NIGERIA-BANGKOK TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL IN AFRICA-ASIA COOPERATION Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to take their bilateral relationship to a strategic level. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Bangkok today, between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow. In a statement, Yusuf Tuggar, proposed for Thailand to help bridge the regions, by fostering collaboration between the African bloc, ECOWAS, and the Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, foreseeing eventual ASEAN-ECOWAS Summit in the long-term. Both sides discussed building on Nigeria's crude oil exports and Thailand's rice and machinery exports, and extending to scholarship programmes for Nigerian students. They agreed to diversify into new areas like agro-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, and ICT. While on security, Yusuf Tuggar stressed on cooperation against transnational crimes like drug and human trafficking, proposing increased intelligence-sharing and joint training. To solidify this enhanced partnership, the Minister urged for speedy conclusion of pending bilateral agreements on trade, investment, and culture, with a view to establishing a high-level joint commission. The meeting concluded with Nigeria reaffirming Thailand as its strategic partner in Asia and extended an invitation for reciprocal high-level visits.

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026. The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel. For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries. The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter. The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty. To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism. Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market. The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

NORTH WILL REMEMBER: Tinubu's Govt Pushes for Completion of Mubi-Maiduguri Road, a Key North-East Corridor For years, the road's poor condition hindered trade and movement, but no more! President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is racing against time to complete the crucial Mubi-Maiduguri Road Reconstruction project, initially awarded by the previous government. The project, a vital link between Adamawa and Borno states, is receiving priority attention. Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Nweze Umahi, is overseeing the project, leveraging concrete technology for durability. "The Mubi-Maiduguri Road is a game-changer for the North East," Umahi said. "We're committed to completing it swiftly, boosting trade, security, and regional integration." Completion of this 104km road will significantly improve transportation, enhance economic growth, and foster regional connectivity. The North is poised to remember this administration for transforming its infrastructure landscape.

Gov. Ododo Unveils Kogi-Hunan FTZ with $500m FDI, 50,000 Jobs Projection Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has led Chinese and international partners to unveil the Ajaokuta Economic City, a new Free Trade Zone (FTZ) projected to attract $500 million in annual foreign direct investment and create 50,000 jobs. Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Governor Ododo said the project marks a new chapter in Kogi’s industrial growth. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting timely approval and supporting the initiative. The Governor assured investors of a strong security framework for the FTZ and emphasized the role of higher institutions in the state in providing the required skilled manpower. “Today, we plant the seed of generational prosperity. Kogi State is the beating heart of Nigeria. We don’t talk. We do,” he said.

Japan is strengthening its defenses amid growing pressure from China The government has begun building a “missile archipelago” across the Ryukyu Islands near Taiwan. According to Bloomberg, this is Japan’s largest military expansion in decades and a direct response to China’s increasing assertiveness. Tokyo is deploying new units and F-35 fighters to Kyushu and reinforcing its presence on Okinawa — an island that could be among the first targets if a conflict over Taiwan erupts. Chinese and Japanese officials have repeatedly traded sharp statements in recent months. And over the weekend, a Chinese fighter reportedly locked its radar onto Japanese aircraft — an action Tokyo viewed as a dangerous provocation.

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

Nigeria is the third largest export market for U.S. wheat. Consul General Rick Swart and U.S. Agricultural Counselor Chris Bielecki visited the Apapa Port in Lagos to observe the unloading of 50,000 metric tons of U.S. grown wheat with a value of about $15 million. The wheat was purchased by Flour Mills of Nigeria, one of the largest importers of U.S. wheat in Nigeria. U.S. agricultural trade with Nigeria supports American farmers, helps Nigerian businesses create jobs in value added agricultural processing, and provides Nigerian consumers with high quality food ingredients. In 2025, U.S.-Nigeria agricultural trade is on track to more than double to over $700 million, benefiting farmers, businesses, and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. #TradeTuesday

U.S. Wheat Shipment Worth $15 Million Arrives in Lagos as Bilateral Agricultural Trade Surges A vessel carrying 50,000 metric tonnes of U.S.-grown wheat valued at approximately $15 million docked at Apapa Port on Monday, underscoring Nigeria’s position as the third-largest export market for American wheat. U.S. Consul General Rick Swart and U.S. Agricultural Counselor Chris Bielecki were on site to witness the unloading of the cargo The shipment highlights the growing agricultural partnership between the two nations. Trade in U.S. agricultural products supports American farmers, enables Nigerian companies to expand value-added food processing and create jobs, and delivers high-quality ingredients to Nigerian consumers. This year, bilateral agricultural trade between the United States and Nigeria is projected to more than double, surpassing $700 million in 2025 a milestone that benefits producers, businesses, and households in both countries. The steady flow of U.S. wheat to Nigeria reflects the strength of commercial ties and the critical role of agriculture in the broader U.S. Nigeria economic relationship.

