82-Year-Old Ouattara Wins Fourth Term With 89.77% in Ivory Coast Election.

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in office after winning 89.77 percent of the votes in Saturday’s election, the country’s electoral commission announced on Monday.

The poll, which excluded Ouattara’s two strongest rivals, saw nearly nine million Ivorians eligible to vote in the world’s top cocoa-producing nation. 

Despite fears of unrest, voting took place peacefully, although tensions had soared in the lead-up to the election following opposition complaints over disqualifications.

Provisional results showed Ouattara sweeping the polls across most regions, with voter turnout reaching almost 100 percent in his northern strongholds. He also made surprising gains in southern areas and parts of Abidjan, traditionally considered opposition territory, where many polling stations recorded low turnout.

Entrepreneur Jean-Louis Billon finished a distant second with 3.09 percent of the vote, according to the commission’s president, Ibrahime Kuibiert Coulibaly. Turnout stood at 50.10 percent — similar to the 2020 election, when Ouattara won 94 percent amid an opposition boycott.

The 82-year-old leader, who first took power in 2011, remains a dominant figure in Ivorian politics. His victory underscores his continued grip on power in a country that has largely resisted the coups and insurgencies destabilizing other parts of West Africa.

ADC Candidate John Nwosu Blasts Governor Soludo Over Insecurity Ahead of Anambra Polls

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the November 8 Anambra State election, John Nwosu, has criticized incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, accusing him of failing the people during his tenure.

Speaking on ‘Prime Time’ on Arise Television, Nwosu highlighted that four years in office is crucial for a state’s progress and said Soludo’s administration has fallen short.

“The indices are there for everyone to see, starting with insecurity. In the last three and a half years, Anambra has lost people to kidnappings,” he stated.



He cited Ihiala Local Government, home to the owner of Air Peace, as a stark example:

“That area has been ravaged by insecurity for over three years. Residents have been forced to hold weddings and burials outside their hometown because they cannot return safely,” Nwosu added.


The statement underscores growing concerns about security and governance as Anambra prepares for its upcoming gubernatorial election.

Kenya Takes Nigeria to the ICC - President Ruto Challenges Nigeria Before International Court, Freezes Billions in Assets and Declares: "You Kidnapped Nnamdi Kanu Return Him to Kenya or Face the World Court!".

President William Ruto has reportedly taken a firm stance against Nigeria over the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). According to emerging reports, President Ruto has brought Nigeria before the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the West African country of violating international law by abducting Kanu from Kenya in 2021. The Kenyan leader is also said to have imposed a travel ban on Nigerians entering Kenya and frozen assets worth billions of dollars owned by Nigerians in the country, a move aimed at pressuring Abuja to release Kanu immediately.

We are not afraid of Nigeria. If justice requires war, we are ready. You cannot invade our land, kidnap a man, and call it justice," President William Ruto was quoted as saying.

BREAKING: The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Egypt in a friendly match ahead of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.

Super Eagles Get World Cup Hope Alive as FIFA Punishes South Africa Over Player Scandal.

According to a report from BBC, South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major setback after the country’s football association (SAFA) was sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in the qualifiers.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in earlier matches and was due to serve a one-match suspension, was wrongly included in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho on March 21.

His participation was deemed a violation of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the 2026 World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations.

In its decision announced on Monday, September 29, FIFA declared the match forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory.

SAFA was also fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning. “The forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee,” FIFA said in a statement, per Africa Soccer.

The ruling significantly alters the group standings, with Benin Republic now leading on 14 points (+4 goal difference), ahead of South Africa, also on 14 points but with an inferior goal difference (+3).

Nigeria follows with 11 points (+2), Rwanda also has 11 (0), Lesotho sits on 9 (-3), and Zimbabwe trails with 4 (-6).

With only the group winner guaranteed an automatic ticket to the World Cup and the runner-up possibly advancing via inter-confederation play-offs, the October fixtures will be decisive in determining South Africa’s fate.

Our Moral Fabrics Is Gone,We Honor Thieves”Melaye Says,Shares Photo Of FIFA Stadium In Kebbi,Kenya.

Former lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) government over what he described as a glaring case of mismanagement involving FIFA’s $1.2 million grant meant for sports development in Nigeria.

In a post shared on his X handle (formerly Twitter), Melaye compared a stadium reportedly built in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, with another constructed in Kenya. Both facilities were said to have been funded by FIFA with identical grants of $1.2 million to support football infrastructure across African nations.

“FIFA gave Nigeria $1.2 million and they gave Kenya $1.2 million. The goal was for both of them to build stadiums for football development. Our moral fabrics is gone, we celebrate rogues, we honor thieves. Up APC,” Melaye wrote.

