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National Bureau of Statistics says Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, grew by 4.23 per cent

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National Bureau of Statistics says Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, grew by 4.23 per cent

Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23 per cent (year-on-year) in the second quarter of 2025, the National Bureau of Statistics revealed in its Q2 2025 GDP Report.

According to the report released on Monday on its website, the figure shows a significant improvement compared to 3.48 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2024 and the 3.13 per cent recorded in Q1 2025.

The figures signal a strengthening economy, driven by recent rebasing, rebound in oil production and a resilient non-oil sector.

The report said, “Following the rebasing of the Gross Domestic Product using 2019 as the base year, previous quarterly GDP estimates were benchmarked to the rebased annual estimates to align the old series with the new rebased estimates.

“This procedure provided a new quarterly GDP series, which is compared to the 2025 second quarter estimates. Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23% (year-on-year) in real terms in the second quarter of 2025.

“This growth rate is higher than the 3.48 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2024. During the quarter under review, agriculture grew by 2.82%, an improvement from the 2.60% recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024.

According to NBS, “The growth of the industry sector stood at 7.45% from 3.72% recorded in the second quarter of 2024, while the Services sector recorded a growth of 3.94% from 3.83% in the same quarter of 2024.”

The report said in terms of share of the GDP, “the Industry sector contributed more to the aggregate GDP in the second quarter of 2025 at 17.31% compared to the corresponding quarter of 2024 at 16.79%.”

It added, “In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP at basic price stood at N100,730,501.10 million in nominal terms. This performance is higher when compared to the second quarter of 2024, which recorded an aggregate GDP of N84,484,878.46 million, indicating a year-on-year nominal growth of 19.23%.”

United States has warned that corrupt Nigerian government officials risk visa restrictions

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United States has warned that corrupt Nigerian government officials risk visa restrictions

The United States (US) has warned that corrupt Nigerian government officials risk visa restrictions.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria said fighting corruption has no borders and that accountability extends to high-profile individuals.

“Fighting corruption knows no borders or limits on accountability. Even when high-profile individuals engage in corruption, they can be barred from receiving U.S. visas,” the Mission said.

The US has repeatedly stressed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.

The US had, in the past, imposed visa restrictions on politicians accused of undermining democratic processes and engaging in electoral malpractices.

The latest warning comes at a time when transparency advocates have raised concerns over alleged mismanagement of public funds and abuse of office across different levels of government in Nigeria.

Washington maintains that denying entry to corrupt officials is part of its broader strategy to promote good governance, accountability, and respect for the rule of law in partner nations.

Google faces court battle over breakup of Ad Tech Business

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Google faces court battle over breakup of Ad Tech Business

Google faces a fresh federal court test on Monday as US government lawyers ask a judge to order the breakup of the search engine giant’s ad technology business.

The lawsuit is Google’s second such test this year after the California-based tech juggernaut saw a similar government demand to split up its empire shot down by a judge earlier this month.

Monday’s case focuses specifically on Google’s ad tech “stack” — the tools that website publishers use to sell ads and that advertisers use to buy them.

In a landmark decision earlier this year, Federal Judge Leonie Brinkema agreed with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) that Google maintained an illegal grip on this market.

Monday’s trial is set to determine what penalties and changes Google must implement to undo its monopoly.

According to filings, the US government will argue that Google should spin off its ad publisher and exchange operations. The DOJ will also ask that after the divestitures are complete, Google be banned from operating an ad exchange for 10 years.

Google will argue that the divestiture demands go far beyond the court’s findings, are technically unfeasible, and would be harmful to the market and smaller businesses.

“We’ve said from the start that DOJ’s case misunderstands how digital advertising works and ignores how the landscape has dramatically evolved, with increasing competition and new entrants,” said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs.

In a similar case in Europe, the European Commission, the EU’s antitrust enforcer, earlier this month fined Google 2.95 billion euros ($3.47 billion) over its control of the ad tech market.

Brussels ordered behavioural changes, drawing criticism that it was going easy on Google, as it had previously indicated that a divestiture may be necessary.

This remedy phase of the US trial follows a first trial that found Google operated an illegal monopoly. It is expected to last about a week, with the court set to meet again for closing arguments a few weeks later.
The trial begins in the same month that a separate judge rejected a government demand that Google divest its Chrome browser, in an opinion that was largely seen as a victory for the tech giant.

That was part of a different case, also brought by the US Department of Justice, in which the tech giant was found responsible for operating an illegal monopoly, this time in the online search space.

