Doctors in Nigeria warn that sudden unexplained deaths now account for about 14 percent of all fatalities, driven by poor healthcare access, limited preventive checks, unhealthy lifestyles, and low health awareness. With low insurance coverage and many, especially men, delaying or avoiding care, experts say stronger hospitals, broader insurance, and nationwide health education are urgently needed.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Video - Doctors in Nigeria concerned over surge in sudden deaths amid low awareness
Doctors in Nigeria warn that sudden unexplained deaths now account for about 14 percent of all fatalities, driven by poor healthcare access, limited preventive checks, unhealthy lifestyles, and low health awareness. With low insurance coverage and many, especially men, delaying or avoiding care, experts say stronger hospitals, broader insurance, and nationwide health education are urgently needed.
Monday, August 25, 2025
Nigeria Extradites Chinese Gang Leader in Landmark Interpol Operation
Nigeria has extradited Chinese gang leader Dai Qisheng to Beijing following a coordinated operation with Interpol, marking a significant step in international law enforcement cooperation.
Dai, wanted in China for orchestrating violent organized crimes in Guizhou Province, fled the country in 2024. He was apprehended in Abuja on August 8, 2025, by operatives from Nigeria’s National Central Bureau, in collaboration with Chinese authorities. The extradition was finalized on August 15 under a police-to-police cooperation framework facilitated by Interpol.
Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended the operation, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to combating transnational crime. “This operation sends a clear message to criminals worldwide: Nigeria will not be a safe haven for fugitives,” he said.
The successful extradition highlights the growing international collaboration in addressing transnational crime and underscores Nigeria’s role in global law enforcement efforts. It also demonstrates adherence to international legal standards throughout the process.
This development follows recent measures by Nigerian authorities to tackle organized crime, including the deportation of 50 Chinese nationals convicted of cybercrime and internet fraud. These actions reflect Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships with international law enforcement agencies.
The extradition of Dai Qisheng is being viewed as a testament to the effectiveness of global cooperation in tackling criminal networks and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a proactive partner in international justice initiatives.
Dai, wanted in China for orchestrating violent organized crimes in Guizhou Province, fled the country in 2024. He was apprehended in Abuja on August 8, 2025, by operatives from Nigeria’s National Central Bureau, in collaboration with Chinese authorities. The extradition was finalized on August 15 under a police-to-police cooperation framework facilitated by Interpol.
Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended the operation, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to combating transnational crime. “This operation sends a clear message to criminals worldwide: Nigeria will not be a safe haven for fugitives,” he said.
The successful extradition highlights the growing international collaboration in addressing transnational crime and underscores Nigeria’s role in global law enforcement efforts. It also demonstrates adherence to international legal standards throughout the process.
This development follows recent measures by Nigerian authorities to tackle organized crime, including the deportation of 50 Chinese nationals convicted of cybercrime and internet fraud. These actions reflect Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships with international law enforcement agencies.
The extradition of Dai Qisheng is being viewed as a testament to the effectiveness of global cooperation in tackling criminal networks and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a proactive partner in international justice initiatives.
Tourism Growth in Nigeria: Air Peace Introduces New Direct Flights to Popular Global Destinations
Air Peace, Nigeria’s biggest airline, has just rolled out its latest Boeing 777-200ER. This shiny, long-haul beauty is a game-changer for the carrier’s big-plan push to connect more global travelers. With the plane now part of the fleet, travelers will soon be able to fly straight from Nigeria to London, São Paulo in Brazil, and a host of Caribbean spots, making it a lot easier to book the next holiday and keep wallets a bit happier.
The shiny jet will hit the skies in October 2025, taking holidaymakers and business travelers to world-famous cities without stops. Touching down in London’s Main Terminals, cruising over Brazil’s beaches, and popping into Caribbean gems like Antigua and St. Kitts, Air Peace is on a mission to make Nigeria the in-demand gateway for tourism flowing from Africa to every other corner of the planet. This is a major boost for the country and a direct challenge for any competitor that’s still sitting on the fence.
A Gateway for Tourism Between Nigeria, London, Brazil, and the Caribbean
New long-haul routes are set to open the door for travelers heading to Nigeria’s thriving cultural hubs and its famous city centres, plus countless inviting spots across the Caribbean and South America. Nigerians flying out now enjoy shorter, more straightforward journeys to London, São Paulo, and the Caribbean islands, giving tourism a serious boost.
London has been a preferred destination for many Nigerians for years, thanks to a strong mix of business ties, cultural experiences, and an airport infrastructure built for visitors. By adding direct services from both Abuja and Lagos, getting to family, enjoying the British Museum, catching a West End show, or snapping a photo at Buckingham Palace just became a whole lot easier.
Brazil, for its colourful cultural past, gorgeous beaches, and landmarks like the mighty Christ the Redeemer, calls a lot of visitors and deals. The new NON-STOP flight to São Paulo makes the journey smoother. Nigerians heading for holiday adventures or business meetings in South America’s biggest economy can plan a more efficient trip, arriving rested and ready.
In addition, the launch of nonstop flights to Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis gives Nigerian travelers even more easy options for that perfect tropical getaway. With needle-white sand, steady sunshine, and lively local culture, these Caribbean islands are the ultimate vacation for families. These new routes from Air Peace are set to crank up the flow of tourists between Africa and the Caribbean, making it simpler for anyone dreaming of island life to book that dream trip.
Effect on Travel Growth in Nigeria
Charged with the arrival of Boeing 777-200ERs on long-haul routes, the airline is turbo-boosting outbound tourism from Nigeria to the whole world. Improved global connections mean more travelers can step out for both business errands and beach side relaxation, while Nigeria itself becomes a more appealing stop for foreigners. Landing a Boeing 777 makes it easy for business guests and vacationers to fill up hotels and explore the country’s famous nightlife, vibrant art, and thrilling wildlife parks.
Nigeria is not short on attractions. From the colorful festivals of the northern region to thrilling safari options in the south and a coastline that pleases all beach lovers, the country is a world-class destination waiting to be explored. Now that Air Peace opens nonstop routes to major entry points in Lagos and Abuja, tourists can hop off and start discovering right away.
Economic Impact of New International Routes
More than just shiny terminals and passport stamps, the surge in international flights and tourist arrivals is turning the Nigerian economy into a buzzing marketplace. Hoteliers, tour operators, and street vendors are already feeling the ripple effect. By launching new direct flights to major global cities, Air Peace is nudging Nigeria into the spotlight as a go-to pit stop for cross-continental travellers. More foot traffic leads to more hotel room bookings, more guided tours, and more pepper-soup on the plate, making both our economy and rich cultural heritage even more noticeable.
Smart Pricing Meets Service Excellence
What really stands out on Air Peace’s new map of international routes is the focus on wallet-friendly plane tickets. The airline is rolling out flights at prices that work for both holidaymakers and busy executives. For people eyeing Nigeria-UK, Nigeria-Brazil, or Nigeria-Caribbean trips the savings can be significant, especially since these routes have often been snagged by pricey foreign airlines.
To sweeten the deal, the airline is flying the Boeing 777-200ER, a big bird packed with a roomier premium cabin and business-class perks. Corporate travellers heading to European board rooms or Caribbean conferences can kick back in style. With fast Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and in-flight power outlets, the plane bridges comfort and business need, convincing even the busiest executives to hop on a Nigerian carrier for their next trip.
The shiny jet will hit the skies in October 2025, taking holidaymakers and business travelers to world-famous cities without stops. Touching down in London’s Main Terminals, cruising over Brazil’s beaches, and popping into Caribbean gems like Antigua and St. Kitts, Air Peace is on a mission to make Nigeria the in-demand gateway for tourism flowing from Africa to every other corner of the planet. This is a major boost for the country and a direct challenge for any competitor that’s still sitting on the fence.
A Gateway for Tourism Between Nigeria, London, Brazil, and the Caribbean
New long-haul routes are set to open the door for travelers heading to Nigeria’s thriving cultural hubs and its famous city centres, plus countless inviting spots across the Caribbean and South America. Nigerians flying out now enjoy shorter, more straightforward journeys to London, São Paulo, and the Caribbean islands, giving tourism a serious boost.
London has been a preferred destination for many Nigerians for years, thanks to a strong mix of business ties, cultural experiences, and an airport infrastructure built for visitors. By adding direct services from both Abuja and Lagos, getting to family, enjoying the British Museum, catching a West End show, or snapping a photo at Buckingham Palace just became a whole lot easier.
Brazil, for its colourful cultural past, gorgeous beaches, and landmarks like the mighty Christ the Redeemer, calls a lot of visitors and deals. The new NON-STOP flight to São Paulo makes the journey smoother. Nigerians heading for holiday adventures or business meetings in South America’s biggest economy can plan a more efficient trip, arriving rested and ready.
In addition, the launch of nonstop flights to Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis gives Nigerian travelers even more easy options for that perfect tropical getaway. With needle-white sand, steady sunshine, and lively local culture, these Caribbean islands are the ultimate vacation for families. These new routes from Air Peace are set to crank up the flow of tourists between Africa and the Caribbean, making it simpler for anyone dreaming of island life to book that dream trip.
Effect on Travel Growth in Nigeria
Charged with the arrival of Boeing 777-200ERs on long-haul routes, the airline is turbo-boosting outbound tourism from Nigeria to the whole world. Improved global connections mean more travelers can step out for both business errands and beach side relaxation, while Nigeria itself becomes a more appealing stop for foreigners. Landing a Boeing 777 makes it easy for business guests and vacationers to fill up hotels and explore the country’s famous nightlife, vibrant art, and thrilling wildlife parks.
Nigeria is not short on attractions. From the colorful festivals of the northern region to thrilling safari options in the south and a coastline that pleases all beach lovers, the country is a world-class destination waiting to be explored. Now that Air Peace opens nonstop routes to major entry points in Lagos and Abuja, tourists can hop off and start discovering right away.
Economic Impact of New International Routes
More than just shiny terminals and passport stamps, the surge in international flights and tourist arrivals is turning the Nigerian economy into a buzzing marketplace. Hoteliers, tour operators, and street vendors are already feeling the ripple effect. By launching new direct flights to major global cities, Air Peace is nudging Nigeria into the spotlight as a go-to pit stop for cross-continental travellers. More foot traffic leads to more hotel room bookings, more guided tours, and more pepper-soup on the plate, making both our economy and rich cultural heritage even more noticeable.
Smart Pricing Meets Service Excellence
What really stands out on Air Peace’s new map of international routes is the focus on wallet-friendly plane tickets. The airline is rolling out flights at prices that work for both holidaymakers and busy executives. For people eyeing Nigeria-UK, Nigeria-Brazil, or Nigeria-Caribbean trips the savings can be significant, especially since these routes have often been snagged by pricey foreign airlines.
To sweeten the deal, the airline is flying the Boeing 777-200ER, a big bird packed with a roomier premium cabin and business-class perks. Corporate travellers heading to European board rooms or Caribbean conferences can kick back in style. With fast Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and in-flight power outlets, the plane bridges comfort and business need, convincing even the busiest executives to hop on a Nigerian carrier for their next trip.
Contributing to Sustainable Tourism Development
Air Peace’s growing flight network is a booster for eco-friendly tourism, not just in Nigeria but across the region. The airline intentionally flies new, fuel-saving aircraft, cutting the carbon footprint of each journey. This step fits perfectly with worldwide efforts to make travel greener. As travelers from all over the world increasingly pick Africa for safari adventures, beach holidays, and cultural experiences, Air Peace’s expansion shows how responsible flying can protect the continent’s priceless natural treasures while still welcoming more guests.
Conclusion
Air Peace’s new long-haul routes mark a turning point for Nigeria’s tourism economy. Direct connections from Lagos, Abuja, and other cities to key international centers such as London, São Paulo, and the Caribbean mean faster and smoother travel for millions of visitors. This airline push not only places Nigeria firmly on the global aviation map but also enhances the country’s charm as a travel hotspot. The expected surge in international arrivals will turbo-charge the tourism sector, creating jobs, encouraging cultural sharing, and opening new doors for local goods and services in world markets.
