Aeesha's Blog

Category: Breaking News

  • Deadly Infighting Erupts Between ISWAP and Boko Haram in Borno Border Area

    Dozens of terrorists were reportedly killed following a violent clash between the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and a Boko Haram faction near the Nigeria–Niger border in Abadam Local Government Area, Borno State.

    According to security sources, the confrontation erupted Wednesday morning and lasted several hours, as fighters from both groups engaged in sustained gun battles over control of strategic settlements and cross-border routes. Heavy casualties were reported on both sides, though exact numbers have not been independently verified.

    Residents in nearby communities reportedly fled the area amid fears of reprisal attacks, while sporadic gunfire was heard throughout the day. A video circulating online shows armed men and bodies believed to be insurgents, though authorities have cautioned that the footage remains unverified.

    Security analysts say the clash underscores ongoing infighting among extremist groups in the North-East, highlighting leadership disputes, ideological divisions, and competition over territory and smuggling routes. While such conflicts may weaken operational cohesion, they also exacerbate instability and pose continued risks to civilians along the porous border.

    The Abadam axis is a key flashpoint for terrorist activity due to its proximity to the Lake Chad Basin and the Nigeria–Niger border, which allows insurgents to move across countries with relative ease.

    Analysts warn that continued violence could further disrupt local communities, displacement patterns, and counter-terrorism efforts.

    The Nigerian Armed Forces, working alongside the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), continue operations to degrade terrorist networks in the region. Officials have yet to release a formal statement on Wednesday’s clash.

  • Nigeria Targets Inflation, Stability with New Food Security Strategy — Shettima

    Vice president Kashim Shettima has unveiled Nigeria’s comprehensive macro-strategy on food security, positioning it as a critical component of economic stability, national security and governance reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Shettima disclosed this at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where he engaged global leaders and development partners on Nigeria’s response to rising food inflation, climate pressures and global supply chain disruptions.

    According to the Vice-President, the Federal Government has moved beyond treating food security solely as an agricultural concern, stressing that it now sits at the heart of macro-economic planning and national stability.

    “In Nigeria, food security is no longer viewed as just an agricultural issue; it is a macro-economic, security and governance priority,” Shettima said.

    Macro-Economic Focus

    Shettima explained that Nigeria’s strategy is designed to address food-driven inflation and reduce the country’s exposure to foreign exchange shocks caused by heavy reliance on food imports.

    He said the government is prioritising increased domestic production of key staples and local substitutes to conserve foreign exchange, stabilise prices and strengthen household food access.

    The Vice-President noted that boosting local value chains would also support employment, improve rural incomes and enhance Nigeria’s economic resilience.

    Security and Agricultural Recovery

    Addressing concerns over insecurity in farming communities, Shettima said the government is working to restore confidence among farmers, particularly in conflict-affected regions, through coordinated security interventions and support programmes.

    He said the administration recognises that sustainable food production cannot thrive without addressing insecurity, displacement and farmer access to land.

    Climate-Smart Agriculture

    Shettima also highlighted climate change as a major threat to food systems, noting that Nigeria is adopting climate-smart agricultural practices tailored to its diverse ecological zones.

    According to him, the strategy promotes drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crops, improved irrigation systems and environmentally sustainable farming techniques to mitigate the effects of climate variability.

    Regional and Global Cooperation

    The Vice-President underscored the importance of regional integration, calling for stronger collaboration among African countries to boost food production, trade and resilience.

    He said Nigeria is leveraging frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen intra-African food trade and reduce dependence on distant global supply chains.

    Outlook

    Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing policies that will guarantee food availability, affordability and accessibility, while aligning agricultural reforms with broader economic and security objectives.

    He said Nigeria’s presentation at Davos reflects the administration’s determination to attract partnerships and investments that support long-term food security and sustainable development.

