Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has reacted to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, describing him as “a lucky soul.”

In a Facebook post, Gumi said Khamenei died in what he described as a jihad against those killing innocent women and children in Gaza and other places.

He stated that Khamenei’s blood would inspire change within the Muslim ummah, adding that the late leader stood firmly for justice and did not hide in bunkers.

Gumi also warned those he accused of being involved in Khamenei’s killing, saying time would reveal what they would live to witness in this world.

His remarks come amid ongoing global reactions following the reported death of Khamenei, which has sparked debate across political and religious circles.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.07% in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking the second time in a decade, excluding the post-pandemic rebound, that quarterly growth has surpassed the 4% threshold, according to new data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, welcomed the figures on Tuesday, framing them as evidence that the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are gaining traction.

The Q4 performance builds on the momentum of the 4.23% growth recorded in the second quarter of 2025 and represents a significant uptick from the 3.76% growth reported in the third quarter of 2024. It also surpasses the 3.52% growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The growth in the final quarter of the year was driven by expansion across Nigeria’s three main economic sectors.

1· The Agriculture sector grew by 4.0%, a sharp rise from 2.54% in Q4 2024. The ministry attributed this improvement to enhanced security in food-producing regions and better access to essential inputs for farmers.

2· The Industrial sector expanded by 3.88%, compared to 2.49% in the same period of the previous year. Officials cited improved foreign exchange liquidity, ongoing energy sector reforms, and a rebound in investor confidence as key drivers.

3· The Services sector, the largest contributor to the economy, recorded a growth rate of 4.15%, fueled by continued expansion in finance, telecommunications, trade, and other technology-driven activities.

The ministry highlighted the breadth of the expansion, noting that approximately 30 sub-sectors across the economy recorded growth rates above 3%.


For the full year 2025, Nigeria’s real GDP growth stood at 3.87%, an improvement from the 3.38% recorded in 2024. The nominal size of the economy also increased significantly, rising to ₦441.5 trillion from ₦372.8 trillion in the prior year.

In his remarks, Minister Edun stated that the latest figures reinforce confidence among both domestic and international investors. He reiterated the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to sustaining the implementation of structural reforms, maintaining disciplined expenditure management, and improving revenue mobilization to ensure macroeconomic stability continues to strengthen.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renewal of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi’s appointment as the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for a second term of five years.

The new tenure, which took effect on Friday, February 27, comes just as Dr. Audi’s initial five-year stint in office came to an end. He was first appointed to the position in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to a statement from the State House on Saturday, Dr. Audi’s reappointment was announced as he participated in the 2026 World Civil Defence Day activities at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. He is expected to resume his duties with a renewed mandate on Monday.

In a charge to the veteran security chief, President Tinubu directed him to reposition the service to play a more significant role in the nation’s security architecture. This directive comes as the Nigeria Police Force refocuses its efforts on its primary mandate of protecting citizens from the threats of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Dr. Audi, a native of Nasarawa State, brings decades of experience to the role. He began his journey with the Corps in November 1996 as a volunteer and was deployed as a Divisional Officer in Obi Local Government Area in 1997 following his basic officer training. Rising through the ranks, he was promoted to Commandant in 2007 and served in various capacities at the National Headquarters in Abuja.

He holds an extensive academic portfolio, including a PhD in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi (2014), and a Master’s in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2019).

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in Iran and neighboring Gulf countries of its commitment to their safety, following reports of military activities in parts of the Middle East.

In a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government said it is “closely monitoring the evolving and volatile situation in the Middle East,” emphasizing that the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority.

The ministry urged Nigerian nationals in the affected countries to stay alert, restrict non-essential travel, and follow instructions from local security authorities.

It also advised citizens to avoid areas identified as strategic, military, or government installations, warning that such locations could become hotspots amid ongoing tensions.

“The Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and affected neighbouring Gulf countries are on high alert to provide required consular assistance and facilitate easy communication,” the statement noted.

Nigerians were encouraged to rely on credible sources of information and avoid acting on unverified reports circulating on social media. The government stressed that official communication channels remain the safest way to receive security updates.

The advisory applies to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Citizens in these countries were further urged to exercise caution, avoid large gatherings, and refrain from public demonstrations until the situation stabilizes.

Beyond immediate safety measures, the Federal Government called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint.

“The Government of Nigeria wishes to call on parties to the conflict to de-escalate the crisis by returning to the negotiation table for the interests of global peace and coexistence,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and reiterated its support for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in the region.

