Religious leaders and policymakers from across West Africa are in Abuja, Nigeria for a three-day conference on peace and security. The forum, hosted by the Economic Community of West African States and Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen, a global Islamic organisation, seeks non-military solutions to extremism by promoting education, moral values, and youth inclusion. The conference aims to produce a roadmap for peace that makes faith a force for unity.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Video - Abuja conference seeks faith-based solutions to insecurity in West Africa
Religious leaders and policymakers from across West Africa are in Abuja, Nigeria for a three-day conference on peace and security. The forum, hosted by the Economic Community of West African States and Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen, a global Islamic organisation, seeks non-military solutions to extremism by promoting education, moral values, and youth inclusion. The conference aims to produce a roadmap for peace that makes faith a force for unity.
Emirates to resume Nigeria flights after nearly two years
Dubai's Emirates airline will resume flight schedules to Nigeria from Oct. 1, it said on Thursday, ending a close to two-year halt to flights.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stopped issuing visas to Nigerians in 2022 after Emirates suspended flights between the nations because of an inability to repatriate funds from Nigeria.
"We are excited to resume our services to Nigeria. We thank the Nigerian government for their partnership and support in re-establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers back on board,"
The Lagos-Dubai service has been popular with Nigerian customers in the past and Emirates said it hopes to reconnect travellers to Dubai and onwards to more than 140 destination with its resumption of services.
The resumption of schedules also includes cargo flights, the statement said.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stopped issuing visas to Nigerians in 2022 after Emirates suspended flights between the nations because of an inability to repatriate funds from Nigeria.
"We are excited to resume our services to Nigeria. We thank the Nigerian government for their partnership and support in re-establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers back on board,"
Adnan Kazim, the airline's deputy president and chief commercial officer, said in a statement.
The Lagos-Dubai service has been popular with Nigerian customers in the past and Emirates said it hopes to reconnect travellers to Dubai and onwards to more than 140 destination with its resumption of services.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met last September in Abu Dhabi and discussed the lifting of the visa ban and new investments into Africa's most populous country.
The resumption of schedules also includes cargo flights, the statement said.
By Ope Adetayo, Reuters
Nigeria, WHO and Partners Reaffirm Commitment to End All Forms of Polio by 2030
Abuja, Nigeria, in collaboration with WHO and other partners, is intensifying efforts to eradicate all forms of polio by 2030 through government leadership, community engagement, and targeted vaccination campaigns.
Renewed Commitment on World Polio Day
Every year on 24 October, the global community reaffirms its commitment to eradicating poliomyelitis—a disease that can cause paralysis and, in some cases, death.
Although Nigeria successfully eradicated wild poliovirus in 2020, the experiences of survivors like Hassana Mohammed Bunur from Borno State serve as a reminder of the remaining challenge: eliminating circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), which still exists in parts of the country.
For Hassana Mohammed Bunur and Bukar Modu—both polio survivors—the fight to end polio is deeply personal. Hassana, who contracted the disease as a toddler, now uses a wheelchair and champions vaccination in her community. Bukar, 45, reflects,
“Had I been vaccinated; my life would be very different. But I can use my voice to protect others.”
Their experiences highlight the importance of immunisation and the power of advocacy in building a polio-free future.
Every year on 24 October, the global community reaffirms its commitment to eradicating poliomyelitis—a disease that can cause paralysis and, in some cases, death.
Although Nigeria successfully eradicated wild poliovirus in 2020, the experiences of survivors like Hassana Mohammed Bunur from Borno State serve as a reminder of the remaining challenge: eliminating circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), which still exists in parts of the country.
For Hassana Mohammed Bunur and Bukar Modu—both polio survivors—the fight to end polio is deeply personal. Hassana, who contracted the disease as a toddler, now uses a wheelchair and champions vaccination in her community. Bukar, 45, reflects,
“Had I been vaccinated; my life would be very different. But I can use my voice to protect others.”
Their experiences highlight the importance of immunisation and the power of advocacy in building a polio-free future.
Government Leadership Sustaining Progress
The Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), continues to demonstrate strong leadership in sustaining polio eradication gains.
