Regional News 

139m Nigerians Living In Poverty – World Bank – Daily Trust About 139 million Nigerians are currently living in poverty, according to The World Bank. This is just as the bank said the country’s economy has started to show signs of stability from ongoing reforms. Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja on Wednesday, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, commended the government for implementing bold economic reforms but warned that the benefits have yet to reach most citizens.

Nigeria’s life expectancy ranked lowest globally | Africanews Nigeria now stands as the world’s lowest life expectancy, according to a new United Nations data for 2025, which confirms a national average of just 54.9 years. This statistic, highlighted in the latest UN global health report, places Nigeria behind every other country in the world.  The numbers show men in Nigeria live an average of 54.3 years, while women reach 54.9, each figure far below Africa’s continental average and less than three-quarters of the global benchmark of 73.7 years. For comparison, Chad and the Central African Republic barely surpass Nigeria, with life

Zulum Orders Probe Into Allegations Of Harassment Over Hijab – Daily Trust Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered an investigation into allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that some Muslim women were harassed for wearing the hijab in certain hospitals in Maiduguri. Expressing deep concern over the report on Thursday, the governor said he had not received any official complaint or prior information on such incidents.

Saudi Arabia To Strengthen Education Ties With Nigeria, Others – Daily Trust The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has disclosed plans to deepen and increase educational scholarships offered to Nigerian students and those from sub-Saharan countries. Speaking during a conference of Forum of Saudi University Alumni in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Its Neighboring Countries, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, Saad bin Fahd Al-Marri, said the qualitative development witnessed by education in the Kingdom

https://solacebase.com/there-are-many-unqualified-teachers-in-nigeria-trcn/ The Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Ronke Soyombo, raised the alarm while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, in celebration of the 2025 World Teachers Day. While speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Recasting Teaching As A Collaborative Profession’, Dr Soyombo noted that while there were teachers without required qualifications, there were also those with genuine interest in the profession but could not be enrolled due to lack of qualifications.

Atiku Joins Sowore’s Campaign For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release – Daily Trust Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has joined human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in calling on the federal government to immediately release detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Atiku, in a post on his X handle yesterday, described Kanu’s continued detention as a “stain on Nigeria’s belief in the rule of law.”

Cleric Advocates Unified Friday Sermons – Daily Trust An Islamic scholar, Ustadh Dhikrullahi Shafii, has called for the adoption of a centralised Friday sermon across major mosques in Nigeria to promote unity and a common direction on issues affecting the Muslim community. He made the call at the 2nd Annual Imam’s Conference organised by the Daarus-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State.

Yobe Supports Tsangaya Schools With Learning Materials, Welfare Packages – Daily Trust The Yobe State Government has flagged off the distribution of learning materials to Tsangaya and Islamiyya (Islamic schools) across the state. The initiative aims to improve the welfare of Almajiri children and enhance the capacity of Islamiyya schools by creating a more structured, safe, and supportive learning environment.

Senate proposes bill of 10-year passport ban on Nigerians convicted abroad – SolaceBase The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill proposing a 10-year international passport ban for Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad. The bill, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), seeks to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, introducing strict penalties to deter criminal activities by Nigerians overseas and to redeem the integrity of the Nigerian passport.

Cooking Gas Scarcity Worsens Across Nigeria as Prices Skyrocket – Abc News Nigeria Across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and other urban centers, the cost of refilling a 12.5 kg gas cylinder has risen dramatically, now selling between ₦17,000 and ₦25,000, depending on the location. In some parts of Lagos and Ogun States, a kilogram of gas now costs as much as ₦3,500, compared to ₦1,200 a few weeks ago.

11,000 Farmers Trained On Smart Agric, Market Access Strategies – Daily Trust The NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, the Social Investment arm of NNPC Ltd., has trained over 11,000 farmers across five geopolitical zones to ensure national food security and rural development. The Managing Director of NNPCL Foundation, Mrs Emmanuel Arukwe, stated this at the flag-off of the training of 900 farmers who come from Yobe, Bauchi and Borno states on modern agricultural techniques and market access strategies held in Potiskum, Yobe State.

Borno leads INEC voter registration with 745,160 online More than 6.8 million Nigerians have pre-registered online for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, according to new data released by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday. INEC reported that a total of 6,856,979 people completed the online pre-registration process between September 29 and October 5, 2025 (Week seven of the exercise).

4,778 Die Of Cholera In 5 Years – Daily Trust A total of 4,778 people died of cholera in Nigeria between 2020 and 2024, according to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Within this year alone, over 300 deaths have been recorded, including the 179 fatalities which, according to a statement at the weekend by the Zamfara State Government, were recorded out of 12,052 suspected cases in the state as of September 2025.

