Tuesday, April 14, 2026

FG Moves to Cut Out Middlemen in Livestock Market

By
Fortune Temitope
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Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha

Nigeria’s Federal Government has announced a sweeping set of reforms aimed at tackling price distortions and inefficiencies in the livestock sector, with a particular focus on reducing the influence of middlemen and improving returns for producers.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Minister–Livestock Farmers’ Connect held recently, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, identified intermediaries in the value chain as a key driver of rising food prices and artificial scarcity.

“In many cases, the producer does the hard work, but earns the least, while the middleman takes the highest margin. This ultimately drives up prices and creates artificial scarcity in the market,” the minister said.

To address the imbalance, the government is promoting a transition to end-to-end business models that enable livestock producers to establish direct supply relationships with processors, abattoirs, and large-scale buyers. According to Maiha, this approach will improve farmer incomes, enhance transparency, and stabilise market prices.

As part of the reforms, the ministry also announced plans to introduce a live-weight pricing system for livestock, aligning Nigeria with global best practices. The initiative is expected to eliminate arbitrary pricing and reduce exploitation by ensuring animals are sold based on measurable weight.

The minister further highlighted significant investment opportunities across the sector, including pasture seed production, fodder supply, dairy aggregation, leather processing, and livestock by-products. He noted that these segments present viable entry points for entrepreneurs, particularly young Nigerians seeking opportunities in agriculture.

Maiha reiterated the government’s commitment to transitioning from open grazing to more structured livestock production systems, stressing that improved management practices would boost productivity, reduce disease spread, and help mitigate farmer-herder conflicts. “While humans can move, animals perform better when they are properly managed in structured environments. This improves productivity, reduces disease spread, and enhances overall sector efficiency,” he said.

He also revealed that Nigeria’s fodder market is expanding rapidly, with growing domestic demand and export potential to Gulf countries. In addition, he noted that the leather industry alone could generate up to 700,000 jobs, underscoring its importance to economic diversification and industrial growth.

On financing, the minister outlined several funding avenues available to investors, including support from the Bank of Agriculture, the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending, the Development Bank of Nigeria, and intervention programmes backed by the World Bank. He, however, emphasised the need for structured business models and clear off-take arrangements to minimise investment risks.

Addressing security concerns, Maiha acknowledged the persistent threat of cattle rustling and rural insecurity, announcing plans to deploy digital livestock tagging and traceability systems. The initiative will enable real-time tracking, proof of ownership, and recovery of stolen animals, with pilot implementation expected within six months.

In a further push towards modernisation, the minister disclosed that a Livestock Public Digital Infrastructure platform will soon be launched to serve as a central hub for stakeholder engagement, data access, and investment facilitation.

Nigeria Unveils ‘MoorBeta’ Chicken, Targets Poultry Boom, Food Security Gains

By
Fortune Temitope
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Nigeria has approved a new indigenous meat-type chicken breed, MoorBeta, in a move aimed at boosting poultry production, improving farmer incomes, and strengthening national food security.

The approval was granted on March 26, 2026, by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee during a session held at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development welcomed the development, describing it as a major milestone in efforts to enhance local livestock productivity.

Two-week-old MoorBeta chickens at the Rainforest Agrocology, Owerri, Imo State.

MoorBeta was developed by the Poultry Research Team at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, following more than a decade of intensive breeding involving both indigenous and exotic meat-type chickens. The Ministry collaborated closely with the institute throughout the process and is represented on the approving committee.

Designed with smallholder farmers in mind, the new breed is adapted to Nigeria’s diverse environmental conditions and demonstrates strong growth performance. At just 10 weeks, MoorBeta attains an average live weight of approximately 2.8 kilograms, while maintaining improved feed efficiency and survival rates exceeding 95 per cent.

Beyond productivity, the breed offers qualities attractive to both producers and consumers. Its meat is described as tender and juicy, with minimal cooking loss, while its physical features include a predominantly white plumage marked with brown, black, or red speckles, a prominent single comb, and a well-developed body structure suited for higher meat yield. Its tolerance to heat stress further enhances its suitability for tropical poultry farming conditions.

