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𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 ₦𝟏.𝟑𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

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— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) April 16, 2026

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has placed the country’s security forces on high alert as sleeper cells of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram plan attacks on key infrastructure in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and Niger State.

This was disclosed in the customs’ internal memo dated April 13, according to The Associated Press.

The memo said the attacks would target the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and a prison facility in Abuja, as well as a military detention centre in Niger State.

“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” it reads.

According to the NCS, investigations indicate that terrorists may attempt to replicate in Nigeria the recent major attacks on facilities in Niamey and Tahoua in the Niger Republic.

“An analysis of the report reveals a concerning correlation between the potential targeting of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, and recent large-scale attacks on aviation facilities in the Niger Republic, notably in Niamey and Tahoua,” the memo said.

It added, “This suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria.”

On January 29 this year, gunfire and explosions rocked the international airport in Niamey, in what security sources tagged a “terrorist attack” by suspected jihadists in Nigeria’s neighbouring country.

ISWAP terrorists also attacked the Nigerien Air Force base in Niamey earlier this year. Four soldiers were wounded, and an aircraft was damaged in the attack.

“The military and paramilitary forces are all on high alert and ready to forestall the attack,” AP quoted a senior customs officer.

When contacted for comment, the NCS spokesperson, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, told Peoples Gazette he was unaware of the memo.

Over the years, many parts of Nigeria have faced security challenges ranging from banditry to Boko Haram insurgency, mass kidnappings for ransom, and farmer-herder violence.

Nigeria ranked fourth in the Global Terrorism Index released on March 19, 2026, by the Institute for Economics and Peace, recording a 46 per cent increase in deaths from terrorism in 2025.

The report said, “Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram were responsible for 80 per cent of all terrorism deaths in the country.”

Days ago, the U.S. State Department authorised non-emergency government employees and family members to evacuate its embassy in Nigeria’s capital, citing widespread insecurity.

“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach,” the U.S. said in its advisory, which the Nigerian government dismissed.

The African Democratic Congress concluded its national convention on Tuesday in Abuja, with delegates overwhelmingly voting to amend the party’s constitution.

At the end of voting, the Chairman of the ADC Electoral Sub-Committee and former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, announced the result.

He said a total of 1,576 delegates were accredited, while 11 votes were voided. A total of 1,471 delegates voted “yes” to amend the constitution, representing 94 per cent.

“Distinguished delegates, by virtue of this result announced, it means that the constitution of the African Democratic Congress has today been duly amended by this convention that took place at the Rainbow Event Centre, Abuja,” he said.

Earlier, before voting commenced, the Chairman of the Legal and Convention Processes Committee, Olumide Apata, led the ratification of resolutions on key issues concerning the party at the 97th, 98th and 99th NEC meetings.

The 99th NEC meeting of the ADC dissolved the Chief Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC) with immediate effect, while the David Mark-led NWC assumed full responsibility for running the affairs of the party. The resolution was ratified by the convention.

In his closing remarks, National Chairman David Mark said he had, as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attended several national conventions, none of which he said matched the organisation of Tuesday’s ADC convention.

He described the convention as an “excellent performance” and said it marked the beginning of the party’s journey to Aso Rock in 2027.

“Today marks the beginning of our journey to the Villa, and all of you here are part of this history. By next year, when we move to the Villa, I will remind you again,” Mark said.

Atiku Alleges INEC Undermining Democracy

Earlier at the convention, former Vice President and ADC chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is being used to undermine democracy in Nigeria.

He singled out the Chairman of the electoral body, Professor Joash Amupitan, for criticism over alleged “illegalities.”

“I will not end these remarks without indicting the chairman of INEC and INEC itself because it is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country. Now, let the Federal Government know that we fought the military to bring democracy in this country and we are going to fight them to bring democracy in this country.

“Let the chairman know we are not going to let him get away with his illegalities, we will not and I hope we will have your support and cooperation to make sure we return to true democracy, to true development in all aspects of human endeavour,” Atiku said.

