Author: Vanguard News

A presidential aide, Daniel Bwala, has defended ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the current hardship reflects necessary changes rather than policy failure.

In a post on X on Monday, Bwala argued that while reforms may be difficult, the challenges Nigerians previously endured were worse but had become normalised over time.

“Yes, reform is loud. But, as Nigerians, we need to be honest with ourselves. The problems we lived with for years were even louder. We just got used to them. The waste, the inefficiency, and the struggle to make simple things work; it became our normal,” he wrote.

He maintained that the disruptions currently being experienced are part of a broader effort to fix long-standing structural issues in the country.

“Now that things are being fixed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it won’t be quiet or easy. Real change never is. The noise you hear today is the sound of difficult but necessary change,” Bwala added.

The presidential aide emphasised that nation-building requires sacrifice and resilience, noting that reform processes are rarely smooth.

“Nation-building is not a quiet process. It demands courage, sacrifice, and honesty. And while reform may be uncomfortable for Nigerians, it is the only path to lasting stability and shared prosperity for all Nigerians,” he said.

Bwala also criticised opposition parties for failing to provide alternative policy proposals, particularly on key economic decisions taken by the current administration.

“As of now, the opposition has not told us the alternatives to fuel subsidy removal. They are yet to tell the available option to FX rates reconciliation. They are yet to present a counter offer to young Nigerians on Nelfund’s student loan, amongst many others,” he stated.

He further took a swipe at past administrations, suggesting their policies had negative consequences for the country.

“They took us to Egypt during their days. Imagine where a congregation of them all in one place would further take us,” Bwala said.

The post ‘Reform is loud, but necessary’ — Bwala defends Tinubu’s policies appeared first on Vanguard News.

At least, 45 kidnapped victims have been rescued during an ongoing security operations in forests around Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Governor Bala Mohammed made this known when he visited the victims after their release. He described the rescue as a big relief for families and communities affected by bandit attacks.

He said the victims were freed during joint operations by security agencies, and praised the officers for their courage and efforts.

According to the governor, the operation also led to the killing of some bandits and the arrest of others, weakening criminal groups in the area.

He added that security forces are still searching for more victims who may still be in captivity.

Governor Mohammed assured that the rescued victims would receive medical care, counselling, and support to help them return to normal life.

He also said the government would properly document the victims, especially because of concerns that illegal mining activities may be linked to insecurity in the area.

While welcoming the progress made, the governor urged residents to stay alert and report suspicious activities, warning that some people within communities still help criminal groups.

Security operatives rescue 45 kidnapped victims from Bauchi forest

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is gaining significant political ground across the country despite ongoing controversy surrounding the stance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on party affairs, with a fresh wave of defections boosting its ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This development was evident at the party’s State Congress in Sokoto, where party leaders and supporters turned out in large numbers, projecting confidence in the ADC’s growing relevance as a formidable opposition platform.

Speaking at the event, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal representing Sokoto South alleged that the current political climate is being shaped to weaken opposition parties, claiming that recent developments point to a deliberate attempt to limit their survival.

“It is becoming increasingly obvious that the agenda is to ensure that no opposition party thrives without internal crisis, leaving only the ruling party dominant”

He further linked the situation to past political experiences in Nigeria, warning against a drift toward a system where multiple parties are weakened to favour a single political force.

The ADC chieftain also criticised INEC’s interpretation of recent court rulings on party leadership issues, describing it as questionable and capable of undermining the autonomy of political parties.

According to him, the controversy has not deterred Nigerians from embracing the ADC.

“In spite of what we see as orchestrated moves, people are still trooping into the ADC. Within a short period, hundreds of thousands have registered. That shows growing public confidence,” he stated.

Tambuwal described the 2027 elections as a defining moment for the country, framing it as a contest between the ruling establishment and ordinary Nigerians.

“The next election is clearly between those in power and the Nigerian people. Citizens are paying attention and will ultimately decide”

He also questioned the increasing movement of politicians into the ruling party, arguing that such defections do not align with prevailing governance realities.

“If things are improving, that would be understandable. But when key indicators such as security and the economy are under pressure, it raises questions about the real motivations behind these moves”

On fears that internal contest for the party’s presidential ticket could destabilise the ADC, the party assured that it remains committed to democratic processes.

“We will adopt consensus where possible, and where that is not feasible, we will go for primaries. That is the essence of democracy, and we are prepared for it,” he noted.

Outlining the party’s vision, the ADC leadership promised to prioritise security, economic recovery, job creation, agriculture, education, and power if given the mandate in 2027.

“We are focused on addressing insecurity decisively and reducing the hardship faced by Nigerians. These are fundamental priorities for us”

The State Congress itself was described by party officials as peaceful and well-attended, with participants expressing enthusiasm and commitment to the party’s growth.