Air Peace’s growing flight network is a booster for eco-friendly tourism, not just in Nigeria but across the region. The airline intentionally flies new, fuel-saving aircraft, cutting the carbon footprint of each journey. This step fits perfectly with worldwide efforts to make travel greener. As travelers from all over the world increasingly pick Africa for safari adventures, beach holidays, and cultural experiences, Air Peace’s expansion shows how responsible flying can protect the continent’s priceless natural treasures while still welcoming more guests.
Conclusion
Air Peace’s new long-haul routes mark a turning point for Nigeria’s tourism economy. Direct connections from Lagos, Abuja, and other cities to key international centers such as London, São Paulo, and the Caribbean mean faster and smoother travel for millions of visitors. This airline push not only places Nigeria firmly on the global aviation map but also enhances the country’s charm as a travel hotspot. The expected surge in international arrivals will turbo-charge the tourism sector, creating jobs, encouraging cultural sharing, and opening new doors for local goods and services in world markets.
Nigerian air force pushes back jihadists on Cameroonian border
In a statement, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it had re-established communication with the ground troops that had been under threat by the jihadists.
The strike on four targets in the Kumshe area in Borno State had "intensified efforts" to dominate the battle field and "deny terrorists freedom of action", said NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame.
Insurgent resurgence
The Nigerian military has been fighting a resurgence of attacks from jihadist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) since the beginning of the year in the northeast, which neighbours Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
Both ISWAP and Boko Haram have taken over military bases, killing soldiers and seizing weapons.
The army, which says it is battling not just jihadist militants but also armed gangs in the northwest, known as "bandits", last week said it had killed 592 militia members in eight months, since the start of the year, surpassing operational gains made in 2024.
US could supply arms
Last week the United States State Department approved the sale to Nigeria of $346 million (€291 million) in weapons, including bombs, rockets and munitions.
The Nigerian army said the weapons - whose sale is subject to Congressional approval - would "improve Nigeria's capability to meet current and future threats through operations against terrorist organisations".
Civilians have been caught in the crossfire of the insurgency, which has left more than 40,000 people dead and forced more than two million to flee their homes, according to the UN.
Hostages held by 'bandits' freed
Nigeria’s air force also helped to rescued at least 76 people kidnapped by bandits, including women and children, in northwestern Katsina state, according to local authorities.
The rescue on Saturday followed a precision air strike by the air force at Pauwa Hill as part of a manhunt for a bandit known as Babaro who has been linked to a mosque attack last week in a nearby town that killed 50 people.
One child captive died in the rescue operation.
Mass kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria's northwest and central states, where armed gangs often target remote villages, stealing cattle and abducting residents, and leaving residents unable to farm and feed themselves.
The militias are motivated by financial gain, and have no ideological leanings, but officials and analysts have expressed concern over growing pragmatic alliances with jihadists from Nigeria's northeast.
The strike on four targets in the Kumshe area in Borno State had "intensified efforts" to dominate the battle field and "deny terrorists freedom of action", said NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame.
Insurgent resurgence
The Nigerian military has been fighting a resurgence of attacks from jihadist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) since the beginning of the year in the northeast, which neighbours Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
Both ISWAP and Boko Haram have taken over military bases, killing soldiers and seizing weapons.
The army, which says it is battling not just jihadist militants but also armed gangs in the northwest, known as "bandits", last week said it had killed 592 militia members in eight months, since the start of the year, surpassing operational gains made in 2024.
US could supply arms
Last week the United States State Department approved the sale to Nigeria of $346 million (€291 million) in weapons, including bombs, rockets and munitions.
The Nigerian army said the weapons - whose sale is subject to Congressional approval - would "improve Nigeria's capability to meet current and future threats through operations against terrorist organisations".
Civilians have been caught in the crossfire of the insurgency, which has left more than 40,000 people dead and forced more than two million to flee their homes, according to the UN.
Hostages held by 'bandits' freed
Nigeria’s air force also helped to rescued at least 76 people kidnapped by bandits, including women and children, in northwestern Katsina state, according to local authorities.
The rescue on Saturday followed a precision air strike by the air force at Pauwa Hill as part of a manhunt for a bandit known as Babaro who has been linked to a mosque attack last week in a nearby town that killed 50 people.
One child captive died in the rescue operation.
Mass kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria's northwest and central states, where armed gangs often target remote villages, stealing cattle and abducting residents, and leaving residents unable to farm and feed themselves.
The militias are motivated by financial gain, and have no ideological leanings, but officials and analysts have expressed concern over growing pragmatic alliances with jihadists from Nigeria's northeast.
Nigerian military rescues 76 kidnap victims held in 'bandit' camp
Nigeria's military rescued 76 people kidnapped by criminal gangs known as "bandits" in northwestern Katsina state, though one child captive died in the operation, local security authorities said.
The rescue took place on Saturday, with air force personnel raiding a site at Pauwa Hill, in the Kankara local government area, Katsina state internal security commissioner Nasir Mu'azu said in a statement.
The operation was staged following an air force strike in the hunt for a "notorious bandit kingpin" and his gang suspected to be behind an attack Tuesday on a mosque and on nearby villages that claimed 50 lives, said the statement.
Mu'azu said that the operation "successfully" rescued 76 kidnapped people, including women and children.
"However, it was regrettably noted that one child tragically lost his life during the ordeal," he said.
There was no information on the number of casualties among "bandits", as members of criminal gangs are locally known.
In some past cases, families of victims have disputed official claims of rescue and reported having to pay ransoms for the release of captives.
Mass kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria's northwest and central states, where heavily armed gangs often target remote villages to loot and abduct residents.
The gangs have turned cattle theft, kidnapping and imposing taxes on farmers into huge moneymakers across the impoverished countryside, where the government's presence has long been nearly non-existent.
Nigeria's banditry crisis originated in conflicts over land and water rights between herders and farmers, which has since morphed into organised crime.
The militias have no ideological leaning and are motivated by financial gain, but officials and analysts have expressed concern over growing pragmatic alliances with jihadists from Nigeria's northeast.
The rescue took place on Saturday, with air force personnel raiding a site at Pauwa Hill, in the Kankara local government area, Katsina state internal security commissioner Nasir Mu'azu said in a statement.
The operation was staged following an air force strike in the hunt for a "notorious bandit kingpin" and his gang suspected to be behind an attack Tuesday on a mosque and on nearby villages that claimed 50 lives, said the statement.
Mu'azu said that the operation "successfully" rescued 76 kidnapped people, including women and children.
"However, it was regrettably noted that one child tragically lost his life during the ordeal," he said.
There was no information on the number of casualties among "bandits", as members of criminal gangs are locally known.
In some past cases, families of victims have disputed official claims of rescue and reported having to pay ransoms for the release of captives.
Mass kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria's northwest and central states, where heavily armed gangs often target remote villages to loot and abduct residents.
The gangs have turned cattle theft, kidnapping and imposing taxes on farmers into huge moneymakers across the impoverished countryside, where the government's presence has long been nearly non-existent.
Nigeria's banditry crisis originated in conflicts over land and water rights between herders and farmers, which has since morphed into organised crime.
The militias have no ideological leaning and are motivated by financial gain, but officials and analysts have expressed concern over growing pragmatic alliances with jihadists from Nigeria's northeast.
Friday, August 22, 2025
Video - Cultural landmark in Nigeria gives a glimpse of Yoruba art and tradition
In Lagos, the newly reopened John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History is showcasing the rich philosophy, art, and traditions of the Yoruba people. The refurbished building now houses permanent and rotating exhibitions aimed at challenging old stereotypes about African culture and presenting it in a vibrant, authentic light.
Video - Nigerian students build electric car amid fuel hikes
Fifteen secondary school students in Nigeria’s Sokoto State have built a fully functional electric vehicle, tackling rising fuel costs and environmental concerns head-on.
Video - Nigerian terror victims rebuild lives amid ongoing conflict
Some victims of Nigeria’s long-running terror conflict are finding ways to rebuild by taking on any work they can. Grace Godwin, for example, runs a salon after losing relatives to violence.
Nigeria deports 60 Chinese, 39 Filipino convicted in crypto romance scams
Nigeria has deported 102 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese and 39 people from the Philippines, who were convicted of “cyber-terrorism and internet fraud”, according to the country’s anticorruption agency.
The announcement by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday comes as the country steps up a crackdown on online scam operations, which lured victims through online romances to hand over cash for fake cryptocurrency investments.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale later told the AFP news agency that another group of 39 Filipinos, 10 Chinese and two people from Kazakhstan had also been deported since August 15.
More deportations were also scheduled in the coming days, he added.
The anticorruption agency released pictures of Asian men wearing surgical face masks, lined up at airport check-in counters.
The deportees were among 792 suspected cybercriminals arrested in a single operation in the affluent Victoria Island area of Lagos in December. At least 192 of those arrested were foreign nationals, of whom 148 were Chinese, the EFCC said.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has a reputation for internet fraudsters known in local slang as “Yahoo Boys”, and the EFCC has busted several hideouts where young crime suspects learn online scamming skills.
According to the agency, foreign gangs recruit Nigerian accomplices to find victims online through phishing scams. The attackers typically try to deceive victims into transferring money or revealing sensitive information such as passwords to accounts.
The scams target mostly Americans, Canadians, Mexicans and Europeans, the EFCC said.
Experts say the fraudulent investment schemes used by cyber-scammers have become increasingly sophisticated and dynamic as they leverage the latest technologies and digital tools.
The schemes ultimately leave victims – many of whom invest their savings, business capital, and borrowed money – unable to do anything but watch their hard-earned money disappear.
Experts also warn that foreign “cybercrime syndicates” have set up shop in Nigeria to exploit its weak cybersecurity systems.
The announcement by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday comes as the country steps up a crackdown on online scam operations, which lured victims through online romances to hand over cash for fake cryptocurrency investments.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale later told the AFP news agency that another group of 39 Filipinos, 10 Chinese and two people from Kazakhstan had also been deported since August 15.
More deportations were also scheduled in the coming days, he added.
The anticorruption agency released pictures of Asian men wearing surgical face masks, lined up at airport check-in counters.
The deportees were among 792 suspected cybercriminals arrested in a single operation in the affluent Victoria Island area of Lagos in December. At least 192 of those arrested were foreign nationals, of whom 148 were Chinese, the EFCC said.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has a reputation for internet fraudsters known in local slang as “Yahoo Boys”, and the EFCC has busted several hideouts where young crime suspects learn online scamming skills.
According to the agency, foreign gangs recruit Nigerian accomplices to find victims online through phishing scams. The attackers typically try to deceive victims into transferring money or revealing sensitive information such as passwords to accounts.
The scams target mostly Americans, Canadians, Mexicans and Europeans, the EFCC said.
Experts say the fraudulent investment schemes used by cyber-scammers have become increasingly sophisticated and dynamic as they leverage the latest technologies and digital tools.
The schemes ultimately leave victims – many of whom invest their savings, business capital, and borrowed money – unable to do anything but watch their hard-earned money disappear.
Experts also warn that foreign “cybercrime syndicates” have set up shop in Nigeria to exploit its weak cybersecurity systems.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Video - Security experts applaud Nigeria’s arrest of high-profile Ansaru militants
Nigerian authorities captured two top leaders of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-linked terror group accused of some of the country's deadliest attacks. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu called it a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency and banditry. Security experts have welcomed the arrests, calling them a strong sign that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are gaining ground.
Gunmen kill at least 27 in mosque attack in northern Nigeria
At least 27 worshippers have been killed and several wounded when armed bandits stormed a mosque in northern Nigeria’s Katsina state during morning prayers, a village head and a hospital official said.
