NAIJAFEED

Tinubu vows to revive Nigeria’s refineries, says plants must return to profitability

2026-08-14T06:31:24.793-04:00

President Bola Tinubu has assured that Nigeria’s refineries will be revived, saying the Federal Government is undertaking a comprehensive reset, restructuring and technical assessment to ensure the facilities become productive and profitable.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when he received the national executive of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), led by its National President, Comrade Salimon Akanni Oladiti, at the State House.

The President said the government would not allow the nation’s refineries, which have absorbed huge public investments over the years, to waste away, stressing that their revival must be based on sound research, technical assessment, effective management and a sustainable business model.

Responding to NUPENG’s appeal for the revival of the refineries, Tinubu said the government was adopting a systematic and evidence-based approach to addressing the structural, operational, financial and managerial challenges that had hindered their performance.

“The refineries that you mentioned are going to come back to work; we’re just building a very firm resetting and structural reworking of the economy of it.

“Ordinary flame and smoke of a refinery doesn’t mean that it’s working until it’s profitable and yields the value for which it is built.

“I’m not a man who goes looking back on everything because I’ve accepted the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. No matter what has happened in the years past, it’s now my responsibility as president to fix it and make it work for the greatest common good of our population. I take responsibility for that, and we will do it,” he said.

Tinubu appealed to stakeholders, including organised labour, to support the administration’s reform programme, describing democracy as a process that requires patience, sacrifice and collective commitment.

“I promise you, you will enjoy a better Nigeria,” the President said.

On the implementation of local government autonomy, Tinubu said the constitutional issues surrounding its implementation were being reviewed, with a view to possible fine-tuning, and appealed for understanding among stakeholders.

The President also paid tribute to the late former NUPENG leader, Frank Kokori, recalling their shared struggle for the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.

“You brought good memories of my relationship with Frank Kokori; may his soul rest in peace. We struggled for this democratic dispensation together, and it was very tough for us to have this democracy, and you have been a very good partner of the government in progress,” he said.

Tinubu further promised greater inclusion for NUPENG in the implementation of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), while challenging the union to ensure that the benefits of the programme translate into tangible relief for commuters.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended NUPENG for acknowledging what he described as the positive impact of the Tinubu administration’s reforms.

Idris said the recognition by the labour union was significant, particularly against the background of past tensions between organised labour and government over economic policies.

“Your Excellency, it is not common that you find trade unions come back to the President and say, ‘Thank you for what you have done.’ I think this is an uncommon situation,” the minister said.

He recalled that the organised labour movement had previously commended the President after he approved an increase in workers’ wages and indicated that there was no need to wait five years before reviewing the minimum wage.

Idris said it was particularly significant that NUPENG, an influential union at the heart of the petroleum sector, had acknowledged the administration’s major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy.

“For their leader to come and recognise the reforms that you are doing, especially the major reforms you undertook in this country, the removal of fuel subsidy and also acknowledging that everywhere you go is a construction site in this country, is a good development,” he said.

Speaking earlier, NUPENG President Oladiti commended Tinubu for what he described as the courageous decision to end the fuel subsidy regime, saying the policy had helped halt decades of financial drain on the nation’s resources.

He said the resources freed by the reform were increasingly being channelled into infrastructure and other critical sectors of the economy.

Oladiti particularly praised the administration’s renewed investment in the rehabilitation and construction of federal highways, citing the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

“For our members, a good road is the difference between arriving home safely and never arriving at all. Every stretch of highway rehabilitated or constructed means fewer accidents, fewer spillages, fewer lives lost, and less stress for the men behind the wheels,” he said.

Oladiti said the impact of the road projects was already being felt by tanker drivers and other road users, describing improved road infrastructure as one of the reforms directly affecting the working lives of NUPENG members.

He, however, urged the President to sustain efforts to revive the country’s refineries, arguing that functional refineries would strengthen national energy security, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and create more jobs for Nigerian workers.

At the end of the meeting, the NUPENG leadership decorated President Tinubu as the Grand Patron of the union.

By Terhemba Daka, The Guardian

Nigerian Court Bars Islamic Police from Arresting Christian Convert over Faith, Forced Marriage Refusal

2026-08-14T06:29:12.207-04:00

A Federal High Court in Nigeria has restrained authorities in the country’s Kano State and the Islamic religious police, known as Hisbah, from arresting a 22-year-old woman because she converted from Islam to Christianity and rejected a forced marriage.

In its May 26 ruling, the court described the actions taken against the woman, identified by the pseudonym “Sarah,” as a “flagrant violation” of her fundamental rights to human dignity and freedom of religion, according to Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International.

The court also ordered that she receive financial compensation, ADF said in a Tuesday, August 11 report announcing the ruling.

Sarah, a resident of Kano State, reportedly fled her family home in 2025 after suffering abuse from her elder siblings, who were allegedly attempting to force her into marriage.

Her parents had died years earlier, and her siblings subsequently enlisted local Hisbah officials to have her arrested, according to ADF.

Sarah was reportedly detained for four days. She alleged that she was beaten and pressured to accept the marriage from which she had fled.

She later found refuge with a Christian family, the Abaras, and voluntarily converted to Christianity while staying with them, ADF reported.

Amid fears of further threats, the family helped her relocate to Jos in January 2026. Her siblings subsequently accused the Abaras of kidnapping her.

On February 24, Sarah filed a fundamental-rights enforcement action challenging the measures taken against her. Two days later, the Abaras were arraigned in Kano without legal representation.

The Federal High Court subsequently prohibited Kano State authorities and Hisbah officials from pursuing Sarah’s arrest because of her conversion or her refusal to enter the proposed marriage.

“The court’s ruling in Sarah’s case affirms that the Hisbah police have no jurisdiction over Christians or other non-Muslims,” ADF Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom Sean Nelson said.

He added, “Sarah’s choice to convert and reject a forced marriage is her right under law.”

Sarah welcomed the judgment and expressed gratitude to the Christian family that had sheltered her.

“The Abara family kept me safe in a time when I had nowhere else to go. I am grateful to them especially for introducing me to the Gospel. It is not against the law for me to choose my faith in Jesus,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude that the court had recognized her freedom to become a Christian and protected her from the religious police.

