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Tag: Tinubu

Fuel Subsidy Removal: 7 Ingenious Ways Nigerians Are Surviving the Hardship

Fola Badmus06 mins

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared “fuel subsidy is gone” on May 29, 2023, few Nigerians fully grasped the financial shockwave that would follow. Within hours, fuel prices soared from ₦185 per litre to over ₦800, forcing many to abandon their vehicles and search for alternative means to navigate daily life. But in true Nigerian fashion, resilience and ingenuity have taken center stage. From increased walking to embracing electric mobility, Nigerians are finding creative — and often humorous — ways to adapt. Here are seven notable ways Nigerians are surviving the fuel subsidy removal: 1. The Trekking Revolution: ‘Subsidy Cardio’ Goes ViralWith transport costs rising, many urban dwellers have taken to walking long distances daily. What started as a necessity has now become a form of fitness.“I used to drive from Jakande to Lekki Phase 1. Now I walk part of the journey, and my jeans fit better,” says Nkem, a makeup artist in Lagos.A survey by SBM Intelligence revealed that 38% of urban Nigerians now walk more frequently to cut transportation expenses. 2. Okadas and Kekes Replace Ride-Hailing AppsAs Uber and Bolt fares become unaffordable for many, Nigerians are returning to motorcycles (okadas) and tricycles (kekes) for quicker, cheaper movement — even if it means squeezing three people onto one bike during rush hour. 3. Office Sleepovers Become Cost-Saving StrategyTo avoid the daily transportation burden, some workers are opting to sleep at the office. In sectors like tech and banking, employers have reportedly provided mats and basic amenities for staff who now go home only on weekends.“I only go home on weekends. It saves me ₦14,000 weekly,” says Uzo, a financial analyst based in Victoria Island.A Channels TV report estimates that transportation now consumes up to 50% of some Lagosians’ monthly income. 4. Remote Work Gains New PopularityThe fuel crisis has accelerated the shift to remote work, especially in startups, NGOs, and even religious institutions.“Fuel subsidy killed our physical Monday devotions. Now we pray on WhatsApp voice note,” says Lekan, a church administrator.Zoom, WhatsApp, and Telegram have effectively become digital offices across the country. 5. Electric Scooters and Bicycles Gain TractionElectric mobility is emerging as a trendy alternative, particularly in Lagos and Abuja. Young professionals now use electric scooters and bikes for short commutes, cutting fuel costs entirely.“I plug it at night, ride to work in the morning. I’ve not bought petrol in three weeks,” says Tope, a software developer in Yaba.Brands like Solar Taxi and MAX.ng are expanding their footprint in Nigeria’s e-mobility sector. 6. Transport WhatsApp Groups Build CommunityIn cities like Lagos, WhatsApp has become a tool for daily ride coordination. Residents from areas such as Isolo, Berger, and Surulere have created groups to share danfos, kekes, and even private car rides.“It’s not just about saving money — it’s vibes and survival,” says Joy, a human resource executive in Surulere. 7. Charging Gadgets at Work Becomes NormWith irregular power supply and longer hours spent outside the home, people now carry portable power banks religiously. Others opt to charge all devices — from phones to mini-fans — at their workplaces.“Fuel is gold. If NEPA takes light, I wait till I get to the office to charge anything,” says Mustapha, a graphic designer. Conclusion: Nigerian Resilience in ActionThe removal of fuel subsidies has undoubtedly reshaped daily life in Nigeria, but it has also showcased the nation’s remarkable adaptability. From trekking to remote work, and electric scooters to ride-sharing communities, Nigerians are once again proving that Naija no dey carry last. Are you also finding creative ways to cope with the subsidy era? Share your survival story — because in Nigeria, even hardship can’t stop the hustle.

