US Urges Nigeria to release Binance executive as health worsens

The US government is urging Nigeria to release an employee of the world’s largest crypto exchange Binance who was arrested in February and has faced worsening health conditions in prison, according to two US State Department officials.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue directly with his Nigerian counterpart in May, as confirmed by the officials. US diplomats, including the ambassador to Nigeria, have since held private discussions with several top Nigerian officials, including the country’s president, finance minister, attorney general, and trade minister, advocating for the employee’s release.

The detained employee, Mr. Gambaryan, 40, has reportedly endured significant medical challenges while incarcerated, including a bout of malaria and complications stemming from a herniated disk.

US diplomats have stressed the need for his release on humanitarian grounds. According to his family, Mr. Gambaryan has not received adequate medical attention, leading to a rapid decline in his health.

Efforts to secure his release have escalated since June, with the State Department repeatedly pressing the Nigerian government over concerns about his lack of proper medical care. Despite this, his supporters are calling on the U.S. to take more decisive action.

Mr. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed her frustrations in an interview, saying, “I would be very upset if the US government welcomes Nigerian delegates with open arms,” referring to the upcoming visit of Nigerian officials to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

As Crypto Briefing reported, in May, Binance CEO Richard Teng demanded the release of Tigran Gambaryan, detained in Nigeria for over 70 days, warning of the dangerous precedent it sets for global businesses.

In June, US lawmakers visited Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in a Nigerian prison, advocating for his release due to critical health conditions and inadequate care.

By Diego Almada Lopez, Crypto Briefing

Related story: US lawmakers say Nigeria is detaining American to extort Binance

Nigeria faces humanitarian crisis as floods ravage communities, farmlands

Nigeria faces a looming humanitarian crisis as massive floods submerge communities and farmlands across the country.

At least 10 states have experienced massive flooding this year, displacing close to 500,000 residen0ts.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the floods destroyed more than 16,000 hectares of farmlands. Farmers in some communities are now being forced to harvest their farm produce prematurely over fears of destruction by imminent floods.

In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, North-east Nigeria, overflowing riverbanks and the collapse of the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River have opened floodgates in the city. Buildings are now submerged, and more than 239,000 residents have been displaced, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Authorities are scampering to evacuate inmates from one affected prison. Animals in the zoo have been let loose by the floods, causing panic among residents.

An aerial view of the city reminds one of Nigeria’s massive flooding of 2022. Described as the worst in a decade, it displaced more than 1.4 million people in 34 of the country’s 36 states.

Although this year’s flood did not cause the same scale of destruction, it raised similar systemic issues in Nigeria’s flood management and emergency preparedness.

The development also threatens a new wave of humanitarian crises in a country facing increasing hardship amidst fears that 26.5 million Nigerians face food insecurity this year, up from 18.6 million people last year, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation.
There were warnings

The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), launched in April, predicted high floods in 148 local government areas (LGAs) in 31 states, including Borno. The report, produced by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), also said 249 LGAs in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are within moderate flood risk areas.

The report listed the high flood-prone states as Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue and Borno. Others are Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.

“These regions are characterised by erratic rainfall patterns, river basin dynamics and inadequate hydraulic infrastructures, amplifying the potential for devastating flood impacts on communities, agriculture and infrastructures,” the report stated.

The AFO recommended implementing robust early warning systems to provide timely alerts to at-risk communities and enable proactive evacuation and response efforts.

It also recommended infrastructure improvements, such as flood defences, drainage systems, and embankments, to mitigate flood risk and protect vulnerable areas.

It added: “Strengthening institutional capacity at all levels of government to effectively coordinate flood response and recovery efforts, including disaster risk management, emergency response and post-disaster recovery planning.”
NEMA prepares

The spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Manzo Ezekiel, told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday that the agency had sent alarms to stakeholders, including state governors, since the beginning of the year, asking them to prepare for the floods.

He said the agency also met with the stakeholders to analyse the flood forecast and the roles to play towards mitigating the occurrence. He noted that the agency also placed several jingles on the radio, directing residents of flood-prone and riverine areas to be on the lookout.

“NEMA wrote to all the state governors. And we didn’t stop at that. NEMA convened stakeholder meetings where the forecast was discussed, and the mitigating side was discussed. Then NEMA also embarked on advocacy to the stakeholders,” he said in a telephone interview on Wednesday.
Floods ravage communities, destroy farmlands

The flood in Borno, exacerbated by the collapse of the Alau dam, has garnered the most attention and has been described as the worst that the state experienced in over three decades.

However, at least 10 other states listed in the AFO report have witnessed flooding that killed people and destroyed properties in the last two months.

Last month, at least 39 people lost their lives to massive floods that swept through part of Jigawa State. According to the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Haruna Mairiga, more than 15,000 people were displaced and 8,500 houses were affected by the floods. Mr Mairiga added that 12,000 hectares of farmlands were washed away.

In Adamawa State, at least six persons were reported dead in August as a result of the flooding that displaced more than 12,961 persons in three LGAs, namely Madagali, Demsa, and Numan.

In Gombe and Yobe states, more than 4,000 houses and farmlands have been destroyed by flood. While Gombe SEMA said 2,517 houses and shops were destroyed by a flood that ravaged 33 communities, the Yobe SEMA stated that 1,650 houses were destroyed in Jajere and Yunusari towns of the state.

In Kaduna, close to 4,000 people have been displaced by flooding. More than 200 houses were submerged in Zaria and Sabon-Gari LGAs of Kaduna State. In Kafanchan and surrounding villages in Jema’a LGA of the state, floods displaced more than 1,000 residents and killed two children. In Zango Kataf LGA, NEMA said the flood had displaced no fewer than 3,633 people from five communities.

In Kano, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Isyaku Kubarachi, said the recent flood killed 31 people and displaced 31,818.

He said the floods destroyed 2,518 farmlands, covering 976 hectares of land in 21 local government areas in the state, and 5,280 houses.

The Executive Secretary of Zamfara State SEMA, Ahmed Bala, said the flood affected 9,784 households in all 12 political wards in Gummi LGA of the state. He added that 12 people lost their lives while hundreds of hectares of farmlands were washed away.

In Bauchi, the state SEMA said more than N7.81 billion worth of farmlands and properties have been destroyed by flood in 16 LGAs.

The agency’s Director of planning, Research, and Statistics, Adamu Nayola, attributed the flood to two months of heavy downpours in the northern part of the state.

“The floods, which affected communities in 16 hard-hit LGAs, destroyed and damaged houses, farmlands, roads, electricity poles, and domestic animals. This resulted in significant economic losses,” he said.

He listed affected LGAs as Giade, Shira, Katagum, Gamawa, Zaki, Kirfi, Dambam, Alkaleri, Darazo, Itas Gadau, Toro, Bauchi, Misau, Jama’are, Warji and Ganjuwa.
Premature harvest

In Anambra and Bayelsa states, panicky farmers are prematurely harvesting crops over fear of an impending flood disaster that could destroy them if left unharvested.

According to Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of Anambra SEMA, many community farmlands had already been submerged due to increased water levels.
Looming humanitarian crises

NEMA announced last month that more than 16,000 hectares of farmlands have been destroyed in 27 states. With the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation’s warning that an estimated 26.5 million people would face food insecurity in Nigeria this year, the situation threatens to become dire.

NEMA has also warned that the overflowing rivers are reaching other communities. The agency has placed other states, such as Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa, on alert.

With the flood in Maiduguri, Mr Ezekiel said NEMA has deployed some of the facilities used in Jigawa to Maiduguri. He listed them as including life jackets, rescue boats, spreaders and cutters, and a mobile water treatment plant.