The criminal proceedings against the Abaras remain pending in Kano, with ADF providing legal assistance.

Previous cases involving Christian converts

Sarah’s case follows other reported incidents involving people who converted, or were suspected of converting, from Islam to Christianity in northern Nigeria.

In January 2018, the reported conversion of Nabila Umar Sanda, then a 19-year-old student at Bingham University in Abuja, attracted national attention after security officials intervened.

Media reports indicated that Nigeria’s Department of State Services arrested Sanda and some of her Christian associates after Islamic leaders learned of her conversion. Christian leaders Jeremiah Datim and Simput Dafup were also reportedly drawn into the case, which unfolded in Jos, Plateau State.

Hisbah organizations operate in several northern Nigerian states to enforce Islamic moral codes. They have faced allegations of interfering with Christians and other people who are not subject to Islamic religious obligations.

In November 2023, International Christian Concern reported that Hisbah officials in Kano stopped five Christian girls who were travelling to church. The girls were allegedly instructed to dress according to Islamic standards and prevented from attending church until the service had ended.

In another case, Pastor Yohanna Shuaibu was killed by a mob in Kano State in 2021 following allegations that he had helped convert a Muslim man to Christianity.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that Shuaibu was attacked after being accused of involvement in the man’s conversion.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reported that the man had left Islam but was attending neither a church nor a mosque. Members of the local Muslim community nevertheless reportedly assumed that he had become a Christian and blamed Shuaibu.

According to the organization, Shuaibu had returned to Massu village in Kano State’s Sumaila Local Government Area to evacuate children from a Christian school when the mob attacked him. He later died from injuries sustained in the attack.

ACI Africa

Nigeria to miss Women’s World Cup for first time in over 30 years

2026-08-14T06:26:49.836-04:00

Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991 has finally been punctured.

On Thursday night in Casablanca, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana defeated Nigeria’s Super Falcons 2-1 to effectively extinguish the country’s slim hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons had hoped to recover from their disappointing WAFCON quarter-final exit against Cameroon, but South Africa proved too strong in Thursday’s crucial play-off.

South Africa’s goalkeeper Kaylin Swart stood stoutly against the Super Falcons, ensuring Banyana Banyana advanced to FIFA’s Inter-Confederation Play-Off Tournament alongside Ghana’s Black Queens.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Lady Elephants were also edged out of the race for a place at next year’s World Cup, having lost 2-1 in their playoff tie against Ghana.

Unlucky Falcons

After a goalless first half, Thembi Kgatlana broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, putting Banyana Banyana ahead.

Nigeria struggled to respond as South Africa maintained pressure, with captain Refiloe Jane doubling the advantage in the 77th minute.

The Super Falcons were handed a late lifeline when Christy Ucheibe pulled one back in stoppage time from the penalty spot, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.

Jane was also sent off moments before Ucheibe’s goal, leaving South Africa to see out the closing stages with 10 players.

The result adds to a difficult period for Nigeria, which entered the WAFCON as defending champions and Africa’s most successful women’s national team with 10 continental titles.

Poor tournament

Their campaign began with a shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi before victories over Zambia and Egypt took them into the quarter-finals. Cameroon then ended their title defence with a 1-0 victory.

Coach Justin Madugu had described the South Africa match as a “second chance” for the Falcons after their WAFCON disappointment.

That opportunity has now slipped away.

South Africa, meanwhile, recovered from their own WAFCON quarter-final disappointment after losing 2-1 to hosts Morocco.

For Nigeria, the defeat adds to the catalogue of woes that have seen the majority of the country’s football teams miss out on qualifying for crucial continental and global tournaments.

By Tunde Eludini, Premium Times

Dangote refinery plans retail-focused IPO, no foreign listing for now

2026-08-14T06:22:31.414-04:00

Dangote Petroleum Refinery's planned October IPO, which could become Africa's largest, is designed to let Nigerians share in the company's growth, its CEO told Reuters, adding that a foreign listing is at least three years away.

The ‌refinery has submitted an application for a $5 billion IPO to Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters this month, although the final size is not decided.

"We really want to drive participation," CEO David Bird said in an interview. "The mandate of the IPO was to be the people's IPO."

Bird said the company wanted at least three years of ⁠proven production and financial performance before pursuing an overseas listing, which could support a stronger valuation. London has been mentioned as a possible venue.

Bird declined to comment on the size of the IPO or the refinery's valuation. The source said the company could take into account the $2.5 billion raised in a July private placement, which valued the refinery at about $40 billion.

STRONG INTEREST

The refinery, owned by Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote, has emerged as a major beneficiary of disruption linked to the Iran war, selling jet fuel across Africa and into western Europe as buyers sought alternative supplies. It became Europe's largest supplier of ‌jet ⁠fuel in June and July, Bird said.

He said preparations for the IPO were on schedule and investor interest had been strong during pre-marketing and the July private placement.

Africa Finance Corporation said on Thursday it led a group of strategic investors in the private placement, adding the deal was 3.7 times subscribed and attracted strong demand ⁠from African and international institutional investors.

Bird said the refinery compared favourably with U.S. refining assets because of its access to local crude supplies, strong domestic demand and integrated operations.

PLANNED EXPANSION

Bird confirmed the company aims to double ⁠refining capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day within three years, funded partly through the IPO and debt. He said the expansion would cost substantially less than the roughly $20 billion spent on the ⁠original refinery.

Africa remains structurally short of refined fuels and petrochemicals, creating significant room for growth, Bird said.

The refinery supplies most of Nigeria's gasoline and diesel demand and all of its jet fuel needs.

By Chijioke Ohuocha and Isaac Anyaogu, Reuters

Nigerian troops foil advance by terrorists riding about 200 motorcycles

2026-08-13T06:56:14.251-04:00

Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have foiled an advance by terrorists from Zamfara into Niger State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and 398 rounds of ammunition.

This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The report said the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists riding about 200 motorcycles towards Inana Village in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger.

It said the troops of 311 Army Reconnaissance Battalion, 18 Brigade, engaged the terrorists at Majai and Tungan Bisallah villages.