Economic projections also highlight its commercial potential. A 2025 cost analysis indicates that raising 100 MoorBeta birds could yield a net profit of over ₦278,000 within a 10-week production cycle, positioning the breed as a viable option for both small-scale and commercial poultry operators.

Tinubu Condemns Plateau, Kaduna Killings, Orders Security Crackdown on Perpetrators

By
Kazeem Busari
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President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, describing the killings and abductions as “barbaric” and vowing that those responsible will be brought to justice.

The President’s reaction follows deadly assaults by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba district of Jos, Plateau State, and a separate incident in Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where wedding guests were reportedly attacked, leading to fatalities and abductions.

In a strongly worded statement, Tinubu described the incidents as an affront to the nation’s values and warned that such acts of violence would not go unpunished. “Anyone who will sneak under the cover of the night and kill defenceless citizens as done in Jos and Kahir village, is a heartless coward,” the President said. He added that attacks on soft targets were aimed not only at causing harm but also at triggering reprisals and escalating violence.

The President directed security agencies to intensify operations to track down those behind the attacks, as well as individuals spreading misinformation capable of inflaming tensions. He also cautioned against narratives suggesting the violence was religiously motivated, urging responsible reporting.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring order, Tinubu said security agencies were actively addressing the situation and called for public cooperation to maintain peace and safeguard lives and property. He urged affected communities to comply with evacuation and relocation advisories where necessary.

“I urge our security agencies to be more proactive in preventing these attacks by acting on early warning intelligence. All the remaining abductees from Kahir village must be rescued immediately,” he said, while also confirming the safe return of two of the victims abducted in Kaduna.

The President commended Caleb Mutfwang for efforts to contain the situation in Jos, and Uba Sani for supporting rescue and containment operations in Kaduna.

Tinubu also extended his condolences to families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery, assuring that the Federal Government is investing in advanced security equipment to enhance real-time tracking and neutralisation of criminal elements across the country.

 

EFCC Busts Alleged Job Scam Ring in Ilorin

By
Fortune Temitope
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The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has uncovered an alleged employment scam syndicate, arresting two suspects accused of defrauding job seekers of nearly ₦3 million under the guise of offering federal recruitment opportunities.

The suspects, identified as Bolaji Kazeem Akinwunmi, popularly known as “Bolaji Original,” and his accomplice, Kemisola Mary Akinbo, were apprehended following investigations into a string of fraudulent activities targeting desperate job seekers.

According to preliminary findings by the anti-graft agency, Akinwunmi allegedly posed as an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service, claiming he had privileged access to employment slots within the two agencies. Under this false pretense, he reportedly collected a total of ₦2,921,700 from multiple victims seeking job placements.

Investigators revealed that the suspect exploited the high demand for government jobs by presenting himself as an insider capable of securing placements, thereby gaining the trust of unsuspecting applicants. His accomplice is alleged to have played a supporting role in facilitating the scheme.

Yusuf Tuggar Resigns as Foreign Affairs Minister

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Yusuf Maitama Tuggar

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position, bringing an end to his tenure marked by efforts to reposition the country’s diplomatic engagements and strengthen international partnerships.

In his resignation letter, Tuggar expressed “profound gratitude” to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the administration’s foreign policy direction. He noted that his time in office was guided by the President’s 4D foreign policy strategy, which shaped Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities during his tenure.

The outgoing minister also extended appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as members of the diplomatic community, acknowledging their cooperation and support throughout his service.

During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing people-centred diplomacy, particularly through humanitarian evacuations, scholarship facilitation, and sustained support for Nigerians abroad. His tenure also saw increased diaspora engagement, including the development of a structured Nigerians-in-Diaspora database aimed at broadening participation in national development.

He further strengthened Nigeria’s bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with key partners and alliances, particularly within the Global South. His stewardship also focused on regional security cooperation and the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), while economic diplomacy initiatives positioned Nigeria as a more attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector.

Tuggar’s tenure included efforts to resolve diplomatic disputes, leading to the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and the improvement of bilateral ties.

His resignation comes ahead of the March 31 deadline set for political office holders to submit their letters in compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act and directives from the presidency. The letter was submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where it was received by Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, on behalf of the SGF.

‘No To Igbo king’ protests turn violent in South Africa

By
Fortune Temitope
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A scene of violence during the protests.