Nigeria remains committed to halting all poliovirus transmission by 2030, investing in surveillance, routine immunisation, and supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs). Polio vaccination has been integrated with broader health initiatives through campaigns and community outreach to reach all eligible children.
The 2025 Measles–Rubella and Polio Vaccination Campaign aims to immunise over 106 million children, making it one of Africa’s largest immunisation efforts.
The Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), continues to demonstrate strong leadership in sustaining polio eradication gains.
Nigeria remains committed to halting all poliovirus transmission by 2030, investing in surveillance, routine immunisation, and supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs). Polio vaccination has been integrated with broader health initiatives through campaigns and community outreach to reach all eligible children.
The 2025 Measles–Rubella and Polio Vaccination Campaign aims to immunise over 106 million children, making it one of Africa’s largest immunisation efforts.
Eradicating All Forms of the Virus
While Nigeria remains free of wild poliovirus, cVPV2 cases persist. According to national surveillance data: As of 20 October 2024, 112 cases were recorded across 15 states.
In the same period in 2025, 66 cVPV2 cases were reported from 44 LGAs in 12 states—a 41% reduction, indicating progress in interrupting transmission.
While Nigeria remains free of wild poliovirus, cVPV2 cases persist. According to national surveillance data: As of 20 October 2024, 112 cases were recorded across 15 states.
In the same period in 2025, 66 cVPV2 cases were reported from 44 LGAs in 12 states—a 41% reduction, indicating progress in interrupting transmission.
Collective Commitment and Partner Support
WHO, in collaboration with national and international partners under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), supports Nigeria’s eradication efforts through:
• Technical assistance for planning and executing immunisation campaigns
• Logistical coordination to deliver vaccines to hard-to-reach areas
• Capacity-building for health workers in surveillance and outbreak response
• Data review mechanisms to identify gaps and guide corrective actions, including redeploying vaccination teams to missed settlements, strengthening social mobilisation, adjusting supply chains, and conducting targeted mop-ups to ensure no child is left behind
These efforts are complemented by partners including Rotary International, the Gates Foundation, Chigari Foundation, UNICEF, and others, who contribute to microplanning, social mobilisation, surveillance, and evidence-based decision-making.
WHO, in collaboration with national and international partners under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), supports Nigeria’s eradication efforts through:
• Technical assistance for planning and executing immunisation campaigns
• Logistical coordination to deliver vaccines to hard-to-reach areas
• Capacity-building for health workers in surveillance and outbreak response
• Data review mechanisms to identify gaps and guide corrective actions, including redeploying vaccination teams to missed settlements, strengthening social mobilisation, adjusting supply chains, and conducting targeted mop-ups to ensure no child is left behind
These efforts are complemented by partners including Rotary International, the Gates Foundation, Chigari Foundation, UNICEF, and others, who contribute to microplanning, social mobilisation, surveillance, and evidence-based decision-making.
Community Engagement Across States
Across Nigeria, WHO state offices joined government agencies, partners, and communities in commemorating World Polio Day, renewing advocacy for vaccination and stronger surveillance.
In Taraba State, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Buma Bordiya, emphasized the state’s commitment during a press briefing in Jalingo:
“On World Polio Day 2025, we renew our collective commitment to reach every child, with every vaccine, everywhere—until polio is gone for good.”
• In Taraba State, over 2.3 million children received at least one dose of the polio vaccine during April and June SIAs.
• In Gombe, a 3 km awareness walk was held in collaboration with NYSC, Rotary, and others.
• In Ebonyi, the Commissioner of Health expressed gratitude to the Government of Nigeria, WHO, and partners for supporting child vaccination.
• In Kano, over 500 participants—including health officials, traditional leaders, and polio survivors—attended a commemorative event. The Chairman of the Polio Survivors Association urged continued advocacy and inclusion of survivors in outreach efforts.
Other states including Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Zamfara held similar events to reaffirm their commitment to reaching every child.
Across Nigeria, WHO state offices joined government agencies, partners, and communities in commemorating World Polio Day, renewing advocacy for vaccination and stronger surveillance.