Obi Warns Nigeria ‘Heading to Disaster’

Also speaking, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, warning that the country is “heading to disaster.”

According to him, the removal of petrol subsidy by the previous administration was intended to reduce borrowing and redirect funds towards development. However, he said the current government has continued to increase borrowing.

“When this government came into being, they removed subsidy on petroleum. The reason was to stop borrowing to service it and use the resources to develop the country. But today, despite that removal, the government has continued borrowing.

“The previous administration left a debt of about ₦87 trillion. Today, we are close to ₦200 trillion. That means they have borrowed over 130 per cent more, despite removing subsidy. At the same time, contractors are being owed, and no projects in the 2025 budget have been funded. We have huge debt and have borrowed more on everything. We are heading to disaster,” he said.

Amaechi Raises Insecurity Concerns

In his remarks, former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing the situation in parts of the country as reminiscent of a civil war.

“I watched yesterday in Nasarawa—people were running away from their community like a civil war. The civil war image came back to my head,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in office, Amaechi emphasised decisive leadership in tackling crime.

“When I was governor of Rivers State, you couldn’t commit a crime, and I would sleep. I wouldn’t sleep until you were arrested. All of us would stay awake until the person was caught,” he added.

Aregbesola Criticises ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda

Former Minister of Interior and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, described President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a scam, urging him to resign over worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

“Distinguished delegates and our rival leaders, four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope for a better future. Now, three years into its four-year term, it still holds promise and offers renewed hope. When exactly will this hope come into fruition? The answer is simple. It is a scam. The answer is what? A scam! If allowed, this regime will continue shouting renewed hope to eternity. We have the duty to stop scammers from retaining power,” he said.

Despite INEC’s decision not to monitor the ADC’s congresses and national convention over a court ruling, the party went ahead to conduct congresses in states and hold its national convention.

Party faithful and stalwarts gathered at the venue, where they eventually voted to amend the party’s constitution.

I thought he didn’t have X handle?

Now it is that he just said “victory is sure” to a post praising Tinubu.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

These people don’t have shame at all.

Ire ✌🏽😁 pic.twitter.com/OAcepLUugE

— Ife Salako (@ifesalakooffice) April 14, 2026

Tweet linked to Amupitan neutral, Akpabio defends INEC chairman

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has defended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisan bias linked to a controversial social media post.

Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of the corporate headquarters of the National Revenue Service in Abuja, Akpabio dismissed claims that a resurfaced tweet suggested political alignment by the INEC chairman, insisting the statement attributed to him was neutral.

“Then they changed and said, okay, let us attack the people going to do the election. And they brought out a tweet where they said, the chairman of INEC said victory is sure. But he didn’t say victory is sure for APC. He did not say victory is sure for PDP. He just said victory is sure,” he said.

Akpabio added that the context of the statement had been misrepresented, noting that the alleged post dated back to a period before the individual assumed office.

"And the man said that it’s manipulated. Nobody wants to hear. But for me, whether it is manipulated or not, he said victory is sure. He was not chairman of INEC. He was just a mere lecturer. Anybody can support anybody who he wishes to,” he stated.

He, however, stressed that public office holders must remain impartial once entrusted with national responsibilities.

“But when you are on a seat, you have to think of the entire country and all the populace. And that’s what they are doing,” he added.

Security has been beefed up in and around Rainbow Event Centre, venue of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention holding in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 3,000 delegates are expected to participate in the election of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years

NAN also reports that the personnel of Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) manned the main entrance to the venue, conducting thorough security checks on delegates before allowing them access.

Security patrol vehicles were also stationed at strategic locations, manned by security operatives.

Journalists were also subjected to serious and thorough security checks before being allowed access to the venue.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ADC had been embroiled in leadership crisis as two factions lay claims to its leadership.

NAN also reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had suspended the recognition of all leadership factions, following the Court of Appeal ruling and the ongoing litigation over party leadership.