By Anwar Usman

The Defence Headquarters has explained that the reason behind escalation in attacks and killings by terrorists across the North in recent times was as a result of pressure being mounted on them by troops through aggressive operations.

This was revealed by the Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, on Friday at a news briefing, while addressing question on the incessant attacks, killings and kidnappings by the terrorists.

Onoja, however, said that scores of the terrorists were being killed across the country, assuring that their decimation is ongoing.

“You know, one of the things with terrorists is that when you put pressure on them, they are likely to target soft targets.

“I also want to let you know that that is what they are doing. But that should not deter us,” he said, adding that in the course of time the terrorists would be smoked out “from wherever they are”.

He added that, “What is happening is that due to the pressure that the cooperation with America is bringing to bear on them, they are now targeting soft targets in order to magnify their operations.

Onoja further state that terrorists need the oxygen of publicity to broadcasting their activities, but urged the media to employ professionalism in reporting some of their activities so that they will not achieve what they want to achieve, which is to cause panic within society.

He reiterated that the assistance from the Americans is adding value to troops’ operations, adding that the results would be manifest in no distant time.

Explaining the troop’s achievements in February 2026, Onoja said that a total of 312 terrorists were arrested, apart from several of them being neutralised, 409 kidnapped victims rescued, while 46 insurgents and their families surrendered.

He also gave the breakdown as follows: In the North East, 85 terrorists were arrested, while 104 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 46 insurgents and their families gave themselves up to troops during the period.

He said in the North West, troops arrested 36 terrorists and rescued 104, while in the North Central, 78 terrorists were nabbed and 54 rescued.

In the South South and South East, 59 terrorists and 54 terrorists were arrested, respectively, Onoja explained.

He said the military is taking proactive measures to checkmate the movement of fertiliser, especially in the North, as it is one of the components used for making Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by terrorists.

He said the achievements in February showed the Armed Forces’ steadfast dedication to building a safe and secure Nigeria.

“We urge everyone to remain security conscious, report any suspicious activity promptly via our emergency line 193 and collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure peaceful and incident-free observances,” Onoja remarked.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

I am speaking out as a concerned sister after my younger brother from Kano, Nigeria, Ismail, was repeatedly contacted on TikTok by individuals claiming to be football agents.

They asked about his football journey and promised trials in another state where “European agents” would scout talented players. However, there was one condition: he had to pay for the registration form.

When I advised Ismail to ask what the form looked like, the so-called agent sent a blurry screenshot of a flashy, unprofessional document with no official logo, no verified organisation, and no connection to recognised bodies like the Nigeria Football Federation or FIFA. That was a big red flag.

According to people with deep knowledge about scouting, real agents do not randomly scout players on TikTok and demand upfront payments. Thankfully, Ismail asked questions before making any decision and did not send any money.

Many young footballers dream of playing professionally, and scammers are exploiting that dream. Parents and players must verify every claim, research every agent, and never pay fees without confirmed legitimacy.

Patience and due diligence can protect young talents from becoming victims. Beware.

Hadiza is Nigerian but writes from Cologne, Germany. She can be contacted via hadiza225@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress, describing his exit as an act of cowardice that undermines the principles of multi-party system of government in Nigeria.

Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led PDP National Working Committee, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on Friday reminded Fintiri that history and posterity serve as the ultimate and impartial judges of human actions, constantly recording both deeds and omissions.

After weeks of speculation, Fintiri formally left the PDP and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress on Friday.

In response, the Peoples Democratic Party stated that Fintiri’s decision to leave a platform that supported his political journey through multiple election cycles over minor inconveniences clearly shows unrestrained cowardice rather than the conduct of a principled politician.

The party stated that “We are aware of the official announcement of the long-speculated defection of His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, from our party to the All Progressives Congress, today via a broadcast in Adamawa State.

“This move, though long speculated, had attracted several rebuttals from the governor himself, even as recently as last week, after the presidential visit to Adamawa. By this announcement, the governor himself has confirmed what hitherto was a rumour, by aligning with the ruling party, a move he says is in the developmental interest of his state.

“While we acknowledge that this move is well within Fintiri’s legal rights, it is clearly against political principles and morality, a challenge to multi-party democracy and democratic consolidation.

The PDP urged its members in Adamawa State to accept what it described as a sad reality with composure.

The party further reiterated that “They should remain resolute in the hope that the rebirth movement of our party is on course and will certainly reposition our party back to winning ways”.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on Friday for a security briefing following renewed disturbances in parts of the state.

