Nigeria News Digest: August 24, 2025

The ADC has filed a lawsuit against the Rivers State sole administrator and the State Independent Electoral Commission, claiming the appointment of board members for the commission on 9 May 2025 violated constitutional provisions and the 2018 electoral law; the suit seeks a declaration of nullity, the setting aside of the revised local government election timetable and related actions, and ₦10 million in damages.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner reported that 367,000 permanent voter cards remain uncollected in Kano, praised the state‑appointed task force for supporting registration, and urged its members to intensify mobilisation and create additional polling units to ensure citizens receive their cards.

Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Saratu Dikko‑Audu presented certificates of return to the newly elected chairmen of Kachia, Soba and Zangon Kataf local governments, urging them to honour voters’ confidence and deliver tangible projects for their communities.

The House of Representatives minority caucus called on the president to immediately release statutory allocations withheld since February 2025 for Osun State local governments, warning that it may pursue legislative action if the federal government continues to withhold the funds.

Oyo APC governorship aspirant Oloye Saheed Oladeel convened all 33 local‑government chairmen in Bodija, Ibadan, urging them to prioritise party unity over personal ambitions as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

An APC group in Bauchi endorsed Shehu Buba as its 2027 governorship candidate, with local government chairman Sunusi Biyali noting Buba’s defence of the party’s integrity in 2024 and calling for broader support beyond mere endorsement.

Analysts say recent by‑elections preview the 2027 contest, highlighting the APC’s superior mobilisation, incumbency advantage and logistical capacity, while a fragmented opposition and low voter confidence set the stage for a high‑stakes general election.

The EFCC arrested a convicted banker who had been unlawfully released from Maiduguri’s Maximum Security Custodial Centre, alleging that officials of the Borno State judiciary colluded to forge prison warrants that facilitated the escape.

The Take It Back movement denounced the sentencing of seven young Nigerians in Maiduguri for participating in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, condemning five‑year imprisonments, community service and public flogging as disproportionate while noting that terrorists receive rewards.

In court, the IGP argued that an arrest warrant is needed to extradite five foreign suspects linked to a multibillion‑naira fraud, alleging that Mohammed Tahir, a former Dangote trailer driver, sold iron pipes for Dangote and funneled the proceeds into identified bank accounts.

Following the suspension of 13 lawmakers earlier this year, the Benue State House of Assembly elected Alfred Berger as its new speaker, succeeding the previous speaker after a February disciplinary action over alleged attempts to impeach the state chief judge.

Ekiti State police announced that the Rapid Response Squad has arrested eight suspects in connection with a series of killings and kidnappings, confirming the operation in a statement to the Nigerian Tribune.

Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar warned that justice in Nigeria is increasingly treated as a purchasable commodity, with the poor bearing the brunt while the rich evade accountability, emphasizing that fairness is essential for societal stability.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, and officials from Japan’s JOGMEC agreed to promote Japanese investment in Nigeria’s mining sector, offering import‑duty waivers on equipment and tax holidays to attract partners.

Finance Minister Wale Edun told the World Bank’s ANSA constituency that Nigeria will direct multilateral financing toward infrastructure projects, job creation and private‑sector investment, aiming to accelerate economic transformation and improve living standards.

Gov Sanwo‑Olu announced Lagos aims to generate $1bn in annual SME revenue, celebrating 253 graduates of the Lagos State Export Readiness Training Programme who will export Lagos products to boost trade.

A report attributes widespread HPV vaccine reluctance to misinformation, stigma, high costs and knowledge gaps, with false claims linking the vaccine to cancer and infertility, and causing public health risks.

NDLEA detained a Lagos fashion entrepreneur who was attempting to smuggle cocaine, and seized additional drug consignments in separate operations across the country. These actions were part of a broader crackdown on narcotics trafficking.

The Nigerian Navy seized 105,000 litres of diesel and recovered numerous illicit items, handing evidence to the NSCDC and NDLEA, while arresting eight suspects linked to the operation in an effort to curb illicit fuel trafficking.

A Lagos criminal case was hampered by missing forensic evidence, delaying justice for a sexually abused child, prompting the victim’s family to seek police intervention after the District Attorney’s office identified gaps.

Nigerian police, through INTERPOL collaboration, repatriated a high‑profile Chinese gang member, underscoring the country’s commitment to disrupting transnational crime. The operation also highlighted the effectiveness of international partnerships in tackling cross‑border criminal networks.

A woman died at her boyfriend’s apartment in Osun while en route to a church vigil; police arrested the boyfriend and will carry out an autopsy while investigation continues. Authorities are also reviewing security footage for additional leads.

Nigeria is negotiating a $190 million renewable‑energy loan from JICA to expand power access and support industrialisation, with officials meeting Japanese firms at TICAD 9 to discuss grid upgrades and technology transfer.

The Delta State Government contracted China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to rebuild a critical section of the Warri/Sapele/Benin road, aiming to reduce congestion and boost commercial activity. The project is expected to improve traffic flow and stimulate local economies.

NEMA distributed relief supplies to the Ogui Eke community in Enugu after flood damage, while officials thanked the federal government and highlighted the agency’s support for affected households. The operation followed earlier warnings about flood‑prone areas.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority launched a traffic‑mayor initiative, appointing media professionals to lead traffic advocacy and enforcement, signalling a new era of community‑engaged mobility management. The move aims to improve road safety and reduce congestion.

Lagos Governor Sanwo‑Olu inaugurated a leather‑processing hub in Mushin, projected to generate 10,000 jobs and position the city as a West African leather logistics centre. The hub aligns with national industrialization goals.

A Duke Health team performed the first living mitral valve replacement in a child, using a donor’s healthy valve to save lives and advance pediatric cardiac transplant practices. The procedure represents a breakthrough in organ stewardship.

Consumers in Lagos disputed reports of a poultry price drop, asserting that egg prices remained unchanged and that market traders continue to sell at previous rates. Local traders noted no significant changes in market conditions.

The West Africa Specialty Coffee Association partnered with Brazil’s Kukuza Agronegocio to run a training program for Nigerian coffee stakeholders, aiming to boost agro‑tourism and production through knowledge of quality and sustainable practices. The initiative seeks to enhance economic diversification in the region.

The Sultan of Sokoto declared Monday, August 25, 2025, as the start of Rabi’ul Awwal 1447AH after confirming no crescent moon sighting was reported in Nigeria on August 23, per religious advisory committees.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago called for interfaith unity during a Baptist church event, stressing respect among faiths as essential for state development and praising his administration’s inclusive leadership.