Nigeria’s 2025 Tax Reforms Boost Competitiveness, Simplify Levies, and Protect Investors — Tope Fasua Dr. Tope Fasua has clarified public misconceptions surrounding Nigeria’s new tax administration laws set to take effect in January 2026. Contrary to fears of investor flight and high tax burdens, he explains that the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) and Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) modernize the system, streamline levies, and align Nigeria with global standards. A key change is the 4% Development Levy, which replaces multiple fragmented taxes like TETFund, NITDA, NASENI, and Police Trust Fund levies—reducing compliance costs and improving predictability for businesses. The reforms also preserve Free Trade Zone incentives while curbing misuse, introduce a globally approved 15% minimum tax for large multinationals, and ensure fair competition with large domestic firms. Fasua argues the reforms ultimately enhance investor confidence, revenue stability, and Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

FG Approves Kogi-Hunan Free Trade Zone … As Stakeholders Set for Abuja Briefing The Federal Government has approved the establishment of the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone, paving the way for the takeoff of the Ajaokuta Economic City as the Kogi State Government begins preparations for a major stakeholders’ briefing in Abuja. The initiative follows the strategic partnership between the Kogi state government led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Zhuzhou Municipal Government of Hunan Province, China, under the Kogi–Hunan Sister Province Relationship. According to the invitation to the official media briefing by Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Kogi State Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership Agency (KSIPPA), Aliyu Inda Salami, government agencies, investors and development partners will be briefed on the project framework, investment opportunities and next steps at the event in Abuja this Tuesday. Image

Imo Communities Suffer as ₦273m Irete–Ndegwu Road Project Stalls Despite Two Years of Funding – MonITNG Accountability group MonITNG has accused the Federal Ministry of Works of repeatedly allocating funds for the 1.5km Irete–Ndegwu Road in Owerri West, Imo State, despite no evidence of work on the ground. The project, budgeted in 2023 and again in 2024, reportedly received ₦273.3 million paid to Pinnatech Engineering Ltd, yet Tracka’s inspections found the road untouched—muddy, flooded, and dangerous. The group says pregnant women, schoolchildren, and traders remain at risk as the abandoned project worsens daily hardship. MonITNG demands full transparency, release of contract details, and a probe by ICPC and EFCC, insisting that public funds must be traced, recovered, and the road constructed without further delay.

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Abidjan Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term in office as President of that country. In a Statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha said Shettima is expected to join other leaders across Africa and beyond to witness activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to hold on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan. Quatara was re-elected for a fourth term in office on October 25, 2025 as President of Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country that shares cordial diplomatic ties with Nigeria. Both nations collaborate significantly within ECOWAS and the African Union on security, trade, and development, formalised by a Bi-National Commission and numerous agreements covering areas like anti-trafficking, agriculture, and digital economy, with strong informal trade and significant Nigerian diaspora in Côte d'Ivoire, fostering deep bilateral economic and social connections. The Vice President is accompanied by HE Omar Aliyu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Hon. Usman Zannah, member representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The Vice President is expected back in Abuja at the end of the inauguration ceremony.

Nigeria’s Waning Influence Blamed for Rising Coups in West Africa — Activist Nwapa Human rights advocate Francis Nwapa has linked the recent military coup in Benin Republic to Nigeria’s declining leadership role and governance failures in West Africa. Responding to reports that soldiers led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri tried to remove President Patrice Talon and seized national institutions, Nwapa argued that Nigeria’s inability to provide strong democratic leadership, economic stability, and respect for human rights has weakened its regional credibility. Nwapa said Nigeria once shaped stability across Africa but has now lost the moral authority needed to discourage military takeovers. He noted that frustrations with Nigeria’s economic decline, especially the weakened naira, are felt across neighbouring countries, citing interactions with traders from Togo and Benin during his 2025 visit to Ghana. The activist warned that unless Nigeria’s political elites urgently improve governance, the region could face more instability and internal unrest.