  • Nigeria Targets Urea Exports by 2028 as Gas Investments Deepen — NMDPRA

    Nigeria is set to begin exporting urea by 2028 as expanding investments in the gas and fertiliser sub-sector strengthen the country’s push for industrial growth and export diversification, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said.

    The Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr Saidu Mohammed, disclosed this during an inspection visit to Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited in Rivers State, noting that Nigeria was gradually transitioning from importing fertiliser to producing enough for export.

    Mohammed said growing private-sector investments in gas-based industries, particularly fertiliser production, were laying the foundation for Nigeria to become a regional hub for value-added petroleum products.

    According to him, the midstream gas sector remains critical to reducing dependence on crude oil exports, adding that urea exports would boost foreign exchange earnings and support domestic industrialisation.

    He explained that Nigeria would require between $30 billion and $50 billion in additional investment to fully unlock the potential of its midstream and gas-derivative industries.

    Mohammed also said increased fertiliser production would benefit local agriculture by improving availability and affordability for farmers.

    He commended Indorama and other operators for expanding production capacity, assuring investors of a stable regulatory environment to support growth.

    The visit forms part of the regulator’s broader effort to assess sector performance and accelerate value-addition in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

    EXPLAINER: What Nigeria’s Planned Urea Export Means

    What is urea and why is it important?

    Urea is a key fertiliser used in agriculture worldwide. It is produced using natural gas, a resource Nigeria has in abundance.

    What did the government announce?

    Nigeria plans to start exporting urea by 2028, moving from being largely an importer to an exporter of fertiliser.

    Who made the announcement?

    The announcement was made by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) during an inspection of fertiliser production facilities.

    Why is this significant for Nigeria?

    • Boosts foreign exchange earnings

    • Supports economic diversification

    • Reduces reliance on crude oil exports

    • Encourages industrialisation and job creation

    • Improves fertiliser availability for local farmers

    What is driving the export plan?

    • Expansion of fertiliser plants such as Indorama Eleme and Dangote Fertiliser

    • Increased private-sector investment in gas processing

    • Regulatory reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)

    What challenges remain?

    Nigeria still needs $30–50 billion in investment, improved infrastructure, and consistent gas supply to sustain large-scale exports.

    What happens next?

    Regulators will continue facility inspections and policy engagement to ensure Nigeria meets its 2028 export target.

  • FG, Belgium Explore Air Services Deal to Boost Tourism and Business Opportunities

    In a move set to enhance tourism and business engagement, the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria and Belgian officials have held talks on a potential Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). The agreement seeks to expand air connectivity, facilitate business travel, and promote cultural and tourism exchanges between the two nations.

    Officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Ministry of Aviation, and Belgian aviation counterparts discussed ways to improve route networks, increase flight frequencies, and attract European carriers to Nigeria. The discussions also focused on regulatory alignment and safety standards to ensure seamless travel and robust industry growth.

    A senior government source highlighted that “strengthened air links with Belgium will unlock new business and tourism opportunities, making it easier for investors, tourists, and professionals to engage with Nigeria.”

    Industry stakeholders note that the agreement could boost sectors such as hospitality, tourism, trade, and logistics, while also creating employment opportunities and encouraging foreign direct investment.

    The proposed air services deal aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda, which emphasizes leveraging strategic international partnerships to grow Nigeria’s tourism sector and position the country as a hub for business and travel in West Africa.

    Analysts believe that enhanced air connectivity could make Nigeria a more attractive destination for European tourists and investors, while also opening doors for cultural exchange programs and collaborative business ventures.

  • FG Boosts Media Partnership to Ensure Accurate Coverage of 2026 Population and Housing Census

    The Federal Government (FG) has intensified efforts to collaborate with media organizations nationwide in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census. This strategic move aims to ensure accurate dissemination of information, enhance public participation, and minimize misinformation ahead of the nationwide exercise.

    Officials from the National
    Population Commission (NPC) and the Ministry of Information held a series of consultative meetings with representatives from print, broadcast, and digital media platforms.