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Rice Prices Soar Again, Hit ₦100,000 per Bag as Import Waiver Window Ends

Fola Badmus07 mins

Nigerians are facing renewed hardship as the price of rice surges across major markets, reversing months of relief that had seen the staple drop to around ₦65,000 per 50kg bag. A Sunday Vanguard market survey in Lagos revealed that some brands of rice now sell for as much as ₦100,000 per bag, with prices for other brands ranging between ₦77,000 and ₦90,000, depending on quality and grain type. Dealers and analysts attribute the sudden spike to the expiration of the 150-day duty-free import window granted under the Presidential Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan introduced in July 2024. The temporary policy had allowed select firms to import essential grains, including rice, without paying import duties, a measure intended to curb inflation and rising food costs. However, insiders say the process was shrouded in secrecy, with only a few large firms benefiting. Secrecy, Selective Waivers, and Policy Gaps Peter Dama, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Competitive African Rice Forum – Nigerian Chapter (CARF-FSD) and President of the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN), confirmed that only three firms, including one in Lagos and another in Kaduna, received the waivers. Dama lamented that the waiver initiative ignored established stakeholders who built Nigeria’s rice value chain. He said that many local millers and processors who applied for the waivers never received a response from the government. “Short-term fixes like waivers only hurt the local industry,” Dama warned. “We need long-term investments to support farmers, processors, and marketers if we want real food security.” Market Reactions: “We’re Not in Business Anymore” Rice dealers in Lagos expressed deep frustration. At Daleko Market, Mrs. Bolatito Yunisa described the situation as dire: “A bag of short grain rice that sold for ₦65,000 is now ₦85,000. Long grain rice is as high as ₦100,000. We are frustrated. Where is Nigerian rice?” At Mile 12 Market, Mrs. Bukola Osagie said many buyers now request rice in small measurements like “Derica” due to high prices. “We’re barely surviving. Even we, as dealers, now struggle to make sales.” The same 50kg bag of locally produced rice that once sold for ₦70,000 now goes for over ₦80,000, raising fears that Nigeria’s rice affordability crisis could worsen. ₦1.9 Trillion Spent, But to What End? According to RIMAN, ₦1.9 trillion ($1.17 billion) was spent on duty-free brown rice imports in the second half of 2024. About 2.4 million tonnes of rice were shipped into Nigeria between July and December 2024 alone. In early July 2025, 10,000 tonnes were offloaded in Lagos from a shipment by African Swift, while another 32,000 tonnes from Thailand arrived in January via DUCAT Logistics. Despite these massive imports, smuggled rice from Benin Republic still dominates many markets, with prices ranging from ₦70,000 to ₦78,000, due to a continued deficit in domestic production. “Nigeria has more than enough rice mills to feed the country,” Dama said. “But policy inconsistency, FX shortages, and selective waivers have made local milling unsustainable.” Local Mills Shutting Down Dama warned that many local rice mills have been forced to scale down or shut down due to a collapse in demand for paddy rice and an inability to compete with cheaper, subsidised imports. Other compounding challenges include: “You don’t expect millers to run at a loss. We want to feed the nation, but the system must support us,” he said. Rice Smuggling Undermines Local Production Illegal rice imports continue to flood the country. RIMAN estimates that over 1 million metric tonnes of smuggled rice have entered Nigeria between January and July 2025 alone, further destabilising the local market. “The Ministry of Agriculture submitted a vetted list of genuine millers to the Finance Ministry — but no action has followed. The silence is disturbing,” Dama added. A Collapse of Hard-Won Gains? Dama warned that unless urgent action is taken, Nigeria risks losing the gains made in the rice value chain in recent years — including job creation, rural development, and food security. “The same farmers who kept this country fed during the COVID-19 lockdowns are now being abandoned. What signal is government sending?” With prices soaring and production stagnating, the question for millions of Nigerians remains the same: When will rice — the country’s most consumed staple — become affordable again?

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No Tinubu-Kwankwaso Secret Meeting, Alliance Talks Hit Roadblock