According to the report, the terrorists were forced to retreat, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 395 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“The troops also recovered one motorcycle and destroyed six others during the operation, while one soldier sustained injuries.

“In a related operation, troops responding to intelligence on terrorist activities mobilised towards Genu Village but made no contact with the fleeing terrorists,” it said.

The report revealed that troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, killed a suspected ISWAP logistics courier and informant at Dallaballe Village in Gujba Local Government Area of Borno.

It said the operation, conducted on 10 August, followed human intelligence on the activities of the suspected terrorist informant.

In Taraba, the report said the troops of 93 Battalion and a Defence Intelligence Agency team recovered an AK-47 rifle and 10 rounds of 5.45 x 39mm NATO ammunition from the residence of a suspected gunrunner at Bantaje, Wukari Local Government Area.

It added that troops of Operation UDO KA raided a transport company in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia over suspected movement of military camouflage and other accoutrements.

According to the report, the operation led to the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of a luxury bus belonging to the company.

Premium Times

Indians now employ almost as many people in Nigeria as the government, and trade between both countries hits $9 billion

2026-08-13T06:53:50.559-04:00

In 2024, Nigeria’s trade with the world’s most populous country, India, came in at $7.13 billion, according to the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abishek Singh.

The High Commissioner made the revelation in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Wednesday, noting that 2025’s figures significantly surpassed the $7.13 billion recorded in 2024.

He further revealed that around 200 Indian companies operating in the West African country are responsible for the creation of 100,000 jobs, making India the second-largest employer of Nigerian workers after the country’s own government.

According to the High Commissioner, this expansion in trade reflects the strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations, extending beyond traditional oil trade and historical ties to encompass investment, security, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and energy, among other sectors.

“Very happy to report that the trade for the financial year 2025-26 stands at around US dollar 9 billion, which is up from US dollar 7.13 billion in the financial year 2024-25,” Singh said.

And that makes these Indian companies the second-largest employer of Nigerian people after the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he added.

According to Singh, Nigeria and India have had long-standing ties based on anti-colonial solidarity, South-South collaboration, and mutual support for the Global South's voice.

“When I say Strategic Partnership, what does it mean? It means that India-Nigeria relations are no longer defined only by historical goodwill or oil trade,” he said.

The High Commissioner, as reported in The Punch, also revealed that the relationship between the two countries was evolving into a “multidimensional partnership” linking the heart of Africa with India.

Furthermore, the Indian official noted that his country has extended $395 million in concessional credit lines to Nigeria, alongside capacity-building initiatives administered through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program.

Adding to what Singh had said, Vertika Rawat, India's Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, disclosed that pharmaceutical exports to Nigeria reached $315 million in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, accounting for more than 40% of the country's total pharmaceutical imports.

“India today supplies roughly 40% of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical imports, and for certain categories of medicine over 90%,” she said.

“This is what it means in practice for India to be the pharmacy of the world.

It means not only affordable medicines reaching Nigerian homes, but also manufacturing medicines in Nigeria for Nigerian homes,” Rawat added.

She noted that Nigeria could derive valuable insights from India's strategy for expanding health insurance coverage in its pursuit of universal healthcare.

By Chinedu Okafor, Business Insider Africa

Nigeria faith leaders sign peace accord months after Trump remarks

2026-08-13T06:50:11.190-04:00

More than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders have signed an interfaith peace accord in Abuja, launching a new body to promote religious harmony across Nigeria.

Nigeria's more ‌than 200 million population is roughly evenly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south, with other groups practicing traditional religions.

Focus on the religious divide was heightened last November when U.S. President Donald Trump called Nigeria a "disgraced country" and threatened military action over what he said was the treatment of Christians by "Islamic Terrorists".

Islamist insurgents such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have wrought havoc in the ⁠country for more than 15 years, killing thousands of people, but their attacks have been largely confined to the majority Muslim northeast.
While Christians have been killed, the vast majority of the victims have been Muslims, analysts and rights groups say.

ACCORD WELCOMED BY FAITH LEADERS

No mention was made of Trump's comments in the official statements about the accord signed on Wednesday at a conference organised by the Muslim World League, an Islamic non-governmental organisation based in Saudi Arabia.
But the government and various other groups have been working to show progress on security since his remarks.

Muslim World League Secretary-General Mohammad Al-Issa said there was enthusiasm among the two faiths to "turn a new page".

"We do not deny ‌that ⁠extremist ideas have harmed everyone; all have been affected by it," he said.
Christian and Muslim leaders from Nigeria described the pact as a turning point.

John Praise Daniel, chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders' Assembly, said he hoped it would curb divisive rhetoric by clerics.

"No hate speech, and no disrespect for other religious groups, no calling of people as infidels," he said.
Khalid Abubakar, ⁠secretary-general of Jama'atu Nasri Islam, said: "It is not a call to leave your own religion, but a cooperation of working together in harmony."

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin represented President Bola Tinubu at the signing ceremony. Three northern state governors were also present.

Jibrin ⁠said on the opening day of the two-day event: "The government is determined to make sure that we remain united as a country, despite our differences, whatever the differences may be."

The accord comes ahead of the January 2027 election, ⁠when religion will again be a factor in Nigerian politics.

Tinubu's ruling All Progressives Congress is running on the same presidential ticket of two Muslims that it fielded in 2023, breaking Nigeria's long-standing practice of balancing presidential tickets between the country's two main faiths.

Reuters

Nigeria and Burkina Faso Explore Project BRIDGE to Cut Internet Costs by 50%

2026-08-13T06:47:33.063-04:00

Nigeria and Burkina Faso are exploring a connectivity partnership that could reduce the cost of internet access in Burkina Faso by as much as 50%, as both countries seek to deepen digital cooperation.

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the initiative was discussed during his visit to Ouagadougou, where he met Burkina Faso’s Minister for Digital Transition, Posts and Communication, Dr Aminata Zerbo-Sabané.

At the centre of the discussions was Project BRIDGE, Nigeria’s connectivity initiative aimed at expanding access to faster, more affordable and resilient internet infrastructure.

Under the proposed collaboration, technical teams from both countries will assess connectivity routes linking Nigeria to Burkina Faso through Nigeria-Niger-Burkina Faso and Nigeria-Benin-Burkina Faso corridors. The assessment is expected to identify a viable pathway for lowering Burkina Faso’s internet connectivity costs by up to half.

