By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a strict new directive that will compel academic staff in Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to further their education or be reassigned.

In a circular dated September 10, 2025, and addressed to all Rectors and Provosts, the NBTE expressed dismay that many staff with Bachelor’s degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HND) have failed to pursue higher qualifications.

The Board has now approved a five-year moratorium for all academic staff, starting from their date of employment, to acquire a Master’s degree.

The policy states that any lecturer or instructor who fails to meet this requirement within the five-year window will be automatically converted from an academic to a non-teaching staff role.

The directive is effective immediately, meaning current staff with over five years of service may be affected.

The move is seen as part of a broader effort by the regulatory body to enhance the quality of teaching and academic standards in polytechnics, monotechnics, and other technical colleges across the country.

Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, signed the circular, urging all heads of institutions to ensure strict compliance with the new rule.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that 286,697 candidates have been shortlisted to proceed to the next stage of its ongoing recruitment exercise.

The service received a total of 573,523 applications for the 3,927 vacant positions.

The next phase, an online Computer-Based Test (CBT), is scheduled to hold from September 14th to 21st, 2025.

Shortlisted candidates are to take the test at any location of their choice with a reliable internet connection, using a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam.

The service has warned that the test application is not mobile phone-enabled.

Candidates have been advised that the CBT system is sensitive to noise and body movement. Excessive movement, whispering, or switching between browser windows could lead to an automatic logout or disqualification on grounds of malpractice.

To help applicants prepare, a mandatory pre-test exercise will be conducted two days before the actual CBT.

All shortlisted candidates will receive two separate links for the pre-test and the main examination.

The NCS, through its National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, reassured the public that the process is “strictly merit-driven and transparent.”

Applicants are strongly advised to rely only on official NCS communication channels for updates and to be wary of any requests for payment.

By Anas Abbas

The former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on Wednesday appeared at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

Kyari, who had previously been placed on the agency’s watchlist, arrived at the commission around 2:30 p.m. for questioning.

Daily Trust reported from sources within the EFCC that the former NNPCL boss is being interrogated over the management of funds allocated for the maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries during his tenure.

“Yes, he is in our office. He will face interrogation by our team of crack investigators,” a senior official of the commission confirmed.

It will be recalled that a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the freezing of all bank accounts linked to Kyari at the request of the EFCC.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, congratulates Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, the State Commander-General of Hisbah, on receiving an honorary doctoral degree from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto. The award was conferred during the university’s 42nd convocation on September 6, 2025.

Governor Yusuf praised Sheikh Daurawa for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and his efforts in promoting morality and societal values in Kano. He emphasised that the recognition reflects the recipient’s dedication to eradicating immorality and fostering justice, bringing pride to Kano State.

The governor also assured ongoing support for Daurawa’s endeavours in serving humanity and Islam. He prayed for divine guidance and blessings to continue serving the community.

The congratulatory message was conveyed during a meeting at the Kano Government House, as announced by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

By Anwar Usman

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Tuesday met with party stakeholders in Cross River State to map out strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Calabar, Kwankwaso urged party members to prioritise unity and strengthen the party’s presence across the state.

He said, “I thank all the leaders and members of NNPP in Cross River State. I want to use this opportunity to thank you for receiving us. We are so happy with the leadership of the party in the state. I want to encourage you to work hard to ensure unity within the party.”

He stated that the party must work with “one mind” if it hopes to win both the state and national elections in 2027.

“Let me thank you for what you did during the last election in 2023. I urge you to work harder so that by the grace of God our party, the NNPP will win election in Cross River and Nigeria.”

He further stated that, “ensure unity within the party especially now that we have a new big office in Calabar and many local government areas across Cross River state. On behalf of members of my entourage, I want to say thank you and God bless you”.

The party chairman of the state, Barr. Tony Odey, described Kwankwaso’s visit as a morale booster.

Odey said, “We have assembled stakeholders from different walks of life to engage in meaningful discussion, share ideas and chart a new course for our collective progress. Your insight and guidance will undoubtedly enrich our capacity.”

Furthermore, he acknowledged the efforts and contributions of the Contact Committee led by Alhaji Ahmed Bichi, for providing office accommodation and donation of an official vehicle, which he described as “sources of envy to other Political Parties in the State”.

Earlier, the publicity secretary Odey Nyambi, while delivering vote of thanks, thanked the national leader for engaging stakeholders and supporters in the state, assuring that NNPP will win Cross River in the 2027 general elections.

