Poverty in Nigeria rose to 63 per cent in 2025 despite a slowdown in inflation, underscoring the limited impact of recent macroeconomic improvements on household welfare, the World Bank has said.

The bank disclosed this in its Nigeria Development Update (April 2026) titled “Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development,” released in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to the report, the share of Nigerians living below the poverty line increased from 56 per cent in 2023 to 61 per cent in 2024, before rising further to 63 per cent in 2025—equivalent to about 140 million people.

The increase occurred even as inflation began to ease, highlighting a disconnect between moderating prices and real income growth.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that headline inflation declined from 34.80 per cent in December 2024 to 15.15 per cent in December 2025, a drop of 19.65 percentage points. Food inflation also fell sharply from 39.84 per cent to 10.84 per cent over the same period.

Despite this moderation, the World Bank noted that inflation remained high enough to erode purchasing power and worsen living conditions.

“Household incomes have not grown fast enough to offset still-elevated inflation, and poverty has yet to begin declining,” the report stated.

It added that the persistence of poverty reflects the cumulative effects of earlier inflation spikes, which had already weakened real incomes before the recent easing in prices.

The bank also cited global shocks, particularly the Middle East conflict, as factors pushing up energy, food and transport costs, thereby worsening conditions for low-income households.

Beyond inflation, the report identified structural constraints to poverty reduction, noting that economic growth has been driven largely by services and industry, while agriculture—where more than half of the poor are employed—has lagged behind.

“Growth in the agriculture sector… has lagged services and industry, constraining the pace of poverty reduction,” it said.

This imbalance has limited income gains among vulnerable populations, slowing the translation of economic growth into improved living standards.

Looking ahead, the World Bank projected a gradual decline in poverty from 2026 as inflation continues to ease and macroeconomic conditions stabilise. Poverty is expected to fall to about 59 per cent by 2028, supported by lower food inflation and moderate growth.

However, it warned that the pace of decline would remain slow due to weak job creation, low agricultural productivity and persistent inequality, stressing that growth must be inclusive and job-rich to significantly reduce poverty.

The report also linked poverty to broader human capital challenges, noting that poorer households face worse outcomes in nutrition, health and early childhood development, reinforcing long-term inequality.

Speaking at the report’s launch, the World Bank’s Lead Economist for Nigeria, Fiseha Haile, said poverty remains elevated despite recent macroeconomic improvements.

He warned that although inflation has declined, it still risks eroding real incomes and slowing welfare gains, emphasising that price stability is critical to improving living conditions.

Haile added that reducing poverty would depend not only on economic growth but also on its quality, particularly its ability to create jobs and raise incomes among the most vulnerable.

He further stressed that investments in early childhood development are essential for long-term productivity and poverty reduction.

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Suspected Fulani bandits have killed eight residents in Mbwelle Village, Kwatas District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what authorities described as a renewed wave of reprisal attacks.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on April 9, according to security sources.

The incident was disclosed in a post on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security analyst focused on the Lake Chad region.

The victims were identified as Habila Istifanus (38), Hassan Istifanus (31), Iliya Mangut (70), Sunday Gideon (31), Innocent Banabas (20), Lucky Titus (38), Wisdom Lucky (15), and Bwehsun Hassan (25).

Joint security forces said they responded to a distress call but did not encounter the attackers, who had fled the scene before their arrival.

A security source attributed the delayed response to the distance—about 15 kilometres—between the troops’ base and the community, as well as difficult terrain.

All casualties, including those injured, were evacuated to Bokkos Cottage Hospital.

Troops have since launched operations to track down the assailants.

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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has filed a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to restore the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, followed the removal of their names, alongside other members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, from INEC’s official portal on April 1.

In a motion on notice dated April 7, filed by counsel to Mark, Sulaiman Usman, SAN, the plaintiff is asking the court to issue a mandatory injunction directing INEC to reinstate the affected officials as they existed before the dispute.

The application, brought under Order 26 Rules 1 to 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, as well as the court’s inherent jurisdiction, seeks three principal reliefs.

Part of the relief reads: “An order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the decision, act, or directive of the respondent removing the names of the applicant’s National Working Committee from its official portal and the decision of refusal to attend or monitor the applicant’s congresses or convention pending the hearing and determination of the suit.”

It further seeks: “An order of mandatory injunction directing INEC to forthwith restore and maintain records of the names of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, as well as all members of the National Executive Committee.”

The plaintiff also prayed the court for: “An order restraining INEC from tampering with, or otherwise interfering with, the said leadership records, or recognising any contrary or competing claims, pending the final determination of the suit.”

The suit arose from the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal in a leadership dispute initiated by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Gombe, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.

In a supporting affidavit, Usman argued that the appellate court had directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, describing it as the last uncontested state of affairs before the dispute.