The two countries also agreed to establish a Technical Working Committee to develop an implementation framework for the partnership.

The cooperation will extend beyond fibre infrastructure to other areas of the digital economy. Nigeria and Burkina Faso plan to explore collaboration on digital skills and talent development, including the potential sharing of Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) model.

The countries will also seek to strengthen ties between their startup ecosystems, support Burkina Faso’s Innovation Campus and collaborate on artificial intelligence, local-language technologies, shared computing infrastructure, cybersecurity and research.

Tijani said the engagement forms part of Nigeria’s broader outreach to neighbouring countries, following a recent visit to Benin Republic, with planned engagements in Niger and Chad.

The Nigerian government said the broader objective is to leverage the country’s expanding digital infrastructure and capabilities to support shared economic opportunities across borders, strengthen regional digital integration and position Nigeria as a digital gateway connecting West Africa and the Sahel.

By Akim Benamara, Tech Africa News

Nigeria considers crude supply reforms to aid Dangote, other refiners

2026-08-12T05:51:39.499-04:00

Nigeria is considering changes to crude allocation and pricing rules to improve ‌feedstock access for its refiners, including Dangote Refinery, the local oil refiners' association said.

Dangote has previously said Nigeria's pricing structure adds $3 to $4 per barrel to feedstock costs for refiners because purchases are routed through producers' trading arms. Analysts say the main constraint in domestic crude transactions is pricing rather than physical availability.

The move could help ⁠boost operations at Dangote's 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery, Africa's largest, whose output has at times been constrained by difficulties securing sufficient crude supplies domestically.
The Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) said the proposed changes are expected to be discussed this week during a regulator-led review of Nigeria's domestic crude supply obligation, which requires producers to supply local refiners before exporting.

Under one proposal, a producer linked to an IOC's network could deliver crude directly to a nearby refinery, with volumes reconciled later at the terminal, said CORAN spokesperson Eche Idoko, ‌adding ⁠this would reduce reliance on trunklines and bring crude closer to refiners.

A second proposal would allow refiners that lift crude directly from production facilities to receive a discount reflecting the freight and handling costs embedded in Brent-linked pricing but not actually incurred by them.

"This could be a win-win for ⁠both the producers and refiners," said Idoko.

The Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) released data on Monday showing producer compliance with the domestic crude supply framework rose to over 90% from less than 43% in ⁠the previous quarter.

The metric tracks actual deliveries against volumes allocated by the regulator, not refinery demand met. Under the scheme, producers must offer allocated volumes to local refineries, with ⁠sales agreed on a 'willing-buyer, willing-seller' basis.

A NUPRC official said the ideas "are on the table" largely at the urging of inland refiners, but added that implementation would require addressing crude quality differences and pricing adjustments.

By Isaac Anyaogu, Reuters

South Africa slams $18.5m repatriation bill on Nigeria, 2 other African countries amid migration crackdown

2026-08-12T05:47:19.574-04:00

The Department of Home Affairs says it has spent almost R300 million, approximately $18.5 million, on the repatriation operation, which has seen tens of thousands of foreign nationals processed for return to their countries.

The department has written to the government of Malawi and to the embassies of Nigeria and Ethiopia, through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) requesting reimbursement of the costs incurred.

Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs that the department had spent R292 million on the operation, substantially exceeding its R60 million allocation for deportations.

Transport accounted for the largest share of the expenditure, as authorities moved undocumented migrants to repatriation centres and border points.

As of August 6, Home Affairs had processed 82,875 foreign nationals through its repatriation centres. The figure excludes people repatriated before June 30 and those processed directly by the Border Management Authority.

South Africa seeks to recover repatriation costs

The repatriation operation followed a surge in anti-immigrant protests across South Africa, with several African governments organising voluntary returns for their citizens amid concerns over their safety.

Malawians have accounted for the largest group of people returning or being deported, followed by nationals from Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

South African authorities have also continued deportations through the Lindela Repatriation Centre. Home Affairs said 44,607 foreign nationals were deported from Lindela during the previous financial year, while 16,078 were deported between April 20 and July 28 this year.

The government has described the increased enforcement as part of efforts to strengthen immigration control and address the growing number of undocumented migrants in the country.

However, the financial burden has emerged as a major concern for Pretoria. Makhode said the repatriation programme had not been budgeted for under the department's existing framework, prompting the government to seek reimbursement from the countries whose nationals were repatriated.

“We have also written to the government of Malawi and, of course, the embassies of Nigeria and Ethiopia requesting reimbursements of this cost through the department of DIRCO,” Makhode told lawmakers.

South Africa is now awaiting responses from the three governments as it seeks to recover part of the R292 million already spent on the operation.

By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa

Authorities say 10 Nigerian police officers were killed in gunbattle with rebels in the north

2026-08-11T09:18:48.872-04:00

A gunbattle between rebels and Nigerian security forces has left 10 police officers dead in a remote part of the country’s conflict-battered north, authorities said Tuesday.

The clash, which occurred on Monday in the Sakaba council area of Kebbi state, also left two civilians and 17 of the rebels dead, police spokesperson Bashir Usman said in a statement.

The rebels were heavily armed and riding on motorcycles when they were intercepted by security forces, said Usman. They were seen close to the border with Zamfara state, where armed gangs who frequently raid Nigerian towns and villages are concentrated.

“Tragically, we lost 10 gallant police personnel in the engagement, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention,” the police spokesman said.

The attack is the latest in a cycle of violence in Africa’s most populous country, where gangs compete for territory and control of natural resources in villages where they outnumber the country’s overstretched security forces. Dozens have been killed in recent weeks across the north, and security forces are often targeted.

The U.S. government is providing military support to Nigeria under an agreement it says aims to protect Nigerian Christians, though much of that support is restricted to logistics and intelligence-gathering at the heart of the violence in the north.

By Dyepkazah Shibayan, AP

Nigeria strengthens health financing capacity for universal coverage

2026-08-11T09:17:06.456-04:00

When Dr Divine Igwe, Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency and a representative of the chief executive officers (CEOs) of the participating state social health insurance agencies (SSHIAs), arrived for the WHO health financing training 19–22 May 2026 in Abuja, he saw a room filled with colleagues who shared a common task: helping more people get quality health care without facing financial hardship.