Speaking at the venue of the convention, Sen. Dino Melaye said that the convention would go on as planned, in spite of efforts to stop the exercise.

“Yesterday (Monday), there were deliberate efforts to stop us from holding this convention. All the venues we applied for were not approved.

“As at 11 p.m. last night, the owners of this venue attempted to cancel this programme but we stood our ground, and we will proceed with the convention today,” Melaye said.

Also, Mr Kabiru Saje, a member of the New Media committee, said the convention was expected to either produce new leadership or reaffirm the current leadership.

“Despite attempts by authorities to stop the programme yesterday evening, we stood our ground because it is our right to hold this convention.

“Although we faced challenges with securing a venue and had to change locations multiple times, preparations are now in place, and the event will go on as planned.

“The convention is expected to start by 11 a.m., and the atmosphere is positive, with delegates arriving and everything properly arranged,” he said.

Saje stated that the party remained confident in its leadership which, he said, was experienced, strategic and committed to progress.

Goonnik:
Chelsea will be put to shame when arsenal carry the league, I know they purposely loss the match cause of arsenal useless team Chelsea

Represents 7.4% YoY increase from Q1’25

•Analysts cite revenue gaps, fiscal indiscipline

•Urge FG to cut waste, boost revenue

•Rising debt crippling ability to fund infrastructure – World Bank“

At the backdrop of rising public debt pressure and concerns over the impact on the economy, the Federal Government (FG) increased its domestic borrowing by N8.1 trillion in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1’26), showing a 7.4 per cent rise from N7.5 trillion in the same period of 2025.

This upward trend, according to analysts, shows revenue gaps and spending indiscipline, urging the government to double down on revenue collection, cut waste and curb corruption.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has warned that the rising amount of money the Federal Government is spending to service debt is reducing its ability to fund critical infrastructure, citing the sharp decline in capital spending to 1.0 percent of GDP from 1.3 percent of GDP in 2024.

Domestic borrowing in Q1’26

Data obtained by Financial Vanguard from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Debt Management Office, DMO, shows that the 7.4 per cent, year-on-year, YoY, increase in FG’s domestic borrowing in Q1’26 was driven by 63 per cent and 24 per cent YoY increase in borrowing through FGN Bonds and FGN Savings Bonds, respectively, which offset 12 per cent decline in borrowing through Treasury Bills.

FG borrowed N4.86 trillion through Treasury Bills in Q1’26, representing a 12 per cent YoY decline from N5.54 trillion in Q1’25.

However, borrowing from the monthly FGN Bond auctions rose by 63 per cent YoY to N3.182 trillion in Q1 ’26 from N1.953 trillion in Q1’25.

Similarly, borrowing through the FGN Savings Bond rose by 24 per cent YoY to N16 billion in Q1’26 from N13 billion in Q1’25.

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Under the Appropriation Act 2026, the Federal Government plans to borrow N29.2 trillion, to fund the gap between the revenue of N68.32 trillion and expenditure of N36.87 trillion. This indicates a quarterly borrowing target of 7.3 trillion, including external debt.

However, given the N8.1 trillion borrowed from domestic investors in Q1’26, and the $6 billion new external loans approved by the National Assembly two weeks ago, the Federal Government might again exceed its annual borrowing target in 2026.

The above trend also indicates further increases in Nigeria’s debt stock which according to the DMO, stood at N153.29 trillion at end of Q3 ’25, representing 5.9 per cent YoY increase from N144.67 trillion at end of 2024.Given this development and expected increase in total debt, the Federal Government will spend more on debt services in coming years, and likely worsening of the debt service-to revenue ratio, a key debt sustainability indicator.

