Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade popularly known as Asake has finally taken action after intense public scrutiny over his ailing father Fatai Odunsi.

Earlier Odunsi’s emotional plea for help as he battled severe health challenges.

In a recent video interview with content creator Mr. Milgaga, the elderly man expressed deep pain, lamented that his son had not reached out to him for a long time.

However, a shift appears to be underway. Odunsi stated that he has let go of past grievances, acknowledged that Asake has now stepped up to take responsibility for his medical treatment.

He also disclosed that the singer is making arrangements to secure a house for him and has promised to care for his abandoned daughter.

When questioned about his past role as a father, Odunsi stood firm, insisting that no one could claim he was anything but responsible.

His stance was further reinforced by the interviewer, who cited testimonies from Isale Eko residents. According to them, Asake’s father played a significant role in his son’s upbringing and welfare.

SEE VIDEO POST BELOW

State governors have launched a fresh push against the planned disbursement of federal allocation to the local government councils in a renewed bid to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict on LGA autonomy.

Some of the governors, during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, last Tuesday, kicked against payment of the LG allocation through the Central Bank of Nigeria, citing the need to address the multi-billion dollar debts allegedly incurred by the councils.

Presidency officials said the governors used the opportunity of the Iftar dinner to lobby the President and renew negotiations on direct allocation to the councils, which has suffered delays.

“When the governors came on Monday for Iftar, they sought to meet the President, which they did on Tuesday afternoon. Some of the governors came to meet the president. They were there with him for long. They left around past six that evening,” one insider told The PUNCH. 

Speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, another official privy to the details, explained further, “They finally met the President on Tuesday to try to find a solution. They are jostling for a favourable outcome.

“What is happening are two things. The Federal Government wants the allocations paid to the CBN, and all local government areas should open an account with the CBN.

“But the governors said no. They don’t want it that way. They said if the money goes to the CBN, it is as good as the Federal Government still controlling the whole thing.”

A source privy to Tinubu’s discussions with the governors revealed that the state executives wanted the disbursements sent to commercial bank accounts instead.

“One of the governors said that with the CBN handling the account, they would need approval from the Accountant-General. That means it is still under FG’s control, and they don’t want it that way. They want it to go to commercial banks. But the FG is saying no,” the source stated.

On the outcome of the meeting, the official revealed, “They said the meeting was positive. But I don’t know what they agreed upon. It appears they are working with some officials to find a way out. But the main thing is that the local government allocation was being withheld. It has not been paid. And it is because of this.”

Historically, the funding of local governments has long been a contentious issue, primarily due to the power dynamics between the state and local governments.

On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment affirming the fiscal autonomy of local governments nationwide.

It ruled that federal allocations to the LGAs must be paid directly to their respective accounts, bypassing state governments.

This followed a suit filed by the Federal Government, which sought to enforce fiscal autonomy for LGAs as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The Supreme Court emphasised that state governments receiving and disbursing LGA funds was unconstitutional and ordered an immediate end to the indirect payment system.

The judgment also included a provision that only democratically elected LGA leaderships are eligible to receive federal allocation.

The provision was introduced to address the widespread practice of state governors appointing caretaker committees or administrators to manage LGAs.

The court ruled that such appointed officials are unconstitutional and that only leaders elected through a democratic process can legitimately access and manage LGA funds.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria had mandated all LGAs to submit a two-year account audit before funds can be disbursed.

The CBN had also begun opening accounts for local governments to facilitate direct payments.

The apex bank in February announced that it had begun profiling local government chairmen and signatories to the bank accounts of the 774 local government areas as part of the process to implement financial autonomy.

The Director of Legal Services at the CBN, Kofo Salam-Alada, stated that this step was necessary to ensure financial accountability.

However, the National Union of Local Government Employees cautioned the CBN against aiding governors in obstructing financial autonomy, following reports that the bank had refused to open accounts for some councils due to alleged non-compliance with auditing requirements.

On its part, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria said it had received no formal communication from the apex bank regarding the opening of accounts.

Nonetheless, direct payments to LGAs have faced resistance and logistical challenges nine months later.

On March 2, 2025, this paper reported that the immediate-past Account-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had commenced talks on the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.

In a move to enforce the verdict, the two senior officials were said to be holding consultations on the modalities for submitting LGAs’ bank accounts for direct payment of council allocation but are reportedly facing challenges identifying LGAs with democratically elected officials.

This was contained in the Federation Account Allocation Committee Technical Sub-Committee meeting minutes.

