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Many Abuja residents lament harsh economic policies

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Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have continued to lament about the harsh economic policies which they say is impacting their livelihoods negatively. .

They spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

NAN reports that Nigerians have been expressing discontent over the impact of recent economic policies.

They particularly complained about the removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to a sharp rise in the cost of living, causing widespread complaints about high food prices, transportation costs, and general economic hardship.

This has made it difficult for many as they are struggling to afford basic necessities.

The most prominent complaint is the dramatic increase in prices of food items, fuel, and other essential goods, directly impacting household budgets.

The relaxation of foreign exchange restrictions has also led to a devaluation of the Naira, further impacting purchasing power.

The economic hardship is particularly affecting low-income families, civil servants and individuals who are struggling to meet basic needs.

A Pharmacist, Ibrahim Abbas, said that the cost of medicines and other medical services have affected ordinary Nigerians, forcing most to seek alternative treatment.

Abbas said that the removal of fuel subsidy and hike in electricity tariff had affected the cost of drugs badly.

“The situation is so bad that most patients can no longer afford preventive medicines for certain ailments. Everything is so expensive now,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to revisit some of these policies in the interest of ordinary Nigerians.

A civil servant, Aisha Musa, said that federal civil servants were the worst hit by the harsh realities of the policies.

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“The removal of fuel subsidies and devaluation of the Naira have left civil servants poorer, as our take-home pay can no longer take us home.

“Even the minimum wage which civil servants expected to give them some succour has had very little or no impact at all.

“Imagine the Federal Government approving N70,000 as minimum wage only to add N40,000 to salaries of all categories of workers, instead of the usual consequential adjustments. That is unfair,” she said.

A trader, Bashir Mustapha, said that he had to increase the price of his commodities due to the increase in transportation fare and other logistics, adding that the step had resulted in low patronage.

However, a recent report by the World Bank said that the economic policies were necessary to urgently avert a fiscal crisis and place Nigeria on a stronger development path.

The report acknowledged that the policies had imposed short-term pressures on households and businesses.

Titled “Staying the Course: Progress Amid Pressing Challenges,” it highlighted the need to sustain these policies while addressing structural issues to combat inflation and promote long-term investment, growth, and job creation.

“The positive results from these reforms are starting to show at the macroeconomic level.

“For example, output growth has remained modest overall, as oil sector output has stabilised and activity in some services has been robust.

“The fiscal position is also improving, with the Federal Government’s fiscal deficit narrowing to 4.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 6.2 per cent in the first half of 2023.

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“This has helped to mitigate debt-related risks,” the report said.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu was addressing the high cost of living in the country.

Edun spoke at a recent sectoral debate organised by the House of Representatives for the finance sector and stakeholders on the current cost of living.

He said that the country was in a much better place economically.

According to Edun, Nigeria was on the road to economic disaster by way of subsidy on fuel

“It was expected that there would be challenges due to subsidy removal.

“Inflation has increased and the cost of living has spiked, but Mr President is committed to protecting the poorest and the vulnerable.

“As things improve, there will be further intervention on behalf of the vulnerable to assist in the cost of living.

“Let us be confident, calm, and assured that Nigeria will change in terms of economic management and that there will be intervention in every sector,” he said.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, said that the bold economic reforms were beginning to yield positive results.

Speaking at the Inaugural Economic Policy Conference for Emerging Market Economies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia recently, Cardoso expressed confidence in the country’s economic trajectory in spite the initial challenges associated with the reforms.

He said that the apex bank’s policies were stabilising the economy and strengthening the banking sector.

“These tough but necessary policy decisions are paying off,” he said.(NAN)

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Palm Sunday: CAN Urges Peace, Condemns Plateau Killings

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As Christians around the world mark Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for peace and unity in the country.

Extending warm greetings to all the faithful and people of goodwill across the nation on Palm Sunday, CAN said the sacred occasion invites citizens to reflect deeply on the life and mission of Jesus Christ, whose message of peace, humility, and sacrificial love remains as urgent today as it was over two thousand years ago.

This was contained in a statement released by the Christian body on Sunday, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

The umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria also strongly condemned the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the April 4, 2025 attacks that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.

It added that the acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.

CAN called on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The statement read in part, “Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”—a powerful symbol of peace, humility, and hope.

“This moment, recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19), offers enduring lessons for our nation as we navigate these uncertain and challenging times. These lessons are especially pertinent as we are once again confronted with a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in our land.

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“With deep sorrow, CAN strongly condemns the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the attacks of 4 April 2025, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent citizens in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas. These senseless acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.

“We call on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We also urge the government—at all levels—to intensify its efforts to secure all communities and prevent further bloodshed. The continued loss of lives in such tragic circumstances is simply unacceptable.

“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Plateau State. May God grant comfort to the grieving, healing to the wounded, and peace to every troubled heart. In times like these, we are reminded that true leadership is most vital when lives are at risk and communities are in distress.

“In this critical moment, we call on our leaders to rise to the occasion with humility and a clear sense of purpose. Jesus’ choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey—symbolising peace and servanthood—remains a timeless example. Our leaders must embrace the principles of servant leadership, placing the welfare of the people above personal or political interests. Amidst insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement, let their actions be marked by compassion, justice, and a steadfast commitment to national healing.

“In the same spirit, we appeal to all Nigerians—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation—to rise above division and embrace our shared identity as one people under God. Just as the diverse crowds in Jerusalem were united in hope, so too must we come together with a common purpose: to heal our land and build a future grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and solidarity.

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“Palm Sunday reminds us that even in times of trial, there is hope. The journey to national renewal begins with each of us. Let us be mindful of our words and actions, choosing to be peacemakers in our homes, communities, and workplaces. Through a shared commitment to truth and justice, we can overcome the pain of the present and help shape a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

“As we lift our palm branches today, let them serve not only as symbols of worship but as signs of our collective resolve to work for a peaceful and united Nigeria. May God grant us wisdom, courage, and grace in these trying times. We pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by divine insight; for our people, that they may draw strength from unity; and for our nation, that peace may reign in every corner.

“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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‘An Enduring Legacy’, Otedola Pays Tribute To Christian Chukwu

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Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has joined other prominent Nigerians in paying tribute to late Super Eagles legendary former captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.

The Nigerian football icon, nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in defence, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.

In a tribute to the former centre defender posted on his social media pages on Sunday, Otedola said that Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.

“The sudden passing of the legendary Christian Chukwu, former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, has come as a rude shock to me. As one of Nigeria’s Patriots, Christian Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.

“His footballing career as the captain and subsequently coach of the national team remains legendary and fully etched in the annals of our national history,” the statement said.

The former national team and Enugu Rangers captain was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, and Otedola stepped in to offer financial support for his medical treatment in the United Kingdom.

The Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC recalled that his intervention in 2019 saw Chukwu saw through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life.

He condoled the family of the late legendary footballer and his fans all over the world.

“Back in 2019, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that affected his legs, I stepped in with the necessary support so as to enable him receive comprehensive care and medical treatment in the United Kingdom.

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“Thankfully, that intervention and opportunity saw him through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life. My condolences go out to his entire family and to his fans all over the world. May you all find comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.

He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

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Nothing ntew in FBI’s Reports On Tinubu – Presidency

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The Presidency has reacted to the directive to US law enforcement agencies to release confidential information generated on President Bola Tinubu.

Elanza News had reported how a United States District Court ordered the FBI to release the information on Nigeria’s number one citizen.

Reacting, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the information being sought did not indict President Bola Tinubu.

He also hinted that there is nothing new, in the report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report, saying the report has been in the public space for more than 30 years.

According to Onanuga, “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years. The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”

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