Debt service undermining infrastructure spending Consequently, the World Bank has said the nation’s massive debt-service burden was systematically crippling the nation’s ability to fund critical infrastructure, effectively reducing capital investment to a “primary adjustment margin” in the federal budget.In its latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) for April 2026, released last week, the World bank disclosed that while the debt-to-GDP ratio appears moderate, the cost of servicing that debt is suffocating.”Although Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains low by international standards, the main source of vulnerability is the high debt service-to-revenue ratio, which is estimated to have stood at 49.5 percent in 2025,” the Bank stated.This fiscal “squeeze” has directly impacted the Federal Government’s (FGN) development goals.

The report noted that: “With recurrent spending absorbing most of the available fiscal space, capital spending declined from 1.3 percent of GDP in 2024 to 1.0 percent in 2025”.The bank further revealed a staggering failure in project execution: “Capital execution was particularly weak, with only 24 percent of the prorated 2025 capital budget of MDAs implemented, leaving a significant portion of approved investment unspent and limiting the growth impact of public spending”.Warning of the long-term consequences for Nigeria’s economic future, the lender emphasised “The ratio continues to crowd out pro-growth spending, particularly on infrastructure and human capital”. Even with projected improvements, the bank cautioned that the burden will remain high: “The debt service-to-revenue ratio… will remain elevated at about 41 percent by 2028, constraining fiscal flexibility and limiting space for priority development spending”.

Revenue gaps, structural constraints drive borrowingProviding insight into the factors behind the Q1 borrowing spike, Chief Investment Officer, VNL Capital Asset Management Company, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, reinforced concerns over persistent revenue weakness.He said: “The most fundamental reason is that government revenue continues to fall short of expectations. When actual receipts miss targets by a wide margin, borrowing becomes the default tool to keep the lights on and meet recurrent obligations. This is not a new problem; it is a pattern that has repeated itself year after year.”Ubah added that the expansion of the 2026 budget worsened the situation.”The budget was expanded significantly mid-cycle, widening the fiscal deficit beyond what was originally planned. A larger budget with the same weak revenue base simply means more borrowing,” he said.He further noted that a significant portion of new borrowing is being used to service existing obligations.

”When debt service consumes such a large share of the budget, the government finds itself in a cycle where it borrows to repay what it already owes. The high interest rate environment only makes this more expensive,” he added.Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of HighCap Securities, Mr.

David Adonri, attributed the development to the large fiscal deficit embedded in the 2026 budget.He said: “The huge deficit in the 2026 budget necessitates borrowing. For the government to overshoot its borrowing limit in Q1 may indicate revenue shortfalls or a deliberate decision to overtrade.”Also commenting, Head of Research at Quest Merchant Bank, Tunde Abidoye, pointed to underperformance in oil revenue.”The most likely factor is persistent revenue underperformance. Oil production averaged around 1.6 million barrels per day, below the budget benchmark of about 1.8mb/d,” he said.On his part, Chief Economist at United Capital Plc, Ayodele Akinwunmi, explained that government borrowing is not always evenly distributed across the year.”For instance, the government may borrow more during the dry season to accelerate road construction projects, while borrowing tends to be lower during the rainy season when construction activities slow down,” he noted.
Inflation, crowding-out risksOn the impact of rising borrowing on the economy, analysts warned of mixed outcomes for individuals and corporates.

Adonri noted that “excessive domestic borrowing crowds out capital from the real sector and exacerbates inflation,” adding that rising credit to the government is already driving growth in money supply and destabilising asset markets.Abidoye, however, said the impact depends on how borrowed funds are utilised.”If the funds are well managed, it could have a positive impact on national infrastructure, and productivity. The key negative for Nigerians is a higher debt stock, which translates to a rise in debt service obligations – which ultimately have to be funded by taxpayers,” he said.In the same vein, Akinwunmi emphasised that borrowing is not inherently negative if channelled into productive investments.”Building up the nation’s stock of infrastructure is critical to accelerating economic growth and development. Borrowing, when directed toward well-chosen projects, can generate strong multiplier effects across the economy. Therefore, it is essential to continue encouraging the government to borrow responsibly to finance projects that deliver long-term benefits and stimulate sustainable growth in Nigeria.,” he added.

