Nigeria News Digest: September 3, 2025

Anambra State's electoral commission has scheduled local government council elections for August 29, 2026, following legal provisions in the Electoral Act and State Electoral Law. The chairperson, Genevieve Osakwe, announced that election materials will be available by late November 2025.

An APC leader in Rivers State urged Governor Nyesom Wike to join the ruling party, citing recent electoral wins and a reinvigorated party structure. The APC opted not to field candidates in three local governments due to low recognition there.

The Nigerian government denied politicizing anti-corruption agencies, asserting a consistent policy of non-interference. Information Minister Mohammed Idris emphasized President Tinubu’s focus on systemic transparency and urged states to support national economic reforms.

Minister Mohammed Idris reiterated that anti-corruption institutions operate independently under President Tinubu's administration. He called on states to prioritize national development goals over political divisions in combating fraud and graft.

Federal officials highlighted Tinubu's administration's commitment to integrity, framing it as central to governance. Minister Idris praised ICPC's efforts to engage stakeholders and strengthen transparency at all government levels through targeted communication strategies.

The National Orientation Agency declared Nigeria faces a critical juncture due to declining civic values. Its director outlined a national campaign on policy awareness, disaster readiness, and security as part of a broader effort to rebuild public trust and national identity.

The Edo State PDP decried plans for local council by-elections as illegal, citing an ongoing court case against the state electoral commission. Party officials accused the government of staging a "kangaroo court" without proper judicial oversight.

A federal legislator predicted Bola Tinubu's 2027 presidential victory, despite political speculation about potential party shifts. Abdulmumin Jibrin reiterated his preference for Tinubu over rival candidates but emphasized regional power-sharing discussions.

A civil coalition demanded Finance Minister Wale Edun’s resignation over alleged failure to pay contractors for 2024 budget-executed projects. It threatened legal action if the officials refused to step down, calling it a breach of public trust.

An Osun State monarch received a four-year prison sentence in the U.S. for defrauding authorities of $4.2 million in pandemic relief funds. Both he and a co-defendant pleaded guilty to wire and tax fraud charges.

A coalition challenged former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai's claim that he never restricted assembly rights. The group accused him of systematically suppressing dissent during his tenure despite his recent denials.

A Nigerian court sentenced five Thai nationals to three years’ imprisonment and ordered their deportation for cybercrime violations. Their plea deal included fines and charges related to unauthorized stay and financial fraud.

Security forces arraigned 10 suspects for arms trading, violence, and property destruction in Benue and Plateau States' conflicts. Charges included possession of illicit weapons and involvement in banditry-related activities.

A 21-year-old mother of two, identified as Lilian, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly stabbing her 34-year-old partner to death during a domestic dispute.

The Nigerian government has arraigned nine suspects linked to terrorism-related charges in connection with attacks in Benue State, with one defendant pleading guilty.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspects linked to a robbery at Niger Delta University, recovering stolen items including a 65-inch television, PlayStation 4, and mobile phones.

Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has denied allegations of misappropriating N100 billion for the failed Nigeria Air project, stating only N3 billion was released from the N5 billion budget.

The DSS has arraigned nine individuals for roles in violent attacks in Benue and Plateau states, including killings and arms trafficking. The cases follow recent massacres and aim to address ongoing regional violence.

The Bureau of Public Enterprises is advancing plans to privatize key enterprises, including the Ajaokuta Steel Company and several energy firms, to support Nigeria’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy.

The Bureau of Public Enterprises announced plans to list two electricity distribution companies and one generation company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange through an Initial Public Offering.

President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Brazil has strengthened economic ties, with agreements on trade, investment, and aviation, expected to boost Nigeria’s agricultural exports and economic partnerships.

The federal government, through the Bureau of Public Enterprises, is creating an enabling environment to generate over 50 million jobs by fostering a favorable business climate and investing in key sectors.

The Federal Government has invited local and foreign investors to participate in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, emphasizing the importance of clean energy to the nation’s economic recovery.

The International Finance Corporation has highlighted Africa’s demographic advantages in expanding the digital economy, with Nigeria positioned as a key player due to its youthful population and growing digital infrastructure.

Japanese 30‑year government bond yields rose to a record high of about 3%, driven by concerns over political uncertainty and public finances. The increase was mirrored across other maturities, highlighting Japan’s high debt‑to‑GDP ratio among advanced economies.

Resident doctor Oluwafemi Rotifa died after a grueling 72‑hour on‑call shift at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. He collapsed while resting in the call room shortly after reviewing a patient, underscoring the risks of excessively long duty hours for medical staff.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reported three new Lassa fever cases in Edo and Ondo states, bringing the 2025 total to 857 confirmed infections and 160 deaths (18% case fatality). Most cases are among 21‑30‑year‑olds, and the trend shows a decline compared with the same period last year.

Data from the Nigerian Red Cross indicate that nearly half of children in Katsina and Sokoto states suffer severe acute malnutrition, contributing to an estimated two million Nigerian children affected nationwide, yet only about 20% receive treatment.