“As I speak to you now, since Jigawa has stabilised with the situation in Maiduguri, our facilities have been moved to Maiduguri to support the ongoing rescue operations that are ongoing there now,” he added.

He, therefore, called for preparedness in the central and southern states, noting that the “water will naturally flow downward.”

By Qosim Suleiman, Premium Times

Nigeria Government signs CTC agreement to reduce airline operating cost

The federal government, on Thursday, signed the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions in a move to reduce the cost of airline operations in the Nigerian aviation sector.

The agreement was made by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

With the signing of the CTC Practice Directions, the Cape Town Convention becomes fully operational in Nigeria, thereby reducing insurance costs for airlines, restoring investor confidence in the nation’s aviation sector, and enabling domestic airline operators to dry lease aircraft, among other benefits.

A statement issued by the Vice President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, noted that some local operators had previously breached the Cape Town Convention, which regulates aircraft leasing globally. This led to the Aviation Working Group, co-chaired by Airbus and Boeing, warning that Nigeria would be blacklisted until it implements a law to prevent such breaches.

Speaking after the signing, Shettima said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a pro-business government that is ready “to take all the necessary measures – as painful as some might be – to protect, promote, project, and preserve the interests of the Nigerian nation,” as well as support and advance the nation’s airline industry.

He said, “It is a great day for the Nigerian nation. We had fruitful engagements and were able to exchange ideas across all sectors, leading to robust solutions for the challenges facing the aviation industry.

“I want to take this opportunity to commend Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. Judges are, by nature, very conservative. For him to address the issue directly and sign the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions is truly commendable.”

The Vice President also praised the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, saying, “All the issues concerning airline operators have been addressed by the Minister, and on Monday, they will meet him to further consolidate our gains.”

Shettima assured airline operators in the country that President Tinubu will do everything possible to promote and preserve the Nigerian airline industry.

He added, “And, of course, my brother, Allen Ikechukwu Onyema, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, and Alhaji Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, the Chairman of Azman Airlines, I want to assure you that the current administration, headed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a pro-business and pro-Nigeria government that will take all necessary measures to protect, promote, project, and preserve the interests of the Nigerian nation.

“Air Peace has a fleet of 35 aircraft with 26 more on order. Rest assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is keenly interested in the promotion and preservation of the Nigerian airline industry. I spoke with him about three days ago, and he was very interested in the outcome of our deliberations today. I will report back to him.”

The Finance Minister, Mr. Edun, promised to meet with airline operators and other stakeholders to finalize issues related to the agreements reached at the meeting with the Vice President.

He stated, “My Lord, the CJ of the Federal High Court, has called it an action to revolutionize the airline industry. PEBEC is all about improving the business environment and reducing costs. What has been signed here will substantially reduce costs in the airline industry, facilitate growth and development, and include further actions that I’m sure will be taken once I meet with the airline industry and also discuss some charges with Customs that they want lowered, and which they believe by law should have been implemented at lower levels.

“So, we’ll discuss that on Monday; it will be a further step toward improving the business environment for airlines. It’s all part of a strategy that has already produced a growing economy, lower inflation, a relatively stable exchange rate, and increased foreign reserves, with a positive balance of trade.”

Speaking on behalf of airline operators in Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Mr. Onyema, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for bringing about positive change in the aviation sector.

He added that since assuming office, the President has introduced policies that will help improve the lives of Nigerians.

“Today is a historic day for Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again demonstrated that he is not only a listening President but has gone a long way to make doing business in the aviation industry easier than ever before since the creation of this country called Nigeria.

“We, the airline operators, are extremely happy and commend him for what he has done today. Today is a revolution. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated a positive revolution in the aviation industry by implementing the Cape Town Convention Practice Directions in Nigeria,” Onyema stated.

Special Adviser to the President on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, noted that the signing of the document will help reduce insurance costs as well as the cost of doing business in the aviation sector.

She said, “Nigerians have recently been seeing high flight ticket prices due to several factors, including foreign exchange issues and other regulatory and bureaucratic challenges. However, because the President is committed to addressing these challenges one by one, this is one of the outcomes of his efforts.

“I just want to thank the President for his attention to easing the business environment and making Nigeria a progressively easier place to start and grow a business.”

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who was represented by the Aviation Ministry’s Director of Human Resources, Dr. Anastasia Gbem, said the signing of the document aligns with the Ministry’s goal of enhancing the capacity of local airlines.

She added that the signing of the document will reassure the international community that investing in Nigeria is safe.

“Investors can bring their aircraft into Nigeria, and if there is any problem, such aircraft would be recovered within the 10-day period provided by Nigeria and the Cape Town Convention. This is an unprecedented achievement and will boost Nigerian airlines and the entire aviation industry,” said the Minister.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission of Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Omoseye, said the signing of the document marks significant progress for Nigeria’s aviation sector and the economy in general.

Leon Usigbe, Nigerian Tribune 

Nigeria’s diabetes patients struggle to afford medication after surge in prices

The cost of diabetes medication has surged by over 500 percent in the past year, affecting over 11 million Nigerians living with the disease. Experts say a worsening foreign exchange crisis and the exit of major pharmaceutical companies combine to drive up prices. Health experts urge the government to intervene, warning that the situation could lead to numerous preventable deaths.

CGTN

Nurse who left 10-week-old baby to die while she went to work jailed

An NHS nurse who left her ten-week-old baby to die while she went to work has been jailed for three years.

Single mother Ruth Auta, 28, abandoned Joshua Akerele in her nurse's accommodation for eight hours so she could work her shift on December 20, 2022.

When she returned to her room, she found Joshua lifeless in his cot and dialled 999, telling operators her son was not breathing.

The infant was pronounced dead an hour later with tests showing he may have 'overheated' due to the layers of clothing and bedding he was wrapped in.

Auta initially told the police that she had collected Joshua from a childminder after she had finished work, took him back home, fed him, placed him on her bed and then fell asleep next to him.

She claimed that when she woke up, she found him unresponsive.

Later in her police interview, Auta gave no comment to questions asked and was freed on bail pending further investigation.

Auta was charged after police found CCTV of her leaving and entering her accommodation without Joshua on the day of the tragedy.

Officers also discovered incriminating texts in which she urged her childminder to say she was looking after Joshua that day.

The childminder told officers she had not seen the infant for a number of days.

Auta was charged with cruelty to a child and pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates' court on May 24, 2024 with her case adjourned by a month for sentence.

On June 6, the nurse who worked at Royal Bolton Hospital tried to flee the country.

But she was detained at Gatwick while attempting to board the flight to her native Nigeria, having purchased a one-way ticket.

Auta was sentenced to three years in jail when she appeared at Bolton Crown Court on 10 September.

Sara Davie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: 'Whilst she went to work to provide care for other people, Ruth Auta left the very person who needed her care the most home alone.

'As a nurse she should have known the dangers of leaving her baby unattended. As she begins her sentence, she must now live with the consequences of the terrible decision she made that day.

'Auta has failed to show remorse throughout the case. She misled police about her childcare arrangements and then tried to evade justice by attempting to flee the country.

'Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those who been affected by Joshua's death.'

Prosecutors said she left her nurse's accommodation shortly after 6.30am to carry out her shift leaving behind her Joshua.

At 3.24pm Auta called for an ambulance reporting that her son was not breathing.

Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Joshua could not be saved and was pronounced dead at 4.40pm.

Experts could not confirm the exact cause of Joshua's death as he was said to be a 'healthy baby in all respects'.

An inquest into Joshua's death was opened and adjourned in Bolton in January this year.

By Matt Drake, Daily Mail

Floods in northeastern Nigeria affect one million people

Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria has killed at least 30 people and affected more than one million others, the authorities have said.