Thousands rally for change ahead of Cameroon’s Presidential Election | Africanews Thousands gathered in the northern Cameroonian city of Maroua to show support for opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, just days before the country’s presidential election. Despite 92-year-old President Paul Biya seeking to extend his 43-year rule with an eighth term, Bakary says he’s confident he can pull off an upset. “We already have a system in place that allows us to know exactly who did what within 24 hours after the vote,” Bakary said. “Once results are in, I’ll invite the nation to celebrate victory.” His supporters say they are desperate for change in a country long plagued by political stagnation.

Mali’s transitional government dismisses officers over foiled coup attempt | Africanews Mali’s transitional leader, General Assimi Goïta, has formally dismissed a dozen high-ranking military personnel for their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt in August, according to a presidential decree made public this Wednesday. The decree, dated October 7, names several senior officers dismissed from the armed and security forces as a disciplinary measure. Among them are two brigadier generals—Abass Dembélé and Nema Sagara—along with multiple lieutenant colonels and captains. The move confirms the severe internal challenges facing the military-led government as it consolidates power.

The Sahel Alliance leaves the ICC… should the rest of Africa follow? [Africanews Debates] | Africanews “Africa should fix the International Criminal Court (ICC), not abandon it” Donald Deya, CEO of the Pan African Lawyers Union made this remark during the October edition of The Debate on Africanews. Reacting to the decision by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the ICC, Deya argued that while Africa’s frustrations with the Court are justified, “leaving isn’t the solution, reform is.” “It’s fair to say the ICC focused too heavily on

Cameroon’s 92-year-old Paul Biya makes first campaign stop as he seeks eighth presidential term | Africanews Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya appeared Tuesday at his first campaign rally for the upcoming election in which the world’s oldest head of state is seeking his eighth term. Addressing a crowd of supporters at a stadium in the Far North town of Maroua, Biya promised to step up security in the region plagued by extremist attacks, curb youth unemployment and improve road infrastructure and social amenities if he is reelected in Sunday’s vote. “My goal, my fellow citizens, is for every young person, wherever they may

Peace and Security

Nigeria loses $10bn to Northeast conflict, says UN The United Nations Children’s Fund has estimated that Nigeria lost about $10bn to the decade-long conflict in the North-East. UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, disclosed this in Maiduguri on Wednesday during the formal launch of a socio-economic reintegration programme for children affected by armed conflict.

Army Partners Media to Tackle Fake News, Boost National Security – PRNigeria News The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and media organisations to counter misinformation, protect operational integrity and strengthen national security. Oluyede made the remarks at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ combined third and fourth quarters media training seminar held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

Amid Boko Haram Crisis, Contraband Trade Thrives along Cameroon-Nigeria Borders – HumAngle Amid ongoing terrorist activities by Boko Haram in northern Cameroon, particularly in the Far North, contraband trade with Nigeria and neighbouring countries has resulted in a significant increase in Cameroon’s deficit, reaching 50.7 billion FCFA (around US$89.8 million). A report from Cameroon’s National Institute of Statistics (NIS) regarding informal transborder

Police Arrest 26 Suspected Kidnappers In Kaduna – Daily Trust The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 26 suspected kidnappers and recovered four fabricated firearms, dangerous weapons, and ₦546,000 believed to be part of ransom proceeds. The arrests were made during a series of coordinated operations carried out between 3rd and 5th October 2025, across various locations in the state.

Again, Herders, Farmers Killed In Plateau – Daily Trust At least five people were killed in two separate attacks on Wednesday in the communities of Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State. Daily Trust reports that herders, including two women, were killed around Mararraban Kantoma community in Mangu LGA, while farmers were killed around Dorowa-Babuje road in Barkin Ladi LGA.

African Union’s partnership with UN “essential to confronting threats” facing Africa | Africanews Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Head of the UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU), told the Security Council on Tuesday that the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, “as well as with other regional organizations, forms the foundation of an effective, networked multilateralism.” “The strong and enduring partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, as well as with other regional organizations, forms the foundation of an effective, networked multilateralism — essential to

Senate Summons Defence Minister, COAS, IGP Over Kwara Killings – Daily Trust The Senate on Wednesday resolved to summon the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to brief the lawmakers on the coordinated federal response to insecurity in Kwara South.

