EXPERTMATTER

Ghana’s central bank Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by three percent on the back of easing inflationary pressures, as the west African country emerges from a severe economic crisis. The Bank of Ghana announced that its benchmark rate would drop from 28 percent to 25 percent — the first such reduction in more than a year, which comes as the cedi currency has recovered against the dollar. “We remain committed to our price stability mandate while creating the conditions for sustainable growth,” said the bank’s governor Johnson Pandit Asiama. While prices are still rising in the major cocoa and gold producer, inflation eased in June to 13.7 percent year-on-year — the sixth consecutive monthly drop. At the same time, the cedi has appreciated by more than 40 percent against the US dollar since the start of 2025, supported by stronger external buffers, rising exports and growing investor confidence. The International Monetary Fund earlier this month said Ghana was making headway i...

Nigeria’s health sector is set for another major crisis, as both the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA , and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, have issued strike notices over longstanding grievances against the Federal Government, raising fears of a total collapse of public healthcare services. While the NMA, has handed the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to meet its demands or face a total and indefinite nationwide strike by medical doctors, nurses under the aegis of NANNM, yesterday began a seven-day warning strike following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum, shutting down nursing services in federal hospitals across the country. NMA issues ultimatum Rising from its Emergency Delegates Meeting, EDM, held on July 26, 2025, in Abuja, the NMA expressed disappointment over the lingering negotiations with the Federal Government on issues affecting doctors’ welfare, especially the controversial circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Co...

Deputy Speaker   Benjamin Kalu   has withdrawn the cm indigeneship bill before the National Assembly, which has generated some controversies in recent days.  In a statement on Tuesday night, Kalu said that the withdrawal has become necessary in view of the concerns and constructive feedback received from various stakeholders regarding the bill.  He added that the bill analysis report, forwarded by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) , also made it imperative for him to step down the bill at this time.  Although the intention of the bill was to promote national unity, equity and inclusiveness among all Nigerians, regardless of where they reside, part of the report stated that the State Houses of Assembly should make laws that will make settlers in different states enjoy the same rights and privileges by the indigenes. “States should make laws that would allow settlers to benefit same rights and privileges enjoyed by indigenes wit...

The Senate Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday gave the   Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited   (NNPCL) three weeks to explain queries raised against it by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation in alleging that the sum of N210 trillion remains unaccounted for. The committee chaired by Senator Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West) said that the amount in question was neither stolen nor missing but yet to be accounted for. The  three-week window for explanations was given to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Engineer Bayo Ojulari after accepting his apology for his failure to appear before the committee on four consecutive occasions after being duly summoned. Ojulari had after his apology to the committee, explained that for satisfactory response from him on the 19 queries raised, he needed more time to study the issues raised. “I’m just over 100 days in the office as the GCEO of NNPCL. I still need time to do further digging, given the perspectives...

The naira began the week with a gain against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange data showed that the  naira appreciated slightly to N1,534.21 per dollar  on Monday from N1,534.72 traded on Friday last week. This means that the naira strengthened marginally by N0.51 against the dollar compared to the N1,534.72 recorded at last Friday’s close. Meanwhile, in the black market, the naira depreciated further by N1 to N1,538 per dollar on Monday from N1,537 on Friday. The development comes as Nigeria’s external reserves rose to $38.77 billion as of Friday, July 25, 2025, up from $38.63 billion on Thursday.

At least one person has been killed and several others threatened following the invasion of displaced hippopotamuses in the Guyuk and Shelleng local government areas of Adamawa, local authorities have said. Mr Shalom Kassa, chairman of Guyuk Local Government, said on Monday in Banjiram community that a young man was reportedly killed by one of the animals during the attack. Kassa said the hippopotamuses, displaced by flooding around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng, were now within communities, farmlands and riverbanks, causing fear among residents. “This is a serious threat to human lives and means of livelihoods; the animals are destroying farmlands, invading flooded homes, and endangering residents and livestock,” he said. In response, Kassa, alongside the Chairman of Shelleng Local Government, Alhaji Abubakar Abba, and traditional rulers, including Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk, Kuruhaye, had visited the seat of government in Yola to seek help.

