Nigeria

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

Last year, this column asked whether Nigeria had learned anything from the Wunti factor. The question was not about one man. It was about whether a nation could turn individual competence into institutional habit. A year later, the answer is still unfolding, but the evidence has grown heavier. A Nigerian story is so familiar it no longer provokes thought. A man rises, reaches the top of a system, and disappears into the quiet comfort of his achievements. It is a story we tell ourselves to feel better about a country that rarely rewards the right things.

But every so often, someone refuses the script. Bala Maijama’a Wunti spent over three decades in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, rising through the ranks to senior leadership roles, including Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, before retiring in 2025. He could have walked away. He had earned the right to. But his people called. They asked him to consider the governorship of Bauchi State. He listened, responding to a call that came from the roots that raised him. When the ticket did not come his way, he did not vanish into Abuja’s shadows. He returned to the work he had long pursued through the Wunti Alkhair Foundation, the vehicle through which he had been supporting basic needs, healthcare access, educational assistance, and community development across Bauchi long before anyone thought to call him a reformer.

Then in August 2026, the call came again. This time it was not political. The World Energy Council, the global body Nigeria had joined in 1960 but had never fully inhabited, admitted a new Nigerian member committee, formally restoring the country’s participation in the organisation. Wunti was named its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. A position that could have distanced him from the ground. A position that could have turned him into a man of communiqués and conference rooms. He continued building anyway. In September 2026, he broke ground on the Bala Wunti Arena, a 10,000-capacity multipurpose indoor sports hall at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi.

The project will be completed within 50 weeks. Construction materials will be sourced locally. In a move that says everything about their understanding of development, ATBU students developed the architectural design through a competitive process. Eleven teams participated. W-Nexus won with a design that earned them N5 million. The first runner-up received N4 million, the second runner-up received N3 million, and the other participating groups were awarded N1 million each. Not a single student walked away empty-handed. He called it “a project for ATBU by ATBU.” The phrase is simple, but it carries a weight that most Nigerian development initiatives never approach.

It says that the people closest to a problem are not just beneficiaries of solutions. They are authors of them. This is the Wunti factor. It is not about one man saving a nation. It is about one man refusing to let distance become indifference. And it is the same instinct that carried him from a construction site in Bauchi to a panel in New York. At the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly, Wunti sat on a panel titled “Rare Currency: Critical Minerals in a Shifting Global Economy.”

The conversation was about America’s growing dependence on imported minerals and China’s dominant position in global processing. But Wunti’s contribution was not about geopolitics. It was about one of Nigeria’s old economic wounds. “For half a century, Nigeria exported crude oil and imported refined petroleum products,” he said. “That created poverty, not prosperity. We will not repeat that mistake with lithium and rare earth elements.” That sentence deserves to be read twice. It is not a policy recommendation. It is a diagnosis of a national pathology.

Nigeria has 44 critical minerals distributed across the country. Global demand is rising because of electric vehicles and artificial intelligence data centres. The temptation is to dig them up, ship them out, and count the dollars at the port. Wunti is saying that is not development. That is extraction. That is the same old story with a different mineral. What makes his argument stick is the precision with which he identifies why Nigeria keeps failing at this. It is not corruption alone. It is not lack of policy. It is the gap between potential and project.

“The central issue is the difference between mineral potential and an investable project,” he said. “We had geological indications, but not proven reserves supported by JORC-compliant data. We also had good policies, but not clearly defined projects. Investors invest in projects, not potential.” This is not the language of a man who has spent too long in conference halls. This is the language of someone who has actually tried to get things built in Nigeria.

He knows that a geological survey is not a feasibility study. He knows that a policy document is not a contract. He knows that investors do not put money into a country’s potential. They put money into specific projects with specific prices, specific timelines, and specific risks that have been accounted for. His prescription is blunt: “Give me a credible price, and I will give you private capital.” He talks about price floors, about the need for $110 per kilogram for certain minerals to make processing viable, about the difference between a pitch and a transaction.

This vocabulary differs from conventional Nigerian policy discourse. It is the vocabulary of markets. And yet, the same man who can talk JORC compliance and price floors in New York is the same man who initiates a sports arena designed by students. There is no contradiction here. Most Nigerian public figures never achieve this coherence. Wunti understands that development is not a single grand gesture. It is a series of specific interventions, each one designed to create something that outlasts the person who started it.

