Atiku Abubakar urges Nigeria to prioritize domestic production over imports for economic prosperity
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to shift from an import-driven economic model, advocating for expanded domestic production, manufacturing revival, and an export-oriented economy. He stated that Nigeria's economic challenges stem from policies favoring consumption and importation over production and industrialization. Abubakar, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, emphasized that Nigeria must "produce what it eats, manufacture what it uses and export what it makes" to achieve sustainable growth and reduce poverty. He highlighted rising food prices, declining industrial output, and increased dependence on imported inputs as evidence of the country's economic difficulties, noting that food inflation reached 17.52% nationally, with Kogi and Niger States experiencing 53.02% and 43.83% respectively. He also pointed out that Nigerian manufacturers spent N3.53 trillion importing raw materials within six months. Abubakar urged investments in agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, technology, and value addition to create jobs, strengthen the naira, and reduce foreign exchange pressure. He outlined economic priorities for an ADC administration, including improved security for farming communities, affordable financing, lower import duties on non-locally produced industrial machinery, competitive energy pricing, tax reforms, and infrastructure investments. He also criticized the Tinubu administration's
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Two Kenyan footballers, Brian Andaje and Sunday Majimbo, have returned home after being left homeless and penniless in Indonesia due to a suspected football scam. They traveled to Indonesia in December 2025, believing a man posing as a football intermediary had secured professional contracts for them. Upon arrival, they found no clubs waiting and were abandoned, eventually resorting to sleeping on the streets. Their return was facilitated by a joint effort from the Indonesian Professional Footballers Association APPI, the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association KEFWA, and the Kenyan Embassy in Jakarta. This incident has prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of fake football agents and unverified recruitment offers targeting African footballers seeking opportunities abroad. FIFPRO, the International Federation of Professional Footballers, highlighted that the players were never introduced to any clubs, and communication with the intermediary ceased, leaving them stranded without income. The case underscores the importance of players verifying intermediaries are licensed by FIFA, avoiding upfront payments to agents, and seeking legal advice from national players' unions before pursuing overseas opportunities. KEFWA President James Situma emphasized the critical role of cooperation among player unions in protecting footballers globally.
The Oyo State Government has initiated a Climate Literacy and Awareness Programme to educate teachers on environmental education and climate action, with over 300 educators expected to participate. This program, a collaboration between the Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, the University of the West of England, Bristol, and the Carbon Literacy Project, aims to enhance teachers' understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability. Ademola Aderinto, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, highlighted teachers as crucial for promoting climate awareness among children, emphasizing their role in shaping future generations. He noted that while climate literacy is not yet a standalone subject, teachers can integrate environmental consciousness into their lessons. The Commissioner also warned about various climate threats beyond flooding, such as heatwaves, land degradation, erratic weather, and food insecurity, stressing that education and proper environmental practices can mitigate their impact. The state has also strengthened environmental regulation enforcement and introduced a whistleblower mechanism for reporting violations. Olusegun Olayiwola, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, represented by Permanent Secretary Toyin Oyinloye, described the program as a strategic investment. Lulu Akindele, Chief Sustainability Officer of Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise, stat
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria ALTON has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC and the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC to establish a clear framework for regulating airtime and data credit services. ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo made the call following a Federal High Court judgment in Lagos that affirmed the FCCPC's authority to regulate these services alongside the NCC's powers. The court ruled that the relationship between the two regulators is complementary, stating that "concurrency means coexistence, not displacement." The judgment preserved the NCC's exclusive responsibility for telecommunications licensing and technical regulation while affirming the FCCPC's powers under its 2018 Act. Adebayo welcomed the decision, noting it provides clarity for operators, and urged both commissions to engage industry stakeholders through formal consultations before taking enforcement actions. He highlighted that 40 million Nigerians rely on these services and referenced the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council's directive requiring Regulatory Impact Assessments for significant regulatory changes.