The gunmen opened fire inside a mosque as Muslims gathered to pray at around 04:00 GMT in the remote community of Unguwan Mantau in the Malumfashi local government area, residents said.
No one immediately claimed responsibility, but such attacks have become more common in Nigeria’s northwestern and north-central regions, where local herders and farmers often clash over limited access to land and water.
The attacks have killed and injured scores, with a June attack in north-central Nigeria killing more than 100 people. Amnesty International called for the government to end the “almost daily bloodshed in Benue state”. That attack took place in Yelwata, a town in Benue State, according to Amnesty.
The prolonged conflict has become deadlier in recent years, with authorities and analysts warning that more herdsmen are taking up arms.
The state’s commissioner, Nasir Mu’azu, said the army and police have deployed in the area of Unguwan Mantau following Tuesday’s bloodshed to prevent further attacks, adding that gunmen often hide among the crops in farms during the rainy season to carry out assaults on communities.
The gunmen opened fire inside a mosque as Muslims gathered to pray at around 04:00 GMT in the remote community of Unguwan Mantau in the Malumfashi local government area, residents said.
No one immediately claimed responsibility, but such attacks have become more common in Nigeria’s northwestern and north-central regions, where local herders and farmers often clash over limited access to land and water.
The attacks have killed and injured scores, with a June attack in north-central Nigeria killing more than 100 people. Amnesty International called for the government to end the “almost daily bloodshed in Benue state”. That attack took place in Yelwata, a town in Benue State, according to Amnesty.
The prolonged conflict has become deadlier in recent years, with authorities and analysts warning that more herdsmen are taking up arms.
The state’s commissioner, Nasir Mu’azu, said the army and police have deployed in the area of Unguwan Mantau following Tuesday’s bloodshed to prevent further attacks, adding that gunmen often hide among the crops in farms during the rainy season to carry out assaults on communities.
Nigeria adopts US-style social media visa vetting
Nigeria on Monday said it plans to impose reciprocal visa requirements on US citizens following Washington's new rule demanding that Nigerian applicants disclose their social media activity for the past five years.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision after the US Mission in Nigeria issued its directive over the weekend.
What does the US visa rule require?
The US Mission said applicants must list all social media usernames, handles, email addresses and phone numbers linked to accounts used in the last five years.
"Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form," the mission said.
It added that applicants would be required to certify that the information in their visa application was correct before signing and submitting it.
"Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas," said the mission.
The regulation is part of broader measures by the Trump administration that it says are to "ensure national security."
The rule expands an earlier requirement for international students to share their accounts and even lower privacy settings.
Officials said the information would help vet applications more thoroughly.
What is Nigeria planning in response to the US visa requirement?
Nigerian Foreign Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa said the government would adopt the same measures for Americans applying for Nigerian visas.
"Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures. Anything visa is reciprocal. What you are mandating our nationals to do, we will also mandate your citizens applying for our visa to do," he said.
He added that the Foreign Ministry will hold an inter-agency meeting with the Interior Ministry and the National Intelligence Agency to finalize the policy.
"We will have a meeting and agree on our best way to respond to it holistically," Ebienfa said. Officials stressed that Nigeria was informed of the US plan in advance.
The move comes as Nigeria faces pressure to protect its citizens from what it sees as restrictive foreign immigration rules.
Ebienfa's comments were reported in the online editions of two of Nigeria's biggest newspapers, Punch and Vanguard.
In July, Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said the country would not bow to increased pressure to accept deported Venezuelans from US President Donald Trump.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision after the US Mission in Nigeria issued its directive over the weekend.
What does the US visa rule require?
The US Mission said applicants must list all social media usernames, handles, email addresses and phone numbers linked to accounts used in the last five years.
"Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form," the mission said.
It added that applicants would be required to certify that the information in their visa application was correct before signing and submitting it.
"Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas," said the mission.
The regulation is part of broader measures by the Trump administration that it says are to "ensure national security."
The rule expands an earlier requirement for international students to share their accounts and even lower privacy settings.
Officials said the information would help vet applications more thoroughly.
What is Nigeria planning in response to the US visa requirement?
Nigerian Foreign Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa said the government would adopt the same measures for Americans applying for Nigerian visas.
"Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures. Anything visa is reciprocal. What you are mandating our nationals to do, we will also mandate your citizens applying for our visa to do," he said.
He added that the Foreign Ministry will hold an inter-agency meeting with the Interior Ministry and the National Intelligence Agency to finalize the policy.
"We will have a meeting and agree on our best way to respond to it holistically," Ebienfa said. Officials stressed that Nigeria was informed of the US plan in advance.
The move comes as Nigeria faces pressure to protect its citizens from what it sees as restrictive foreign immigration rules.
Ebienfa's comments were reported in the online editions of two of Nigeria's biggest newspapers, Punch and Vanguard.
In July, Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said the country would not bow to increased pressure to accept deported Venezuelans from US President Donald Trump.
By Richard Connor, DW
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Video - Nigeria adopts new strategy to address inter-communal tensions
Nigeria is taking a new approach to ending deadly clashes between farmers and cattle herders. The government says the establishment of special cattle-breeding centers can not only ease tensions but also boost food security in a country perennially blighted by production issues.
Video - Chinese consulate screens war-era documentary in Lagos to mark 80th anniversary
Nigeria has marked the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The Chinese Consulate in Lagos, in collaboration with the West Africa Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, screened a documentary film in Lagos. Titled 'The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru', the film recounts the tragic incident as well as the heroics of Chinese fishermen, who risked everything to save lives.
Nigeria to impose reciprocal measures on US citizens after new visa rules
The Federal Government has said it may subject United States citizens seeking Nigerian visas to the same requirements recently imposed by the US on Nigerian applicants.
The development follows new US visa regulations requiring applicants to submit details of their social media history and other online activities.
Speaking on Monday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said, “We are aware of the development. I think it’s part of the new measures they informed us about before implementation. On things of this nature, the best we can do is to carry out reciprocal action. Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures.”
Ebienfa added that an inter-agency meeting will be convened to determine Nigeria’s coordinated response.
“The government will have an inclusive meeting that will involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and also our National Intelligence Agency, NIA. The stakeholders that are involved will have a meeting and agree on our best way to respond to it holistically,” he said.
The US Mission in Nigeria had previously announced that visa applicants must provide their user IDs, email addresses, usernames, handles, and telephone numbers used on all platforms over the past five years.
The Mission warned that failure to submit accurate information could result in visa denial and ineligibility for future entry into the United States.
The directive forms part of broader immigration tightening measures introduced by the US government to enhance national security, expanding earlier rules that applied mainly to international student visa applicants.
The development follows new US visa regulations requiring applicants to submit details of their social media history and other online activities.
Speaking on Monday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said, “We are aware of the development. I think it’s part of the new measures they informed us about before implementation. On things of this nature, the best we can do is to carry out reciprocal action. Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures.”
Ebienfa added that an inter-agency meeting will be convened to determine Nigeria’s coordinated response.
“The government will have an inclusive meeting that will involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and also our National Intelligence Agency, NIA. The stakeholders that are involved will have a meeting and agree on our best way to respond to it holistically,” he said.
The US Mission in Nigeria had previously announced that visa applicants must provide their user IDs, email addresses, usernames, handles, and telephone numbers used on all platforms over the past five years.
The Mission warned that failure to submit accurate information could result in visa denial and ineligibility for future entry into the United States.
The directive forms part of broader immigration tightening measures introduced by the US government to enhance national security, expanding earlier rules that applied mainly to international student visa applicants.
At least 25 rescued after boat capsizes in Nigeria, dozens feared dead
At least 25 people have been rescued while another 25 remain missing after a boat carrying around 50 passengers capsized in northwestern Nigeria’s Sokoto State, authorities said on Tuesday.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that no bodies had been recovered as of Tuesday morning, but the missing passengers are presumed dead, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.
The wooden vessel, transporting women, children, and motorcycles to Goronyo market, overturned on Sunday. Local officials blamed the accident on overloading and poor road infrastructure, which forces many residents to rely heavily on water transport.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by strong water currents caused by a nearby dam, according to Goronyo local government chairman Zubairu Yari.
Boat accidents are frequent in Nigeria during the rainy season, when weak enforcement of safety rules and overcrowded vessels heighten the risks.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that no bodies had been recovered as of Tuesday morning, but the missing passengers are presumed dead, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.
The wooden vessel, transporting women, children, and motorcycles to Goronyo market, overturned on Sunday. Local officials blamed the accident on overloading and poor road infrastructure, which forces many residents to rely heavily on water transport.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by strong water currents caused by a nearby dam, according to Goronyo local government chairman Zubairu Yari.
Boat accidents are frequent in Nigeria during the rainy season, when weak enforcement of safety rules and overcrowded vessels heighten the risks.
Monday, August 18, 2025
Video - Nigeria’s Yobe State faces devastation from floods, 600 people affected
Intense flooding in Yobe State, Nigeria, destroyed over 200 homes in Potiskum, impacting 600 people, some injured. The floods, following a warning for 21 states, highlight Nigeria’s vulnerability to seasonal rains in August 2025.
At least 40 missing after boat capsizes in northwestern Nigeria
At least 40 people are missing after a boat capsized Sunday on a river in northwestern Nigeria, authorities said.
The accident happened around the Goronyo area in Sokoto state while the boat was transporting passengers to a market, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement late Sunday.
The emergency agency said only 10 people have been rescued as teams continue search and rescue efforts in the area.
The accident is the latest in a series of deadly boat mishaps on Nigerian waterways. Such accidents are common in remote communities during the rainy season, often caused by overloaded and poorly maintained vessels.
Last month, a boat transporting passengers to a market in north-central Nigeria capsized, killing at least 25 people.
At least 326 people died in boat accidents in Nigeria in 2024, according to a count by TheCable, a local media outlet.
Analysts say many boats operate without life jackets, blaming weak enforcement by regulatory authorities.
The accident happened around the Goronyo area in Sokoto state while the boat was transporting passengers to a market, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement late Sunday.
The emergency agency said only 10 people have been rescued as teams continue search and rescue efforts in the area.
The accident is the latest in a series of deadly boat mishaps on Nigerian waterways. Such accidents are common in remote communities during the rainy season, often caused by overloaded and poorly maintained vessels.
Last month, a boat transporting passengers to a market in north-central Nigeria capsized, killing at least 25 people.
At least 326 people died in boat accidents in Nigeria in 2024, according to a count by TheCable, a local media outlet.
Analysts say many boats operate without life jackets, blaming weak enforcement by regulatory authorities.
Friday, August 15, 2025
Video - Young farmers in Nigeria find growth in mushroom farming
Nigeria’s China-funded bullet train plans move forward
Nigeria’s $60 billion bullet train project moved a step closer to approval. The 4,000km high-speed rail network has been a decade in the making: Billed as a key project to connect Nigeria’s western and eastern corridors from Lagos to Port Harcourt, the construction will be led by De-Sadel Nigeria, an Abuja-based logistics firm, with China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings as the lead financier, according to the Nigerian government.
Both companies made a formal presentation of a $60 billion proof-of-funds for the project this week, the government said. De-Sadel, which is also involved in a proposal to convert some of Nigeria’s diesel-powered trains to run on liquefied and compressed natural gas, plans to open completed sections of the rail line in three years. Nigeria’s junior petroleum resources minister pledged to supply gas to the contractor for the project.
By Alexander Onukwue, SEMAFOR
Both companies made a formal presentation of a $60 billion proof-of-funds for the project this week, the government said. De-Sadel, which is also involved in a proposal to convert some of Nigeria’s diesel-powered trains to run on liquefied and compressed natural gas, plans to open completed sections of the rail line in three years. Nigeria’s junior petroleum resources minister pledged to supply gas to the contractor for the project.