On January 1, 2025, President Tinubu said that his administration was in no battle with state governors over the controversial local government autonomy.

Tinubu, however, called for collaboration from the 36 state executives, highlighting their crucial role in grassroots development.

“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No…Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration,” the President said when he received Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum, who paid him a New Year homage at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.

“We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level. Just drive development at the local government. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it,” Tinubu added.

Meanwhile, indications have emerged that the NGF was pushing for a delay in implementing direct allocation to the LGAs over multi-billion dollar debts reportedly incurred by the governors in the name of the LGAs.

Speaking with The PUNCH, ALGON’s Secretary-General, Mohammed Abubakar, said the apex bank was facing bottlenecks in implementing the judgment.

He hinted that governors were pressuring the apex bank to delay the process over the multi-billion dollar liabilities incurred in the name of the local government areas of their states.

Abubakar said, “The Federal Government is also having its bottlenecks. The last time I engaged the FG team, it said the governors were also coming up with different excuses that they have some liabilities incurred in the name of local government. So all these things need to be properly itemized and there is a need to find a way to balance each other.”

He pointed out that the local government may be worse off as the CBN was particularly under pressure from the governors to divert local government funds to settle the debts.

Rather than the haphazard implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, he called for the engagement of stakeholders to address the looming mismanagement of local government allocation by the governors.

“The proper thing to be done is to engage the stakeholders, put things on the table, involve stakeholders like the ALGON, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, those who have had the opportunity to be in the system and some other professionals with experience on how things can be done to achieve a common goal without getting to further endanger the fund of the local government.

“This is because if they just do it the way they want to do it haphazardly, I can assure you that local government funds may begin to go into the hands of some people using the CBN again as a funding path to divert local government money by saying they are paying debts owed by local governments and the local government do not even know when these debts were incurred. So, we need to be careful. All these have to be looked into,” Abubakar insisted.

He acknowledged the fear of local governments losing their allocation to creditors who might have obtained judgments and garnishee orders against the CBN.

Abubakar also expressed concerns that the CBN may have engaged multiple consultants in a manner that could hinder local governments’ access to funds.

He further highlighted the risk of local government funds being mismanaged due to court-ordered financial settlements involving consultants.

The ALGON scribe noted, “There is this fear from our end that the CBN is in court with many so-called consultants, who have been working for local governments through ALGON.

“And the kind of judgment and garnishee orders they have procured from the courts is a thing that we’re also not too sure how CBN can handle such a situation, because, in previous times, CBN would say it doesn’t have money for local government so taking us to court to liquidate whatever the local government is owing is going to be difficult.

“Now, if the money now gets there, what excuse will CBN give again for them not to take their money when they already have their judgment and even the Attorney-General and Ministry of Finance have cleared them to be paid? So, the local government may end up losing money as this debt we’re talking about is in billions of dollars.

“And if these people fall on that money in CBN, you should be rest assured that the local government may end up even worse than before.”

He added that the LG chairmen should be diplomatic to allay the anxiety of governors that implementing the financial autonomy may hurt their relationship with the councils.

“Yes, ALGON is the coordinating body for the 774 local government areas but you have to carry the chairmen along so that they can, in turn, talk to their governors to assure that the judgment will not harm them, hinder their operations or deny them the relationship with governors.

“So, things have to come in very plain terms so there won’t be a question of they are leaving the usual way of doing things and going for the worse.

“You can rest assured that some of these chairmen wait on their governors to direct them on what to do. And if these governors are not up to date on what to do at the CBN and how it will be coordinated, they will slow down their chairmen from going to engage CBN in that process,” Abubakar added.

Furthermore, Abubakar attributed the delay in implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government financial autonomy to the CBN’s failure to provide clear guidelines on account submissions and signatory verification for local government chairmen.

He stressed that information about how the LG chairmen are to engage the CBN is unavailable, noting that the council leadership was not well-informed about how to engage the CBN.

Expressing concern over the opaque process, Abubakar urged the CBN to clarify which department local government chairmen should approach and to outline the specific procedures required for them to receive funds directly from the Federation Account.

“The proper information and the guidelines are not available. Our chairmen have not received any properly documented details of how they should go about this. You just asked the chairmen to approach CBN and we expect that there should be a proper detailing process that clarifies this whole thing.

“The information about how they want to run it is scanty. If it’s CBN, put it in the public domain. What department in CBN is handling it? Everything must be out there.

