigeria’s defence cooperation with Turkey and other allies, Gen. Musa said the focus is shifting from procurement to local production.

    “We don’t want to keep buying equipment and importing everything. This time, we want co-production using our Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), so we can build capacity, create jobs, save foreign exchange and support security across the region,” he said.

    According to him, the agreements cover military education, exchange programmes, training, co-production of hardware, maintenance and availability of spare parts.

    “It is a holistic approach. If we get it right, Nigeria can support neighbouring countries and strengthen security across Africa,” Gen. Musa added.

    On political affiliation, the Defence Minister indicated he might formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that he was transitioning from a military career into politics.

    He added that the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as minister shortly after his retirement made it imperative for him to give full support to the President.

  • President Tinubu: A stumble, a nation’s test

    President Tinubu: A stumble, a nation’s test

    Sir: It began in Turkey—not with a speech or diplomatic breakthrough, but with a stumble: A brief moment when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appeared to lose his balance.

    It was fleeting, the kind of human moment that should have disappeared with the next news cycle. Instead, it ignited Nigeria’s digital space.

    Within hours, social media was flooded with reactions. Some laughed. Some mocked. Some speculated about health. Others turned the incident into memes and exaggerated narratives. A simple misstep became a national spectacle.

    But this is not the first time. During a previous national ceremony, a similar moment occurred. Then, President Tinubu responded not with anger, but with history.

    He reminded Nigerians of his role in the struggle for democracy, of the risks he took, the exile he endured, and the resistance he was part of during military rule.

    He spoke as someone who had paid a price for the democratic space Nigerians now freely occupy—even the freedom to criticise him.

    Yet today, the same man is reduced to hashtags.

    Let us be honest. In African culture—especially in Nigeria—age carries meaning. Leadership carries meaning. You may question authority, but you do not ridicule elders. You do not strip leaders of basic human dignity, even in disagreement.

    President Tinubu is not just a political figure; he is an elderly statesman and the sitting president. Mockery may feel like political expression, but it also reflects a loss of cultural restraint. Criticism is legitimate. Humiliation is not.

    There is also a national dimension. However divided Nigerians may be politically, the presidency represents the state. When Nigerians publicly demean their own president, the image of the country itself suffers. Those who think they are only attacking Tinubu may not realise they are also diminishing Nigeria’s institutional dignity.

    However, respect does not mean silence, and dignity does not erase accountability. The moment should not be weaponised for ridicule, but neither should it shield the government from legitimate scrutiny.

    Some Nigerians now ask bluntly: Is Tinubu fit for the seat? That question must be answered with history, not emotion.

    Tinubu’s political journey did not begin yesterday. He served as a senator. He governed Lagos State. Under his tenure, Lagos laid foundations for becoming Nigeria’s economic hub. He built political structures, mentored leaders, and played a central role in the coalition that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC). He navigated complex political battles and ultimately won the presidency after one of the most competitive political journeys in Nigeria’s history.

    It is intellectually dishonest to claim such a figure rose without political skill, strategic thinking, or administrative experience. The record exists. The political structures he built exist. The leaders he influenced exist.

    Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

    This does not make him beyond criticism—but it does place current narratives in perspective.

    World leaders stumble. Joe Biden has stumbled. Barack Obama has stumbled. Leaders are human before they are offices. A physical misstep is not proof of incapacity.

    If falling were a qualification test, many global leaders would fail. So why should Tinubu’s stumble be treated as a national crisis or a national comedy? It is neither.

    Nigeria faces serious economic and social challenges, but it is not alone. Inflation, debt pressures, insecurity, and global instability are realities many countries face. The presidency should therefore be judged by policy outcomes, not viral clips.

    Let citizens assess reforms, security strategy, economic management, and governance delivery. Let debates be grounded in data, not memes. History—not hashtags—will be the final judge.

    Tinubu’s stumble in Turkey revealed more about us than about him. It exposed our impatience, our anger, our digital culture of mockery, and our fragile relationship with leadership.

    Citizens must criticise constructively, demand accountability, and push for better governance. But we must not destroy the dignity of national institutions in the process.

    Because when the presidency is reduced to ridicule, the state itself weakens. And when a nation learns too easily to laugh at itself, it may soon find itself with reasons to cry.

    •Haroon Aremu Abiodun, exponentumera@gmail.com

  • 80 Kurmin Wali abductees escape from kidnappers’ den

    80 Kurmin Wali abductees escape from kidnappers’ den

    • Bandits blow up police station, kill man, abduct people in Niger

    Eighty of the 177 worshippers abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali,  Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have escaped from their captors and reunited with their families.