Instead of a major breakup of its business, Google was required to share data with rivals as part of its remedies.

The US government had pushed for Chrome’s divestment, arguing the browser serves as a crucial gateway to the internet that brings in a third of all Google web searches.

Shares in Google-parent Alphabet have skyrocketed by more than 20 percent since that decision.

Judge Brinkema has said in pre-trial hearings that she will closely examine the outcome of the search trial when assessing her path forward in her own case.

These cases are part of a broader bipartisan government campaign against the world’s largest technology companies. The US currently has five pending antitrust cases against such companies.

Nasir El-Rufai described the Tinubu administration as “a disgrace to democratic ideals”

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Nasir El-Rufai described the Tinubu administration as “a disgrace to democratic ideals”

Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s political future, drawing parallels with Cameroon’s long-standing President Paul Biya.

He cautioned that without decisive action in the 2027 elections, President Bola Tinubu could mirror Biya’s decades-long grip on power.

Speaking while hosting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at his residence, who visited to commiserate with him over last month’s attack during the inauguration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai described the Tinubu administration as “a disgrace to democratic ideals.”

He accused the APC-led government of centralising power rather than strengthening federalism.

“Honestly, sir, to me, it is even a disgrace. I mean, for people to behave the way they are behaving, it means that all the years of saying that we are for democracy and NADECO, all the claims that we are fighting for true federalism, and so on—it was all a pretence, all fake again. Because this government (Tinubu’s administration) is trying to centralise everything instead of devolving power to the lower levels.”

“The sum total of this is that we are facing an evil of such a large proportion in the history of this country that if we don’t come together and end this Tinubu administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya. All the signs are there, this is how Paul Biya started,” El-Rufai said.


The former Kaduna governor also alleged that Tinubu’s administration represents a greater threat to democratic governance than any previous military regime in Nigeria.

Five things to know about Indonesia-EU Trade Agreement

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Five things to know about Indonesia-EU Trade Agreement

Indonesia and the European Union will sign a trade agreement on Tuesday after nearly a decade of negotiations as they seek to mitigate the effects of US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy.

The agreement, to be signed on the resort island of Bali, will bring resource-rich Indonesia and the 27-member European bloc into closer economic ties.

It is the third trade agreement the EU has signed with Southeast Asian countries, after Singapore and Vietnam.

Here are five things to know about the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):

– Trump Prompts ‘Urgency’ –

Indonesia has been in talks with the EU since 2016, but negotiations for a trade deal initially saw little progress.

Issues such as palm oil and deforestation posed stumbling blocks, but US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff policy “created the urgency” to expedite an agreement, said Deni Friawan, researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

In July, President Prabowo Subianto travelled to Brussels and announced with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen that the two sides had reached a “political agreement” to conclude the deal after 19 rounds of negotiations.

Indonesian chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto said uncertainties caused by the “tariff war and protectionism” between major countries pushed the two sides “to seek certainty through a stable bilateral agreement”.

The agreement was expected to “mitigate risks from the impact of the global tariff war”, Airlangga told AFP in a statement.

– Tariffs Dropped –

Around 80 percent of Indonesian exports to the EU will be tariff-free after the deal comes into force, Airlangga said in June.

It is expected to benefit Indonesia’s top exports to the bloc, including palm oil, footwear, textiles, and fisheries, he added.

Von der Leyen said in July the agreement would open new markets and “help strengthen the supply chains of critical raw materials that we need to power the clean and the digital transition”.

“We want not only a secure supply, but we want a responsible supply,” she said.

“That means respect for the environment, respect for the local communities, and a clear focus on good jobs and local value creation.”

– Benefits –

The EU is Indonesia’s fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $30.1 billion last year.

The agreement would further open up EU access to the Indonesian market of around 280 million people, Deni said.

“With the CEPA, it means that it will be easier for them (EU) to enter Indonesia, he said, underlining the size of the market and its growing economy.

The deal would ensure Indonesian and EU businesses enjoyed equal legal protection, Airlangga said.

– Green Policy Tensions –

Ties had been frayed by issues, including a proposed EU import ban on products linked to deforestation that has angered Indonesia, a major palm oil exporter.

Under the EU deforestation regulation, exports of a vast range of goods — including soy, timber, palm oil, cattle, printing paper, and rubber — are prohibited if produced on land deforested after December 2020.

Airlangga said EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic had promised to give “special treatment” regarding the deforestation regulation for countries that have signed trade agreements with the bloc.