The collapse of the Alau dam on the Ngadda river in Borno State on Tuesday caused some of the state’s worst flooding since the same dam collapsed 30 years ago, and prompted residents to flee their homes.

The state government said on Wednesday that the dam was at capacity due to unusually high rains. Officials expected the death toll to rise.

The current flooding comes nearly two years after Nigeria’s worst flooding in a decade killed more than 600 people across the country.

Ezekiel Manzo, spokesman of the National Emergency Management Agency, on Wednesday put the death toll at 30.

“One million people have been affected so far,” said an aide for Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, adding that as efforts to document displaced people begin, that number could rise to nearly two million.

Residents of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, said food has become expensive since the central market was destroyed in the floods.

The swirling waters partially destroyed a local zoo and several animals escaped. Mary Mamza, a Maiduguri resident, said people were afraid to leave their homes after an escaped crocodile was killed near her home.

West Africa has experienced some of its worst flooding in decades. More than 2.3 million people have been affected so far this year, which is a threefold increase from last year, according to the United Nations.

African nations are losing up to 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) every year as they bear a heavier burden than the rest of the world from climate change, a new report said on Monday after one of the continent’s hottest years on record.

The World Meteorological Organization said many African nations are spending up to 9 percent of their budgets for climate adaptation policies.

Al Jazeera

Related story: Dam collapse in Nigeria sweeps deadly reptiles into flooded communities

Luton confirm signing of former Chelsea and Nigeria winger Victor Moses on free transfer

Former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Victor Moses has joined Luton on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old has signed a permanent contract at Kenilworth Road, subject to international clearance, having spent the last four years at Spartak Moscow after initially moving to Russia on loan from the Blues in 2020.

Moses told the Hatters' website: "I'm looking forward to it. I had a few offers from Europe, but I said to my agent that I set my mind on staying over here, and here we are. I'm very pleased and honoured to be at this club and I just can't wait to get going.

"I spoke to Rob (Edwards, manager) before I came, I spoke to the directors and they told me the plan and the history of the club, and I just want to be part of the success.

"I want to come here and enjoy my football, work hard for the club and for the team, and get back to where we belong in the Premier League."

After starting his career with Palace and then spending two and half years with Wigan, Moses secured a move to Chelsea in 2012 and was part of the Europa League-winning squad in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

The former England youth and Nigeria senior international also had loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke, West Ham, Fenerbahce and Inter Milan before making the permanent move to Spartak Moscow in 2021.

Edwards said: "Victor is one we've been talking to for quite a while. He trained with us last week and played 60 minutes in a behind-closed-doors game, and we made a decision because we think he's able to come in and help us.

"He gives us more strength in depth and versatility, because he's someone who can play both sides or as a number 10.

"He's played for so many different clubs in different ways and shapes, and under different managers, so he's tactically aware. We think he's someone who can provide some really good competition for us."

Yahoo Sports

Nigeria Plans To Block Oil Smuggling Routes

A new plan has been proposed by key security Agencies to protect the country’s oil and gas industry through tightening border controls and improving security around petroleum products conveyors.

Part of the plan would see the establishment of a centre for linkages and collaboration, bringing together all relevant stakeholders for improved information sharing and joint operations to combat smuggling more effectively.

This is part of agreement reached in a meeting held by the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) at the instance of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

The new plan would also explore the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance monitoring and control of petroleum product movement throughout the supply chain.

Prosecuting offenders and significant penalties to offenders would be applied under the current arrangement.

A communiqué jointly signed by the National Security Adviser, NCS, NMDPRA, NNPCL and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) among others, after a stakeholder meeting on petroleum product smuggling held on Monday affirmed agreement to that effect.

The meeting resolved to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on the detrimental effects of petroleum smuggling on the nation’s economy and security.

“This campaign would be a joint effort of all participating agencies, leveraging various media platforms to reach all segments of society.

“The NNPC Ltd. and NMDPRA, in collaboration with the NCS, agreed to explore the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance monitoring and control of petroleum product movement throughout the supply chain.” the communique read.

It added that the stakeholders at the gathering publicly disassociated themselves from smuggling activities and committed to implementing stricter internal controls even as they agreed to cooperate fully with the NCS and other agencies in identifying and reporting suspected smuggling activities.

The communiqué also disclosed that a formal mechanism was established for regular feedback from stakeholders on anti-smuggling efforts.

This includes periodic review meetings of the operation, with participation from all relevant agencies and associations, it stated.

They also called on the need to support Operation Whirlwind, for stronger collaboration between the service, NMDPRA, NNPC, and other security agencies.

“The meeting acknowledged the significant costs associated with anti-smuggling operations. A resolution was passed to advocate for increased budgetary allocation for Operation Whirlwind, with support from all participating agencies.

“The Operation Whirlwind team, with support from other agencies, will develop a strategy to actively engage community leaders in border areas as partners in the fight against smuggling,” the communiqué stated.

They also agreed that the NSA would work with relevant government bodies to implement existing laws, aiming to strengthen penalties for smuggling and provide greater legal backing for anti-smuggling operations, ‘the forum encouraged NCS to prosecute offenders.’

The communiqué added that the service would collaborate with NMDPRA and NNPC Ltd to develop a long-term, sustainable strategy for combating petroleum smuggling, adding that the platform would be reviewed and updated annually under the supervision of the NSA.

The communiqué also stated that a joint monitoring team, comprising representatives from all participating agencies and associations, was established to monitor the implementation of these resolutions and to provide periodic progress reports to the NSA.

“The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to work collaboratively towards eliminating petroleum smuggling and ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain,”.

By Chika Izuora, Leadership

Related story: Army destroys illegal refineries in Nigeria, seizes crude oil

Dam collapse in Nigeria sweeps deadly reptiles into flooded communities

A dam collapsed Tuesday in northeastern Nigeria unleashing severe flooding that prompted evacuations and swept deadly reptiles from a zoo into communities in the area, local officials and a zoo manager said.

The collapse of the Alau dam in the state of Borno caused some of the state's worst flooding since the same dam collapsed 30 years ago, and prompted many residents to flee their homes. The dam was at full capacity due to unusually high rains, according to the state government.

About 15 per cent of the Borno state capital Maiduguri was under water, Nahum Daso, the state's police spokesperson told The Associated Press. No death toll from the flooding has been released yet.

At the Borno State Museum Park, the flooding killed about 80 per cent of the animals while an unspecified number of reptiles escaped, zoo general manager Ali Abatcha Don Best said.

"Some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities, animals like crocodiles and snakes," the zoo manager said.

The local authorities issued a flooding alert and an immediate evacuation order for residents close to river banks, Usman Tar, Borno's commissioner for information and internal security said. All schools in the state will close for the next two weeks, he added.

The dam collapse is compounding a humanitarian crisis in Borno over the past decade due to the activities of Boko Haram insurgents. The insurgency, which has spilled across borders around Lake Chad, has killed more than 35,000 people, displaced 2.6 million others in the country's north-east region.

Boko Haram, with one branch allied to the Islamic State group, wants to install an Islamic state in Nigeria, West Africa's oil giant of 170 million people divided almost equally between a mainly Christian south and a predominantly Muslim north.

Earlier this year, at least 18 people were killed by suicide bombers in a coordinated attack targeting a wedding, a funeral and a hospital in Borno.

AP

Video - Nigeria vs Rwanda Highlights - AFCON Qualifiers

 

Video - Nigerian men speak on mental health awareness

Some Nigerians say societal views on masculinity and cultural expectations have prevented African men from gaining mental health awareness. VOA Africa took to the streets of the West African nation to hear people’s opinions.

VOA

Nigeria cracks the whip on fake university degrees

Fake university degrees are not new to Nigeria. The country’s decision to ban many foreign universities accused of awarding such degrees aims to reverse the trend.Nigeria has defended its recently revived and long fight against fraudulent university degrees declaring its strong commitment and relentless effort to end the practice.