Over the weekend, it became increasingly clear that Alexander Isak has his sights firmly set on Liverpool. A move away from  Newcastle United  has been quietly brewing for months and, as we reported last week on  Flashscore , there has been friction beneath the surface. Newcastle’s refusal to meet new contract demands for the striker has left the door open - and now  Liverpool  are preparing to walk through it. Luis Diaz’s agreement to join Bayern Munich has shifted the conversation. It is no longer a question of whether Liverpool need a forward. Now it is about who they will get - and  Isak  is the name gaining momentum fast. Sources suggest this transfer story traces back further than many realise.  At the start of last season, Isak believed his contract talks would progress. Instead, Newcastle handed Anthony Gordon a new deal that catapulted him ahead financially. Inside the dressing room, it did not go unnoticed.  Isak...

The Osun State chapters of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have traded words over the aborted defection plan of Governor Ademola Adeleke. The APC said Adeleke was rejected because he would be a liability and would hurt the integrity of the party. But the PDP, which insisted it would not join issues with the opposition party, said Osun people would decide and defend their votes in 2026. The spokesperson for Osun APC, Kola Olabisi, in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday, recalled that a caucus in the Osun PDP, in a communique signed by Adeleke and 27 other chieftains of the party, decried the resistance against the planned defection of the governor to the national ruling party. “We state first of all that the highly informed Osun State public, who are aware that it was the fear of the impending 2026 election defeat that motivated the governor to desperately seek in our party an asylum for his political survival in 2026, are excited about the measur...

A 20-year-old electrician, Mathew Yaba, was on Wednesday sentenced to nine months imprisonment by a Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin presided by Justice Abimbola Awogboro having been found guilty of cybercrime. A statement by the head of Media and Publicity, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Dele Oyewale, on Wednesday said Yaba and 10 others were among those whose conviction were secured by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency for offences bordering on Internet fraud and cybercrime. Yaba, according to the statement, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment without option of fine on offences bordering on personation and retention of proceeds of unlawful activities by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin. The judge found Yaba guilty of retaining control of the gross sum of N7,384,750.00 and also impersonation of one Raleigh Jredd. The offence is contrary and punishable under section 17 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Co...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 25 suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation in Kano. Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday. Oyewale said that the suspects were arrested on Monday opposite Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Site, Kano. According to him, their arrest was sequel to actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in cybercrime activities. ”All suspects apprehended are confirmed to be undergraduate students of BUK. ”Items recovered during the operation include, mobile phones, laptops, internet routers and one Honda Accord car,” he said. He said that the arrest was possible following weeks of surveillance linked to their alleged involvement in internet fraud, identity theft, and financial scam. ”The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.

The U.S. House of Representatives is on track to pass major crypto legislation, including a framework for regulating stablecoins: cryptocurrencies pegged to the U.S. dollar: after intense negotiations this week. Lawmakers were scheduled to meet Thursday to vote on two key bills: one focused on stablecoins, and another setting broader rules for the crypto industry. The stablecoin bill, already approved by the Senate, is expected to pass and be signed by President Donald Trump as early as Friday. The legislation would mark a milestone for the digital assets sector, establishing the first major crypto law in U.S. history and opening the door to deeper integration with traditional finance systems. Stablecoins have grown rapidly in popularity for their ability to offer faster and cheaper money transfers compared to banks. They are commonly used in crypto trading due to their stable value, typically fixed at $1. Dubbed “crypto week” by Republicans, the process nearly stalled after some cons...

Joining the ongoing viral ‘ Nicki Minaj Pose ‘ trend, Nigerian dancer   Janemena   has shocked fans after sharing a video of her attempt at the challenge. The viral challenge involved people, mostly women, balancing on precariously stacked objects, such as gym weights, narrow tables, or bricks, while Nicki Minaj’s  ‘High School’  played in the background. What makes the challenge even more difficult is that you have to wear heels and squat with one leg crossed over the other, all while balancing on your chosen platform. Not one to disappoint, Janemena took the viral challenge to a whole new level by carrying her baby while she performed the challenge. Perched on two gym weights stacked on each other and wearing black heels, blue Iro and  Buba  with matching gele, she held her baby while the person recording slowly circled her.

