Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is holding a meeting with the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, arrived in Nigeria on a two-day working visit. He was welcomed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sources reveal that the discussions focus on the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in China. Key topics include economic cooperation, political relations, and developments in the oil and gas sector.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, is also in attendance at the meeting.

Both foreign ministers are expected to address the press following their closed-door talks.

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last election, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the increasing crime rate in Nigeria, particularly kidnappings, describing the situation as alarming and worrisome.

Obi’s remarks followed recent incidents, including the abduction of two Catholic reverend sisters by unknown gunmen and the killing of the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala.

The sisters were reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Condemning the incidents, Obi stated, “No one is currently spared from the dangerous wave of kidnappings and killings sweeping through many parts of the nation. Every Nigerian feels the heat of insecurity, which has continued to affect every aspect of our nation.”

He highlighted the impact on critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare, citing instances where farmers, teachers, and health workers have been targeted.

“These are people contributing immensely to our national development through their sacrifices in farms, educational and health facilities in different remote villages. Nothing justifies these kidnaps and killings, as well as those of many Nigerians who suffer the same fate daily,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor called on the government to intensify efforts to address the insecurity, urging leaders to take urgent action to rescue those in captivity and curb the menace.

“This worrisome situation continues to demand urgent attention from us, the leaders. One wonders if the reported cases of kidnapping and killings are this much, then how many go unreported? I appeal to the government to employ every security arsenal at its disposal to end this menace and ensure the safe rescue of those in captivity,” he added.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dismissed concerns over a potential coalition of opposition parties aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on the nation’s progress, Sule lauded President Bola Tinubu’s policies, attributing them to consistent economic growth and improved production levels. He described these developments as evidence of the administration’s positive impact.

The governor also praised the successful rehabilitation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries under Tinubu’s leadership, calling it a significant achievement worthy of recognition and celebration.

Meanwhile, speculation persists about secret meetings among key political figures exploring alliances and realignments to reshape the political landscape before the next elections.

Gunmen stormed Chad’s presidential complex in the capital, N’Djamena, on Wednesday evening, sparking a firefight that left 19 people dead, the government confirmed.

The assault, launched by a 24-member commando unit, resulted in the deaths of 18 attackers and one security personnel member. Six other attackers were injured, along with three members of the security forces, one of whom is in critical condition, according to government spokesperson and Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah.

Gunfire erupted near the presidential complex around 7:45 pm local time (1845 GMT), with tanks deployed on the streets as security forces responded. All roads leading to the presidency were blocked during the operation, according to eyewitness reports.

“The situation is completely under control… the destabilisation attempt was put down,” Koulamallah said in a video posted on Facebook, flanked by soldiers and visibly armed.

Security sources identified the attackers as members of the Boko Haram jihadist group, which Chadian forces have been battling in the Lake Chad region bordering Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger.

Chad, currently under military rule, has faced ongoing attacks from Boko Haram and broader security challenges. The country recently ended a military agreement with former colonial power France and has been accused of meddling in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.

The government has not disclosed further details on the motives behind the assault, but investigations are underway.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order for the freezing and forfeiture of over ₦228.4 million linked to former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, to the Federal Government over alleged money laundering.

The order followed an ex-parte motion filed by Fadila Yusuf, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Nwite also directed the EFCC to publish the order on its official website and in the Daily Trust newspaper.

As part of the order, interested parties have 14 days from the date of publication to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited.

The case has been adjourned to February 3 for a compliance report.

The EFCC, in its application, sought the interim forfeiture of ₦228,497,773.12 held in an account with a commercial bank, alleging that the sum was found in the possession of Effdee Nigeria Ltd and is suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The Diplomatic Institute hosted Uganda’s Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Esther Davinia Anyakun, and her delegation this week for a professional seminar focused on agriculture, labor, exports, and business relations with Israel.

During the seminar, the minister sought Israel’s support in improving Uganda’s agricultural practices, export readiness, crop selection, water technologies, and advancing a labor agreement to facilitate Ugandan workers joining Israel’s agricultural workforce.

