Nigeria debt pressure rises, as FG borrows ₦8.1tr in just 3 months

Aminu Imam
9ja rising debt profile

Nigeria’s rising debt profile came under fresh scrutiny, as the Federal Government ramped-up domestic borrowing to ₦8.1 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 7.4% increase from ₦7.5 trillion recorded in the same period last year. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBNM and the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that the increase was largely driven by higher issuances of FGN Bonds and Savings Bonds, even as borrowing through Treasury Bills declined. Analysts say the trend reflects persistent revenue shortfalls and weak fiscal discipline, warning that the…

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Cement price hits ₦12,000, as fuel, logistics costs soar

Aminu Imam
Cement price hike

Stakeholders in cement distribution have blamed the surge in cement prices on rising fuel and transportation costs, citing global geopolitical tensions as a major factor. According to some of the stakeholders, including the Ondo State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun, attributed the recent increase in cement prices in Nigeria from about ₦11,000 and ₦11,500, depending on location, to around ₦12,000 per bag to rising energy and logistics costs. Ademuwagun said that although factory production costs remain relatively stable, high petrol prices have significantly increased the…

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ICPC slams 9-count charge on el-Rufa’i; court fixes bail ruling today

Aminu Imam
el Rufa'i, court fixes bail ruling

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, appeared before the Kaduna State High Court yesterday under heavy security, as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) slammed an amended nine-count charge against him over alleged fraud, abuse of office, and corruption. Security was visibly heightened around the court premises, with operatives deployed at strategic points as el-Rufa’i, dressed in traditional attire, made his way through a crowded corridor of supporters, lawyers, and observers. During the proceedings, counsel to the former governor, Ukpong Abang, revealed that the prosecution had…

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Alleged partisanship: ADC Reps. caucus demands INEC Chair’s removal 

Aminu Imam
ADC Reps. caucus demands

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship ahead of the 2027 general elections. The caucus made the demand after its inaugural meeting held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where members reviewed recent political developments and expressed concern about the credibility of the electoral umpire. In a resolution issued after the meeting, the ADC lawmakers accused the INEC chairman of actions and statements…

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NAF launches probe into Jilli market airstrike 

Aminu Imam
NAF launches probe

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has initiated an investigation into reports of an accidental airstrike on a weekly market in Jilli, a community located along the Borno–Yobe border. The Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, on Sunday ordered an immediate probe, emphasising that the Nigerian Air Force treats any report of civilian casualties with “utmost seriousness and empathy”. This was disclosed by NAF spokesman, Ehimen Ejodame, in response to inquiries over the incident. Recall that at least 56 people – mostly traders – were feared killed, while 14 others sustained…

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B’Haram terrorists kill Army Colonel, 21 soldiers in Borno attack

Aminu Imam
B'Haram kill Army Col.

Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly attacked a military outpost in Monguno, Borno State, killing at least 22 soldiers of the Nigerian Army, according to sources familiar with the incident. The overnight assault is said to have occurred as the military was preparing to launch a renewed offensive against the terrorists, who have recently intensified attacks on security forces in the region. The affected officer, Colonel I.A. Muhammad, along with his troops, was attached to the 242 Battalion in Borno, an area that has remained a major hotspot in the long-running…

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“Technology, AI hold solutions to Nigeria’s challenges” – Pantami

Aminu Imam
Pantami on technology AI

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa-Ali Pantami, has said Nigeria can tackle its pressing challenges, particularly insecurity and unemployment, through the effective deployment of technology, strong policies, and reliable power. Speaking yesterday during the launch of a compendium detailing 241 transformative legacy projects and over 700 employment opportunities executed between 2016, as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and 2019-2023, as minister from Gombe State. Pantami stressed that the world is now in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, driven largely by digital…

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“2023–2025 Budgets not implemented; funds diverted for vote-buying” – Tambuwal alleges

Aminu Imam
Tambuwal alleges

The Senator representing Sokoto-South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has alleged that Nigeria’s national budgets for the past three years – 2023, 2024 and 2025 – have not been implemented. Tambuwal claimed that funds appropriated for the budgets were diverted for vote-buying. He made the allegation in a viral video circulating on social media, where he was seen addressing supporters during the ADC Congress in Sokoto on Saturday. “I’m a senator, and honestly, all the budgets we passed in 2023, 2024 and 2025 have not been actualised. Where is the money? It…

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Conflicting death toll, as NAF airstrike hits market in Borno-Yobe border community

Aminu Imam
Borno–Yobe NAF airstrike

…Military defends airstrike A suspected Nigerian military airstrike on a crowded market along the Borno–Yobe border has triggered outrage and confusion, with conflicting casualty figures and a firm defence from the military that the location was a terrorist hub. The strike hit Jilli village in Gubio local government area of Borno State on Saturday afternoon, targeting what the military described as a key logistics base for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.  However, witnesses and local officials say the attack struck the bustling Jilli Market at peak trading hours,…

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US commends Tinubu’s govt. for commitment to addressing terrorism

Aminu Imam
US commends Tinubu’s govt.

The United States (U.S) has commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration for its efforts to tackle terrorism and strengthen the judicial process in the country. In a statement shared on 𝕏 yesterday, US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Fares Boulos, acknowledged the Nigerian government’s commitment to accelerating terrorism-related trials and addressing long-standing delays in the courts. He noted that the recent conviction of 386 Islamist militants marked a significant step towards accountability and justice. He further highlighted the importance of timely and transparent legal processes in…

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