By Uzair Adam 

The national grid has collapsed once again, plunging most parts of the country into darkness.

Power generation, which stood at 2,917.83 megawatts (MW), dropped drastically to 1.5 MW between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Confirming the development, the Nigeria National Grid, via its X handle, announced that “System restoration is in progress.”

In another update, the account disclosed that all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country, except Ibadan DisCo, recorded zero allocation of power.

“Disco load” refers to the amount of power (in megawatts) allocated from the national grid to each distribution company.

Meanwhile, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in a statement appealed to its customers for patience, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to stabilise the grid.

The statement read, “Dear Valued Customers, please be informed that the power outage currently being experienced is due to a loss of supply from the national grid at 11:23 hrs today, affecting electricity supply across our franchise areas.

“Rest assured, we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure power is restored once the grid is stabilised. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

By Nasiru Ibrahim 

Nigeria’s debt situation has become more confusing and concerning in recent years. After removing fuel subsidies, which had always been used to justify heavy borrowing, many expected a change in direction. But surprisingly, debt has continued to rise—and sharply. 

In less than two years, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has added over ₦62 trillion to our total debt. This comes on top of Muhammadu Buhari’s already heavy debt legacy. Yet if you check the 2025 budget, it still carries a huge deficit. This is despite relatively stable oil prices and a slight improvement in crude oil production. So, something is clearly not adding up.

How can a country that has removed one of its biggest expenditures—fuel subsidies—still be borrowing more than ever? Is it that the revenue reforms aren’t working, or is this a deeper issue with how we manage our economy? These are real questions that need honest answers. The reality is that Nigeria’s current borrowing trend is worrying not just because of the amount, but also because of the manner in which it’s happening and what it reflects.

According to the Debt Management Office, as of March 31, 2025, Nigeria’s public debt stood at ₦149.39 trillion. Tinubu alone has added ₦62.01 trillion to that figure in under two years. Now, let’s compare that with previous administrations: Goodluck Jonathan borrowed ₦5.9 trillion in five years. Buhari borrowed ₦74.78 trillion in eight years—including the controversial “Ways and Means” borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). That’s how bad things have gotten.

“Ways and Means” are short-term loans from the Central Bank to the Federal Government, intended to cover urgent expenses such as paying salaries or addressing unexpected shortfalls. Think of it like an overdraft facility. But the law is clear—the CBN Act, 2007 (Section 38) states that the Federal Government can only borrow up to 5% of the previous year’s revenue from the CBN, and it must be repaid in the same year. Under Buhari, this law was ignored. His government borrowed ₦22.7 trillion through Ways and Means, without obtaining proper approval from the National Assembly.

This ₦22.7 trillion had not been reflected in official debt figures for a long time. It only became part of Nigeria’s domestic debt record in May 2023, when Buhari’s government securitised it—basically converted it into long-term bonds. That move alone caused the total public debt to jump from ₦44.06 trillion at the end of 2022 to ₦87.38 trillion by June 2023. That’s a massive increase in just six months.

Now, some economists argue that Tinubu’s debt figures appear worse primarily due to the exchange rate. That argument is simple: Nigeria borrows in foreign currencies, such as the dollar, euro, or yuan, but records the debt in naira. So when the naira weakens, the same dollar loan becomes much bigger in naira terms.

Let’s look at the exchange rate across administrations. Under Jonathan, the exchange rate was around ₦ 157 to $1 in 2015. Under Buhari, the exchange rate was ₦770/$ in 2023. And under Tinubu, the exchange rate is now approximately ₦1536/$ as of 2025. So when you convert the same external loan, the naira value explodes as the currency weakens. Just this exchange rate movement has added ₦29.75 trillion to Tinubu’s external debt and ₦5.9 trillion to Buhari’s.

To properly check if the debt spike is mainly due to FX changes, let’s fix the exchange rate at ₦157/$ for all the administrations and see how much was actually borrowed. The formula is simple:

Old Dollar Debt × New Exchange Rate – Old Dollar Debt × Old Exchange Rate.

Using the DMO’s external debt figure of $38.81 billion in 2023:
$38.81bn × ₦770 = ₦29.85 trillion
$38.81bn × ₦1536 = ₦59.63 trillion
₦59.63 trillion – ₦29.85 trillion = ₦29.78 trillion

So, if the exchange rate had remained at ₦157/$, Nigeria’s external debt of $42.46 billion in 2025 would have been approximately ₦6.6 trillion. Under that fixed exchange rate, Jonathan’s total external borrowing would have been approximately ₦1.07 trillion over five years. Buhari’s about ₦4.48 trillion in eight years.