“The last information we received is that the committee set up by the Federal Government is working on it. There’s a committee that has an ongoing discussion on how to go about it. Yes, there’s a subcommittee of that committee and the subcommittee has to submit their recommendations to the main committee,” Abubakar said.

He emphasized that the AGF should play a coordinating role in ensuring a smooth implementation of the process.

He urged the committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, along with other relevant offices, to engage in broader consultations with ALGON, NULGE, and other key stakeholders in local government administration.

“My advice is that the office of the Attorney-General, which is coordinating this committee, should engage in more consultations. They should reach out to the stakeholders and those components that have common interests in the administration of local government in this autonomy regime can be successful.

‘’But if you’re handling these things just within the confines of your committee, without reaching out to other stakeholders who provide solutions and advice on how things can work out, you begin to dish out instructions that people will hardly obey because there’s no proper information. You should be able to speak out. Let people understand what it is.

“We have made our position known to the office of Attorney-General via our lawyer, Mike Ozekhome,(SAN), that information and what is being profiled from the committee should be in the public domain. Let everybody know; Call a stakeholders’ meeting, and get their opinion so that we can move on.

“If stakeholders are carried along, the people who know what is at stake, are all on the table to discuss this matter, autonomy will commence as soon as possible,” he declared.

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, has dismissed reports claiming he has defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stating that such rumors exist only on social media.

Reports emerged on Saturday suggesting that Odigie-Oyegun, along with some former ministers who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, had joined the SDP. The speculation follows a recent wave of defections from APC to SDP, especially after former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, left the ruling party.

Reacting to the reports, Odigie-Oyegun denied the claim, emphasizing that at 86 years old, he is no longer interested in active politics.

He said: “I also saw the social media report the way you saw it.

“At 86 years, I should not be talking active politics. However, if there is a need to rescue Nigeria and it is a mass movement, I would not hesitate to participate.”

Meanwhile, Okoi Obono-Obla, a former Special Adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, criticized the former ministers accused of defecting, labeling them as selfish politicians with little influence.

In a WhatsApp post, Obono-Obla stated that these ministers failed to support loyal CPC members while in power and are now attempting to claim leadership in the opposition.

He said: “The so-called former ministers from the Buhari administration are not as influential or powerful as they claim to be. In fact, they’re seen as selfish and self-centered, having destroyed the bond and solidarity among members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

“While they were in positions of authority, they did little to help CPC supporters. Instead, they prioritized their own interests, abandoning those they now claim to represent. It’s no surprise that former CPC supporters don’t respect them or acknowledge their leadership.”

Obono-Obla identified Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura as the true leader of the defunct CPC bloc within the APC.

He said: “Senator Al-Makura was the only governor elected on the CPC platform in 2011 and single-handedly financed staff payments at the CPC National Secretariat between 2011 and 2015.

“He also funded the CPC Merger Committee and covered allowances for its members from January 2013 to July 2013.

“Senator Al-Makura is a staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and genuine APC supporters remain loyal to the party and its president.”

Obono-Obla dismissed the media reports on former Buhari ministers leaving APC, describing them as mere propaganda.

“The media hype surrounding former Buhari ministers leaving the APC is mere propaganda, especially since former President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, expressing gratitude for the party’s support during his presidency,” he said.

Fuel marketers decry closure of stations at border towns, citizens demand more Nigerian goods

Less than two years after President Bola Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy in Nigeria, the effect of the decision is now being felt deeply by neighbouring Niger Republic.

Also, findings by THE PUNCH on Sunday from fresh data sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics indicated that trade between Nigeria and Niger Republic surged by 82 per cent in 2024 despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

This came as oil dealers raised concern about the closure of filling stations at border towns, stressing that marketers were losing so much revenue due to the development.

Since the start of March, Niger Republic has been grappling with an unprecedented shortage of the most widely used petrol in the West African country.

Economic activities were brought to a halt as filling stations in Niamey, the capital, and those in other towns ran out of petrol recently.

For several years, the country depended majorly on Nigeria for about 50 per cent of its local fuel consumption, industry players and experts confirmed. Petrol was usually smuggled into the neighbouring country through illegal routes.

However, since President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed the fuel subsidy in 2023, the price of petrol skyrocketed, making the smuggling of the product unattractive to illegal traders in border areas.

Aside from Niger, countries like Benin Republic and Togo were also beneficiaries of Nigeria’s petrol subsidy which stopped immediately after Tinubu took over on May 29, 2023.

