🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Peter Obi challenges Tinubu administration's revenue claims amid rising debt and hardship
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and former Anambra State Governor, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s administration regarding its economic management. Obi stated that despite the administration reporting a revenue increase from N16.8 trillion in 2022 to N35 trillion in 2025, Nigerians are experiencing worsening economic hardship. He highlighted that instead of reduced borrowing, Nigeria's total debt has reportedly risen to about N200 trillion, an increase of over N100 trillion in three years. Obi also claimed that key socio-economic indicators have deteriorated, with multidimensional poverty increasing from 87 million in 2023 to over 140 million in 2025, and GDP per capita declining. He called for a detailed and transparent explanation of Nigeria’s economic and financial management since 2023. The Presidency, however, dismissed these claims, stating that a significant portion of the country’s debt predated the current administration, including N20 trillion in Ways and Means debt, and that public debt figures include obligations from state governments. Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, also noted that exchange rate fluctuations impact the naira value of external debt.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Nigeria Immigration Service NIS has bolstered border security through the deployment of advanced technology and increased surveillance to combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling. Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, the Service Public Relations Officer, stated that the NIS has achieved significant success in detecting and preventing illegal movement across land borders, attributing this to sustained border patrol operations and surveillance mechanisms. Border officers have intercepted irregular migrants, often reuniting them with their families, and these efforts have reduced the number of people using land routes for irregular migration. The NIS's Border Surveillance Architecture monitors difficult and remote terrains, identifying frequently used routes for irregular migration and strategically deploying assets. Inbound irregular migrants are often returned to their countries of origin. Akinlabi noted that irregular migration is a complex societal issue requiring collective action. He highlighted that a major obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding the risks of irregular migration. Under the leadership of Comptroller General Kemi Nandap, the service is investing in public enlightenment campaigns and stakeholder engagements to discourage such journeys. Technology is a key component of the NIS's long-term strategy, enabling monitoring of inaccessible areas. The NIS, with the Ministry of Interior's support, has completed the first phase of its e-Border Solution projec
Franklin-Kennedy Ibeh, the youth leader of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, has condemned the xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeting foreigners of African descent. In a statement from Owerri, Ibeh accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling African National Congress of not adequately addressing the attacks. He suggested that former South African leaders like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Winnie Mandela, and Mvumbi Luthuli would be displeased by the current situation. Ibeh, who is also the president of Duruiheoma Group, stated that the ongoing attacks are a result of leadership failure, with South African citizens misdirecting their anger towards innocent non-South Africans engaged in legitimate businesses. He called for an immediate end to the violence and urged Africans to promote peace, economic cooperation, political tolerance, and security across the continent. South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence, with foreign nationals frequently targeted during times of social and economic strain, leading to widespread condemnation from African leaders and organizations.
China has warned the European Union against sanctioning its companies, following Brussels' proposal for new measures targeting firms allegedly supporting Russia's military in Ukraine. The EU's latest sanctions aim to complicate commercial activities by companies in third countries. The 27-member bloc has previously sanctioned Chinese firms for alleged support to Russia's military industrial complex. These new sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. Officials indicated that the measures include adding 14 companies from mainland China and Hong Kong to a list of firms banned from purchasing EU goods. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that Beijing "has always firmly opposed illegal unilateral sanctions that lack basis in international law" and has urged the EU to correct its practices. Lin warned that China would "closely follow" developments and "take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests." China maintains it is a neutral party in the Ukraine war and does not provide lethal assistance to either side. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted on social media that the latest package represents the "largest set of listings in over two years," focusing on the financial sector, energy, and drone production.