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A former Public Relations Officer of the Labour Party in Enugu State, Mr Ibuchukwu Ezike, says the defection of high-ranking members of the party to other parties in the state is a blessing in disguise.
According to him, it is a normal and healthy development in a democracy, and a means of enforcement of one’s political rights and social relationship.
Ezike told THE WHISTLER on Friday that, “Everyone has a fundamental right to choose who to relate with. That’s democracy for us but there are consequences for such actions which may be favourable or unfavourable. One may leave one place where he or she is well placed to another place where he or she thinks might be better but end up licking his or her wounds.
“For us in the Labour Party, some of the defections mean disposal of refuse or evil eggs in the party and creation of opportunities or conditions for enduring peace, unity and return of credibility and respect for the rule of law and due process in the party which are synonymous with the Labour Party traditions. Some of these people who have left us have done us good. We are not regretting anything.”
Recall that many LP stalwarts, including its guber candidate in the 2023 general election, Barr Chijioke Edeoga; member representing Udenu/Igboeze North Federal Constituency, Mr Dennis Agbo, and LP’s state presidential campaign coordinator in the 2023 general election, Prince Emeka Mama, have defected to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state, citing the excellent performances of Gov Peter Mbah as their reasons
Ezike described PDP as a party “with a body and no head”. In his words, “Has PDP left the clutches of Nyeson Wike? PDP can be best described today as a branch of APC. So, people with wisdom are joining APC directly, and not its affiliate — PDP. Have you seen any true LP members joining APC?
“Labour Party in Enugu State is not bothered about those leaving Egypt to perish in the Red Sea and won’t either get to the Promised Land or go back to Egypt. The people who have joined PDP in Enugu State didn’t have good foresight or didn’t reason well before doing so. Maybe because of the money they are sharing, otherwise the journey to PDP is a journey to no destination. The hens will soon come to roost; the coast will become clearer. You will call me a Prophet in future.”
He called on the good people of the state to remain steadfast while LP is being transformed for the better. He said LP was being rebuilt from the damage done to it by the “APC shenanigans and Abure’s cluelessness”, adding that, “We nailed the enemies of the Labour Party to the Cross and are beginning the process of reorganisation.”
He said LP’s National Transition Caretaker Committee chaired by Senator Nenadi Usman Sambo was working on the reorganisation process.
“The Nenadi Usman Caretaker Committee is setting up state and local government caretaker committees in the 36 states and FCT, and 774 local government areas in the country. These committees will conduct ward, LG and state congresses that would culminate in the national convention where our brand new National Working Committee (NWC) will emerge with state, LG and state working committees already in place. With this brand new LP, we will be good to go to sell our party, programmes and ideologies to Nigerians, and wait to take over power in 2027 to start the rebuilding of our looted, plundered and battered country ruined by PDP and APC – partner parties in crime.”
He assured that the LP government would solve the country’s problems of insecurity, hunger, inflation and corruption.
He advised Enugu people to ignore the case of defections but refocus on the current agenda of the party “which is to restore the party to its glories and take over both Enugu and Nigeria in 2027 “so that Nigerians can breathe air of freedom”, noting that, “The story of those who defected is now in the past. Why waste energy on that? Let the taste of the pudding be in the eating come 2027.”
The cost of importing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, has seen a significant increase, with the landing cost now averaging ₦870 per litre, according to reports from the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN).
Naija News understands that the increase comes at a time when the price offered by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is creating tension in the market, impacting the margins of both fuel importers and marketers.
According to MEMAN, the landing cost of petrol stood at ₦872 per litre on April 28, and ₦868 as of April 29. Just days earlier, on April 23, the cost was ₦859 per litre, highlighting the rising costs of importing petrol.
This surge has raised concerns for importers, who now struggle to sell their products at a profit due to the pricing pressure.
On the retail front, petrol prices are varying widely across the country. On Thursday, Dangote sold petrol for ₦840, which was the same price offered by Matrix (Lagos) and Rainoil.