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Video - U.S., UK aid cuts trigger Nigeria’s family planning crisis
Cuts in aid from the U.S. and UK are crippling Nigeria’s family planning programs, leaving shipments of contraceptives stranded abroad and causing severe supply shortages. CGTN highlights the growing health risks this poses for women and girls across the country.
Local women lead the fight against polio in Nigeria
Joseph’s route takes her through dusty lanes, past tin-roofed homes, mosques and churches. By nightfall, she and her team of six women will have vaccinated hundreds of children. Their mission: To ensure no child is left unprotected from the disease that once crippled thousands across the country.
In 2020, Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus by the World Health Organization (WHO) – a landmark achievement for a country once at the centre of global transmission. But the virus hasn’t vanished entirely.
A related strain, known as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), still threatens under-immunised communities. Unlike the wild virus, cVDPV emerges when the weakened virus from oral vaccines mutates and spreads via contaminated food or water, for instance, in areas where too few children are vaccinated.
That threat remains. Despite steady progress, Nigeria still reports sporadic outbreaks of cVDPV. As of March this year, the country had reported 10 cases of the mutated strain. Last year, 98 cVDPV2 cases were reported.
With ongoing insecurity in northern Nigeria and pockets of resistance elsewhere, the job of eradicating polio now rests heavily on the shoulders of women like Joseph, who are often the only ones granted access to households due to a confluence of cultural, religious and safety reasons.
“It’s my gift,” Joseph said of her work, as she adjusted her headscarf under the sun. “I go to different localities. I talk to mothers. I sit with them. I know how to convince them. That’s what makes this work possible.”
Women on the front lines
Female health workers like Joseph are the backbone of Nigeria’s polio response.
In rural or conservative communities, male health workers are often not allowed to interact with women and children. While in conflict-affected areas, strange men moving between households may be viewed with suspicion, as many of these areas are battling rebels.
In Borno State – the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running Boko Haram rebellion and one of the regions hardest hit by polio outbreaks – the stakes are especially high. Male health workers have sometimes been suspected by the community of working with government forces or intelligence services.
In some neighbourhoods, the mistrust and resistance extend to female vaccinators as well.
“Most people in Maiduguri [the state capital] don’t always like the vaccine. They think it prevents them from giving birth,” said Aishatu, who chose not to reveal her last name. The community health worker leads immunisation rounds across several wards in the area.
Such rumours about the effects of vaccines have circulated for years, often fanned by misinformation circulating among community networks, some religious leaders, and occasionally by armed groups such as Boko Haram, which has attacked vaccinators and portrayed immunisation as part of a foreign agenda.
In some cases, religious teachings have been misrepresented, for example, claims that vaccines are forbidden during certain religious festivals or that immunisation interferes with divine will. There have also been conspiracy theories saying vaccines are a Western plot to sterilise children.
Combined with longstanding mistrust of government programmes in some areas, belief in these rumours has made vaccine acceptance a persistent challenge in parts of northern Nigeria, health workers say.
For front-liners like Aishatu, confronting the beliefs has become part of the job. Her strategy is persistence and patience.
“We handle it by trying to increase sensitisation,” she said, referring to the repeated community visits, one-on-one conversations, and informal group talks that female health workers use to counter vaccine myths and build trust among hesitant parents. “We keep talking to the mothers, telling them the truth. Some accept it slowly, some after seeing others take it.”
Aishatu has to balance this work with managing her household responsibilities. But she sees the job as something beyond a paycheck. “The work is a professional one,” she said. “But it also adds so much to life. I know I am helping people and I love it.”
But she also believes more needs to be done to expand the programme’s reach. “More female vaccinators are needed,” she said. “That’s the best approach for the government to use for creating more awareness about [the need and effectiveness of] polio vaccines.”
In areas or situations where male vaccinators face access constraints and restrictions, women doing the work have been more effective. And for some, their demeanour and approach to patients is what also makes a difference.
“Women are very social,” said Esu Danlami Audu, village head of Kado who has seen his village stamp out new polio cases because of efforts by women vaccinators.
“They are able to talk to parents, gain trust, and explain the importance of vaccines in ways men cannot. That is why they have played such an important role in our progress against eradication of poliovirus.”
This access has proven more critical in regions like Borno. According to the WHO, female vaccinators and community health promoters have been instrumental in reaching children in hard-to-access areas, sometimes even risking their lives to do so.
“All over Africa, despite facing life threats at many places, their [women vaccinators’] presence and persistence have helped overcome barriers of trust, cultural norms, and insecurity. This is especially true for conflict-affected areas of northern Nigeria where women are often the only ones allowed into households – especially those with young children – making their role irreplaceable,” said Dr Ndoutabe Modjirom, coordinator of WHO-led polio outbreaks rapid response team for the African region.
Innovation, persistence and economic ripple effect
To further counter these challenges, health workers have also adopted a mix of innovation and local knowledge.
Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping now helps identify missed settlements. Community mobilisers, often local women, monitor newborns and report missed vaccinations. Mobile health units and door-to-door outreach campaigns are routine.
“We go to schools, churches, mosques and markets,” said Aminat Oketi, a vaccinator in Nasarawa State and a mother of six. “Sometimes we vaccinate 150, even 300 children a day. The work is tough. But when I see a child protected, it is worth it.”
Although Oketi earns some money from her work, the job is not well paid. Most vaccinators receive just 12,000 naira (about $8) from the government for a five-day campaign. Transport often eats into their earnings, forcing them to supplement this income with petty trade or hawking goods.
Aishatu supplements her income by running a small beans trading business in Maiduguri to earn an income. “I buy and sell beans,” she said. “I manage it by separating my time to work [as a health worker] and do business.”
While the campaigns has improved public health outcomes, it has also unintentionally created a foundation for economic empowerment among women, many say. Empowered by training and purpose, many of these women have become micro-entrepreneurs and informal community leaders.
Vaccinators like Oketi, who joined the programme four years ago, are not only safeguarding children but also building personal livelihoods.
She runs a small poultry business alongside her health work. “I have a shop where I sell chicken feed and I rear birds too,” she said. Her modest vaccine stipend barely covers transport, but the exposure to community networks and the sense of mission have translated into entrepreneurial confidence.
“When people trust you with their children, they also trust you to provide them with other services,” she said. “My customers come because they know me from the vaccination rounds. It is all connected.”
This is a common trajectory. While some female vaccinators have leveraged their community credibility to start small businesses, others, like Joseph, have set up informal health outreach networks, advising new mothers and coordinating care for sick children.
According to Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s country representative, this dual role of healthcare provider and entrepreneur reflects a deeper shift. “They are not just women with jobs; they are agents of change,” she said. “Vaccination campaigns have opened a pathway for leadership, agency, and financial independence.”
Helen Bulus, a government health officer in charge of vaccinations in Mararaba town in Nasarawa, reflects on the sense of commitment female health workers share.
“We are mothers too. Women take care of children, not just their own. That’s why they don’t give up [even when there is hardship],” she said.
And as they persevere, their work creates other positive ripples, like contributing to higher school enrolment among girls in some regions, she added. “As mothers become more economically stable, they invest more in their daughters’ futures.”
A global model – with challenges
While wild polio now remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Nigeria’s experience offers vital lessons. Its fight against polio, led by women, supported by community trust, and bolstered by innovative strategies, has reshaped how public health can be delivered in fragile settings.
The next step, experts say, is sustaining this momentum.
“Routine immunisation must be strengthened,” said Munduate. “And communities must be supported, not just during outbreaks but all year round.”
The polio infrastructure has also transformed Nigeria’s broader healthcare system. Cold chains, data systems, and human networks developed for polio now support routine immunisations, maternal health, and even responses to outbreaks like cholera and COVID-19.
“We have built a legacy platform. Female vaccinators trained for polio are now part of nutrition drives, health education, and emergency response. They have become health champions,” WHO’s Modjirom explained.
Still, hurdles persist. Insecurity continues to hinder access in parts of northern Nigeria. In conservative areas, misinformation remains rife, fed by rumours that vaccines cause infertility or are part of foreign agendas.
Despite gains, health workers say there is little scope for complacency. Experts warn that until every child is reached, the virus remains a threat not just to Nigeria, but to global eradication efforts.
“For each paralytic case, thousands more may be infected,” said Munduate. “That’s why we can’t stop and efforts have to continue.”
The reporting for this story was supported by UN Foundation Polio Press Fellowship
To further counter these challenges, health workers have also adopted a mix of innovation and local knowledge.
Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping now helps identify missed settlements. Community mobilisers, often local women, monitor newborns and report missed vaccinations. Mobile health units and door-to-door outreach campaigns are routine.
“We go to schools, churches, mosques and markets,” said Aminat Oketi, a vaccinator in Nasarawa State and a mother of six. “Sometimes we vaccinate 150, even 300 children a day. The work is tough. But when I see a child protected, it is worth it.”
Although Oketi earns some money from her work, the job is not well paid. Most vaccinators receive just 12,000 naira (about $8) from the government for a five-day campaign. Transport often eats into their earnings, forcing them to supplement this income with petty trade or hawking goods.
Aishatu supplements her income by running a small beans trading business in Maiduguri to earn an income. “I buy and sell beans,” she said. “I manage it by separating my time to work [as a health worker] and do business.”
While the campaigns has improved public health outcomes, it has also unintentionally created a foundation for economic empowerment among women, many say. Empowered by training and purpose, many of these women have become micro-entrepreneurs and informal community leaders.
Vaccinators like Oketi, who joined the programme four years ago, are not only safeguarding children but also building personal livelihoods.
She runs a small poultry business alongside her health work. “I have a shop where I sell chicken feed and I rear birds too,” she said. Her modest vaccine stipend barely covers transport, but the exposure to community networks and the sense of mission have translated into entrepreneurial confidence.
“When people trust you with their children, they also trust you to provide them with other services,” she said. “My customers come because they know me from the vaccination rounds. It is all connected.”
This is a common trajectory. While some female vaccinators have leveraged their community credibility to start small businesses, others, like Joseph, have set up informal health outreach networks, advising new mothers and coordinating care for sick children.
According to Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s country representative, this dual role of healthcare provider and entrepreneur reflects a deeper shift. “They are not just women with jobs; they are agents of change,” she said. “Vaccination campaigns have opened a pathway for leadership, agency, and financial independence.”
Helen Bulus, a government health officer in charge of vaccinations in Mararaba town in Nasarawa, reflects on the sense of commitment female health workers share.
“We are mothers too. Women take care of children, not just their own. That’s why they don’t give up [even when there is hardship],” she said.
And as they persevere, their work creates other positive ripples, like contributing to higher school enrolment among girls in some regions, she added. “As mothers become more economically stable, they invest more in their daughters’ futures.”
A global model – with challenges
While wild polio now remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Nigeria’s experience offers vital lessons. Its fight against polio, led by women, supported by community trust, and bolstered by innovative strategies, has reshaped how public health can be delivered in fragile settings.
The next step, experts say, is sustaining this momentum.
“Routine immunisation must be strengthened,” said Munduate. “And communities must be supported, not just during outbreaks but all year round.”
The polio infrastructure has also transformed Nigeria’s broader healthcare system. Cold chains, data systems, and human networks developed for polio now support routine immunisations, maternal health, and even responses to outbreaks like cholera and COVID-19.
“We have built a legacy platform. Female vaccinators trained for polio are now part of nutrition drives, health education, and emergency response. They have become health champions,” WHO’s Modjirom explained.
Still, hurdles persist. Insecurity continues to hinder access in parts of northern Nigeria. In conservative areas, misinformation remains rife, fed by rumours that vaccines cause infertility or are part of foreign agendas.
Despite gains, health workers say there is little scope for complacency. Experts warn that until every child is reached, the virus remains a threat not just to Nigeria, but to global eradication efforts.
“For each paralytic case, thousands more may be infected,” said Munduate. “That’s why we can’t stop and efforts have to continue.”