For many of the participants, it was their first-ever formal training in health financing.

“These opportunities are rare for many of our staff,” said Igwe. “The knowledge we gain here will help us strengthen health insurance implementation in our states and improve access to care for our people.”

His words point to a challenge many health systems face. Health insurance does not work only because a policy exists. It works when the people managing it have the skills, tools and support to make fair and informed decisions on behalf of the beneficiaries.
In Nigeria, this is especially important. Out-of-pocket payments remain a major barrier to care. In 2023, household out-of-pocket spending accounted for about 72% of current health expenditure in Nigeria, according to the World Health Organization Global Health Expenditure Database. High out-of-pocket payments are linked to catastrophic and impoverishing health spending.

For a trader in Gombe, a pregnant woman in Ebonyi or a family caring for a child with malaria in Anambra, the way health care is financed can determine whether health care is received early, delayed or even missed altogether.
To support Nigeria’s efforts to reduce this burden, World Health Organization (WHO) in Nigeria, in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and with funding from the Global Fund, organized a four-day health financing training for 49 technical and management staff from NHIA and State Social Health Insurance Agencies in Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara and Lagos states.

The training supports implementation of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, national efforts to expand health insurance coverage and the use of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund as a key financing mechanism under the National Health Act. It also aligns with the government’s broader priority to improve health financing, strengthen primary health care and expand financial protection for poor and vulnerable people.

Before the training, a WHO-supported baseline assessment in participating states found gaps in health financing knowledge, health insurance operations and health systems management. Only 20% of SSHIA staff have received training in health financing, and at the same time, 100% of respondents expressed a strong need for the training. These gaps affected the ability of institutions to design, manage and expand insurance schemes for people most at risk of being left behind.

WHO provided technical leadership in designing the training curriculum, drawing on global guidance and adapting it to Nigeria’s reform priorities. Sessions were led by more than 20 experts from WHO Nigeria, WHO Regional Office for Africa, the Gates

Foundation, the Centre for Health Economics and Development, NHIA, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria.

The training focused on practical issues faced by states. Participants discussed how to raise and manage funds, improve financial protection, purchase health services in ways that improve quality and value for money, and use evidence to guide decisions. They also looked at how health financing connects with integrated service delivery, health security, climate resilience and digital systems.
“Knowledge must lead to action and impact on the population we serve,” said Dr Francis Ukwuije, WHO Nigeria health financing technical officer. “Our aim is to support the government and institutions to use evidence-based practical tools to improve financing decisions that have the best value for money and help more people access quality essential services.”

At the end of the programme, participants completed post-training assessments with the mean score increasing from 58% before the training to 61% after the training. With 64% of participants who improved in their scores, and a statistically significant paired t-test (t(32) = 3.64, p < 0.001), there is evidence that the increase in scores demonstrated that the training had a positive impact on participants' knowledge of key concepts of health financing and health insurance.

The immediate outcome is clear: 49 (21 females, 28 males) staff from federal and state health insurance institutions completed the WHO innovative health financing training and are better prepared to support insurance implementation in their states. The expected outcome is stronger state capacity to manage insurance schemes, improve decision-making and support coverage for poor and vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities and people in rural communities.

NHIA Director-General Dr Kelechi Ohiri, represented by Aliyu Mohammed, said the work reflects the shared responsibility of government, WHO, the Global Fund, state agencies and partners to expand health insurance coverage. “The progress we have made shows what is possible when people and institutions work together for the common good,” said Ohiri.

Representing the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Mary Nana Ama Brantuo acknowledged progress made by the Government of Nigeria in expanding health insurance coverage and reaffirmed WHO’s technical support in line with national priorities. “This training is part of a broader effort to strengthen the systems that make universal health coverage possible in Nigeria,” she said. “By investing in people and institutions, WHO supports lasting improvements in financing access to quality health services for all, especially those most in need.”

The initiative is part of the learning agenda of the Global Fund-supported Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health pilot project on vulnerable populations coverage and the full integration of HIV and tuberculosis services into state health insurance schemes in Nigeria. It also demonstrates WHO’s commitment to translating global norms and best practices into country-led action, fostering peer learning and supporting governments to build resilient, equitable and people-centred health systems.

For participants, the next step is to apply the learning in their states. This includes strengthening insurance operations, improving planning, supporting long-term approaches to financing health services and ensuring that vulnerable people are considered in decisions.

Continued investment in health financing capacity and collaboration across federal and state institutions will be important for Nigeria’s progress towards universal health coverage.

For Igwe and his colleagues, the training was not only about policy. It was about helping build a system where more people in communities can get quality health care when they need it, without fear of financial hardship.

WHO

Video - Nigeria’s Borno resettles nearly 300,000 IDPs as insecurity persists

2026-08-10T06:33:29.290-04:00

More than a decade of insurgency has forced thousands of families in Nigeria’s Borno State from their homes, livelihoods and communities. As security conditions gradually improve, the state is stepping up efforts to resettle nearly 300,000 internally displaced people and close IDP camps.

CGTN Africa

Video - Rescued Nigerian kidnap victims recount ordeal after months in captivity

2026-08-10T06:30:17.195-04:00

Nigerian security forces this week rescued more than 300 people abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states. President Bola Tinubu described the operation as the largest same-day hostage rescue in Nigeria’s history. The victims are now receiving medical evaluation and treatment, with some recounting their ordeal after months in captivity.

CGTN Africa

1,500 couples tie the knot during a mass wedding in Kano, Nigeria

2026-08-10T06:26:24.064-04:00

Kano State in Nigeria married off 1,500 couples in a single ceremony on Friday as part of a government initiative to help low-income residents cover marriage costs and support family stability.

Video - Nigerian artist transforms ordinary clay into intricate works of art

2026-08-07T06:16:57.421-04:00

In his Lagos studio, Nigerian artist Emmanuel Olatunde is transforming the way portraits are painted, using clay sourced from the earth beneath his feet. The 39-year-old artist has developed a unique technique that turns natural clay into paint, using his background in science and his passion for art.

