BREAKING: Nigeria’s total merchandise trade climbed to N38.9 trillion during the third quarter of 2025, demonstrating continued growth in the nation’s external trade sector amid global economic challenges. ~ National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says

PRESS RELEASE COAS VISITS OBA OF LAGOS, SOLICITS TRADITIONAL SUPPORT FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, 11 December 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, at his palace in Lagos. During the visit, the COAS expressed profound appreciation to the revered monarch and the council of Obas for their consistent support to the Nigerian Army. He noted that the purpose of his visit was not only to extend his gratitude but also to seek the blessings of the royal father, stressing that Nigeria’s customs and traditions remain sacrosanct and must always be honoured. General Shaibu lauded Oba Akiolu for the fatherly role he has continually played in supporting Army formations and institutions across Lagos State. He described the Oba’s guidance and goodwill as invaluable to the Army’s operational and civil–military cooperation efforts. In his response, the Oba of Lagos commended the Nigerian Army for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and maintaining peace. He described the Army as a critical pillar upon which the Nigerian State stands, adding that the sacrifices and professionalism of its personnel have contributed significantly to national stability. Oba Akiolu also applauded the COAS for his steadfast leadership and dedication to ensuring a peaceful and secure country. He thereafter offered special prayers for sustained peace in Nigeria and for Lieutenant General Shaibu’s successful tenure as the 25th Chief of Army Staff. The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening relationships with traditional institutions as vital stakeholders in the nation’s peace and security architecture APPOLONIA ANELE Colonel Acting Director Army Public Relations 11 December 2025

ERC Faults WAEC Over 2026 WASSCE Changes, Demands Full Return to Old Curriculum The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has criticised WAEC for reinstating only two subjects—Civic Education and Digital Technologies—for the 2026 WASSCE, calling the move inadequate and inconsistent. The group said many students still cannot register for subjects they have studied, citing contradictions in WAEC’s recent circulars. ERC demanded a complete return to the old curriculum to ensure fairness for SSS 3 students and urged the National Assembly to maintain pressure on WAEC to avoid disadvantaging thousands of candidates.

Reckless shooting by NDLEA injures youth in Ngurore market in Yobe A youth sustained injuries following a reckless shooting incident by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid in Ngurore Market, Yola North Local Government Area of Yobe State. Sources told Zagazola Makama that on 10 December 2025 at about 1000 hours, NDLEA officers stormed a ghetto area inside the market, firing their weapons sporadically. During the operation, a stray bullet struck 22-year-old Abubakar Hassan of Jambutu community, causing injuries to his stomach and right leg. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ngurore visited the scene, and the victim was evacuated to Banene Hospital, Ngurore, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding to medical care. Residents have expressed concern over the conduct of security personnel during operations in public spaces, urging agencies to exercise restraint to prevent civilian harm. NDLEA are yet to release an official statement on the incident. #ndlea_nigeria #DHQNigeria #HQNigerianArmy

FBI Warns U.S. Government Workers of Fake Job Offers Linked to Chinese Intelligence Operations The FBI’s Atlanta office has issued a security alert warning current and former U.S. government employees about fake online job offers allegedly used by Chinese intelligence services to extract sensitive information. The advisory notes that operatives pose as recruiters on professional networking platforms, offering high-paying roles with flexible hours to lure targets. The FBI highlighted red flags such as excessive flattery, unverifiable online profiles, personal email communication, and promises of travel or visa assistance. The agency urges anyone receiving suspicious recruitment messages to report them immediately, stressing the national security risks involved.

New Nigeria Tax Law 2026: What Every Salary Earner Must Know Before January Nigeria’s new Tax Act 2025 will take effect on January 1, 2026, introducing major changes for salary earners, freelancers, and mixed-income workers. The reform expands the tax base, clarifies taxable income, and sets new rules for deductions. Workers earning the national minimum wage (₦800,000 yearly or less) and military personnel are exempt. Taxable income now includes salaries, bonuses, allowances, and certain benefits-in-kind such as housing and cars. The Act provides clearer deductions for both employees and freelancers, including pension, NHF, insurance, and business expenses for self-employed individuals. Taxes will be applied progressively across income bands, and individuals with both salary and business income must consolidate all earnings before taxation. Experts say the reform aims to simplify compliance, encourage proper record-keeping, and ensure fairness across income levels. With the new rules, salary earners must verify payroll deductions, while freelancers should maintain proper financial records to avoid penalties. The government has also provided digital platforms to make tax payment easier nationwide.