Earlier this year, it suspended degrees obtained by Nigerians from Universities in Benin and Togo. But last month, the ban was subsequently broadened to cover some universities in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana.

"For the first time, this is a decisive game changer and large-scale decision-making by the current government, that it has zero tolerance [for fake degrees]," Dr. Chris Maiyaki, the acting executive secretary of the Nigerian National Universities Commission based in the capital, Abuja told DW.

Nigerian authorities say they want tomaintain the credibility of their educational system and protect employersfrom potential fraudulent practices.

The latest decision by Africa's most populous nation was triggered by an undercover report by a local newspaper journalist who easily acquired a degree from a university in Benin.

The journalist, Umar Audu, detailed how he acquired the degree for a four-year program from Benin University in under two months. "To get your certificate in six weeks, as this undercover journalist did across the border of Niger, is unthinkable. It is inconceivable," Maiyaki said.

State agencies and ministries in charge of accrediting academic qualifications obtained abroad are already facing investigations.

Nigeria's Minister of Education told journalists that the federal government of President Bola Tinubu had directed the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to issue a circular to flush out anybody with fake certificates.

Safeguarding the integrity of university degrees

He said this measure should safeguard Nigeria's employers and maintain the integrity of qualifications in the country.

Dr. Richmond Acheampong, a communication lecturer at the Christian Service University in Ghana, told DW that Nigeria is taking the right steps in tackling the menace.

"That [banning of several foreign institutions] is a step in the right direction. It will help check the incidence of these [fake] certificates," Acheampong said.

Fraudulent university qualifications are not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. In January this year the government announced it was investigating 107 local private universities that began operating in the past 15 years.

This was to tackle the proliferation of fake degrees again on the back of media investigations into the menace.

"There are pockets of illegality here and there, but we will wish that this does not, in any way, cloud the rich academic tradition and the glorious years that the Nigerian University brand has enjoyed over the years," Maiyaki said.

According to Acheampong, the prevalence of fake university degrees is often linked to a lack of "proper oversight" by regulatory bodies.

In Ghana, where fake degrees had been reported in the past, Acheampong said the menace has largely been contained through a vigorous monitoring process.

"This is what Ghana has been doing over the years to resolve the issue of these certificates. [Ghanaian authorities] regularly publish list of accredited institutions to caution the public against unaccredited institutions."

Nigeria must learn from its neighbors

Acheampong said Nigeria can learn from Ghana by ensuring that employers always verify employees' certificates. "[Ghana] also encourages employers to verify certificates of their prospective employees," Acheampong said.

Nigerian authorities have assured citizens and the world that the credibility of degrees awarded within Nigeria by local universities still meets regulatory standards.

"The academic credibility is not in doubt, but it is a matter that we're worried about because no matter how little it is, the fraction can impinge on the reputation of our certificates in our universities," Maiyaka said, adding that Nigeria was earnestly looking into the issue. "It is one matter that we will continue to tackle."

But for Acheampong, Nigeria must do more to win the fight. "Nigeria can go a step further by making sure that people who are already caught or busted are given the appropriate punishment to serve as a deterrent to others," the Ghanaian academic said.


Nigerian authorities revealed that at least 21,600 Nigerian graduates obtained fraudulent degrees from institutions in Benin Republic, Togo, and other countries. That signals the high interest by Nigerians to acquire fradulent qualifications.

"You could see a lot of young Nigerians now who are desperately looking for certificates, and it is causing a serious dent to our educational sector," Audu, the investigative journalist, told DW when his investigation first came public in January this year.

Acheampong said Nigeria must launch a major awareness campaign on the issue. "It is by educating the public about the risks of fake qualifications and how to also verify the legitimacy of institutions. This can help check it," Acheampong added.

He urged Nigerian authorities to also engage in cross-border collaborations with countries where it has identified institutions awarding fraudulent degrees if it wants to make many gains.

By Isaac Kaledzi, DW

Team Nigeria Ends Paralympic Games in Style, as Folashade Oluwafemiayo Breaks World Record to Win Gold

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed immense joy and pride following Team Nigeria’s incredible performance at the Paralympics, which concluded with a remarkable a gold medal and a historic world record on the final day.

Nigeria’s para-powerlifting star, Folashade Oluwafemiayo made history by breaking her own world record in the Women’s Over 86kg Para-Powerlifting category.

She became the first para-athlete to lift an incredible 166kg surpassing her previous world record of 165kg.

Team Nigeria finished the Paralympic Games on a high note, winning 2 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals, bringing the nation’s total medal tally to seven.

Reacting to this outstanding performance, Senator John Owan Enoh said, “this is a moment of jubilation for Nigeria! Folashade Oluwafemiayo’s world record and gold medal, along with the collective achievements of Team Nigeria, have filled the nation with pride. “

“We celebrate not only the medals but also the spirit of resilience and determination that our athletes have shown.”

The Honourable Minister emphasized the government’s continued commitment to supporting Para sports, pledging that Team Nigeria’s success will serve as inspiration for the next generation of athletes.

“As we close this chapter of the Paralympic Games, we are reminded of the importance of investing in our athletes. Their success motivates us to do more in providing the necessary resources and support for their continued growth and achievements.”

SportsDay

Related story: Eniola Bolaji Clinches Nigeria’s First Medal at 2024 Paris Paralympics

Video - Nigeria spends $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports

The growing demand for dairy products in Nigeria, coupled with limited local production, has led the government to spend $1.5 billion annually on imports. Currently, local dairy production meets only 40% of the country’s demand, as Africa's most populous nation continues to struggle with boosting its milk output.

CGTN

More than 50 killed in Nigeria fuel tanker crash

At least 50 people have been killed in central Nigeria's Niger state, after a fuel tanker collided with a lorry carrying passengers and cattle, the country's disaster agency said.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency said the collision happened at about 00:30 local time on Sunday (23:30 GMT Saturday), and caused an explosion which engulfed both vehicles.

Director-general of the agency, Abdullahi Baba-arah, said response teams were dispatched to the scene to manage the situation.

A number of other vehicles were also caught up in the explosion.

Footage taken from the scene shortly after the incident shows the two vehicles, which have been entirely burnt out, as well as a number of dead cattle.

Speaking to the Reuters news agency after the incident, an emergency rescue worker said they were attempting to recover bodies, as well as dead animals which were still inside the vehicle.

Emergency agency spokesperson Hussain Ibrahim told the BBC that funerals took place for the victims on Sunday.

“We had a mass burial for 52 people yesterday and we have eight people receiving treatment at the hospital," he said.

“This without doubt is the worst accident we have recorded in many years.”

He added that the Niger state government is footing the hospital bill for those injured.

Governor Umaru Bago said he was “pained by the unfortunate incident” in a condolence message to the families of the victims.

Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in Nigeria, partly due to the poor state of roads.

By Michael Sheils McNamee & Mansur Abubakar, BBC

Related story: Video - 20 people feared dead following tanker explosion in Nigeria

Nigerian brothers get 17 years for sextortion that led to Michigan teen's death

Two brothers from Nigeria were sentenced Thursday to 17 1/2 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexually extorting more than 100 young men and teenage boys across the United States, including a Michigan high school student who died by suicide, prosecutors said.

Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, each pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to exploit teenage boys sexually and were later extradited from Nigeria to the United States, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan. They were accused of running an international sextortion ring in which they posed as young women and targeted over 100 victims, including at least 11 minors.

Prosecutors said the Ogoshis conducted their sextortion scheme while living in Nigeria, where they bought hacked social media accounts and used them to lure victims with fake profiles. The scheme resulted in the death of 17-year-old high school student, Jordan DeMay, in March 2022.

