Nigeria News Digest: August 5, 2025

Political parties and civil society organisations have called on INEC to establish more voter registration centers and ensure an efficient process, while also cleaning up the existing voter register to remove errors and deceased individuals.

INEC has sought the support of traditional rulers in Osun State to promote the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration ahead of the 2026 governorship election, emphasizing the importance of PVC retrieval and registration.

Ribadu emphasized that good governance is the primary focus, prioritizing it over the influence of prominent individuals in Adamawa politics.

The Labour Party has launched its senatorial bye-election campaign in Uromi, with National Chairman Julius Abure endorsing candidate Paul Omo Okojie as a youthful and courageous leader for Edo Central.

Femi Falana has condemned early political campaigns for the 2027 elections as illegal and premature, urging adherence to the Electoral Act.

INEC has warned political parties against premature campaigns for the 2027 elections, stating that such actions violate the Electoral Act 2022.

The Kogi State government approved a paid parental leave policy to promote breastfeeding and maternal support, urging religious and traditional leaders to encourage these practices in their communities.

A court has convicted 21 foreign nationals for cybercrime, imposing fines and ordering their immediate deportation from Nigeria.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign hackers, fining each N1 million and ordering their immediate deportation from Nigeria.

The Nigeria Correctional Service has promoted 30 senior officers to Assistant Controller General, aiming to build a motivated and professional workforce.

The police have arraigned a notorious hired assassin on multiple charges, including murder and unlawful possession of arms, in Lagos State.

The Federal Capital Territory has surpassed Lagos as Nigeria's top destination for foreign investment, receiving 44% of total capital importation in Q1 2025.

Nigeria's capital importation increased by 67% to $5.64 billion in Q1 2025, driven by portfolio investments, with Abuja and Lagos leading the states.

FirstHoldCo Plc achieved a robust half-year performance with a 18.1% growth in gross earnings, reaching ₦1.7 trillion, despite challenges in the financial sector.

Due to rising borrowing costs, Nigerian manufacturers are exploring alternative financing options to sustain operations, urging both state and federal governments for supportive policies.

Femi Falana criticized President Tinubu's economic policies, arguing that they have eroded Nigeria's middle class.

Nigeria's oil production surpassed 1.8 million barrels per day in July, according to the NUPRC, a significant boost to the nation's revenue and economic stability.

A tragic accident involving a trailer carrying passengers and cattle in Niger State killed 22 people and injured 20 others.

A mother and her five children were killed in Katsina after their building collapsed during a storm, mirroring a similar tragic incident in Gombe last June.

The Nigerian Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) seized products worth N1.5 billion at the Lagos Trade Fair market, including banned and expired goods.

Stakeholders praised President Tinubu for appointing Aisha Garba as the head of the Universal Basic Education Commission, recognizing her effective reforms in primary education.

Two Nigerian universities were selected for a British Council-funded project to revamp curriculum development, focusing on entrepreneurship, circular economy, and peace building.

The Kwara State Assembly expressed concern over the patronage of hotels by underage students and called for a comprehensive audit and regulatory inspection of all hotels in Ilorin metropolis.

The 2025 WAEC results showed a decline in pass rates, attributed to new anti-malpractice measures, with only 32% of candidates achieving credits in five subjects including English and Mathematics.

Seven individuals in Edo State received prison sentences totaling 78 years for drug trafficking, highlighting the severity of drug-related offenses.

The Nigerian government reported that the police killed 78 terrorists and rescued 175 kidnap victims in a single month, while acknowledging 16 police personnel and 49 civilian deaths.

Two British nationals were sentenced to nine years in prison in Zimbabwe for smuggling 66 kilograms of dagga into the country.

A businessman and his wife in Lagos were sentenced to a combined 22.5 years in prison for drug trafficking, emphasizing the judicial system's commitment to tackling drug crime.

Armed bandits attacked a female lodge at the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State, leading to allegations of 30 students being raped and several others injured.

Notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji surrendered some weapons and released 32 captives in Zamfara State as part of a peace initiative facilitated by Islamic clerics.

Nigeria's Minister of Housing announced over N70 billion in private capital mobilized through Public-Private Partnerships to boost urban housing development, supported by initiatives like the Rent-to-Own Scheme.

Delta State maintained its position as Nigeria's leading oil-producing state, exceeding 100 million barrels during the reviewed period, while Lagos State recorded no oil production.

PalmPay has partnered with the Federal Government to launch the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training program, aiming to empower one million Nigerian youths with digital literacy and security awareness over three years.

The Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2025, themed 'AI for the Environment,' aims to empower young innovators to address sustainable development challenges through AI solutions, with a focus on climate change and green transition.

Nigerian filmmaker Toyin Adebola launched Wanzami TV, a digital streaming platform that allows filmmakers to retain up to 70% of their revenue, eliminating monthly subscriptions to empower creators.

Public concerns have resurged in Nigeria over genetically modified cowpea, despite regulatory approval, highlighting ongoing debates about food safety and chemical contamination.

Neony Market Agents has joined forces with Joburg Market to connect small-scale farmers with formal buyers and financial support, helping them break into the formal market.

Militia attacks in Benue have driven women from their farmlands, exacerbating food insecurity and disrupting local food chains, with significant implications for national food supply.

Vice President Shettima announced plans to extend Nigeria's special agro-industrial processing zones (SAPZ) project to 10 states by the first quarter of 2026, in collaboration with the African Development Bank.

The Yobe State government distributed multi-billion naira agricultural empowerment packages to all 17 local government areas, aiming to boost food security and rural livelihoods.

An economist emphasized that for tangible development, Nigeria needs significant economic growth exceeding population expansion, noting the underperformance of industries compared to services in the national GDP.

This August, several captivating Nollywood movies and series are set to premiere, including 'Devil Is A Liar', 'Dead Tide', and 'Abanisete (The Ancestor)'.

Actor Iyabo Ojo urged Wizkid and Tiwa Savage to advocate for justice for late rapper Mohbad, fearing a recurrence of historic injustices faced by renowned musicians within the industry.