No Tinubu-Kwankwaso Secret Meeting, Alliance Talks Hit Roadblock

Fola Badmus08 mins

By Kamal Yalwa Media reports on Monday (not originating from Daily Trust) claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held a secret meeting with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The report suggested the closed-door engagement was part of a broader plan by the presidency to bring Kwankwaso back into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially as a vice-presidential candidate. However, the story has since been debunked by credible sources at both the Presidency and Kwankwaso’s camp. False Claims, Denials Follow The alleged meeting was said to have followed Kwankwaso’s attendance at the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit 2025 at the State House Conference Centre. It was portrayed as a second known interaction between the two leaders since Tinubu’s inauguration in June 2023. But a source close to Kwankwaso dismissed the report, saying: “That narrative is far from the truth. Kwankwaso was only at the Villa for the stated conference and nothing more.” Presidency insiders also rubbished the claims. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, described the report as “fake news,” adding, “There was nothing like that. If the meeting had taken place—either at the office or the residence—it would have been known.” Alliance Talks Stalling Recent developments suggest a cooling of relations between President Tinubu and Kwankwaso, once speculated to be on the verge of an alliance. Following the surprise resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as APC national chairman—widely believed to have been Kwankwaso’s main obstacle to rejoining the party—analysts speculated that reconciliation talks were gaining traction. However, the narrative shifted sharply this week. During a Kano State-sponsored forum on constitutional reform, Kwankwaso lashed out at the Tinubu administration, accusing it of neglecting Northern Nigeria in favour of the South. “The North is battling poverty, insecurity, and a lack of infrastructure due to mismanagement and resource allocation,” Kwankwaso said. “Most of the roads in the North are in terrible condition, while huge sums are being spent on the South.” Presidency Responds In response, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare, refuted the claims on X, listing over 40 federal projects initiated in the North during Tinubu’s tenure. He maintained that the administration had demonstrated balanced development across regions. Kwankwaso Rallies Support The former Kano governor further signalled a shift in strategy on Friday, when he announced that thousands of APC defectors had joined the NNPP at his residence in Kano. “Our distinguished leadership continues to attract new members. I welcome them all and assure them of fairness and cooperation,” Kwankwaso posted on X. Alliance Hopes Fade Sources close to Kwankwaso told Weekend Trust that the former defence minister is weighing multiple options for 2027. These include: “The Tinubu option isn’t off the table, but it’s complicated,” a senior aide said. “There’s no rush to decide.” A Political Gamble? Dr. Aminu Hayatu, a political analyst at Bayero University, Kano, believes Kwankwaso is playing a waiting game. “He’s watching how the dynamics evolve within both the APC and opposition coalitions. His recent criticism of Tinubu may be strategic—to press for better political leverage,” Hayatu told Daily Trust. He warned that joining the APC could alienate parts of Kwankwaso’s base, many of whom are critical of Tinubu. How It All Began Speculation about a Tinubu-Kwankwaso alliance dates back to 2023, when reports emerged that the two met in Paris shortly after Tinubu’s election victory. Kwankwaso was rumoured to have accepted a ministerial role—an appointment that never materialised. Tinubu’s directive to Ganduje to reconcile with Kwankwaso also failed, reportedly due to Ganduje’s resistance. With Ganduje now out, many believed an alliance was imminent—until Kwankwaso’s recent criticism suggested otherwise. What Lies Ahead While President Tinubu is reportedly still exploring ways to secure Northern support in 2027, Kwankwaso’s next move remains uncertain. Whether he stays in the NNPP, aligns with the opposition, or rekindles talks with the presidency, his political clout—especially in Kano, Nigeria’s most populous state—will be pivotal in the race. In 2023, Kwankwaso’s 997,279 votes in Kano far exceeded Tinubu’s 517,341 and effectively blocked Atiku Abubakar’s chances in the region. As Nigeria edges closer to 2027, all eyes remain on the direction he chooses to go. Source: Daily Trust

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ADC Accuses Tinubu Administration of Politicising Buhari Tribute