    Eleven had escaped shortly after they were taken away on  January 18.  Kurmin Wali  Village Head Ishaku Dan’azumi, made this known yesterday.

    Also yesterday, the Niger State Police Command confirmed that its station in  Agwara was attacked with a dynamite by bandits. A church was also torched.

    The Nation also gathered that a nursing mother and her four children were abducted by the same bandits in the same community, while an elderly man was killed by the same bandits in Sokonbara, a nearby village in Kabe.

    Kurmin Wali  Village Head said the latest escapees(80)  first took refuge in neighbouring communities before returning home. He added that the remaining   86 other worshippers are still being held in the forest by the bandits.

    Dan’azumi, however, said it was unfortunate that even as the victims’ families are going through serious trauma,  some people are trying to politicise our situation.’’ 

    The village head  appealed to the government and the military ‘’to   expedite action to secure the release  of the remaining 86 people still in the bandits’ camp.”

    He lamented that Kurmin Wali and neighbouring villages had  long lived in fear of   bandits and kidnappers

    Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer,   Mansir Hassan, said the police would soon issue a comprehensive report on it.

    There were conflicting accounts of the attack on the churches.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    While the Kaduna State Police Command and the Kajuru Local Government Council initially dismissed reports of the mass abduction, community leaders and church officials insisted that scores of worshippers were taken away during services.

    The controversy deepened when a list of 177 alleged abductees, said to have been compiled by families and church leaders, surfaced following a public challenge by the Police Commissioner for concrete details.

    Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory( FCT), Rev. John   Hayab, had earlier said that over 160 worshippers were abducted. 

    Residents maintained that the gunmen stormed the churches-Catholic, ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim- shut the gates and marched congregants into the bush.

     Mother, four children abducted

    Niger State   Police Command  Public Relations Officer,  Abiodun, said the bandits first attacked the police station before moving to the UMC Church in Agwara. 

    He said:  “On 1/2/26 at about 3.40 am, armed bandits invaded Agwara community, attacked the Police station where they were engaged by the tactical team on the ground, used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze, having overpowered the team.

    “ The bandits later moved to UMC Church in the community, burnt part of the church, proceeded to other areas and abducted about five persons whose identity is yet to be ascertained. Monitoring continues; further development will be communicated.”

    Sources told The Nation that the nursing mother and her children are members of Mallam Ahmed Burade. Barade, a former Niger State Union of Teachers (NUT) chairman and current headmaster of a primary school in Agwara, was said to have also been abducted, but he escaped during a clash between the bandits and local vigilantes.

    The bandits, according to one of the sources, headed for  Sokonbara near  Kabe, where they killed the elderly man before looting food supplies and valuables. 

  • Nigeria’s great economic rebound

    Nigeria’s great economic rebound

    Sir: Nigeria may not be out of the woods yet, but under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country is showing real promise.

    At some point in the Buhari presidency, he openly admitted that though he knew even before he was elected that Nigeria had serious challenges, he didn’t expect the magnitude of the challenges he encountered in office. Despite the challenges, the current administration is showing a marked departure from its predecessor in two key areas that may yet be the most defining for Nigerians: security and the economy.

    Insecurity in Nigeria has really spiralled during the past decade. Terrorism in its many forms has made many parts of the country insecure, causing Nigerians indescribable anguish at home and imponderable embarrassment abroad by casting the country as critically unsafe.

    Before the advent of the current administration, communities in Southern Kaduna, Benue State, Plateau State, and many other states spread over the core north were regular stomping grounds for criminals of all shades and stripes. While it would be premature to state that the criminals have been conclusively routed, it is clear that they have been largely put in their place, underlining the mammoth efforts that have gone into containing a problem that once threatened the very existence of Nigeria.

    For many Nigerians, poverty remains a costly bed mate. The Nigerian economy was practically in tatters before the current administration came to power.

     Any decision bordering on the removal of fuel subsidy was bound to be critically unpopular, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took the unprecedented step of removing it.

    Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

    The uproar, which was great, has remained even in the face of the president’s defiance, which he has expertly melded with other decisive steps to rescue Nigeria’s economy. The result of such firmness is that for the first time in many years, the Nigerian economy is producing shoots of recovery.

    As per The Economist, which has heavily criticized the Nigerian government in the past, the Nigerian economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is showing signs of recovery.

    The British journal pointed out the abolition of the fuel subsidy and abandonment  of the multi-tiered system of dollar-pegged exchange rates, which has  largely allowed  the naira to float, as key to the forceful signs of economic rejuvenation noticed.

    For a publication that has previously stuck a boot into successive Nigerian governments, this is no idle commentary on a key aspect of Nigeria. It definitely means that the country is on the right path.