Protests against the controversial coronation of a Nigerian traditional ruler exploded into violence on Monday, with demonstrators torching vehicles, looting foreign-owned businesses and targeting shops in the KuGompo area of the Eastern Cape.

Properties belonging to foreigners up in flames in East London, South Africa.

The unrest, which began as a march by ActionSA, traditional leaders and local residents, quickly descended into targeted attacks on properties allegedly belonging to foreigners, including Nigerians, Ethiopians and Somalis. Videos circulating on social media showed thick black smoke rising from burning cars and buildings as police scrambled to restore order. Reports from the scene described mobs storming a butchery to steal meat, while at least one stabbing incident involving Ethiopian shop owners left two people hospitalised.

The trigger for the chaos was the recent installation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London” – a title given to him by members of the local Igbo community in a ceremony held less than two weeks ago. Traditional authorities and political groups have condemned the event as an unlawful challenge to South Africa’s recognised traditional leadership structures and the authority of the amaRharhabe kingdom under King Sandile.

ActionSA’s Eastern Cape chair, Athol Trollip, told SABC that his party stands firmly with traditional leaders in opposing the installation.

Former radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu said on Newzroom Afrika, “History will judge us wrong if we allow such a mistake to happen on our watch. The political organisation that liberated this country failed.” He went further, demanding that the so-called Nigerian king return home. “The so-called Nigerian king installed in the Eastern Cape must return to his home country,” Mchunu stated.

Solomon Ogbonna Eziko. Credit: Ifeanyi2730 | TikTok

Prince Xhanti Sigcawu of the Amathole House of Traditional Leaders expressed raw anger at the development. “I’m pissed off that Nigerians could come here and claim to have a king here,” he said, adding that the government must deport the people who participated in the coronation for undermining the authority of local kings.

Eastern Cape MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, distanced his department entirely from the event, insisting it had no official involvement. Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, chairman of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, echoed the rejection, stating the coronation violated established customs.

The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) attempted to calm tensions by describing the title as purely ceremonial. NUSA president Nwobi Smart said the role was created to preserve Igbo culture abroad and serve as a cultural ambassador between the Nigerian community, local authorities and embassies.

“This cultural ambassador will look to be the middle man between local authorities of the Nigerians who stay in this area plus including the middle man for the embassies or consulate in case something happens,” he explained.

As night fell on Monday, police had not confirmed the exact number of arrests or injuries, but eyewitness accounts and live reports indicated widespread destruction of foreign-owned property. The incidents have reignited fears of xenophobic violence in a province already scarred by past attacks on migrants.

Local traditional leaders and ActionSA have vowed to continue pressing authorities for intervention, warning that failure to address the issue could spark even greater unrest. For now, the streets of KuGompo remain tense, with the coronation of one man exposing deep fault lines over culture, sovereignty and immigration in South Africa.

Nigeria Targets 7% GDP Growth, Eyes $14bn Annual Investment — Edun

By
Kazeem Busari
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Minister of Finance Wale Edun.

Nigeria has set an ambitious economic target of achieving a seven per cent annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to reposition the economy and attract large-scale investment, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has said.

Speaking on Monday in Lagos during the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Day, Edun disclosed that the country requires about $14 billion in annual investment to bridge its infrastructure deficit, describing the target as critical to unlocking sustained growth and reducing poverty.

A cross section of dignitaries at the event on Monday.

According to the minister, the growth projection is designed to outpace Nigeria’s population growth rate of about three per cent, thereby improving living standards and economic opportunities. “We are moving from stabilisation to growth, from reliance on public financing to private capital mobilisation, and from traditional borrowing to innovative financing instruments,” Edun said.

He explained that the government is actively repositioning the economy to attract domestic, diaspora, and foreign investments within a stable macroeconomic environment. He added that addressing the infrastructure gap remains central to this strategy, with priority sectors including energy, transportation, agriculture, and digital infrastructure.

Edun further revealed that the Nigeria-IsDB engagement framework for 2026 to 2028 will focus on infrastructure development, social investment, innovative financing, and regional cooperation. He emphasised that digital infrastructure, in particular, is vital in a youthful country like Nigeria, noting that it would empower the population for innovation and global competitiveness.

