NEWS
Sultan-Led Group Warns Of Imminent Revolt Amid Nationwide Hunger Crisis
Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, leading the Northern Traditional Council has issued a stark warning of imminent public revolt against President Bola Tinubu’s government due to the surge in poverty, hunger, and insecurity in the country.
Abubakar, serving in dual roles as both a traditional and religious leader, issued the warning during the 6th executive meeting of the Northern Traditional Council held at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Wednesday.
Expressing deep concern, Mr. Sa’ad highlights the critical level reached, stating that traditional leaders may struggle to pacify an increasingly agitated and hungry population.
Acknowledging the importance of some governors, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, he underscores the urgency for solutions to the prevailing socio-economic challenges.
He said “It is getting to a level that traditional leaders could no longer pacify the people from revolting against government and political leaders that are supposed to find solutions to their lingering socio-economic plight.
“We have reached that level, people are very agitated, people are hungry, they are angry, but they still believe there are people who can talk to them, they believe in some of their Governors, some other traditional rulers and some of their religious leaders, fortunately some of us double as traditional and religious leaders.”
Emphasizing the significance of the moment, the cleric acknowledged the restrained response from the populace so far, attributing it to ongoing efforts to reassure them.
He expressed hope that people wouldn’t lose faith in their leaders, emphasizing the challenge faced by traditional, spiritual, and diplomatic figures in maintaining calm among the population.
Expressing concern over the escalating challenges, Mr. Sa’ad lamented the increasing poverty and insecurity, stating, “To make matters worse, we are faced with rising level of poverty of most of our people; lack of normal sources of livelihood by the common man to have even a good meal a day.”
He further emphasized, “But, I believe talking about insecurity and the rising level of poverty are two issues that we cannot fold our arms and think everything is okay. I have said it so many times and at so many fora that, things are not okay in Nigeria and of course, things are not okay in the North.”
The Sultan’s alert aligns with ongoing protests fueled by a surge in food prices. Last week, citizens took to the streets in Niger, Kano, Osun, and Lagos States, responding to the inflation-induced escalation in the cost of essential goods.
A market survey conducted last Wednesday underscored the impact of inflation, revealing substantial increases in the prices of various food items since Mr. Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Responding to public concern over soaring food prices due to escalating inflation, Mr. Tinubu has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release approximately 42,000 metric tonnes of grains, including maize, millet, and garri.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) praised these measures, highlighting Mr. Tinubu’s release of cereals from the grain reserve and provision of subsidized fertilizer to farmers as steps taken to alleviate the impact of rapidly rising inflation on living conditions, according to a summary of its assessment of Nigeria’s economy.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a 5-day Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 Training in Rivers State, targeting 50 participants.
The training, being executed by Mathnebi Nig. Ltd, commenced today, March 16th and will run until Friday, March 20th.
The intensive hands-on program aims to equip participants with practical skills in project management using Oracle Primavera P6, enhancing their capabilities in the energy and construction sectors.
The NCDMB’s sponsorship of the training underscores its commitment to boosting local capacity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth through skills development.
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The training is expected to benefit participants and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s project management landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination last Wednesday.
Oyedele, 50, from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings over two decades of experience in fiscal policy and tax administration.
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He previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system, introducing zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N50 million.
During his Senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”
He replaces Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Oyedele also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, held executive programs at top global institutions including the London School of Economics and Harvard Kennedy School, and currently serves as a professor at Babcock University.
The minister’s appointment signals a continued focus on implementing the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while boosting economic growth.
Passengers were thrown into panic on Monday after a train operating along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed, leaving several passengers injured and disrupting services on the busy route.
The train, which was travelling from Kaduna to Abuja, reportedly failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the incident occurred along the rail line linking both cities.
According to passengers on board, the incident happened suddenly, sending shock through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt.
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Some passengers said they heard a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden impact caused confusion inside the train compartments, with some passengers sustaining cuts and bruises after hitting seats and metal fittings.
Initial reports suggested that the Abuja-bound train might have collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to pause temporarily while authorities assessed the situation.
A source within the Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the incident but declined to give full details, noting that he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.
One of the passengers, Sada Malumfashi, shared his experience on social media shortly after leaving the train.
He described the moment as frightening, stating that the loud sound and sudden stop caused many passengers to be flung from their seats.
He said the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly toward Kubwa, located on the outskirts of Abuja.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the development and said an official statement would be issued.
Authorities are yet to disclose the exact cause of the derailment or the full extent of injuries as investigations continue.
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