ADC Accuses Tinubu Administration of Politicising Buhari Tribute

Fola Badmus04 mins

Abuja – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu and his administration of using the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain, describing Thursday’s Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) tribute as a “publicity stunt by an unpopular government.” The allegation was contained in a statement issued Friday by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi. The ADC said the outpouring of praise for Buhari from a government that had “spent over a year blaming and sidelining him” over Nigeria’s economic challenges was hypocritical and “in bad taste.” President Tinubu, speaking at the FEC session held in Buhari’s honour at the State House, Abuja, paid a glowing tribute to his predecessor, calling him “a good, decent, and honourable man” whose discipline, patriotism, and integrity would be remembered for generations. He acknowledged Buhari’s imperfections but said his commitment to national service distinguished him. The ADC countered that the administration had repeatedly distanced itself from Buhari-era policies—especially on fuel subsidy, economic management, and public sector governance—only to now “cloak itself in the very legacy it once denounced.” “The choreographed FEC tribute, complete with a publicised appearance by our late President’s grieving son, was not a demonstration of genuine respect,” the party said. “It was a calculated PR stunt staged to distract Nigerians from the administration’s deepening failures and to rewrite history while the nation mourns.” The party expressed concern over the inclusion of Yusuf Buhari, describing him as a private citizen in mourning, and questioned why the presidency would “exploit a family’s grief to polish its image,” particularly in northern political constituencies where Buhari retains strong grassroots support. The ADC said it had earlier warned the Buhari family that efforts were under way to leverage the late leader’s passing for political advantage. “What we witnessed at the FEC this week is only the beginning,” the statement added. It further accused the Tinubu administration of mounting a sustained effort since taking office to blame Buhari for fiscal distress and economic hardship—arguing that the presidency cannot now selectively embrace his legacy for political optics. “You cannot spend months discrediting a man’s record and then perform grief for the cameras,” Abdullahi said. “Nigerians can see through the grand deceit.” The ADC maintained that no public-relations campaign can rescue a government that has “behaved in the last two years like an army of occupation.” Presidential aides had not formally responded to the ADC’s allegations as of press time.

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Utomi Faults Tinubu’s Policies, Launches Opposition Shadow Cabinet

Fola Badmus04 mins

In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s political discourse, Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist, has unveiled a shadow cabinet under the ‘Big Tent’ coalition to provide expert-driven policy alternatives to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking in Abuja after a two-day strategy retreat, Utomi said the shadow cabinet is not designed to compete with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but to offer credible critiques and strategic policy recommendations. The initiative, he said, is rooted in democratic principles that call for informed public debate and accountability. “The progress of any government is to ensure the welfare of the people,” Utomi said. “There must be alternative views and reviews to help government move in the right direction.” Among those named to the shadow cabinet are Nana Kazaure (Information), Riwang Pam (Security), Nike Omola (Women and Gender Development), and Peter Agada (Infrastructure). The group is expected to monitor government policy across sectors and propose reforms grounded in research, data, and public interest. Utomi criticized Nigeria’s current governance model, lamenting a lack of political will and coherent national strategy. He pointed to the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project as an example of flawed, unilateral policymaking. “We need to stop doing government by impulse,” he said. “The agricultural sector can’t thrive on hoes and cutlasses. We must embrace technology and strategy.” He also called for urgent reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly the decentralization of policing through state police systems. DSS Moves to Block Shadow Government Utomi’s initiative has not gone unnoticed by the authorities. In May, Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) filed a suit at the Federal High Court seeking to declare the shadow cabinet unconstitutional and to restrain Utomi from making public statements or organizing rallies. According to court filings, the DSS alleged that the Big Tent shadow cabinet could incite discontent similar to the 2020 #EndSARS protests and warned of potential public disorder if not curtailed. Utomi, who was abroad at the time but returned to Nigeria in early June, has rejected the accusations and decried what he describes as state efforts to silence dissent. “You cannot build a democracy by criminalizing opposition,” he said, hinting that if the pressure continues, he may be forced to consider leaving the country. Despite legal and political challenges, Utomi insists the shadow cabinet will continue its work of holding the government accountable and offering Nigerians a credible alternative through the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as a coalition vehicle for national transformation. “We’re not here to undermine the government. We’re here to strengthen democracy and ensure the people’s voices are heard,” he said.

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FG Clears ₦20bn Debt, Processes Over 3.5m Passports Under Tinubu Administration