Human Rights Day: Activists Protest in Oyo, Accuse Tinubu Government of Rising Repression A coalition of labour and civil society groups staged a major Human Rights Day protest in Ibadan, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of intensifying repression against activists and critics. Marching to the Oyo State House of Assembly and the National Human Rights Commission office, the protesters condemned alleged victimisation, arbitrary arrests, and harassment of figures like Andrew Emelieze, Abbey Trotsky, Omoyele Sowore, and the “University of Ibadan Three.” They criticised the government’s use of the Cybercrime Act to silence dissent and demanded an end to political persecution, unconditional release of detained activists, and protection of workers' rights. The coalition warned that Nigeria is slipping into authoritarianism and urged authorities to respect democratic freedoms.

Lai Mohammed Repeats Claim That Lekki Toll Gate Massacre Never Happened, Calls It ‘Fake News’ Former Minister of Information Lai Mohammed has reiterated his long-standing position that no one died at the Lekki toll gate during the 2020 EndSARS protest. Speaking on Arise TV, he insisted that claims of a massacre were fabricated, arguing that five years later, no family has reported a missing relative linked to the incident. Mohammed also criticised CNN’s coverage, accusing the network of relying on second-hand information. While acknowledging deaths in other parts of Nigeria during the protests, he maintained that the toll gate killings were a “false narrative,” reaffirming his controversial stance as the national debate over the events of October 20, 2020 continues.

2027 Election: Former Lawmakers Ask Court to Deregister ADC Over Poor Electoral Performance A group of former federal lawmakers under the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The group alleged that the ADC failed to meet constitutional and Electoral Act requirements, including securing 25% of votes in any state during the last presidential election or winning any legislative seat in recent bye-elections. Citing Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, they argued that the party lacks the statutory criteria to remain registered. This development comes as the ADC reportedly plans to receive new lawmakers ahead of 2027, even as coalition members like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi continue efforts to build a united opposition against President Tinubu.

PRESIDENTIAL FOOD SYSTEMS PLANS FOR 2025/ 2026 DRY-SEASON FARMING The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (#PFSCU), Office of the Vice President, has convened policymakers, farmers, and economists to plan the 2025/2026 dry-season farming under the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM). The initiative represents a critical pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, economic stability, and agricultural transformation.

NAHCON Commissioner Defies VP Shettima’s Order, Retains Retired Staff Amid Nepotism Allegations The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is facing fresh controversy as insiders accuse Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, of ignoring Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s directive by retaining a retired officer, Mr. Gaffar, who left the commission in 2023. The retired officer reportedly attends official meetings, travels with the commissioner, and maintains offices in Abuja and Saudi Arabia — actions seen as violations of Public Service Rules. Elegushi is also accused of keeping a former NYSC corps member allegedly related to him, granting her full staff privileges despite her service ending months ago. These actions allegedly defy a written directive from VP Shettima rejecting NAHCON’s request to re-engage retired staff and ordering all such appointments reversed. Staff fear retaliation, with claims that Elegushi is consolidating power ahead of a possible bid for the NAHCON chairmanship. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.

Nigeria is stepping into a new era and this time, it’s our entire revenue system getting a major upgrade. In what is easily the biggest shake-up since the TSA era, the federal government has rolled out a unified digital platform that finally puts every revenue stream under one transparent umbrella. No more scattered systems, no more blind spots, everything now speaks to one powerful engine. Backed by fresh directives from the Accountant General’s office, all federal payments will move fully electronic from January 1, 2026, and the Federal Treasury e-Receipt becomes the only official proof of payment. Physical cash receipts are out. Those unapproved payment apps some agencies use? Gone. Every Naira collected must go straight into the TSA, clean, clear and accountable. This is big good news for Nigeria. For the first time, the government will have real-time visibility of what MDAs collect, remit and account for. Leakages that cost the nation billions every year now face their toughest fight yet. With the new Revenue Optimisation Platform overseeing billing, reconciliation and performance tracking, corruption loopholes will shrink dramatically. And for citizens and businesses, it gets even better: no more guesswork, no more shady receipts, no more paying into the wrong hands. Payments become straightforward, secure and easy to verify. This reform isn’t just another policy, it’s a signal that Nigeria is serious about modernising public finance and tightening the system where it matters most. A cleaner, smarter, more transparent revenue process is finally here and a big win for everyone.

