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Nigeria Not Collapsing, FG Replies CSOs

The federal government has dismissed claims that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse, describing such assertions as exaggerated and misleading.

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) had on Tuesday warned that the country was “on the brink of collapse,” citing worsening insecurity, rising poverty, and what it described as a breakdown in governance.

In a joint statement signed by over 50 groups, the coalition called for urgent reforms to address what it termed deepening national crises.

However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, rejected the claims on Wednesday, insisting that Nigeria remains stable, resilient, and on a path to recovery and growth.

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Speaking at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, Idris said: “I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink. On the contrary, we are demonstrating resilience daily and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively.”

On security, he assured Nigerians of steady progress through sustained military operations and improved intelligence coordination. He cited recent operations in Zamfara and Niger states, where security forces neutralised bandits and foiled planned attacks.

“Coordinated efforts by the Armed Forces and other security agencies have yielded gains across several regions. Incidents of large-scale insurgent control have declined significantly, and we are strengthening intelligence and rapid response systems to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

On the economy, Idris pointed to improving indicators, including stronger foreign reserves and renewed investor confidence. He noted that ongoing reforms in both oil and non-oil sectors are expanding revenue streams and stabilising public finances.

“These decisions, though difficult, are fostering transparency and creating a more stable economic environment,” he added.

The minister also urged the media to uphold responsible and accurate reporting, especially ahead of another election cycle. He emphasised the critical role of broadcasters in shaping public perception and promoting national unity.

“The airwaves are a public trust. Broadcasting must inform, educate, and unite our people while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and fairness,” he said.

Idris reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a free and responsible media environment and called for stronger collaboration to combat misinformation and promote national cohesion.

April 9, 2026
US Orders Staff To Leave Nigeria Embassy

The US Department of State has authorised non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department noted that, starting April 8, 2026, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

The advisory classified the overall travel advisory for Nigeria as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while some states are at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

The department also added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the list of “Do Not Travel” areas, bringing the total to 23 states where travel is strongly discouraged.

“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory read.

“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk,” it added.

Level 4 states that U.S. citizens are urged to avoid include, in the North, Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

The advisory also listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime, and kidnapping.

“The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest. Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry.

“Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” the advisory said.

In Southern and Southeastern Nigeria, the department urged citizens to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest.

“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory added.

The advisory noted that violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom, are widespread and U.S. citizens are perceived as wealthy and are frequent targets.

It said terrorist attacks remain a threat across the country, including at markets, shopping centers, hotels, places of worship, and public gatherings.

It further described health services in Nigeria as limited and inconsistent, with medical facilities generally not meeting U.S. or European standards.

The State Department, however, urged U.S. citizens considering travel to Nigeria to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for important updates, exercise caution while traveling, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish personal safety and “proof of life” protocols.

April 9, 2026

BREAKING: FG, World Bank Launch ₦50 Billion ‘Genius Fund’ for Nigerian Youth Tech Innovators

ABUJA – The Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank and private sector investors, has unveiled a ₦50 billion intervention scheme dubbed the “Genius Fund,” aimed at financing young Nigerian tech innovators, content creators, and agritech startups, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced on Thursday.

Speaking at the launch ceremony at the State House Conference Centre, Shettima described the fund as the largest youth-focused opportunity initiative since the creation of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).

“For too long, Nigerian geniuses have watched their ideas die on the pages of notebooks because they lacked access to capital. This fund is not a loan. It is not a grant in the traditional sense. It is an equity-free investment of up to ₦50 million per innovator,” Shettima said.

“We are betting on you. The only collateral required is your brain and your hustle.”

How the Fund Works

According to the scheme’s blueprint unveiled by the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Genius Fund is structured into three tiers:

Tier	Target Group	Amount	Application Opens
Tier 1 (Ideation)	Students, fresh graduates with concepts	₦500,000 – ₦2 million	December 15, 2026
Tier 2 (Early Stage)	Startups with MVP, less than 2 years old	₦5 million – ₦20 million	January 10, 2027
Tier 3 (Scale-Up)	Growth-stage startups with revenue	₦25 million – ₦50 million	February 1, 2027

Unlike traditional bank loans, the fund requires zero interest and zero equity. Beneficiaries will repay a modest 5 percent of annual profits back into the fund over five years — a model described as “income-sharing agreement” (ISA).

