Nigeria News Digest: September 1, 2025

APC won 20 of 23 chairmanships in Rivers State’s local government elections on 30 August 2025, while the PDP captured the remaining three seats. Former vice‑president Atiku Abubakar called the exercise an absurdity, and former deputy speaker Chuks Okocha praised the RSIEC’s performance.

Onanuga accused former minister Nasir El‑Rufai of leading a campaign to oust President Tinubu, while highlighting Tinubu’s achievements over two years. He contrasted El‑Rufai’s claim that four years are insufficient for meaningful change with Tinubu’s record of boosting foreign reserves, a stronger stock market, a harmonised exchange rate and a decline in inflation for four months.

NSA Nuhu Ribadu rejected former Kaduna governor Nasir El‑Rufai’s allegations that the federal government is supporting bandits, calling the claims false and insulting. Ribadu said anti‑corruption agencies act independently and that the government does not provide incentives to criminal groups.

The Federal High Court scheduled 2 September to hear a suit by the ADC Gombe state chapter challenging the national leadership’s plan to remove elected local executives before their terms end. The plaintiffs allege the removal violates the party constitution, while ADC lawyers argue procedural compliance.

The Päijät‑Häme District Court sentenced Nigerian activist Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for inciting terrorism and participating in a terrorist group. Ekpa, a former local councillor in Lahti, was accused of supplying weapons and encouraging followers on X to commit crimes in Nigeria.

Tinubu’s anti‑inflation policy seeks to anchor expectations and strengthen real purchasing power, but it may dampen short‑term demand. Proponents argue that sustained inflation control over a decade can restore confidence, raise real incomes and stimulate domestic demand. The Central Bank has struggled to keep domestic liquidity aligned with its price‑stability mandate.

The government’s debt management office closed an August 2025 sovereign bond auction that raised N200 bn, consisting of two tranches of N100 bn each for 2030 and 2032 issues. The offering attracted strong demand, producing a bid‑to‑cover ratio of 1, reflecting a cautious approach to yield management.

Stanbic IBTC Bank’s Purchasing Managers’ Index for August held at 54.2, marking the ninth consecutive month above 50 and signalling continued growth. Output and new orders climbed to four‑ and 19‑month highs, while price indices eased for the fourth month in a row.

The federal government has yet to roll out the capital component of the 2025 national budget, sparking concerns about fiscal discipline and infrastructure delivery. Economists and labour groups criticized the delay and called for reforms, warning that late implementation undermines predictability and poverty‑reduction efforts.

Nationwide petrol sales fell 28 % over the past two years, leaving fuel station attendants with fewer customers. Even though some stations offer lower prices, consumers often decide on fuel before arriving, leading to idle pumps.

IITA director general Simeon Ehui noted that Africa imports roughly $50 bn of food each year and urged investment in science‑driven agriculture to tackle food insecurity. He called for increased research and development to improve the continent’s food system and lift farmers’ livelihoods.

Cutix Plc’s first‑quarter 2025 profit fell 81 % to N56.9 m, down from N306 m the previous year. Total assets rose 34 % to N10.99 bn while liabilities surged 73 % to N6.9 bn, and the share price dropped 24 % to 390 kobo.

Union Bank of Nigeria completed its merger with Titan Trust Bank after Central Bank approval, consolidating Titan’s assets into the 108‑year‑old institution. The combined bank will operate 293 branches and 937 ATMs, retaining customers’ account details and expanding digital services.

Lafarge Africa commissioned its Freedom Plant, a new ready‑mix facility in Lekki, Lagos, adding three silos to extend capacity. The plant aims to boost production, improve customer service, and support Nigeria’s construction demand, while the company emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and job creation.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong called on lawmakers to pass a bill that decriminalises attempted suicide and establishes a framework for prevention, helplines and mental‑health training. He cited WHO estimates of about 16 000 annual deaths in Nigeria and said the bill, already at its first reading, is a step toward a comprehensive national response.

Pregnant women in Katsina State face unsafe childbirth conditions due to the deteriorating state of Bazanga Primary Healthcare Centre. A civic group MonITng accused officials of misusing allocated funds for facility repairs, leaving the health center in dire conditions.

The federal government aims to enroll 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme by 2030 to curb out-of-pocket healthcare costs. With domestic financing challenges, the initiative targets expanded financial protection, reducing the current reliance of 70% on unregulated payments.

Researchers at Yobe State University’s BioRTC made a breakthrough by collecting 1,100+ dementia-related samples in Nigeria’s largest study. The project, backed by international partnerships and government support, aims to build Africa’s first open-access cell biobank.