DeMay died from a self-inflicted gunshot at his home in Marquette, Michigan, after he was blackmailed by Samuel Ogoshi, according to court records.

"To criminals who commit these schemes: you are not immune from justice. We will track you down and hold you accountable, even if we have to go halfway around the world to do so," U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said in a statement. "And to parents, teenagers, and everyone who uses a cell phone: please, please be careful. These devices can connect you to criminal networks around the world. Don’t assume people are who they say they are. Don’t share compromising images. And if you’re a victim, please reach out."

Financial sextortion schemes have spiked in recent years with scammers lurking on social media, pretending to be attractive women and persuading men to send nude or suggestive photographs and videos. They then use the compromising imagery to blackmail the victim by threatening to post it on social media or send it to the victim's loved ones in exchange for cash.
 

Ogoshi brothers created collages of victims' personal photos

Prosecutors said the Ogoshis used their fake social media profiles to message victims. They researched online about the victims to learn where they lived, worked, attended school, and to find out the identities of victims' families and friends.

The Ogoshis then solicited sexually explicit images from their minor victims and created a collage of photographs that included the compromising image with other photos of the victim and their school, family, and friends. The two brothers "threatened to disclose the collages to the family, friends, and classmates of the victim unless the victim agreed to pay money using online cash applications," the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

The Ogoshis "used and shared scripts and ideas of how to extort money from the victims," according to court records. A script excerpt showed an example:

"Hey, I have screenshot all ur followers and tags and those that comment on ur post. I can send this nudes to everyone and also send your nudes Until it goes viral….All you’ve to do is to cooperate with me and I will not expose you," an indictment reads.
 

Michigan teen blackmailed with sexually explicit image for $1K

The Ogoshis used an Instagram account under the username "dani.robertts," according to court records. On March 25, 2022, Samuel Ogoshi used the account to target DeMay.

Court records show that Samuel Ogoshi solicited a sexually explicit image from DeMay and then threatened to share the image to the teen's social media followers, and his family and friends if he didn't pay $1000. After DeMay only paid $300, Samuel Ogoshi made more threats to send the compromising photo to DeMay's family and friends.

DeMay then messaged that he was going to kill himself, according to court records. Message excerpts included in court records show Samuel Ogoshi responding with "Good," "Do that fast," and "Or I’ll make you do it."

Prosecutors said Samson Ogoshi used the same Instagram account to target a 21-year-old who lived in Warrens, Wisconsin.
 

Sextortion schemes operated on international scale

A June report, released jointly by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and technology nonprofit Thorn, found that teenage boys are often the primary target in these schemes. The report also identified Nigeria as one of the countries most often tied to sextortion schemes.

Those involved in the schemes are also linked to large crime networks or smaller coordinated networks. Reuters reported in July that Meta Platforms, which owns and operates Facebook and Instagram, had removed about 63,000 accounts in Nigeria that attempted to engage in sextortion schemes mostly aimed at adult men in the U.S.

Federal authorities have warned that sextortion schemes are a "growing threat preying upon our nation’s teens." From October 2021 to March 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations received more than 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors.

According to the FBI, these schemes involved at least 12,600 victims, who were primarily boys, and resulted in at least 20 suicides.

If you or someone you know is or could be a victim of online sexual violence, including sextortion, organizations like the National Sexual Violence Resource Center are here to help survivors and their loved ones. Visit NSVRC.org for help and support.

If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.

By Thao Nguyen, USA Today 

Related story: How sextortion scammers in Nigeria targeted my son

Nigeria’s Bid to End Fuel Subsidy Comes at Good Time for Dangote

With petrol scarce and his fuel tank on red, taxi driver Victor Ovundah queued overnight at a gas station in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and by morning was getting close to filling up when sales suddenly stopped.

A man started going from pump to pump, tapping on each console. The digital dashboard flashed: 897 naira ($0.56) per litre. The 34,000 naira needed to fill up his Toyota Corolla moments before was now 50,000 naira. A 45% increase in the blink of an eye.

“Our WhatsApp group for Bolt drivers was blowing up with complaints, it seemed the price change was well planned,” he said. “How are we supposed to make a profit with this new fuel price?”

Public frustration is just one consequence for Nigeria as it once again tries to end a costly addiction to fuel subsidies.

The move could fan inflation and risks re-igniting cost-of-living protests. But it may wean the country off a reliance on imported gasoline, which cost it around $10 billion in 2022, just as the local refinery of billionaire Aliko Dangote starts to deliver a home-grown product.


It also gives the West African nation a chance for a do-over in efforts to end the years-long practice of providing cheap fuel.

Can Nigerians Bear Pain of Economic Shock Therapy?: QuickTake

President Bola Tinubu declared subsidies were finished after taking office in May 2023. That decision and other reforms were cheered by observers, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. But they jolted inflation to a 28-year high and Tinubu quietly backtracked on fuel to dampen popular protest.

The cost of reintroducing the subsidy was left with the state-owned oil company NNPC Ltd. It’s financial statements show the decision pushed it into heavy debts owed to gasoline importers, who local media reports said have since halted supplies until they get paid.

NNPC declined to comment on whether it was raising gasoline prices, but it acknowledged reports regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers.

“This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply,” it said in a Sept. 1 statement posted on X.

Its 2023 financial statements show fuel subsidies cost the NNPC 3.3 trillion naira between January and May, and 1.8 trillion naira from August, when the grant was reintroduced, to December. It’s also owed 7.8 trillion naira for the seven months to July this year, according to Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya.

Those amounts will come out of what it would otherwise pay to the government.

In addition to a fiscal impact, gasoline shortages have led to miles-long queues at gas stations in cities including Abuja and Lagos, the commercial hub, as drivers wait for hours to fill up.

With this week’s price rise, gasoline is closer to a market level, a move welcomed by industry experts because it highlights the harm done by subsidies.

“At least now we know who is bleeding and how it is impacting negatively on the downstream petroleum supply sector,” said Billy Harry, head of an association of fuel station owners.


The price increase could also complicate the central bank’s task as it fights inflation and tries to stabilize the naira. But it creates an opportunity for Dangote, whose massive 650,000 barrel-a-day plant near Lagos is beginning to produce gasoline.

“This will eliminate all fuel queues in Nigeria,” Dangote told Arise News in a Sept. 3 interview. “This will also make sure that there is consistent supply to the market.”

His refinery, which took a decade to bring online, could transform the country’s dependence on gasoline imports, which are paid for in dollars, stoking inflation and draining reserves.

Nigeria’s downstream regulator said in a statement on Tuesday that a deal had been reached to sell crude to the Dangote refinery in naria, easing both the gasoline shortage and pressure on the currency, which has lost around 70% of its value against the dollar since last year.

“The refinery is now poised to supply an initial 25 million litres of gasoline into the domestic market this September and will subsequently increase this amount to 30 million litres daily from October 2024,” the regulator said in a statement on X.

Dangote offers a good opportunity to finally sell gasoline at market prices in Nigeria, said Harry, of the retailers’ association.

“We have seen with the scarcity that people are buying products at black-market prices that sell for much higher. The only way to go is by allowing gasoline to sell at the prevailing market price,” he said.

That sounds good on paper but there are real-world risks of ending fuel subsidies.

Public fury over the high cost of living fanned protests that brought parts of the country to a standstill in early August and led to the death of at least 21 people.

One of the key demands of protesters was for the pump price to fall back to pre-May 2023 levels of 250 naira per liter. They’re preparing for more demonstrations in October, when the nation celebrates independence, but may return to the streets sooner.

Labor unions could also balk at higher pump prices. They agreed to a new minimum monthly wage of 70,000 naira in August after a government promise that petrol prices wouldn’t rise.