However, other marketers, such as Pinnacle, Mao, Sahara, AA Rano, and NIPCO, sold the fuel at higher prices, ranging from ₦889 to ₦842, depending on the location.
Retailers in Lagos are benefitting from lower prices, while those in the South-South are paying more due to logistics costs. For instance, First Fortune offered petrol for ₦868, while other retailers like Sigmund and Liquid Bulk set their prices at ₦870. Meanwhile, MRS in Ogun State is selling petrol at ₦890 per litre, with Heyden following closely at ₦885.
Speaking on the situation with Punch, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, said that business has been slow due to the constant fluctuation of petrol prices.
“The fluctuation led to arbitrary price changes that are not well-managed,” he said.
Despite the hurdles, Gillis-Harry stressed that PETROAN members are determined to provide Nigerians with access to energy despite the difficulties.
The PETROAN president also acknowledged that the government is making efforts to stabilise the situation, and he remains hopeful that the challenges in the sector will eventually be addressed, benefiting both consumers and businesses in the long run.
One major factor contributing to the current situation is the pricing strategy of Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The refinery has been consistently slashing the prices of petrol since the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude deal with the facility commenced.
However, the reduction in prices by Dangote has had negative implications for fuel importers, forcing them to sell petrol at prices below their costs to avoid incurring too many losses.
After the suspension of the naira-for-crude deal in March, importers raised their prices from ₦860 to ₦950. Following the Federal Government’s directive to continue the deal, Dangote lowered petrol prices to below ₦900 per litre.
But, according to a report by S&P Global, the pricing of refined petroleum products at Dangote’s refinery has inadvertently incentivised fuel imports into Nigeria.
S&P Global noted that despite the global fall in crude oil prices, Dangote did not significantly lower its gantry prices, which led to increased imports into West Africa.
The report stated, “Between April 1 and April 9, the Eurobob M1 swap fell from $734.25 per metric tonne to $603/MT, a 17.9 per cent fall, before recovering somewhat. But over the same period, Dangote’s truck price at the gantry dropped just 1.7 per cent from ₦880/litre to ₦865/litre (and later ₦835).
“This has encouraged a flood of products to West Africa, where high domestic prices have led marketers to import from international traders in greater volumes
The Nigerian nursing community in the United Kingdom has been thrown into mourning following the discovery of the body of Nnena Miriam, a nurse, in her Leeds apartment.
Miriam, who had recently returned from her wedding introduction in Nigeria, was found dead just days before her birthday.
According to reports, Miriam was last seen at her workplace on Sunday, and her disappearance prompted a missing persons investigation, which led to the heartbreaking discovery.
Friends of Miriam said she was known for her compassion and kindness, and would leave a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Reports say her fiancé had not yet joined her in the UK.
The news of her passing has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian and nursing communities in the UK.
Nigerians are now demanding an investigation into the death of the young nurse.
“There should be an investigation. What killed this promising young girl? It is sad,” one Beneath Oshi wrote on Facebook.
The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have initiated peace talks aimed at resolving their protracted political feud.
Naija News reports that the peace talks, which took place at Wike’s residence in Abuja, were facilitated by former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba and current Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
This meeting marks the first significant step toward reconciling the political rift that has significantly impacted the political landscape of Rivers State.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed to Punch that during the meeting, Fubara made a heartfelt apology for his past actions.
A reliable source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that Fubara, accompanied by the two Ogun governors, “prostrated and begged the FCT Minister for forgiveness.”
The talks are expected to continue, with both politicians scheduled to meet again soon to finalise the reconciliation process.
The longstanding political crisis between Fubara and Wike has caused significant instability in Rivers State over the past two years.
This division ultimately led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025. In response to the crisis, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
The state of emergency declaration was approved by the National Assembly on March 20, despite facing strong public backlash. In response, 11 PDP governors filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the decision.
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, while speaking with Punch, urged Fubara not to compromise the interests of Rivers State for personal political gain.
Osadolor acknowledged the importance of the peace talks but cautioned that the integrity of the state must come first.
