The Federal Government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors across West Africa to leverage innovative financing strategies to strengthen agroecology practices. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the call during the Regional Forum on Agroecology and Organic Agriculture held in Abuja on Monday. Speaking through the Director of Planning and Policy Coordination at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Ibrahim Tanimu, Kyari described the forum as timely and critical for the region, particularly Nigeria. The forum, themed “Financing the Transformation of Sustainable Food and Nutrition Systems for Food Sovereignty in West Africa through Organic Agriculture and Agroecology: Considering What Policies, Mechanisms and Instruments?”, was organised by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with the Forum on Agroecology and Organic Agriculture in West Africa and other partners. Kyari identified inadequate financing as a major constraint to food system development and achieving food sufficiency in the region. He urged participants to identify bottlenecks in accessing funding, particularly those related to economic and fiscal policies. “I urge you to think critically about your role in promoting and leveraging financing strategies for agroecology and organic agriculture in West Africa. These should support local consumption as well as regional and global trade, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing on sustainable practices, including soil management, pest and disease control, biodiversity protection, and environmental conservation. Kyari noted that agroecology and organic agriculture present viable solutions as the region works towards building a food-secure future. He acknowledged the contributions of multilateral agencies and donors in supporting such initiatives but stressed that funding remains insufficient. According to him, Nigeria’s budgetary allocation to agriculture is still below the 10 per cent target set under the Malabo Declaration, despite a 59 per cent increase in the 2024 budget. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration and creating an enabling policy environment to drive sustainable food system transformation. Participants at the forum included representatives from ministries of agriculture, environment, finance, and economy across ECOWAS member states, as well as officials from the ECOWAS Commission and the European Union delegation. Other attendees were drawn from the Agroecology Programme in West Africa, the French Development Agency, the FAO West Africa Regional Office, the West African Development Bank (BOAD), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the West Africa Alliance for Agroecology (3AO), and the West African Organic Network WAFRONET.

The Kogi State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a young graduate in Lokoja. According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Afusat Saliu, the suspects were apprehended on March 25 at Otokiti Estate. Two of them, who allegedly posed as construction workers, lured the victim to a secluded location where they killed him with a shovel before stealing his tricycle. The victim had earlier been declared missing by his family on March 18 after leaving home with his tricycle. His lifeless body was discovered the following day near CBN Zone 8 in Lokoja. Police investigations led to the arrest of the two primary suspects, who reportedly confessed to the crime and disclosed that they sold the stolen tricycle to a third suspect. Saliu added that the police recovered the tricycle along with four other stolen motorcycles from the third suspect in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area. Further findings revealed that the suspects are ex-convicts previously linked to multiple cases of murder and armed robbery. They have since been charged in court. The police assured residents of their continued efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety in the state.

Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are beginning to deliver positive results, according to the World Bank. However, the institution has cautioned the federal government against using increased oil revenues to fund subsidies or excessive spending. Economic Growth Holding Steady In its latest Nigeria Development Update, the World Bank revealed that the country’s economy remains on a steady growth path. Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 4.0% in 2025, slightly below the 4.1% recorded in 2024, with strong contributions from the services sector—particularly ICT, financial services, and real estate. Early indicators for 2026 also point to continued expansion across multiple sectors, despite some global economic tensions. Inflation Eases but Still a Concern One of the most notable improvements is inflation. The report shows that inflation dropped significantly to 15.1% in February 2026, compared to 26.3% a year earlier. Food inflation also declined to 12.1%, offering some relief to households. Despite this progress, inflation remains high, and new pressures are emerging due to rising global energy prices and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Fuel costs are already reflecting this strain: Petrol prices surged by 45% between February and March Diesel prices nearly doubled to about ₦1,800 per litre These increases could push inflation upward again and worsen the cost of living. External Position Remains Strong Nigeria’s external finances showed resilience in 2025: Current account surplus reached 4.8% of GDP Net reserves rose to $34.8 billion Gross reserves hit $45.5 billion, covering 8.7 months of imports This stability was supported by improved exchange rate competitiveness, steady remittances, and continued foreign investment inflows. Fiscal Pressures Persist Despite stronger non-oil revenues, Nigeria’s fiscal deficit widened slightly to 3.1% of GDP in 2025, up from 2.8% in 2024. This was largely driven by increased government spending—both at federal and state levels. Growth Outlook: Modest but Positive Looking ahead, the World Bank projects Nigeria’s economy will grow at around 4.2% annually between 2026 and 2028. However, the report warns that poverty reduction will remain slow, as job creation struggles to keep pace with population growth and inflation continues to impact household incomes. Warning: Don’t Waste Oil Windfall With global oil prices rising above projections, the World Bank issued a strong warning: treat the extra revenue as temporary. Instead of increasing spending or reintroducing subsidies, the bank recommends: Rebuilding financial buffers Maintaining fiscal discipline Avoiding election-driven spending increases Focus on the Vulnerable If inflation worsens, the World Bank suggests using part of the additional revenue to support vulnerable Nigerians—but only through targeted, time-bound cash transfers, not broad subsidies or price controls. The Bottom Line Nigeria is making progress, but the gains are still fragile. Sustaining growth will depend on: Continued economic reforms Strong fiscal and monetary discipline Investments in infrastructure and human capital The message is clear: stay the course, spend wisely, and protect the most vulnerable.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered the redeployment of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Kaduna State following a recent attack in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam. According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the move is aimed at preventing further attacks and strengthening coordinated security efforts in the area. The statement revealed that on April 5, 2026, armed bandits attacked ECWA and Catholic churches in the community, firing indiscriminately. The attack claimed five lives, while about fourteen others were abducted. In response, the IGP directed immediate operational intervention, deploying DIG Nadada to assess the situation on ground and lead efforts to restore order, as well as secure the release of the kidnapped victims. During the operation, a joint team led by DIG Nadada, alongside the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS), successfully rescued seven of the abducted victims. The rescued individuals were taken to Katari Hospital, where they are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition, awaiting reunion with their families. The IGP assured that ongoing operations will continue until all remaining victims are rescued and those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support security efforts.

“I can be mumu for love, but never for money,” she says — making it clear that genuine connection means more to her than financial gain or social status. According to her, love should be built on sincerity, respect, and authenticity — not convenience or transactions. “I’m a lover girl to the core. I can go far for love, but only when it’s healthy and real. I believe in standing on my own and choosing something real over what’s just convenient.” Real love or nothing.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) will now handle the collection of mineral royalties from mining operators across the country, following the implementation of new tax laws. This decision was reached after a meeting between the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the NRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, held in Abuja. Under the new arrangement, which took effect from January 1, 2026, the NRS is fully responsible for administering and accounting for all federally collectible revenues, including mineral royalties. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will continue to provide technical and regulatory oversight for the sector. The move is part of reforms introduced under the Nigeria Tax Laws 2025, signed by President Bola Tinubu. Both agencies have agreed to work closely to ensure a smooth transition and proper implementation of the new system. This includes launching a nationwide sensitisation programme to guide mining operators on royalty filing and payment procedures. Additionally, a modern digital system for royalty administration will be developed to improve efficiency and transparency. Regular technical sessions will also be held to address any operational challenges. The government has urged mining operators to comply with the new framework and actively participate in upcoming awareness programmes.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan. Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body. He urged Bola Tinubu to take decisive action by removing the INEC boss if he fails to step down voluntarily. According to Mark, the ADC has completely lost confidence in the current INEC leadership, insisting that they lack the capacity to conduct a credible and transparent election in 2027. “We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC chairman. We call on Professor Amupitan and all his national commissioners to resign immediately,” he stated. The party emphasized that restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system is critical ahead of the next general elections.