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AATF Trains 500 Cassava Processors in Oyo to Boost 20% Wheat Flour Substitution Policy

Programme aims to cut wheat import bill and create rural jobs as government pushes cassava value chain expansion

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Programme aims to cut wheat import bill and create rural jobs as government pushes cassava value chain expansion

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), working with master bakers, has trained over 500 cassava processors in Fasola, Oyo State, as part of renewed efforts to implement Nigeria’s policy of substituting up to 20 per cent of wheat flour with high-quality cassava flour in bread production. The training session took place recently in the South-West state, gathering processors from across the region.

Participants received practical instruction on producing a range of cassava-based baked goods, including white bread, coconut bread, fruit bread and various pastries. According to organisers, the initiative is intended to empower local processors and bakers with the technical know-how needed to meet growing demand for cassava flour blends in the bakery industry.

Nigeria’s 20 per cent cassava flour substitution policy was introduced under former President Goodluck Jonathan as a strategy to reduce dependence on imported wheat and strengthen local agriculture. Stakeholders have argued that successful implementation will not only lower Nigeria’s annual wheat import bill—which runs into hundreds of millions of naira—but also drive agro-industrial growth, generate jobs in rural areas and boost value addition along the cassava value chain.

Officials from AATF explained during the event that supporting processors with updated skills is critical for realising government’s vision. “By equipping these processors, we are directly supporting federal policy while empowering communities,” one organiser said at the training. Master bakers involved added that wider adoption could make bread more affordable for Nigerians by reducing costs tied to imported wheat.

With Nigeria still among Africa’s top consumers of wheat-based products, experts say expanding local sourcing is vital for food security and economic diversification. Government has indicated plans to further scale such capacity-building programmes nationwide as it seeks greater self-sufficiency in staple foods.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/agro-care/aatf-trains-500-cassava-processors-to-drive-20-bread-flour-substitution-policy/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Defence Minister Musa Hosts UK Security Delegation in Abuja, Reviews Military Partnership MoUs

UK National Security Adviser leads talks on counter-terrorism and technical training as both nations seek to modernise cooperation

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June 25, 2026

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UK National Security Adviser leads talks on counter-terrorism and technical training as both nations seek to modernise cooperation

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have commenced a comprehensive review of their existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on security and defence, focusing on modernising protocols and boosting military capacity-building for the Nigerian Armed Forces. The high-level talks took place in Abuja on Tuesday, led by Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa and the UK National Security Adviser, Mr Jonathan Powell.

The UK delegation is currently in Abuja for the fourth edition of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP4) Dialogue. During their meeting with Nigerian defence officials, both sides agreed to deepen collaboration through expanded technical training programmes and enhanced intelligence sharing frameworks.

This renewed engagement comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with evolving security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and threats to regional stability across West Africa. Analysts say that stronger international partnerships remain crucial for Nigeria’s military to address complex threats and adapt to modern warfare demands.

Defence Minister Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s “unwavering commitment” to maintaining a strategic alliance with the United Kingdom. According to Musa, deepening bilateral ties would help address critical issues such as counter-terrorism operations, intelligence exchange, and stabilising volatile regions within Nigeria’s borders. The minister described the dialogue as an opportunity for both countries to review progress on past agreements and chart a new path for future cooperation.

The visiting UK team reiterated its support for Nigeria’s security agenda, stating that ongoing technical assistance would continue under the revised partnership framework. Both parties are expected to conclude their review with an updated set of MoUs outlining specific deliverables in military training and operational support. Further announcements on new joint initiatives are anticipated following the conclusion of this week’s dialogue sessions.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-uk-review-existing-mou-focus-on-security-military-capacity-building/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

CBN Orders Lagos Banks to Freeze Accounts of 10 Alleged ISIS Sponsors After US Sanctions

Financial institutions have 48 hours to comply as authorities intensify clampdown on terrorism financing networks across Nigeria

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June 25, 2026

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Financial institutions have 48 hours to comply as authorities intensify clampdown on terrorism financing networks across Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed all commercial banks and financial institutions in Lagos and nationwide to immediately freeze the accounts and assets of ten individuals and companies accused of financing terrorism, following sanctions imposed by United States authorities. The move was announced in a CBN circular dated June 24, instructing banks to identify, block, and report any funds or resources linked to the named persons within two days.

The directive follows US Treasury sanctions against Lagos-based financier Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, aged 35, along with three Bureau De Change operators—Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change, Manhattan Bureau De Change, and Generation Currency Bureau De Change—alleged to have channelled funds for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to US authorities, these entities materially supported ISWAP through illicit money transfers. Nigeria’s own Sanctions Committee subsequently added six more individuals and a company—Abbal Bako & Sons Bureau De Change Limited—to the list on June 18.

This latest clampdown marks an escalation in Nigeria’s efforts to disrupt terrorist funding streams. In April, authorities published a separate list of 48 individuals and organisations linked to groups including ISWAP and IPOB, freezing their accounts in partnership with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. The CBN instructed banks not only to block all assets but also to retrospectively review past dealings for suspicious activities such as rapid fund movements or transactions with high-risk jurisdictions.

The Sanctions Committee said in a statement that Nigeria remains “resolute in its commitment” to tackling terror finance through international cooperation. Financial institutions must file compliance reports within 48 hours detailing any frozen assets or confirming nil returns. The CBN warned that providing false or misleading information would amount to a regulatory offence.

Security agencies are now working closely with regulators and financial intelligence units as part of ongoing investigations. The apex bank has also mandated banks to heighten monitoring for red flags associated with informal money channels and cross-border transactions tied to designated parties. As at press time, opposition parties had not issued a response.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/fg-freezes-assets-alleged-isis-sponsors-nigeria-2026062515300043588

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Nigeria News (Standard)

API Survey Finds More Nigerians Embracing National Identity as Social Cohesion Index Rises in Abuja

Africa Polling Institute reports majority now identify first as Nigerians, marking milestone since survey began in 2019

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June 25, 2026

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Africa Polling Institute reports majority now identify first as Nigerians, marking milestone since survey began in 2019

Nigeria’s social cohesion has reached its highest level since 2019, as new data from the Africa Polling Institute (API) reveals an increasing number of citizens now prioritise their national identity over ethnic, religious, or regional affiliations. The findings were presented on Thursday at the National Social Cohesion Dialogue and unveiling of the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report held in Abuja.

According to Professor Bell Ihua, Executive Director of API, the National Social Cohesion Index rose to 48.8 percent in 2026, up from 46.8 percent recorded in 2025. Ihua explained that this improvement signals a gradual but steady strengthening of unity among Nigerians, despite persistent economic hardship and ongoing security challenges faced nationwide.

The API report highlighted that—for the first time since the annual survey commenced seven years ago—a majority of respondents now identify primarily as Nigerians, rather than along ethnic or religious lines. This shift is seen by many observers as a significant milestone for nation-building efforts, particularly given Nigeria’s history of regional and communal divisions.

Presenting the report at the Abuja event, Prof. Ihua noted: “This marks a turning point in our collective journey towards national cohesion. Despite economic and security concerns, Nigerians are showing stronger bonds across communities.” Experts at the dialogue welcomed the development but cautioned that further improvements would require government action on insecurity and poverty alleviation.

The API report suggests that continued progress in social cohesion could foster greater stability and cooperation across Nigeria’s diverse regions. Stakeholders at the event called on policymakers to leverage these findings by promoting inclusive policies and addressing socioeconomic disparities.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigerians-increasingly-embrace-national-identity-as-social-cohesion-improves-survey/

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