Meanwhile, legal experts have continued to emphasise that internal party matters should be handled within party structures, in line with existing judicial precedents, a position that has further fueled debate over INEC’s role.

Abdullahi Sa’idu a political observers say the surge in ADC membership reflects wider dissatisfaction with the current administration, as economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment continue to dominate national discourse

He opined that as political realignments intensify ahead of 2027, the ADC’s rising profile, coupled with ongoing disputes over electoral oversight, could reshape the dynamics of opposition politics in Nigeria.

ADC Still Rising Despite INEC Actions, Says Tambuwal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United Kingdom has stated that it will not take part in a proposed maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz led by the United States, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

The position follows a directive by US President, Donald Trump ordering the US Navy to block vessels entering or exiting the critical waterway.

The move came after the collapse of prolonged nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran, which reportedly lasted 21 hours without reaching a breakthrough.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically significant shipping routes, facilitating nearly 20 per cent of global oil supply.

According to a report by Sky News, a spokesperson for the UK government emphasised the country’s commitment to maintaining open and secure maritime routes rather than participating in enforcement actions.

“We continue to support freedom of navigation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for the global economy and the cost of living domestically.

“The strait should not be subject to tolling. We are actively engaging with France and other partners to form a broad coalition to safeguard maritime movement,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier indications suggested that Washington had sought British support, including the deployment of minesweepers to help secure the area.

However, UK officials clarified that while British naval assets with mine-hunting capabilities are present in the region, they will not be used to support the US blockade initiative.

President Trump announced the blockade plan via his Truth Social platform, describing it as a necessary step following the breakdown of diplomatic efforts with Iran.

While he acknowledged that some progress had been made during the talks, he maintained that key issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear programme, remained unresolved.

UK declines role in Trump’s Hormuz blockade plan

The 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, has formally cleared the air regarding the death of

…VAT rises 45.6% to N1.17trn; CIT up 32.8% to N881.3bn

By Yinka Kolawole

The manufacturing sector’s contribution to tax revenue collections in Nigeria maintained an upward trend in 2025, contributing a total of N1.17 trillion in Value Added Tax (VAT) representing an increase of 45.61 percent over the N803.53 billion recorded in 2024 while the sector’s Company Income Tax (CIT) contribution rose to N881.29 billion, marking a 32.83 per cent increase from N663.46 billion recorded in 2024.

Analysts say that the strong year-on-year growth reinforces the sector’s expanding role in government revenue generation and Nigeria’s industrial development.

The latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights the resilience of the manufacturing sector despite prevailing economic challenges, underscoring the sector as a critical pillar of the country’s fiscal base.

The NBS data shows that sector maintaining its position as the country’s largest contributor to VAT revenue. VAT contributions from the manufacturing sector remained relatively stable throughout 2025, generating N286.95 billion in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1’25), N297.68 billion in Q2’25, N290.79 billion in Q3’25, and N292.12 billion in Q4’25.

A breakdown of the figures also revealed that manufacturing contributed N107.90 billion to CIT in Q1’25, rising significantly to N360.20 billion in Q2’25 – the highest quarterly figure for the year. CIT collections, however, moderated to N271.34 billion in Q3’25 before declining further to N141.84 billion in Q4’25.

The trend suggests that while the sector sustained strong overall growth, macroeconomic pressures continued to influence performance across quarters.

This pattern aligns with broader CIT trends as the total CIT collections dropped sharply to N1.49 trillion in Q4’25 from N2.96 trillion in Q3’25, representing a 49.81 per cent quarter-on-quarter decline. Nonetheless, total CIT still recorded a 13.38 per cent year-on-year increase compared to Q4’24. Aggregate CIT for 2025 stood at N9.218 trillion.

Overall, the data highlight the manufacturing sector’s growing importance in driving Nigeria’s non-oil economy and supporting ongoing diversification efforts away from crude oil dependence. Key segments such as consumer goods, cement, and industrial materials were instrumental in boosting output and tax revenues.

However, industry operators continue to grapple with persistent challenges, including high production costs, exchange rate volatility, and infrastructure deficits.

Despite these constraints, the sector’s rising tax contribution points to its resilience, even as macroeconomic conditions remain a significant determinant of quarterly performance.

The post Manufacturing tax contributions maintain upward trend in 2025 appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Dele sobowale

CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, during his confirmation hearing, September 2023.

 Thank God, there is one silver lining in a predominantly dark sky over Nigeria. The current Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has returned the institution to its former glory. Four Governors have managed the affairs of the bank, before him, since 1999 – Joseph Sanusi, 1999-2004, Charles Soludo 2004-2009, Sanusi Lamido, 2009-2014 and Godwin Emefiele, 2014-2023. The two Sanusis, Joseph and Lamido, were thorough bred professionals.  To them managing monetary policy was a sacred duty to be discharged with intelligence and integrity. There was no compromise with the Presidents they served to subvert policy. That mostly explained why they did not last longer. 