EU has postponed the rule’s implementation to the end of this year after a backlash.

Activists are concerned the agreement would lead to more deforestation driven by increased demand for Indonesian palm oil.

“The remaining natural forests in palm oil concessions will potentially be cleared in the near future (and) converted into plantations,” said Syahrul Fitra of Greenpeace Indonesia.

Brussels reportedly pushed to include provisions about deforestation in the agreement, but details have not been made public.

Unknown gunmen kidnapped Pastors wife and church member in Nassarawa

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Unknown gunmen kidnapped Pastors wife and church member in Nassarawa

Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Sunday night took Mrs Patience Nasamu, wife of Pastor Samuel Nasamu and a female member of his church to an unknown destination at Agyaragu in Obi Local Government Area.

Nasamu, a pastor of Word of God Church Agyaragu, who narrated the tragedy, lamented that his wife, who is breastfeeding a three-month-old baby, was abducted alongside a member of his church who came to visit his family after a church service.

“I barely left my wife and our visitor with our newborn baby at home to pray for one of my members who is sick when my wife placed a call to me, and all I could hear was her voice of prayer. She could not even tell me what was happening.

“I stopped the prayers and when I got to the house, my wife, a member, was abducted, leaving my three-month-old baby behind,” he narrated.

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Nasamu explained further that the gunmen came straight to his apartment in a compound and made all efforts to break the doors and windows using a hammer to smash the door, and when they could not succeed, they started shooting sporadically, forcing his wife to open the door. In an attempt to run out, she was abducted alongside a member of the church.

According to Nasamu, at about 7:00 pm, some strange faces were seen on motorcycles, and shortly after, sounds of gunfire were heard.

The cleric disclosed that he had not heard anything from the abductors since the incident that happened at about 8:15 pm on Sunday.

He also admitted that the police came after the incident and called for calm as efforts are ongoing to unravel the criminal act.

Responding, a resident of Agyaragu community, who did not want his name mentioned, lamented that the spate of kidnapping in the area is worrisome and called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to do something urgent.

“We live every day in fear of being kidnapped and killed if desired ransom is not paid to abductors. Several people in our community are being kidnapped on a daily basis, including farmers. Help us tell Governor A A Sule that Agyaragu is now at the mercy of kidnappers,” he said.

Oyo monarch suspends two baales over alleged illegal mining

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Oyo monarch suspends two baales over alleged illegal mining

Oba Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III has suspended Kilani Azeez, Baale Ilua of Saki and Timothy Oyesiji, Baale Kelli-Ile of Saki, over their alleged involvement in illegal mining and flagrant disregard for law and order.

The decision, taken by the Okere-in-Council against the baales, followed consideration of numerous complaints and investigations into allegations of insubordination as well as disrespect for the stool of the Okere of Sakiland.

A press statement personally signed by the monarch said, “As the traditional ruler, I cannot tolerate such behaviour from any of my subjects, particularly those entrusted with conventional leadership roles.

“Despite previous attempts to address these issues, Chief Kilani Azeez O. and Chief Timothy Oyesiji remain recalcitrant and unrepentant, necessitating this decisive action to call the duo to order”.

Oba Oyedepo warned other chiefs against engaging in similar misconduct, including involvement in illegal activities or oppression of individuals.

While stating that the decision takes immediate effect and remains in effect until further notice, it is emphasised that their actions will be closely monitored, and any further infractions will result in severe consequences.

“I urge the public to exercise caution when interacting with Chief Kilani Azeez O and Chief Timothy Oyesiji, as they are no longer recognised as the Baale Ilua of Saki and the Baale Kelli-Ile of Saki, respectively, or representatives of the Palace of the Okere of Sakiland,” he added.

Guardiola targets redemption as Man City face Arsenal in title race

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Guardiola targets redemption as Man City face Arsenal in title race

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said his side can ill afford a repeat of the “under-14s” defending that saw them thrashed 5-1 by Arsenal in February.

Guardiola’s men travel to the Emirates again on Sunday, already trailing the Gunners and defending champions Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

City lost two of their opening three games to Tottenham and Brighton but have bounced back with comprehensive victories over Manchester United and in the Champions League over Napoli.

The thrashing at the hands of his former protege Mikel Arteta was one of the low points in a miserable campaign for Guardiola.

City failed to win a trophy for the first time since 2017 and finished a distant third behind Liverpool and Arsenal.