“The issue began as a personal dispute but escalated into a national matter, involving constitutional overreach.
“If Fubara’s apology was out of respect for African tradition, that’s fine. But he must not sacrifice the interests of Rivers State for his own position,” Osadolor said.
Osadolor also criticised President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency, calling it both unjustified and constitutionally flawed.
He argued that Rivers State, which had been relatively peaceful, was unfairly singled out for such drastic measures while other states with more significant security concerns did not face similar actions.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has also expressed support for the peace talks, commending its leaders for their role in mediating the dispute.
The APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, praised the party’s leadership, stating that the peace effort was not motivated by political interests but by a desire to ensure stability and good governance in Rivers State.
“For APC leaders to broker peace, it shows our commitment to unity and good governance.
“Our party understands the importance of peace in governance and aims to promote peaceful coexistence, regardless of the individuals involved,” Ibrahim said.
Dr. Sandra Duru, a US-based Nigerian media practitioner and psychologist also known as Prof. Mbeke, launched a scathing attack on suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of deceit, fabricating allegations, and orchestrating a plot to destabilise Nigeria’s federal government.
In her broadcast which was held on Thursday night, she included allegations of organ harvesting, manipulation of media, and personal scandals, with Dr. Duru demanding a police investigation and promising further revelations on CNN.
“When she found out that all she’s offering me is not gonna work, she started deleting those things. But those things she’s deleting, I already have them and I’ve submitted them to the police.
“I’ve submitted them to the police in Nigeria, ICC, everywhere, including IPU. And watch me on CNN, I’m gonna bring out more,” Prof Mgbeke said.
Dr. Duru claimed that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of involvement in organ harvesting, specifically alleging a kidney transplant from Nigeria to Europe, which she deemed medically impossible.
“Kidney cannot be removed and preserved. And you can’t fly kidney from Nigeria to Germany or anywhere in Europe to transplant it just like that,” Duru stated, challenging Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide evidence.
She labeled the senator a “pathological liar” whose lies cause emotional distress, particularly referencing the 2021 murder of Iniobong Umoren.
Duru alleged Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed to have known about the murder for three years, making her an accomplice, and reported this to U.S. authorities and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Why didn’t she tell the police she knew who killed Umoren?” she questioned.
The media practitioner accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of admitting that her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio were false, citing recorded conversations. She claimed Akpoti-Uduaghan denied their interactions, calling Duru “AI” and nonexistent.
To counter this, Duru displayed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s phone number and a March 27 call log during the broadcast, promising to post messages and recordings online.
“She said she hasn’t spoken to me. We don’t have anything to hide anymore. Let her lawyers bring it on,” Duru declared.
These claims align with Duru’s earlier social media posts, where she called Akpoti-Uduaghan a “serial liar” and dismissed her satirical apology to Akpabio as evasive.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for six months, accused Akpabio of making unwanted sexual advances in 2023, including suggestive comments and hand-squeezing during a visit to his home.
The Senate dismissed her petition on procedural grounds and justified her suspension for misconduct, such as violating seating arrangements and disruptive behavior, not the harassment claims.
Duru claimed to have submitted forensically verified evidence—call logs, messages, and recordings—to Nigerian police, the ICC, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and U.S. authorities. She displayed a petition on her TOF (a UN-recognized organization) letterhead during the broadcast, asserting that Akpoti-Uduaghan was invited by authorities but failed to provide evidence.
She also announced plans for a CNN exclusive and an emergency UN meeting to present her case, alongside her book, Unheard Screams, which details Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged lies to highlight men’s suffering.
“I’m going to put it there for you guys to see everything, that nothing is AI. Everything I give you has been examined, analysed, verified, and stamped. America, we don’t make mistakes like that.
“We do investigate cases before we go to the media, we don’t just rush like that. We do things in stages. So I took my time. I didn’t come to social media. She went, she did her own social media first, and up to now, she hasn’t gone to court,” Duru stated.