More borrowing likelyLooking ahead, analysts expressed concerns that the borrowing trend may persist in the near term.Adonri warned that fiscal indiscipline could sustain elevated borrowing levels.”There is already evidence of budget indiscipline. This trend is likely to continue, and the government may be entering a debt trap where new borrowing is required to service existing obligations,” he said.Abidoye also noted that borrowing could exceed projections if revenue performance remains weak.”We take guidance from the budget, but borrowing may overshoot if there are revenue shortfalls in Q2,” he said.However, Akinwunmi expressed a relatively optimistic outlook, citing improving oil prices and tax reforms.”With higher crude oil prices and ongoing tax reforms, government revenue is expected to improve, which should reduce reliance on borrowing,” he stated.Similarly, Ubah warned that the borrowing trend is unlikely to ease in the near term.

The borrowing trend is unlikely to ease in the coming quarters. With a wide fiscal deficit and revenue performance that continues to disappoint, the government has very little room to pull back.”The honest outlook is that total borrowing for the full year will likely exceed what was planned. The domestic bond market will remain the government’s primary financing tool, with issuance volumes staying elevated through Q4,” he said.Fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation keyOn measures to curb the rising debt profile, analystsunanimously emphasised the need for stronger fiscal discipline and improved revenue generation.Afrinvest analysts called for tighter adherence to fiscal frameworks and greater policy credibility.Adonri advocated a fundamental shift in fiscal management.

”The only way FGN can stop this financial recklessness is by rationalisation of the expenditure budget and pursuit of a disciplined balanced budget.

The current budget does not reinforce the strategic imperatives of an economy that needs critical transformation,” he said.Abidoye highlighted the role of tax reforms in boosting revenue.”The implementation of the Tax Act should enhance revenue and reduce borrowing pressures going forward,” he noted.Akinwunmi also stressed the importance of efficient allocation of public funds.”Through disciplined execution of projects and careful allocation of public funds to sectors that directly and indirectly benefit the economy, Nigeria can strengthen its earning capacity.

Prioritising investments in infrastructure, productive industries, and social services will not only enhance immediate economic activity but also build long-term resilience and growth potential for the country. Doing this will enable the country generate revenue to repay both the principal loan and interest obligations,” he said.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the emergence of a 2023 pro-Bola Ahmed Tinubu social media post allegedly linked to the INEC chairman raises serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral body.

According to the ADC, the development undermines public confidence in the commission and calls into question its neutrality.

The party further alleged attempts to alter digital records to conceal past political affiliations, describing the move as a threat to transparency and accountability.

It stressed that an electoral umpire must not only be independent but also be perceived as impartial at all times.

The ADC argued that the chairman’s conduct and alleged actions fall short of the standards expected of someone entrusted with overseeing elections in a democratic system.

“This is why Professor Amupitan must resign. Now. Anything less is an insult to the Nigerian people and a dangerous precedent for our democracy,” the statement said.

The party also disclosed plans to escalate its response by updating petitions to relevant institutions, including foreign governments and the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

It added that it would intensify civil disobedience actions until the INEC chairman steps down from office.

Poverty in Nigeria rose to 63 per cent in 2025, despite a slowdown in inflation, indicating the limited impact of recent macroeconomic improvements on household welfare, the World Bank has said.

The bank disclosed this in its Nigeria Development Update (April 2026) titled “Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development,” released in Abuja on Tuesday.

Data presented in the report showed that the share of Nigerians living below the poverty line increased from 56 per cent in 2023 to 61 per cent in 2024, before peaking at 63 per cent in 2025.

The rise in the poverty rate to about 140 million Nigerians occurred even as inflation began to ease during the period, indicating a disconnect between price moderation and real income growth.