    The discussions centered on the role of journalists in sensitizing the public, promoting transparency, and ensuring that all citizens understand the census process and its importance for national development.

    Speaking at the briefing, a senior government official emphasized that “media engagement is critical to the success of the census. Accurate reporting will help dispel myths, encourage participation, and guarantee that every Nigerian is counted.”

    The government also unveiled plans for media training programs, including workshops for reporters and correspondents across the country, to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools for responsible census coverage.

    This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda of leveraging public-private partnerships to drive national development and strengthen institutional capacity.

    Observers note that effective media collaboration could significantly boost citizen participation, ensuring that the census results reflect the country’s demographic realities, which in turn inform policy decisions, budget allocations, and infrastructural planning.

  • Petrol Consumption Rises as Nigerians Spend N1.58tn in December 2025 – Report

    Nigerians spent an estimated N1.58 trillion on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, in December 2025, reflecting increased fuel consumption during the Yuletide season, according to a report by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    The data, contained in the authority’s December 2025 downstream petroleum sector report, showed that the country recorded an average daily petrol consumption of about 63.7 million litres, translating to approximately 1.97 billion litres consumed nationwide within the month.

    Analysts estimated the N1.58tn expenditure based on prevailing average pump prices of between N780 and N820 per litre across major cities and highways during the festive period, when travel and commercial activities peak.

    Festive Travel, Power Needs Drive Consumption

    Industry observers attributed the surge in petrol spending to increased interstate travel, heightened economic activities and greater use of petrol-powered generators, as many households and businesses sought to meet electricity needs during the holiday season.

    December is traditionally Nigeria’s busiest travel month, with millions journeying to hometowns for Christmas and New Year celebrations, leading to higher fuel demand across the country.

    Regional Price Variations Persist

    Despite price adjustments by suppliers, including price moderation linked to supplies from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, fuel pump prices remained uneven nationwide. While some stations in Lagos and parts of the South sold petrol below N780 per litre, prices in parts of the North and remote areas reportedly exceeded N800 per litre, contributing to higher consumer spending.

    Imports Still Dominate Supply Mix

    The NMDPRA report further revealed that Nigeria continued to rely significantly on petrol imports in December, although domestic supply improved. Of the total PMS consumed during the month, over one billion litres were imported, while local refineries, including the Dangote facility, contributed a substantial portion of supply.

    This supply mix, experts said, highlights Nigeria’s gradual transition toward improved domestic refining capacity, even as imports remain necessary to meet national demand.

    Economic Implications

    Energy economists noted that the N1.58tn spent on petrol in a single month underscores the heavy cost of fuel on households and businesses in a deregulated downstream market, especially amid rising living costs.

    They added that sustained improvements in local refining and distribution infrastructure could help stabilise prices and reduce pressure on consumers in the long term.

    The NMDPRA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, supply sufficiency and fair competition in the downstream petroleum sector, while monitoring price movements to protect consumers.

    The report provides fresh insight into Nigeria’s fuel consumption pattern and the economic impact of energy demand during peak festive periods.

  • FG Unveils Plan to Accelerate Prosecution of 5,000 Terrorism Detainees

    The Federal Government has intensified its counter-terrorism campaign with plans to fast-track the prosecution of about 5,000 suspected insurgents currently in detention across the country.

    The move, aimed at clearing a huge backlog of terrorism-related cases, is contained in the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    According to the document, legal teams drawn from the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Defence Headquarters and other relevant agencies have begun an extensive review of case files to determine matters that can be accelerated for trial as well as those lacking sufficient evidence.

    The government said the initiative would ensure that suspects are prosecuted within the ambit of the law while safeguarding human rights and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

    It noted that prolonged pre-trial detention had remained a major challenge in terrorism cases, stressing that the current effort was designed to balance national security imperatives with the rule of law.

    The NCTC disclosed that in 2024 alone, a total of 393 terrorism cases were prosecuted nationwide, leading to 329 convictions, representing an 84 per cent conviction rate — a significant improvement compared with previous years.