A sports hall that students helped design and will therefore use with a sense of ownership. An energy council that builds a framework for investment rather than waiting for the next policy document. At 66, Nigeria is not short of talented people. What it lacks is the capacity to turn individual talent into institutional habit. Every reformer eventually leaves. Every philanthropist eventually stops writing cheques. The question is whether the structures they build can survive them. Wunti’s work has answered that question.

The deep offshore reforms also outlived his tenure, with the 2019 amendment to the Production Sharing Contracts Act introducing price-reflective royalties and periodic reviews intended to improve the government’s share of revenue. The World Energy Council Nigeria chapter, if it works, will be a platform that belongs to the country, not to one man. The Bala Wunti Arena, if the 50-week deadline holds, will be a building that students use for decades after the ribbon is cut.

At 66, Nigeria has endured. It has stumbled and survived. But endurance is not the same as learning. The country has spent six and a half decades producing people who know how to build, yet too often struggles to turn their individual capacity into institutions that outlast them. Wunti is not the first Nigerian to refuse the script. He is simply one of the few who have kept building after the cameras left, after the political door closed, after the comfortable retirement beckoned. The question that remains is not what Wunti will do next. It is whether Nigeria will finally learn to turn the Wunti factor into a national habit. The answer is not yet written. It depends on whether the rest of us are paying attention.

Usman Abdullahi Koli can be reached via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has appointed Professor Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), as its Deputy Secretary-General (International) as part of the restructuring and expansion of its National Executive Council (NEC).

The Daily Reality reports that the appointment was contained in a statement signed by Abbas Jimoh, Public Affairs Officer of the NSCIA, following the General Assembly of the Council held in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Prof. Shehu has now been assigned the additional responsibility of Deputy Secretary-General (International) of the NSCIA, placing him among the senior officers to serve under the expanded national leadership structure of the Islamic body.

His new role is expected to involve matters relating to the Council’s international engagements and affairs, as the NSCIA expands its executive structure to accommodate additional responsibilities.

The General Assembly, attended by Muslim leaders comprising traditional leaders of the Islamic faith and Chief Imams of Central Mosques from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, approved the expansion of the National Executive Council.

Under the restructuring, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji was appointed Deputy Secretary-General (National), while Mr Abeny Mohammed (SAN) was named Deputy Secretary-General (Corporate) and Dr Bala Muhammad Deputy Secretary-General (Administration).

The Council also appointed Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu as Public Relations Officer, with Hajia Sekinat Lawal serving as Deputy Public Relations Officer.

Dr Mairo Mandara was appointed Development Officer, while Arc Abdullahi Musa PenAbdul was named Deputy Development Officer (Technical). Prof. Fatimah Abdulkarim was also appointed Family Affairs Officer.

The decisions were reached during the General Assembly under the leadership of the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni.

The expanded executive structure is expected to strengthen the Council’s administration and broaden the areas of responsibility within its national leadership.

The Daily Reality recalls that the NSCIA serves as the umbrella body for Islamic affairs in Nigeria and provides a platform for Muslim leaders and institutions to coordinate issues affecting the Muslim community.

The latest appointments therefore bring additional expertise and responsibilities into the Council’s leadership, with Prof. Shehu’s appointment giving him a specific role in advancing the NSCIA’s international engagements alongside his existing responsibilities at NERDC.

By Uzair Adam

Some training centres implementing the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme in Kano and Jigawa states are grappling with delayed payments, mounting operational costs and unpaid trainer allowances, raising concerns about the sustainability of the programme.

The Daily Reality gathered that the situation has left some centre operators struggling to meet their financial obligations, while trainers engaged to teach beneficiaries say they have gone for months without receiving their allowances.

There are also concerns over equipment promised to beneficiaries after training, with some graduates saying they completed their programmes without receiving the tools expected to help them establish businesses or secure employment.

The TVET programme is designed to equip unemployed Nigerians and others without sustainable employment with practical skills that can improve their chances of earning a livelihood. Beneficiaries are also expected to receive nationally recognised certificates and, in some cases, equipment packages after completing their training.

With more than 2,300 centres engaged nationwide after passing quality assurance processes, the programme covers more than 36 skills. 

But a growing dispute over payments, particularly the application of a 65 per cent attendance requirement, is now threatening to undermine its implementation in some centres.

Payment Dispute Threatens Training

At the centre of the dispute is a payment condition requiring beneficiaries to attain at least 65 per cent monthly attendance before centres can receive payment.

Participating centre operators argue that the condition conflicts with what they understood to be the payment arrangement in their agreements with the government, which they said was based on the number of verified trainees and agreed programme milestones.