Images shared by the former senator showed the Kenyan project as a modern, well-equipped football stadium with standard seating and professional facilities. In stark contrast, the Nigerian version appeared as a small, underdeveloped mini-stadium with limited infrastructure, a situation that has stirred widespread outrage on social media.

Melaye’s post has triggered a flurry of reactions, with many Nigerians demanding answers from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Sports on how the FIFA funds were expended. Critics argued that the difference between the two projects reflects deeper corruption and poor accountability in public spending.

Attorney-General Sues Lawyer, Engineer, Others For Alleged Forgery.

Attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice (AGF) has dragged a legal practitioner, Bob Chiedozie Ugu and five others, including a civil engineer, Nnaemeka Chukwueke, to court for alleged forgery of title documents, theft, conspiracy and impersonation.

Other defendants in the charge dated April 8, 2025, are Samuel Udo-Imeh, Ifeanyi Abaekwueme, Earth Conscience Limited and NBC Infrastructure West Africa Limited.

Meanwhile, Justice Samira Umar Bature, of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has fixed January 27, 2026, for their fresh arraignment.

The commissioner of police had earlier filed a seven-count charge (FCT/HC/CR/302/2023) against Bob Chiedozie Ugu, Samuel Udo-Imeh, Ifeanyi Abaekwueme, and Earth Conscience Limited before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

However, the AGF after taking over the prosecution, increased the counts to 12 with two additional defendants, Nnaemeka Chukwueke, a civil engineer and NBC Infrastructure West Africa Limited.

The fresh charge was filed by a private counsel with the fiat of the AGF, Abdul Ter Kohol.
Meanwhile, the defendants who had pleaded not guilty to the previous charge, are yet to take their plea in the fresh charge.

In the fresh charge, the prosecution said the defendants allegedly forged title documents including the power of attorney with fraudulent intention of converting the property belonging to Nexune Nigeria Limited.

While Bob Chidozie, an Abia State-based legal practitioner, who also doubles as the managing director of Earth Conscience Limited, was a former commissioner for works in state, Samuel Udoh-Imeh, who works in the Information Technology and Services Sector, is an Abuja-based businessman.

INEC Must Not Pretend’ – ADC Accuses Soludo Of Vote Buying Ahead Of Anambra Election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, of engaging in voter inducement, following a viral video clip showing the governor addressing electorates ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

In a statement on Sunday by its National spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC claimed that the governor’s remarks were a “clear display of desperation” and an “open violation” of the Electoral Act, particularly Sections 121 and 127, which criminalise vote buying and voter inducement.

“Ahead of the November 8th election, Soludo has clearly lost the confidence of the people of Anambra, and it shows,” the ADC said.

The ADC alleged that Governor Soludo’s recent actions indicate a loss of public goodwill and a willingness to disregard electoral laws for political survival.

“Only a sitting governor who has run out of public goodwill would so openly resort to cash for votes, in direct violation of Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act, which criminalise voter inducement of any form,” the statement added.

The party described the act as “a new level of desperation wrapped in impunity”, warning that such conduct undermines democracy and erodes public trust in the electoral process.

The ADC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate notice of the governor’s alleged actions and ensure accountability.

"Nigeria, South Africa May Exit FATF Grey List Next Month" — Bloomberg.

Nigeria and South Africa could be removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “gray list” as early as next month, signaling a major turnaround for two of Africa’s largest economies, according to a Bloomberg report. The Paris-based FATF recently conducted on-site assessments in both countries, as well as in Burkina Faso and Mozambique, and found they had made significant progress in strengthening measures against illicit financial flows.

Nigeria and South Africa were placed on the FATF gray list in February 2023 for deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Their potential removal, experts say, could boost investor confidence and affirm ongoing economic reforms.

“It would confirm that the reforms and measures put in place after the gray listing are both significant and sustainable,” said Lauren van Biljon, senior portfolio manager at Allspring Global Investments UK Ltd.

A spokesman for Nigeria’s government, Temitope Ajayi, described the anticipated delisting as “the culmination of the remarkable work the government is doing to fulfill global obligations and attract investors.” South Africa’s National Treasury said it would respond publicly once FATF announces its final verdict but noted that the country had already completed 22 required action items.

The FATF gray list identifies countries under increased monitoring due to weaknesses in their anti–money laundering systems. Under the leadership of Mexican official Elisa de Anda Madrazo, the FATF has recently restructured its approach, focusing more on wealthier economies that pose higher systemic risks, while also addressing emerging threats like online fraud and sextortion.

FG Approves just $1bn for Modernisation of Apapa, TinCan Ports in Lagos.

