July 2025 | Page 5 of 48

Nigerian Senate Approves Additional $21 Billion in External Loans, Pushing Public Debt Toward N200 Trillion

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The Nigerian Senate has approved an additional external borrowing package of $21 billion, €2.2 billion, and ¥15 billion for the 2025–2026 fiscal cycle, further raising concerns over the nation’s rising debt profile. In addition, a domestic bond issuance of N750.98 billion and a €65 million grant were also approved. This latest approval could push Nigeria’s total public debt to approximately N187 trillion, up from N149.39 trillion as recorded in the first quarter of 2025. With this trend, experts warn that the country’s total debt may exceed N200 trillion by the end of the year. Before the recent GDP rebasing, Nigeria’s gross domestic product was estimated at N269.2 trillion (approximately $180 billion), meaning the approved loans represent nearly 70% of the country’s GDP. Even with the rebased GDP of N372.8 trillion ($243.7 billion), Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio would still stand at 50.16%—the highest in the nation’s history. Despite the significant increase in borrowing—N27.72 trillion year-on-year and N4.72 trillion quarter-on-quarter—critics argue that these debts have yet to yield tangible improvements in key sectors such as education, healthcare, power, and national security. Nigeria continues to rank low on major human development indicators. Education remains underfunded, healthcare is largely inaccessible to the poor, and insecurity persists. Between May 29, 2023, and May 29, 2025, over 10,217 Nigerians were killed and 672 villages sacked, even as security spending rose from N2.98 trillion in 2023 to N4.91 trillion in 2025. Infrastructure development has also lagged, with 135,000km out of the country’s 195,000km road network remaining unpaved, making transportation across many regions nearly impossible. The power sector remains in crisis, supplying less than 5,000 megawatts of electricity to over 200 million citizens. Meanwhile, poverty and hunger are deepening. Over 133 million Nigerians (63%) are now classified as multi-dimensionally poor, and a worsening malnutrition crisis has claimed the lives of 652 children in Northern Nigeria, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Katsina State has been identified as one of the worst-hit regions. Despite the country’s abundant natural and human resources, critics say a persistent leadership failure has exacerbated Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. There are growing calls for greater transparency and accountability in how public funds and loans are utilized. “Borrowing is not inherently bad,” one policy analyst noted, “but it must be tied to productive investments with measurable outcomes. Unfortunately, what we see is reckless borrowing without accountability, mortgaging the future of young and unborn Nigerians.” Analysts are urging the government to adopt a more disciplined economic strategy—cutting the cost of governance, plugging financial leakages, and prioritizing investments in human capital and productivity. “It’s time to end fiscal indiscipline and build a New Nigeria,” the analyst added. “One where leadership is responsible, development is people-centered, and every kobo borrowed delivers measurable impact for sustainable and inclusive growth.”

PROMAD, NYFF, Others to Host Youth Regional Dialogues for OGP National Action Plan

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

PROMAD Infotech Foundation, the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), the Nigeria Open Government Partnership, and the Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC) have announced a new partnership to host regional dialogues for youth participation in the co-creation of Nigeria’s fourth National Action Plan (NAP IV) for the implementation of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The partnership is announced under the Strengthening Youth Participation in the OGP Process in Nigeria. According to a statement signed by the leadership of the organisations and the national coordinator of OGP, the regional dialogues are a direct effort to support youth participation in the co-creation of the country’s NAP IV, currently being developed by the national OGP secretariat, to strengthen open governance and development. Nigeria joined the global OGP in 2016 and developed and implemented NAP I-III between 2016-2025, which has helped the country to make progress in driving open governance, accountability and transparency initiatives. Despite the progress recorded, the previous NAPs lacked a deliberate focus on youth inclusion and their unique challenges that need to be captured in the development process. The six regional dialogues are intended to bring youth to the table and bridge the gaps identified, and build on recent efforts to mainstream youth perspectives across open government initiatives and reforms in Nigeria. Through the support of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), PROMAD will lead the hosting of three regional dialogues in the South-West, South-South and North-Central, while NYFF will lead the hosting of the dialogues in South-East, North-East and North-West and a national convening, respectively. The national secretariat of OGP and SERDEC will support the implementation of activities during the regional dialogues across the six political zones of Nigeria. The dialogues, which will take place between July and October 2025, are expected to enrich the co-creation process for the NAP IV between citizens and the government through the national OGP secretariat. The data, opinions and recommendations from the regions will be synthesised to develop a single report to be presented and adopted during the national convening in Abuja by the national OGP stakeholders as a working document for the NAP IV.

