Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Nigeria booked their place in the final of the African playoff stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a dramatic 4‑1 win over Gabon in extra time. The match took place in Rabat, Morocco, as part of the continental mini‐tournament for the runners‑up of the groups. Key Facts Venue: Neutral ground, Rabat, Morocco. This was a semi‑final of the CAF qualifying playoff for Africa’s additional spot in the inter‑continental playoffs. Nigeria prevailed 4‑1 after extra time, having been pegged back to 1‑1 late in regular time. Match Progression & Goals Nigeria took the lead in the 78th minute…

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG), has announced a significant reversal of its education language policy — deciding to abandon the use of indigenous/mother-tongue instruction and instead make English the medium of teaching from pre-primary through tertiary education. Background In 2022 the government approved a new national language policy (the National Language Policy, or NLP), which stipulated that children from early childhood or pre-primary up to Primary Six should be taught in their mother tongue or the language of the immediate community, with English introduced later. This policy corresponded with the earlier national education framework (the National Policy on Education,…

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to suspend the planned 15% import duty on petrol (PMS), and diesel (AGO). Background In late October 2025, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu approved a policy introducing a 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). The duty would apply on the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF), value of imported fuel. The aims were to: Protect and encourage domestic refining capacity (especially the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and modular refineries). Align import costs with “domestic market…

The Lagos State Government has unveiled a 25% subsidy on essential food items as the festive season approaches — a move aimed at easing the cost-of‐living pressures on households. What The Subsidy Covers According to Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, the initiative includes: A 25% discount on staples like 5 kg rice, 3.2 kg beans, 2.5 kg garri, 1 loaf of bread, 1 kg each of pepper and other essentials. Availability of these discounted items at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub, Mushin. Extension of support to farmers via the second phase of the ‘Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy…

The Federal Government of Nigeria under the new Tax Act 2025, plans to overhaul the capital gains tax (CGT), regime. Find as I listed below among the key changes: The current CGT rate on share‑disposals and other capital assets (previously around 10 %), would be increased – reports suggest up to 30 % for certain disposals. A threshold exemption of ₦150 million annually has been cited as applying to retail investors, which the government says covers “99.9 %” of such investors. A reinvestment relief carve‑out: For instance, if proceeds from share sales are reinvested in equities, certain taxes may be exempt; but if reinvested…

In a dramatic turn in Washington, President Donald Trump signed a bill on Wednesday night ending the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, bringing to close, a 43‑day impasse that had gripped the country. The Shutdown and Its End The shutdown began when federal agency funding lapsed on October 1, 2025, and Congress failed to agree on a continuing resolution and full appropriations. It broke the previous record for U.S. government shutdowns, topping 43 days. Early on Wednesday evening, the United States House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 222‑209 (six Democrats joined Republicans), after the United States…

There is a brewing tension between public-health authorities and industry groups over the planned prohibition of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles (below 200 ml). On one side, the regulatory body, NAFDAC, says the move is necessary to curb alcohol misuse; on the other, the industry warns of large economic fallout if the ban is enforced. The Ban: What it Entails In November 2025, NAFDAC reiterated that the ban on production, distribution and sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small bottles will take full effect by December 31, 2025, with enforcement beginning January 2026. The agency argues…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of its acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, has publicly reaffirmed that its much-anticipated national convention will proceed on 15–16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State — despite legal challenges and internal factional opposition led by the camp aligned to Nyesom Wike. Background The convention is intended to elect national officers of the party, establish its leadership for the next phase, and position the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. The date was set following resolutions from earlier party organs and gatherings. However, the path is far from smooth. Legal injunctions have…

In a move to quash circulating speculation, the Nigerian Senate has formally denied that any impeachment process is underway against its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Denial From The Senate Leadership During plenary proceedings on Wednesday, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, stated unequivocally that no discussion or formal plan exists within the Senate to remove Senator Akpabio from his role. He described the reports as “misleading” and “intended to create confusion” in the National Assembly.He further remarked: “There was no attempt by any of our colleagues, nor any discussion about removing the Senate President from office. We are fully united … Reports…

The Lagos State Government (LASG), has confirmed plans for a major rehabilitation of the road corridor between Lekki and Ajah, spanning eight months from Saturday, November 15, 2025, to Wednesday, July 15, 2026. In this period, there will be partial closure and traffic diversion along the stretch to allow for the works to proceed. The project is to be carried out in two phases to reduce disruption: Phase 1: From Lekki 1st Toll Gate to Lekki 2nd Toll Gate — work in seven sections, one lane closed at a time while the other remains open for traffic towards Lekki/Ajah. Phase…

A recent report by the World Bank titled “The State of Social Safety Nets in Nigeria” (November 2025), has delivered a sobering indictment of Nigeria’s social protection architecture. Key among its findings: although approximately 56 % of the recipients of the country’s safety‑net schemes are classified as poor, just 44 % of the total benefits disbursed actually reach those poor households. What the Numbers Show The report reveals that while more than half (56 %) of beneficiaries of government‑sponsored social safety‑net programmes are poor, those poor households receive only 44 % of total benefits. This gap manifests an efficiency and targeting problem: programmes are not…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have entered a serious stand-off with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-Off match against Gabon. The players have threatened not to play unless the NFF clears long-outstanding bonuses and allowances. Background Nigeria qualify for a one-leg semi-final play-off in Rabat, Morocco, against Gabon on Thursday, 13 November 2025. The players and staff allege that the NFF owes them bonuses and allowances, in some cases going back multiple years (including for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers). In protest, the squad refused to train on Tuesday…