The removal of subsidy and the attendant rise in the price of petrol has mounted pressure on Niger’s refinery, which can only produce a few tankers of fuel per day.

The Commercial Director of the state-owned Nigerien Company for Oil Products (Sonidep), Maazou Oumani Aboubacar, confirmed that half of the country’s consumption used to come from Nigeria until this was halted by the current administration.

Aboubacar told AFP that the Soraz refinery in Zinder is the only one in the country, saying it “can no longer satisfy domestic demand,” which has surged for more than a year now.

The reason is principally down to the drying up of the flourishing black market supplied from neighbouring Nigeria, a major global producer. It was learnt that the country’s refinery only provides Sonidep with “25 tanker trucks of petrol a day” when the daily national requirement is up to twice that.

Domestic consumption was said to have been boosted by a cut in fuel prices introduced by the military regime that seized power in Niger in 2023. The official stated that two years ago, prices tripled after the Nigerian President ended costly fuel subsidies.

“The fuel that came into Niger illegally from Nigeria represented up to half of the market. It supplied the large regions near the border between the two countries,” Aboubacar was quoted as having said.

With Nigerian smugglers supplying up to 50 per cent of the country’s daily petrol consumption up till 2023, the country’s refinery was producing a little to augment the supply from Nigeria.

However, the country faced the reality after Tinubu declared that “the fuel subsidy is gone” and tightened up the borders.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said the removal of subsidy, as well as the Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service going on across the borders, is taking its toll on Niger and other neighbouring countries.

Ukadike told our correspondent that when petrol was subsidised in Nigeria, neighbouring countries benefitted through illegal merchants who smuggled the product out of the country.

The marketer disclosed that the high cost of petrol reduced illegal bunkering, forcing Niger and others to either refine or import their petroleum products directly at the right price.

“It is true that when Nigeria was subsiding fuel, other neighbouring countries were enjoying subsidies too. As it is now, the rise in the price of fuel in Nigeria has reduced smuggling. The ongoing Operation Whirlwind has also reduced smuggling. The option available to the Niger Republic and other neighbouring countries enjoying our subsidy is to import PMS directly if they cannot refine it.

“When we subsidised our fuel, they were benefitting, and smuggling was thriving. Now that we have deregulated the downstream, smuggling has been reduced; security agencies are all over the borders through Operation Whirlwind. This has stopped illegal fuel export to Niger and it is one of the major reasons for their current fuel crisis,” Ukadike explained.

The PUNCH gathered that the fuel crisis in Niger reached alarming proportions last week after a litre of petrol sold for as high as N8,000 in some parts of the country.

Findings by our correspondents in Sokoto State, which shares a border with Niger, showed that the price of petrol varied depending on the distance from Nigeria.

A transborder businessman from Nigeria, Abubakar Usman, was quoted as saying, “There is a serious scarcity of fuel in the country. It depends on where one is getting the fuel.

“In Konni, the border town between Nigeria and Niger, you can get a litre at 1,200 CFA, which is about N2,500. If you go to Agadez, the same litre of fuel is 3,000 CFA, equivalent to N7,500 per litre. In Arilit, a local government under Agadez, which is the border town between Niger and Algeria, it is 3,500 CFA, which is about N8,750 when converted to our currency.”

To solve its fuel crisis, Niger Republic turned to Nigeria despite months of diplomatic tensions and a hostile relationship, as reported by Sunday PUNCH.

The report stated that a delegation of senior officials of the military junta travelled down to Abuja to meet Federal Government representatives behind closed doors.

At the end of the deliberation, 300 trucks of PMS were reportedly approved for delivery to the country as Nigeria, once again, played the ‘big brother’ role.

Sunday PUNCH also reported that a senior government official aware of the development said Nigeria approved the deal with the hope of using it as a “strategic bargaining tool” in ongoing negotiations with Niger.

According to the official, the delegation explained that Niger had been reliant on fuel from a Chinese refinery. However, due to issues with the supplier, the refinery was shut down, leaving the country with limited options.

“We do not want to blow our trumpet. Rather, we want to use it as a bargaining chip for negotiation as we continue to engage with them to bring them back to ECOWAS.

“Let them get more from us. I am confident that gradually they will come back to ECOWAS because they do not have enough resources to import food to sustain their citizens,” the source added.

Reacting, oil marketers said although they were not aware of the deal, the export of 300 tankers to Niger Republic would amount to about 13.5 million litres of petrol. It was calculated that 300 of 45,000-litre capacity trucks are about 13.5 million litres of petrol to be exported to the Niger Republic.

