Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has cautioned that the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, though inevitable, could worsen energy poverty in Nigeria if not properly managed. Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, issued the warning on Tuesday at a CEO/Media Roundtable in Abuja, while presenting an interim report on the impacts of energy transition. He noted that about 86 million Nigerians still lack reliable electricity, adding that a poorly handled transition could deepen the crisis. “The transition is not an option; it’s inevitable. But if not properly managed, it could…

By Atoyebi Nike The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that unsafe medical care is a leading cause of child mortality and long-term disability, especially in the early stages of life. Marking World Patient Safety Day 2025 under the theme “Patient safety from the start”, WHO said harmful incidents affect up to one in two children admitted to hospital wards and up to nine in ten in intensive care units. It listed medication errors, infections, surgical complications, and medical device failures as the most common risks. The organisation stressed that over 50% of patient harm is preventable and urged governments…

By Atoyebi Nike Healthcare systems worldwide are facing a sharp rise in cyberattacks powered by artificial intelligence (AI), with Nigeria’s private healthcare sector emerging as one of the hardest hit in Africa, according to new research released ahead of World Patient Safety Day 2025. Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a global cybersecurity firm, disclosed that Nigerian healthcare organisations faced an average of 4,388 cyberattacks per week in 2025- a 47% jump compared to last year. Angola topped the list at 4,727 weekly attacks (+32%), followed by Kenya (4,004, +14%), while South Africa recorded the sharpest rise at 69%.…

By Atoyebi Nike Artificial intelligence could expand global trade by nearly 40% by 2040 if countries close digital gaps, according to the World Trade Organization’s 2025 World Trade Report. The report forecasts trade growth of 34 – 37% and GDP gains of up to 13% from widespread AI adoption. But WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned that access remains uneven, leaving poorer countries at risk of being left behind. AI-enabling goods such as semiconductors and digital infrastructure accounted for $2.3 trillion in trade in 2023, yet tariffs and restrictions remain high in many low-income economies. The WTO urged nations to invest…

By Atoyebi Nike The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarm that the rising tide of internet fraud is worsening visa restrictions against law-abiding Nigerians abroad. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent CSE Coker Oyegunle, delivered the warning on Monday in Port Harcourt at an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. Olukoyede stressed that cybercrime, money laundering, and economic sabotage are draining Nigeria of billions annually, undermining growth and depriving citizens of jobs and infrastructure. More damaging, he said, is the reputational cost, which has subjected innocent Nigerians to…

By Atoyebi Nike The naira is gaining momentum in the foreign exchange market, inching toward the N1,440 support level as it rides a wave of global dollar weakness. After plunging to N1,600 in April, the naira has steadily recovered, trading at around N1,488 in mid-September more than 7% stronger and comfortably below N1,500. Analysts say the currency could break further toward N1,440 before month’s end, underscoring its resilience. Similar rallies are unfolding across Africa: Ghana’s cedi has gained over 13% since April, while South Africa’s rand is up more than 6%. The shift reflects a broader global trend, with the…

By Atoyebi Nike Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has cautioned labour unions and oil marketers against what he called attempts to “demonise” the Dangote Refinery. The warning follows disputes with the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). While NUPENG accused the refinery of blocking drivers’ union rights, DAPPMAN alleged it was stifling competition by selling cheaper to foreign traders. Ndume urged NUPENG, PENGASSAN and others to pursue dialogue instead of creating division. He noted that while past governments issued multiple refinery licenses, few operators built any…

By Atoyebi Nike The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned Nigerians to ignore a fake recruitment advert currently circulating on social media. In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, the Commission described the notice as fraudulent, saying it falsely claims INEC is recruiting for various positions. According to the statement, the scam advert directs unsuspecting applicants to a fake website-inecrecruitment.com-to submit their personal details. “The impostor behind this illicit recruitment exercise also asked would-be respondents to log on to an equally fake portal – inecrecruitment.com to complete their applications. But INEC does not…

By Atoyebi Nike The Rivers Elders Council has appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly to put aside past disputes and focus on peace, unity, and development as full democratic governance resumes in the state. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Council Chairman Chief Ferdinand Alabraba said the end of emergency rule offers stakeholders an opportunity to reflect on the political crisis and prevent a recurrence. “We urge all stakeholders, without exception, to embrace the peace and reconciliation that has now returned to our dear state,” the elders stated. The Council commended President…

By Atoyebi Nike President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has dismissed prospects of reviving the long-stalled Ajaokuta Steel Complex, insisting that technological progress has overtaken the project. Speaking during an interview with journalists on Tuesday, Dangote stressed that while no country can thrive without a strong steel industry, Ajaokuta’s future remains bleak. “The steel we are talking about, we will definitely look at the opportunities of doing that. There is no nation that you can build without a steel industry. And honestly, between us here, Ajaokuta will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves. We can keep being…