The World Bank has committed $30 million (approximately ₦48 billion at current exchange rates) to the fund, while the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and several private equity firms contributed the balance.

Priority Sectors Announced

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, revealed that applications in the following sectors will receive accelerated processing:

Agritech: Solutions reducing post-harvest waste and connecting farmers directly to buyers.
Edtech: Platforms offering affordable skills training in AI, data science, and renewable energy.
Healthtech: Telemedicine and diagnostic tools for rural communities.
Creative Tech: Animation, gaming, and virtual production studios.
Climate Tech: Solar solutions, waste-to-wealth, and water purification technologies.

“We are not funding copycat businesses. If you are building the 50th food delivery app, you will be rejected. We want original, scalable problems solved,” Tijani warned.

Application Process: No Middlemen

To avoid the corruption that plagued past intervention schemes (notably the N-Power and TraderMoni controversies), the Genius Fund will operate entirely through a digital portal — apply.geniusfund.gov.ng — with biometric verification and AI-powered application scoring.

Successful Tier 1 applicants will receive funds within 14 days of approval. Tier 2 and 3 applicants must undergo a virtual pitch session before a panel of investors and tech ecosystem leaders, including representatives from Flutterwave, Paystack, and Andela.

“The era of ‘connection’ and ‘settlement’ is over. If you are asked to pay anyone to access this fund, that person is a fraudster. Report them immediately,” said EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who was present at the launch, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on graft.

Private Sector Jumps In

Several private companies announced complementary opportunity initiatives at the event:

MTN Nigeria pledged free 5G connectivity and data bundles worth ₦500 million to all Genius Fund beneficiaries.
Google’s Hustle Academy promised automatic admission and mentorship to 500 shortlisted applicants.
MainOne (an Equinix company) offered free cloud hosting credits worth $10,000 per startup for one year.
Bank of Industry (BOI) launched a parallel ₦10 billion matching fund for female-led startups applying to the Genius Fund.

Success Stories: Early Beneficiaries Speak

Although the fund officially opens in December, a pilot batch of 50 innovators received grants in October. One of them, 24-year-old Zainab Bello from Kano State, developed “FarmSense” — a low-cost soil sensor that texts farmers the exact fertilizer needed for their land.

“Before FarmSense, I watched my father waste ₦200,000 on wrong fertilizers every planting season. With the ₦3 million I received, I have deployed 120 sensors across four local government areas. I have hired six people. This fund changed my life,” she told our correspondent via Zoom.

Another beneficiary, Chidi Okonkwo (27) from Anambra, created “EduPadi VR” — a virtual reality app that teaches secondary school students physics and chemistry through immersive simulations. He received ₦15 million.

“My target is one million students in rural schools who have never seen a laboratory. The Genius Fund believed in me when banks laughed at me,” Okonkwo said.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

For interested applicants, here is the official process:

Visit apply.geniusfund.gov.ng (live from December 15).
Complete biometric registration at any NIMC centre or accredited bank.
Upload a 3-minute video pitch explaining your solution.
Submit a one-page executive summary (no 50-page business plans required).
Wait for AI scoring and, if shortlisted, a virtual pitch date.

Deadline: Applications for Tier 1 close January 30, 2027. Tier 2 and 3 close February 28, 2027.

Other Opportunities Making Headlines

NITDA Opens Applications for 10,000 AI Scholarship Slots: The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is offering free certifications in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through Coursera. Deadline: December 10, 2026.
NNPC, Shell Launch ₦5 Billion Graduate Trainee Scheme: 2,000 engineering and geoscience graduates will be hired across the Niger Delta. Monthly stipend: ₦150,000. Application portal opens Monday.
Nollywood’s ‘Project Greenlight’ Casting Call: EbonyLife Studios is searching for 50 aspiring directors, cinematographers, and screenwriters. Winners will work on a Netflix original series. No experience required — only a 5-minute short film shot on a phone.
UK Announces 2,000 ‘Nigeria Scheme’ Work Visas: The British government has reserved 2,000 skilled worker visas for Nigerians in healthcare, engineering, and tech. No IELTS required for applicants with Nigerian degrees taught in English.

Public Reaction

Nigerians on social media have greeted the Genius Fund with cautious optimism, given the country’s history of abandoned empowerment schemes.

Twitter user @TechPadi wrote: “Genius Fund sounds too good to be true. I pray it’s not another photo op that disappears after elections.”