“We are filled with a deep sense of betrayal as the federal government clandestinely increases the pump price of gasoline,” Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, said in a statement demanding the increase be reversed.

By Nduka Orjinmo, Bloomberg 

Related story: Nigeria to Allow Aliko Dangote’s Refinery to Set Gasoline Prices

Nigeria Ranks Lowest On Maritime Tourism Index

The International Ocean Institute (IOI) has said Nigeria is ranked among the lowest maritime nations on marine tourism index despite possessing over 850km coastline.

The director of IOI Nigeria, Akanbi Williams, stated this while speaking at the 4th edition of Maritime Writes Project (MWP) bootcamp with the theme: “Protecting Heritages in the Blue Economy,” held in Lagos.

He, said that that Nigeria ranks among the bottom three countries on marine tourism index

However, he encouraged MWP 2024 participants to write stories around maritime tourism and deep sea exploration to correct the anomaly.

“At IOI, we have developed a curriculum for ocean literacy to address the problem of sea blindness. Coastal areas and organisms need to be studied as well as the deep sea.

“It is unfortunate that Nigeria isn’t exploiting its potentials in tourism. The nation has some problems which affect its ability to fully explore marine tourism. These include; maritime security and cultural attitudes. If an environment isn’t secured, if it’s not clean and habitable; there will be no attraction for tourists,” he said.

He expressed optimism that with the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry in Nigeria, maritime tourism will be a huge component and the ministry will help in the development of this aspect in conjunction with the security agencies.

According to him, If Nigerians know about the maritime sector in elementary and primary schools, that will better position the nation to harness the multiple opportunities in the sector.

“Most of the 2024 participants are young minds and they have an opportunity to get the correct information about maritime could help them decide to have a future in the industry,” he added.

Also speaking, the President of African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) Nigerian chapter, Funmi Shelika, described MWP 2024 as a laudable event that opens the minds of participants to understand the diverse aspects of the blue economy.

“Participants have learnt so much to help them conceptualise stories that will further promote awareness of the blue economy.

The historical stories of the maritime industry and how it affects our daily activities have been explained by experts in this bootcamp,” she said.

Shelika asserted that there is a future in fish processing, adding that, “It isn’t just a smelling-woman selling fish at the market. The business is more than catching the fish, smoking and selling it. There are other aspects of the trade for participants to explore.”

She equally lamented a decline in fishes across several Nigerian riverine communities resulting from pollution and overfishing. Therefore, she encouraged the Nigerian government to do better to support artisanal fishers and grow small-scale fishing.

“Nigeria isn’t enacting policies and laws for people in coastal communities to enjoy the aquatic assets in their communities. There should be an agreement between the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the communities to preserve the aquatic life and the marine environment,” she argued.

By Yusuf Babalola, Leadership

Nigeria to Allow Aliko Dangote’s Refinery to Set Gasoline Prices

Nigeria is considering allowing billionaire Aliko Dangote’s refinery to set the price of the gasoline it sells, people with knowledge of the matter said, a move that’s poised to refashion the government’s control over what customers pay for fuel.

Until now, Africa’s largest oil producer has imported all of its gasoline and subsidized the price at a hefty annual cost. But in a major change, Dangote’s massive plant near the commercial hub Lagos is starting to locally refine gasoline.


Nigeria will allow Dangote to set the price of gasoline to petroleum marketers starting next month, according to officials with knowledge of the matter. They asked not to be identified as they’re not authorized to speak to the media.

State-owned oil company NNPC Ltd. — the sole importer of gasoline — has since August 2023 been reselling the product below market cost to temper prices, after a brief removal of the subsidy pushed up inflation and fanned public protests. This week it lifted the price by 45%, to 897 naira ($0.56) per liter, moving it closer to market prices.

The government said Dangote will be free to set its own price.

“Dangote Refinery will certainly not sell their products below market value as a business that was set up to make profit,” said government spokesman Temitope Ajayi. “I don’t see how NNPC or the federal government will control price for a private business,” he said.

The role of the petroleum industry regulator “will be to ensure products quality and fair pricing so that the business doesn’t take undue advantage of the citizens or rip them off,” Ajayi said.

The changes occur amid severe gasoline shortages in major Nigerian cities after debts incurred by NNPC, in part due to the subsidy, disrupted its ability to supply gasoline. It said it is owed 7.8 trillion naira ($4.9 billion) by the government in subsidy debts for the seven months to July.

Going forward, petrol marketers will be allowed to buy products directly from the Dangote Refinery, the people said. A spokesperson from Dangote Industries didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

The facility at full rates is expected to be able to produce about 330,000 barrels a day of gasoline, according to Randy Hurburun, senior refinery analyst at consultancy Energy Aspects Ltd. That’s more than 1% of global demand for the road fuel, which is about 27 million barrels a day. It’s more than enough to meet the UK’s entire requirement.

By Ruth Olurounbi, Bloomberg

Related story: Dangote Refinery begins petrol production, vows to ease Nigeria’s fuel crisis

Gridlock in Nigeria amid fuel shortages and price hikes

Nigerians have been hit by a double whammy of chronic fuel shortages and a hike in prices by the state-owned oil company.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which imports the country’s fuel and distributes it to private sellers, blamed its debts and rising global prices for its difficulty in getting fuel.

Many people have been left stranded with long queues at petrol stations nationwide. Commuters in Lagos have been lining up at bus stations, but there very few buses operating.

Others told the BBC they have been forced to trek long distances as public transport prices have doubled along some routes.

On Tuesday, the NNPC said it was putting up the petrol price from 617 naira ($0.40, £0.30) to 897 naira a litre.

Its petrol stations have the cheapest fuel on sale in the country - but at the vast majority of other private garages the pump price is much higher.

When the NNPC puts up the price, so do private sellers and in some states, like Oyo, Kano and Kaduna, petrol is now selling for as much as 1,200 naira a litre.

Many garages around the country have shut because they have run out of fuel, others have closed to adjust their prices.

In the capital, Abuja, most are open but all have long queues as desperate drivers wait their turn - some slept in their cars overnight.

Fuel stations are not rationing supply, so there is a danger their wait will be futile.

A motorcycle rider in Kano, the main trading hub of northern Nigeria, said it was frustrating: “Most of the fuel stations here in Kano are closed because they want to adjust their pumps to the new price.

“I was able to get fuel at 950 naira at a particular station, but other places have already started selling at 1,200 per litre,” Aminu Danyaro told the BBC.

Black-market traders, who buy fuel from petrol stations and sell it by the roadside from jerrycans at inflated prices, are doing a brisk trade in Kano, where there is significantly less traffic than usual.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) - the country’s main trade union body - says it feels “betrayed”, explaining that the reason it accepted the new minimum monthly wage of 70,000 naira ($44, £34) in July was because there was an agreement with the government that petrol price would not be increased.

When President Bola Tinubu came to power last year, he shocked Nigerians on his first day by removing a subsidy that kept the price of fuel low.

This - amongst other policies - has led to the worst economic crisis in a generation and cost-of-living protests, dubbed “10 days of rage”, were held countrywide last month.

Nigerians are now pinning their hopes on the new privately owned Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has been built by one of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

On Monday, it was announced with great fanfare that the refinery had just started producing petrol - a milestone in Nigeria which despite being Africa’s largest producer of crude oil imports all its refined fuel.

But it is not clear how long Nigerians will have to wait to see ready availability of petrol or a drop in prices.

By Yūsuf Akínpẹ̀lú, BBC

Video - President Tinubu to advocate for increased investments in Nigeria at FOCAC summit

The Director of the Centre for China Studies in Abuja, Charles Onunaiju, says President Tinubu will focus on expanding and consolidating existing cooperation at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The expert emphasized that Nigeria urgently needs critical infrastructure, and the 2024 FOCAC summit presents a crucial platform to address that need.