The delegation participated in extensive training, including:

Enhancing Uganda’s global competitiveness based on World Economic Forum guidelines.
Modern agro-marketing techniques.
Dignity farming practices.
Exporting value-added Ugandan products to high-standard markets like the EU.
Developing an agriculture-focused innovation ecosystem.
Establishing leadership and logistics centers.
Promoting skilled Ugandan labor for Israel’s workforce.
Leveraging the Ugandan diaspora by fostering local community leaders worldwide.
Key meetings included discussions with Israeli serial entrepreneur Dr. Ron Adany, founder of Crafts of Africa, who presented his e-commerce initiative and its impact on African markets. The delegation also met with Kan-Tor-Acco Law Firm’s Zvi Kan-Tor and Amit Acco, experts in global labor mobility, to explore pathways for importing Ugandan labor under Israel’s expanded foreign worker quota.

The seminar aimed to strengthen Uganda-Israel ties and promote economic growth through collaborative initiatives in agriculture, labor, and innovation.

Judge Jennifer L. Thurston of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California has ordered the FBI to transfer approximately $6 million seized from convicted American arms dealer Ara Dolarian to the Nigerian government through lawyer Jovi Usude.

The decision follows years of legal proceedings initiated by Mr. Usude, who petitioned the court to prevent the forfeiture of funds belonging to the Nigerian government. The funds had been seized from Mr. Dolarian’s account by U.S. authorities after he was found guilty of illegal arms dealing and money laundering.

In his argument, Mr. Usude maintained that the money did not belong to Mr. Dolarian but was intended for the procurement of weapons for Nigeria. He stated that the Nigerian government was unaware that the funds violated U.S. laws.

“The funds sent by ‘S.E.I.’ were for the procurement of weapons on behalf of the Nigerian government,” Mr. Usude argued in 2022. “The claimant, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was not aware that the funds were in violation of the laws of the United States.”

On December 23, 2024, Judge Thurston ruled in favor of Nigeria, issuing a final order of forfeiture that recognized Nigeria’s superior claim to the funds. The court instructed the FBI to transfer the money to the Nigerian government, marking the resolution of a lengthy legal battle.

“The court hereby enters a final order of forfeiture, recognizing the superior interest of petitioner Federal Republic of Nigeria in the funds forfeited in the amended preliminary order,” Judge Thurston stated.

Background of the Case
The case dates back to 2014, when former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki sought to bypass a U.S. arms embargo to procure weapons for Nigeria amid the escalating Boko Haram insurgency. The arms purchase, valued at $8.6 million, was meant to bolster Nigeria’s military capabilities ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Mr. Dolarian, an illegal arms dealer without the required license, was contracted to supply high-grade military equipment, including bombs, rockets, firearms, and cannons. However, instead of fulfilling the contract, he spent over $1 million of the funds on luxury items, including a new BMW and tax settlements.

The FBI, alerted by his lavish spending, launched an investigation that revealed Mr. Dolarian’s illegal activities. He was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to arms trafficking and money laundering in June 2019. Of the $8.6 million transferred, $6.1 million remained in his account, which was seized by the FBI.

The recent court ruling is seen as a significant victory for Nigeria, which has been engaged in numerous legal battles to recover assets on international soil. The funds are expected to be returned to Nigeria, providing some restitution for the financial losses incurred in the arms procurement scandal.

This case highlights Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its assets and protect its financial interests in the face of international fraud and corruption.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has clarified that the 1,000 staff who exited the bank in December did so voluntarily, receiving full entitlements.

Cardoso, speaking through Bala Bello, Deputy Director of Corporate Services, at an investigative hearing on the disengagement of the workers and the N50 billion terminal benefits allocated to them, emphasized that the Early Exit Program was entirely voluntary.

According to Bello, the program was part of a broader restructuring and reorganization initiative aimed at optimizing the bank’s performance. He stated that such measures ensure the alignment of the bank’s workforce with its operational needs, including balancing human resources with technological advancements.

“The Early Exit Program was designed to enhance organizational efficiency by placing the right people in the right roles,” Bello explained. “It’s a 100 percent voluntary program, and no staff member was coerced into leaving.”

He further noted that digitization efforts within the banking sector had created redundancies while also generating new opportunities. Some staff members had requested the voluntary exit themselves, he added, citing cases of stagnation and limited career progression as reasons for participation in the program.

Bello highlighted that the Early Exit Program was not unprecedented at the CBN but marked the first time it was extended to all staff categories. He explained that in previous cases, the program targeted senior officials, such as directors and assistant directors, who had limited career growth opportunities.

“This time, the program was open to all cadres of staff, based on popular demand,” Bello said. “Many participants saw it as an opportunity to pursue new ventures, including establishing their own banks.”

Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Usman Kumo, assured that the committee would remain impartial in its investigation. He requested further clarification from the CBN on the objectives and implementation timeline of the Early Exit Program and its connection to the bank’s restructuring and reorganization efforts.

“The House of Representatives recognizes the importance of the CBN’s restructuring and reorganization,” Kumo stated. “However, this committee seeks to understand the objectives and outcomes of these initiatives and will submit its findings to the House.”

The hearing continues as the committee examines the circumstances surrounding the program and its impact on the bank’s operations.

A recent report highlights the state of multidimensional poverty across Nigeria 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), revealing stark disparities in the levels of deprivation experienced by citizens. The data showcases significant challenges, especially in the northern regions, with Sokoto State recording the highest percentage of multidimensional poverty at 90.5%.

Top 10 Most Affected States:

1. Sokoto: 90.5%
2. Bayelsa: 88.5%
3. Gombe: 86.2%
4. Jigawa: 84.3%
5. Plateau: 84%
6. Yobe: 83.5%
7. Kebbi: 82.2%
8. Taraba: 79.4%
9. Ebonyi: 78%
   10.Zamfara: 78%

The southern state of Bayelsa stands out as the second most affected, with 88.5% of its population experiencing multidimensional poverty, indicating that the issue transcends regional boundaries.

States with Moderate Poverty Levels:
In the middle range, states like Enugu (63.1%), Rivers (62.4%), and Kogi (61.3%) show moderate levels of multidimensional poverty, with noticeable room for improvement.

Least Affected States:
At the other end of the spectrum, Ondo (27.2%), Lagos (29.4%), and Abia (29.8%) have the lowest percentages of their populations experiencing multidimensional poverty, highlighting better access to basic needs and services. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, stands out for its relatively low poverty rate despite its large population.

Full List of Multidimensional Poverty Levels:

1. Sokoto: 90.5%
2. Bayelsa: 88.5%
3. Gombe: 86.2%
4. Jigawa: 84.3%
5. Plateau: 84%
6. Yobe: 83.5%
7. Kebbi: 82.2%
8. Taraba: 79.4%
9. Ebonyi: 78%
10. Zamfara: 78%
11. Cross River: 75.4%
12. Benue: 75%
13. Bauchi: 73.9%
14. Kaduna: 73.9%
15. Katsina: 72.7%
16. Borno: 72.5%
17. Akwa Ibom: 71.3%
18. Niger: 69.1%
19. Adamawa: 68.7%
20. Ogun: 68.1%
21. Kano: 66.3%
22. Enugu: 63.1%
23. Rivers: 62.4%
24. Kogi: 61.3%
25. Nasarawa: 60.7%
26. Oyo: 48.7%
27. Kwara: 48.3%
28. FCT: 48.3%
29. Delta: 47.6%
30. Imo: 40.7%
31. Osun: 40.7%
32. Ekiti: 36%
33. Edo: 35.4%
34. Anambra: 32.1%
35. Abia: 29.8%
36. Lagos: 29.4%
37. Ondo: 27.2%

A chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has urged the federal government to include ethnicity and religion as key categories in the upcoming 2025 National Population Census, emphasizing their importance for accurate and unbiased demographic data.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Isiguzoro stressed that the inclusion of these categories would ensure a comprehensive representation of Nigeria’s diversity and address historical grievances related to distorted census figures.

“It is of paramount importance to include ethnicity and religion as essential categories in the census exercise,” he said.

“Historical grievances linked to previous National Population Census exercises—marked by fraudulent representations and distortions of demographic data—must not persist. The federal government must take proactive measures to ensure the 2025 Census reflects the full spectrum of our nation’s diversity, mitigating potential disputes over skewed or disproportionate data,” Isiguzoro added.

He further described the initiative as a critical step toward addressing imbalances among Nigeria’s various ethnic groups, highlighting its significance in fostering equity and unity.

In addition, Isiguzoro called on Igbo investors to seize the opportunities presented by the Tinubu administration’s proposed Tax Reform Bills to redirect investments back to the Southeast.

“We encourage Igbo investors and entrepreneurs to prioritize the establishment of an international economic hub in Igbo land by relocating investments—particularly those in the North and Southwest—back to our ancestral territory.

“This is not merely aspirational but a necessary shift to revitalize our local economies and ensure that our financial engagements promote growth and resilience within the Igbo Nation,” he stated.

Isiguzoro emphasized that such efforts would strengthen the Igbo economy and reposition the region as a key player in Nigeria’s economic landscape.