Another user, @GirlWhoCodes_ng, responded: “Let’s be positive for once. If 10% of this money actually reaches innovators, it will change the game.”

The Vice President addressed the skepticism directly in his closing remarks:

“I know you have heard promises before. I know you have been disappointed. But watch the money. Track the money. Hold us accountable. We are publishing every single disbursement online. No hidden names. No ghost beneficiaries.”

As the December 15 launch date approaches, youth across Nigeria — from Yaba to Yenogoa, from Sabon Gari to Surulere — are already dusting off their laptops and filming their pitch videos.

For a generation tired of “japa” (emigration) and unemployment lines, this might just be the lifeline they have been waiting for.

For continuous updates and verified application links, follow our Opportunities Desk on WhatsApp: [link].

April 7, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: Davido, Burna Boy in Heated Studio Clash Over ‘Afrobeats Crown’ — Collaboration Shelved
LAGOS – A highly anticipated collaboration between Afrobeats superstars Davido and Burna Boy has been abruptly shelved following a tense, hours-long studio confrontation in Lagos last weekend, multiple sources close to both camps have exclusively revealed to our correspondent.

The track, tentatively titled “The Reigning King,” was intended to be the lead single off a yet-to-be-announced compilation album celebrating 25 years of Afrobeats global dominance. Instead, sources say the session at a private Lekki studio descended into a war of words over lyrical content, song credits, and who would appear first in the music video.

An engineer present at the session, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, described the atmosphere as “volcanic.”

“Davido arrived first with his crew. When Burna pulled up an hour later, the energy shifted immediately. They greeted each other coldly. The trouble started when Burna heard his verse. He felt Davido’s opening lines were a subliminal jab at his Grammys win in 2024,” the source said.

“Davido laughed it off and said, ‘If the cap fits, wear it.’ Burna stood up, threw his headphones down, and asked, ‘You want to mock me on my own song?’ Then the shouting began. Their entourages had to separate them.”

A Decade-Long Rivalry Reaches Boiling Point

The clash is the latest chapter in a rivalry that has simmered for over a decade. While both artists have publicly denied bad blood, their fans—the notorious 30BG and Outsiders—have engaged in relentless online warfare, trading insults over chart positions, awards, and net worth.

Industry insiders say the tension escalated after Burna Boy’s 2024 Grammy win for Best Global Music Album, which many saw as finally settling the “King of Afrobeats” debate. Davido, who has been nominated four times without a win, has publicly congratulated Burna but privately seethed, according to a close associate.

“David wants that Grammy more than anything. Seeing Burna get it twice now? It stings. This studio session was supposed to be a unity move brokered by Don Jazzy, but egos got in the way,” the associate added.

Don Jazzy, Wizkid React

Legendary producer Don Jazzy, who was not present but helped arrange the session, released a cryptic Instagram story shortly after news of the clash broke. It read simply: “🙏🏾🐐 Some things are not meant to be. Focus on your own lane.”

Wizkid, the third leg of the Afrobeats “Big Three,” weighed in during a live Instagram session with fans. When a commenter asked about the Davido-Burna beef, Wizkid laughed and said: “Una see why I dey my own corner? I no get time for kings and crowns. Just vibes.”

Fans immediately interpreted the comment as a subtle dig at both artists.

Social Media Erupts

Within hours of the story breaking, Nigerian Twitter (X) was engulfed in chaos, with both fanbases deploying hashtags:
- #30BG trended with: “OBO no need collabo with Grammy collector. Davido owns the streets.”
- #Outsiders fired back: “Burna doesn’t collaborate with locals. Stay in your league.”
- A neutral hashtag, #AfrobeatsTired, also trended with users begging the stars to “grow up and unite for the culture.”
Comedian and influencer Mr. Macaroni posted a video pleading: “Please, I beg both of you. The world is watching. Do not destroy what Fela, 2Baba, and D’banj built.”

Labels, Management Go Silent

Sony Music UK (Burna’s label) and Columbia Records (Davido’s distributor) have both declined to comment. However, a source at Sony told our correspondent that “legal teams are reviewing contractual obligations” regarding the scrapped single.

Davido’s longtime manager, Asa Asika, posted a now-deleted tweet that read: “Some people can’t handle sharing a table. It’s fine. The album is still coming. Just without the extra baggage.”