    The review process also led to the dismissal of charges against about 1,200 detainees due to insufficient evidence, after which they were released and reintegrated into their communities in line with extant regulations.

    As part of broader reforms, the Federal Government said it was working towards establishing a national terrorism database, which would include biometric and DNA records of suspects to enhance investigation, intelligence sharing and prosecution.

    The database, to be domiciled at ONSA, is expected to improve coordination among security agencies and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to track and disrupt terrorist networks.

    Trials are expected to be conducted at designated Federal High Courts, including special court sittings in Abuja and at the Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State, to hasten the adjudication process.

    The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that victims of terrorism get justice, while suspects are given fair trials in accordance with the law, describing the fast-track initiative as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s evolving counter-terrorism strategy.

    Officials expressed optimism that the exercise would not only decongest detention facilities but also reinforce the country’s resolve to combat insurgency through lawful and transparent means.

  • FRC Announces Plan to Embed Islamic Finance Standards in National Accounts

    The Federal Government has initiated plans to integrate Islamic finance accounting and auditing standards into Nigeria’s financial reporting system — a strategic reform aimed at enhancing transparency, deepening financial inclusion and positioning the country as a leading hub for non‑interest finance in Africa.

    Unveiled by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) at a high‑level stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, the initiative focuses on embedding global Islamic finance reporting standards into the Nigerian Financial Reporting Framework.

    Bridging Global Standards and Local Practice

    At the event held in Abuja, FRC officials explained that Nigeria’s current reporting landscape — grounded largely in conventional accounting rules — often falls short in capturing the unique features of Shari’ah‑compliant transactions such as profit‑and‑loss sharing, asset‑backed financing, sukuk (Islamic bonds) and takaful (Islamic insurance).

    To address these gaps, regulators are adopting standards developed by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), a Bahrain‑based international standard‑setting body that has crafted specialised accounting, auditing, governance and ethics standards for Islamic finance institutions.

    Experts say the adoption of AAOIFI standards will enable financial reports in Nigeria to more accurately reflect the economic substance of Shari’ah‑compliant operations, enabling investors, regulators and stakeholders to make better informed decisions.

    Boosting Financial Inclusion and Investor Confidence

    Nigeria’s Islamic finance sector has witnessed considerable expansion in recent years, driven by the growth of Islamic banking, sukuk issuances, takaful products and non‑interest capital market instruments.

    However, many of these institutions have had to adapt conventional reporting practices to fit Shari’ah‑compliant transactions — a practice that experts say has constrained transparency and comparability.

    By integrating AAOIFI standards alongside existing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the FRC aims to strengthen regulatory clarity, enhance reporting credibility and improve investor confidence in Islamic finance products offered within Nigeria’s financial system.

    Regional and Global Implications

    Adopting Islamic finance reporting standards aligns Nigeria with jurisdictions that have established robust non‑interest finance markets, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Malaysia, where AAOIFI principles are widely applied.

    Financial analysts say this reform could also boost Nigeria’s appeal to regional and international capital flows, particularly from investors seeking ethical and profit‑and‑loss sharing investment products rooted in Shari’ah principles.

    Path Forward for Implementation

    Officials emphasised that successful integration of Islamic finance standards will require broad stakeholder engagement, including capacity building for regulators, auditors, financial institutions and preparers of financial statements.

    If fully implemented, the new reporting framework is expected to enhance Nigeria’s financial ecosystem by fostering greater transparency, accountability and global comparability — while supporting the continued growth of non‑interest finance as a vehicle for inclusive economic development.

  • FG, Borno State Sustain Support for MNJTF as Lake Chad Security Improves

    The Federal Government and the Borno State Government have reaffirmed their strong commitment to sustaining and strengthening the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin, in a renewed push to eliminate terrorism and consolidate peace across the region.