Prof. Mgbeke accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of paying Arise TV for favourable coverage and hiring Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and FIDA (International Federation of Women Lawyers) as “useful idiots” to disrupt a Senate committee hearing on her petition. She alleged Akpoti-Uduaghan sponsored Arise TV awards and offered Duru an award, which she rejected, citing her value for integrity.
She further claimed Akpoti-Uduaghan targeted Akpabio to destabilise President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with promises of a governorship from opposition leaders.
“The target is not the Senate president, but the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, because Natasha was promised to be made a governor by her so-called political fathers, who she mentioned to me, I’ve mentioned to the authority,” Dr Sandra alleged.
Dr Duru claimed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions were part of a broader opposition strategy, supported by a political party leader she contacted but refused to name publicly.
She urged the Nigerian police to investigate Akpoti-Uduaghan, comparing her case to how they would handle activists like Sowore, and called for transparency.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, on Thursday, hinted that President Bola Tinubu would commission sections of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway by May 29th, 2025, as part of a promise to realise the project.
The minister, who disclosed this to journalists in Lagos after inspecting the project, said the first phase of the ongoing 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is over 70 per cent completed despite the contractors not receiving proportional funding.
He said, “The president is the vision behind the coastal road project. By May 29th, he will commission sections of the Lagos-Calabar road as part of his legacy project to bolster road infrastructure.
“We have surpassed our expectations on the Federal super highway project with the thickness of the roads and the quality of iron reinforcement used on the concrete pavements.
Umahi said, “We will earn carbon credits on the Lagos-Calabar coastal road because the pavement is concrete, which has low emissions compared to asphalt roads.
“We will earn carbon credits using solar because we are not burning diesel. This is very important. We are going to be having trees all through.”
The Minister explained that the road will ease traffic congestion and integrate multi-modal transport infrastructure.
He said, “This project will evacuate all the traffic jams out of the town, which will be a big plus for us. We are not only building for today, we are also building for tomorrow. And, of course, there will be a rail line in the middle. The middle is 12 meters apart.”
However, he commended Hi-Tech Construction Company for its dedication to nation-building, and he noted that construction work was carried out in three shifts.
He hinted that the Financial promoters, the Deutsche Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, are very enthused with the project’s fast pace, as are the development partners, who have given their nod to realising the project’s full potential and work progress.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, on Thursday, urged the United States to increase its support for Nigeria through enhanced intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation, and military capability development.
Matawalle made this appeal during a meeting with Major General Garrick Harmon, Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs at the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The meeting, held at Ship House in Abuja, marked Harmon’s first official visit to Nigeria in his current role.
He emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral defence relations and called on the United States to scale up its assistance in key areas such as intelligence cooperation, technical training, logistics, and equipment provision.
“Nigeria is dedicated to promoting regional peace and security; however, we cannot achieve this alone,” Matawalle stated.
“We require more robust support from the United States, particularly in intelligence sharing and capacity building, to effectively combat terrorism, insurgency, and transnational threats,” he emphasized.
In response, Major General Harmon expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and affirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security efforts.
He described the engagements during his visit as productive and reflective of the solid partnership between both countries.
Both parties acknowledged shared strategic interests and agreed on the need for deeper collaboration to confront regional security threats, the statement by the Ministry Director of Information and Public Relations, Patience Ituke reads.
The immediate past Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is in a dilemma over whether to remain with All Progressive Congress (APC) or rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his seemingly shaky influence in the APC.
While leaders in PDP are calling him to come back to the PDP, get the ticket on a platter of gold and pursue his governorship ambition in 2027, APC has been threatening him with sanction over his claim as the leader of the party in Delta State.
Delta APC, in a statement dated April 30, 2025, and signed by the publicity secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, said with the entry of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori into APC, he has assumed the position of the party leader in the state.
The statement titled, “Delta APC Reaffirms The Position of His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori As Leader Of APC in the State” said the position is not subject to debate or contention.
Delta APC said it is strange, arrogant and reprehensible for any individual to continue to arrogate or to parade himself as the leader of the party in the state in clear opposition to the present reality of the governor as leader of the party.