Burna Boy’s camp has remained silent, though his mother, Bose Ogulu, who also serves as his manager, was overheard at an airport in London saying: “My son doesn’t chase clout. Clout chases him. Next question.”

What Happens Next?

Music insiders fear the fallout could delay both artists’ upcoming projects. Davido is scheduled to headline the AfroNation festival in Portugal next month, while Burna is set to embark on his “I Told Them… Again” tour across North America.

Concert promoter Paul Okoye of Pinnacle Live expressed concern: “We were hoping for a surprise joint performance. Now, we’ll be lucky if they agree to be on the same continent.”

Meanwhile, a leaked audio clip—yet to be verified—allegedly captures Davido telling a friend: “Let him keep his Grammy. I have 20 billion streams. We are not the same.”

As of press time, neither artist had released an official statement.

Story developing…
April 7, 2026
BREAKING: CBN Hikes Interest Rate to 27.5% as Naira Tumbles to ₦1,650/$ at Parallel Market
ABUJA – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 150 basis points to 27.5 percent, the sixth consecutive hike this year, as the naira plunged to a record low of ₦1,650 per dollar on the parallel market on Thursday.

Announcing the decision after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja, CBN Governor Dr. Olayemi Cardoso cited persistent inflationary pressures, a widening trade deficit, and speculative attacks on the local currency as reasons for the aggressive tightening.

“The committee noted with grave concern the renewed volatility in the foreign exchange market. While we have cleared a significant portion of the backlog, demand continues to outstrip supply. We must act decisively to restore confidence,” Cardoso told financial correspondents.

He added that the committee was split, with three members voting for a smaller hike, two for a status quo, and six backing the full 150-basis-point increase.

Market Reaction: Chaos and Concern

The news sent shockwaves through the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) as investors fled to the sidelines. The All-Share Index fell by 1.8 percent shortly after the announcement, with banking stocks—particularly GTCO, UBA, and Access Corporation—leading the losses.

At the parallel market, also known as the black market, currency traders in Lagos’s Festac Town and Abuja’s Zone 4 reported that the naira weakened further after the announcement, touching ₦1,670 before settling at ₦1,655.

Bureau de Change (BDC) operator Alhaji Sani Musa, who trades in the Wuse Zone 4 market, told our correspondent: “The CBN is fighting with one hand. They raised rates, but where is the dollar? We don’t have dollars to sell. Until the oil refineries work and we stop importing everything, this will continue.”

Borrowing Costs Skyrocket, Businesses Groan

The rate hike, the highest since the early 2000s, has drawn sharp criticism from the Organised Private Sector (OPS). The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) warned that the move would cripple small businesses and accelerate job losses.

“The average manufacturer cannot borrow at 27.5 percent. That is not a business environment; it is a survival gauntlet,” said LCCI Director-General Dr. Chinyere Almona. “We urge the CBN to consider fiscal solutions—production, not just monetary tightening.”

Similarly, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) called for an emergency stimulus package, warning that “hundreds of thousands of SMEs will close shops before Christmas” if lending rates remain at current levels.

IMF Weighs In, Bank Customers Panic

In a surprising development, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative for Nigeria, Dr. Ari Aisen, released a brief statement supporting the CBN’s “courageous” decision while urging complementary fiscal reforms.

“The MPR hike is necessary but insufficient. Nigeria must aggressively boost oil output and reduce import dependency,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, worried bank customers have begun requesting loan restructuring across commercial banks. A senior loan officer at a Tier-1 bank, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that “default inquiries have doubled in the last 48 hours.”

What This Means for the Average Nigerian

For ordinary citizens, the rate hike translates to:
- Higher borrowing costs: Personal and car loans will become significantly more expensive.
- Increased savings rates: Fixed deposit yields may rise above 20 percent for the first time.
- Potential job losses: Businesses may downsize to afford operating loans.
- Rent and food inflation: Landlords and traders may pass increased borrowing costs to consumers.
Analyst Outlook

Financial analyst and CEO of Vetiva Capital, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, offered a grim near-term forecast: “We expect the naira to test ₦1,700 by month-end unless the NNPC begins remitting dollars to the CBN. The MPR hike is a painkiller, not a cure.”

The next MPC meeting is scheduled for mid-January 2026, but analysts predict an emergency session may be called if the currency continues its freefall.