Naira Falls to ₦1,454/$1 as Festive Dollar Demand Rises, CBN, Traders Reveal New Rates Nigeria’s naira weakened further against the US dollar, closing the week at ₦1,454/$1 in the official market as holiday-related spending triggered a surge in forex demand. Parallel market traders in Lagos also reported declines, with the dollar trading between ₦1,469.5 and ₦1,490. Data from the CBN showed a steady week-long depreciation despite a slight increase in Nigeria’s foreign reserves to $45.04 billion, raising hopes for possible market intervention. Analysts attribute the pressure to importers, traders, and festive shoppers rapidly accumulating dollars. Despite the setback, experts say improved liquidity, rising reserves, and potential remittance inflows could help stabilize the naira as December progresses.

Rice Prices Fall to N55,000–N70,000 as Local Supply and Imports Surge Across Nigerian Markets Rice prices have dropped significantly across major Lagos markets, with a 50kg bag now selling between N55,000 and N70,000 due to improved harvests, increased imports, and a temporary oversupply. While consumers welcome the relief, many traders are counting heavy losses after purchasing rice at much higher prices earlier in the year. Local and imported brands recorded sharp declines, with prices falling from as high as N95,000 in January to as low as N57,000 in October. Traders warn that the sudden slump has destabilized business planning, and experts caution that the decrease may be temporary, as fluctuating supply could push prices up again before December. Consumers are relieved by the temporary affordability, though some note weakened purchasing power remains a challenge. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Customs Service has warned that rice smuggling continues to worsen Nigeria’s forex situation and threatens local producers.

NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Surge of Smuggled Prohibited Food Products in Nigerian Markets NAFDAC has issued a public warning about the increasing circulation of prohibited food products—including pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste—illegally smuggled into Nigerian markets. The agency says these items, listed on the Customs Prohibition List, bypass mandatory safety checks and pose serious health risks. NAFDAC has ordered importers, supermarkets, and traders to immediately stop the sale and distribution of such products or face seizures, licence revocations, and prosecution. The agency also called for coordinated action with Customs, Immigration, SON, NPA, NIMASA, NAQS, and other regulators to prevent further influx of unsafe items. NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and enforcing food safety regulations nationwide.

Photos from the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bauchi–Gombe Road under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a significant step toward transforming one of the most neglected federal roads in the North-East. For years, the Bauchi–Gombe corridor was widely regarded as one of the worst roads to travel on, causing hardship for motorists, traders, and communities that rely on it for daily movement and economic activities. Today, that narrative is changing, as extensive rehabilitation work is visibly underway. This progress is a testament to the dedication of Engr. David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works, whose leadership reflects the Federal Government’s strong commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity, and driving national development. With this project, the administration is not only easing transportation challenges but also boosting commerce, safety, and socioeconomic growth across the region.

Ifeanyi Ejiofor Slams Boris Johnson’s Comments on Nigeria as ‘Imperial Mindset’ Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has strongly criticised former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson over remarks he made at an economic summit in Owerri, Imo State. Johnson had joked about trade relations, security concerns, and political mobility between Nigeria and the UK, comments Ejiofor described as disrespectful and rooted in “imperial mindset.” He argued that Johnson’s statements echoed colonial-era attitudes and ignored the historical imbalance in relations between both countries. Ejiofor also faulted African elites for applauding the remarks, calling it a troubling display of complicity. He urged Nigeria to demand more nuance from visiting leaders, reframe narratives around trade, and prioritise partnerships based on technology transfer, capacity building, and equitable terms.

How Global Events Drive Crude Oil Price Fluctuations This article explains how global political tensions, production decisions, economic performance, trade route disruptions, currency shifts, environmental policies, and market psychology all play critical roles in shaping crude oil prices. It highlights how traders react not only to real supply changes but also to expectations and sentiment driven by global events.

Second Republic Senator Isa Obaro of Old Kwara State Dies at 89 Former Second Republic senator, Isa Abonyi Obaro, who represented the old Kwara South (now Kogi Central) under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), has passed away. Obaro was widely respected as a legal luminary and a committed advocate for the Ebira people. Before joining politics, he served in the Federal Civil Service between 1958 and 1960, later building a notable legal career from 1963–1968 and 1975–1979. He also served as a commissioner in the Kwara State Executive Council from 1968 to 1975, and during his Senate tenure, contributed to major legislative work, including the Committee on Trade and Industries.