France24

Nigeria and Canada sign deal for direct flights

2026-08-07T06:14:13.894-04:00

Nigeria and Canada have, for the first time, signed an expanded air transport agreement, which allows for direct flights between both countries.

Aviation minister Festus Keyamo and Canada’s chief air negotiator, Shendra Melia, signed the deal at the high commission in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Keyamo said the deal was adopted following Nigeria and Canada’s technical review of the existing air services framework.

He described the deal as a milestone designed to boost tourism, encourage new opportunities for airlines to thrive in both countries, reduce travel time, strengthen Nigeria-Canada cultural and economic ties, support family reunification, and minimise logistics costs.

The key agreements include the right for Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled air services between the two countries and a capacity allowance of 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for the designated airlines of each country.

Additionally, the granting of Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo operations, allowing cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates or terminates in the airline’s home country.

The air transport pact was initially negotiated in 2024 as a code-share-only agreement and was signed in March 2025.

Canadian transport minister Steven MacKinnon also echoed Mr Keyamo’s stance on the deal in a statement on the government’s website.

“The newly expanded Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement will strengthen our economic ties, support tourism and trade, and make it easier for people and businesses in both countries to connect,” he said in part.

The Canadian government noted that Nigeria ranks as Canada’s 38th-largest international air transport market in 2025 and is now its third-largest bilateral air market in Africa, after Morocco and Algeria. It added that the Canada-Nigeria air transport market has more than doubled in size over the past decade.

Official data showed that more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits as of March 31 this year, reflecting their strong interest in Canada as a study destination.

Over the years, Nigerians travelling to Canada have had to book connecting flights, mostly transiting through Doha, Dubai, London Heathrow, Paris, Amsterdam and Atlanta, among other cities.

Many Nigerians have welcomed the development in social media posts, saying it was long overdue.

An X user, Oyederu Oyewande, commended President Bola Tinubu’s government, saying, “This is a big development. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and God bless Canada.”

Also describing it as a welcome development, another user, Ibrahim Raji, stated, “I look forward to the Nigeria-to-Canada flight that won’t be beyond 6-13 hours direct flight even if it is available once a week; many would like to be in Nigeria at slightest chance, but fear of travelling for 24-48 junketing d globe is much a stress.”

“This is long overdue,” @samiegbasky said. “Kudos to you, Hon. Minister; you got this one spot on. No more merry-go-round before going to Canada anymore.”

By Oyindamola Olubajo, Peoples Gazette

Video - Nigeria expands army to strengthen security

2026-08-06T06:51:46.136-04:00

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major expansion of Nigeria's army as the country steps up efforts to tackle persistent security threats. Retired military officers and security experts say the move could strengthen rapid response capabilities, but stress that better training, troop welfare and modern equipment are equally critical.

CGTN Africa

Dangote's planned $5 billion refinery IPO in Nigeria could be followed by a listing in Africa's richest country

2026-08-06T06:49:38.270-04:00

Africa's largest stock exchange is positioning itself to host a secondary listing of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as interest grows across the continent ahead of what could become one of Africa's biggest initial public offerings.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) confirmed it has been in discussions with the Dangote Group and said the company intends to pursue a listing in Nigeria first before exploring a secondary listing in South Africa.

"They will list in Nigeria first but with strong intent to hopefully bring the listing to South Africa," a JSE spokesperson told Reuters.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a total market capitalisation of approximately ZAR 24.9 trillion (USD 1.52 trillion), making it the largest stock exchange in Africa and accounting for about 60% of the continent's total equity market value

The planned listing follows reports that Dangote Group is seeking to raise about $5 billion through an initial public offering of the refinery. Sources familiar with the matter said the company has already made a preliminary filing with Nigeria's securities regulator and is targeting an October debut on the Nigerian Exchange.

Continental investors show strong interest

Investor interest is extending well beyond Nigeria. Kenya is expected to play a significant role in the share sale, with institutional investors, including pension funds, potentially contributing as much as $500 million—about 10% of the targeted fundraising.

Discussions have also taken place with regulators and market participants in Egypt, Ghana and Rwanda to explore ways investors in those countries can participate in the landmark offering, highlighting the refinery's growing appeal as a pan-African investment opportunity.

Built by Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, at an estimated cost of $20 billion, the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery began producing fuel in 2024 and reached full operating capacity earlier this year. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) owns just over 7% of the facility.

A recent private placement valued the refinery at around $40 billion after investors acquired a 6% stake for $2.5 billion. That valuation positions the refinery among Africa's most valuable privately owned industrial assets and sets the stage for what could become one of the continent's largest-ever public listings.

By Adekunle Agbetiloye, Business Insider Africa

Nigeria announces rescue of 308 kidnapped citizens

2026-08-06T06:43:52.482-04:00

More than 300 people who had been kidnapped across Nigeria have been freed in an intelligence and security operation, the government has announced.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomes the successful rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens who were abducted in different attacks in Niger and Kwara states,” Bayo Onanuga, a special adviser to Nigeria’s president, said in a statement.

The statement said that 163 of those rescued were abducted from the Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State, and 145 were taken from Niger State.

“The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State”, according to the statement, as a result of a “coordinated, intelligence-driven operation”. The operation was carried out by the country’s National Counter Terrorism Centre, involving members of the armed forces, the police force and the Department of State Services.

“It was the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by Nigeria’s joint security team,” the statement added.

The government in Kwara State, near the border with Benin, welcomed the rescue in a social media post, local channel Arise News reported.

“Kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!”, said the Kwara government statement, announcing the release of those abducted during the February 3 attack on local communities in Kaiama.

At least 200 people were killed in the attack, when suspected Boko Haram-linked fighters launched a coordinated assault that lasted several hours, according to the Nigeria-based Punch website.

Kidnapping for ransom by criminal groups, Boko Haram-linked fighters and gangs known as bandits has become a major crisis in Nigeria, especially in areas with little state presence.

Soft targets, including schools, churches and mosques, particularly in vulnerable rural communities with limited state security, have been particularly at risk.

On January 18, 177 people were abducted from three churches in the village of Kurmin Wali in Kaduna State.