    The reaffirmation was made at a strategic engagement involving federal authorities, Borno State officials and senior security stakeholders, where participants reviewed ongoing security operations and regional cooperation efforts against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

    Federal Government’s Commitment

    The Federal Government said its continued support for the MNJTF is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places premium importance on national security, regional stability and the protection of lives and property.

    Federal officials noted that the MNJTF remains a vital security framework for intelligence sharing, joint military operations and border surveillance among Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. They assured that Nigeria would continue to provide strategic, operational and diplomatic backing to ensure the task force remains effective in neutralising insurgent threats and preventing cross-border attacks.

    Borno State’s Perspective

    The Borno State Government reaffirmed its unwavering support for the MNJTF, describing the force as instrumental to the improved security situation recorded in several parts of the state.

    State officials said sustained MNJTF operations have enabled the gradual return of normalcy, including the reopening of communities, schools and markets previously affected by insurgency.

    They pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian military and regional partners, particularly in civil-military coordination, community engagement and post-conflict recovery initiatives.

    Regional Security Angle

    Security experts at the meeting emphasised that terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin remains a transnational threat requiring collective and sustained action.

    They acknowledged the gains recorded by the MNJTF through coordinated offensives and joint patrols, but stressed the need for consistent funding, modern equipment and enhanced intelligence capabilities to consolidate progress.

    Participants also called for deeper cooperation among member states to address emerging security challenges such as arms trafficking, illicit trade and terrorist financing.
    Humanitarian and Development

    Outlook

    From a humanitarian standpoint, stakeholders noted that improved security through MNJTF operations would facilitate access for humanitarian agencies and accelerate recovery and development programmes in conflict-affected communities.

    They stressed that lasting peace in the Lake Chad region depends not only on military success but also on rebuilding livelihoods, resettling displaced persons and restoring public confidence in governance.

    Outlook

    The Federal Government and the Borno State Government concluded by reiterating their resolve to work closely with MNJTF member countries, development partners and local communities to ensure sustained peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin.

    They expressed optimism that with continued political will, regional cooperation and operational effectiveness, the MNJTF would remain a cornerstone in the fight against terrorism in the sub-region.

  • Education Reform: FG Launches Committee on Textbook Quality Assurance

    The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level committee to strengthen the quality of textbooks used in schools across the country and reform the approval process in line with global best practices.

    The committee was inaugurated in Abuja under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with a mandate to ensure that instructional materials used in Nigerian schools meet approved curriculum standards, promote accurate content, and enhance learning outcomes.

    Speaking at the inauguration, a government official said the initiative was part of broader efforts to reposition the education sector and address longstanding concerns over substandard, outdated and poorly reviewed textbooks in circulation.

    According to the official, the committee will review existing textbook approval guidelines, recommend transparent quality-assurance mechanisms, and propose measures to eliminate errors, content duplication and inappropriate materials in learning resources.

    “The goal is to ensure that every textbook approved for use in Nigerian schools reflects the national curriculum, global standards and the developmental needs of learners,” the official said.

    Mandate and Scope

    The committee is expected to:

    • Review the current textbook evaluation and approval framework;

    • Recommend stricter quality-control and content validation procedures;

    • Promote fairness and transparency in the textbook approval process; and

    • Advise government on policies that support local authors and publishers without compromising standards.

    Members of the committee were drawn from relevant education agencies, academia, publishing experts and other key stakeholders.

    Education Sector Perspective

    Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as timely, given persistent complaints from teachers and parents about factual errors, poor illustrations and misalignment with approved curricula in some textbooks.

    Analysts say strengthening textbook quality is critical to improving teaching effectiveness, learner comprehension and overall educational performance.

    Policy Angle

    The inauguration aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strong emphasis on education reform, skills development and improved learning infrastructure.

    Officials said the committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations within a stipulated timeframe to guide policy decisions.

    The Federal Government reiterated its determination to work with stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian learners have access to high-quality, accurate and relevant instructional materials at all levels of education.

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