The dealers, however, stated that Nigeria had enough to save the junta-led country from the current fuel crisis rocking it. According to marketers, Nigeria may have passed the days of fuel scarcity as it now has the Dangote refinery, the Port Harcourt refinery, and others producing fuel locally even as importers bring more from other countries.

The National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, said he was aware of the fuel crisis in Niger Republic, adding that Nigeria had enough to bail out the country.

“I will not say we don’t have that capacity with the refineries we have in the country. I think we have enough to supply Niger Republic,” the IPMAN Vice President said

Similarly, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, agreed that the country had enough PMS to help its neighbours without running into any crisis. “If we have a diplomatic reason for that, it is doable,” Gillis-Harry asserted.

It was further gathered that the fuel crisis in Niger may have also been self-inflicted after a confrontation between the ruling junta and Chinese oil companies which had long dominated the country’s petroleum sector.

A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, in an article he published on X, revealed that trouble began in March 2024 when the China National Petroleum Corporation granted the Nigerien government a $400m advance, using future crude oil deliveries as collateral.

The deal was to help Niger cope with crippling economic sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States following the July 2023 coup in the country. However, when it was time to repay the debt, the junta was cash-strapped.

Instead of negotiating, the military rulers were said to have decided to strong-arm China, slapping an $80bn tax demand on Soraz (Zinder Refinery Company) despite the state-owned oil company, Sonidep already owing Soraz a staggering $250bn.

According to Makama, when China refused to provide additional loans, the junta retaliated by expelling Chinese oil executives from the country and seizing Soraz’s bank accounts. The decision was said to have backfired and led to the collapse of Niger’s petroleum sector, which is heavily reliant on Chinese expertise and investment.

Exports surge

Meanwhile, further findings by The PUNCH showed that trade between Nigeria and Niger rose by 82 per cent in 2024 despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the total trade volume between the two West African neighbours climbed to N91.92bn in 2024, up from N50.48bn recorded in 2023.

The sharp rise was largely driven by Nigerian exports to Niger, which nearly doubled from N46.51bn in 2023 to N82.38bn in 2024. The PUNCH observed that exports to Niger account for 89.62 per cent of total trade between the two countries.

Imports from Niger also rebounded from N3.97bn in 2023 to N9.53bn in 2024, indicating a recovery in economic exchanges despite strained relations between the two countries.

Trade between Nigeria and Niger has been volatile in recent years. In 2020, total trade was valued at just N6.69bn, before surging to N88.60bn in 2021 as Nigerian exports to Niger jumped to N78.40bn.

The momentum continued in 2022, with total trade reaching N95.76bn. However, economic activity between the two countries nosedived in 2023, dropping by 47.28 per cent to N50.48bn, following the fallout from the political crisis in Niger.

The coup in Niger in July 2023, which led to the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum, triggered a diplomatic standoff between the country and Nigeria, which spearheaded ECOWAS’ sanctions against the military-led government.

The sanctions included border closures, financial restrictions, and the suspension of the electricity supply, all of which disrupted trade and economic activities between the two nations.

Despite the tensions, trade rebounded strongly in 2024. The 82 per cent surge suggests that demand for Nigerian goods in Niger remains robust, while the recovery in imports indicates a gradual resumption of economic ties.

Nigeria and Niger share deep economic and cultural ties, with trade spanning across agricultural products, manufactured goods, petroleum products, and livestock. Nigerian traders have historically supplied Niger with essential goods, while Niger’s exports to Nigeria include livestock, food products, and raw materials.

In August 2024, Nigeria and Niger signed a security cooperation agreement aimed at tackling insurgency, smuggling, and other security threats along their shared borders. The agreement was seen as a step towards rebuilding relations, even though full diplomatic ties between the two countries remain fragile.

The resurgence of trade between the two nations signals a pragmatic approach to economic engagement despite unresolved political differences.

Niger is a major trading partner to Nigeria as noted in the recently released NBS’ foreign trade statistics report for the fourth quarter of 2024, which read in part, “In the same vein, Nigeria’s major trading import partner within ECOWAS was Ivory Coast (N41.40bn), followed by Ghana (N22.96bn), Liberia (N4.04bn), Niger Republic (N2.62bn) and Togo of (N2.21bn) representing (90.45 per cent) of total imports from the ECOWAS region.”

The PUNCH further observed that about N9.34bn worth of cigarettes were imported from Nigeria into Niger Republic. It was also observed that Nigeria’s imports from Niger Republic in Q4 2024 were led by agricultural and raw materials, with fresh or dried dates topping the list, according to data from the NBS.