Breaking: Tinubu Splashes $100,000 Each, 3-bed Flats on Super Falcons

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Members of the victorious Super Falcons have been rewarded with the sum of $100,000 ,00 each, 3-bed room flats and National award for emerging winners of the just concluded Women Africa Nations Cup in Morocco. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made this announcement at the reception held at the banquet hall at the Presidential Villa on Monday. According to the President, each of the players and technical crew will pocket an naira equivalent of $100,000,00 and $50,000,00 respectively. In addition, the President awarded the players with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), just as they were gifted 3-bed room apartment each the Renewed Hope Agenda Estate at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. In similar vein, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who doubles as the Chairman of the Progressive Governor Forum showered the team with the sum of N10million each.

Trump Gives Russia 10–12 Days to End Ukraine War: “No Reason in Waiting”

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Turnberry, Scotland — July 28, 2025U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp new ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days — significantly reducing the 50-day deadline he initially set earlier this month. Speaking during a press conference alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed frustration with Russia’s continued military offensive in Ukraine and signaled growing impatience with the lack of progress toward a ceasefire. “I’m going to make a new deadline of about … 10 or 12 days from today,” Trump said. “There’s no reason in waiting. We just don’t see any progress being made.” The Kremlin has yet to issue a formal response. Trump’s warning comes as Moscow intensifies airstrikes across Ukraine, despite several diplomatic overtures from the U.S. and its European allies. A recent ceasefire deal remains in limbo, with Russian forces reportedly escalating attacks in key areas including Kyiv and eastern border regions. The U.S. president, who returned to office this year with a promise to end the conflict within 24 hours, continues to present himself as a peacemaker, but has faced criticism for his mixed signals. Though he has repeatedly threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia and countries buying Russian exports, his administration has been cautious in implementing such measures. “I don’t want to do that to Russia. I love the Russian people,” Trump said Monday.“But if you know what the answer is going to be, why wait?” Trump also expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he accused of stalling peace efforts. He referenced past conversations with Putin, saying: “We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever. And I say that’s not the way to do it.” With tensions rising and the international community watching closely, the next 10 days could prove critical for diplomatic relations — and for Ukraine’s war-ravaged future.

Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Immediate Ceasefire Following Deadly Border Clashes

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire to end days of intense border clashes that have killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The agreement followed high-level mediation talks hosted at Anwar’s official residence in Putrajaya, where Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met face-to-face. The ceasefire, effective from 17:00 GMT on Monday, marks a significant breakthrough in the escalating conflict, which saw artillery exchanges and troop mobilizations along the disputed border area. “This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace,” Anwar stated during a joint press conference with both leaders. He noted that military commanders from both nations would meet Tuesday to implement the agreement. The mediation was observed by both US and Chinese ambassadors, with Malaysian officials confirming that US President Donald Trump and Chinese leaders had been in direct contact with all parties involved. Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the talks, saying: “We had a very good meeting with very good results that we hope will immediately stop the fighting.” He also acknowledged the “decisive role” of President Trump in encouraging both sides to the negotiation table, adding that the ceasefire could help “rebuild trust and confidence” between the two nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also welcomed the outcome, urging all parties to uphold their commitments. Despite the ceasefire agreement, clashes reportedly continued on Monday morning. Thai army spokesperson Col. Richa Suksuwanon confirmed artillery fire and gunshots were heard along the border, including incidents near Samrong in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province and Sisaket in Thailand, where a Cambodian rocket killed one person on Sunday. Tensions have also flared around disputed ancient temples — Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai — with both sides trading accusations over troop movements and use of heavy weaponry. Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata accused Thailand of “aggressive troop deployment and air-based assaults,” while Thailand claimed Cambodian snipers were operating from within contested temple zones. Reporting from the Thai-Cambodian border, Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng described the ceasefire as “a huge relief” for tens of thousands of displaced civilians. “Many just want to go home,” he said. As the ceasefire takes effect, international observers are cautiously optimistic but stress the need for strict compliance and continuous dialogue to prevent a resurgence of violence.