“Let it be known that such divisive tendencies will be firmly resisted, and anyone who seeks to undermine this position by continuing to parade himself as such will face severe sanctions from the Party” it warned.
But the former commissioner for Higher Education and Agriculture in Delta State, Prof Patrick Muoboghere, has told Omo-Agege to return to PDP and pursue his governorship ambition in 2027.
Muoboghere made the invitation while reacting to the mass defection from the PDP to the APC in Delta, stating that like a lion, Omo-Agege has been caged in his own den.
“He should not allow himself to be humiliated and pushed around in the APC, where his leadership is being undermined. The PDP is ready to welcome him back with open arms and support his governorship ambition and ensure he succeeds in his political endeavors.”
The PDP chieftain said the statements of the Vice President Shettima where he said, “Omo-Agege is my friend, work with him” is an insult to the senator whom he said had earlier released a press statement a day before Monday, welcoming Oborevwori to the party as a leader in the party but within 24 hours, he was told that he should queue behind the governor and work with him.
He described the scenario as an insult, degrading and demeaning to Omo-Agege, the 2023 Delta state APC Governorship candidate to have addressed himself as the leader of the party and his followers.
“Senator Omo-Agege made a statement on Sunday welcoming the Governor to the party in his capacity as a leader of the party in the state, but within 24 hours, he was stripped of his title and compelled to work with the Governor.
“The Governor is the leader of the party and Omo-Agege who has built the party and has been working hard to gather followers has just been stripped of his leadership and he is being chased away from the party. In any political party, after the governor, every other person is immaterial because everybody must follow the governor, and in this case, once the governor indicates interest to contest the election, there will be no primary election and the party will give him the ticket.”
Muoboghere reassured Omo-Agege and other potential returnees that the PDP is the right platform for them to achieve their political goals and aspirations if they so wish.
He also urged others that defected to the APC to reconsider their decision and come back to the PDP, where they will be valued and respected, noting that the PDP is committed to promoting unity, inclusiveness, and fairness in its political activities as it has always been
The Federal Government has summoned Vice Chancellors of affected universities and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to an emergency meeting scheduled for May 6, 2025, following disturbing allegations of unauthorised deductions from student loans.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the situation as extremely concerning, vowing that the government would leave no stone unturned in its quest to uphold transparency, protect public funds, and ensure students receive the full benefits of the loan scheme.
A press statement by Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, said the Federal Ministry of Education has received with deep concern a media report alleging that some Nigerian universities made unauthorised deductions from funds disbursed under the NELFUND scheme.
The Minister stated that if proven true, such actions would constitute a gross violation of public trust and a betrayal of the government’s commitment to equitable access to education.
“In response, the Ministry is convening an urgent meeting on May 6, 2025, with the Vice Chancellors of the affected universities and the Managing Director of NELFUND. The meeting will aim to thoroughly investigate the matter, ensure full accountability, and reaffirm the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy toward financial malpractice in the education sector.
“To reinforce this effort, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Athena Centre, will launch a compliance-tracking initiative and a countdown webpage to monitor institutional transparency. They will also offer technical assistance and introduce an Annual University Transparency Index to promote accountability and enhance the global relevance of Nigerian universities,” the statement said.
Additionally, it said a training programme will be organised for Bursars and ICT Heads of universities and polytechnics on the development and maintenance of an open-portal initiative.
“As part of our National Education Sector Reform Initiative (NESRI), governance remains the top pillar of our agenda,” Dr. Alausa said.
“We are committed to strengthening transparency, promoting responsible financial conduct, and ensuring that every kobo allocated for student welfare is used appropriately. Let me assure Nigerians that this matter will not be swept under the carpet. Anyone found culpable will face appropriate sanctions.”
Dr. Alausa further emphasised that President Bola Tinubu, who established NELFUND as a flagship initiative, made adequate budgetary provisions to support both students and institutions in a fair and transparent manner.
“NELFUND was created to expand students’ access to high-quality education and to support universities financially in a legal and sustainable way. Any attempt to exploit this fund is unacceptable and contradicts the President’s vision for inclusive human capital development.”
The Minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring that students receive the full benefits of all government education support schemes.
Calls for bold reforms in infrastructure, industrialisation, governance
President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has issued a sobering warning on Nigeria’s economic trajectory, cautioning the country risks long-term stagnation unless it confronts its chronic infrastructure and power deficits head-on.
In his keynote address delivered at the 20th Anniversary Dinner of Chapel Hill Denham in Lagos, Adesina painted the picture of a country full of potential but hampered by policy inaction and weak execution.
He urged Nigerian policymakers and investors to move boldly in reforming key sectors if the country was to reclaim its economic future.
The AfDB president stated, “Without reliable power Nigeria’s economy will be locked in a never-ending slow growth trajectory, without transformation. You cannot industrialise, you cannot compete, and you certainly cannot create jobs at scale if you don’t have electricity.
“Access to power is not just about lights, it’s about productivity, competitiveness, and prosperity.”
He stressed that electricity access will be pivotal in unlocking Nigeria’s digital economy, attracting data centres, enabling artificial intelligence applications, and lowering costs for small and large businesses.
Adesina said, “The digital economy cannot thrive on diesel generators. We must create a 21st-century grid, powered by clean, reliable, and scalable energy solutions. And for that, the private sector must be at the heart of the energy transition.”
Adesina called for structural reforms to encourage greater private investment in Nigeria’s energy sector. He identified areas needing improvement to include cost-reflective tariffs, enforceable power purchase agreements, and access to blended finance from multilateral institutions, like AfDB and World Bank.
He stated, “The market must work, investors need clarity, certainty, and contracts that are bankable. With the right regulatory environment, Nigeria can become a hub for green energy, not just for itself, but for West Africa.”
Adesina revealed that AfDB, in partnership with World Bank, had launched “Mission 300”, an ambitious initiative to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030.
“Nigeria should position itself to be a major beneficiary of this, it is time to accelerate electrification with urgency and scale,” he said.
Beyond the power sector, Adesina warned that Nigeria’s broader infrastructure shortfall was impeding industrial growth and regional competitiveness.
He called for renewed efforts to mobilise long-term capital, especially pension and sovereign wealth funds, into infrastructure as an asset class.
According to him, “Nigeria must build world-class infrastructure, from highways to railways, speed trains, airports, seaports, telecoms, and broadband connectivity.
“If we do not fix our logistics bottlenecks, we will continue to lose in the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
He added, “Let us be clear, no investor will stay in a market where they cannot move goods efficiently or communicate seamlessly. Infrastructure is not a luxury. It is the foundation of every competitive economy.”
Adesina urged Nigeria to adopt modern financing models, such as “originate-to-distribute”, and de-risk infrastructure projects to make them more bankable. He also called for deeper local capital markets and the expansion of local currency financing for large-scale projects.
Turning to manufacturing, the AfDB president lamented Nigeria’s declining industrial capacity, stating that the country’s manufacturing export value per capita is just $160, a far cry from Vietnam’s $3,600 or Malaysia’s $7,100.
He said, “In the 1980s, Nigeria showed signs of becoming a manufacturing giant. We assembled cars, produced textiles, and processed agricultural goods. Today, much of that has vanished. We lost ground, and others took our place.”
Adesina said Nigeria missed the opportunity to become an auto-manufacturing powerhouse, a role South Africa now played on the continent.
He stressed that Nigeria must urgently industrialise by linking its raw materials to finished products, developing industrial zones, and improving the ease of doing business.
“Every barrel of oil, every ton of cassava or cocoa, should not just be exported raw,” he said. “We must add value at home. That is how you create jobs, grow GDP, and build economic resilience.”
In addition, Adesina stressed the need for a knowledge-driven economy built on science, technology, and innovation.
He said, “Nigeria must invest in its universities and research institutions, and reverse the brain drain by creating an environment where talent can thrive at home.”