The PUNCH observed that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined sharply from 34.80 per cent in December 2024 to 15.15 per cent in December 2025, representing a drop of 19.65 percentage points, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Similarly, food inflation fell from about 39.84 per cent in December 2024 to 10.84 per cent in December 2025, indicating a steep decline of roughly 29 percentage points over the period.

The sharp moderation in both headline and food inflation reflects easing price pressures and base effects following the CPI rebasing, although the earlier spike had already eroded household purchasing power.


The World Bank explained that although inflation declined significantly, particularly food inflation, it remained high enough to erode purchasing power and worsen living conditions for many households.

It stated, “Household incomes have not grown fast enough to offset still-elevated inflation, and poverty has yet to begin declining.”

According to the report, the persistence of poverty reflects the cumulative impact of earlier inflation spikes, which had already weakened real incomes before the recent moderation in prices. The easing of inflation, therefore, has not been sufficient to reverse these welfare losses.

The bank further noted that global shocks, especially the Middle East conflict, contributed to rising living costs through higher energy, food, and transport prices. It said these developments are “adding pressure to inflation and poverty, including via food prices,” worsening the situation for low-income households that spend a large share of their income on basic needs.

Beyond inflation, the structure of Nigeria’s economic growth has also constrained poverty reduction. The report observed that growth has been largely driven by services and industry, while agriculture—which employs more than half of the poor—has lagged behind.

“Growth in the agriculture sector—where more than half of the poor work—has lagged services and industry, constraining the pace of poverty reduction,” the World Bank stated.

This imbalance, it is explained, has limited income gains among the most vulnerable segments of the population, thereby slowing the pace at which economic growth translates into improved living standards.

Despite the increase in poverty in 2025, the report projected a gradual decline beginning from 2026 as inflation continues to ease and macroeconomic conditions stabilise. It stated, “Despite elevated poverty levels, a gradual decline is expected from 2026 as inflation continues to ease.”

The World Bank added that poverty, measured against the national poverty line, is expected to fall slightly in the near term and could decline to about 59 per cent by 2028, largely driven by lower food inflation and moderate economic growth.

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However, it warned that the pace of decline would remain slow due to structural constraints such as weak job creation, low agricultural productivity, and persistent inequality. The report emphasised that economic growth alone would not be sufficient to significantly reduce poverty unless it is inclusive and job-rich.

It stressed that reforms aimed at boosting livelihoods—particularly by expanding access to more productive work—are critical to reversing Nigeria’s high poverty levels.

The bank also linked poverty outcomes to broader human capital challenges, noting that poorer households tend to experience worse outcomes in areas such as nutrition, health, and early childhood development, reinforcing long-term inequality.

Speaking at the launch of the report in Abuja, the World Bank’s Lead Economist for Nigeria, Fiseha Haile, said poverty in the country remains high despite recent macroeconomic improvements, warning that inflation continues to undermine real incomes and slow welfare gains.

He noted that while inflation has declined in recent years, it “remains high… and it risks eroding real incomes and slowing poverty reduction,” stressing that price stability is critical to improving living conditions.

Haile emphasised that reducing inflation sustainably is central to tackling poverty, adding that there is a “critical need to bring inflation down… and promote growth and make sure it’s more inclusive, to make sure that citizens… feel the benefits of the macroeconomic reforms.”

He further highlighted that poverty reduction in Nigeria would depend not just on growth, but on the quality of that growth, particularly its ability to create jobs and improve incomes for the most vulnerable.

The economist also pointed to structural drivers of poverty, especially weak human capital outcomes, noting that investments in early childhood development are key to long-term poverty reduction. According to him, early childhood development “is the foundation for… productivity, and of course, poverty reduction.”

Also speaking during a panel session at the launch, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the Federal Government is prioritising policies aimed at lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty through investment-driven growth and targeted social support.

Edun said the “ultimate goal” of ongoing reforms is the “lifting Nigerians out of poverty by the millions,” stressing that macroeconomic stability alone would not be sufficient without increased investment and job creation.