The Federal Government has approved $1 billion (₦1.4 trillion) for the modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos — Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced this on Wednesday at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference in Lagos. 

He said the project aims to enhance cargo handling, expand capacity, and align operations with global standards under the ministry’s 10-year marine and blue economy strategy.

“We are working closely with stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption,” Oyetola stated.

He added that similar port upgrades are being planned outside Lagos to ensure balanced development nationwide.

Though the government has not released full details or a timeline, reports earlier this year indicated that ITB Nigeria — owned by Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury — had been awarded a $700 million contract for the Lagos port renovation, expected to begin in mid-2025. 

The project is to be financed through a Citibank loan backed by UK Export Finance, with additional support from Afreximbank.

APM Terminals, operators of the Apapa port and a subsidiary of Maersk, has also proposed a $500 million investment.

Oyetola noted that the ministry is fostering private sector participation through regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, and incentives to drive innovation and job creation.

Lagos ports, despite high fees and ageing infrastructure, remain vital trade hubs for West Africa and continue to attract major global shipping companies.

Aliko Dangote Becomes First African to Hit $30 Billion Net Worth.

Nigerian billionaire and industrial magnate Aliko Dangote has officially become the first African to reach a net worth of $30 billion, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The milestone follows a $430 million surge in his portfolio, capping a year of remarkable growth that added over $2.16 billion to his fortune. The rise cements his long-standing position as Africa’s richest person and underscores the strength of his vast industrial empire spanning cement, sugar, flour, and oil refining.

“This isn’t just a personal win for Dangote it’s a defining moment for African industry,” said Ngozi Okonjo, an analyst at Afrinvest. “He’s proving that value-added manufacturing can rival resource extraction as a source of African wealth.”

"We arrested Sowore in the spirit of fair play"— Police PRO Hundeyin reveals.

The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, stating that he was detained for allegedly violating a court order banning the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Thursday that Sowore was apprehended at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had reportedly led the protest calling for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Hundeyin, 14 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the protest. He said Sowore’s name was mentioned by earlier detainees as the leader of the demonstration, prompting his arrest.

“He was arrested in contravention of a court order. If we charge some protesters to court and leave the person who led them, that would be unfair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Sowore was arrested today,” Hundeyin said.

The police spokesman added that the activist would not be held for long and would be arraigned in court immediately, possibly within the same day.

Sowore, who previously spearheaded the #RevolutionNow movement, was said to have fled the scene on Monday when other protesters were taken into custody.

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists 23 Witnesses Including Wike, Sanwo-Olu and Ex-Military Chiefs.

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial.

This comes just hours after protests in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, calling for Kanu’s release.

Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.

He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act.

He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release. 

They face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will appear in court again on October 24.

Free Nnamdi Kanu: More reactions trail Abuja protest.

The Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest’, convened by a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore went on as scheduled on Monday across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Sowore, who had mobilized many Nigerians from across the country to join the demonstration, planned that protesters would march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand for Kanu’s release.

But Justice M.G. Umar, issued an order on October 17, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, restraining the protesters and other groups from staging any form of demonstrations for Kanu’s release in certain areas within the FCT.

The ruling barred the respondents and any individuals or groups acting on their behalf from protesting within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

In line with Justice Umar’s ruling on the protest, men of the Nigeria Police Force barricaded all roads leading to the areas mentioned by the ruling, thereby, frustrating Sowore and his fellow protesters from ensuring that their plans materialized.

While barricading the roads, the police also shot teargas canisters to scare commuters and possible protesters from using the roads.

Despite attempts by security operatives to stifle the protesters from carrying out their programme, Sowore and the demonstrators moved to other areas like Utako and Apo areas of Abuja where they protested.

In the course of the protest, the police arrested and detained Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel; his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and other protesters at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command CID.

DSS Warns of Imminent ISWAP Attack in Ondo, Kogi States.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.

In a confidential memo to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, and signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” and urged the Nigerian Army to intensify surveillance and security patrols across vulnerable areas.

Titled “Imminent attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP,” the letter identified Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, as possible targets.

“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the DSS stated, adding that the terrorists had begun monitoring potential soft targets. 

The agency called for proactive measures and community vigilance to forestall any attacks.

Confirming the development, Ondo State Police spokesperson, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police were already acting on the intelligence. “That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” he said.

This alert comes three years after the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, which left 41 worshippers dead and dozens injured. 

The suspects, believed to be ISWAP members, were later arrested by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“I Don’t Want Nigeria to Qualify for 2026 World Cup” — South Africa’s Sports Minister Declares.

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has openly stated that he does not wish to see the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an interview with Johannesburg-based Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of trying to sabotage South Africa’s qualification efforts, adding that his remarks were a direct response to what he described as “hostile actions” from the Nigerian side.