The reporting for this story was supported by UN Foundation Polio Press Fellowship
Why Nigeria promised its women’s basketball team new apartments
Players on Nigeria’s female basketball team will receive a cash reward of $100,000 each and a three-bedroom apartment following their win at the Fiba Women’s AfroBasket Championship. That comes just weeks after Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, were promised a similar award after winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
President Bola Tinubu says the women are deserving of the recognition because they have inspired Nigerians to dream big and brought honour to the West African country. But reaction to the cash prize has been mixed, with some saying such rewards are unsustainable given the country’s economic difficulties.
Mansur Abubakar, a BBC reporter in Abuja, tells us about the government’s promises and describes the apartments in more detail. We also get reactions from Nigerian basketball fans. And William from the What in the World team tells us about the various incentives — from cash to cows — that other countries have offered athletes.
President Bola Tinubu says the women are deserving of the recognition because they have inspired Nigerians to dream big and brought honour to the West African country. But reaction to the cash prize has been mixed, with some saying such rewards are unsustainable given the country’s economic difficulties.
Mansur Abubakar, a BBC reporter in Abuja, tells us about the government’s promises and describes the apartments in more detail. We also get reactions from Nigerian basketball fans. And William from the What in the World team tells us about the various incentives — from cash to cows — that other countries have offered athletes.
US approves potential $346 million weapons sale to Nigeria to bolster security
The U.S. State Department approved a possible $346 million weapons sale to Nigeria to help improve security in the sub-Saharan country, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
Congress was notified and would need to approve the sale, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The agency is a division of the Department of Defense body that provides technical assistance and oversees transfers of defense equipment.
The weapons requested by Nigeria include munitions, bombs and rockets.
A resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadist group, has shaken Nigeria’s northeast. The group took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose its radical version of Islamic law. In recent months, Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts, mined roads with bombs and raided civilian communities, raising fears of a possible return to the peak insecurity of the Boko Haram era despite the military’s claims of success against them.
The conflict, which has spread into Nigeria’s northern neighbors, has claimed about 35,000 civilian lives and displaced more than 2 million people in the country’s northeastern region, according to the U.N.
Apart from the insurgency in the northeast, Africa’s most populous country also faces serious security challenges in the north-central and northwest regions, where hundreds have been killed and injured in recent months.
“The proposed sale will improve Nigeria’s capability to meet current and future threats through operations against terrorist organizations and to counter illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,” the Pentagon said Wednesday. “There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
In the past 10 years, Nigeria has bought military equipment from the U.S. on several occasions. Most recently, the U.S. approved a $997-million weapons sale in 2022.
By Dyepkazah Shibayan, AP
Congress was notified and would need to approve the sale, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The agency is a division of the Department of Defense body that provides technical assistance and oversees transfers of defense equipment.
The weapons requested by Nigeria include munitions, bombs and rockets.
A resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadist group, has shaken Nigeria’s northeast. The group took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose its radical version of Islamic law. In recent months, Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts, mined roads with bombs and raided civilian communities, raising fears of a possible return to the peak insecurity of the Boko Haram era despite the military’s claims of success against them.
The conflict, which has spread into Nigeria’s northern neighbors, has claimed about 35,000 civilian lives and displaced more than 2 million people in the country’s northeastern region, according to the U.N.
Apart from the insurgency in the northeast, Africa’s most populous country also faces serious security challenges in the north-central and northwest regions, where hundreds have been killed and injured in recent months.
“The proposed sale will improve Nigeria’s capability to meet current and future threats through operations against terrorist organizations and to counter illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,” the Pentagon said Wednesday. “There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
In the past 10 years, Nigeria has bought military equipment from the U.S. on several occasions. Most recently, the U.S. approved a $997-million weapons sale in 2022.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Nigeria at Risk of Tuberculosis Surge As Global Funding Declines
In this project, journalist Taiwo Adebulu travels to Nigerian areas hard hit by tuberculosis and examines the fallout from President Trump's dismantling of USAID.
TB is a major killer in Nigeria. In 2023, the nation was one of the top 10 recipients of funding from the United States Agency for International Development, getting over $600 million in health grants. Nigeria needs $404 million to deliver what is needed for TB treatment in 2025. Losing USAID is a devastating blow to that need.
Adebulu reports on how patients have lost access to vital drugs and how pharmacies are struggling as supplies dwindle. He'll also examine the impact on people with HIV. A large percentage of people with HIV contract TB, a tragic outcome that could expand now because of the cuts.
Taiwo Adebulu, Pulitzer Center
TB is a major killer in Nigeria. In 2023, the nation was one of the top 10 recipients of funding from the United States Agency for International Development, getting over $600 million in health grants. Nigeria needs $404 million to deliver what is needed for TB treatment in 2025. Losing USAID is a devastating blow to that need.
Adebulu reports on how patients have lost access to vital drugs and how pharmacies are struggling as supplies dwindle. He'll also examine the impact on people with HIV. A large percentage of people with HIV contract TB, a tragic outcome that could expand now because of the cuts.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Video - Nigeria’s Super Falcons aim for historic World Cup win
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, fresh off their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in July 2025, are targeting a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup victory.
Video - How AI is saving Nigeria’s endangered languages
Nigeria is home to over 500 indigenous languages — but many are at risk of extinction. A new AI-powered platform, Indigenius Mobile, is working to change that. Created to help people speak, learn, and connect in their native tongues, this tech is bringing endangered languages back into everyday life.
Video - Nigeria arraigns five accused in 2022 Catholic church massacre
Nigerian prosecutors arraigned five men accused of carrying out a deadly Islamist militant attack on a Catholic church in Owo, in the southwestern Ondo state, that killed at least 50 worshippers in 2022 and wounded over 100 others.
Nigeria Seeks Technical Advisor for Massive 90,000km Fiber Optic Network Project
The Federal Government of Nigeria, with financing from the World Bank, is initiating a major project to deploy a 90,000km fiber optic network across the country. The project, named ‘Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth – BRIDGE’, will be structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and managed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) company. The government is now seeking a Technical Advisor to provide expert consulting services for the planning, design, and implementation of this extensive digital infrastructure.
The selected consulting firm will be responsible for ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable deployment of the network. This includes collaborating with legal and financial advisors to align all technical aspects with Nigerian laws and international best practices. The Technical Advisor’s key role will be to review and validate technical designs and specifications, ensuring the project’s long-term commercial viability and adherence to global market standards. The contract is for a duration of 12 months.
To be considered for the role, consulting firms must demonstrate a minimum of 10 years of experience in providing technical advisory services for large-scale digital infrastructure projects, with a specific focus on fiber optic networks. The government also requires proven expertise in conducting technical feasibility studies, due diligence, and network gap assessments, as well as a strong background in geospatial analysis and GIS-based assessments for broadband infrastructure in emerging markets. These qualifications must be demonstrated through experience on at least three similar projects. The selection will be made using the Quality and Cost Based Selection method, in line with World Bank procurement regulations.
By Kay-Lyne Wolfenden, Tech Africa News
The selected consulting firm will be responsible for ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable deployment of the network. This includes collaborating with legal and financial advisors to align all technical aspects with Nigerian laws and international best practices. The Technical Advisor’s key role will be to review and validate technical designs and specifications, ensuring the project’s long-term commercial viability and adherence to global market standards. The contract is for a duration of 12 months.
To be considered for the role, consulting firms must demonstrate a minimum of 10 years of experience in providing technical advisory services for large-scale digital infrastructure projects, with a specific focus on fiber optic networks. The government also requires proven expertise in conducting technical feasibility studies, due diligence, and network gap assessments, as well as a strong background in geospatial analysis and GIS-based assessments for broadband infrastructure in emerging markets. These qualifications must be demonstrated through experience on at least three similar projects. The selection will be made using the Quality and Cost Based Selection method, in line with World Bank procurement regulations.
Nigeria military kills scores of gang members in air and ground raids
The Nigerian air force has killed scores of gunmen, known locally as "bandits", who were members of criminal gangs operating in Zamfara state, the military has said.
The air force said in a statement on Monday that it carried out a raid in Makakkari forest, north-west Nigeria, which was the hideout of the gunmen who were believed to be behind some high-profile kidnappings in the area.
It said it conducted the operation after surveillance detected more than 400 gang members preparing to attack a village.
Over the past two weeks, armed gangs have targeted nearby settlements, killing scores and kidnapping many more. At least 13 security personnel have also been killed.
The aerial strikes, in coordination with attacks on the ground, led to the deaths of "several notorious bandit kingpins and scores of their foot soldiers," air force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said.
He added that the ground forces intercepted and killed others trying to flee the forest.
In parts of Nigeria, kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative business for some.
The bandits, motivated by financial gain, have also increased their cooperation with jihadist groups that have been waging a 16-year armed insurgency in the north-east.
In recent years, the military has launched a number of operations against the gangs, including last month when at least 95 gang members were killed - but the violence has persisted.
By Chris Ewokor, BBC
The air force said in a statement on Monday that it carried out a raid in Makakkari forest, north-west Nigeria, which was the hideout of the gunmen who were believed to be behind some high-profile kidnappings in the area.
It said it conducted the operation after surveillance detected more than 400 gang members preparing to attack a village.
Over the past two weeks, armed gangs have targeted nearby settlements, killing scores and kidnapping many more. At least 13 security personnel have also been killed.
The aerial strikes, in coordination with attacks on the ground, led to the deaths of "several notorious bandit kingpins and scores of their foot soldiers," air force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said.
He added that the ground forces intercepted and killed others trying to flee the forest.
In parts of Nigeria, kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative business for some.
The bandits, motivated by financial gain, have also increased their cooperation with jihadist groups that have been waging a 16-year armed insurgency in the north-east.
In recent years, the military has launched a number of operations against the gangs, including last month when at least 95 gang members were killed - but the violence has persisted.
Monday, August 11, 2025
Mars meteorite found in Niger, controversially sold in US
There are no indications that the Nigerien government got any proceeds from the sale of the meteorite.
The Nigerien government has now launched an investigation into how the Martian meteorite was moved out of the country to New York.
The meteorite, called NWA 16788, was, in July, auctioned in the Sotheby’s auction house, one of the world’s largest and oldest auction houses, founded in 1744.
The rare rock weighs more than 24.6 kilograms and is considered to be the largest known rock from Mars ever found on Earth.
The sale happened during the auction house’s “Geek Week,” which showcases items linked to natural history, science, and space.
Before the auction, the rock had been displayed by a private gallery in Tuscany, Italy, and by the Italian Space Agency.
An Italian academic article published last year revealed that it was discovered in the Agadez region of northern Niger by a meteorite hunter. It is believed to have travelled about 140 million miles from Mars after an asteroid impact before landing in the Sahara.
Meteorites, often caused by fragments of asteroids or comets entering Earth’s atmosphere, can fall anywhere on the planet. However, the dry climate and minimal human activity in the Sahara have made the desert a prime spot for finding them.
Meteorite hunters and researchers often scour the desert, especially in parts of Africa like Morocco, Algeria, and Niger, searching for rocks that have fallen to Earth.
For the recently discovered rock, neither the buyer nor the seller has been identified, and little is known about the hunter who found it.
Nigerien officials, however, have begun questioning how the rock left the country to go under the hammer 5,000 miles away.
In a recent statement, the government said it doubts the legality of the rock’s export and raised concerns about the likelihood of illicit international trafficking.
It said the export bears “all the hallmarks of illicit international trafficking.”
The Nigerien authorities also announced that they have launched an official investigation into the circumstances of the rock’s discovery, export and sale.
Auction house denies allegation
Experts and international cultural watchdogs are also questioning the legality and ethics of the meteorite’s export.
Some of them are even calling for its immediate return.
A palaeontologist from the University of Edinburgh, Steve Brusatte, told CNN last month that, “It would be a shame if it disappeared into the vault of an oligarch.