Meanwhile, immediate past National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, yesterday, said the party will continue preparations for its convention and congresses and won’t be distracted by the leadership crisis rocking the party, which parades some of the biggest opposition politicians in Nigeria.

On a day that the Nafiu Gombe-led factioan of the party held a counter-protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Nwosu, who is backing the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC spoke during an interview on Channels Television.

This was as Civil Society Organisations, CSOs alleged that the Professor Joash Amupitan-led INEC was out to crown President Bola Tinubu; and a chieftain of the ADC, Mr Kenneth Okonkwo, added that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, does not want elections in 2027.

No going back on our preparation for polls — Nwosu

Insisting that the ADC is moving on with its plans ahead of the 2027 general elections despite INEC’s de-recognition of the Mark and Gombe camps citing court order, Nwosu said: “We are taking the necessary action both in court and with INEC, but we will not allow INEC to derail any of our programmes. After that malicious INEC release, our chairman and the rest of us sat together and decided to move ahead,

“We submitted our programme to INEC according to the law, and they endorsed it—all the dates were endorsed. By the electoral law, whether they show up or not is their own volition; we have not violated anything.

“The congresses have already started. Our national convention, slated for the 14th , will also go on, where we will validate everything we’ve done. We don’t want opportunists in the ADC; we want mission-driven leaders who have the courage to challenge a bad system.”

Nwosu said the ADC will inform INEC of its programmes, including “our upcoming national convention to select our presidential and general candidates. If they don’t accept it, we will publish it to all Nigerian media because they represent the people,” Nwosu, who founded the ADC, said.

Gombe leads ADC counter-protest over INEC recognition dispute

However, the Gombe-led action of the ADC, yesterday, took to the streets of Abuja in a counter-protest, pressing the electoral commission for recognition and warning rival actors to steer clear of the party’s affairs.

Rival camps within the ADC, linked to former Senate President David Mark and the party’s former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, are now openly battling over who truly runs the party ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general election.

The fight among the camps centres on leadership, control of the party’s structure, and who should be recognised by INEC.

Gombe, who is also laying claim to the party’s national chairmanship, stood with Leke Joseph Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, during the demonstration, which climaxed at the headquarters of the INEC in the nation’s capital, where they addressed supporters and restated their demand for official recognition.

We won’t allow political nomads to hijack our party — Gombe

Gombe said despite INEC’s position, the David Mark-led faction is going to proceed with the national convention and congresses, insisting that internal processes should not be suspended.

“This confidence is not merely a matter of party politics; it reflects a deeper issue of respect for the rule of law and the principles governing our democracy. We cannot allow political nomads to exploit the vulnerability of our party for their gain. The integrity of INEC and the democratic process in Nigeria depends on our commitment to upholding our constitutional framework and the decisions of the judiciary.”

He urged INEC to comply with what he described as a Court of Appeal order preserving the status quo ante bellum, specifically asking the commission to reflect his position on its official records.

“My prayer as I address you today is that I urge INEC to please place my name on the portal, as required by the status quo antebellum order of the Court of Appeal. This is not just a personal request; it is a plea for justice, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.

APC doesn’t want 2027 polls — Kenneth Okonkwo

Meanwhile, ADC Chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused the ruling APC of plotting to undermine opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Okonkwo who is also a member of National Working Committee, NWC, alleged that the APC is using state institutions and internal collaborators to destabilise the ADC.

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Two children were rescued on Thursday after a two-storey residential building collapsed in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, prompting emergency response and fresh warnings over structural safety.

According to Punch, the incident, which occurred at about 9:10 a.m. on Ajegunle Street, off Sabo-Line in the Isale area, involved a six-flat building.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, the agency confirmed that two children were initially trapped in the debris but were rescued before firefighters arrived at the scene.

“It was reported that two children, Ahmad (8 years) and Hussainat (10 years) were trapped but were rescued and taken to the nearest hospital before the arrival of the Fire Service,” Hassan said.

“Firefighters immediately commenced salvage operations, recovering essential belongings including clothes, electronics, food items, and important documents from accessible areas of the building,” he added.

Following an on-site assessment, the Fire Service raised concerns about the safety of nearby structures and recommended urgent preventive measures to avert further disasters.

“Following an on-site assessment, the Kwara State Fire Service recommended to the Disaster Management Department of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to seal off the collapsed structure and issue a seven-day ultimatum to occupants of an adjacent building found to be structurally unsafe and unfit for habitation,” the PRO noted.

The Disaster Management unit of the NSCDC was said to have acted swiftly on the recommendation, sealing off the affected building and enforcing the evacuation notice on the neighbouring structure.

Authorities also disclosed that prior warnings had been issued about the condition of the building before the collapse occurred.

“It was further gathered that the caretaker of the collapsed building had previously been notified about the deteriorating condition of the structure prior to the incident,” Hassan said.