His comments come amid heightened rivalry between the two nations following a tense World Cup qualifying campaign. South Africa had earlier suffered a setback when FIFA docked three points from their tally for fielding an ineligible player — a sanction that temporarily threatened their chances of topping the group.

Nigeria capitalized on that moment by winning their last two group matches to remain in contention. However, South Africa ultimately secured the Group C ticket with a decisive 3–0 victory over Rwanda, earning their first World Cup berth since 2010.

Nigeria, now relegated to the continental playoffs, will have to overcome Gabon in November before potentially facing Congo DR or Cameroon to keep their World Cup dreams alive, a scenario McKenzie says he is firmly against.

“I heard people saying we were also supporting Nigeria, but let me be clear, I don’t want them to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the 51-year-old minister said.

He further alleged that Nigeria worked “behind the scenes” to hinder South Africa’s qualification chances. “I know what they did. I want them to lose. They will not go to the World Cup; let another African country go,” McKenzie added.

He clarified that his stance wasn’t personal but rooted in football rivalry. “It’s not that I hate Nigeria. I simply match the energy they give. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them — it’s that simple. It’s just like the rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates,” he said.

U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert Ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja.

The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to its citizens ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement released on Friday, the Embassy warned that the demonstration could cause disruptions, roadblocks, and possible violence. It urged Americans in Abuja to avoid protest zones and limit movement across the city.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ protest is expected to take place on Monday, October 20th, 2025. There may be traffic congestion, road closures, and potential confrontations between protesters and police near Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the statement read.

The embassy also advised residents to take extra precautions, recommending that children stay home from school and domestic workers who travel from outside Abuja not report to work that day.

The alert follows the announcement by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, who disclosed on October 9 via X (formerly Twitter) that the peaceful protest would be held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

Sowore described the planned demonstration as a “historic” call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu has been in custody since June 2021 after his controversial extradition from Kenya and is currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

US Presidential Adviser Dismisses Claim of Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

Senior Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has downplayed reports suggesting that Christians are being deliberately targeted in Nigeria.

Boulos made the statement during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.

He dismissed what he described as “misleading claims” of a Christian genocide, saying the crisis in Nigeria goes beyond religion.

According to him, violence in parts of the country is driven by terrorism and insecurity, not faith.

His comment comes at a time when several U.S. lawmakers are urging Washington to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.

Responding to questions on the matter, Boulos said, “Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe.”

He added that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS have killed both Christians and Muslims.

“People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts, but it’s very unfortunate,” he said.

"Nigeria has no reason to be poor"— President Tinubu affirms.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria should not remain poor, stressing that the nation’s wealth in solid minerals and human talent must be fully harnessed to drive prosperity.

Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said, “Nigeria has no reason to be poor, given our abundant resources and talented people. Let us turn our minerals into miracles of development ‘Minerals to Miracles’ must be our rallying cry.”

He assured that his administration is committed to creating a safe and investor-friendly mining environment, describing the event as a platform for ideas that can guide Nigeria’s path to economic renewal.

The President noted that Africa holds about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, urging nations to ensure that more value is retained within their economies through responsible exploitation.

NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said Nigeria’s mining sector is undergoing key reforms, but its GDP contribution remains below 1%. He noted that revenues rose from ₦339.57 billion in 2022 to ₦401.87 billion in 2023, while artisanal miners accounted for over 80% of output but less than 30% of royalties.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration is repositioning the mining sector as a central pillar of economic diversification and growth.

IMF excludes Nigeria from list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, calls for deeper reforms.

Nigeria has been left out of the International Monetary Fund’s latest list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, sparking fresh discussions about the country’s sluggish growth and persistent structural challenges.

In its newly released Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF highlighted countries such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda as the continent’s top performers, projecting regional growth to stabilize around 4.1 percent in 2025.

Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria failed to make the list, reflecting what analysts describe as a combination of weak reforms, high inflation, and over-dependence on oil revenues. The IMF also warned that many African nations, including Nigeria, face growing fiscal pressures as governments turn to domestic banks for financing amid limited external funding opportunities.

According to the report, these fiscal and monetary imbalances, along with rising inflation and exchange-rate instability, continue to dampen Nigeria’s growth outlook. The Fund advised countries in the region to adopt sound fiscal policies, strengthen revenue mobilization, and diversify their economies to cushion against global shocks.

Experts say Nigeria’s omission underscores the urgent need for deeper reforms in public finance, infrastructure, and governance. While some progress has been made under ongoing policy adjustments, the IMF’s findings suggest the country still lags behind peers that have successfully implemented aggressive economic diversification and investment-friendly strategies.