He explained that the government’s strategy is anchored on creating a stable and incentivised economic environment that would attract both large-scale and small- and medium-scale investments, which he described as critical to reducing poverty.

The minister added that beyond growth, the government remains committed to protecting vulnerable groups, especially in periods of rising inflation, noting that social safety nets are being strengthened to cushion the impact of higher living costs.

“There is still that commitment to have in place a social safety net that helps the poorest, the most vulnerable in particular, to cope with elevated costs,” he stated.

Edun further explained that interventions such as direct benefit transfers are being deployed in a targeted manner, using digital platforms linked to national identity systems to ensure support reaches the intended beneficiaries.

He noted that such social interventions would remain a permanent feature of government policy, describing support for the poor and vulnerable as essential in “any caring society.”

At the same time, the minister acknowledged the pressure of rising costs driven by global factors, particularly energy and food prices, warning that these developments have implications for inflation.

Scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, some civilians, including a member of Civilian Joint Task Force and some security operatives have lost their lives when armed insurgents launched a coordinated and simultaneous night attacks in Pulka Community of Gwoza local government area and Benesheikh town, the Council Headquarters of Kaga local government area of Borno state. Reliable Sources have said.

This is as Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) while reacting to the Pulka attack in his constituency and other security threats in Borno, urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has since declared State of Emergency in the Security sector to Walk -the -Talk, as many lives of security agencies are under threats, with innocent civilians dies almost on daily basis.

In Pulka, preliminary investigation revealed that many facilities including road construction Firm (Decency’s) equipment and machines were set ablaze. Pulka currently host thousands of the recenlty displaced people of Ngoshe.

In Benesheikh town, the insurgents struck at about 1am on Thursday and set ablaze many trucks and commercial vehicles, with killing of motorists and passengers who had stop-over journey to pass the night in Benesheikh due to the routine evening closure of the Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano road.

Another Source said, scores of the insurgents were also nuetralized by troops in Benesheikh, unfortunately, some security personnel also paid the supreme price, as many vehicles were also carted away by the terrorists.

The Chairman of Kaga local government area, Hon. Zanna Ajimi in a sober mood confirmed the incident to our Correspondent on Thursday morning.

He said: “We are in a difficult situation as Boko Haram wrecked havoc in Benesheikh. Presently, I cannot give you the exact number of casualties, but many of the insurgents, civilians and Security personnel were killed”.

Meanwhile, Senator Ndume while reacting to the Pulka invasion also confirmed the incident in a telephone call to Vanguard in Maiduguri.

He attributed that, the military personnel are doing their best, but they don’t have enough fighting equipment to confront the terrorists.

Ndume, a former Chairman Senate Committee on Army further alleged that, “unless President Tinubu leave politicking and concentrate on how to end Boko Haram, by equipping the Military with fighter jets, drones, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles”, which he said, “is the only way to defeat terrorists who usually came in large numbers, fully armed and caused havoc”.

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to be relaxed about his second-term ambition.


In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele revealed that Tinubu’s second term is still shaky and that those around him had spiritually blinded him to prevent him from seeing the challenges ahead of him.

The man of God noted that the issue of insecurity and economy needed serious divine intervention.

“Tinubu’s second term is shaking. The area of security needs divine intervention, the economy is very flat, and Tinubu is surrounded by liars. Those people coming to yu, singing your praises, are your enemies, and you have been blind folded spiritually.

“Tinubu should get a second term without hindrances, but he has been blindfolded; it is after the election that his eyes will be opened.

“Most of the people coming to your party have come to mock and lie to you that it is well. Psychopaths and deceivers have come closer to you, and they will lie to you to the extent that you will experience complications,” he claimed.

The man of God revealed that the South-East and the North would be a major challenge for the president and that he isn’t sure if there is any remedy for the president.

“You will have major problems in the north and south east, those zones are not yet fixed for you, and I don’t know if there is any remedy,” he said.

He asked Nigerians to seek the face of God in order to have a successful election in 2027.