They also object to what they described as the retrospective application of the attendance condition, arguing that it should not be imposed on agreements already entered into.

The operators said they support biometric attendance monitoring and other measures to ensure accountability, but questioned why centres should bear the financial consequences when some trainees fail to attend classes regularly.

One centre owner, who asked to remain anonymous, described the new payment arrangement as an attempt to frustrate training centres.

He stated that, “The new system is to defeat the centres. Instead of the agreement that they would pay centres based on the number of students, now they said no. 

“They did not revise the MoU, and they did not contact anyone. They just decided on their own on that 65 per cent,” he added.

According to him, the government was responsible for recruiting the beneficiaries, leaving centre operators with limited control over whether some of those trainees would remain committed to the programme.

He added, “They recruited the students themselves and they happened to lack interest in the programme.”

The centre owner argued that linking payments to attendance could leave operators financing training for beneficiaries whose recruitment and commitment were largely outside their control.

Centre Owners Count the Cost

Beyond the payment dispute, centre operators said they have continued to incur substantial expenses to keep their facilities running.

They are responsible for paying instructors, maintaining facilities and purchasing training materials while waiting for government payments.

One operator said a centre he knew received only N50,000 last month despite spending more than N300,000 on programme-related expenses.

He said his own centre had invested more than N10 million and expected to receive at least N15 million for the first month, but was paid only N3 million.

The disparity, he argued, makes it increasingly difficult for private operators to sustain the programme.

Another centre owner, Jamil Muhammad, not his real name, said operators could not continue financing government programmes indefinitely from their personal resources.

He stated that, “We cannot continue to finance the programme indefinitely while waiting for payments.”

For trainers, the financial pressure has also become a major concern.

Muhammad Kabir, not his real name, a trainer at one of the centres in Kano, said he had worked for almost three months without receiving his allowance.

He said the delay had affected the morale of trainers who depend on the payments to meet their personal and professional obligations.

Fear of Another Unresolved Government Programme

The payment difficulties have also raised fears among some operators that the TVET programme could eventually suffer the fate of previous government initiatives.

One centre owner said the programme might end without the government settling outstanding financial obligations to participating centres.

He cited N-Power and N-Skills under the previous administration, alleging that unresolved payment issues from those programmes remain a burden between operators and government.

He decried that, “We don’t want TVET to end the way N-Power and N-Skills ended. There are still backlogs with the government from those programmes.”

Our reporter gathered that for operators who have invested heavily in facilities, equipment and personnel, the concern goes beyond delayed payments. 

They fear that prolonged financial uncertainty could force some centres to withdraw from the programme before beneficiaries complete their training.

Centres Seek Government Intervention

Centre operators have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, to intervene in the payment dispute.

Their demands include settling outstanding payments, reviewing the 65 per cent attendance condition, and deciding that any new payment arrangement should apply prospectively rather than retrospectively.

They also want a mechanism to replace beneficiaries who stop attending classes, withdraw from the programme, or fail to meet attendance requirements.

The operators maintain that such a system would protect public funds while preventing training centres from bearing the cost of beneficiaries who are no longer participating.

The dispute has already prompted some centres to threaten to suspend participation if the payment issues remain unresolved.

The Daily Reality recalls that the operators had previously raised concerns over the financial implications of the attendance-based payment arrangement, warning that continued delays could make it difficult for centres to sustain their operations.

Graduates Left Without Promised Equipment

While centre operators struggle with payments, some beneficiaries are facing a different problem: completing their training without receiving the equipment they were promised.

Kabir Muhammad, another centre operator, alleged that beneficiaries from the first cohort were promised equipment after completing their training, but some graduated months earlier without receiving anything.

He further alleged that beneficiaries in the second cohort were told they would receive equipment before or around the time of their training, but some were already several months into the programme without receiving the promised package.

For beneficiaries, the equipment is not simply an additional benefit. It is expected to provide the means to apply the skills acquired during training and, potentially, begin earning an income.

Aisha Muhammad, not her real name, a graduate of the first cohort, said she completed her training but received no equipment afterwards.

“After we graduated, nothing was given to us,” she said.

The absence of the equipment has raised questions about what happens to beneficiaries after they receive training and certificates if they lack the basic tools needed to put their newly acquired skills into practice.

Financial Burden Extends Beyond Payments

The financial burden on centres extends beyond delayed government disbursements.

Operators are expected to maintain suitable training facilities, engage instructors and provide the materials required for practical sessions. 

