Nigeria News Digest: July 30, 2025

The PDP in Osun State accused former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of plotting to rig the 2026 governorship election with the alleged support of the Attorney General and withheld local government funds.

Governor Mohammed of Bauchi State expressed condolences over the death of Alhaji Ahmed Makama Hardawa, Chairman of the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC).

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticized the APC's new National Chairman for his remarks on the 2027 presidency, calling them arrogant and dismissive of voters seeking change.

Nimo community residents accused their traditional ruler, Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi, and the local government chairman of land grabbing and unlawfully detaining critics, including elderly community members.

INEC warned against underage and multiple voter registrations ahead of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise set to begin in Kebbi State on August 18.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu withdrew his indigeneship bill after concerns were raised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

INEC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) plan to strengthen their collaboration to improve voter education and mobilization efforts.

A group of young professionals from Abia North cautioned against premature discussions about endorsing Governor Alex Otti for a second term in 2027, urging broader stakeholder consultations.

Isoko lawyers filed a lawsuit against the Delta State Assembly and others, alleging exclusion from N230 billion worth of capital projects in Isoko South and Isoko North.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) clarified that Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, is not a card-carrying member of their party, though part of a coalition.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is taking action against companies that haven't adhered to the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, potentially leading to their delisting.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has accused President Tinubu of neglecting the North despite receiving over 64% of the votes from the region in the last election. The ACF claims that budget allocations and development projects have been unfairly directed away from the North, despite this significant support. The Presidency has countered these claims, highlighting numerous federal government projects currently underway in Northern Nigeria.

A former APC spokesperson has warned Kwankwaso against inciting Northerners against President Tinubu, urging him to focus on national unity instead of fueling potential unrest.

The Igbo Community in the FCT firmly opposes a Senate bill that seeks to elevate the Sultan of Sokoto and Ooni of Ife above other monarchs. They argue that the bill undermines the diversity of Nigerian culture and may cause unrest.

A Nigerian court denied Fred Ajudua's fresh bail application in his ongoing $1 million fraud trial, with his lawyer arguing the application was unrelated to the current bail request.

The International Press Centre (IPC) condemned the increasing harassment, detention, and murder of journalists in Nigeria under the current government.

A U.S. court sentenced a cryptocurrency firm CEO to prison for wire fraud and money laundering after defrauding investors and misusing funds for personal luxuries.

A mobile court in Calabar convicted 34 motorists for attempted bribery and other traffic violations, aiming to address infringements through swift judicial processes.

A Lagos High Court has allowed Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of AMCON, to travel to London for medical treatment while awaiting trial on fraud charges related to a ₦76 billion case involving Arik Air.

TikToker Gali Ismail Abdullahi, known as Sultan, was taken into custody by the DSS for a doctored video falsely claiming President Tinubu's death. Reports indicate he was denied legal access.

A college rector was sentenced to seven years in prison for operating fake degree courses, with the ICPC finding him guilty of defrauding students through misleading admissions.

The NSCDC in Ondo has arrested four suspected burglars accused of stealing valuables from the Peace and Joy community, urging residents to remain vigilant against crime.

Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of AMCON, was granted permission by a Lagos High Court to seek medical treatment abroad while facing charges of ₦71 billion fraud in connection with Union Bank and Arik Air.

Sabo Sani Labaran, accused of impersonating the Gombe State Governor and defrauding the state of ₦2 million, appeared before the EFCC court. The court adjourned his bail hearing and remanded him in custody.

The ICPC reported that 92 MDAs lack designated anti-corruption units, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training to strengthen integrity and anti-corruption practices.

The DSS released three men who were wrongfully detained over the killing of Fulani herders. The men received compensation after their mistaken arrest was confirmed.

Two individuals were sentenced to death for the murder of a former Katsina state commissioner. The prosecution welcomed the verdict as just.

The Nigeria Customs Service granted importers a 21-day grace period to correct Temporary Admission Permit (TAP) irregularities, aiming to recover over ₦380 billion in revenue.