“It belongs in a museum, where it can be studied, and where it can be enjoyed by children and families and the public at large.”
“It was discovered in Niger? How did it end up being sold in New York?” said Alia Baré, daughter of former Nigerien president Ibrahim Maïnassara, in an interview with Forbes Africa.
“This is a crucial matter of sovereignty. This is a national treasure that shouldn’t have been sold. Things have to change,” she added.
However, Sotheby’s has denied allegations that the rock might have been illegally transported to the US.
The auction house told the BBC that it complied with all international regulations.
“The NWA 16788 was exported from Niger and transported in line with all relevant international procedures,” it said.
“As with everything we sell, all relevant documentation was in order at each stage of its journey, in accordance with best practice and the requirements of the countries involved,” it added.
Experts and international cultural watchdogs are also questioning the legality and ethics of the meteorite’s export.
Some of them are even calling for its immediate return.
A palaeontologist from the University of Edinburgh, Steve Brusatte, told CNN last month that, “It would be a shame if it disappeared into the vault of an oligarch.
“It belongs in a museum, where it can be studied, and where it can be enjoyed by children and families and the public at large.”
“It was discovered in Niger? How did it end up being sold in New York?” said Alia Baré, daughter of former Nigerien president Ibrahim Maïnassara, in an interview with Forbes Africa.
“This is a crucial matter of sovereignty. This is a national treasure that shouldn’t have been sold. Things have to change,” she added.
However, Sotheby’s has denied allegations that the rock might have been illegally transported to the US.
The auction house told the BBC that it complied with all international regulations.
“The NWA 16788 was exported from Niger and transported in line with all relevant international procedures,” it said.
“As with everything we sell, all relevant documentation was in order at each stage of its journey, in accordance with best practice and the requirements of the countries involved,” it added.
Nigerian profitable food delivery Chowdeck lands $9M from Novastar, Y Combinator
Chowdeck, a Lagos-based food delivery startup that has stayed profitable in a notoriously tough and low-margin market, has raised $9 million in Series A funding to launch a quick commerce strategy and expand into more cities in Nigeria and Ghana.
The equity round was led by Novastar Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, Rebel Fund, GFR Fund, Kaleo, HoaQ, and others. The investors are betting on the team’s ability to pair local market expertise with execution and turn a notoriously difficult sector into a profitable super app for food, groceries and essentials.
“We’re thrilled about this round as it brings us closer to our vision of becoming Africa’s number one super app,” CEO and co-founder Femi Aluko said. “This funding will supercharge our growth plans, enabling us to expand into more cities, reduce delivery times, scale our grocery footprint, and attract the best talent to drive innovation and customer satisfaction.”
Founded in October 2021 by Aluko, Olumide Ojo, and Lanre Yusuf, Chowdeck now operates in 11 cities across Nigeria and Ghana, serving 1.5 million customers with a network of more than 20,000 riders. Its logistics system averages 30 minutes per order, and in dense areas, more than half of deliveries arrive by bicycle.
While prominent players have exited or scaled back their African operations, Chowdeck has leaned into the complexity of local markets—delivering local meals, an operationally harder challenge—to build trust with customers.
In 2024, the value of meals delivered through Chowdeck grew more than sixfold from the previous year. This year, the company says it passed its 2024 total before July.
The new funding will help Chowdeck roll out quick commerce, ultra-fast delivery backed by a network of dark stores and hyperlocal logistics hubs. The company plans to open 40 dark stores by the end of this year and 500 by the end of 2026, with two to three new stores launching each week. Chowdeck raised a $2.5 million seed round last year.
Food delivery is a crowded business globally, but when done well, it has led to some other big companies like DoorDash.
Quick commerce, on the other hand, has been a capital-intensive gamble in most markets. In Europe, Gorillas and Getir burned through hundreds of millions of dollars before retreating or consolidating. In India, platforms like Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy have had varying levels of success with the model when it comes to profitability.
Chowdeck has been profitable since before this raise and Aluko says the company doesn’t enter cities or verticals without planning to break even within a couple of weeks.
For instance, the food delivery platform entered neighbouring Ghana this May. Within three months, it was handling 1,000 daily orders without paid advertising, which, according to Aluko, came from pent-up demand for a service that delivers local favorites alongside international cuisines. The company aims to quintuple that volume to 5,000 daily orders by the end of September 2025.
Aluko says Chowdeck plans to apply the same playbook to dark stores, which will complement its restaurant and grocery delivery operations.
Another vertical complementing these operations will be software. This June, the YC-backed startup acquired Mira, a point-of-sale provider for African food and hospitality businesses. Mira’s tools manage inventory and orders in real time; now, it will help Chowdeck optimize its operations, positioning the company as a vertical SaaS-plus-logistics provider for restaurants.
Chowdeck’s raise is a win for local players in the sector, after Jumia’s exit left market share to foreign brands such as Glovo, Bolt Food, and Yango. Yet, some of these companies have also withdrawn from certain markets, including Nigeria and Ghana, which Chowdeck is now targeting aggressively.
Super apps such as Gozem, YC-backed Yassir, and MNT-Halan are other local companies offering food delivery services in other African markets.
“The market is still very early,” Aluko said. “Customer behavior is shifting online for the first time. A whole generation is growing up ordering food without ever having walked into some of the restaurants or markets on our platform.”
For lead investor Novastar Ventures, the bet is on execution and local insight. “Chowdeck is building the future of logistics for African cities,” said partner Brian Waswani Odhiambo. “With deep local insight, a sustainability-first approach, and impressive execution, it is redefining last-mile delivery on the continent.”
Friday, August 8, 2025
Video - Nigerian official lauds growing partnership with China
Joseph Tegbe, Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, says Nigeria is already seeing the benefits of its deepening relationship with China, especially in agriculture and steel. He revealed that Chinese enterprises have committed to invest over $20 billion in key sectors.
Nigeria’s palm oil revival: Quiet success, deeper reform needed
In a country where policy reversals and implementation lapses often stifle industrial growth, Nigeria’s palm oil sector stands out as a case of quiet, compounding progress. Thanks to a mix of incentives under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) initiated in 2011 and continued under successive administrations, the palm oil industry has seen a renaissance led by the private sector and midwifed by a relatively coherent industrial policy.
Yet, even as Nigeria’s palm oil imports from Malaysia and Indonesia dropped by over 25 percent in value in 2024, according to trade data, the road to self-sufficiency and global competitiveness remains long and fraught with structural, environmental, and institutional challenges.
The seeds of Nigeria’s palm oil revival were sown during Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, under the stewardship of Akinwumi Adesina, then Minister of Agriculture and now President of the African Development Bank. The strategy was classic developmental economics: offer tax holidays, access to subsidised capital, protective tariffs, and land acquisition support to attract firms into backward integration, particularly into refining and plantation development.
This was not just industrial policy on paper. It attracted real capital. Firms like PZ Wilmar, Okomu, Presco, Dufil Prima Foods, and Agri Palm Limited collectively invested billions of naira into large-scale plantations across Cross River and Edo States. Some of these projects now span tens of thousands of hectares, producing palm oil for food, cosmetics, and increasingly, biofuels and aviation fuel.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Nigeria’s oil palm fruit production rose from 10 million metric tonnes in 2019 to 11.6 million in 2023, a 16 percent jump. Meanwhile, palm oil imports continue to decline, offering modest relief to the country’s volatile foreign exchange reserves.
For once, Nigeria appears to have gotten the basics of industrial policy right: pick a sector where the country has a latent comparative advantage, create the right incentives for capital inflows, and stick with the policy long enough for results to materialise. That alone is worth commending.
But celebration must not blind us to the deeper questions, many of which remain unresolved.
First, there are ecological and social concerns about the aggressive expansion of monoculture plantations. While state governments have helped investors secure land, there is little public scrutiny around issues of land tenure, displacement of rural communities, or biodiversity loss. As global investors tighten their ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria, Nigeria cannot afford to ignore these risks. The palm oil boom must not become another tale of growth at the expense of livelihoods or the environment.
Second, while demand from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms has driven domestic production, it is unclear how resilient this model is without continuous government support. Many of these investors enjoy import quotas, cheap financing via NIRSAL and the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, and duty waivers on equipment. Should the fiscal space tighten further or these incentives be removed, will the sector remain viable or will investors pivot elsewhere?
Third, there is little evidence of value chain deepening beyond plantation and refining. Nigeria still lags in downstream applications, R&D, and global branding. The absence of significant investment in processing, packaging, or international marketing means the country is yet to tap the full economic value of its palm oil revival. Compare this to Malaysia or Indonesia, where palm oil is part of an integrated export-industrial complex with strong linkages to chemical, energy, and food sectors.
Finally, the regulatory environment remains underdeveloped. The absence of a robust monitoring framework for land use, sustainability compliance, and local content obligations could erode both investor confidence and social licence over time.
Despite these gaps, Nigeria’s palm oil story offers valuable lessons. It demonstrates that when incentives align with sector potential, the private sector can respond with capital and expertise. It also shows that some level of protectionism, when targeted, temporary, and transparent, can spur domestic capability in key sectors.
But the work is far from over. To turn this policy success into a lasting economic transformation, Nigeria must broaden its focus: from hectares to human capital, from plantations to processing, and from incentives to institutional resilience.
It must also navigate a shifting global landscape where sustainability is no longer optional. As the EU tightens rules on deforestation-linked imports and investors prioritise ESG metrics, Nigeria must show that its palm oil is not just locally sourced but also ethically produced.
Industrial policy is not just about growth; it is about balancing efficiency, equity, and ecology. Nigeria has taken a promising first step. But the real test will be whether the country can build an inclusive, export-oriented palm oil sector that can compete, not just survive, in a warming, more protectionist world.
Yet, even as Nigeria’s palm oil imports from Malaysia and Indonesia dropped by over 25 percent in value in 2024, according to trade data, the road to self-sufficiency and global competitiveness remains long and fraught with structural, environmental, and institutional challenges.
The seeds of Nigeria’s palm oil revival were sown during Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, under the stewardship of Akinwumi Adesina, then Minister of Agriculture and now President of the African Development Bank. The strategy was classic developmental economics: offer tax holidays, access to subsidised capital, protective tariffs, and land acquisition support to attract firms into backward integration, particularly into refining and plantation development.
This was not just industrial policy on paper. It attracted real capital. Firms like PZ Wilmar, Okomu, Presco, Dufil Prima Foods, and Agri Palm Limited collectively invested billions of naira into large-scale plantations across Cross River and Edo States. Some of these projects now span tens of thousands of hectares, producing palm oil for food, cosmetics, and increasingly, biofuels and aviation fuel.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Nigeria’s oil palm fruit production rose from 10 million metric tonnes in 2019 to 11.6 million in 2023, a 16 percent jump. Meanwhile, palm oil imports continue to decline, offering modest relief to the country’s volatile foreign exchange reserves.
For once, Nigeria appears to have gotten the basics of industrial policy right: pick a sector where the country has a latent comparative advantage, create the right incentives for capital inflows, and stick with the policy long enough for results to materialise. That alone is worth commending.
But celebration must not blind us to the deeper questions, many of which remain unresolved.
First, there are ecological and social concerns about the aggressive expansion of monoculture plantations. While state governments have helped investors secure land, there is little public scrutiny around issues of land tenure, displacement of rural communities, or biodiversity loss. As global investors tighten their ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria, Nigeria cannot afford to ignore these risks. The palm oil boom must not become another tale of growth at the expense of livelihoods or the environment.
Second, while demand from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms has driven domestic production, it is unclear how resilient this model is without continuous government support. Many of these investors enjoy import quotas, cheap financing via NIRSAL and the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, and duty waivers on equipment. Should the fiscal space tighten further or these incentives be removed, will the sector remain viable or will investors pivot elsewhere?