Tinubu’s about ₦1.12 trillion in under two years. This means if Tinubu continues at this pace, he’ll hit Buhari’s figure—₦4.48 trillion—in about eight years. Yes, the exchange rate plays a significant role. But that’s not the whole story.

Others argue that Tinubu’s debt problem is not just about FX. It’s also about spending discipline. Unlike Buhari, Tinubu removed fuel subsidies and slightly increased oil production (1.5–1.6 million barrels per day, compared to Buhari’s average of 1.2–1.3 million barrels), and customs and tax revenue also improved. Buhari faced more challenging conditions—global oil crashes, two recessions in 2016 and 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, and high subsidy payments—during his early years. So, Tinubu had more room to save, but instead, borrowing has increased.

The 2025 budget projects a deficit of ₦13.08 trillion. It assumes oil at $77.96 per barrel and production of 2.06 million barrels per day. However, in reality, March production was only 1.65 million barrels per day, including condensates. And as of July 8, Brent crude was $70.20 and WTI was $68.42—both below the assumed price. That means revenue projections may fall short, and the government will likely borrow even more.

Tinubu has already requested $21.6 billion in new loans. In May 2025, Reuters reported that he also asked the National Assembly to approve loans of €2.2 billion, ¥15 billion (approximately $104 million), and an additional $2 billion in domestic loans. That’s not all.

The Federal Government also secured a $747 million syndicated external loan to fund Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway—from Victoria Island to Eleko Village. At ₦1536/$, this loan adds ₦1.147 trillion to the debt. The lenders include Deutsche Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Afreximbank, and Zenith Bank, among others. The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) is providing insurance. That brings Tinubu’s total borrowing to about ₦63.157 trillion in under two years.

This highway is being built under a Public-Private Partnership using an EPC+F model. The road is over 70% complete and is designed using CRCP technology—concrete with a 50-year lifespan and low maintenance requirements. While the loan adds to debt, it shows some confidence from global investors and introduces a financing model that shares risk between the government and private firms.

Now to the bigger picture. As of 2024, Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio is around 25.1%, based on ₦144.67 trillion in debt and a nominal GDP of about $375 billion. That means debt accounts for about one-quarter of the economy—not yet alarming, but becoming risky if borrowing continues at this rate. What’s more worrying is the cost of servicing debt.

In 2024, debt service took up 4.1% of GDP—up from 3.7% in 2023 (AfDB report). That’s a lot. Imagine 4.1% of the entire economy going towards just paying off debt, instead of building schools, roads, or hospitals. Even worse, the debt service-to-revenue ratio rose from 76.86% in 2023 to 77.4% in 2024 (APA News). This means more than three-quarters of government revenue is now used to repay debt. That leaves very little for anything else. That’s not sustainable.

As Economics graduates, the way forward is clear. First, we need to depoliticise how we manage public finances. Countries like Chile, Sweden, and the UK have independent Fiscal Councils that enforce rules like debt limits and balanced budgets. Nigeria needs something like that to restore discipline and rebuild investor trust.

Second, loans must be tied to development goals—not used for consumption. Borrowing should be used for essential services like roads, electricity, and digital infrastructure, rather than paying salaries or covering bloated administrative costs. Rwanda and Ethiopia have shown how debt used for infrastructure can boost exports and growth. A cost-benefit analysis should accompany every loan.

Third, we must cut waste and off-budget liabilities. That includes fuel subsidies, failing state-owned enterprises, and unauthorised bailouts. Ghana passed a Fiscal Responsibility Act in 2018, capped its deficit at 5% of GDP, and ran audits that exposed massive leakages. Nigeria can cut borrowing by 30–40% just by following that path.

Fourth, improve tax collection—not by harassing small traders, but through fairness and the use of technology. Indonesia raised its tax-to-GDP ratio by digitising filing, automating risk detection, and linking tax IDs with national identity numbers. Nigeria can do the same—target high earners and multinationals instead of informal workers.

Fifth, public-private partnerships and syndicated loans, such as the Lagos-Calabar road, shouldn’t be used to conceal debt. They should help us attract private capital, share risks, and deliver real development. Countries like Morocco and Kenya make their PPP contracts public. Nigeria should also strive for greater transparency.