“The game last season, we started like many times last season, like an under-14s team and gave away a thousand million goals,” said Guardiola when asked to reflect on his last visit to the Emirates.

“After we were, a lot of the time, pretty good considering how it was last season, but the last 15-20 minutes were a disaster.

“We forgot to do what we had do and it was easy for Arsenal. I want to compete to be a better team than we were last season.”

Both Liverpool and Arsenal massively outspent City in the transfer window in the battle for Premier League supremacy and Guardiola took the opportunity for a dig at those who claim his six titles since arriving in England are due to the budget at his disposal.

“The only thing I want to say to my friend Mikel Arteta is if he wins the title it will be just because he spent money, not because he worked hard or because of his players,” Guardiola said sarcastically.

“It’s like Liverpool too. If Arne (Slot) wins it again, it will be because he spent a lot of money, right? Because it’s not just Man City that (spend), right?”

Arteta left behind working as Guardiola’s assistant in 2019 and has slowly built Arsenal back into a force capable of competing for major trophies.

But he has still just won one piece of silverware, the 2020 FA Cup, after finishing second in the Premier League for the past three seasons.
“He found the club in a (certain) way and step-by-step, window by window, Arsenal is getting better,” added Guardiola.

“Last season in Europe, they made an incredible step forward and they are for me the most solid team. They don’t make mistakes in the back.”

City begin the weekend three points behind Arsenal and six adrift of leaders Liverpool.

The challenge facing Guardiola’s side is heightened by the fact they played their Champions League opener 48 hours after Arsenal, who won 2-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday.

Guardiola refused to be drawn into the scheduling debate but conceded it could be difficult for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to start three games in eight days on his return from a major knee injury.

“With him in the pitch we feel more comfortable but, of course, after coming from a tough injury you have to be alert and we will decide on Sunday how he does feel.”

Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez has apologised to his team-mates and fans

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Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez has apologised to his team-mates and fans

Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez has apologised to his team-mates and fans after being sent off early in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard was shown a red card in the fifth minute for a rash challenge on Bryan Mbeumo just outside the penalty area, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity and leaving the visitors with ten men for almost the entire match.

Taking to Instagram after the game, Sanchez held himself accountable for the loss and expressed his remorse. “On me today guys, big sorry for that, team put a massive effort in the second half but couldn’t get there,” he wrote.

The dismissal saw Sanchez make unwanted history, becoming the earliest Chelsea player ever to be sent off in a Premier League game. Only two other goalkeepers in the competition’s history have been sent off earlier.

Referee Peter Bankes’ decision means the Spain international will serve a one-match suspension. 

He will miss Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Lincoln City but is expected to return for next weekend’s Premier League game against his former club Brighton.

Here are the top 10 cheapest universities in the world for international students

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Here are the top 10 cheapest universities in the world for international students

Travelling abroad for quality education does not have to be expensive. There are several low-cost and even some of the cheapest universities across the globe that offer excellent programs at affordable rates, some even tuition-free. 

Here are the top 10 cheapest universities in the world for international students looking to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree without breaking the bank.

1. University of Wurzburg – Germany

Founded in 1402, the Julius Maximilian University of Wurzburg is one of Germany’s oldest and most respected universities even one of the cheapest in the world. Its vision of “Science for society” drives its cutting-edge research in areas like health sciences, molecular chemistry, quantum phenomena, and global change studies. With more than 28,000 students enrolled in over 250 research-focused programs, Wurzburg offers affordable education, making it one of the most cost-effective choices in Europe.

2. Brigham Young University – USA

Brigham Young University, located in Utah, is a private, non-profit research institution founded in 1851. Known for its academic excellence and values-based education, it offers 179 undergraduate, 62 postgraduate, and 26 doctoral programs. Tuition fees for LDS undergraduate students are heavily subsidised from church funds that make education more affordable for international students. This generous support makes BYU one of the cheapest American universities for global learners.

3. Florida State University – USA

Florida State University, based in Tallahassee, is a research-driven institution offering programs in science, technology, arts, and professional studies. With more than 30,000 students, including over 2,000 international students, FSU is a multicultural hub for affordable higher education. The average cost of studying here is considered low for a major American public university, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students.

4. University of Central Arkansas – USA

Established in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas is one of the oldest institutions in the southern United States. It provides education across six colleges, including the College of Education, College of Business, and College of Fine Arts and Communication. More than 12,000 students are enrolled in its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The average cost of education is around INR 5,00,000, and while living expenses vary depending on the course and personal choices, the overall cost remains among the lowest in the USA.