Governor Mohammed met with the President to provide updates on the security challenges facing several communities, particularly in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Speaking after the meeting, the governor said he highlighted “the disturbing activities of bandits in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi state, which requires a timely attention.” He emphasized that the situation demands urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration of security in affected communities.

The discussions also touched on recent political developments, including the wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Mohammed acknowledged that elected officials have the constitutional right to join any political party. He, however, affirmed his decision to remain in the PDP despite the shifting political landscape.

Media reports in recent months have documented repeated bandit attacks in parts of Bauchi State, especially in Alkaleri and other border communities. Villages have experienced killings, abductions, and mass displacement of residents.

Local populations have raised concerns over the frequency of these attacks and have called for a stronger security presence to protect lives and property. Security agencies have reportedly deployed personnel to affected areas as part of ongoing efforts to contain the violence and restore stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria’s economy expanded by 4.07 percent in real terms during the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This represents an increase from the 3.76 percent growth recorded in the same period of 2024.

“During the quarter under review, agriculture grew by 4.00%, an improvement from the 2.54% recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024,” the NBS stated.

The report highlighted that the industrial sector also saw growth, rising to 3.88 percent from 2.49 percent in Q4 2024. The services sector, which contributes the largest share to the GDP, grew by 4.15 percent, slightly lower than the 4.75 percent recorded in the same quarter the previous year.

In terms of sector contribution to GDP, services led with 55.92 percent, compared with 55.87 percent in Q4 2024. On an annual basis, overall economic growth reached 3.87 percent in 2025, up from 3.38 percent in 2024.

The NBS also reported that nominal GDP in the quarter stood at N122.81 trillion, showing a year-on-year increase from N104.47 trillion in Q4 2024, reflecting a 17.55 percent growth.

Oil production and sector performance

The bureau disclosed that average daily oil production in Q4 2025 was 1.58 million barrels per day, slightly higher than 1.54 mbpd in Q4 2024, but lower than 1.64 mbpd in Q3 2025.

“The real growth of the oil sector was 6.79 (year-on-year) in Q4 2025, indicating an increase of 4.71 points relative to the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024 (2.08%),” the report said.

Compared to Q3 2025, the oil sector grew by 0.95 percentage points. However, the quarter-on-quarter performance showed a decline of 6.30 percent. The annual growth of oil rose to 8.50 percent, up from 5.54 percent in 2024.

The sector contributed 2.87 percent to real GDP in Q4 2025, an increase from 2.80 percent in Q4 2024, but a decrease from 3.44 percent in Q3 2025. Overall, the oil sector accounted for 3.53 percent of GDP in 2025, above the 3.38 percent reported in 2024.

Non-oil sector drives growth

The non-oil sector remained the major driver of economic growth, contributing 97.17 percent in Q4 2025.

“This rate was higher by 0.19 points compared to the rate recorded in the same quarter of 2024, which was 3.80%, and higher than the 3.91% recorded in the third quarter of 2025,” the NBS said.

In real terms, the non-oil sector accounted for 97.13 percent of GDP in Q4 2025, slightly lower than 97.20 percent in Q4 2024, but higher than 96.56 percent in Q3 2025. On an annual basis, the sector contributed 96.47 percent in 2025, slightly down from 96.62 percent in 2024.

The NBS identified agriculture (crop production), telecommunications, real estate, trade, financial and insurance services, construction, transportation, and manufacturing (food, beverages, and tobacco) as the key contributors to positive non-oil GDP growth.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said he now regrets his role in the creation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 general elections, noting that Nigeria’s situation has worsened compared to the period before the party emerged.

He made the statement on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing attended by opposition figures who gathered to discuss the country’s condition and ongoing political consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku recalled how opposition leaders came together in 2014 to form a united front under the APC to challenge the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He explained that the move was driven by concerns over insecurity and economic difficulties at the time.

According to him, there were fears that democratic governance was under threat, which prompted the coalition to act in order to redirect the country’s path.

“We came together in 2014 because we believed democracy was faltering. The issues then were insecurity and the economy. But today, the situation has become even worse than what we set out to correct,” he said.

The former presidential candidate maintained that the current challenges facing the country have exceeded those that led to the formation of the APC. He stressed the need for political actors to learn from past alliances.

Atiku, who is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cautioned that any new coalition or opposition arrangement must be carefully planned and focused on rebuilding democratic institutions as well as restoring public trust in governance.

“We must ensure that whatever steps we take now are aimed at restoring true democracy in Nigeria,” he stated.

The briefing drew several notable opposition leaders. Their presence points to ongoing discussions and possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.