Last month, security services freed at least 40 students and teachers kidnapped in May from the southern state of Oyo.

In June, the president announced that the military had “neutralised” more than 13,000 “terrorists” in the past year. The army also said it had rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram, which has spread across parts of the country from Borno State, once considered the centre of its operations.

“The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” the president said in his latest statement.

Al Jazeera

Video - Nigeria launches $552 million drive to improve learning outcomes for 29 million children

2026-08-05T06:35:31.318-04:00

Nigeria is partnering with the World Bank on a $500 million program aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving access to quality education. The initiative will focus on expanding access to classrooms, strengthening teacher training and improving learning outcomes as the country works to address one of its biggest education challenges.

CGTN Africa

Priest murdered, followed by kidnappings at Mass in Nigeria

2026-08-05T06:31:12.306-04:00

Two violent attacks against the Catholic Church in Nigeria have been perpetrated in less than a week. A priest was killed and days later, on Aug. 2, gunmen stormed a Mass and abducted several people.

According to the Vatican agency Fides, the slain priest was Father Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro of the Diocese of Lokoja in Kogi state.

“With deep sorrow but with firm faith in the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ,” on July 30 the Diocese of Lokoja announced “the passing unto eternal glory” of Oyetoro.

Details of the murder were released by state police spokesperson and assistant superintendent Afusat Oyiza Salihu. “On July 29, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., the police received information regarding the discovery of a manʼs lifeless body along Church Road in Ajaokuta,” Salihu said.

Salihu added that police arrived quickly at the scene and confirmed that the victim “had severe machete wounds to the head.” The body was taken to ASCL Hospital, where the priest’s death was pronounced.

According to Salihu, “the investigation is ongoing,” and they are working “to apprehend those responsible.”

“Once the preliminary investigation is concluded, the case will be transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department for further proceedings,” she explained.

Meanwhile, the governor of Kogi state, Ahmed Ododo, condemned the killing, describing it as “an atrocious and unacceptable act,” according to Fides.

Gunmen storm a Mass

While the local Church was mourning the priestʼs death, still another incident of violence shook Nigerian Catholics.

Fides also reported that on Sunday, Aug. 2, at least seven gunmen stormed St. Joseph’s Church in Inoyi Affa, Enugu state, during the morning Mass.

The attackers abducted three people: a seminarian, a catechist, and a parishioner.

Several attendees at the Mass attempted to pursue the kidnappers but abandoned the effort upon realizing the assailants were armed and to avoid further endangering the lives of the hostages, according to Fides.

Police launched a search operation that led to the release of the catechist. However, seminarian Lawrence Chidera Igbo and a parishioner identified only as Emmanuel remain in captivity.

By Diego López Marina, EWTN NEWS

Nigeria's Tinubu approves up to 80% pay rise for soldiers

2026-08-05T06:26:43.992-04:00

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of up to 80% for members of the armed forces, benefiting about 250,000 personnel as the government seeks to boost troop morale amid persistent insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

The new salary structure, announced on Tuesday, will take effect on September 1 and increase the armed forces' annual wage bill from 660 billion naira to 924 billion naira.

Under the package, personnel from private to staff sergeant will receive the highest increase of 80%, while those from colonel to warrant officer will get a 50% raise.

Officers above the rank of colonel, including generals, will receive a 30% increase.

Government cites security challenges

The salary review comes as Nigeria continues to battle multiple security threats, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in the northeast, armed bandits in the northwest and widespread kidnappings across several regions.

President Tinubu said the pay increase recognises the sacrifices made by military personnel and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving troop welfare while modernising the armed forces with better equipment and technology.

Lawmakers welcome decision

Senator Abdulaziz Yar'Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, described the salary increase as a timely morale booster that would strengthen the fighting spirit of troops confronting insecurity across the country.

Senator Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, also praised the move, calling it a strategic investment in national security. He urged the armed forces to respond with greater professionalism and closer cooperation between the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Welfare and modernisation

The government said about 250,000 military personnel will benefit from the revised pay structure, which adds 264 billion naira to the annual military wage bill.

The salary adjustment forms part of broader efforts to improve troop welfare and strengthen operational effectiveness as security forces continue operations against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.

By Dominic Wabwireh, AP

Nigeria cannot build safe schools in unsafe communities

2026-08-05T06:21:40.286-04:00

“I am profoundly happy,” Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said after security forces rescued 39 pupils and six teachers who had spent 56 days in captivity. Gunmen had abducted them from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.

Their rescue brought immense relief. But it also exposed a deeper failure: More than 12 years after the Chibok abduction prompted Nigeria to make schools safer, dozens of pupils and teachers could still be seized from their schools and held for nearly two months.

On April 14, 2014, Boko Haram abducted 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno State in northeastern Nigeria. The attack captured the world’s attention and became a defining moment in Nigerian history. It led the United Nations, global business leaders and the Nigerian government to launch the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI) the following month, initially covering 500 schools in the northeastern states.

The Oyo abduction, therefore, did more than bring school safety back to the top of the national agenda. It raised serious questions about what the initiative has achieved and whether protecting school grounds alone can keep children safe while a lack of security continues beyond them.

On paper, SSI provides for school perimeter fencing, access control and enhanced security infrastructure as well as local guards and security personnel, community-based early-warning systems, the relocation of at-risk students to safer schools, psychosocial support for survivors and temporary learning centres in camps for internally displaced people.

Since then, Nigeria’s safe-schools framework has been expanded to include all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Some states, such as Lagos and Ogun, have adapted and strengthened its implementation by introducing safety audits and establishing safety committees.

Yet nationally, the initiative has fallen far short of its promise. In June, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project called for an investigation into allegations that funds allocated to SSI had been mismanaged or diverted amid scrutiny of the 145-billion-naira ($106m) financing plan.

According to data in Nigeria’s National Plan on Financing Safe Schools, more than 42,000 primary and secondary schools across northern Nigeria lacked perimeter fencing. The gap between the initiative’s funding commitments and conditions on the ground has raised questions about how SSI has been managed. In July, the Nigerian House of Representatives ordered a comprehensive assessment of the initiative and the national plan, including the use of funds allocated to school-safety measures.