Students at Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, protested over alleged rectorial maltreatment and exclusion from NYSC. They claimed staff were classified as 'illegal' by JAMB, blocking their service eligibility and demanding administrative compliance.

Edo State civil society condemned the education ministry for reportedly forcing teachers to perform menial chores like cutting grass. The group warned of protests and legal action if the government did not address the 'degrading' practice.

The federal government launched revised curricula for basic, secondary, and technical schools to reduce academic overload. The framework limits subjects per grade to improve learning quality, with involvement from education councils and stakeholders.

Kano police arrested 107 suspects in August for crimes including robbery, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Authorities also seized weapons, vehicles, and illicit substances during raids under their crime crackdown operations.

NDLEA agents intercepted 104,900 tramadol capsules destined for terrorists in Borno. The drugs were found hidden alongside 58kg of skunk weed in separate operations, with multiple arrests made across Gombe and Adamawa states.

A Cross River police officer was suspended after allegedly shooting a 23-year-old man during an argument. Governor Bassey Otu condemned the incident as 'lawlessness,' ordering investigations into the fatal use of force by security personnel.

Katsina police arrested two men carrying a machine gun and 1,295 rounds of live ammunition. The suspects, traveling between Jigawa and Katsina, were detained after a raid uncovered the military-grade weapons.

Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori promised justice for a woman killed by security operatives in Abraka. He urged forces to use restraint and professional conduct to prevent accidental harm to civilians during operations.

A food vendor in Niger State was lynched by a mob after accusations of blasphemy following a family joke. The incident occurred on the day of an alleged offensive remark, prompting immediate community action.

Pilot and aviation engineers in Nigeria face a 'crisis' due to local airlines rejecting training investments. Sector leaders warned of irreversible damage without government support to retain skilled professionals and expand domestic aviation opportunities.

Boko Haram attacks in Borno State claimed eight lives, drawing condemnation from Senator Ali Ndume. The legislator vowed advocacy for rural security improvements as the region continues facing militant violence threats.

Boko Haram insurgents killed at least five farmers in Goshe, Borno State, during a Saturday attack. The victims were working in their fields when the militants struck. Legislative aide Junaid Jibrin condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing insecurity faced by local communities.

Senator Mohammed Ndume expressed distress over Boko Haram attacks in Gwoza and Askira-Uba, which claimed multiple lives. He assured the affected communities of his support and criticized the recurring insecurity targeting farmers and youths.

A fire caused by an electrical surge destroyed properties worth millions in a residential building in Ibadan. No casualties were reported, and firefighters managed to save most of the building.

Three people were rescued after a diesel tanker, a bus, and two trailers crashed and exploded on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. The accident occurred when the tanker's driver lost control, leading to a coordinated emergency response.

The Katsina State Government refurbished 25 RUWASSA vehicles, saving millions of naira. This initiative, part of Governor Radda's cost-effective approach, has improved water services and showcased local youth skills.

The Federal Government denied sabotage in the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, attributing it to an operational mishap. Investigations are ongoing, with efforts to restore service and address infrastructure vandalism.

Land and farm owners in Kogi and Kano affected by the AKK pipeline project have yet to receive compensation. A civil society group highlighted the issue, noting the government's responsibility to address it.

A Nigerian developer created CodeLens AI, an open-source tool that helps developers understand complex codebases. The tool is designed to uncover hidden code architecture, aiding developers in navigating unfamiliar systems.

Female engineers in Nigeria advocate for continuous skill development to stay competitive. The APWEN Lagos Chapter has implemented initiatives to empower women in engineering and inspire future generations.

Nigeria's ginger production has declined significantly, with volatile output and rising market prices. Efforts to address fungal diseases and improve sustainability are underway to support the sector.

Governor Mbah launched a program to distribute free fertilizer and farm inputs to over 60,000 Enugu farmers. This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and follows previous successful distributions.

A delegation of twenty-five Chinese investors, headed by state-owned China Overseas Engineering Group (COVEC), surveyed sites in Katsina State to assess $720 million in agricultural and renewable‑energy projects. Planned initiatives include a solar‑panel assembly plant, an agricultural commodities centre in Mai’adua, and public‑private partnerships for a Special Agricultural Processing Zone and a Green Economic Zone. The investors have also signed deals with nine agro‑industrial firms to establish a full value chain for rice, maize, cassava, fisheries and a 10,000‑head cattle ranch.