Nigeria News Digest: August 23, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission said that more than 505,000 Nigerians completed online pre‑registration in the first five days of its Continuous Voter Registration drive, with physical registration and biometric capture scheduled to begin on Aug 25.

In Sokoto State, former CPC members accuse the APC of sidelining them, a grievance echoed in other northern provinces. The party’s leadership now faces the challenge of reconciling internal divisions before the next election cycle.

The APC Forum advised President Tinubu to retain Kashim Shettima as his 2027 running mate, citing strategic considerations to maintain party unity in the North-Central.

The EFCC’s decision to declare businessman Abdullahi Haske wanted amid an alleged conspiracy and money‑laundering case has drawn criticism, with his lawyer arguing that the commission’s secret court motion and earlier warrant constitute an abuse of process.

Delta State Police arrested a syndicate of armed robbers and fraudsters—including 32‑year‑old Ibrukoko, 31‑year‑old Obruche, 28‑year‑old Lucky Umukoro, 22‑year‑old Emmanuel Burutu, 27‑year‑old Musa Abdulahi, 30‑year‑old Sokoh, 36‑year‑old Preye Julius and 30‑year‑old Kadija Abass—for targeting unsuspecting victims across the state.

Kebbi State police refuted social‑media claims that Christian children rescued from kidnappers were placed in a Muslim‑run orphanage, describing the report as baseless and mischievous.

The National Information Technology Development Agency issued a warning over a critical eSIM vulnerability that could let attackers hijack devices, clone profiles, and intercept communications, potentially exposing billions of smartphones, tablets and IoT devices globally.

Nigeria’s inflation eased to 21% in July, but a 100,000‑Naira basket would rise to about 122,000, illustrating that a falling inflation rate does not guarantee lower prices; if it cools to 15%, costs could still climb.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded a turnover of 107 bn Naira, with the index closing 92 % of its peak at N3 per share, reflecting a decline from N3.43 bn and a 4 % change in total equity volume.

Nigeria’s state oil company reported a 389 % plunge in July’s after‑tax profit to 185 bn Naira, even as oil output rose and a new OB3 pipeline segment began delivering 300 mmscf/d of gas.

Nigeria LNG Limited secured 20‑year gas supply agreements with six third‑party suppliers, reinforcing the firm’s feedgas supply to its Bonny Island plant and bolstering the government’s Decade of Gas strategy to leverage the country’s vast gas reserves.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, partnering with Resolve to Save Lives, is revising public‑health statutes to eliminate data‑sharing barriers and strengthen surveillance, aiming to create a harmonised legal framework for coordinated health information use across federal and state levels.

Nigeria’s expanding demand for energy storage has heightened risks from improper disposal of used lead‑acid batteries. In response, Hinckley Recycling is establishing the country’s first lithium‑ion and lead‑acid battery recycling facility in Ogun, which could spur a new high‑value export sector.

A United States study published in BMC Environmental Health found that prenatal use of acetaminophen may raise children’s risk of autism and ADHD, with stronger evidence emerging from higher‑quality research.

Bauchi authorities urged communities to prioritize school enrollment, with officials emphasizing collaboration to improve education and implement strict teacher recruitment protocols.

Students in Niger State announced a mass protest against the state government’s failure to address education neglect and resolve stalled scholarship payments after prolonged consultations.

Kano NDLEA apprehended a suspect in possession of 9kg of cannabis valued at over N10 million during a raid on the Zaria-Kano Road.

The Federal Government pledged to pursue and prosecute those responsible for the murders of worshippers in Katsina State, vowing justice for the victims.

Abia State police killed six suspected kidnappers linked to a deadly abductioin in Akwa Ibom State, reaffirming their commitment to eliminating criminal elements.

Nigerian military forces neutralized over 35 ISWAP fighters during a joint operation in Borno State, sustaining their campaign against terrorism despite casualties.

The Federal Government seeks a $238 million loan from Japan’s JICA to expand Nigeria’s electricity grid and fund renewable energy projects aimed at underserved areas.

A House committee probed the N59 billion metering fund, summoning regulators and contractors to explain delayed disbursements and accountability gaps.

NITDA reported removing 58 million harmful online posts in Nigeria in 2024, exceeding the nation’s active social media user base.

The Tinubu administration announced a trade partnership with Brazil projected to create 100,000 direct jobs and 5 million indirect jobs, focusing on agriculture and food security.

The Sultan of Sokoto directed Muslims to observe the new moon on August 23, 2025, marking the start of the Islamic month of Rabi’ul Awwal.