    A lot of work remains to be done to completely rescue Nigerians from poverty and set the country moving in the right direction. It is never going to be easy, but with the right amount of decisiveness, Nigeria can continue to engineer a rousing departure from its dark and dreary recent past.

    It is only hoped that the ominous politics of 2027 will not derail a promising project.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • How Tinubu has impacted Nigerians, by Presidency

    How Tinubu has impacted Nigerians, by Presidency

    • Inflation drop, reserve growth, investor return, others cited

    • Onanuga references The Economist’s positive analysis

    The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has achieved significant economic gains in less than three years in office.

    He cited a recent assessment by The Economist.

    Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, drew attention to the January 29 edition of the magazine, which reviewed the state of Nigeria’s economy before and after President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

    He stated: “President Tinubu has not spent three years yet, and he has a lot to show for his stewardship.”

    He then shared excerpts from the magazine, which notes that President Tinubu inherited a deeply troubled economy marked by severe fiscal and monetary imbalances.

    According to the magazine, when President Tinubu took office, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) faced unmet obligations of about $7 billion, equivalent to 1.4 per cent of GDP at the time, a situation that triggered a mass exit of international investors.

    The publication adds that the apex bank’s credibility had been undermined by loose monetary policy, mismanagement of foreign exchange reserves and the maintenance of an unsustainable multi-tier exchange rate regime, while the Federal Government spent about $10 billion, or 2.2 per cent of GDP, on fuel subsidy in 2022 alone.

    It says the Tinubu Administration responded with “drastic structural reforms,” including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, allowing the naira to float more freely.

    The magazine further observes that monetary policy was aggressively tightened to curb inflation, while the government also moved to improve security in the Niger Delta and introduced tax incentives to attract investors and boost oil production.

    While acknowledging that Nigerians, particularly the poor and middle class, continue to feel the impact of higher fuel and food prices, the publication says the reforms appear to be yielding results.

    It notes that annual inflation, which peaked at 34.8 per cent in December 2024, fell sharply to 15.2 per cent by December 2025, while economic growth is returning, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting 4.4 per cent growth in 2026.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    According to the assessment, the naira has stabilised after two major devaluations in 2023, and Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have risen to $46 billion, their highest level in seven years.

    The publication says improvements in macro-economic stability are restoring investor confidence, citing plans by Shell to finalise development of a $20 billion offshore oilfield by 2027 and a $1.5 billion deepwater investment commitment by Exxon Mobil.

    It adds that local business leaders are also more optimistic, with oil and gas output rising due to improved security and increased participation by indigenous firms in the Niger Delta.

    The magazine concludes that the reforms should provide the government with greater fiscal breathing room, particularly as a more competitive naira boosts non-oil exports such as cocoa and cashew nuts.

    The Economist analysis says: “It is difficult to overstate the mess Mr Tinubu inherited.

    “When he took office in 2023, the country’s central bank had $7billion (equivalent to 1.4 per cent of GDP at the time) in obligations it could not meet, prompting international investors to flee en masse.

    “The bank’s credibility had been dented by a recklessly loose monetary policy, its mismanagement of dwindling foreign-exchange reserves and efforts to maintain an unsustainable tiered exchange-rate system.

    “In 2022 alone, the cash-strapped government spent some $10billion, equivalent to 2.2 per cent of GDP, on a ruinous fuel subsidy.

    “To fix things, Mr Tinubu’s government got on with a package of drastic structural reforms. It abolished the fuel subsidy and abandoned that multi-tiered system of dollar-pegged exchange rates, largely allowing the naira to float.

    “The central bank aggressively tightened monetary policy to curb the resulting bout of inflation. The government also moved to improve security in the Niger Delta and offered a range of tax incentives to investors to boost dwindling oil production.

    “Nearly three years on, Nigeria’s 230 million people, especially the poor and the middle class, are still reeling from increases in fuel and food prices. Poverty has risen.

    “But it looks as though Mr Tinubu’s bitter medicine is helping. The annual inflation rate, which hit a nearly 30-year high of 34.8 per cent in December 2024, fell to 15.2 per cent in December 2025.

    “Growth is returning. The IMF expects the economy to expand by 4.4 per cent in 2026. Following two steep devaluations in 2023, the naira has stabilised (see chart). The central bank’s foreign-exchange reserves have risen to $46billion, their highest level in seven years.

    “Improvements in macro-economic stability are restoring investor confidence.

    “On January 22nd, Shell, a British company, said it hopes in 2027 to finalise plans, with partners, to develop a $20billion offshore oilfield that has been sitting untapped for over 20 years. Exxon Mobil, an American firm, has committed $1.5billion to deepwater development until 2027.