Trump Issues Fresh Threat to Iran Over Nuclear Programme: We’ll Wipe It Out Faster

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern new warning to Iran over its continued nuclear enrichment activities, declaring the U.S. would “wipe it out faster” than before if Tehran resumes nuclear development following recent strikes. The comments came during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, where Trump accused Iran of sending “very bad, very nasty signals.” “We wiped out their nuclear possibilities. They can start again. If they do, we’ll wipe it out faster than you can wave your finger at it,” Trump warned.“We will do that gladly, openly and gladly,” he added. The remarks follow U.S. airstrikes earlier this month on three Iranian nuclear sites, which Washington claimed were part of efforts to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment. The attacks came shortly after Israel launched a military offensive against Tehran in June, an event that shattered previous diplomatic progress. Iran has since reaffirmed its intention to continue enrichment for what it insists are civilian energy purposes. Speaking ahead of recent talks with the UK, France, and Germany, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi defended Tehran’s right to maintain its nuclear programme under international law. The latest round of diplomatic talks—the first since the U.S.-Israel strikes—were described by Iranian officials as “serious, frank and detailed,” though no breakthroughs were announced. In an interview with Al Jazeera last week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated his country’s stance: “We will not abandon our nuclear programme,” he said, while still expressing openness to negotiations.However, Pezeshkian also said he was “not very optimistic” about the ceasefire with Israel that ended the recent 12-day war. As global tensions remain high, European leaders are pushing for renewed diplomacy, but the Trump administration continues to take a hardline stance, insisting that Iran must fully dismantle its nuclear infrastructure or face further military action.

International Drug Syndicate Busted in India: Nigerians Among Three Foreign Nationals Arrested

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

In a significant crackdown on transnational narcotics trafficking, the UT Police Crime Branch has dismantled a major international drug syndicate operating across the Tricity region of India, arresting three foreign nationals in a coordinated sting operation. The suspects — Imoru Damian (31) and Okoye Nnamdi (31), both Nigerian nationals, and Toufe Yousouf (30) from Cape Town, South Africa — were apprehended while attempting to smuggle narcotics into the city. Substantial quantities of cocaine and amphetamine were seized during the bust, along with a Honda City vehicle allegedly used in the drug trade. All three were presented before a local court and have been remanded into police custody for further investigation. According to SP Jasbir Singh of the Crime Branch, the operation began on July 22, when Damian was arrested in possession of 62.6 grams of amphetamine. Investigations revealed that he had overstayed his medical visa, which was issued in 2021. His arrest led authorities to Okoye and Toufe, who were subsequently found with additional quantities of narcotics: 35.8 grams of cocaine and 5.73 grams of amphetamine (Okoye) and 34.85 grams of cocaine (Toufe). Damian and Toufe were residing in a rented apartment in Kharar, Mohali, while Okoye was based in Delhi. Authorities say the suspects operated in isolation, directed remotely by handlers based abroad, making it difficult to detect the full scope of the operation. The syndicate reportedly sourced narcotics from Delhi and distributed them to youth in the Tricity region, which includes Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. Investigators also uncovered a concerning link to a wider network of Nigerian students in Kharar, who may have been exploited as drug couriers or low-level distributors. Further inquiries are underway to unravel the extent of this international network. The arrests mark a major win for Indian law enforcement as they continue efforts to curb the rising threat of cross-border narcotics trafficking.

Inside Africa

VP Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Food Security at UN Summit

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – July 28, 2025Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has reiterated the country’s strong commitment to food and nutrition security while addressing global leaders at the United Nations Food Systems Summit held at the iconic African Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Speaking at the summit, Shettima emphasized that food insecurity is a global challenge that “knows no borders” and called for collective international action. He outlined Nigeria’s strategic approach, highlighting the Presidential Initiative on Food Security, which aims to scale up the production of maize, rice, cassava, and wheat using climate-smart solutions. “Nutrition is at the heart of Nigeria’s vision,” he stated, citing the integration of food and nutrition targets into national frameworks such as the National Development Plan and Agenda 2050. The Vice President also spotlighted the Nutrition 774 initiative, designed to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level by reaching all 774 local government areas in Nigeria — turning “pledges into meals,” he said. Shettima noted that Nigeria is embracing innovation to transform its agricultural sector. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution is driving our agricultural systems, through the use of artificial intelligence, geospatial analytics, and satellite-driven climate intelligence,” he said. These technologies, he added, are enhancing transparency, boosting production, improving market access, and reducing food waste. Highlighting strategic partnerships, the Vice President pointed to collaborations with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones. These zones, he said, are creating jobs, attracting investment, and linking local farmers to global markets. He concluded by emphasizing the role of nutrition education and school feeding programs in securing long-term outcomes, stating that they are essential for “building healthier futures” for Nigerian children.