CGTN

Suspected Boko Haram attack kills dozens in Nigeria

People gathered on Tuesday (September 3) in northeastern Nigeria, to bury the victims of a suspected Boko Haram attack in Yobe state.

Suspected Islamist militants belonging to the group roared into Mafa village on motorcycles on Sunday afternoon, opening fire on a market and setting shops and homes ablaze.

An early estimate from a military official said at least 37 people were killed in the attack.

But residents and officials said the death toll could be even higher, with villagers still missing and feared dead after fighters chased them into the bush.

A Yobe police spokesperson told Reuters the attack was an apparent retaliation for the killing of two suspected Boko Haram fighters by local vigilantes.

General Dahiru Abdulsallam is a special adviser on security matters in Yobe state.

‘’Coward Boko Haram that went and attacked innocent citizens in their villages and killed them, so we came to bury them and to also condole their families and relations as well as the local government.’’

Yobe is one of three states at the frontline of an insurgency that has lasted 15 years.

Thousands of Nigerians have been killed and more than two million people have been displaced.

Reuters

Why Nigeria’s ‘Mr Flag Man’ has waited a year to be buried

The family of the man who designed Nigeria’s national flag have told the BBC they have given up waiting for a promised state funeral, a year after he died.

Instead Taiwo Michael Akinkunmi, who died a year ago aged 87, is going to be buried this week in Oyo state, where he lived.

Akinkunmi, known by many as “Mr Flag Man” and whose house was painted in the distinctive green and white colours of the national flag, was a humble man.

But his son hopes that during his send-off, which Oyo state has agreed to fund, he will be remembered for the design that became a symbol of a united Nigeria.

“We have to give him the befitting burial he deserves,” his son Akinwumi Akinkunmi told the BBC Focus on Africa podcast.

Taiwo Akinkunmi always said he was an unlikely flag designer. He entered a competition for a new design ahead of Nigeria’s independence from the UK in October 1960.

At the time he was studying electrical engineering in London and had spotted a newspaper advert about the competition.

According to flag expert Whitney Smith, 3,000 designs were submitted - “many of great complexity”.

But Akinkunmi’s was a simple affair, with equal green-white-green vertical stripes - and it replaced the colonial flag that had included the British union jack and a six-pointed green star under a red disk.

Akinkunmi’s original design included at its centre a red sun surrounded by rays. This was intended as “as a symbol of divine protection and guidance”, Mr Smith wrote in the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

However the sun was omitted by the committee, which awarded the then 23-year-old £100 (then worth $280) for his winning design.

Akinkunmi always said his inspiration came from his childhood as he had travelled and lived in various parts of Nigeria.

Born in Ibadan in the south-west, now capital of Oyo state, he spent his early years in the north of the country because of his parents’ work. He grew up in what he said was a happy polygamous family and was one of his father’s 10 children.

He returned to Ibadan to finish his education. He once told ThisDay journalist Funke Olade that his secondary school was like a “mini-Nigeria” as it had students from all over the country.

Nigeria is home to more than 300 ethnic groups and while Africa’s most populous country has no official religion, the nation is roughly divided between the mainly Muslim north and the largely Christian south, though many communities are mixed.

For Akinkunmi the green in his flag symbolised the nation’s rich agricultural heritage, while the white represented peace and unity.

“It is typical that Nigeria, like many other culturally diverse countries, chose a simple flag design. A more complex design might have explicitly honoured some ethnic and religious groups while excluding others,” Mr Smith wrote.

Agriculture was always close to Akinkunmi’s heart and he was excited to return to Nigeria after independence to take up at a job with the Ministry of Agriculture, where he worked as a civil servant until he retired in 1994.

But for much of his life very few people knew about his contribution to the country, though wherever he lived he reportedly used to paint the outside of his house green and white.

It was not until Nigeria celebrated its 50th year of independence that he was recognised as one of 50 distinguished Nigerians.

His son says an Oyo state politician later lobbied for him to be given a national honour and pension - and in 2014 he was made an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), one of Nigeria’s highest awards.

After Akinkunmi’s death last year, a senator sponsored a successful motion that he be given a state burial.

However, no plans have ever been made and as they waited, Akinkunmi’s family have been paying 2,000 naira ($1.30; £1.00) a day to keep the body at a morgue.

The flag designer’s son said that in June they found out that the arts ministry’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation (Nico) had been directed to sort out the state funeral.

But apart from one phone call, he said the institution had failed to communicate any further.

He feels waiting any longer would just sully his father’s name.

This is when the Oyo state government decided to step in to fund the burial rites for the flag designer.

“My late father was an easy-going person who didn’t want anything to tarnish his image,” his son told the BBC.

“He was well brought up, he was a very intelligent man, and a good person that everyone wanted to associate with,” he added.

By Blessing Aderogba, BBC

Dangote Refinery begins petrol production, vows to ease Nigeria’s fuel crisis

The Dangote Refinery, a $20 billion project spearheaded by billionaire Aliko Dangote, has officially begun petrol production, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector.

This development is expected to alleviate the ongoing petrol scarcity that has gripped the nation, offering much-needed relief to millions of Nigerians.

“This refinery will fuel growth, development, and prosperity by supplying energy to our people,” said Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Dangote expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu’s administration for fostering an environment conducive to the success of the initiative.

“I salute the people of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu’s government for creating the conditions that allowed us to achieve this monumental task. This refinery will drive growth, development, and prosperity by providing energy to our people,” Dangote stated.

He also praised Tinubu for the “Naira for crude, Naira for product” initiative, which he believes will stabilise the Naira by reducing the demand for dollars by 40%.

“As we have this refinery working, it will show the true consumption of Nigeria; we can track every loaded truck and ship,” he said.

He added that the refinery is designed to meet the demands of not only Nigerians but also those in sub-Saharan Africa.

Vanguard

Related stories: Dangote Refinery Presents First Petrol Sample

Nigeria's Dangote refinery set to start gasoline output in September

Dangote Refinery Presents First Petrol Sample

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group has presented the first sample of Premium Motor Spirit, better known as petrol.

He made the presentation on Tuesday in a broadcast at his refinery situated in the Ibeju-Lekki Area of Lagos State.

"I would like to salute the people of Nigeria and the government of President Bola Tinubu for giving us the platform for growth, development, and prosperity. I also want to thank him personally for creating the idea of the Naira for crude. Doing that will give Naira stability.

"As we have this refinery working, it will show the true consumption of Nigeria; we can track every loaded truck and ship," Dangote said

He further disclosed that the refinery is meant to serve not just Nigerians, but also sub-Saharan Africa.

Vanguard 

Related story: Nigeria's Dangote refinery set to start gasoline output in September

 

 

Nigeria charges protesters with treason

Nigeria on Monday charged 10 people with treason and conspiring to incite the military to mutiny following last month's nationwide demonstrations that saw thousands take to the streets to protest against a cost of living crisis.

The protests were met with a deadly crackdown by security forces and Amnesty International said at least 13 people were killed. Security forces denied using lethal force.

The 10 men were arraigned in the Abuja Federal High Court and entered a not guilty plea. They face the death penalty if convicted, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong said.

State prosecutors said in court papers seen by Reuters that the protesters intended to destabilise Nigeria and "conspired together to commit felony to wit, treason".

Prosecutors also laid five other charges against the accused under the country's penal code, including inciting the military to mutiny, burning government buildings and disturbing public peace.

Lawyers for the protesters sought their release on bail, which was opposed by the state. The court will make a ruling on Sept. 11 when their trial is expected to begin.