NPHCDA Confirms Use of Soldiers to Escort Vaccination Teams in Insecurity-Hit Northern Communities The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has confirmed that soldiers are now escorting vaccination teams into communities heavily affected by insurgency and banditry across northern Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja, Director of Disease and Immunisation Rufai Ahmed revealed that military support is being used in “real difficult areas” to ensure child immunisation continues despite insecurity. He noted that over 202,000 children in Kebbi and Bayelsa have received the R21 malaria vaccine since December 2024, while Nigeria still has about 2.1 million zero-dose children, mostly in conflict-hit northern states. The agency says it has tracked and vaccinated more than 500,000 previously unreached children and recruited thousands of frontline workers, many serving in militarised zones. Officials insist they will continue pushing vaccination into remote and dangerous communities, even if it requires military escorts, to prevent children from dying of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Twenty-One Economic Miracles Currently Happening Under President Tinubu One: Our foreign reserves have crossed the $45 billion mark for the first time in six years. It is now the fourth-highest on the African continent. Two: The prudent management of our foreign reserves under President Tinubu has led to a 3.93% GDP growth in the immediate past quarter and 4.23% growth in the quarter before that (Q2, 2025). Three: Nigeria, under President Tinubu, has, within two years, moved from being Africa's biggest petrol importer to becoming West Africa's largest exporter of the same product. Four: For the first time in over a decade, Nigeria has overshot its OPEC quota for three consecutive months and is set to do the same for the fourth month, producing an average of 1.71 million barrels per day. Five: President Tinubu gave Nigerian airlines direct flights to London's Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom, London's Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom, São Paulo, Brazil, Bogotá, Colombia, Entebbe, Uganda, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Algiers, Algeria, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. Six: Oil theft has been reduced to less than 10,000 barrels per day, a sixteen-year low. Seven: Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year in August, a first in our history. Eight: The Nigerian Stock Exchange rose above 130,000 All Share Index for the first time ever. Nine: Our economy expanded by $67 billion in just two years, moving Nigeria's GDP from a ₦269.29 trillion economy on May 29, 2023, when Asiwaju became President, to ₦372.8 trillion today. Ten: Between January and August 2025, non-oil tax revenue was ₦20.59 trillion, a 40.5% increase from the ₦14.6 trillion recorded in the corresponding period in 2024. Eleven: MTN Nigeria Limited hit a record valuation of ₦10 trillion, the first Nigerian company to do so. Twelve: Food prices have fallen significantly, resulting in a drop in inflation to 16.05% at present, down from 20.12% in August 2025, a 1.76% decline from July's 21.88%. Thirteen: Dangote and other retailers have crashed fuel prices below ₦1000. Fourteen: The Naira has stabilised and is now below ₦1500 to $, making it among the world's best-performing currencies, according to Fitch Ratings. Fifteen: Nigeria broke its power generation record with a peak generation of 5,801.84MW and maximum daily energyoutput of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest ever attained in the history of the electricity industry in Nigeria. Sixteen: After a record trade surplus last year, Nigeria appears set to beat its 2024 figure. Our trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 to ₦7.46 trillion, up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1. Seventeen: In a sign of an improving economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria reduced interest rates by 50 basis points to 27%, the first time since the #COVID19 pandemic. Eighteen: Fitch and S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria's economy to a Stable B. Nineteen: Two PhDs in economics, in the persons of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and incumbent Governor of Anambra, Dr Chukwuma Soludo, both confirmed that President Tinubu has "stabilised the economy". Twenty: Rail transport expanded in Nigeria by 43.08% in Q2 2025. Twenty-one: Road transport expanded by 24.50% in Q2 2025, driven by the ₦13 trillion 1,068-kilometre Illela-Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the ₦15 trillion 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, currently under construction. Bonus: Student loans were awarded to an unprecedented 500,000 students, with hundreds of thousands more awaiting their loans. Effective rebranding projects a positive image of what is happening. It is the best way to neutralise enemies of the nation who want to overwhelm the airwaves with negative information. If you are a patriot who loves Nigeria and wants your country to progress, please spread this truthful message. Reno Omokri