Highlighting the administration’s broader social agenda, the minister said 2026 has been designated as the year of social development, with plans to integrate up to 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activities through skills development, financing support, and job creation initiatives. He added that the government would continue to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises to boost production and expand market access.

On financing strategies, Edun said Nigeria would deepen the use of Sukuk instruments, expand domestic capital markets, and securitise public assets to attract private investment. He stressed the importance of de-risking investments and strengthening the business environment to drive sustainable growth, while also reiterating the country’s ambition to build a one trillion-dollar economy.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of Country Programmes at the IsDB, Mr. Anasse Aissami, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation. He noted that the institution has expanded its interventions across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, transport, health, and education.

Aissami added that the IsDB plans to scale up its support to Nigeria over the next five years, exceeding its cumulative engagement over the past 25 years, signalling stronger collaboration between both parties.

The IsDB Group Day featured a series of activities including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, business partnership presentations, panel discussions, and a news conference. The event brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, financial institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders, underscoring Nigeria’s push to mobilise capital and accelerate economic transformation.

2027 Elections: INEC Fixes Jan 16 for Presidential Polls, Feb 6 for Governorship Races

By
Justice Oladapo
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INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled the timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections while announcing sweeping procurement reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, efficiency, and public trust in the electoral process.

The Commission fixed Saturday, January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Assembly polls will hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The announcement was made during a high-level capacity building workshop for National Electoral Commissioners and senior management staff held in Lagos in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu described the engagement as a critical milestone in INEC’s ongoing reform agenda. She said the Commission is focused not only on conducting elections but also on “safeguarding the entire democratic ecosystem through systems that are transparent, accountable, and resilient.”

In his address, Prof. Amupitan underscored the urgency of institutional reforms, noting that the Commission is “159 days into” his tenure at a time he described as pivotal in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. He emphasized that electoral credibility must be anchored on practical systems rather than theoretical commitments.

“My primary mandate, and indeed our collective burden, is to ensure that the electoral architecture of Nigeria is not just robust in theory but strong in practice,” he said. “We must move beyond the rhetoric of reform to the reality of implementation.”

Participants at the event.

The INEC Chairman identified procurement as a central but often overlooked pillar of credible elections, describing it as the “invisible architecture” that underpins successful electoral outcomes. According to him, failures in procurement can erode public trust even before voting begins.

“When procurement is handled with integrity, it becomes the bedrock of public confidence. When it is compromised, it becomes the fault line through which trust collapses,” Amupitan stated. “Our responsibility is not limited to election day activities. It encompasses the entire electoral value chain—from planning and logistics to procurement and deployment.”

He also highlighted the implications of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly the amendment reducing the statutory notice period for elections from 360 to 300 days. The compressed timeline, he said, demands greater efficiency and precision from the Commission.

“This compressed timeline is not a challenge to be lamented but a reality to be mastered,” he said. “It requires us to work with the efficiency of a well-calibrated machine… There is no room for delay, no margin for error, and no excuse for complacency.”

Amupitan explained that the early release of the election timetable was designed to provide certainty for stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and security agencies, while allowing sufficient time for procurement, logistics, and training.

“Transparency begins with certainty,” he noted. “By releasing this timetable well in advance, we are sending a clear signal that INEC is prepared… and that we intend to conduct an election that meets the highest standards of credibility and professionalism.”

The workshop also featured contributions from development partners and key government agencies. The Resident Representative of KAS in Nigeria, Mr. Tobias Ruettershoff, emphasized that procurement plays a decisive role in electoral integrity, warning that weak systems can undermine even well-conducted elections.

“The credibility of elections does not begin on election day,” he said. “It begins long before with planning, logistics and administration… If procurement is transparent and efficient, it strengthens the integrity of the entire electoral process.”

In a keynote address, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adekunle, described procurement as the “hidden engine of electoral integrity,” outlining reforms aimed at boosting transparency, competition, and digital transformation. He disclosed that ongoing reforms have already delivered savings exceeding ₦1.1 trillion and led to the certification of more than 2,700 procurement professionals.

Adekunle warned of critical risks in electoral procurement, including overreliance on single vendors and global supply chain disruptions, stressing that such vulnerabilities could undermine democratic processes.