Finally, if things get out of hand, we can consider debt restructuring—but only as a last resort and if tied to fundamental reforms. Ghana restructured its debt in 2023 by extending maturities and cutting interest under IMF guidance. But what made it work was reform—cutting subsidies and improving tax systems. Without reform, restructuring solves nothing.

This is the time for Nigeria to act. If we continue on this path, we are only postponing a more profound crisis. But with the right decisions, we can still change direction.

Ibrahim is a graduate of Economics from Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached via nasirfirji4@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, has triggered heated reactions on Facebook, where users expressed anger and criticism over the relationship between Arab leaders and Western powers.

In a post by Facebook user Aisar Fagge, he reminded followers that, “Don’t forget, Qatar gave Trump a $400 million Boeing jet in May, this year. And now Trump has returned the favour. Keep collecting 🔥🔥.”

The comment sparked a flood of responses.Several users showed no sympathy for Qatar. Hussaini M Maccido wrote, “I have no sympathy for them. I can’t waste it on useless people.” Similarly, Bin Muhammad Tofu commented, “I’ve No Sympathy For The Useless Folks.”

Others expressed disappointment in Hausa. Abdulrahman Yunusa stated: “Ya Shiek ka mana da Hausa ‘Sun maida biki’ kenan. An musu alheri sun rama da tsiya,” meaning Qatar responded with hostility despite receiving goodwill.

Saeid Naser Ado argued that the Gulf state betrayed Muslims, saying, “Ba’a murnar shiga wani cikin masifa, amma da sai na ce Allah ya kara. Sbd sun ci amanar Musulunci da Musulmi thou daman ba addinin ne a gaban su ba.”

Musa Babanta criticized the country’s leadership, describing them as, “Shameless people, they should donate their land to Israel to please their western masters.”

Adding to the debate, Abubakar Jamo accused Arab rulers of idolizing former U.S. President Donald Trump. He wrote: “The Arab leaders view Trump as a God. He can save them from being overthrown. During his last visit to the Gulf, his hosts were bowing as they shook hands with him. This is the effect of being extremely rich without being Godly. They are slaves despite being rich.”

The discussions reflect how some Nigerians interpret the ties between Gulf leaders and Western powers, blaming such alliances for the Israeli strike on Doha.

Many commenters suggested that Arab rulers prioritize wealth and Western approval over protecting Islam and Muslims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its nationwide strike following a deal reached with the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

The industrial action, which lasted two days, had forced several fuel stations across the country to shut down, creating concern over possible shortages.

The dispute centered on allegations that Dangote Group denied its staff the right to join recognised labour unions.A conciliation meeting brokered in Abuja by the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, led to extensive deliberations between both parties.

The talks resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).The document stated: “That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and unionization of employees of Petrochemicals, who are willing to unionize.

“That the process of unionization shall commence immediately and be completed within two weeks (9th–22nd September, 2025), and it was agreed that the employer will not set up any other union.

“Arising from the strike notice, no worker or employee of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals will be victimized.”

With the resolution in place, NUPENG officially called off the strike and pledged to ensure that the terms of the agreement are implemented.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano Government Committee probing the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products (NIMAP) abattoir says its inspection of the Chalawa facility has uncovered widespread destruction and missing equipment worth billions of naira.

The panel, chaired by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, visited the site on Tuesday as part of its mandate to examine the fate of the multi-billion-naira project.Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had last week set up the 11-member committee to probe allegations that the abattoir, established more than 35 years ago, was sold and stripped under the previous administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Addressing journalists during the inspection, Muhuyi said only fragments of the original structures remain, noting that equipment valued at over N20 billion had either disappeared or been disposed of.

“This was once a facility designed to process halal meat and support fish farming, with the potential to supply both domestic and foreign markets,” he said.

“Today, what we see is monumental destruction of unimaginable magnitude.”

He also disclosed that the land allocated to the abattoir had been divided and transferred to private hands, in some cases through alleged auctions and in others by outright allocation.

Muhuyi assured that the committee would submit a thorough and impartial report to guide the state government on the next steps.

“This assignment is about safeguarding public assets. While some states are just beginning to consider such facilities, Kano had one for decades, and it has been wasted. Our duty is to establish what happened and recommend the way forward,” he added.

The committee’s report is expected to determine those responsible for the destruction and chart a path for possible recovery of the assets.