The Copyright Commission arrested three suspected pirates and confiscated books worth N5 million, including titles like New General Mathematics and National Common Entrance Examination materials.

Ghana's central bank lowered its benchmark interest rate by 3%, from 28% to 25%, reflecting declining inflation and signs of economic recovery.

The IMF upgraded its growth forecast for Nigeria to 3.4% in 2025 and 3.2% in 2026, attributing the improvement to better economic conditions and calling for structural reforms.

Ugonnaya Osi highlighted the underutilized potential of collective investment schemes in Nigeria, emphasizing their benefits for economic growth and financial inclusion.

Ecobank Group saw a 23 percent increase in profits, achieving $398 million in pre-tax profit and $1 billion in net revenue during the first half of 2025.

First HoldCo's profit before tax rose significantly in the first half of 2025, reaching N169 billion, thanks largely to a 62 percent increase in interest income.

Oscar Onyema and other experienced professionals have joined the board of Green Impact Exchange (GIX), strengthening its expertise across various sectors.

Nigeria's national debt is currently over N187 trillion, raising concerns that it may reach N200 trillion by the end of the year, exacerbating existing poverty and unemployment challenges.

Sterling Holding Company announced a 157% increase in profit after tax during the first half of 2025 and plans for a public offering to raise funds for recapitalization.

Coca-Cola has sold its Hollandia and Chivita brands to UAC of Nigeria PLC. The outgoing Managing Director of CHI Limited expressed confidence in the brands' future growth under new ownership.

UAC of Nigeria has acquired CHI Limited, the producer of popular beverages and dairy brands Chivita and Hollandia, from Coca-Cola. This strategic acquisition expands UAC's presence in the fast-moving consumer goods sector in Nigeria.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration will mandate hepatitis screenings for food vendors and handlers in a move to enhance food safety and public health.

Health experts warn that Nigeria's high salt consumption is contributing to an increase in hypertension, kidney disease, and other health complications.

The US CDC is supporting the expansion of AI-enabled X-ray machines in Nigeria to improve tuberculosis detection, particularly in people living with HIV.

Three surprising facts reveal the nutritional benefits of ponmo, highlighting its potential as a lean protein source rich in collagen.

Experts emphasize the crucial role of vaccination and community engagement in raising child survival rates in Ogun State and Nigeria.

UNICEF urges the Kano State government to invest in expanding its healthcare workforce, particularly in rural areas, to ensure universal access to medical services.

The federal government disbursed over N20 billion to support over 4,000 primary healthcare centers in Northern Nigeria through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Nollywood actor Don Richard is appealing for public assistance to help cover the costs of his battle with kidney disease.

The Yobe State House of Assembly has passed a bill requiring compulsory premarital blood tests for hemoglobin genotype and viral hepatitis.

Borno State Governor Zulum pledged N1 billion to UMTH for kidney transplant advancements and committed to improving maternal healthcare through ten new ambulances.

A truck with brake failure caused a collision on the Ikpoba River bridge in Benin City, damaging six vehicles. This incident occurs as government dredging efforts continue to address flooding issues in the area.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for an investigation into an incident where Nigerian Army personnel allegedly burned and looted property belonging to residents of an Imo community.

Nurses across Nigeria initiated a seven-day warning strike due to unmet demands and threatened an indefinite strike if the government fails to respond to their concerns after a 21-day ultimatum.

Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic are now under the care of embassy officials in Bangui, receiving support from Nigerian authorities.

The Nigerian government clarified that the admission age for secondary school remains 10 years old while university admission remains at 16 years old.

President Bola Tinubu pledged automatic jobs, a N250,000 cash reward, and postgraduate scholarships to 200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) honourees, demonstrating his support for Nigerian youth.

The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) partnered with Sapphital Academy to launch an online training platform aimed at educating one million youths about the insurance profession.

The EU announced an additional €6 million in support to combat human trafficking in Nigeria and promote effective migration governance.