“A resilient democracy must never outsource its sovereignty,” he said, cautioning against excessive dependence on individual suppliers.

He further noted that disruptions in global supply chains—from geopolitical tensions to technological shortages—could delay the delivery of critical election materials. To mitigate these risks, he advocated early procurement planning, supplier diversification, and the adoption of end-to-end electronic procurement systems.

“Every election is a test not only of the electoral body but of the systems that support it,” Adekunle added. “When procurement is done right, it strengthens trust in democracy. When it fails, the consequences can be profound.”

₦100m Robbery Syndicate Crushed, 10 Nabbed in Ibadan Hotel Raid

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Loots recovered by the Oyo State Police Command.

Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have dismantled a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating across multiple states, arresting 10 suspects and recovering stolen items valued at approximately ₦100 million in Ibadan.

The breakthrough followed weeks of intelligence-led surveillance by police operatives, who tracked the criminal network to a hideout within the Genesis Hotel area in the Challenge axis of the Oyo State capital. According to the Command, the gang was known for hijacking cargo containers at gunpoint and diverting high-value goods.

Police authorities disclosed that the suspects were apprehended at the scene without incident. Those arrested include Mukaila Omorayo, Adekanbi Adesola, Ahmed Oderinlo, Samuel Omoseyin, Ramon Saheed, Monilola Ajayi, Akanbi Bisi, Wasilat Abdullahi, Bolaji Tanimola, and Adeola Oyesina.

A significant cache of stolen goods was recovered during the operation, underscoring the scale of the syndicate’s activities. The items include 40 air conditioners, 10 washing machines, an electric motorcycle, trailer spare parts, LED lights, cutting machines, furniture materials, hair products, and assorted consumer goods. Police estimate the total value of the recovered exhibits at ₦100 million.

Investigators revealed that the suspects have made confessional statements detailing their roles within the syndicate, with their testimonies now aiding efforts to track down other accomplices still at large. Authorities say the operation highlights the growing sophistication of organized criminal groups and the importance of sustained intelligence gathering.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for what he described as professionalism, diligence, and resilience in executing the operation successfully. He also acknowledged the role of public cooperation, noting that credible intelligence from residents continues to play a critical role in crime detection and prevention.

The Command further confirmed that the management of the hotel where the suspects were arrested has been invited for questioning as part of ongoing investigations. Police say preliminary findings indicate that criminal elements often use hotels as temporary bases to plan and execute operations.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety, the Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies with timely information. He added that the suspects will be formally charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Ondo Police Arrest Three in ₦632,000 POS Fraud, Hunt Accomplice

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected Point-of-Sale fraud syndicate in Akure, arresting three suspects linked to the theft of over ₦600,000 from a local trader through a deceptive device-swapping scheme.

Police authorities said the case began on March 19, 2026, when a trader, Mrs. Obadaye Omotola, reported that a group of individuals visited her shop in Ire-Akari under the pretext of purchasing goods. According to the Command, the suspects executed a carefully coordinated distraction, during which they allegedly swapped her MoniePoint POS machine with another device without her knowledge.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had also observed and memorised the victim’s Personal Identification Number during the transaction. Using the stolen device, they reportedly gained unauthorized access to her account and transferred a total of ₦632,000 into accounts under their control shortly after leaving the premises.

Acting swiftly on the complaint, detectives deployed intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Adeyemo Joshua, Opemiposi Olawale, and Oluwashola Blessing. Police confirmed that one additional accomplice remains at large, with efforts ongoing to track and apprehend the individual.

The Command disclosed that the suspects have made confessional statements during interrogation, providing useful leads to investigators. Authorities added that steps are being taken to recover the stolen funds and determine whether the suspects are part of a wider fraud network operating within or beyond the state.

The suspects have since been arraigned in court and remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and protecting residents from emerging fraud tactics. He also commended the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, noting that his strategic focus on financial crime policing has strengthened operational outcomes across commands.

Police authorities urged traders and POS operators to exercise heightened vigilance during transactions, warning that fraudsters are increasingly adopting sophisticated distraction techniques to gain access to sensitive financial information.

The Command assured residents that it remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property, adding that all individuals involved in criminal activities will be identified and brought to justice. Members of the public were also encouraged to support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection.

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