Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the year 2025 will bring brighter days, pledging that his administration will fulfill the collective aspirations of the nation.

In his New Year message to Nigerians on Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges of 2024 but expressed confidence in a more promising year ahead.

“Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation,” the president said. “Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters. Foreign reserves have risen, and the naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability. The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy.”

However, Tinubu noted that the rising costs of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many households in 2024. He assured Nigerians that his government would intensify efforts to address these issues by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential medical supplies.

The president also announced plans to reduce inflation from its current rate of 34.6 percent to 15 percent. “With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all Nigerians,” he said.

Tinubu outlined plans to enhance access to credit for individuals and key economic sectors by establishing the National Credit Guarantee Company. The initiative, set to launch before the end of the second quarter, will expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

The company will be a partnership involving government institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, as well as private sector and multilateral organizations.

According to Tinubu, the initiative aims to strengthen the financial system, improve credit access for under-served groups such as women and youth, and drive re-industrialization and economic growth.

The president also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their trust in his leadership. “Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly,” he said.

He called for unity and cooperation in pursuing the goal of transforming Nigeria into a one trillion-dollar economy. “Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion,” Tinubu urged.

The president concluded by reaffirming his commitment to reforms that will foster sustainable growth and prosperity, expressing optimism that Nigeria is on the right path to becoming a great nation that works for everyone.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the federal government has submitted most of the necessary documentation for the extradition of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria.

Ekpa, a pro-Biafra agitator and secessionist, was arrested by Finnish law enforcement authorities on November 21, 2024. Following his arrest, a district court in Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered his detention for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.

Speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 year-end review program on Tuesday, Musa confirmed the development, expressing satisfaction with Ekpa’s arrest.

“Well, I’m sure he is cooling off somewhere. Legal action is going to be taken accordingly. I don’t want to say much about that, but I’m happy he has been arrested,” Musa said.

He added that the federal government has forwarded most of the required documentation to the Finnish government to facilitate the extradition process. “The Federal Government has actually forwarded most of the requirements to the Finnish Government. So, I’m sure the right thing will be done,” he stated.

Ekpa, who has been a vocal advocate for Biafran secession, has drawn widespread criticism for his activities, including the dissemination of divisive and inflammatory content on social media platforms.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has pledged to strengthen advocacy for the rule of law and human rights in 2025.

Osigwe made the commitment in his New Year message to Nigerian lawyers, released to journalists in Lagos on Wednesday.

According to him, the NBA under his leadership will take a leading role in advancing respect for the rule of law and human rights while partnering with security agencies to promote a just and equitable society.

“As we proudly step into the year 2025, I am honored to welcome you all to a new era of limitless possibilities, reflection, gratitude, and renewed determination,” Osigwe stated.

He emphasized that the NBA would focus on addressing critical issues, including police brutality, unlawful detentions, and other human rights abuses. “We will remain at the forefront of holding authorities accountable and ensuring that citizens’ rights are upheld,” he said.

Osigwe also stressed the importance of unity within the legal profession, noting that the strength of the NBA lies in the collaboration and mutual respect among its members.

“As we embark on the tasks ahead, I encourage every member of the NBA to foster collaboration, dialogue, and mutual respect. Together, we can overcome the challenges facing our profession and nation,” he added.

Looking ahead, Osigwe called on lawyers to embrace 2025 with courage and determination, describing it as a year of growth, unity, and success for the NBA and the legal profession.

“Let us continue to stand as a beacon of hope, integrity, and resilience for Nigeria. May it be a year of growth, unity, and success for the NBA, the legal profession, and Nigeria as a whole,” he concluded.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has welcomed the first baby of the year 2025, marking the occasion with visits to the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja.

During the visit, gifts were presented to the first male and female babies of the year, as well as other newborns delivered on January 1.

Senator Tinubu was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima.

In her address, Mrs. Tinubu pledged the administration’s support toward ensuring a better future for Nigerian children. She emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an environment where every Nigerian child can thrive and achieve their potential.

The First Lady also urged the parents of the newborns to nurture their children, describing them as God’s gift to the nation and the future of Nigeria.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has suspended the Chairman and members of the State Teachers Service Commission (TSC) following the illegal recruitment of over 1,000 teachers beyond the approved quota.

