• Senate greenlights ₦21.5 billion ($21.5 billion) in external borrowing to plug 2025 budget deficits. Within that, $700 million is earmarked for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, with $100 million designated for youth entrepreneurship projects (Reuters).
• Electoral Act Reform Efforts: In the House of Representatives, the leadership reaffirmed its resolve to curb electoral malpractice, promising progress on the Electoral Act review during a policy dialogue hosted by NILDS (Nan News).
• Discussion continues around public sector reforms following calls from Dr. Franklyn Ginger Eke, who advocates for transformational and participatory leadership to restore institutional trust (Economi Confidential).
• Jigawa Establishes Hisbah Board: Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has signed the Hisbah Board Bill into law, formalizing Islamic moral policing in the state. (Nigeria Info, Let's Talk!)
• Discussions around the 2027 general elections continue to dominate the political landscape, with various political figures and parties engaging in strategic moves and realignments. There are ongoing debates about true federalism and the establishment of state police.
• Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's Suspension Saga: The controversy surrounding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) from the Senate continues to make headlines. Despite her insistence on a court order for her recall, security operatives reportedly barred her from entering the National Assembly complex, leading to public debate about judicial authority and the independence of the legislative arm. She is reportedly challenging the Senate at the Court of Appeal.
Progress continues on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, a ₦4 trillion (approx. $13 billion) megaproject scheduled for completion by 2031. The Senate’s recent release of $700 million further accelerates the project (Wikipedia).
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project: FG Assures Timely Completion** • The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, reaffirms the government’s commitment to completing the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway by 2027, despite environmental concerns and land disputes. Investors eye the project’s potential to boost commerce and tourism• The Federal Government is targeting the $10.12 billion global blue-biotech market, with strategic blue-economy initiatives geared toward marine innovation and export potential (The Guardian Nigeria).
• The National Bureau of Statistics reported a 3.13% real GDP growth in Q1 2025 (post-rebasing), driven predominantly by the services sector, though still below expectations (Reuters).
• ICT Sector Growth: The National Bureau of Statistics reported a 31.63% nominal growth in Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Q1 2025, indicating a positive trend in digital infrastructure and services. (Vanguard News)
• Tech Boom: Nigerian Startups Secure $200 Million in Q2 2025**
• Despite economic challenges, Nigerian tech startups attract significant investments, with fintech and agritech leading the pack. Experts attribute the growth to innovation and diaspora funding.
• Failure by multinationals to repatriate profits—estimated at $15 billion annually—is being flagged by Finance Minister Wale Edun, raising concerns over tax erosion and its impact on public service funding (Arise News).
• The CBN held its benchmark interest rate at 27.5% for the third straight time, aiming to temper inflation—a signal echoed in today's African Markets commentary (CNBC Africa).
• Missing N210tn Fund: The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), for failing to appear at hearings regarding the missing N210 trillion fund. (Ripples Nigeria)
• EFCC Exposes NNPC Corruption: EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede revealed significant corruption within the NNPC, highlighting systemic issues in the oil sector. (Vanguard News)
• Dangote Refinery's Export Drive vs. Import Reliance: While the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reportedly sold significant volumes of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to other countries, concerns remain about Nigeria's continued reliance on foreign markets for a substantial portion of its petrol needs. Aliko Dangote has lamented that Africa is losing $90 billion annually to imported substandard fuel.
• New Tax Reforms: Nigeria is implementing sweeping tax reforms, including the scrapping of the Excess Dividend Tax, aimed at cleaning up corporate tax and attracting investment. However, airline operators warn that new tax reforms will lead to increased airfares by January 2026.
Abuja, Nigeria – July 23rd, 2025 – Today's national discourse in Nigeria is dominated by a mix of political maneuvering, economic shifts, ongoing security challenges, and notable achievements in sports. The Senate's approval of a significant borrowing plan and a controversial suspension, coupled with concerns about the rising cost of living and persistent insecurity, are key talking points
Cattle Embryo Transfer Success: Nigeria has achieved a breakthrough in cattle embryo transfer, with the Brazilian Embassy’s Agricultural Attaché, Frederique Abreu, confirming the successful outcome of a recent procedure, potentially boosting livestock productivity. (Punch)
Persistent Insecurity and Government Efforts: Insecurity, particularly banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest, remains a critical concern. While President Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is in "safe hands" and highlighted efforts to rebuild communities affected by violence, incidents like the recent abduction of nearly 100 people in Zamfara State underscore the ongoing challenges.