In Taraba State, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Buma Bordiya, emphasized the state’s commitment during a press briefing in Jalingo:
“On World Polio Day 2025, we renew our collective commitment to reach every child, with every vaccine, everywhere—until polio is gone for good.”
• In Taraba State, over 2.3 million children received at least one dose of the polio vaccine during April and June SIAs.
• In Gombe, a 3 km awareness walk was held in collaboration with NYSC, Rotary, and others.
• In Ebonyi, the Commissioner of Health expressed gratitude to the Government of Nigeria, WHO, and partners for supporting child vaccination.
• In Kano, over 500 participants—including health officials, traditional leaders, and polio survivors—attended a commemorative event. The Chairman of the Polio Survivors Association urged continued advocacy and inclusion of survivors in outreach efforts.
Other states including Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Zamfara held similar events to reaffirm their commitment to reaching every child.
A Future Without Polio
For Hassana and other polio survivors, the fight against polio is deeply personal.
“If I had been vaccinated, my life would be very different,” reflects Bukar Modu, a 45-year-old polio survivor. “But I can use my voice to make sure no other child suffers as I did. Polio is still a threat, but vaccines save lives.”
Reaffirming WHO’s continued support, Dr. Kofi Boateng, Polio Eradication Programme Cluster Lead, emphasized:
“The only reason the poliovirus continues to circulate is because some children remain unvaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective, and every child must be protected.”
For Hassana and other polio survivors, the fight against polio is deeply personal.
“If I had been vaccinated, my life would be very different,” reflects Bukar Modu, a 45-year-old polio survivor. “But I can use my voice to make sure no other child suffers as I did. Polio is still a threat, but vaccines save lives.”
Reaffirming WHO’s continued support, Dr. Kofi Boateng, Polio Eradication Programme Cluster Lead, emphasized:
“The only reason the poliovirus continues to circulate is because some children remain unvaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective, and every child must be protected.”
Staying the Course and Taking Action
Nigeria’s strong government leadership, community resilience, and sustained partner collaboration are ensuring the country remains firmly on course toward a polio-free future by 2030—one where every child, everywhere, is protected.
To achieve this goal, continued community participation, timely vaccination, and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders are essential. Every caregiver, health worker, and partner has a role to play in ending polio for good.
Nigeria’s strong government leadership, community resilience, and sustained partner collaboration are ensuring the country remains firmly on course toward a polio-free future by 2030—one where every child, everywhere, is protected.
To achieve this goal, continued community participation, timely vaccination, and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders are essential. Every caregiver, health worker, and partner has a role to play in ending polio for good.
Nigeria’s $300 Billion Oil Theft Scandal
Nigeria has lost $300 billion to oil theft, auditors appointed by the Nigerian parliament said this week. The oil was sold illegally both at home and abroad, the Senate committee tasked with investigating oil theft losses said, as cited by Nigerian media.
“The ad hoc committee should be given the mandate to track, trace, and recover all proceeds of stolen crude oil both locally and internationally, as forensic review by the consultant shows over $22 billion, $81 billion, and $200 billion remains unaccounted,” the chairmen of the committee, Senator Ned Nwoko, reported, as quoted by Premium Times.
The report presented to Nigeria’s Senate was interim, meaning the final tally of oil theft losses could end up being even higher. The committee also proposed that the government set up a special court to prosecute oil thieves and use state money to reduce pipeline sabotage.
Oil theft and pipeline vandalism related to it have plagued Nigeria for decades, in recent years, interfering with state plans to reverse a decline in production. The country’s oil output peaked around 2 million barrels daily back in 2016 and has been shrinking since then.
Pipeline vandalism and oil theft are two reasons for this, as they discourage additional investments that are much needed for a reversal in production trends. Another reason has been Big Oil's strategy that has seen the supermajors curb their presence in Nigeria in favor of other locations with better prospects.
This year has seen some success in reversing the decline, after Nigeria’s parliament finally passed an energy industry law years in the making, which aims to improve predictability for foreign investors in Nigeria’s oil industry.