The report shows that Nigeria imported N956.68m worth of dates, making it the highest-valued import from Niger during the period. The second most imported commodity was cement, excluding white cement, with a total value of N919.07m.

This indicates a growing demand for cement products from Niger, potentially driven by infrastructure development and construction activities in Nigeria.

Fresh strawberries were another notable import, valued at N255.97m. While not a major staple, the increase in strawberry imports suggests rising consumer demand for fresh fruits, possibly linked to Nigeria’s expanding food processing and retail sectors.

Raw materials also featured among the top imports, with whole hides and skins (weighing more than 16kg) accounting for N125.65m in imports. The leather and tanning industry in Nigeria continues to rely on imports of raw hides, especially from neighbouring countries, to sustain production.

Also, Nigeria imported N80.66m worth of shelled pine nuts from Niger. These nuts are often used in food processing and are valued for their nutritional benefits.

The PUNCH further observed that Trade between Nigeria and the Sahel nations of Burkina Faso and Mali experienced significant fluctuations over the past five years, with a notable surge in 2024.

Fresh data from the NBS show a sharp increase in Nigeria’s total trade with both countries, driven by rising exports and a dramatic spike in imports from Mali. Nigeria’s trade with Burkina Faso rose from N12.92bn in 2023 to N18.26bn in 2024, marking a 41.4 per cent increase.

This growth was largely fuelled by higher exports, which climbed from N12.92bn to N18.20bn. Imports from Burkina Faso, though much smaller in volume, also recorded a sharp rise from N4.41bn to N59.16bn within the same period.

Similarly, Nigeria’s trade with Mali saw an unprecedented jump, with total trade reaching N199.21bn in 2024, a massive leap from N12.57bn in the previous year. The most striking change was in Nigeria’s imports from Mali, which surged from just N269.87m in 2023 to N183.79bn in 2024.

This marked a significant shift in trade dynamics, raising questions about the factors driving such an increase.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s exports to Mali also grew from N12.30bn in 2023 to N15.42bn in 2024, maintaining a steady upward trend.

The rise in trade with Burkina Faso and Mali comes amid the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, a new regional bloc created by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in September 2023.

The alliance, established through the Liptako-Gourma Charter, aims to enhance security cooperation among the three military-led governments, following their deteriorating relations with the Economic Community of West African States.

The AES was formed as a response to ECOWAS sanctions imposed after the military takeovers in the three countries, leading them to seek alternative economic and security partnerships.

Despite political tensions, economic ties between Nigeria and the three Sahel nations appear to be strengthening.

However, the long-term sustainability of this trade surge remains uncertain, especially as ECOWAS continues to push for a resolution to the political crisis in the region.

The Economic Community of West African States recently activated its standby force to combat terrorism in the sub-region.

The regional body had, in October last year, hinted at the establishment of a 5,000-man kinetic force to tackle terrorism in the region.

Speaking at the 43rd ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, said the activation of the standby force underscored the collective determination of member countries to confront the threat of terrorism.

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah, also said that despite the recent withdrawal of three African countries from the regional body, ECOWAS would maintain the free movement of persons and goods for their citizens.

He also said plans were in place to mitigate the unforeseen consequences of the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has called on the government to avoid intimidating or harassing a National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, for her statement against President Bola Tinubu.

He also warned the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against subjecting the lady to any form of intimidation.

Peter Obi, in a statement on Sunday evening, said the current government has a worrying trend of threatening those who speak out against them or offer constructive comments.

Naija News recalls Uguamaye, in a viral video, had lamented the hardship faced by citizens as a result of the economic policies of the current administration and described Tinubu as a “terrible president.”

The development has earned her a summon by the NYSC administration and also support from public figures likes of Mr. Macaroni, Omoyele Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In his reaction, Obi said the action so far taken by the government against the lady resembles the intimidation, harassment, and name-calling he also suffers from the same government.

He said such actions against those who dare to speak the truth to power are unacceptable, undemocratic and worrying as the government should not silence the citizens.

“The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.

“Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration.

“This pattern is not isolated. I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments.

“I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies.

“Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt,” he said.

The former Anambra State Governor instead called on the government to allow constructive criticism.

He also charged the citizens not to allow fear or intimidation to stop them from speaking the truth as freedom of speech is a constitutional right and important feature of democracy.

He charged the government to instead focus on taking action on addressing issues raised by Nigerians.