The Senate expressed concern and condemned anti-Nigeria protests taking place in Ghana, advocating for calm and pursuing diplomatic solutions.

The Kogi State Government has established nine family courts dedicated to handling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, in addition to existing magistrate courts. This initiative supports the state's implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and its commitment to tackling GBV.

Two separate domestic violence incidents in Adamawa State resulted in fatalities. Two co-wives killed each other in one case, while a man fatally stabbed his father during an argument in the other.

Six farmers in Benue State are in custody after being accused of murdering a 72-year-old man. The case is under investigation by police after a report was filed by the victim's family.

The UK government condemned the killing of 38 abducted residents in Zamfara State, despite a ransom payment. They have called this a horrific crime and pledged continued support to Nigeria in combating terrorism and kidnapping.

Three individuals, including a mother and son, have been arrested by the Adamawa State Police Command for the alleged murder of a stepmother and father. The suspects are being investigated for domestic violence-related crimes.

Two individuals were killed in a suspected attack by herders on farmers near Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, according to a source.

A communal clash in Abuja's Gurfata village resulted in a fatality, the destruction of 31 homes, and the displacement of many residents, involving Fulani and Gwari communities.

Nigerian actress Priscilla and Tanzanian musician Juma Jux have faced controversies in their relationship, including clashes with fellow actress Iyabo Ojo and criticism from a Tanzanian blogger.

Residents of Ilaje Road in Bariga, Lagos, protested against the renaming of the road after music legend King Sunny Ade. They argue that the name Ilaje Road holds historical significance for the community and that the renaming is an attempt to erase their identity.

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) welcomes new jury members from Morocco, Congo, and Kenya for its 2025 adjudication process. These additions bolster the diverse representation on the international jury panel, which will evaluate entries for the continent's biggest music event.

Universal Insurance is set to launch an upgraded third-party motor insurance policy, aiming to become a leading force in the motor insurance market.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has issued a warning to passengers against using unofficial platforms to purchase train tickets online. They emphasize that only authorized platforms are legitimate.

Experts say Nigeria’s recent export growth is misleading as the decline of the naira inflates those figures, masking a real stagnation of dollar earnings.

The federal government has launched a nationwide initiative to address housing delivery gaps at the state level, providing technical assistance and support for viable housing project financing.

Kwara State officials denied rumors of a new government house being constructed, clarifying that the ongoing project is an addition to existing offices to accommodate more civil servants.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu announced that security forces have eliminated key figures responsible for bandit activity on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, citing improvements in security that make night travel safer.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang stated that no local government area in the state is under the control of bandits or terrorists, attributing the progress to intensified security operations.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation reported that 135 road projects have been completed across northern Nigeria, with ongoing construction and maintenance projects adding to the progress.

The Federal Government plans to establish cattle breeding centers in each geopolitical zone to enhance livestock development and mitigate security risks associated with herder-farmer conflicts.

NNPC has denied rumors of selling the Port Harcourt Refining Company and confirmed its commitment to the rehabilitation of the refinery, emphasizing its national significance.

The Kwamkur Samuel Foundation for Justice, Peace and Development organized a parley to promote peaceful coexistence in Plateau, focusing on societal development through justice, peace, and youth empowerment.

The Minister of Agriculture stressed the importance of information and communication technology in improving livestock development, announcing an app for animal data tracking and government support for ranching and breeding programs.

President Tinubu's administration plans to establish cow breeding centers across Nigeria, receiving praise from Miyetti Allah for prioritizing livestock development.

The Ogun State government warned against open grazing, enforcing a 2020 law that includes a three-year prison sentence and confiscation of cattle for violators.

The government is reforming the UBEC funding guidelines and adjusting agricultural education programs to equip young people with the skills needed for modern farming practices.

Ogun and Oyo states are working together to address food insecurity and border security concerns, aiming to establish the Southwest region as a major food production area.

A Nigerian woman's viral testimony revealed her church's absence during her mother's funeral, despite over 20 years of tithing and service, sparking widespread online discussion.