DSS Frees 7 Hajj Pilgrims Cleared Of Terrorism Allegations – Daily Trust The Department of State Services (DSS) has released seven individuals who were arrested four months ago upon their return from the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage over alleged links to terrorism. Each of the released persons was reportedly compensated with N1 million after investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Humanitarian

UNICEF & Borno empower 1,033 conflict-affected children The United Nations Children’s Fund, in partnership with the Borno State Government, has launched a vocational training programme aimed at empowering 1,033 children affected by armed conflict in the state. Speaking during the launch on Wednesday in Maiduguri, UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, said the initiative would equip children with practical, market-driven skills such as tailoring, ICT, car mechanics, shoemaking, and carpentry.

Mobilization and economic development

Reps panel vows to block $9bn annual loss to illegal mining The House of Representatives has inaugurated an Ad Hoc Committee on Illegal Mining, vowing to block the estimated $9 billion Nigeria loses every year to illicit mining operations across the country. Chairman of the committee, Sanni Abdulraheem (APC, Kogi), described illegal mining as a national scourge that robs Nigeria of revenue, fuels insecurity, and devastates the environment.

Tinubu’s Fresh $2.3bn Loan Request Gets To Senate – Daily Trust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, asked the Senate to approve a fresh external borrowing of $2.3billion. The President’s request, was contained in a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Tinubu said the new loan is to implement the 2025 Appropriation Act, refinance maturing Eurobonds, and expand Nigeria’s debt instruments to include Islamic finance products.

World Bank: Nigeria’s Economy Will Grow By 4.4% In 2027 – Daily Trust The World Bank has projected that Nigeria’s economy will grow by 4.4 percent in 2027, compared to the 4.2 percent earlier projected for the year 2025. World Bank said the growth will be driven by services and supported by agriculture and non-oil industry. Samer Matta, the World Bank’s senior economist for Nigeria, spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the October 2025 Nigeria Development Update (NDU) themed ‘From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home’.

Reps Move To Regulate Cryptocurrency, POS Operations – Daily Trust The House of Representatives has taken a step toward regulating cryptocurrency and Point-of-Sale (POS) operations in Nigeria, as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Monday inaugurated an ad hoc committee to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of digital financial transactions. Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, the Speaker said the move became necessary amid growing

Dangote begins $3bn fertiliser plant in Ethiopia, NGX chairman elated for the partnership – Yerwa Express News Dangote begins $3bn fertiliser plant in Ethiopia, NGX chairman elated for the partnership The Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Dr Umaru Kwairanga, has commended Ethiopia’s leadership for its economic progress and expressed optimism about stronger ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

NGF, UNDP Partner On Subnational Investment, Financing Reform – Daily Trust In a move to attract sustainable investment and strengthen state-level economies, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to drive subnational investment and financing reforms. A high-level UNDP delegation led by Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, and Dr. Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist for Africa and Head of the UNDP Economists’ Network,

EU To Deploy Finnish, Estonian Digital Infrastructure Model In Nigeria – Daily Trust The European Union (EU) has announced plans to support Nigeria in deploying the X-Road model of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), as successfully implemented in Finland and Estonia, to significantly enhance public service delivery across the country. EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, disclosed this on Thursday at the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards 2025 organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in Abuja.

CBN Clears $7bn Verified Forex Backlog – Daily Trust Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has disclosed that his administration has cleared over $7 billion in verified foreign exchange backlogs within two years in office. He said the CBN under his watch has also implemented major reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s financial system, including the unification of exchange rates to reduce volatility in the forex market.

Meta agrees to $32.8 Million data privacy settlement with Nigeria | Africanews Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is set to settle a $32.8 million data privacy fine with the Nigerian government, marking a significant moment for digital rights enforcement in Africa. The fine was imposed by Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in February 2025 for alleged violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Meta was accused of using Nigerian users’ data for behavioural advertising without explicit consent, processing personal data of non-users, failing to file mandatory compliance audits, and transferring user data abroad without authorisation.

Chad ends ties with Prince Harry’s African parks | Africanews Chad said it has withdrawn a mandate held by a non-profit conservation group associated with Prince Harry to manage its wildlife reserves, accusing the leading charity of not doing enough to stop poaching. African Parks showed “a recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude toward the government,” Environment Minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous said in a statement. He also said there had been a resurgence in poaching and a lack of investment at the reserves managed by the conservation group. African Parks said in a statement it was in talks to “better understand the

Dangote refinery strike cuts Nigeria oil output by 600,000 barrels | Africanews Nigeria has lost over 600,000 barrels of oil after a three-day nationwide strike over mass layoffs at the Dangote refinery disrupted production, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has confirmed.  NNPC upstream chief Bayo Ojulari said the walkout by the country’s main oil union made “optimum production almost impossible” as critical staff were absent from facilities. The strike resulted in a deferred production of about 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) over the period.