Private centres, in particular, also face expenses such as rent, salaries, electricity, fuel and general maintenance.

An advocacy brief reviewed during the investigation also raised concerns about the pressure created by attendance-based payments. 

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It cited a Kano centre with 40 learners that received N50,000 for July, a figure the document said was insufficient to cover the centre’s operational expenses.

The centre operators argue that payment mechanisms must account for costs already incurred in delivering the training, rather than placing the entire financial burden on providers.

They said the government’s monitoring system should distinguish between centres failing to deliver training and centres that have fulfilled their responsibilities but are affected by beneficiary attendance.

Experts Question Sustainability

Education and skills development experts said the payment problems could affect centres’ ability to retain qualified trainers and maintain the facilities required for effective practical training.

Dr Abdussalam Muhammad Kani, Director, Career Services Centre, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso-Kano, said delayed payments could affect facilitator retention and centres’ ability to meet running costs.

He noted that training centres require money for facilitators, maintenance, fuel and instructional materials, stressing that prolonged delays could undermine programme delivery.

Dr Kani called for dedicated funding and a clear budgetary provision for the programme, alongside stronger monitoring, reporting and assessment mechanisms.

Sulaiman Dandago, a lecturer at Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies (AKCILS), said the programme’s success depends largely on clear implementation arrangements, adequate facilities, and the availability of qualified instructors.

He said centres must be equipped according to the number of trainees enrolled, while private providers must also cover expenses such as rent and staff salaries.

Dandago warned that failure to pay participating centres and trainers could demoralise those responsible for delivering the programme.

“If the Federal Ministry of Education fails to pay dues, how can the programme attain its objectives?” he asked.

The concerns come at a critical stage for a programme intended to provide practical skills to thousands of Nigerians and improve their chances of becoming economically productive.

For beneficiaries, however, the initiative’s success will not be measured by training alone. It will also depend on whether centres can remain operational, trainers are paid, certificates are delivered and graduates receive the tools promised to help them turn acquired skills into livelihoods.

The payment dispute therefore raises a broader question about the programme’s sustainability: whether the government can maintain a system capable of supporting training centres throughout the process, from recruitment and instruction to certification and post-training assistance.

All efforts to obtain the Federal Ministry of Education’s response to the concerns raised by the centre operators proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.

By Uzair Adam

Ko Da Naka, in collaboration with Afaq Educational Foundation, has called on Nigerians to reject President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if his administration fails to address economic hardship and insecurity in the country.

The groups made the call in a communiqué issued after a national conference on “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” held in Kano on Sunday.

The Daily Reality reports that Ko Da Naka is a civic organisation committed to promoting good governance and community development, while Afaq Educational Foundation focuses on education and community development initiatives.

The conference, attended by about 1,000 participants, deliberated on the economy, insecurity, migration of skilled professionals, the role of religious scholars in promoting truth and justice, and the 2027 general elections.

On the economy, the participants expressed dissatisfaction with the policies of the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, increases in electricity tariffs and tax reforms.

According to the communiqué, the policies had increased the burden on ordinary Nigerians at a time when rising living costs and unemployment were already threatening citizens’ well-being.

“The government has continued to insist on pursuing these policies, which are increasing hardship among the people,” the communiqué stated.

The groups criticised the administration for prioritising revenue growth rather than reviewing policies they said were worsening the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

The participants consequently resolved that it would be inappropriate to re-elect the Tinubu administration in 2027 if it failed to change what they described as harmful economic policies.

On security, the groups expressed concern over continued killings and kidnappings by bandits, as well as other acts of terrorism across the country.

The communiqué particularly called for urgent action to address insecurity in the North-West and other affected parts of Nigeria.

It warned that failure to improve the security situation should compel President Tinubu to reconsider seeking another term in office.

“Alternatively, the President should refrain from contesting the 2027 election,” the communiqué stated.

It added that if he chose to contest despite the security challenges, Nigerians should reject his candidacy and give an opportunity to those capable of providing better leadership.

The groups also condemned the continued migration of Nigerian doctors, teachers, engineers and other professionals to foreign countries.

They attributed the trend to unemployment, inadequate facilities, poor working conditions and the difficult economic situation in the country.

The communiqué urged the government to improve salaries and working conditions while providing opportunities for professional development.

It also called for programmes that would encourage skilled Nigerians abroad to return home, warning that failure to address the situation should result in a change of government at the next election.

“If the government fails to do this, it should be replaced at the next election,” the participants resolved.

On the role of religious scholars, the groups urged clerics not to become political stooges or support injustice for personal benefit.

