Nigeria News (Standard)
Troost-Ekong Faults Nwabali’s Exit from Chippa United Without Securing New Club After AFCON
Former Super Eagles captain says goalkeeper’s early departure from South African side leaves career prospects uncertain
Former Super Eagles captain says goalkeeper’s early departure from South African side leaves career prospects uncertain
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has criticised Stanley Nwabali’s decision to leave Chippa United before finding a new club, warning it could complicate the goalkeeper’s professional trajectory. Troost-Ekong voiced his concerns on Tuesday while reflecting on Nwabali’s status following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria finished third in Morocco.
Nwabali, who emerged as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper during the 2023 AFCON and further cemented his place with strong performances in the 2025 edition, opted to request an early release from his contract with Chippa United in February 2026. The termination came four months ahead of schedule, with both parties agreeing to part ways so Nwabali could pursue opportunities outside South Africa for better competition and improved earnings.
The move initially appeared justified, as Nwabali was at the peak of his form and attracting attention across Africa following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the continental tournament. However, Troost-Ekong has now stated that leaving without securing a firm deal elsewhere puts unnecessary pressure on Nwabali. “Making such a move without having another club lined up is a risky step for any player, especially after such a successful run with the national team,” Troost-Ekong said.
Nwabali’s departure has left his immediate playing future unclear, despite speculation linking him to bigger clubs within and outside Africa. Football observers note that while Nigerian players often seek moves abroad after strong AFCON showings, failure to secure contracts can lead to prolonged periods without competitive action and affect their standing in both club and national teams.
It remains uncertain where Nwabali will play next season, as negotiations reportedly continue with several interested clubs. Analysts say his situation highlights the importance of careful career planning for Nigerian footballers seeking to capitalise on international exposure.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Minister Tegbe Unveils Plan for 277GW Power Capacity by 2060, Presidency Rejects Claims on Tinubu’s Re-election Promise
Federal government targets massive energy expansion with renewables as Presidency dismisses reports on Tinubu’s alleged electricity pledge
Federal government targets massive energy expansion with renewables as Presidency dismisses reports on Tinubu’s alleged electricity pledge
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has announced that Nigeria is set to pursue an ambitious target of increasing the nation’s installed electricity capacity to 277 gigawatts (GW) by the year 2060. Speaking on Monday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Renewable Energy Outlook Conference held at Commerce House in Lagos, Tegbe said government’s energy transition agenda will focus on leveraging renewable resources and private sector investment to tackle energy poverty and drive industrial growth.
Tegbe highlighted that the plan forms part of government’s broader strategy to address both climate change and the persistent lack of adequate power supply across the country. According to him, boosting power generation is central to Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and long-term development. The minister explained that by focusing on renewables, government aims to improve access for millions of Nigerians currently facing unreliable electricity, while also meeting global climate commitments.
He stated: “Nigeria’s energy transition agenda is designed not only to tackle climate concerns but also to address energy poverty, improve industrial competitiveness and create jobs.” Tegbe added that achieving this target would require significant investments from both public and private sectors, as well as policy reforms to attract investors into the power sector.
Meanwhile, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, has refuted claims circulating online that President Tinubu vowed not to seek re-election if he failed to substantially improve power supply during his tenure. Onanuga described such reports as false and misleading, insisting that the President has not made any such commitment regarding his political future or electricity targets.
The power sector remains a critical challenge for Nigeria’s development, with frequent outages affecting businesses and households nationwide. Stakeholders at the conference urged government to prioritise implementation of reforms and ensure transparency in project execution. Experts say realising a 277GW capacity will depend on stable policy direction, sustained funding, and effective regulation over the coming decades.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Economists Gather in Uyo to Assess Nigeria’s Debt and Poverty Under Buhari, Tinubu Administrations
Experts to review monetary policy, food security, and manufacturing as Akpan Ekpo Centre hosts national dialogue at UniUyo
Experts to review monetary policy, food security, and manufacturing as Akpan Ekpo Centre hosts national dialogue at UniUyo
Leading economists and policy experts will converge on Uyo, Akwa Ibom State this Friday for a national dialogue aimed at appraising Nigeria’s economic performance since 2015. The event, holding at the University of Uyo and convened by the Akpan Ekpo Centre for Public Policy, is set to address critical issues such as the country’s rising debt profile, persistent poverty, governance record, and manufacturing sector challenges.
The forum is being organised in honour of renowned economist and public policy scholar, Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo, who will deliver the keynote address as he marks his 72nd birthday. According to organisers, participants will include academics and senior stakeholders from across the country’s economic landscape.
Among those scheduled to speak are Professor Chikanele Asuru, who will focus on trends in monetary and fiscal policy, labour market dynamics, poverty rates and growing inequality. Professor Emmanuel Onwioduokit is expected to examine Nigeria’s debt management approach in recent years—including under both President Muhammadu Buhari (APC) and President Bola Tinubu (APC)—and offer recommendations for sustainable fiscal practices.
The dialogue comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with inflationary pressures that have pushed food prices higher and worsened living conditions for millions. The National Bureau of Statistics recently reported inflation above 30 percent, while unemployment remains a pressing concern. Many observers say effective policy responses are urgently needed to reverse declining manufacturing output and ensure food security.
Stakeholders at the event are expected to produce recommendations for government action on key challenges affecting ordinary citizens. The outcomes from the Uyo dialogue may inform future interventions by federal ministries as well as legislative oversight by the National Assembly. As at press time, no official government statement had been released regarding anticipated responses to the dialogue’s resolutions.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/economists-to-appraise-nigerias-performance-at-uyo-dialogue/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Manufacturers Association Reports ₦1.9trn Decline in Bank Credit as Capacity Utilisation Falls Nationwide
MAN urges urgent reduction of benchmark interest rate after sector credit drops to ₦6.61trn by end of 2025
MAN urges urgent reduction of benchmark interest rate after sector credit drops to ₦6.61trn by end of 2025
Bank lending to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector has dropped sharply by ₦1.92 trillion, falling from ₦8.53 trillion in December 2024 to ₦6.61 trillion at the close of 2025, according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). The development, which MAN described as a severe financial constraint, has led to reduced capacity utilisation and job losses across the country.
The Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, disclosed this data on Tuesday while highlighting the challenges manufacturers are facing amid declining commercial credit from banks. He stated that the manufacturing sector experienced a significant 22.5 percent contraction in bank credit allocation within the year—one of the largest drops among all major economic sectors, with only general services posting a higher shortfall at 25 percent.
Ajayi-Kadir explained that the reduction in available credit has suppressed manufacturers’ ability to operate at optimal levels, stagnated their contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, and intensified price pressures due to production shortfalls. He warned that unless urgent steps are taken, including an adjustment in monetary policy, the sector’s performance would remain hampered.
“The present funding arrangement is not sustainable for our members or the wider economy,” Ajayi-Kadir said, urging monetary authorities to lower the benchmark interest rate by at least 200 basis points over the next two quarters. He emphasised that improved access to affordable financing is critical if manufacturers are to boost output and sustain jobs amid current economic headwinds.
MAN called on policymakers and relevant agencies to urgently address these concerns through coordinated interventions targeting lower lending rates and better access to long-term capital for industrial players. Without such action, stakeholders warned that further contractions could undermine Nigeria’s ambitions for industrial growth and economic diversification.
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