• Focus on Homegrown Security Solutions: Experts are advocating for Nigeria to leverage its indigenous capacity in manufacturing security equipment, such as drones and bombs, to reduce reliance on foreign imports and effectively tackle evolving security threats.
• Inter-Agency Collaboration in Security: There's an emphasis on recalibrating Nigeria's security architecture through greater inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led operations to combat asymmetric and unpredictable threats. The commissioning of the AFN Joint Doctrine and Welfare Centre is seen as a step towards fostering operational harmony.
• NDLEA Officer Killed: A National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer was reportedly killed during a sting operation in Ondo State, highlighting the risks faced by law enforcement.
• Release of Kidnapped Priest and Others: A Catholic Reverend Father and ten others who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in Borno have regained their freedom.
• NSCDC reiterates commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and civilians, following rising concerns over national security (punchng.com).
• A new US travel advisory advised its citizens to reconsider visits to Nigeria due to heightened risks of kidnapping, terrorism, and healthcare concerns (icirnigeria.org).
• Niger State Terrorist Attack Repelled: Troops of the Nigerian Army successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on Warari, a community in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State, neutralizing many assailants. (Trending News)
• The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) continues its advocacy for a decent wage and full compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act across all sectors. Concerns were raised about workers' rights violations and government interference in organized labour affairs, including attempts to illegally take over the NLC National Secretariat.
• Health sector reforms are underway, with Nigeria planning to reduce its dependence on external funds for healthcare.
• Efforts to promote healthy lifestyles are being commended, such as the 'Keep Fit Lagos' initiative.
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• Resumption of Kaduna Governor: Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda, has resumed duties after being discharged from the hospital following an auto crash
Security Forces Neutralize Bandit Kingpin in Zamfara, but Attacks Persist** • The Nigerian Army confirms the killing of a notorious bandit leader in Zamfara State during a joint operation. However, residents report fresh attacks in Sokoto and Katsina, raising concerns over the effectiveness of military offensives in the Northwest
Widespread social media chatter surrounds Muhammed Babangida’s appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture—initially denied in a falsified letter, then confirmed. The incident highlights recurrent battles with misinformation in Nigerian public discourse (Businessday NG).
• Opinion contributors and columnists continue to question whether Nigeria remains “beyond redemption,” citing persistent corruption—highlighted in the EFCC’s revelations on NNPCL—and raising broader introspection (Vanguard News).
Healthcare Crisis Intensifies: The recent death of a former president abroad has underscored Nigeria’s deteriorating healthcare system, prompting calls for urgent reforms to address the national health crisis. (The Nicheng)
The Super Falcons secured a victory over South Africa, qualifying for the WAFCON Final
• Super Falcons Advance to WAFCON Final: President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s Super Falcons to secure victory in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following their semi-final win over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. (New Telegraph)
• Asisat Oshoala reportedly retired from the Super Falcons at 30, though there was also a clarification about a cloned Facebook account.
• Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been banned for two months due to illegal betting.
The Super Falcons • The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari continues to be remembered and discussed across various platforms.
• Reuters
• Arise News
• The Guardian Nigeria
• Sahara Reporters
• Economi Confidential
• Vanguard News
• THISDAYLIVE – Truth and Reason
• Channels Television • The Latest News from Nigeria and Around the World
• Punch newspapers - Breaking News, Nigerian News & Top Stories
• Vanguard News: Nigerian News,Politics, Sports and Business from vanguard Newspapers -
• APC's hyperpolitics and erosion of Nigeria's democracy - The Guardian Nigeria News
• SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC); COMRADE JOE AJAERO AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE RAIN SCHOOL OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC), UYO ON THE 21ST JULY, 2025
• Focus National Discourse On Development Not Succession Politics – Maku - News Agency Of Nigeria
• Is Nigeria beyond redemption? A reflection on the state of the nation (I) - Daily Trust
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