Nigeria News Digest: August 28, 2025

Atiku urged the federal government to amend the 2022 Electoral Act, mandating BVAS for voter accreditation, requiring all polling units and collation centers to transmit results electronically to iREV, and insisting that national collation be based solely on those electronic submissions.

Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El‑Rufai announced he would not seek any office in the 2027 elections, pledging instead to mentor young people, women and reform‑minded Nigerians and to help build credible leadership at state and national levels.

Former president Goodluck Jonathan called for immediate electoral reform, stressing a transparent appointment process for the INEC chairman and the creation of an independent Registrar of Political Parties to curb defections and promote internal democracy.

Amaechi announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform, urging citizens to decide who will lead the country.

A National Industrial Court judgment reinstated Nurse Thomas Olamide, ordered her immediate reappointment, back‑dated salary and benefits, and awarded her ₦5 million in damages after she was dismissed for exposing corruption at Ogun State College of Health Technology.

The EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 detained 12 suspects operating unlicensed bureau de change businesses after intelligence‑based surveillance.

EFCC operatives in Wukari arrested 37 individuals suspected of internet fraud after credible intelligence, targeting cybercrimes in Taraba State.

Police in Tripoli detained two undocumented Nigerian nationals accused of orchestrating a series of break‑and‑enter thefts targeting commercial establishments in Libya.

The Osun State Government announced it would obtain an official copy of the U.S. court judgment sentencing the Apetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, to prison for COVID‑19 relief fund fraud before deciding on his traditional stool.

Lagos State Police Gender Unit recorded 398 child sexual‑abuse cases from 2020‑2024, while journalists have exposed the unit’s alleged extortion of families of abused children during investigations.

Dangote Industries and other firms increased tax payments, contributing to a 288% surge in tax revenue, driven by higher cement sales and expanded operations across Nigeria.

International lenders, including the IMF and IFC, praised Nigeria’s economic progress under Tinubu, citing a stable credit outlook, reduced inflation, rising foreign reserves, and a significant boost in national revenue.

Nigeria’s new Tax Reform Acts aim to boost investment and equity, with reforms targeting a broader tax net to ensure fair contributions from high earners and corporations.

Nigeria spent N1.3tn on petrol in June, with partial figures showing Yobe and other states accounting for significant portions of expenditures.

Nigerian senator Dino Melaye faces a N509.6m tax evasion case after authorities assessed unpaid taxes from 2023 and 2024 following non-compliance with tax laws.

Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest economy offers strategic opportunities to drive intra-African trade through industrial policies, energy transitions, and alignment with continental goals.

The Nigerian NCDC reported 159 Lassa fever deaths in 2025, with 90% of cases concentrated in five states despite a decline in new infections recently.

Kogi State and UNICEF launched a measles vaccination campaign from October 4–13, emphasizing public awareness to boost participation and child health outcomes.

Customs Service transferred confiscated expired pharmaceuticals to NAFDAC, highlighting joint efforts to combat counterfeit drug circulation for public safety.

Nigeria loses N455bn annually to poor sanitation; Nestlé’s campaign aims to address water safety through multi-sector collaboration with private and public stakeholders.

The Nigerian government received $11m in cold chain equipment, including solar-powered refrigerators, to enhance vaccine storage and immunization effectiveness.

NDLEA in Adamawa State seized 590kg of drugs and properties linked to illicit trafficking, stressing transparency in Nigeria’s anti-narcotics efforts.

A bandit attack in Zamfara killed dozens, reinforcing ongoing security threats in northwest Nigeria, where armed groups target villages and abduct civilians.

Fires gutted a hospital in Niger State and homes in Cross River, caused in part by leaks and open flames, causing millions in damages and displacing residents.

Five years after a Lagos pipeline explosion, encroachment and alleged corruption threaten safety, with structures now reoccupying the critical pipeline corridor.

Airtel Nigeria is investing in subsea cable infrastructure and data centers to strengthen digital resilience and expand inclusive connectivity across the country.

The BATN Foundation inaugurated a solar-powered borehole in Ibadan, enhancing water access and expanding its network of climate-resilient water projects nationwide.

Following the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, NRC Chief Opeifa accepted full responsibility and assured a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.

A group launched a platform to empower Nigerian youth to combat violent extremism through digital innovation and creative expression.

The proposed National Digital Bill is expected to boost Nigeria's GDP by 21% by 2030 by enhancing digital economy contributions.

Showunmi urged the government to empower farmers with modern equipment to increase food production in Ogun State.

Dangote and Ethiopia signed a $2.5B deal to build one of the world's largest fertilizer plants.