    “Local business leaders are more upbeat, too. Oil-and-gas production is rising, much of it driven by local firms plugging leaks and improving output in onshore projects in the Niger Delta, which has become safer thanks to Mr Tinubu’s focus on security there.

    “All these should give the government some fiscal breathing room, particularly as the cheaper naira begins to raise the competitiveness of Nigeria’s non-oil exports such as cocoa and cashew nuts.”

  • Of drug abuse and gambling

    Of drug abuse and gambling

    Sir: The fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria has been persistent, intensified, and increasingly impossible to ignore. Over the years, the federal government, through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has implemented several measures aimed at reducing both drug demand and supply. While notable progress has been made, emerging patterns, particularly the strong link between drug abuse and gambling, continue to pose serious challenges.

    Various strategies have been deployed to curb drug trafficking and abuse. Drug supply chains and trafficking routes have been disrupted and tighter regulations and monitoring mechanisms have been introduced to prevent recurrence. These efforts have led to the interception of major drug routes and the arrest of key drug dealers, significantly reducing the availability of illicit substances in many areas. Despite these achievements, drug demand remains a major concern, especially when addiction progresses to dependence.

    A critical issue complicating the situation is the close relationship between illegal drug use and gambling. In today’s digital age, drug users are often exposed to gambling platforms within the same online environments where illicit substances are promoted or discussed. Gambling, in many cases, becomes a means of generating funds to sustain drug use and maintain addiction. This cycle is particularly common among individuals already struggling with dependency.

    Stress, personal challenges, unemployment, and persistent overthinking are major contributors to the initiation and continuation of drug use. These pressures can push individuals toward substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Over time, this dependence may expand into gambling addiction, especially when financial difficulties arise. Gambling is often perceived as a quick solution to money problems, but it typically worsens the situation.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigerians with most Grammy awards

    Drug use and gambling tend to reinforce each other, creating a dangerous cycle. Drugs may be used to cope with gambling losses or emotional distress, while gambling is used to finance drug consumption. Gradually, both behaviours become normalized as temporary “feel-good” solutions. Unfortunately, this normalization masks the long-term damage being done.

    The NDLEA has consistently played a vital role in addressing this crisis by raising awareness through various media platforms about the harmful effects of drug abuse and its impact on overall well-being. Public education remains a powerful tool in discouraging substance abuse and promoting healthier coping mechanisms.

    While Nigeria has made commendable progress in disrupting drug supply and enforcing regulations, addressing drug demand and its link to gambling addiction remains critical. A holistic approach that combines enforcement, mental health support, public awareness, and rehabilitation is essential. By tackling both drug abuse and gambling together, Nigeria can reduce their combined impact and promote a healthier, more resilient society.

    •Ojoma Omale, Kogi State.

  • Troops kill ISWAP leader in Sambisa Forest

    Troops kill ISWAP leader in Sambisa Forest

    Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, a military offensive in the Northeast, have killed the Second-in-Command of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Khalid, in the Sambisa forest in  Borno State.

    The news came barely 24 hours after a top ISWAP commander, known as Julaibib, was neutralised by the troops during a fierce battle around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of the state.

    A military source told The Nation yesterday that Khalid was killed alongside 10 others during the Saturday night operation. 

    According to the source, Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis.

    He said the troops engaged the terrorists in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11 p.m. on Saturday, resulting in the killing of the terrorist leader and his foot soldiers.

    The source said troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, and a large cache of medical supplies.

    “No casualty was recorded among troops during the operation. Troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region,” the source said.

    READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

    While reaffirming the troops’ commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace  restored in  the region, the source said the military high command had “commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the Northeast    and urged them to sustain the   tempo.”

    In the Northwest, scores of terrorists were also killed and others injured by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma during a gun battle in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

     The operation, according to Osoba,  followed credible intelligence that more than 100 bandits had assembled at the camp to plan large-scale attacks on nearby communities and military supply lines.

    He explained that ground troops and the Nigerian Air Force intercepted the bandits on January 31. 

    Osoba said: “A fierce firefight ensued as the terrorists attempted a flanking and encircle manoeuver. However, they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops.

    “While many bandits were eliminated, others fled with gunshot wounds. The camp was set ablaze before the troops withdrew.”

    The spokesperson confirmed that some soldiers lost their lives during the encounter. He added that a combat support vehicle caught fire after it was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade.

    Osoba said the “  Nigerian Army honours the  fallen soldiers’ sacrifice and remains determined in its mission, combat efficiency remains high as troops continue to dismantle bandit networks and disrupt their supply chains across the region.” 

    He added that the Nigerian Air Force is currently conducting interdiction missions to intercept the fleeing remnants, while ground troops maintain dominance over the area.