“I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.

“To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation.

“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

“A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.

“A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO,” he said.

As talks of a political coalition gain momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election, former Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has stated that he will support a fresh southerner or northerner who is willing to serve only a single four-year tenure.
Naija News reports that Okonkwo, who recently dumped the Labour Party in February 2025, said his decision is anchored on equity and fairness, aligning with Nigeria’s unwritten rule of rotational presidency between the North and South.

Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television, Okonkwo stressed the need for a unified opposition to unseat President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

The discussion around a broad opposition alliance was further fueled by the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

El-Rufai has since been seen meeting with major opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Like El-Rufai, Okonkwo recently met with Atiku, advocating for a united front against the ruling party.

“My game plan is simple. If the opposition is serious about wresting power from this incompetent government, they must all come together and act like one because that was what APC did in 2013 and that was what helped them to wrest power in 2015,” Okonkwo said.

He insisted that forming a strong coalition would be the only viable strategy to remove the APC from power in 2027.

Okonkwo described the upcoming election as one of the most complicated political scenarios in Nigeria’s history.

“2027 is one of the most complicated and complex times in the political history of Nigeria because we have this gentleman’s agreement – eight years in the South, eight years in the North,” he explained.

He noted that a major dilemma would be whether to field a fresh southern candidate, which could spark resistance from the North, or to return power to the North, which could be seen as a betrayal of the South after just four years.

Okonkwo further stated, “Would you allow an incompetent government to continue just because you want to sacrifice the whole of Nigeria? Would you say let it go to the North when it has just been four years in the South? The South would say you are short-changing us. So, it is a very complicated thing.”

Calls For Single-Term Agreement To Balance Power
To resolve this dilemma, Okonkwo proposed that a single-term arrangement be agreed upon between both regions.

“The best thing, if politicians were to be trusted, is to have a free, fair primary where every qualified person, whether from the South or the North, would partake in it. And whoever emerges must agree to do just four years,” he suggested.

According to him, if a northern candidate wins, he should serve only four years before the presidency returns to the South. Similarly, if a southern candidate wins, he should complete the region’s eight-year cycle before handing over to the North for a full term.

He said, “If the North agrees that the person there now is not doing well, but it is not yet their turn, they can do four years before it returns to the South. That way, the power rotation remains fair, and the country avoids political instability.”

With coalition discussions intensifying, Okonkwo remains optimistic that opposition parties will find common ground to present a formidable challenge to the APC in 2027.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has summoned Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos State, following her viral TikTok post criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Naija News reports that a message from the NYSC Local Government Inspector (LGI), obtained by SaharaReporters on Sunday, instructed Rita, identified by code number LA/24B/832, to report to the Eti Osa 3 local government office by 10 a.m. on Monday without fail.

Recall that Rita had posted a tearful video on TikTok under the handle @talktoraye, expressing frustration over the rising cost of goods in Nigeria. Her emotional outcry quickly gained widespread attention, prompting an official response from the NYSC board.

In the video, she described Tinubu as a “terrible” President, accusing the government of neglecting the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government,” she stated.

“I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president.”

She also lamented the financial struggles she faces as a corps member, stating that the monthly NYSC allowance is insufficient to cover basic expenses.

“So, I am coming from a supermarket where I went to get foodstuff, and everything has gone up again. It’s just like every single week, prices keep increasing. I want to know, what is the government doing about this increase? Is there going to be a particular time when prices will stop going up?

“Why am I going to get a crate of eggs and I’m told it costs N6,500? It doesn’t make any sense that eggs would cost that much. I literally remember when eggs cost N800. I am so overwhelmed because this is the first time I’ve stayed out of my family house.

“After I left the supermarket, I got home, and the security and electricity (NEPA) bills have skyrocketed, doubling in price. It is insane. I can’t keep up with these bills. Every single penny I make, I am using it to pay bills.

“The crazy thing is, you want to go out with your friend, and Uber is N25,000. Why are things so expensive?

“To make it worse, Lagos stinks. Everywhere smells. What is the government doing about the smell?

“Being an NYSC corper, there is nothing so beneficial about this scheme. The money I spend on transportation is much more than the allowance the federal government pays us.

“We should start calling out the government. For example, Tinubu, you are a terrible person. What are you doing to help our economy?” She questioned.

Less than 24 hours after posting the video, Rita shared another clip showing her receiving a call from an NYSC official.

She revealed that she had been receiving multiple calls from NYSC authorities, urging her to delete the video and stop criticizing the government.