Instead, they said religious scholars should speak truth to power and defend justice irrespective of political party, ethnicity or religion.

“Religious scholars should praise what is good and criticise what is wrong, regardless of political party, tribe or religion,” the communiqué stated.

It further urged religious leaders to educate Nigerians on the importance of choosing competent leaders as the 2027 general elections approach.

The participants said Nigeria’s future was more important than any political party, ethnic group or region, urging citizens to use their votes to seek leadership capable of bringing relief from hardship, prosperity, security, employment, justice and development.

The groups advised Nigerians to assess all candidates carefully, taking into consideration their experience, integrity, competence and policies rather than voting based solely on religion, ethnicity, region or political affiliation.

The communiqué also urged Nigerians to continue praying for divine guidance in choosing leaders.

It prayed that Almighty Allah would guide the country’s leaders and provide Nigerians with good leadership in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The Daily Reality reports that economic hardship, insecurity and the migration of skilled professionals remain major issues in Nigeria, with the concerns expected to feature prominently in political debates ahead of the 2027 elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced plans to deploy Artificial Intelligence tools as part of its result verification process for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday during the commission’s world press conference and national stakeholders’ forum on preparations for the 2027 elections.

Amupitan said the commission had established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence division within its Information and Communication Technology department to oversee the integration of AI into its electoral processes.

“Artificial intelligence governance, the commission has established a dedicated artificial intelligence division with the ICT department.

“Automated AI auditing tools are being integrated into our results verification process under a five-pillar AI governance framework operating under the masonry human governance oversight and AI framework policy is being finalised by the commission,” he said.

The planned AI deployment is expected to support the commission’s efforts to verify election results as part of its broader preparations for the 2027 polls.

The INEC chairman said the commission was developing a governance framework to guide the application of artificial intelligence within the electoral system.

According to him, human oversight would remain part of the framework as the commission works towards integrating automated auditing tools into its result verification procedures.

The announcement comes as INEC continues preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the commission undertaking several technological and administrative measures aimed at strengthening the electoral process.

By Haruna Sheena

We have often compared the ease of living with the national minimum wage and how much easier it is for other nations to adapt to global economic disruption because of what they earn.

Recently, the demand for a ₦300,000 minimum wage has once again brought the issue of workers’ salaries and the rising cost of living in Nigeria into the spotlight, when the Federal Workers Forum called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review the current ₦70,000, saying it is no longer enough to meet the basic needs of workers.

Interestingly, beyond the ₦300,000 minimum wage, the forum also proposed a new salary structure that would set the highest-paid Level 17 federal officer at ₦1.5 million per month, arguing that the current salary structure does not reflect the economic situation many Nigerians face.

This demand is understandable when we look at the cost of living in the country today, especially with the more recent event where petrol inches close to ₦1,500, resulting in the price of food, transportation, accommodation, electricity, cooking gas and other basic needs making it difficult for many workers to survive on the present income scale.

This portends that a salary that seemed very reasonable barely three years ago can no longer provide the same standard of living its negotiators envisaged when they put ink to paper.

Many families now have to make difficult choices every month. Some workers may be forced to reduce the amount of food they buy, delay medical treatment, move to cheaper accommodation or depend on loans to meet their daily needs.

Parents also struggle with school fees, uniforms, books, and transportation costs for their wards’ education. These pressures show that the issue is not only about earning more money, but also about living with some level of dignity.

In 2024, the national minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 after negotiations between the Federal Government and organised labour. When they agreed on that amount, they added a caveat: the deal would be reviewed every three years instead of five. This means that the next formal review is due only in 2027.

However, this raises another question. If the current wage is not supposed to be formally reviewed until 2027, why are workers already asking for an increase to ₦300,000?

I don’t think the workers are necessarily saying the government should ignore the three-year agreement. Rather, their demand can be seen as a plea for the government to consider the current economic situation before the next scheduled review.

The cost of living doesn’t wait for a particular year to change, and workers may feel their salaries are already falling behind the prices of basic necessities. So the question is whether raising the minimum wage to ₦300,000 is the best solution.

There is no doubt that a higher salary would give workers more room to support themselves and their families. It could make it easier to pay rent, transport costs, school fees, food expenses and other bills. It could also improve workers’ morale because people constantly worried about meeting their basic needs may struggle to concentrate fully on their jobs.

When workers are paid fairly, they may feel more valued and motivated to do their jobs. Better salaries can reduce the pressure that pushes some people to look for extra jobs or depend on borrowing.