The Director of the Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, was present at the scene to supervise operations and coordinate with other emergency responders.

Addressing property owners and residents, Alabi urged them to carry out regular structural integrity assessments of buildings, heed early warning signs such as cracks and weaknesses, and take immediate action when defects are identified.

He stressed that prompt attention to structural defects could prevent avoidable tragedies and save lives, while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

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Yesterday, being 8th April, 2026, a combined team comprising members of the Nigerian Police Force and Udogachi Security paid a courtesy visit to the incoming EzeNri, Ọba Alọkwụeche, Barrister Chukwudi Nwokoye.

The delegation was led by Inspector Gabriel Owoicho Adokpa of the Nigerian Police Force and Mr. Christopher Nwosu of Udogachi Security. The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between formal law enforcement agencies, local security outfits, and the traditional institution in maintaining peace and security within the community.

During the visit, the team formally paid their respects to the Ọba and commended his leadership role in promoting peace and unity. Inspector Adokpa reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to ensuring the safety of lives and property, while also emphasizing the importance of community partnership in effective policing.
Mr. Christopher Nwosu, speaking on behalf of Udogachi Security, highlighted the role of local security initiatives in complementing the efforts of the police. He stressed the need for continuous cooperation and information sharing between all stakeholders.

In his response, Ọba Alọkwụeche, Barrister Chukwudi Nwokoye, appreciated the visit and commended the joint efforts of both the Nigerian Police Force and Udogachi Security. He encouraged sustained collaboration and urged all parties to remain committed to the peace, stability, and development of the community.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with assurances of continued partnership in fostering a secure and peaceful environment.

See more pictures below

#ObaAlokwueche #NigeriaPoliceForce #UdogachiSecurity #Nrikingdom #GoViral

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has launched a scathing attack on Nafiu Bala, the factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing him of selling his conscience amid the raging leadership crisis rocking the party.

Melaye made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday night. He recalled that Bala personally attended the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 29, 2025, where the leadership of Interim National Chairman Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and others was ratified.

The meeting was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).According to Melaye, Bala’s sudden opposition to the leadership is hypocritical. He said:“On July 29, 2025, we had a NEC meeting that Nafiu was present. In that meeting, the leadership of Aregbesola, David Mark, and others were ratified. The one who has commercialized his conscience, the one who is laying claims now, present at that meeting. INEC was also present and monitored that NEC meeting.”

Melaye noted that in August 2025, the party formally notified INEC of the new leadership, which the commission acknowledged. He stressed that Senator David Mark became the authentic National Chairman from May 29, 2025, describing the NEC as the highest decision-making body of the party.

He added that Nafiu Bala only approached the court on September 2, 2025, months after INEC’s recognition — and had earlier resigned as National Chairman on May 17, 2025.

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Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), says there is no abnormal delay in his client’s appeal process.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ejimakor urged the public to
ignore speculation suggesting that the appeal may have been abandoned.

Ejimakor said the appeal, which challenges Kanu’s conviction, is already underway and progressing in line with laid-down legal procedures.

“As already known, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Notice (and Grounds) of appeal was filed in February 2026. This is the first and most important step that activated the appeal,” he said.

Ejimakor explained that the compilation and transmission of the record of appeal, which he described as a key stage in appellate proceedings, has been completed by the registrar of the federal high court in Abuja.

According to him, the process has moved to the exchange of briefs of argument between Kanu’s legal team and the federal government.

“The next visible milestone is the transmission of the record of appeal (which has been done), followed by the exchange of briefs, which is in process,” he said.

Ejimakor added that the appeal is “already live”, stressing that the filing of the notice in February effectively set the process in motion.

“It is noteworthy that the appeal is already ‘live’ – the filing of the Notice in February 2026 started the clock,” he said.

He said under established procedure, Kanu’s legal team is expected to file its brief of argument within 45 days of receiving the record, after which the prosecution will respond within 30 days.

The lawyer noted that the court will rely primarily on these written briefs, while oral arguments at the hearing will only serve to clarify issues raised.

He also clarified that no fresh evidence or oral testimony will be taken at the appellate stage.

Ejimakor urged the public to disregard rumours and misconceptions about the appeal process, noting that it follows a structuredand sequential path.

“People should therefore focus on these clear, sequential stages rather than daily rumors or believing that the appeal process will Follow the same pattern and procedure seen in the High Court before Justice Omotosho,” he said.

He added that the process could take several months, although terrorism-related cases are typically prioritised for faster hearing.

“This is the standard, transparent roadmap laid down by Nigerian law, and MNK’s appeal cannot be any different. So, the appeal is progressing exactly as the rules require – one procedural step at a time,” Ejimakor said.

BACKGROUND

In November 2025, James Omotosho, the presiding judge, sentenced the IPOB leader to life imprisonment for terrorism charges.

