Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The All Progressives Congress in the United States has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to adopt diplomatic engagement rather than consider military action following his designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The appeal was made in a statement issued Tuesday by APC USA Chairman, Prof. Tai Balofin, in Washington. Balofin commended Trump’s advocacy for global religious freedom but said sustainable peace is achieved through dialogue, not threats. His comments followed Trump’s October 31 remarks and a subsequent post urging U.S. forces to “prepare for possible action,” which has triggered widespread international reactions. He…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal High Court in Jalingo has discharged and acquitted 13 inmates who spent between one and six years in detention at the Taraba State Correctional Service without trial. Their release followed separate fundamental rights suits filed on their behalf by human rights lawyer Barrister John Nkemnagum Okezie, who represented them pro bono. Justice Maskur Salisu ruled on Monday that the prolonged detention of the inmates by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services was unconstitutional and a violation of their rights to liberty and fair hearing. He described the conduct of the security…

By Atoyebi Nike China has cautioned against external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs following US President Donald Trump’s threat of possible military action over alleged persecution of Christians. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, said Beijing stands firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration as it pursues a development path that reflects Nigeria’s national priorities. Ning stressed that China, as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, opposes any attempt by foreign countries to invoke religion or human rights as grounds for meddling in another nation’s domestic matters or for issuing threats of sanctions or force.…

By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s foreign exchange market opened the month under pressure as the naira weakened sharply on Monday, slipping to N1,436.34/$ from its recent high of N1,421.73/$, a loss of N15 or 1.03 percent. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria shows the decline followed comments by US President Donald Trump threatening possible military action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution. The drop in the naira coincides with renewed global dollar strength. The US Dollar Index (DXY) traded around 99 on Tuesday during London hours, extending its rally into a fifth consecutive session. Uncertainty around the US Federal Reserve’s December…

By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s agricultural sector is set for significant expansion as the Federal Government confirmed that a $500 million World Bank loan facility will accelerate investment and strengthen value chains across the country. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the announcement during a visit by a World Bank delegation led by Hardwick Ichale, head of the Agriculture Value Chains for Growth (AGROW) Project. Kyari said the intervention will support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by driving food security, job creation, and rural industrialization. He added that the funding forms part of the World Bank’s…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government says it is intensifying reforms in the agricultural sector to secure long-term food self-sufficiency through a stronger seed system, modern farming practices, and expanded global partnerships. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, gave the assurance at the World Food Forum and the Global “Seeds to Foods” Exhibition organized by the Food and Agriculture Organisation. Kyari said the FAO-Türkiye-Nigeria South-South Cooperation programme is already transforming dry-season farming and strengthening food systems, particularly in Borno State where the project is being piloted. He noted that Nigeria’s expansive farmland, active farming communities, and support…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says Nigeria remains on course to raise its crude oil production capacity to two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels per day by 2030. The projection was announced on Monday by NNPC’s Executive Vice President for Upstream, Udy Ntia, during a session at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). Speaking at the panel titled “Beyond the Barrel: The Future of Upstream Strategy,” Ntia said the country’s upstream growth plan is being driven by collaboration, technology, and decarbonisation. He noted that Nigeria’s…

By Atoyebi Nike The National Cassava Industrialisation Group has thrown its weight behind the Cassava Flour Mandatory Inclusion into Flour Production Establishment Bill, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s cassava value chain and food security. The national convenor, Tony Bello, said in a statement on Wednesday that the coalition had submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly in support of the proposed legislation. The bill aims to create a legal and regulatory framework requiring the inclusion of cassava flour in all edible flour produced in the country. Bello said the initiative aligns with the federal government’s efforts…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, until November 5 to open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him or risk forfeiting his right to defend the charges. Justice James Omotoso issued the warning on Tuesday after Kanu again refused to enter his defence, insisting that there was no valid charge before the court. The judge advised him to either consult criminal law experts or appoint a lawyer formally to represent him. Kanu, who represented himself, told the court he would not return to…

By Atoyebi Nike The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to withdraw all federal cases filed against her. She made the disclosure during a Facebook Live video on Tuesday after she was allegedly stopped from travelling at an airport and had her passport seized. Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of issuing an order to deny her exit from the country despite what she described as the President’s clear instruction ending the legal actions against her. She said Immigration officials held her passport for…