In the public sector, more specifically, improved wages could also help reduce the temptation for corruption, although salary increases alone cannot completely solve that problem.

One must also bear in mind that increasing salaries alone may not solve Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis. If the prices of food, transportation, housing and other necessities continue to rise, workers may eventually find themselves in the same situation again, even after receiving higher salaries.

To put things in perspective, if a worker’s salary increases but transport fares and food prices also rise as businesses try to cover higher costs, the worker may not feel much difference in the long run.

Landlords may also increase rent when they believe tenants are earning more. This is why the government needs to look beyond salaries and address some of the reasons basic goods and services are so expensive.

Importantly, the government also needs to consider whether it can comfortably afford such a large increase. Moving from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000 is a major increase, and implementing it across the public sector would have significant financial implications for both the public and private sectors.

For Nigeria as a nation, it will definitely need to balance workers’ welfare with its ability to fund other important areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

At the same time, the government should not use the same argument to ignore the difficulties workers face, because they deserve serious attention, as salaries should allow people to live reasonably and meet their basic responsibilities.

If the government cannot immediately approve the full demand, it should still engage with labour and consider other forms of support.

The discussion should not be limited to federal workers. Millions of Nigerians work in the private sector, small businesses and informal jobs, where many people earn even less than the official minimum wage. Any serious discussion about improving Nigerians’ standard of living should therefore consider workers across different sectors.

We also need to focus on reducing the cost of basic goods and services. If the government can improve transportation, electricity, local food production and other areas that directly affect household expenses, workers may be able to get more value from their salaries. Supporting farmers, improving roads and reducing the cost of moving goods could also help bring down food prices.

The ₦300,000 demand should therefore be seen as more than just a request for more money. It is also a reflection of the frustration many workers feel about their purchasing power.

The earlier three-year review agreement matters, but the current situation also shows why the government needs to watch for economic changes before the next official review date. If workers are already struggling in 2026, telling them to wait until 2027 may not address the problem they face now.

For me, the solution shouldn’t be to simply increase salaries and leave everything else unchanged. Nigeria needs a combination of higher wages and policies that ease pressure on people’s incomes. A salary increase can provide relief, but controlling the rising cost of basic necessities is what will make that relief meaningful in the long term.

The demand for a ₦300,000 minimum wage has opened an important conversation. The question is no longer just how much Nigerian workers earn, but how much that money can actually provide for them.

Until Nigerians can earn a reasonable income and afford basic necessities, the conversation about the country’s cost-of-living crisis will continue.

Sheena Haruna is a 300-level Mass Communication student at Bingham University. She can be reached at: sheena123haruna@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday reportedly disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Benin City, Edo State.

The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was on its way to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am.

A senior Air Traffic Controller familiar with the aircraft’s final journey disclosed that communication with the aircraft was established shortly after take-off before contact was lost.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the incident, said attempts to re-establish communication with the aircraft failed.

“I must tell you that this is looking somehow shoddy. When the aircraft took off, we were in touch with it shortly afterward, but it disappeared from the radar. Efforts to reach it were unsuccessful,” the source said.

According to the source, personnel at reporting points around Okitipupa later heard a loud sound believed to have come from the crash.

The disappearance of the aircraft prompted the military to commence search-and-rescue efforts.

The air traffic controller said the circumstances remained unclear and that further details would emerge after the rescue and recovery operations.

“But it was strange. Almost immediately after it took off, we lost communication with it. There was no communication, nothing. And that makes it suspicious. The aircraft just vanished until the crash.

“Even as we speak, the search-and-rescue operation is still ongoing, and when that is concluded, I should be able to get more information,” the source said.

He further described the loss of communication as suspicious but expressed hope that the circumstances would become clearer.

“The loss of communication is very suspicious, but God will help us anyway. It is very possible for us to get clearer information as things unfold,” the source added.

Keyamo Confirms Aircraft Disappearance

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed that air traffic controllers had alerted him about the missing aircraft.

“I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” Keyamo said.

The minister later announced that the wreckage had been found close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

“Subsequently, information, however, confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located, and search and rescue operations are ongoing,” he said.

Keyamo disclosed that 32 people were aboard the aircraft, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.

At the time of filing this report, the identities of those on board had not been officially released.

Difficult Terrain Hampers Rescue

The aircraft reportedly crashed into a swamp within the creek, which made access to the wreckage difficult.

Military personnel from a nearby base took charge of the rescue effort, while local fishermen joined the operation because of the difficult terrain.