Despite the initiative, attacks on schools and abductions of students and teachers have continued. Thousands of Nigerian students have been abducted by armed groups since 2014. A media tally recorded the abduction of at least 603 students and teachers in seven mass attacks from March 2024 to May 2026 alone.

The consequences extend beyond those directly abducted. In many affected areas, a persistent lack of security has forced schools to remain closed, depriving children of their educations. On July 9, the Kebbi State government reiterated that schools in communities affected by banditry would remain closed until security improved, about seven months after the policy was introduced.

This worsening crisis exposes the failure to implement SSI fully and effectively. Many targeted schools remain outside the programme’s protection or have received upgrades only on paper. Even where physical security measures are in place, they cannot work in isolation.

Building a wall around a school does not prevent armed groups from operating, recruiting or expanding in the surrounding area. Nor does it protect students on their journeys to and from school. Without the initiative’s broader early-warning and community-security measures, fortification leaves the threat intact beyond the school walls.

That wider threat is sustained by economic and governance failures. Armed groups and their local collaborators have different motives, but they thrive under many of the same conditions: high unemployment, extreme poverty, the absence of state authority and the rule of law in rural and border areas, corruption within local government and the security apparatus, and perceived political, economic and social marginalisation.

Effective implementation of SSI also requires sustained funding. In a country where the education sector is already severely underfunded, SSI can succeed only if governments budget not merely for walls, gates and surveillance systems but also for trained personnel, maintenance and emergency response. Without sustained funding, these systems will deteriorate and leave schools vulnerable once again.

Fortification can also carry psychological and educational costs. A school, at its core, is an open community space for learning and growth. Transforming schools into something resembling “fortified prisons” or miniature military barracks can create an environment of constant fear and apprehension among students, negatively affecting their academic performance and mental health and weakening the schools’ role as centres of community life.

The answer is not to abandon SSI but to place it within a broader strategy. Schools cannot be protected in isolation from the roads, forests and communities surrounding them.

A sustainable solution to a lack of security at schools lies in comprehensive community security. This means reforming Nigeria’s security sector, integrating schools into local early-warning networks, improving relations between security forces and citizens, and extending effective state protection into areas where armed groups operate. It also requires economic development to address the entrenched poverty and unemployment that armed groups exploit, alongside efforts to combat terrorism and extremist recruitment.

Nigeria’s schools cannot be secure while the communities around them remain unsafe.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.

By Hakeem Najimdeen, CEO of Alafarika for Studies and Consultancy, Nigeria, Al Jazeera

Nigeria’s 14-year-old Ekunke Odey Goodness wins FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship 2026

2026-08-05T06:15:44.514-04:00

History was made in Abuja as Nigeria’s 14-year-old Ekunke Odey Goodness emerged as the inaugural champion of the FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship 2026, scoring an impressive 9/11.

The young Nigerian produced a remarkable performance against a strong field to claim the historic title, finishing ahead of two experienced compatriots, FM Eugene Ekpoikong Unwana and FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha, who were second and third, respectively, with 8½ points each.

The championship, organised by FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation in Abuja, was played over 11 rounds with the time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment.

Sambo’s sensational rise and dramatic fall

One of the most compelling stories of the championship was the rise of 17-year-old Joseph Sambo, who produced a series of outstanding results to establish himself as a serious contender for the title.

Sambo’s campaign reached its high point in the eighth round when he defeated the tournament’s teenage leader, Ekunke Goodness. The victory came after he had already defeated Ekunke’s coach and mentor, FM Bomo Kigigha, making his run through the championship an extraordinary story of overcoming both teacher and student.

The 17-year-old continued his charge in Round 9, scoring a win over AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal, and headed into the final two rounds with a genuine chance for the title.

However, the title slipped away in the final stretch. In Round 10, Sambo fell to Eugene Unwana, and his hopes of winning the championship suffered another decisive blow in the final round when he lost to Lanre Seye Oluwalasinu.

Joseph eventually finished fourth with 7½ points, just half a point outside the podium.

Eugene Unwana emerges from the shadows

If Ekunke’s triumph was the headline story, FM Eugene Ekpoikong Unwana was undoubtedly the championship’s late sensation.

After quietly building his position through the tournament, Eugene announced himself emphatically on the final day. He defeated FM Bomo Kigigha in Round 9 and then notched up another crucial victory over Sambo Joseph in Round 10, suddenly finding himself within touching distance of the championship title.

His final-round encounter against Ekunke became the decisive battle of the championship.

Unwana, playing White, entered the last round on 8 points, while Ekunke had 8½ points. With everything at stake, the two Nigerians battled to a draw, securing the 14-year-old the championship with 9 points.

Eugene’s 8½ points were enough to earn him the silver medal, while Bomo Kigigha also finished on 8½ points but took bronze on tie-break.

India makes its mark in Abuja

The championship also featured strong representation from India, adding an important international dimension to the inaugural event.

Leading the Indian challenge was AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal, who finished an impressive fifth overall with 7½ points. Shejal remained firmly in the mix during the closing stages of the championship and faced 17-year-old Sambo Joseph in Round 9, in a game that formed part of Joseph’s dramatic late push for the title.

Another Indian player who attracted attention was AFM Aryan Raj, who faced 14-year-old Ekunke Goodness in Round 7. Ekunke’s victory over the Indian player became another significant milestone in his championship campaign, coming shortly after his memorable Round 6 draw against his coach and mentor, FM Bomo Kigigha.

The presence and performances of the Indian players added further international flavour to a championship ultimately dominated by a thrilling battle among the leading Nigerian players. With the inaugural title staying in Nigeria, the event nonetheless showcased the competitive strength and global appeal of amateur chess, bringing players from Nigeria, India, and other countries together in Abuja.

Final standings

A championship of generations

The final standings offered a remarkable picture of Nigerian chess: a 14-year-old champion, a 17-year-old challenger who briefly seized control of the tournament, and experienced players who fought through the final rounds for the medals.

The inaugural championship has also produced a compelling narrative for Nigerian chess, one of youthful brilliance, mentorship, rivalry and resilience, while Abuja witnessed the emergence of a new world champion whose name will now be permanently associated with the history of the FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship.

International Chess Federation