Day: October 1, 2026

Nigeria’s 66-Year Economic Journey (1960–2026): Your Family as a Case Study

Emporium Reporters

I choose to use your family as a case study to help you understand Nigeria’s economic journey and, ultimately, draw your own conclusion about where we are today. If you think your family—Nigeria—has actually done well economically and has been on the right path, then consider a common statement we often hear from some of our older people: “We were richer when we were young.” When you hear such a statement, you can literally decipher that the person is probably not as financially buoyant today as he or she was…

Mambilla: IMPI Calls for Atiku’s Investigation Over $500,000 Transfer

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has called on the Federal Government to investigate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over a $500,000 transfer to his former wife, Jennifer Douglas, which the organisation linked to the controversial Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project concession.   IMPI, in Policy Statement 043 issued in September 2026 and signed by its Chairman, Omoniyi M. Akinsiju, PhD, urged relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the transaction and determine whether it violated Nigeria’s laws on asset declaration, public procurement and the Code of Conduct for public officers.  …

Mambilla Ruling Shields Nigeria from $3.38bn Liability, Opens Economic Opportunities — TSF

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has described Nigeria’s victory in the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration over the Mambilla Hydropower Project as a major boost to the country’s fiscal position, electricity sector and broader economic prospects.   The ICC tribunal rejected claims brought by Sunrise Power against Nigeria, including a $2.35 billion claim arising from the protracted dispute over the hydropower project. It also rejected a separate $400 million claim linked to a proposed settlement, with the related proceedings addressing potential financial exposure exceeding $3.38 billion.   In a…

Nigeria’s Current Account Surplus Rises to $7.54bn in Q2, Signals Economic Stability — TMSG

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the increase in Nigeria’s current account surplus from $4.49 billion in the first quarter of 2026 to $7.54 billion in the second quarter as further evidence of improving economic stability and external-sector performance.   The group said the 67.9 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase reflected stronger foreign exchange earnings, higher export receipts and increased remittance inflows.   In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG said the latest figures indicated a strengthening of Nigeria’s external position since…

Nigeria @66: SEDC Urges Ndigbo to Invest in South East Development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has called on Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to strengthen their commitment to national unity and support ongoing efforts to accelerate development across the South East.   The Commission made the call as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary, urging the people of the region to contribute actively to building a prosperous, competitive and inclusive South East.   The Executive Director, Corporate Services of SEDC, Dr. Sylvester Okonkwo, made the appeal in an Independence Day message, noting that the anniversary offers an…

2027: IMPI Questions Atiku’s Moral Standing Over Mambilla Power Dispute

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has questioned the moral standing of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the disputed Mambilla Power Project concession, urging him to address what it described as substantive ethical concerns arising from the international arbitration proceedings.   IMPI’s position came amid an escalating political exchange between Atiku and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council over calls for the former vice president to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.   Atiku had challenged his critics to produce explicit portions of the International Chamber…

CBN Rate Cut Will Spur Economic Growth, Says TMSG

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 26.5 per cent to 23 per cent as a fresh catalyst for economic growth. The group said the 350-basis-point reduction would help deepen the impact of recent macroeconomic improvements on Nigerians, particularly by reducing the cost of capital and encouraging investment in the productive sectors of the economy. In a statement issued by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG said the rate cut had…

ACOE Urges Unity, Responsible Citizenship as Nigeria Marks 66th Independence Anniversary

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has called for renewed unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary. The association also urged Nigerians to actively participate in the 2027 General Elections, stressed that citizens have an important role to play in shaping the country’s future through the democratic process. ACOE Chairman, Comrade Sola Akingboye, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja to commemorate the anniversary. Akingboye congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, describing the independence anniversary as an opportunity…

ARCN Backs Stronger TVET System to Power Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has called for a stronger Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to develop the skilled workforce needed to accelerate Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.   The Council made the call at the Nigeria TVET Landscape and Project Presentation Stakeholder Workshop held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, where it stressed the need to equip young Nigerians and agricultural professionals with practical skills capable of translating research and innovation into sustainable economic opportunities.   Representing the Executive Secretary of ARCN, the Director, TVET and Agricultural…

Zamfara At 30: Praying For Peace, Unity, Progress And End To Banditry! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful   Praise be to Allah Almighty, the Giver of Peace, As-Salam, who preserves human life and commands justice. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His servant and final Messenger.   Dear brothers and sisters! Today, October 1, 2026, Zamfara State marks its 30th anniversary, transitioning through three decades of immense history, resilience, sacrifice, and collective aspirations. Carved out of the old Sokoto State on October…