Fola Badmus24 mins

The Federal Government has cleared a ₦20 billion debt and resolved a backlog of over 200,000 passport applications inherited before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration of a new Passport Front Office in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo said the achievement was part of the broader reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has so far resulted in the issuance of over 3.5 million passports in less than two years. “When we came in, there was a backlog of over 200,000 passports and nearly ₦20 billion in debt. Today, that backlog has been cleared, and the debt has been settled,” the minister stated. From August 2023, a total of 3,546,258 passports have been processed: 3,080,141 locally and 466,117 in the diaspora. He credited the improvements to reforms that also saved the government over ₦1 billion annually. A key move, he said, was the automation of breeder document uploads—such as birth and marriage certificates—previously managed by expensive third-party contractors. “This is a major reform. We no longer pay contractors for what Nigerians can upload themselves. That money stays with government now,” Tunji-Ojo noted. To enhance accessibility and global recognition, the number of centres issuing enhanced e-passports has expanded from 26 to 44 locally, and from five to 47 internationally. All passport offices now issue harmonised, ICAO-compliant enhanced passports, eliminating inconsistencies that previously undermined Nigeria’s global travel credibility. He also announced that a central passport personalisation facility—funded at zero cost to the government by Iris Smart Technologies—will launch in August 2025, further modernising Nigeria’s passport infrastructure. Nigeria has also joined the International Civil Aviation Organization Public Key Directory (ICAO PKD), allowing global digital authentication of its passports. Additionally, the minister revealed that from July 31, 2025, all applications for Special Expatriate Permits and Temporary Work Permits must be submitted online only, citing national security and transparency. “Manual processing will no longer be allowed. We must have the data, biometrics, and documentation of every applicant,” he said. The reforms, according to Tunji-Ojo, are rooted in a commitment to digital transformation, transparency, and national security, while eliminating systemic inefficiencies and ensuring citizens get timely, secure, and world-class services.

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Tinubu Vows Fiscal Discipline, Transparency as Lawmakers Demand Tougher Oversight

Fola Badmus15 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: Abuja, July 8, 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal governance and transparent use of public funds, pledging to redirect national resources into critical sectors to restore public trust and drive inclusive development. Speaking through the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance on Monday, Tinubu defended the controversial fuel subsidy removal, saying it has enabled the government to fund social safety nets, public transportation, and infrastructure. “A subsidy that disproportionately benefited the affluent and encouraged smuggling was neither equitable nor strategic,” the President said. “We are now redirecting those funds into impactful, people-oriented projects.” He also highlighted key reforms under his administration, including new tax laws designed to expand the tax base, simplify compliance, and enhance revenue collection through digitisation. “We are laying the foundation for a self-sustaining economy that gradually moves away from dependence on oil revenues,” Tinubu noted, citing initiatives like the National Credit Guarantee Company to empower SMEs and grow non-oil exports. On monetary policy, Tinubu praised the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) efforts in stabilising the naira and curbing inflation, stressing better coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities to remove structural bottlenecks, especially in the food supply chain. Lawmakers Demand Accountability, Slam Audit Gaps Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdul Ningi, called on public agencies to respect legislative oversight, warning that failure to honour audit queries and legislative summons was “an affront to democracy.” “PACs are not just committees; they are constitutional bodies empowered to summon any individual over the use of public funds,” he said. “Non-compliance must stop.” House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, decried the over ₦300bn in unresolved audit infractions, revealing persistent non-compliance among MDAs. “Audit recommendations must be implemented with consequences for mismanagement,” he said, noting that fiscal responsibility cannot exist without enforcement. The Speaker also advocated for full digitisation of public financial management systems, including real-time expenditure tracking, automated audit tools, and wider public access to audit reports to boost transparency and citizen engagement. Public Accounts Committees Demand Reform Senate PAC Chairman, Senator Ahmed Wadada, stressed the need to “reimagine Nigeria’s fiscal framework” in response to declining revenues and rising public mistrust. “Every Naira must count—for education, health, infrastructure, and national stability,” Wadada said, citing poor budget implementation, untracked funds, and weak reporting systems. House PAC Chairman, Bamidele Salam, called for a “complete recalibration” of fiscal governance systems, adding that public service must align with constitutional obligations and measurable results. “Fiscal transparency must not remain an elite exercise—it must become a democratic right,” he said. The conference, themed “Fiscal Governance in Nigeria: Charting a New Course for Transparency and Sustainable Development,” brought together lawmakers, government officials, and audit experts to discuss Nigeria’s path toward financial integrity and institutional accountability. As fiscal reforms continue under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stakeholders agreed that achieving sustainable development would require not only policy reforms but also strict oversight, citizen participation, and measurable service delivery outcomes.

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