He also pointed to agriculture as a transformational opportunity. Through initiatives like the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), a $1.3 billion programmeco-financed by the AfDB, Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Adesina said Nigeria could become a major player in global food markets.
“These zones will turn rural areas into economic zones of prosperity, they will create millions of jobs for youth and women, and reduce rural-to-urban migration,” he added.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have informed a United States Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday that they needed an additional 90 days to produce investigation reports related to an alleged drug case involving President Bola Tinubu in the 1990s.
The two US federal agencies made the request in a Joint Status Report submitted to the court, along with the plaintiff in the case, Aaron Greenspan.
However, Greenspan, an American, rejected the proposal and instead suggested a 14-day extension for the FBI and DEA to produce the records.
The District Court, presided over by Judge Beryl Howell, had previously ordered the agencies, on April 8, 2025, to search for and process non-exempt records related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests submitted by Greenspan, with a report due on May 2, 2025.
Greenspan, the founder of the legal transparency platform PlainSite, had filed 12 FOIA requests between 2022 and 2023, seeking information on a Chicago drug ring that operated in the early 1990s.
His requests included records on Tinubu and three other individuals: Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Abegboyega Akande, and Abiodun Agbele.
Previously, the FBI and DEA had issued “Glomar responses” — a refusal to confirm or deny the existence of the requested records — but the court ruled that such responses were inappropriate in the instance.
In the Joint Status Report dated May 1, 2025, the FBI and DEA stated that they have begun their searches for responsive, non-exempt, reasonably segregable portions of the records requested by the plaintiff and anticipated completing their searches within 90 days.
On his part, Greenspan insisted that the agencies should produce unredacted versions of already-identified documents by next week, while the remaining records should be produced within 14 days.
He also argued that the defendants failed to provide any valid rationale for why the search for the documents would take 90 days.
Greenspan and two lawyers representing the defendants, Edwards Martin, Jr. and Jared Litman, signed the report.
The report reads: “Aaron Greenspan (“Plaintiff”) and Defendants Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the only remaining defendants in this case, respectfully submit the following joint status report proposing a schedule to govern further proceedings, pursuant to the Court’s Order of April 8, 2025 (ECF No. 47).
“Pursuant to the Court’s order, the defendants FBI and DEA must search for and produce non-exempt records responsive to the plaintiff’s FOIA requests (FBI Requests Nos. 1588244-000 and 1593615- 000, and DEA Request Nos. 22-00892-F and 24-00201-F).
“The FBI and DEA have initiated their searches for responsive, non-exempt, reasonably segregable portions of records requested by the plaintiff and anticipate completing their searches in ninety days.
“Given the years-long delay already caused by the defendants and the fact that many responsive documents have already been identified, the plaintiff proposes that the FBI and DEA complete their searches and productions by next week, or, at the very least, produce unredacted versions of the already-identified documents by next week, with the remainder completed in 14 days. The defendants provide no rationale for why their search for documents should take 90 days.
“The plaintiff intends to request reimbursement for his costs: the filing fee of $402.00 and $38.22 for certified mail postage, totalling $440.22.
“The defendants propose that the parties submit a joint status report on or before July 312025 to update the Court on the case status following the agencies’ search for responsive, non-exempt, reasonably segregable records requested by the plaintiff. The plaintiff proposes that they submit a joint status report on or before May 31, 2025.”
A Nigerian nurse based in Leeds, United Kingdom, Nnena Miriam, has been found dead in her apartment, sparking grief and shock within the nursing community both in the UK and Nigeria.
According to Fellow Nurses Africa, an organisation dedicated to advancing the nursing profession in Africa, Miriam’s body was discovered by the police after a missing person report was filed.
Concerned about her sudden absence from work and repeated unanswered calls, one of her close friends eventually filed a missing person report.
The police were said to have later found her lifeless body in her home.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the organisation stated, “It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we report the sudden passing of one of our own, Nnena Miriam, a dedicated and professional nurse based in Leeds, United Kingdom.
“Nurse Miriam was found dead in her room earlier this week under heartbreaking circumstances. According to reports, her last shift was on Sunday of last week.