Rita said: “Yesterday, I made a video talking about the Nigerian government and how terrible President Tinubu is, and I was crying in the video.

“Thirty minutes ago, I received a call from the NYSC board, starting with the secretariat before the LGI. I’m going to attach some of the things she said so you guys can hear.”

Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak helped Newcastle United win the 2025 Carabao Cup ahead of Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.

A stunning header from the newly selected England left-back, Burn put Eddie Howe’s team ahead just before half-time. This goal was well-earned, as Newcastle effectively restricted Liverpool to a mere single shot throughout the first half.

Shortly after Isak had a goal ruled out for offside, the talented Swede extended the lead to 2-0 with a precise finish following an assist from Jacob Murphy.

Naija News reports that Newcastle successfully executed their strategy in the first half of their Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool on Sunday evening.

Kieran Trippier delivered a corner kick that soared high and was directed deep away from the goal.

The intended recipient was none other than Dan Burn, the towering 6ft 7ins defender from Blyth, who stands nearly two meters tall.

Burn has consistently been the focal point for Newcastle’s corner kicks, successfully connecting with nearly everyone using his head, often against the significantly shorter Alexis Mac Allister. Meanwhile, Konate and Van Dijk occupied zonal positions within the six-yard box.

This arrangement effectively ensures that Burn is almost certain to win the aerial duels.

He did so, executing a perfectly placed stooping header into the bottom-left corner, eluding a diving Caoimhin Kelleher, who may have had an obstructed view.

A 94-minute goal from Federico Chiesa could not help Liverpool win the Carabao Cup trophy this season.

The Reds, however, are still favourites to win their first trophy under manager, Arne Slot with the club sitting top of the English Premier League.

An elder statesman and politician from the First Republic, Tanko Yakasai, has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, which, according to him, have brought some relief for Nigerians.

According to Yakasai, the price of rice, beans, and other food items, as well as the price of petrol, has been reduced following President Tinubu’s policies.

He expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and prayers for the success of the incumbent administration.

In a statement to journalists in Kano on Sunday, Naija News reports that Yakasai highlighted the administration’s advancements and accomplishments as evidence of Nigerians’ confidence in it.

He also noted the recent reductions in fuel prices, which he believes will alleviate the financial strain on the populace.

As a prominent advocate for Tinubu’s 2023 electoral campaign, Yakasai called on the people of the North to unite in support of the administration, stressing that the region remains an integral part of national matters.

He said, “From some of the reports I received, the prices of basic foodstuffs have been coming down. Unlike before, families can now afford to buy essentials such as rice, beans, maize, sorghum, and other food items needed to feed their homes.

“I was also made to understand that the cost of petrol at filling stations has been coming down.

“In some places, I was told that petrol is now being dispensed for about ₦850 per litre instead of the earlier ₦1,150.

“This is good for transportation costs and will make movement easier for Nigerians.”

The former adviser to President Shehu Shagari and the ex-National Publicity Secretary of the NEPU emphasized that President Tinubu’s most significant contributions are still forthcoming, as his administration has prepared a range of developmental and citizen-oriented policies aimed at benefiting Nigerians, particularly those in the North.

He urged Nigerians, particularly those in politics, to engage constructively in governance through thoughtful criticism and informed political participation, highlighting that such actions would enhance democracy and enrich the political environment of the nation.

Yakasai also took this opportunity to extend his condolences to the families of the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clarke, as well as to the communities in the southwest and South-South regions mourning their loss.

“The loss of these two great and patriotic Nigerians, who were not only my political associates but also personal friends, is a great tragedy for the nation,” he said, praying to Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who alleged that she received threats after a viral video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Atiku, in a statement shared on ? (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, described Raye as a symbol of a new generation of politically active Nigerian women, advocating for democratic participation and accountability.

“Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,” Atiku wrote

Naija News reports that the former presidential candidate compared Raye to historical female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, who played key roles in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy and social justice.

He urged Nigerians to support the young corps member rather than vilify her for expressing her opinions.

“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future,” Atiku added.

Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently made headlines after her TikTok video went viral, in which she criticised the government’s economic policies and described Tinubu as a “terrible leader.”

In the video posted on her TikTok handle, #talktoraye, on Saturday, she lamented Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, arguing that hard work no longer guarantees financial security.

She further questioned the government’s commitment to easing the hardships faced by citizens, sparking intense reactions online.

Following the video’s circulation, Raye claimed she had received threats from NYSC officials, who allegedly pressured her to take down the post.