A tax incentive initiative by President Bola Tinubu that came into effect earlier this year is also expected to help Nigeria boost its oil production by encouraging cost savings and efficiency improvements.
By Irina Slav, Oilprice.com
“The ad hoc committee should be given the mandate to track, trace, and recover all proceeds of stolen crude oil both locally and internationally, as forensic review by the consultant shows over $22 billion, $81 billion, and $200 billion remains unaccounted,” the chairmen of the committee, Senator Ned Nwoko, reported, as quoted by Premium Times.
The report presented to Nigeria’s Senate was interim, meaning the final tally of oil theft losses could end up being even higher. The committee also proposed that the government set up a special court to prosecute oil thieves and use state money to reduce pipeline sabotage.
Oil theft and pipeline vandalism related to it have plagued Nigeria for decades, in recent years, interfering with state plans to reverse a decline in production. The country’s oil output peaked around 2 million barrels daily back in 2016 and has been shrinking since then.
Pipeline vandalism and oil theft are two reasons for this, as they discourage additional investments that are much needed for a reversal in production trends. Another reason has been Big Oil's strategy that has seen the supermajors curb their presence in Nigeria in favor of other locations with better prospects.
This year has seen some success in reversing the decline, after Nigeria’s parliament finally passed an energy industry law years in the making, which aims to improve predictability for foreign investors in Nigeria’s oil industry.
A tax incentive initiative by President Bola Tinubu that came into effect earlier this year is also expected to help Nigeria boost its oil production by encouraging cost savings and efficiency improvements.
By Irina Slav, Oilprice.com
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
China opposes Trump’s threat against Nigeria, declares support for Nigerian Government
China has officially declared its opposition to US threats of sanctions or military actions against Nigeria over allegations of mass slaughter of Christians.
The Chinese government made its position known on Tuesday when Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed a press conference in Beijing.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions. China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” Ms Ning said, according to the transcript of the interview posted on the Chinese government’s website.
PREMIUM TIMES reported the threat by US President Donald Trump to either sanction Nigeria or use military action if the Nigerian government does not stop what US officials claim is a genocide against Nigerian Christians.
Mr Trump also designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and claimed that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria, as radical Islamic groups were killing thousands of Christians.
This comes after weeks of campaigns and demands by some US lawmakers for the country to sanction Nigeria for allowing the “persecution of Christians.”
The officials had falsely accused the Nigerian government of facilitating an anti-Christian crusade in an attempt to rid the country of Christians.
The Nigerian government has, however, repeatedly denied the claims.
In a statement issued on Saturday, President Bola Tinubu rejected the assertion of an existential threat to the Nigerian Christian faith, noting that the country strictly upholds the constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
He stated that the portrayals of Nigeria as facilitating Christian genocide “do not reflect our national reality.”
He emphasised that Nigeria “opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
Similarly, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that Nigeria is committed to tackling the violent extremism “fueled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.”
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so,” it said.
By Beloved John, Premium Times
The Chinese government made its position known on Tuesday when Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed a press conference in Beijing.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions. China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” Ms Ning said, according to the transcript of the interview posted on the Chinese government’s website.
PREMIUM TIMES reported the threat by US President Donald Trump to either sanction Nigeria or use military action if the Nigerian government does not stop what US officials claim is a genocide against Nigerian Christians.
Mr Trump also designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and claimed that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria, as radical Islamic groups were killing thousands of Christians.
This comes after weeks of campaigns and demands by some US lawmakers for the country to sanction Nigeria for allowing the “persecution of Christians.”
The officials had falsely accused the Nigerian government of facilitating an anti-Christian crusade in an attempt to rid the country of Christians.
The Nigerian government has, however, repeatedly denied the claims.
In a statement issued on Saturday, President Bola Tinubu rejected the assertion of an existential threat to the Nigerian Christian faith, noting that the country strictly upholds the constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
He stated that the portrayals of Nigeria as facilitating Christian genocide “do not reflect our national reality.”
He emphasised that Nigeria “opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
Similarly, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that Nigeria is committed to tackling the violent extremism “fueled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.”
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so,” it said.
By Beloved John, Premium Times
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