Additional reporting by our finance team
April 7, 2026
BREAKING: Former VP Atiku, Governor Fubara Meet in London, Ignite ‘Super Coalition’ Talks

LONDON/ABUJA – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, held a clandestine five-hour meeting at a private residence in London’s upscale Kensington district on Wednesday, sparking intense speculation about a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Multiple sources close to both camps confirmed to our correspondent that the meeting, which also included two former governors from the North-West and a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), focused on the formation of a “National Salvation Coalition” aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu.

The meeting is seen as a significant coup for Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who has been aggressively courting disaffected members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures.

Fubara’s Defection Looms

While neither principal spoke to the press, a top aide to Governor Fubara, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the Rivers governor is “deeply frustrated” with the ongoing political crisis in his state and the perceived marginalization of his camp by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Governor Fubara has not closed the door on the PDP, but he is also not closing the door on a new movement. The London meeting was about building a structure that can defeat Wike’s influence and the APC machine simultaneously,” the aide said.

Political analysts believe Fubara, who controls the strategic oil-rich Rivers State and its massive vote bank, could be the “missing piece” in Atiku’s puzzle. Should Fubara defect with his structure to a yet-to-be-named mega party, it would deal a devastating blow to the PDP’s existing hierarchy, which remains loyal to Wike.

APC Reacts, PDP in Panic

The APC, through its National Publicity Director, Felix Morka, dismissed the London talks as “a gathering of sore losers and political merchants shopping for relevance.”

“President Tinubu is focused on governing. Let them form their 50th coalition. It will fail like the others,” Morka said in a terse statement.

However, inside the PDP, the mood is one of panic. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC), still fractured between pro-Atiku and pro-Wike factions, has called an emergency meeting for Thursday. A senior party official admitted: “If Fubara walks, the South-South walks with him. That would be catastrophic.”

What They Are Saying

Ahead of the rumored defection, supporters of Governor Fubara have begun printing “Fubara 2027” campaign posters in Port Harcourt, depicting him as a vice-presidential candidate, though it remains unclear if he would accept the number two slot or demand the top position.

Meanwhile, the former Vice President’s camp is remaining coy. Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, simply texted: “When the time comes, Nigerians will know.”

As the political temperature rises, all eyes are now on the National Assembly, where sources say a critical mass of 45 lawmakers from the North-Central and South-East are preparing to decamp from the APC and PDP to an unnamed “third force” before the end of the quarter.

Developing story…

April 7, 2026
BREAKING: Northern Senators Caucus Withdraws Support for Tax Reform Bill, Cite Regional Imbalance

ABUJA – In a dramatic turn of events on the floor of the National Assembly on Tuesday, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) officially withdrew its support for the controversial National Tax Reform Bill, throwing the Tinubu administration’s flagship economic policy into serious jeopardy.

The bill, which seeks to harmonize Value Added Tax (VAT) collection and create a new revenue-sharing model, has been fiercely opposed by 19 northern governors for the past month. The Senators’ decision follows a closed-door emergency meeting that lasted over four hours.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex, the Chairman of the NSF, Senator Ahmed Kaita (Katsina North), argued that the proposed legislation creates a “dangerous economic fault line” between the North and the South.

“We have conducted a thorough analysis of this bill with our state governors and traditional rulers. The current template shortens the North. It penalizes agriculture-dependent states while rewarding states with ports and high corporate density,” Senator Kaita said.

“Until the Presidency agrees to a zonal renegotiation of the derivation principle from the current 10% to a fairer 30%, we will not allow this bill to see the light of day,” he added.

Executive moves to quell rebellion

The Presidency responded swiftly, with the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, Mr. Olumide Soyinka, rushing to the National Assembly to hold a last-minute parley with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

“We are in the season of difficult reforms. The President is open to input, but we will not abandon a policy that frees up fiscal space for sub-nationals,” Soyinka told State House correspondents.

However, political analysts warn that the standoff has exposed a deep ethnic rift within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Political science professor Tunde Odetola from the University of Ibadan noted: “This is not about tax. It is about the 2027 realignment. The North feels it is losing its demographic leverage to economic muscle from the South-West and South-South.”

Reactions

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has seized on the chaos. Its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, released a statement calling the infighting a “vote of no confidence in the President’s economic management team.”

Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for nationwide protests by Monday if the bill is not withdrawn entirely, raising tension across Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina states, where armed police were seen deploying to strategic locations yesterday evening.

Details later…

April 7, 2026
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April 7, 2026