Third, there is little evidence of value chain deepening beyond plantation and refining. Nigeria still lags in downstream applications, R&D, and global branding. The absence of significant investment in processing, packaging, or international marketing means the country is yet to tap the full economic value of its palm oil revival. Compare this to Malaysia or Indonesia, where palm oil is part of an integrated export-industrial complex with strong linkages to chemical, energy, and food sectors.
Finally, the regulatory environment remains underdeveloped. The absence of a robust monitoring framework for land use, sustainability compliance, and local content obligations could erode both investor confidence and social licence over time.
Despite these gaps, Nigeria’s palm oil story offers valuable lessons. It demonstrates that when incentives align with sector potential, the private sector can respond with capital and expertise. It also shows that some level of protectionism, when targeted, temporary, and transparent, can spur domestic capability in key sectors.
But the work is far from over. To turn this policy success into a lasting economic transformation, Nigeria must broaden its focus: from hectares to human capital, from plantations to processing, and from incentives to institutional resilience.
It must also navigate a shifting global landscape where sustainability is no longer optional. As the EU tightens rules on deforestation-linked imports and investors prioritise ESG metrics, Nigeria must show that its palm oil is not just locally sourced but also ethically produced.
Industrial policy is not just about growth; it is about balancing efficiency, equity, and ecology. Nigeria has taken a promising first step. But the real test will be whether the country can build an inclusive, export-oriented palm oil sector that can compete, not just survive, in a warming, more protectionist world.
Nigerian Government, WHO and partners Strengthen Cholera Preparedness nationwide
In response to a surge in cholera cases during the 2025 rainy season, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with UNICEF, WaterAid, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), have launched an initiative to strengthen cholera preparedness and response.
Over 150 frontline health workers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been trained to improve early detection, reporting, and treatment of cholera. To ensure impact at the community level, state governments have cascaded these trainings to high-risk areas. In Bauchi State, with support from WaterAid, 40 community-level health workers across 12 high-burden LGAs received targeted training to enhance local response capacity.
“I feel better equipped now to detect cholera symptoms early and take immediate action,” said Yushau Muktari, a Disease Surveillance Officer in Bauchi. “This training will help us save lives.”
Over 150 frontline health workers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been trained to improve early detection, reporting, and treatment of cholera. To ensure impact at the community level, state governments have cascaded these trainings to high-risk areas. In Bauchi State, with support from WaterAid, 40 community-level health workers across 12 high-burden LGAs received targeted training to enhance local response capacity.
“I feel better equipped now to detect cholera symptoms early and take immediate action,” said Yushau Muktari, a Disease Surveillance Officer in Bauchi. “This training will help us save lives.”
Cholera Cases Surge Amid Rainy Season
As of 28 July, Nigeria has recorded 4,700 cholera cases and 113 deaths (CFR: 2.4%), with outbreaks concentrated in flood-affected and displaced communities
“We’re not just responding to outbreaks—we’re building systems to prevent the next one,” said Dr Jide Idris, Director General of NCDC. “With WHO’s support and donor contributions, we’re enhancing Nigeria’s ability to prepare for and respond to cholera more effectively.”
WHO emphasizes the need for a multi-sectoral, whole-of-government approach aligned with the Global Roadmap to End Cholera by 2030. This includes investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), strengthening primary healthcare, and securing political and financial commitment.
“The risk of widespread outbreaks is real, especially as climate shocks intensify,” said Dr Alex Gasasira, Acting WHO Country Representative in Nigeria. “Thanks to the Government of Japan’s timely support, Nigeria is better positioned to protect its most vulnerable.”
WHO remains committed to supporting Nigeria in achieving its cholera control targets and safeguarding public health.
As of 28 July, Nigeria has recorded 4,700 cholera cases and 113 deaths (CFR: 2.4%), with outbreaks concentrated in flood-affected and displaced communities
Coordinated Action from Government and Partners
“We’re not just responding to outbreaks—we’re building systems to prevent the next one,” said Dr Jide Idris, Director General of NCDC. “With WHO’s support and donor contributions, we’re enhancing Nigeria’s ability to prepare for and respond to cholera more effectively.”
WHO’s Targeted Support Across States
WHO’s support includes:
• Pre-positioning cholera kits
• Strengthening surveillance systems
• Deploying rapid response teams
• Providing technical support in Zamfara, Adamawa, and Niger states
• Donating 7 cholera test kits and medical supplies for 200 patients
• Supplying 10,000 sachets of oral rehydration salts for community treatment
“Every cholera death is preventable,” said Ann Fortin, WHO Emergency Preparedness Response Lead in Nigeria. “To save lives, we must act faster—supporting health workers, improving coordination, and ensuring supplies reach those in need.”
• Pre-positioning cholera kits
• Strengthening surveillance systems
• Deploying rapid response teams
• Providing technical support in Zamfara, Adamawa, and Niger states
• Donating 7 cholera test kits and medical supplies for 200 patients
• Supplying 10,000 sachets of oral rehydration salts for community treatment
“Every cholera death is preventable,” said Ann Fortin, WHO Emergency Preparedness Response Lead in Nigeria. “To save lives, we must act faster—supporting health workers, improving coordination, and ensuring supplies reach those in need.”
A Roadmap to End Cholera by 2030
WHO emphasizes the need for a multi-sectoral, whole-of-government approach aligned with the Global Roadmap to End Cholera by 2030. This includes investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), strengthening primary healthcare, and securing political and financial commitment.
Building Resilience Amid Climate Risks
“The risk of widespread outbreaks is real, especially as climate shocks intensify,” said Dr Alex Gasasira, Acting WHO Country Representative in Nigeria. “Thanks to the Government of Japan’s timely support, Nigeria is better positioned to protect its most vulnerable.”
WHO remains committed to supporting Nigeria in achieving its cholera control targets and safeguarding public health.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Doyin Abiola, MKO’s Widow and Nigeria’s First Female Newspaper Editor, Dies at 82
She died yesterday at about 9.15pm. She was aged 82 years. She was also the first Nigerian woman to be an editor of a Nigerian national daily.
The deceased started work with the Daily Sketch Newspaper in 1969, during which she started a column in the newspaper called Tiro, where she addressed sundry issues of public concern, including gender matters.
In 1970, she left Daily Sketch Newspaper and traveled to the United States to pursue a master’s degree programme in Journalism.
Upon her return, she was employed as a Features Writer at Daily Times and rose to become the Group Features Editor. She later went to New York and obtained a PhD in communications and political science in 1979.
After her PhD programme, she returned to the Daily Times and was deployed to the editorial board, where she worked with other experienced editors like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa and Amma Ogan.
It was, however, to be a short stay as the newly formed National Concord newspaper invited her to be its pioneer daily editor. She then moved to be an editor of National Concord.
She was promoted to be the Managing director/editor-in-chief in 1986, and became the first Nigerian woman to become the editor in chief of a daily newspaper in Nigeria.
Mrs. Abiola’s career at National Concord Newspaper spanned three decades. She also served in various capacities in the media industry in Nigeria.
She was the Chairperson of the Awards Nominating panel at the first Nigerian Media Merit Award to be hosted in the country, and also a member of Advisory Council, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Ogun State University.
She was a recipient of Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) for her lifelong devotion to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and strengthening the media as a pillar of democracy.
The Trustees of DAME unanimously approved her selection as a recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th DAME Ceremony.
She was the second woman to receive a DAME Lifetime Achievement Award after Mrs. Omobola Onajide) and was later granted Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986.
Nigerian customs seize over 1,600 parrots and canaries in major wildlife trafficking bust
Nigerian customs said they seized more than 1,600 parrots and canaries that were being transported from Lagos international airport to Kuwait without a permit, in one the biggest wildlife trafficking seizures in years.
The seizure is a sign of positive change in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, as Nigeria is a major hub in the global trade in protected species, Mark Ofua, West Africa spokesperson for the international non-governmental organization Wild Africa, told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Customs agents seized ring-necked parakeets and green and yellow fronted canaries, two protected species, at the airport on July 31, the agency said in a statement late Monday.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES.
The statement by the customs agency said the shipment were not accompanied by a CITES permit and other documents required to prove the birds were legally obtained.
Nigerian customs said an investigation to find those responsible for the illicit cargo is ongoing, and that the birds will be handed to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation and release into the wild.
Ofua said Nigeria’s porous borders, widespread corruption, and weak enforcement make it a key transit point for ivory, pangolin scales and other wildlife products destined for Asia.
Global illegal wildlife trafficking is valued at $8–10 billion annually, he added.
The seizure is a sign of positive change in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, as Nigeria is a major hub in the global trade in protected species, Mark Ofua, West Africa spokesperson for the international non-governmental organization Wild Africa, told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Customs agents seized ring-necked parakeets and green and yellow fronted canaries, two protected species, at the airport on July 31, the agency said in a statement late Monday.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES.
The statement by the customs agency said the shipment were not accompanied by a CITES permit and other documents required to prove the birds were legally obtained.
Nigerian customs said an investigation to find those responsible for the illicit cargo is ongoing, and that the birds will be handed to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation and release into the wild.
Ofua said Nigeria’s porous borders, widespread corruption, and weak enforcement make it a key transit point for ivory, pangolin scales and other wildlife products destined for Asia.
Global illegal wildlife trafficking is valued at $8–10 billion annually, he added.
By Ope Adetayo, AP
Nigerian fishermen hold fast to tradition amid rapid urban growth
In the shadow of luxury apartment buildings under construction on the shores of the reservoir, Maniru Umar dips his oar into the water, pushing his shallow, wooden canoe forward through thick reeds.
Out of a mix of pride and necessity, Umar and his fellow fishermen in Nigeria's rapidly expanding capital still do things the old-fashioned way, two-men crews working in a deft balancing act as they throw out nets over the side.
"I grew up fishing with my father," said Umar, 20. "As long as I'm still fishing, I'll teach my son how to fish as well."
Across Africa's most populous nation, city living isn't easy. Despite vibrant tech, oil and finance sectors, Nigeria's graft-plagued economy has long struggled to provide enough jobs for its more than 200 million-strong population.
As the country rapidly urbanises, passing down their craft has become both a cultural lifeline and economic lifeline for Abuja's fishermen.
"We only focus on primary and secondary school," said Kabir Suleiman, chairman of the fishermen's village, a settlement of one-room shacks tucked on the rocky shore of Jabi Lake, around 10 minutes drive from downtown Abuja.
Sending children to university is seen as a waste, he said, in a country where graduates often trickle back into the informal sector anyway.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria only tipped into a majority-urban population in 2019 – a marker the United States passed about a century ago.
On the whole, only sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia have yet to tip from majority rural to majority urban – and into the drastically different economy that shift brings.
"Nigeria could do a better job of utilising the intellectual, the physical, the behavioural strength of its young and urbanising population," said Ikemesit Effiong, a partner at SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based consultancy, noting more than half the country is under the age of 30.
Nigeria's urban poor are increasingly made up of people moving from the countryside, he said – but due to lacklustre public service delivery, they're often unable to access the fruits of urbanisation, from paved roads to clinics and schools.
Evicted for luxury housing
The 200 or so fishermen's relationship with Abuja's growth has been mixed.
There are far more people to sell fish to in the capital than in the countryside. The city is also safe from "bandits", armed kidnapping gangs that rove the rural hinterlands.
It was urbanisation that brought them here in the first place: the government built the Jabi reservoir dam in 1981. Fishermen from the countryside soon followed.
But regular check-ins from the agriculture ministry have been replaced by the government selling off plots of land for development, Suleiman said.
Nigeria's staggering economic inequality looms over them as luxury housing goes up just feet away from their settlement, which has been displaced twice in three years.
Construction workers have at times cleared paddies and other vegetation – key fish habitats, Umar said.
But he also wondered if the growing population of fishermen is leaving less fish to catch.
Modern boats dot the lake, rented out by revellers keen for a cruise.
In recent weeks, the fishermen say, surveyors have come to the village, saying it too is being sought by property developers.