A collision on the Benin‑Sagamu road in Edo State killed four people and injured eight others out of 19 passengers. Federal Road Safety Corps commander Cyril Mathew urged motorists to keep vehicles maintained, observe speed limits and stay alert to road conditions.

Al‑Muhibbah Open University named former Bayero University Vice‑Chancellor Yahuza Bello as its new Pro‑Chancellor and Governing Council chair. Chancellor Aisha Bala Mohammed praised the university’s progress over its first two academic sessions.

Kogi Polytechnic reported that its e‑result system has curbed examination fraud, while staff promotions, new recruitments and collaborations—such as a MoU with NASRDA and affiliation with Federal University Lokoja—have bolstered academic programmes. The rector also noted improved campus security and the payment of overdue allowances.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed highlighted the state’s partnership with UNICEF, noting the release of ₦872 million for health projects, ₦100 million for nutrition, and the construction of 50 new primary health centres. He said the collaboration has advanced child and maternal health, education and overall service delivery.

Borno governor Muhammad Zulum announced a new committee to overhaul technical and vocational education, citing a deep mismatch between graduates and the labour market. He instructed the education commissioner to introduce such programmes in Sangaya schools and urged the ministry to develop a robust vocational curriculum.

The Education Rights Campaign urged President Bola Tinubu to meet the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics’ demands before a nationwide strike erupts. ASUP seeks arrears, a 25 % salary rise, implementation of a new review and special allowances. The ERC links the threat to chronic underfunding of Nigeria’s public universities.

Kogi Commissioner Olatunde Jones announced that graduation ceremonies will be postponed until after the SSS 3 exam, aiming to curb out‑of‑school rates and improve quality while reducing parents’ financial burden. He called for cooperation with NAPS and stakeholders to enforce the state education law.

Former Oyo governor Oba Rashidi Ladoja explained that he could not attend the University of Ibadan in 1966 because a Faculty of Technology had not yet been established. He pledged that the university would continue to partner with the people of Ibadan.

Nigeria’s National Counter‑Terrorism Centre reported 775 convictions from eight trial phases, following an African Counter‑Terrorism Summit that produced the Abuja Declaration and recognised the centre as a regional excellence hub. The summit highlighted youth participation, civil society, and media integration in counter‑terrorism efforts.

Mercy Oluwagbenga, a rescued Nigerian who fled Libya at 20 to seek better prospects, warned that illegal migration is a form of self‑destruction. She urged youths to use safe, legal travel routes and works with the National Immigration Department to raise awareness against irregular migration.

Kebbi State Police rescued a newborn who had been buried alive in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area, and arrested the 20‑year‑old mother, Maryam Atiku, for the crime. The child was alive when uncovered, and authorities praised community support that led to the rescue.

Bandits in Zamfara’s Shinkafi forest abducted 39 women and girls, with 11 escaping and the rest still held. Security forces, supported by vigilantes, launched a search‑and‑rescue operation to free the victims amid allegations of sexual assault.

A mob in Abuja set three suspected touts ablaze, alleging they caused the deaths of a family. The incident highlights ongoing violence and calls for government intervention to address harassment by touts.

The UK has invested over $120 million in Nigeria's agricultural sector to enhance food security and climate resilience. This investment supports smallholder farmers, agro-processing, and fertilizer production, marking a significant commitment to Nigeria's agricultural future.

The African Development Bank will host a side event at the Africa Food Systems Forum to promote investments in African food security. The event aims to foster collaboration and innovative financing mechanisms among stakeholders to transform food systems.

NiMET's September weather outlook warns of heightened flood risks in central and southern states due to above-normal rainfall. Northern regions will experience tapering rains and rising temperatures, with thunderstorms expected in central areas.

The US has pledged $32.5 million to address hunger in Borno, Nigeria, where conflict and insecurity have displaced millions. The aid will support internally displaced persons affected by over a decade of insurgency.

Superstar YB, born Abimbola Jeremiah Popoola, is expanding his brand beyond music and fashion by launching a fast‑growing media and entertainment company that now spans music, fashion, media and philanthropy, positioning him among African artists who own industry infrastructure. Fans await his upcoming single “Commando” as his empire continues to take shape.

Nigerian comedian Real Warri Pikin sold out the Maryland leg of her “Unapologetically Me” tour on August 30, 2025, drawing a full house at a venue in the United States. The show featured performances by musicians Peruzzi and Reekado Banks and comedians Funny Timo, MC Royal, Zigabella, Freemouth and MC Yanis, and follows successful runs in the UK, Ghana, Warri and Abuja.

After viewing Yemi Solade’s public apology for an on‑set slap, actor Afeez Owo said he had let go of the incident and would not hold a grudge even without an apology, describing Solade as an elder‑brother figure.

The Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) will host a two‑day summit in Lagos on 6‑7 October 2025 to shape Africa’s refining agenda, promote policy reforms, forge public‑private partnerships and position Nigeria as the continent’s refining hub, thereby enhancing energy security.

The government declared Friday, 5 September 2025, a public holiday to commemorate Eid‑ul‑Mawlid and urged Nigerians, regardless of religion, to pray for peace, security and national cohesion while reflecting on the Prophet’s virtues of compassion and tolerance.