Two other former Governors, Soludo and Emefiele, left the CBN and the Nigerian economy a lot worse than they found them. Nigeria is still reeling from the impacts of their individual and collective stewardship. Emefiele was reserved but  Soludo was garrulous, media-focussed, hyperbolic and complacent. As the Greatest, Mohammed Ali…. had warned us: “the bigger they come, the harder they fall.” He was unraveled in just three years; after hoodwinking everybody including those who gave him Banker of the Year Award; before the roof caved in on the consolidated banks he approved to operate in January 2006.

Because character is destiny, Soludo and Emefiele’s poor performance  followed two different paths. Briefly stated, this is how they went from the sublime to the ridiculous.

The post Cardoso living up to his promise 1 appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers has raised concerns over Nigeria’s susceptibility to earthquake-related damage, identifying major cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Benin City as potentially at risk.

A former president of the institution, Olushola Sanni, issued the warning, noting that a significant number of buildings across the country were constructed without adequate engineering oversight or consideration for seismic forces.

He referenced recent global incidents to highlight how earthquake vibrations can travel vast distances, sometimes hundreds of kilometres, leading to damage and widespread panic even in areas far from the epicentre.

Sanni explained that although Nigeria is generally classified as a low seismic-risk zone, it is not entirely immune to earth tremors. He warned that the absence of major earthquakes in recent years should not create complacency.

According to him, most structures in the country are not designed to withstand seismic activity, thereby exposing residents to potential danger.

To address this gap, he disclosed that the institution is set to introduce new guidelines for earthquake-resistant building design in Lagos on April 16, 2026.

The framework, he said, is intended to align Nigeria’s construction practices with global safety standards.

“Earthquakes do not recognise geographical boundaries, and distance from the source does not guarantee protection. The lack of recent seismic events should not give a false sense of security,” Sanni stated.

He also pointed out that neighbouring Ghana has experienced several earthquakes, particularly around Accra, stressing that geological formations along the West African coastline cut across national borders.

This, he explained, suggests that seismic energy from that region could extend into parts of southwestern Nigeria.

Sanni further warned that cities situated on soft soil formations, including Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Benin City, could experience intensified ground shaking if seismic waves reach them.

He therefore called for the adoption of earthquake-resistant construction practices, urging stakeholders to prioritise structural safety in building design.

According to him, the proposed guidelines will provide simplified procedures for engineers while promoting international best practices. He added that safer structures should incorporate balanced designs, strong structural connections, and adequate reinforcement detailing.

‘We are not safe’ – Experts warn of earthquake threat in Nigeria

By Babajide Komolafe

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has reinforced its commitment towards tackling youth unemployment across the continent with the successful employment of over 700 young professionals under its Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP).

Since inception, the bank’s GMAP initiative has empowered more than 5,000 young graduates across Africa, providing them with world-class training, hands-on experience, and a platform to thrive in the financial services industry.

While welcoming and addressing the fresh intake yesterday in Lagos, UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, reiterated the importance of ambition, discipline, and institutional pride, describing the gathering as living proof that Africa’s future belongs to its youth.

“I am so happy to see smiling, young faces. You know, they say the future of Africa belongs to our youth, and as I see all of you, I see that in action. Welcome to UBA Group. Congratulations on being part of our family,” he stated.

Elumelu challenged the graduates, to take personal ownership of their performance and to exhibit the discipline that distinguishes great institutions from average ones.

“Selecting the right people, training them, developing them, nurturing them, and getting them to align with the vision is not easy. But it is critical for sustained success. What we must do is institutionalise our approach, to build an organisation that can deliver and create systems that endure, so that perpetuity is achieved,” Elumelu said.

The milestone induction, which welcomed Cohorts 19 and 20 into the bank’s dynamic workforce, underscores the bank’s strategic focus on nurturing Africa’s next generation of high-performing talent equipped to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, who went down memory lane, took the youth on his personal journey from a young professional to Group CEO, and reminded the graduates that the path from entry-level to leadership is not reserved for a privileged few.

“Our young Africans are equipped to drive Africa into excellence. Your current role is not your final destination. If we could rise, you can rise too, because the journey is not reserved for a special class of people. It is reserved for people who decide to grow and then do the work,” he said.

Alawuba anchored his address in UBA’s corporate ethos, the 3Es of Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution, and the SRG persona of Simplicity, Responsiveness, and Goal-orientation, challenging each new hire to make these values visible in their daily conduct.

With the new cohort of 720 trainees, 435 of whom are women and account for over 60% of the intake, this stands as a powerful testament to the bank’s unwavering commitment towards women’s empowerment.

The post UBA equips over 700 young professionals under Graduate Programme appeared first on Vanguard News.

US President Donald Trump has openly criticised Pope Leo XIV, saying he is “not a big fan” of