FDI to Nigeria Plummets Amid Poor Governance and Uncoordinated Reforms

FDI to Nigeria Plummets Amid Poor Governance and Uncoordinated Reforms

Despite frequent international trips by the President, ministers, and other government officials in search of foreign direct investment (FDI), Nigeria’s weak governance continues to undermine investor confidence. Persistent shortcomings in the rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and accountability are proving that sustainable investment cannot be built on poor leadership. Latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show that FDI collapsed by nearly 70% in Q1 2025, falling to just $126.29 million from $421.8 million in the preceding quarter. Of the total $5.64 billion in capital inflows during the period, FDI accounted for only 2.24%, down sharply from 8.2% in Q4 2024. Alarmingly, around 90% of these inflows were channelled into short-term, speculative money market instruments, offering negligible benefits for industrial growth or job creation. The manufacturing sector was hit hard, with capital inflows dropping 32.1% year-on-year to $129.92 million in Q1 2025, down from $191.92 million in the same period of 2023. This decline reflects a deepening lack of trust in a government whose reforms appear reactive and disjointed. While global FDI flows dipped in 2024, Africa bucked the trend, recording a 75% surge to $97 billion. Egypt led the continent with $46.58 billion, followed by Ethiopia ($3.98 billion), Côte d’Ivoire ($3.80 billion), and Mozambique ($3.55 billion). Nigeria, despite its size and resources, managed just $1.08 billion—about 1% of Africa’s total—representing a 42% drop from 2023. The situation has worsened in 2025, with FDI plunging a further 75% between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. These figures send a clear message: without effective leadership, strong governance, and coherent economic reforms, Nigeria will continue to fall behind its peers in attracting meaningful, long-term investment.

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NLC Gives FG Seven-Day Ultimatum Over NSITF PENCOM Edo Crisis

NLC Gives FG Seven-Day Ultimatum Over NSITF PENCOM Edo Crisis

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to return allegedly diverted workers’ funds and constitute the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), warning it will not guarantee industrial peace if ignored. In a communiqué after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the NLC ratified the dissolution of its Edo State Council leadership over alleged unethical conduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional breaches. A caretaker committee will oversee the council until fresh elections are held. The CWC accused the government of diverting 40% of workers’ contributions to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) into national revenue, in violation of the law, and of making false ownership claims to the NLC headquarters. It also condemned cyber and media bullying of unions and moves to amend the NSITF Act to give the government full control. On PENCOM, the NLC decried the prolonged absence of its Governing Board, saying it undermines oversight of pension funds. It demanded that diverted NSITF funds be returned, PENCOM’s Board constituted, and a full pension fund report issued within seven working days, or face nationwide action.

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FG Suspends Establishment Of New Tertiary Institutions For 7 Years

FG Places 7-Year Freeze on New Federal Tertiary Institutions

By Kamal Yalwa – August 13, 2025 The Federal Government has imposed a seven-year suspension on the creation of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, citing under-utilisation, overstretched resources, and declining academic standards. The decision, approved at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, followed a presentation by Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa. Alausa told State House correspondents that Nigeria’s tertiary education sector was facing a quality crisis rather than an access problem, with many institutions suffering from low enrolment, inadequate infrastructure, and excessive staffing relative to student numbers. “Several federal universities operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students. In one northern university, 1,200 staff serve fewer than 800 students. This is a waste of government resources,” he said. Statistics from the ministry show that last year, 199 universities received fewer than 100 applications through JAMB, with 34 getting none at all. Of the 295 polytechnics in the country, many attracted fewer than 99 applicants, while 64 of 219 colleges of education recorded zero applications. Alausa warned that the proliferation of poorly subscribed institutions risked producing underqualified graduates, tarnishing the reputation of Nigerian degrees internationally, and worsening unemployment. The minister said the moratorium would give government time to focus on upgrading facilities, recruiting qualified staff, and expanding the capacity of existing institutions. “If we want to improve quality and not be a laughing stock globally, the pragmatic step is to pause the establishment of new federal institutions,” he stated. Nigeria currently has 72 federal universities, 42 federal polytechnics, and 28 federal colleges of education, in addition to hundreds of state-owned and private tertiary institutions. Alausa clarified that the freeze applies only to new federal institutions. The FEC also approved nine new private universities at the meeting, noting that these had already met all licensing and regulatory requirements.