An eyewitness told The PUNCH, “I could see the military men in the area while some local fishermen too were helping out, but it seems difficult to remove the wreckage because the plane forcefully entered into the swampy area.”

Another resident, who identified himself as Sola, said the incident occurred during rainfall.

Sola said, “It happened this (Monday) morning, when it was drizzling. We heard a very loud sound at the area where the incident happened, but we couldn’t get there because the place is a swampy area inside the creek. We were just looking at it from afar.

“However, the police and the military people later came around for rescue, but the occupants of the aircraft may have died inside because up till this time I’m speaking with you, nobody has been removed from there, dead or alive. Initially, we thought it was a helicopter, but later we learnt that it is an aircraft.”

NAF Launches Search And Rescue Operation

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

In a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said it had activated a search-and-rescue operation.

The statement partly read, “The NAF has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026.

“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and Rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.

“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”

Police Commence Investigation

The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed that an investigation into the crash had commenced.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the police were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Ondo State Police Command confirms the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday, 5th October 2026. Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, as efforts to establish the full circumstances continue.”

Jimoh appealed to residents in Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid the spread of unverified information.

“The public will be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available,” he stated.

Monarch Reports No Survivor

The monarch of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, described the crash as unfortunate and said he instructed palace officials to proceed to the site after receiving information about the incident.

“I was in court when the incident happened, and I directed some of my palace officials to visit the site. At that time, nobody could determine whether it was an aircraft or a helicopter.

“I was worried because it must not be a plane, because the number of casualties would be just too high. Our first thanks to Almighty God is that it did not happen inside the town; otherwise, the casualties would have been too many.

“The aircraft crashed into the river and a swampy area. It was raining when the incident happened, and the place was waterlogged. The aircraft did not catch fire, but a substantial part of it has gone into the water. We cannot describe the exact situation for now, but from my investigation and what we have gathered so far, there was no survivor.”

Aiyedatiwa Expresses Sadness

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State expressed grief over the crash and said relevant state agencies had been activated to support the rescue operation.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor said he had communicated with the Nigerian Air Force leadership, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies at the scene.

“The governor has received with deep sadness the news of the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of today, Monday, October 5, 2026.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa expresses his heartfelt sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of all personnel and passengers on board the ill-fated aircraft. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

“The governor has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies on the ground.”

The governor also said no survivor had been found after the crash.

Speaking on Channels Television, Aiyedatiwa said he received information about the incident at about 10:30am after the local government chairman contacted him.

“When they noticed that it’s just an accident, they didn’t see any sign of fire. So, they moved in, trying to see if they could rescue the people.

“But from the information we got, no single life was saved up to this moment. They could not see any living soul that was in that aircraft. But they saw the ruins, some of the wreckage from the wings of the aircraft, you know, some ID cards, I was told, and then uniforms. That was when they knew it was a military aircraft,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa described the incident as painful, particularly because the crash occurred in his home state and local government area.

Tinubu Orders Investigation

President Bola Tinubu also expressed sadness over the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos before it crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda.

The President sympathised with the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.

“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search-and-Rescue operation following the accident. I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.

“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation. I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.”

Black Box, Weather And Aircraft Condition Under Scrutiny

Attention has now shifted to the aircraft’s flight recorder, commonly referred to as the black box, which had not been recovered as of the time of filing this report.

The device could provide investigators with important information about the aircraft’s final moments, including flight parameters and cockpit communications.

The National Safety Investigation Bureau has indicated its readiness to support the recovery and analysis of the flight recorder if requested by the military.

Investigators are expected to examine several sources of evidence, including the wreckage, air traffic control records, weather information, maintenance records and eyewitness accounts.

Some witnesses claimed that the aircraft made several circles before it went down as the rainfall increased. That account has not been independently verified and has not been confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force.

Weather conditions are expected to form part of the investigation. Authorities may also examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, technical condition, flight path, communication with air traffic controllers and the actions of the crew.

The location of the crash also created initial uncertainty about the type of aircraft involved. Igbokoda is a coastal and oil-producing community in Ilaje Local Government Area, where aircraft are sometimes used for offshore and oil-related activities.

Some residents initially described the incident as a helicopter crash.

The Nigerian Air Force, however, confirmed that the aircraft was an ATR-42 fixed-wing military aircraft. There is no official information linking the aircraft to an oil-related operation.

Military personnel, police officers, emergency responders and local fishermen remained at the crash site as efforts continued to recover the victims and secure the wreckage.