Amnesty urged the government to unconditionally release all the people arrested during the protests. It said the trial was meant to unlawfully justify detaining protesters.

"These are blatantly trumped-up charges that must be immediately withdrawn," said Isa Sanusi, director for Amnesty International Nigeria.

Nigerians blame economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu, in office since May 2023, for economic hardship, worsened by double-digit inflation after the currency was devalued and the cost of petrol and electricity rose.

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters

Related story: Video - Nigerian business owners count losses following anti-government rallies

 

Video - Nigeria records surge in remittances from its diaspora

Compared to the same period last year, inflows from the Nigerian diaspora rose by 130 percent in July to reach 553 million U.S. dollars. Analysts said the growth was driven by central bank-backed initiatives and the expansion of licensed international money transfer operators.

CGTN

Video - China's agricultural assistance improves Nigeria's cassava yields

The China-Nigeria partnership is spearheaded by the National Root Crops Research Institute and the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences. The initiative aims to teach Nigerian farmers how to produce more with fewer resources.

CGTN

DNA Testing Surge in Nigeria: Yoruba Record Highest Number of Tests

A new report from Smart DNA, a prominent DNA testing center in Lagos, reveals a significant rise in DNA testing across Nigeria. The report, released on September 1, covers data from July 2023 to June 2024.

The findings from Smart DNA show a high rate of paternity uncertainty, largely influenced by the increasing trend of migration, commonly referred to as “japa.”

The report indicates that 27 percent of paternity tests returned negative results, meaning that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children in question.

The report also notes that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship are conducting DNA tests as part of the process for their children’s emigration paperwork.

Regionally, the report highlights that 73.1 percent of DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a significant disparity between the Mainland (67.5 percent) and the Island (32.5 percent).

Ethnic group data from the report shows that the Yoruba accounted for 53 percent of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3 percent, while the Hausa made up just 1.2 percent.

Elizabeth Digia, Smart DNA’s operations manager, commented on the findings: “The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy. These trends reflect broader societal shifts that require further discussion and research. The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about the accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.”

By Halimat Shittu, The News Digest

Eniola Bolaji Clinches Nigeria’s First Medal at 2024 Paris Paralympics

Nigeria has secured its first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, thanks to a stellar performance by 18-year-old Eniola Bolaji.

Bolaji captured a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 badminton event, defeating Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana in a dominant 2-0 victory on Monday at the La Chapelle Arena.

In a match that lasted just 24 minutes, Bolaji overpowered her Ukrainian opponent with identical 21-9 scores in both sets.

Her commanding performance in the third-place match marks a historic achievement, as she not only secured Nigeria’s first medal at this year’s Games but also solidified her place as one of Africa’s rising stars in para-badminton.

Bolaji’s journey to the podium has been nothing short of remarkable. On Sunday, she became the first African athlete to reach the semi-final of a badminton event at the Paralympic Games, after defeating India’s Mandeep Kaur 2-0 in the quarter-final.

Despite her dreams of gold being dashed in the semi-final by China’s Xiao Zhuxian, Bolaji’s determination remained unshaken as she stormed back to claim the bronze.

The young para-athlete had dedicated her participation in the Paris Paralympics to her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a road accident while Bolaji was preparing for the Tokyo Olympics. Bolaji had vowed to honor his memory by winning a medal at the Paralympics, a promise she has now fulfilled.

As Nigeria celebrates Bolaji’s achievement, attention now turns to other athletes who will compete later in the Games.

Flora Ugwunwa is set to compete in the final of the F54 women’s shot put, hoping to add to Nigeria’s medal tally. Additionally, Kayode Alabi and Isau Ogunkunle are scheduled to take part in the round of 16 in the men’s table tennis event.

With Bolaji’s triumph setting the tone, Nigeria’s athletes continue to demonstrate their resilience and determination on the world stage, bringing pride and inspiration to their nation.

By Chioma Kalu, Arise

NNPC says its facing financial strain over costly fuel imports

Nigeria's state-oil firm NNPC on Sunday said it is facing financial strain making it unable to import petrol into Africa's most populous nation, that has seen weeks-long fuel scarcity across its retail stations.

The news comes after Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the country's sole importer of refined products, in August announced record profits for 2023 but warned that it was covering for shortfalls in government's petrol import bill.

Reuters reported early July that the NNPC's debt to oil traders had surpassed $6 billion, doubling since early April, as the company struggled to cover the gap between fixed pump prices and global fuel costs. The NNPC declined to comment at that time.

It later blamed operational hitches for the long fuel queues.

"This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply," NNPC's spokesperson Olufemi Soneye said in a statement late on Sunday.

President Bola Tinubu scrapped a costly but popular subsidy on petrol last year when he took office, to cut government expenditure. But he reintroduced subsidy partly after inflation skyrocketed, worsening a cost of living crisis and stoking tension among the population.

The IMF has said fuel subsidies could cost Nigeria up to 3% of GDP this year as the increases in pump prices have not kept up with their dollar cost.

The West African country expects to likely spend 5.4 trillion naira ($3.7 billion) this year - 50% more than in 2023 - to keep petrol prices fixed, while borrowing to plug gaps in its budget, a draft document had said in June.

"We are actively collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide," the NNPC said. 

By Ope Adetayo, Reuters

Hounded South African beauty queen wins Nigeria contest

After being hounded over her nationality and forced to drop out of the Miss South Africa contest, Chidimma Adetshina has been crowned beauty queen of a totally different country.

Ms Adetshina cried tears of joy as she was named Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday.

"This crown is not just for beauty; it's a call for unity," the 23-year-old law student stated after weeks at the centre of an intense media storm.

She was invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria after her position as a finalist in the Miss South Africa contest sparked a wave of criticism.

Some people in South Africa had questioned her eligibility to compete in the beauty pageant because despite being a South African citizen, Ms Adetshina's father is Nigerian and her mother has Mozambican roots.

In interviews Ms Adetshina said she was born in Soweto - the South African township next to Johannesburg - and grew up in Cape Town.

The row over her nationality sparked an investigation with the organisers of Miss South Africa asking the nation's home affairs department to look into her eligibility.

After an initial probe, the department announced that Miss Adetshina's mother may have committed "identity theft" to become a South African national.

However, the statement added that Ms Adetshina "could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother as she was an infant at the time".

A day after the announcement, Ms Adetshina dropped out of the contest, saying she took the decision for her and her family's safety and wellbeing.

By now, her ordeal had made headlines around the world.

After hearing of Ms Adetshina's story, the organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria invited her to participate in their contest.

They said she would be able to "represent her father's native land on the international stage".

After winning the contest on Saturday, Ms Adetshina will represent Nigeria at November's Miss Universe competition.

Her success has been celebrated on social media.

"Your story is inspirational - you are stronger than you think and we love you our African sister," one South African woman wrote on Instagram.

Another supporter said: "Trust me guys we Nigerians are proud of her... she’s our very own sister, a very smart, intelligent girl, our Nigerian blood runs through her veins."

However, others alleged the contest was "rigged" in Ms Adetshina's favour - an accusation the Miss Nigeria organisers have not responded to.

"She's undeserving," one Instagram user said.

"She has never lived in Nigeria and was merely invited to compete after the final delegates had been chosen... she arrived in Nigeria for the first time after 20 years last week, only to be given our crown. This organisation reeks of sheer bias."

Another wrote: "In all honesty you won out of pity... feeling very sorry for the other contestants who were there long before you came."

At the Miss Universe contest in November, the law student's rivals will include Mia le Roux, who won this year's Miss South Africa competition after Ms Adetshina dropped out.

Ms le Roux became the first deaf woman in history to win the crown.

Wedaeli Chibelushi, BBC