Kanu was handed life imprisonment for counts one, four, five and six of the seven-count charges.

The IPOB leader got 20 years and five years’ imprisonment on counts three and seven, respectively.

Kanu is currently serving his sentence at the correctional centre in Sokoto.

In an appeal filed on February 4 at the court of appeal in Abuja, Kanu asked the appellate court to quash his terrorism conviction and the sentence.

The IPOB leader argued that the life imprisonment sentence was imposed without allocutus — a statement by the defendant explaining why the
court should not impose the maximum sentence for the crime.

“An Order of the Honourable Court of Appeal quashing the conviction of the Appellant in all the counts in the charge No:
FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 by the Federal High Court Judge,” part of the relief sought
reads.

“An Order of the Honourable Court of Appeal quashing, reversing and setting aside the sentences/punishment imposed on the Appellant by the Honourable trial Federal High Court Judge in the charge no.FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.

“An Order of the Honourable Court of Appeal discharging and acquitting the Appellant in respect of all the counts in charge No.
FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.”

Aprokorepublic

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, has warned that President Bola Tinubu could damage Abuja and even shift the Federal Capital Territory to Lagos if re-elected in 2027.

Amaechi made this remark on Wednesday during a protest in Abuja, where he stressed that the ADC is determined to remove the All Progressives Congress, APC, from power, just as the APC unseated the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2015.

According to him, “The APC forced PDP out of office, and now it is our turn to do the same to them. If they remain in power, they may destroy this capital or relocate it to Lagos. Nigerians must vote them out.”

The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, was organised by the ADC in response to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to withdraw recognition from some of its leaders amid an internal crisis.

Key figures of the party, including Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola, were present at the demonstration, all maintaining that Tinubu should not continue in office.

Amaechi also accused the president of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and suggested that the APC fears losing future elections.

“They claimed to be popular, so why are they afraid of elections? Tinubu says he was part of NADECO, yet democracy is being weakened under him. In 2015, the APC benefited from Jega, who remains one of the finest INEC chairmen,” he said.

He further criticised the appointment of Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman, alleging that it was aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the polls.

“Appointing someone primarily concerned with protecting personal interests has no place in INEC. It is disappointing. The process has already been manipulated by restricting party registrations out of fear of defeat. Regardless, they will lose the election,” Amaechi added.

He also blamed the current administration for the rising unemployment and urged Nigerians to reject the APC in the next elections.

“Unemployment is increasing under Tinubu’s leadership. If Nigerians do not act, the situation will worsen. Consider how quickly the national anthem was changed upon his assumption of office. I have played my part; the rest is up to the people,” he said.

Aprokorepublic

A federal high court in Abuja has sentenced four Boko Haram members to life imprisonment.

The convictions followed guilty pleas entered by the defendants to charges brought against them by the federal government. A witness From the Department of State Services (DSS) also presented evidence in support of the prosecution’s case.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, also convicted 14 other defendants in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, sentencing them to prison terms ranging from 20 to 25 years on multiple counts.

The prosecution, led by Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, alongside Rotimi Oyedepo, director of public prosecutions of the federation (DPPF), tendered confessional statements and investigation reports through the DSS witness. The court admitted  documents as exhibits.

Those sentenced to life imprisonment are Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (also known as Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai.

In the charge marked FHC/KNJ/CR/509/2026, Abiso, arraigned
as the sole defendant, pleaded guilty to all four counts brought against him.

According to the prosecution, 30-year-old Abiso from Bama LGA of Borno state, participated in and aided attacks carried out in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza, and Aulari on or before July 8, 2022 — offences punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Delivering judgement, Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment on counts two and four, and 25 years each on counts one and three.
The court ordered that the sentences for counts one and three run concurrently.

Kabiru was sentenced to life imprisonment on count two and
25 years each on counts one and three, while Ado received life imprisonment on
count two and 25 years on count one.

The judge sentenced Masawai to life imprisonment on counts six and seven, 20 years each on counts one and two, and 10 years each on counts three, four, and five.

The court also handed varying sentences to 14 other defendants after they pleaded guilty. Their convictions were based on
confessional statements and investigation reports admitted through the DSS witness.

Among them, Ali Mustapha was sentenced to 20 years on count one and 10 years each on counts two to seven, amounting to 80 years. The court,
however, ordered that the sentences run concurrently.

Other convicts include Danbawa Salisu, Modu Ali, Sanda Bello, Mustapha Fali, Modu Musa, Bidal Modu, Mohammed Abdullahi, Umar Garba, Usman Ahmadu, Hussaini Bukar, Baba Manye, Musa Mai Modu, and Ali Musa.

On Tuesday, the minister said 500 suspects are being prosecuted in phase 9 of the mass trial of suspected terrorists in Abuja. The defendants are standing trial before judges of the federal high court.

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