5. Brandon University – Canada

Located in Manitoba, Brandon University was established in 1899 and is dedicated to making higher education widely accessible. It offers a variety of full-time and part-time programs in the humanities, social sciences, and other disciplines. Tuition is impressively affordable. This makes Brandon University one of the most budget-friendly choices for students hoping to study in Canada.

6. Bucks New University – United Kingdom

Founded in 1891 and granted university status in 2007, Buckinghamshire New University (Bucks New) offers a wide range of programs in aviation, textiles, nursing, management, film production, and more. It is considered one of the cheapest options in the UK for international students seeking high-quality education with lower tuition fees.

7. University of Burgundy – France

The University of Burgundy, located in Dijon, offers degrees in science, computer science, arts, and humanities while also creating a supportive environment for international and disabled students. International students make up over 11% of its population, contributing to a diverse campus community. Tuition fees depend on the program but typically range from INR 3,00,000 to INR 10,50,000, which is very affordable compared to other universities in Western Europe.

8. Osaka University – Japan

As one of Japan’s top three universities, Osaka University is a leading public institution offering programs in humanities, business, law, and more, with several programs available in English. Tuition fees make it an attractive option for students seeking a world-class education in Asia. The university’s global outlook and focus on research make it particularly appealing for international students.

9. University of Warsaw – Poland

Founded in 1816, the University of Warsaw is one of Central Europe’s most prestigious institutions, known for its affordable tuition and academic excellence. Warsaw’s relatively low cost of living makes this an even more budget-friendly option while still offering a rich cultural experience and strong global research ties.

10. University of Buenos Aires – Argentina

The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) is one of the few universities in the world that offers free education to international students. Established in 1821, UBA is highly regarded for its programs in law, philosophy, medicine, and social sciences. Despite its no-tuition policy, the university maintains high academic standards and has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners and global leaders. With affordable living costs in Buenos Aires, UBA is a top choice for students seeking quality education at virtually no cost.

Kaduna residents have been thrown into darkness following the collapse of a major electricity transmission line

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Kaduna residents have been thrown into darkness following the collapse of a major electricity transmission line

Many parts of Kaduna state have been thrown into darkness following the collapse of a major electricity transmission line belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

According to TCN spokesman, Ndidi Mbah, the incident occurred at Tower Number 7 along the Kaduna Town Lines One and Two in the Rigasa area of Igabi Local Government.

The collapse, which happened after a heavy downpour and windstorm, was further worsened by acts of vandalism, as critical structural members of the tower were discovered to have been removed.

As a result, bulk power supply to several load centres in Kaduna South was disrupted, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.

“The tower collapse caused a cut in the transmission of bulk power to some Kaduna Electric distribution load centres, particularly the ones through which they supply some parts of Kaduna South,” the statement read.

“While inspecting the site of the incident, however, TCN’s linemen discovered that vandals had carted away some of the tower members, making it susceptible to collapse.

“However, to ensure that the impact of the incident is curtailed, TCN has advised Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company to link its 33kV Mogadishu feeder with 33kV Abakwa feeder to enable electricity customers in Mogadishu to have access to power supply.”

However, TCN said that other parts of Kaduna metropolis, including Kinkinau, Yan Tukwane, Kabala West, Unguwan Muazu, and Kaduna North, remain unaffected.

TCN also said that it’s team of engineers have moved to the site to clear the wreckage and commence the process of re-erecting the tower.

To cushion the impact of the outage, TCN said that it has directed Kaduna Electric to link its 33kV Mogadishu feeder with the 33kV Abakwa feeder to restore partial supply to affected areas.

10 people reportedly lost their lives in a boat mishap in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto state

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10 people reportedly lost their lives in a boat mishap in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto state

Ten people reportedly lost their lives in a boat mishap in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto state.

The boat was said to have been carrying residents of Zalla-Bango village who were fleeing from armed bandits.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the police command confirmed the incident on Saturday, saying the boat capsized with all 10 passengers drowning.

The sources tell TheCable Newspaper, that, the corpses were later recovered at about 11:30am on Thursday after an intensive search by villagers and fishermen.

The incident comes just weeks after over five persons were confirmed dead and 21 survivors were rescued, from a boat accident at Garin-Faji, in Sabon-Birni LGA of Sokoto state.

The mishap occurred one week after another at Kojiyo village in Goronyo LGA of the state.

In both incidents, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), alongside other stakeholders, including the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, were among the first responders.

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