Next door is a new restaurant, gated off from the settlement.
Above the entrance gate is a sign: Fisherman Village, Jabi Lake Resort.
The actual Jabi fishermen, meanwhile, have their sights set on self-preservation, no matter what.
"This is our job," Suleiman said. "This is our business, this is the business our fathers have been doing, our parents have been doing."
The 200 or so fishermen's relationship with Abuja's growth has been mixed.
There are far more people to sell fish to in the capital than in the countryside. The city is also safe from "bandits", armed kidnapping gangs that rove the rural hinterlands.
It was urbanisation that brought them here in the first place: the government built the Jabi reservoir dam in 1981. Fishermen from the countryside soon followed.
But regular check-ins from the agriculture ministry have been replaced by the government selling off plots of land for development, Suleiman said.
Nigeria's staggering economic inequality looms over them as luxury housing goes up just feet away from their settlement, which has been displaced twice in three years.
Construction workers have at times cleared paddies and other vegetation – key fish habitats, Umar said.
But he also wondered if the growing population of fishermen is leaving less fish to catch.
Modern boats dot the lake, rented out by revellers keen for a cruise.
In recent weeks, the fishermen say, surveyors have come to the village, saying it too is being sought by property developers.
Next door is a new restaurant, gated off from the settlement.
Above the entrance gate is a sign: Fisherman Village, Jabi Lake Resort.
The actual Jabi fishermen, meanwhile, have their sights set on self-preservation, no matter what.
"This is our job," Suleiman said. "This is our business, this is the business our fathers have been doing, our parents have been doing."
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Video - Revived railway in Nigeria’s Plateau State eases commuter costs
In Nigeria’s north-central Plateau State, a refurbished intra-city rail line is providing relief to residents grappling with soaring fuel prices following the 2023 petrol subsidy removal. Launched by local authorities, the revitalized rail system offers affordable commuting options, boosting mobility and supporting the local economy.
Video - Lagos launches major food security drive
Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, has launched a $327 million "Produce for Lagos" initiative, to cut food waste and boost local supply. The program links farmers across Nigeria directly to Lagos markets with improved logistics and guaranteed offtake. Authorities hope it will reduce post-harvest losses, cut import reliance, while creating thousands of jobs.
Video - Nigeria, U.S tensions mount over immigration and trade disputes
Relations between Nigeria and the U.S. are worsening following a dispute over deported Venezuelans, new U.S. visa restrictions, and trade tariffs on Nigerian exports. Experts say the conflict reflects deeper issues, including Nigeria’s foreign policy stance on Gaza.
Nigeria's oil production tops 1.8 million barrels per day in July
Nigeria's oil production surpassed 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) last month, with current average output at 1.78 million bpd, Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, said at a conference on Monday.
The West African country, one of Africa's largest oil producers, relies on crude oil for nearly two-thirds of government revenue and over 80% of foreign currency earnings, making production gains critical for stabilising its economy.
However, oil theft has curtailed output and strained public finances in recent years.
The West African country, one of Africa's largest oil producers, relies on crude oil for nearly two-thirds of government revenue and over 80% of foreign currency earnings, making production gains critical for stabilising its economy.
However, oil theft has curtailed output and strained public finances in recent years.
Nigeria's champion women basketballers promised $100,000 each
At a special reception held in honour of the team, known as D'Tigress, Vice-President Kashim Shettima also promised each player a three-bedroom flat.
Nigeria defeated Mali 78-64 on Sunday to win their seventh AfroBasket title, which also secured them a spot at next year's Fiba Women's World Cup.
A similar bonus was promised to the national female football team, the Super Falcons, last month after they won the recent Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
Members of D'Tigress's coaching and technical crew were also promised $50,000 each and a flat during the reception at State House in the capital, Abuja.
"Nigerian women have never failed this nation in sports. From the Super Falcons standing tall on the world stage, to our athletes breaking records on the track, and D'Tigress building a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently made us proud," President Bola Tinubu said in a statement.
"To all our young people watching today, let the story of D'Tigress remind you that greatness is a product of hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their best to make those dreams a reality."
There have been been mixed reactions to the promises of cash prizes - with some feeling it is unsustainable considering the country's troubled economy.
Though the question on the lips of most Nigerians is: how long will it take for them all to get their rewards?
Previous promises like this have taken years to come to fruition.
Two months ago, the government finally fulfilled its 31-year-old pledge to give houses to the 1994 Super Eagles football squad after they won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
Some members of that team, including Nigeria's all-time highest goal scorer Rashidi Yekini and then-captain Stephen Keshi, died before receiving the promised reward.
Friday, August 1, 2025
Video - Nurses strike hits health services in Nigeria
Nurses across Nigeria are protesting poor working conditions. The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives announced the week-long strike could be extended if its demands are not met.
Nigeria embraces stablecoins
Meanwhile, Hong Kong authorities are urging caution in stablecoin adoption as its landmark Stablecoins Ordinance takes effect. The city-state says it will only issue a handful of licenses, and that most applicants “will be disappointed.”
Nigeria’s stablecoin embrace
Speaking at the Nigeria Stablecoin Summit in Lagos, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, backed stablecoins as disruptive financial tools.
“I stand before you as both a regulator and an advocate for responsible innovation. My message today is clear: Nigeria is open for stablecoin business, but on terms that protect our markets and empower Nigerians,” he said, as reported by local outlets.
Nigerians have been the most avid stablecoin users in Africa. A June report by Yellow Card exchange revealed that nearly 26 million Nigerians have been using stablecoins, equating to 12% of the population, which ranks the country first globally for adoption. The report described Nigeria’s stablecoin adoption as “a signal of how financial innovation can thrive in response to local needs.”
The DG joined several other African leaders who have acknowledged that stablecoins have become a vital cog in the continent’s financial rails. In Kenya, the central bank revealed that one in three banks has expressed strong interest in stablecoins, while in South Africa, the financial regulators have pointed out that they expect stablecoins to become the primary form of digital asset adoption over the next five years.
Agama says that Nigerians have been using stablecoins in cross-border funds transfers and, with the naira losing over 70% of its value against the U.S. dollar in the past three years, they have become a hedge against the local currency’s depreciation.
“Across the continent, freelancers, traders, and businesses are increasingly opting for stablecoin payments to hedge against volatility, a trend significantly amplified by the naira’s fluctuations, which have driven exponential growth in demand for dollar-backed digital assets,” he stated.
Market giants USDT and USDC are the most dominant in the Nigerian market. However, Agama said, “Africa needs African solutions that reflect our market conditions, demographic realities, and development priorities.”
One of these African solutions is cNGN, Nigeria’s first homegrown regulated stablecoin. Launched by the African Stablecoin Consortium, cNGN has hit $2.5 million in transaction volume across dApps, on-chain swaps, GameFi ecosystems, and merchant payments.
CNGN recently told CoinGeek it’s eyeing expansion beyond Nigeria, deepening its liquidity, and broadening its use cases.
“Five years from today, I want to see a Nigerian stablecoin powering cross-border trade from Dakar to Dar es Salaam. I want to see global capital flowing into Lagos as the stablecoin hub of the global south. This is not just finance. This is nation-building,” Agama told the attendees.
Speaking at the Nigeria Stablecoin Summit in Lagos, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, backed stablecoins as disruptive financial tools.
“I stand before you as both a regulator and an advocate for responsible innovation. My message today is clear: Nigeria is open for stablecoin business, but on terms that protect our markets and empower Nigerians,” he said, as reported by local outlets.
Nigerians have been the most avid stablecoin users in Africa. A June report by Yellow Card exchange revealed that nearly 26 million Nigerians have been using stablecoins, equating to 12% of the population, which ranks the country first globally for adoption. The report described Nigeria’s stablecoin adoption as “a signal of how financial innovation can thrive in response to local needs.”
The DG joined several other African leaders who have acknowledged that stablecoins have become a vital cog in the continent’s financial rails. In Kenya, the central bank revealed that one in three banks has expressed strong interest in stablecoins, while in South Africa, the financial regulators have pointed out that they expect stablecoins to become the primary form of digital asset adoption over the next five years.
Agama says that Nigerians have been using stablecoins in cross-border funds transfers and, with the naira losing over 70% of its value against the U.S. dollar in the past three years, they have become a hedge against the local currency’s depreciation.
“Across the continent, freelancers, traders, and businesses are increasingly opting for stablecoin payments to hedge against volatility, a trend significantly amplified by the naira’s fluctuations, which have driven exponential growth in demand for dollar-backed digital assets,” he stated.
Market giants USDT and USDC are the most dominant in the Nigerian market. However, Agama said, “Africa needs African solutions that reflect our market conditions, demographic realities, and development priorities.”
One of these African solutions is cNGN, Nigeria’s first homegrown regulated stablecoin. Launched by the African Stablecoin Consortium, cNGN has hit $2.5 million in transaction volume across dApps, on-chain swaps, GameFi ecosystems, and merchant payments.
CNGN recently told CoinGeek it’s eyeing expansion beyond Nigeria, deepening its liquidity, and broadening its use cases.
“Five years from today, I want to see a Nigerian stablecoin powering cross-border trade from Dakar to Dar es Salaam. I want to see global capital flowing into Lagos as the stablecoin hub of the global south. This is not just finance. This is nation-building,” Agama told the attendees.
HKMA: We’ll only hand out a handful of licenses
In Hong Kong, the city’s de facto central bank has called for caution amidst rising public interest in stablecoins.
Hong Kong’s Stablecoin Ordinance took effect on August 1, and some of Asia’s largest companies competed to be among the first to issue stablecoins under the new regime. However, the chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Eddie Yue, now says that only a select few will receive the green light.
In his statement, Yue warned against the “growing frothiness” and “excessive exuberance” as the new regime takes effect. He says that some public companies have been putting out statements mentioning stablecoin integration to excite investors and spark a stock price rally.
“…in the initial stage, we will at most grant a handful of stablecoin issuer licences. In other words, a large number of applicants will be disappointed,” Yue warned.
While HKMA hasn’t revealed any details about the licensing process, experts opine that the big companies with extensive experience in tech and finance are most likely to beat the smaller startups to the punch. Those who have participated in the HKMA’s Stablecoin Sandbox stand an even bigger chance. They include JD.com’s (NASDAQ: JD) stablecoin subsidiary, Animoca Brands, and Standard Chartered Bank (NASDAQ: SCBFF).
While the new framework makes Hong Kong one of the world’s most attractive stablecoin hubs, it comes with risks to investors. The city has seen its fair share of fraudulent digital asset projects, the most prominent being JPEX, which sank with over $200 million in user funds.
In Hong Kong, the city’s de facto central bank has called for caution amidst rising public interest in stablecoins.
Hong Kong’s Stablecoin Ordinance took effect on August 1, and some of Asia’s largest companies competed to be among the first to issue stablecoins under the new regime. However, the chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Eddie Yue, now says that only a select few will receive the green light.
In his statement, Yue warned against the “growing frothiness” and “excessive exuberance” as the new regime takes effect. He says that some public companies have been putting out statements mentioning stablecoin integration to excite investors and spark a stock price rally.
“…in the initial stage, we will at most grant a handful of stablecoin issuer licences. In other words, a large number of applicants will be disappointed,” Yue warned.
While HKMA hasn’t revealed any details about the licensing process, experts opine that the big companies with extensive experience in tech and finance are most likely to beat the smaller startups to the punch. Those who have participated in the HKMA’s Stablecoin Sandbox stand an even bigger chance. They include JD.com’s (NASDAQ: JD) stablecoin subsidiary, Animoca Brands, and Standard Chartered Bank (NASDAQ: SCBFF).
While the new framework makes Hong Kong one of the world’s most attractive stablecoin hubs, it comes with risks to investors. The city has seen its fair share of fraudulent digital asset projects, the most prominent being JPEX, which sank with over $200 million in user funds.
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