Earlier this year, Governor Sule had approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers and directed that their entitlements be paid. However, the directive sparked public outcry due to widespread complaints about non-payment of salaries.

In response to the growing concerns, Governor Sule convened a meeting on Monday at the Government House in Lafia, bringing together members of the TSC, the Commissioner for Education, and other officials from the Ministry of Education to address the issue.

During the meeting, the TSC Chairman and members admitted to hiring over 2,000 teachers—more than double the approved number—without the proper authorization.

Displeased with the breach of protocol, Governor Sule suspended the TSC Chairman and its members. He also ordered the formation of a committee to investigate the illegal recruitment and submit a detailed report for further action.

The suspension and investigation mark the latest development in the ongoing efforts to address transparency and accountability in the state’s recruitment processes.

Inmates across custodial facilities in Kano State will now have access to healthcare services following the approval of their enrollment in the state’s Healthcare Contributory Scheme.

The initiative, aimed at providing comprehensive health coverage for inmates, was announced during a visit by Dr. Rahila Aliyu Muktar, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KACHMA), to the Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Dr. Muktar emphasized the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of inmates, stating, “The state government is fully prepared to ensure that all inmates in our facilities receive quality healthcare while in custody. This enrolment will guarantee access to both basic and comprehensive healthcare services, contributing to their overall well-being and reformation.”

A statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Nasarawa, highlighted that the initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve conditions in the state’s correctional facilities.

In response, the Controller of Corrections for Kano State, Ado Inuwa, expressed his appreciation for the new policy. “This gesture will not only enhance the health of inmates but also motivate them to become productive and law-abiding citizens upon their release,” Inuwa said. He also noted that healthcare is a critical component of effective custodial management, contributing significantly to inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.

The policy is expected to provide inmates with access to routine medical check-ups, emergency treatments, and other essential health services. The move underscores the state government’s broader commitment to social welfare, justice, and the reformation of inmates within the correctional system.

The World Bank is set to approve three major loan projects for Nigeria in 2025, totaling $1.65 billion, aimed at addressing critical development challenges in the country. The loans, which are currently in the pipeline, will focus on internally displaced persons (IDPs), education, and nutrition enhancement.

According to the World Bank’s official website, the financing package is designed to support Nigeria’s social and economic recovery, particularly in vulnerable sectors requiring urgent intervention.

The first project, Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project, is set to receive $300 million. The project, which is still in the concept review phase, seeks to provide sustainable solutions for the social and economic challenges faced by internally displaced persons and their host communities. Approval for this project is scheduled for April 8, 2025.

The second project, HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All, is expected to secure $553.8 million. Also in the concept review stage, this initiative aims to enhance the quality of basic education in Nigeria and is slated for approval on March 20, 2025.

The largest share of the proposed financing, $800 million, is allocated to the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria 2.0 project. The World Bank is scheduled to make a decision on this project by February 20, 2025.

The $1.65 billion in loans forms part of the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development efforts. The loans will help address long-standing issues in key sectors and are expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s recovery and growth.

In total, Nigeria has secured loans worth $6.95 billion from the World Bank under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This amount includes a recent $500 million loan approved on December 13, 2024, for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project—Scale Up. This initiative aims to improve access to markets, schools, and healthcare in rural communities, fostering social cohesion.

This loan is the 10th approved for Nigeria since President Tinubu took office. Previous loans have supported sectors ranging from power to women’s empowerment. Notably, the Power Sector Recovery Performance-Based Operation received $750 million in the early months of the administration, and a $500 million loan for women’s empowerment was approved in June 2023.

The World Bank also approved several large-scale projects in September 2024, including a $500 million loan for governance reforms in the education and health sectors, a $570 million loan for primary healthcare improvements, and $500 million for a sustainable power and irrigation project aimed at mitigating climate-related challenges.

The World Bank currently holds $16.32 billion of Nigeria’s external debt, primarily through its concessional arm, the International Development Association (IDA), which accounts for 38% of Nigeria’s total external debt. The remaining portion of the debt is owed to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), which represents 1.13% of the total external debt.

Data from the Debt Management Office reveals that Nigeria spent $3.58 billion servicing its foreign debt in the first nine months of 2024, a 39.77% increase from the previous year. The World Bank’s continued financial support underscores its role in Nigeria’s development, as the country works to stabilize its economy and address critical issues in sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.