The exact cause of the crash remains unknown. Authorities are expected to provide further information after the search, recovery and investigation processes make progress.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The management of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, has dismissed reports that 18 of its students were abducted by suspected terrorists while travelling to Oyo State.

The institution described the report as false and misleading, insisting that none of its students was kidnapped and that all of them were safe.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the college’s Registrar, Bello Abdulrahman.

The management was reacting to a report published by Sahara Reporters on October 5, 2026, which claimed that 18 students of the institution were abducted while travelling to Oyo State.

The report also alleged that the driver of the vehicle conveying the students was killed.

However, the college rejected the claims and said they did not represent what happened.

“The College wishes to categorically state that the said report is FALSE, MISLEADING and does not reflect the true situation.”

The management further stated, “No student of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, was kidnapped, and there was no such incident involving our students.”

According to the institution, the students had reached their respective destinations safely and were continuing with their academic and professional activities.

The statement described the students as “safe, sound and currently in their various destinations, pursuing their academic and professional programmes as planned.”

The college called on parents, guardians, students and members of the public to disregard the report and stop further circulation of the claim.

“We urge the general public, parents, guardians and all stakeholders to disregard the fake news and avoid sharing it further,” the statement said.

The management also assured students, parents and other stakeholders that their safety and welfare remained a priority.

It said the institution would continue to cooperate with relevant security agencies to maintain a secure environment for teaching, learning and professional training.

The college advised members of the public who require information about its activities and students to rely on its official communication channels.

The institution’s statement has therefore contradicted the reported abduction, with the management maintaining that all its students are safe and accounted for.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued two people from armed terrorists during a patrol along the Anka–Gadan Manya Road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The rescue occurred on October 4 after the soldiers encountered armed terrorists attacking two people who were travelling on a motorcycle.

A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment officially on the operation, said the troops responded immediately after sighting the attack.

“The troops were on routine patrol when they spotted armed terrorists attacking two people travelling on a motorcycle,” the source said.

According to the source, the soldiers engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat, leaving the two victims behind.

“The soldiers immediately moved in and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon the victims.”

The troops subsequently evacuated the victims to safety.

Following the operation, security personnel reportedly increased patrols along the Anka–Gadan Manya axis to prevent further attacks and restrict the movement of terrorists in the area.

“The troops have intensified patrols in the area to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and ensure the safety of residents,” the reliable source added.

The successful intervention comes amid continuing security concerns along some roads in Zamfara State, where armed groups have carried out attacks and abductions.

The rescue also highlights the role of routine military patrols in responding to attacks and protecting civilians travelling through vulnerable areas.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that Nigeria’s national register of voters has exceeded 103 million ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Monday at a strategic workshop for editors organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in collaboration with the electoral commission in Abuja.

According to Amupitan, the latest figure followed the completion of the three-phase Continuous Voter Registration exercise and the final biometric verification of newly registered voters.

He said the CVR exercise generated 10,772,421 new registrations, which were subjected to verification through the Automated Biometric Identification System.

“Following the conclusion of our three-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which captured over 10.6 million new applicants, and the completion of the public display of the preliminary register for claims and objections, our Voter Register Department has completed the final Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) cleanup.

Nigeria’s National Register of Voters is now over 103 million,” he declared.

The latest figure represents a rise from the more than 93 million voters previously recorded by the commission.

In August, INEC had projected that the register would cross the 100 million mark after the completion of the CVR exercise.

The commission had also said in September that the register was “approaching the 100 million mark” following the addition of 10,772,421 new registrations subject to biometric verification.

PVC Collection Begins October 9

Amupitan announced that nationwide collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards will begin on Friday, October 9, 2026.

He said the commission had completed the processing and distribution of the first batch of PVCs to local government centres ahead of the exercise.

The INEC chairman called on the media to provide citizens with accurate information about collection centres and encourage eligible voters to collect their cards.

INEC Acquires 57,000 New BVAS Devices

The commission is also strengthening its technological infrastructure ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amupitan disclosed that INEC had acquired 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices.

He said the devices had undergone software hardening, battery optimisation and biometric calibration to strengthen accreditation and prevent manipulation.

“We have instituted hardware, software, and cybersecurity enhancements across our technological architecture. We have acquired 57,000 new BVAS for optimal performance.

“The devices have undergone extensive software hardening, battery optimisation, and biometric calibration to prevent accreditation bypass and eliminate manual manipulation,” the INEC chairman stated.

The upgrades are part of preparations for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, as well as the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6.