Northern States Governors' Forum Appoints Ezekiel Gomos as Director-General to Strengthen Regional Coordination The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), under the leadership of its Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of Mr. Ezekiel Gomos, OFR, as Director-General of the Forum’s Secretariat. The appointment is in line with the Forum’s renewed commitment to strengthening its institutional capacity and improving coordination among the 19 northern states in addressing the region’s pressing challenges. According to the Forum, creating the office of Director-General is a strategic step towards repositioning the Secretariat as a more effective hub for policy coordination, collective action and long-term development planning. Mr. Gomos, a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, is an accomplished development economist and policy expert with a distinguished career spanning public service, governance reform, private-sector development and human capital advancement. His experience includes senior roles in high-impact institutions such as the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). In addition, he has been Lead Consultant and Head of Faculty at the Jos Business School (JBS), a centre dedicated to entrepreneurship development, leadership training, and policy dialogue. For nearly two decades, Mr. Gomos has served as a resource person at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, contributing to the training of senior leaders across Nigeria in policy, strategy and national development. The new DG's academic credentials include graduate and postgraduate degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of East Anglia, UK. He is also a recipient of several prestigious international fellowships, including the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship (University of Minnesota), the British Chevening Scholarship and the UNDP Fellowship at the ILO Training Centre in Turin. Gomos has attended senior executive programmes at Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Durham University Business School. Presenting the appointment letter, Governor Inuwa Yahaya charged Mr. Gomos to apply his extensive expertise in strategic leadership, institutional development and policy management to strengthen the NSGF Secretariat into a robust platform for collective security coordination, regional economic cooperation and sustainable development across the North. The NSGF Chairman expressed confidence that the appointment will usher in a new era of deeper collaboration, improved coordination and more coherent regional responses to the North’s most critical challenges.

Wike Accused as Police Teargas Abuja Contractors Protesting ₦5.2bn Unpaid Debts Police officers allegedly acting on the orders of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike tear-gassed protesting contractors who barricaded his office over ₦5.2 billion in unpaid contract funds. The contractors say all projects—from drain clearing to medical procurement—were completed, inspected, verified, and approved, yet Wike refused to sign off on payments for nearly two years. The prolonged debt has allegedly caused deaths, medical trauma, loan defaults, and family breakdowns among contractors. Despite appeals to the Minister, the Presidency, and the National Assembly, the group claims nothing has changed. #Wike #FCTContractors #PoliceBrutality

Yusuf Dantalle re-elected as IPAC national chair The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has re-elected Yusuf Dantalle as its national chairman. Dantalle was re-elected for another two-year term on Monday in Abuja. Dantalle is the national chairperson of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). He reclaimed the IPAC chairmanship unanimously after Kenneth Udeze of the Action Alliance, his only rival, withdrew from the contest.

Rescued Niger Pupils Reveal Bandits Forced Them to Sleep on Trampoline in Bush A rescued pupil from Niger State, Florence Michael, has recounted the harsh conditions she and other abducted schoolchildren endured while held by bandits. She revealed they were forced to sleep on a trampoline in a bush near a river and were threatened with beatings if they made noise. The 100 pupils, abducted from St. Mary’s School in Papiri on November 21, were handed over to the Niger State Government by the National Security Adviser’s office after a joint rescue operation involving the DSS, Armed Forces, and other agencies. The federal government announced new protection measures for schools in high-risk areas, while Governor Umaru Bago described the rescue as a major relief. The children were released by the kidnappers near Lumma and Wawa and transported to Minna for safety.

Reps Committee Summons NNPCL GCEO Bayo Ojulari Over 2021 Audit Queries, Demands Documents by Dec 15 The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has ordered NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, to appear before lawmakers on December 15, 2025, over unresolved audit queries from the Auditor-General’s 2021 report. PAC Chairman Bamidele Salam condemned NNPCL’s repeated failure to provide documents or honour earlier invitations, describing the conduct as disrespectful to the National Assembly. Ojulari’s absence—explained as a result of a “critical engagement” at the Presidential Villa—angered committee members. The lawmakers warned that no agency, including NNPCL, is exempt from oversight, as the audit queries involve abandoned projects, irregular payments, tax violations, and unaccounted funds. The committee insists on full compliance to strengthen accountability across MDAs. #NNPCL #AuditQueries #HouseOfReps

Tinubu’s Benin Republic Intervention Is Unconstitutional and Impeachable — Lawyer Marshal Abubakar Human rights lawyer Marshal Abubakar has declared President Bola Tinubu’s deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic after the December 7 coup an impeachable offence, arguing it violates Section 5(4)(b) of the 1999 Constitution. He said the President lacks the power to send armed forces on combat duty outside Nigeria without prior approval from the National Assembly, regardless of ECOWAS protocols. Abubakar stressed that emergency military action is only lawful when Nigeria itself faces imminent threat — not when intervening to defend another country. He also warned that ECOWAS treaties cannot supersede the Nigerian Constitution. Beyond the legal infractions, Abubakar expressed concern over rising coups across West Africa, linking them to corruption, weak institutions, insecurity, and leadership failures. He urged African leaders to restore public trust, strengthen democratic systems, and address governance collapse to prevent further military takeovers. #BeninIntervention #TinubuAdministration #ConstitutionalViolation