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Namadi Reaffirms Youth Empowerment Drive at International Youth Day Celebration

Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, national unity, and sustainable development during events marking the 2025 International Youth Day in Dutse. Addressing corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Fanisau, Namadi assured them of safety, support, and improved camp facilities. He noted the completion of renovations to the male hostel, camp clinic, and main hall, with ongoing work on the female hostel to ensure decent and secure accommodation. At a separate Government House reception, the governor aligned the state’s youth policies with the year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” highlighting initiatives under “Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.” Namadi outlined several programs, including entrepreneurship training, ICT skill development in partnership with NITDA, GLUWA, and NDE, as well as targeted interventions such as mobile food cart distribution, micro-retail shop support, and handpump repair training. He also cited the recruitment of nearly 10,000 youths into roles such as local security guards, agricultural extension workers, and staff under the J-AGRO, J-HEALTH, J-TEACH, and J-CARE programs. Urging young people to shun political thuggery, cultism, drug abuse, and other vices, Namadi stressed that violence undermines peaceful coexistence and unity. If you want, I can also make a short breaking-news style version that focuses only on the key announcement and headline achievements. Ask ChatGPT

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Lagos Warns Institutions Against Breaching Waste Management Rules

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has warned that the government will take firm action against any institution or organisation found violating waste management regulations. Eyes Of Lagos reports. This latest warning follows action against Dowen College, which has previously faced controversy. In 2021, the school was temporarily shut down by the Lagos State Government during investigations into the death of student Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a case that drew nationwide outrage. Wahab reiterated the state’s commitment to enforcing environmental sanitation laws to safeguard public health and the environment. He urged all institutions to adopt proper waste management practices or risk sanctions, including possible closure.

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Tinubu Replaces Muheeba Dankaka as Federal Character Commission Chair Appoints Ayo Omidiran

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn the reappointment of Dr. Muheeba Dankaka as Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) and named Hon. Ayo Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives, as her replacement. News360 Nigeria reports that the change followed an earlier statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announcing Dankaka’s nomination. A subsequent release revealed the decision was reversed due to controversies surrounding her tenure. The President also appointed Mohammed Musa as the FCC Secretary and retained Kayode Oladele, the commissioner from Ogun State, who has been serving as Acting Chairman since 2024. Other reappointments include Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi), Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun), and Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawalla (Lagos). The newly appointed commissioners are: Hon. Obina Oriaku (Abia), Mrs. Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa), Obongawan Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Hon. Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra), Babangida Adamu Gwana (Bauchi), Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa), Aligba Eugene Tarkende (Benue), Engr. Modu Mustapha (Borno), Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo (Cross River), and Ederin Lovette Idisi (Delta). Others include Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi), Hon. Chief Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo), Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti), Peter Eze (Enugu), Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe), Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo), Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna), Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano), Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina), Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara), Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger), Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo), Prince Ayodeji Abas Aleshinloye (Oyo), Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau), Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto), Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba), Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe), Sani Garba (Zamfara), and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).

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EFCC Arrests Former Sokoto Governor Tambuwal Over Alleged ₦189bn Fraudulent Withdrawals

Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at its Abuja headquarters over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion. According to EFCC sources, the transactions, allegedly carried out during Tambuwal’s tenure, are suspected to be in clear violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The former governor reportedly arrived at the EFCC office around 11:30 a.m. on Monday and was ushered in to face a panel of interrogators over the alleged financial infractions. Investigators have described the withdrawals as a major breach of financial regulations. As of press time, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

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Middle Belt Forum Backs Peter Obi’s One-Term Pledge, Obidient Movement Gains Ground in Ibadan

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has endorsed Labour Party’s 2027 presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi, for pledging to serve only one term if elected, describing him as a man of integrity who can be trusted to honour his word. In a statement, MBF National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said the forum believes Obi’s track record shows he would keep his promise “to the letter” and not use it as a political ploy. “We believe Peter Obi is a man of honour and, if he wins, he will keep to his promises,” Pogu said. He stressed that term limits should ideally be decided by the constitution and the electorate, but maintained that the Middle Belt had confidence in Obi’s sincerity. Meanwhile, Obi’s support base, the Obidient Movement, is gaining momentum in Oyo State. At the weekend, members gathered for the Oyo State Obidient Conference themed “Going Forward 2027: A New Nigeria is Possible” at the Empowerment Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan. The event attracted party loyalists, political analysts, and grassroots organisers. Delivering the keynote address, Professor Francis Egbokhare of the University of Ibadan lamented Nigeria’s underperformance despite abundant talent. He described the nation as “a giant lying prostrate, trampled by dwarfs,” criticising poor governance, propaganda-driven politics, and lack of strategic thinking. “The first order of business is to restructure the mindset, because to win elections without it is to perpetuate the same failures,” he warned, urging the movement to adopt disciplined execution, integrity, and a focus on human development. Obidient Movement National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, dismissed rumours of Obi leaving the Labour Party, confirming his candidacy for 2027 on a single-term agenda. “If elected, he will provide Nigeria with a single term of purposeful leadership. Many problems can be resolved within one year if we focus on essential human development,” Yunusa said. Oyo State Coordinator and convener, Mr. Ayo Akinyemi, called the conference a unifying moment for members, urging them to remain committed to Obi’s vision for national transformation.

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