“Alarm bells were raised when her close friend tried reaching out to her repeatedly from that Sunday without success. Growing increasingly worried, the friend filed a missing person report—only for the police to later discover her lifeless body in her apartment.”
It was further stated that Miriam had just returned to the UK after having her introduction ceremony in Nigeria, ahead of her traditional marriage.
The statement further read, “Tuesday, April 29, was meant to be her special day — a day of joy, celebration, and new beginnings.
“Instead, her sudden death has left colleagues and loved ones overwhelmed with unspeakable grief and unanswered questions.”
Colleagues described Miriam as one who practised her profession with a beacon of kindness, dedication, and resilience.
“Her untimely passing is a profound loss to the healthcare family she served with pride and to the many patients whose lives she touched with care and compassion.
“As the investigation continues, we join the family, friends, and the global African nursing community in mourning this tragic loss,” the statement further disclosed.
A similar tragic incident occurred in March 2024, involving another Nigerian woman, Chidimma Ezenyili, who was working in the United Kingdom.
Ezenyili reportedly collapsed on February 22 while attending to an elderly client, Ian Hale, at a residence on Scott Road.
She died two days later.
[Vanguard]
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced the clearance of seven years of accumulated gratuity and pension arrears inherited from the previous administration of Chief Willie Obiano.
Speaking at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare despite prevailing economic challenges.
“Regarding gratuities owed to our retired workforce, we have settled all arrears inherited upon assuming office,” Soludo stated. “I am pleased to report that we have cleared four years’ backlog of pension arrears, except for cases with pending documentation.”
He revealed that retirees in the civil service were owed pensions totaling ₦14 billion. “We have paid for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Only 2021 remains, and we are making arrangements to ensure it is paid shortly,” he said.
Soludo emphasized his administration’s dedication to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and better working conditions. “Within the limits of our available resources, we are determined to improve the welfare and work environment of our workforce. This is not just a policy—it’s a moral obligation,” he added.
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, commended the administration for the progress made but urged faster implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Pension Reform.
Nwafor also appealed for the payment of outstanding 17.5% peculiarity allowances owed to non-teaching staff under the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and those in post-primary institutions. He called for parity with the 27.5% allowance granted to teachers.
Additionally, the NLC Chairman demanded the immediate implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). He also stressed the importance of enhanced training, improved welfare packages, and better security for all workers.
[Vanguard]
Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), says Nigeria must industrialise rapidly to compete globally and lift millions out of poverty by 2050.
Adesina spoke on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at the 20th anniversary dinner of Chapel Hill Denham, an investment banking firm, in Lagos.
He lamented Nigeria’s economic decline over the decades, with current per capita income lower than it was at independence.
“Nigeria must stop seeing underdevelopment as normal. It must rise to lead Africa,” the AfDB president said.
Adesina warned that Nigeria’s slow growth and widespread poverty pose a major risk to Africa’s development, given the country’s position as the continent’s largest economy.
He said Nigeria should take lessons from countries such as South Korea, which rose from poverty to prosperity through savings, innovation, and manufacturing.
The AfDB boss said while Malaysia and Vietnam have achieved significant value addition in manufacturing and exports, Nigeria continues to lag due to its failure to industrialise.
To change this narrative, he called for large-scale investments in power, science, infrastructure, and agriculture driven by private capital and efficient governance.
Adesina highlighted the AfDB-led special agro-industrial processing zones (SAPZs) initiative as a game changer for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
He said the bank and its partners have committed $3.4 billion to support the establishment of the zones across the 36 states and the federal capital territory (FCT).
According to the economist, the agro-industrial zones are designed to attract agribusinesses to rural areas with high production potential, value to raw produce, and to create jobs.
Adesina said the zones would help diversify Nigeria’s economy, reduce food imports, and position the country as a global food powerhouse.
“Reimagining Nigeria’s future means making agriculture a business, not a way of survival,” he said.
He also urged the government to support policies that attract private investment in agriculture and rural development.
[TheCable]