Nigerian music stars  Wizkid  and  Davido  have reignited their long-standing rivalry with a fresh exchange of words on social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). The drama began on the morning of Tuesday, July 22, when Wizkid took to his page and wrote, “ Biggest 🦅 ”, seemingly declaring himself the greatest in the Nigerian music industry. Shortly after, Davido fired back with a mocking response, quoting Wizkid’s tweet and writing, “ For your parlor. ” He then went on to post a link highlighting his career achievements, further asserting his dominance in the industry. In another post, Davido wrote,  “I need cane,”  a cryptic statement that has since stirred various interpretations from fans and followers. As the back-and-forth continues, fans of both artistes have flooded the comment sections, reigniting the age-old Wizkid vs. Davido debate and fueling discussions across social media.

As part of efforts to mitigate traffic congestion on Lagos roads and further promote a model parking culture,  the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) , has concluded arrangements to commence enforcement on event centres, hotels and night clubs across the State without valid parking permit.  The General Manager, LASPA, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, gave the hint on Monday, stressing that it is mandatory for all event centres, hotels and night clubs operating in Lagos State to ensure compliance with the State Parking Regulations and obtain the necessary parking permit. Adelabu noted that part of the provisions of the Lagos State Parking Authority laws is that all business/service providers and operators in the hospitality industry should register with LASPA and obtain a valid parking permit for effective parking control and management of traffic. She informed that the importance of effective parking management in curbing traffic congestion and maintaining safety and order on the Stat...

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy ,   Bayo Onanuga , has described as false the claim by the Leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, that she cannot pass her Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman. Onanuga, in a post on his X handle today, said Badenoch owed her fatherland an apology for the misleading statement. The President’s Special Adviser urged Britain to send the Conservative Party leader, whom he described as “our lost daughter”, back to Nigeria for a proper re-education. “Britain should send our lost daughter Kemi Badenoch home for a proper re-education. Thanks to Shola Shogbamimu for enlightening the Tory politician. Section 25 of our constitution defines who has the right to Nigerian citizenship. “Kemi Badenoch lied. She owes her fatherland some apology.” Quoting Section 25 of the Nigerian Constitution, Onanuga emphasised that every person born outside Nigeria is a citizen by birth if either o...

The leader of the Conservative Party in the UK, Kemi Badenoch , has claimed that she cannot confer her Nigerian citizenship on her children because she is a woman. Badenoch was speaking on Sunday with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria. She made the comments while comparing the immigration policies of Nigeria and Britain. According to Badenoch, immigrants often exploit the British system in ways they would not dare attempt in their home countries. To further buttress her point, Badenoch referenced her children’s inability to obtain Nigerian citizenship. “It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents, I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman,” she said.

Armed bandits on Sunday morning invaded Kwaren Gamba community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing one person and abducting several others, including men and women. The attackers stormed the community around 9am, shooting sporadically and targeting households in a broad daylight assault that has left residents in shock. According to a post on Sunday by security analyst Bakatsine via X: “This morning around 9am, bandits invaded Kwaren Gamba in Sabon Birni LGA, Sokoto State. They killed one person and abducted several people, both male and female, during the invasion,” the post read.

Alejandro Garnacho is determined to prove himself in the Premier League as he refuses to accept being labelled a Manchester United flop. His time at Old Trafford is up, and boss Ruben Amorim has told him in no uncertain terms that there is no way back. Garnacho , 21, has been waiting patiently for the right offer to emerge, and now  Chelsea ,  Aston Villa  and  Tottenham Hotspur  have emerged among possible destinations where he could relaunch his career in England. There have been chances for him to move to clubs in Europe this summer, but sources suggest he would prefer not to make such a move. He feels hurt by the way he is perceived and has unfinished business. It is felt that his best qualities have yet to be fully showcased. He remains confident that he can still succeed at the top level but now he has to find the right landing spot to do so. This week, Chelsea has again been discussed as a new home for the Argentine. Chelsea considered signing him last se...

Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has left Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah after one season, the club said on Thursday. "Thank you, Auba. All the best,"  the club posted on X without providing more details. The former  Arsenal  player joined  Al Qadsiah  last year, after they were promoted to the top-tier league. During his one-season spell, the 36-year-old scored 21 goals and made three assists in 36 matches in all competitions, helping the team finish fourth in the league and reach the King's Cup final, where they lost to Al Ittihad.

The three-day Fidau for the late former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari , was held on Wednesday at his residence in Daura, Katsina State. The prayer drew prominent national leaders, Islamic scholars, and dignitaries from across the country, led by the Sarkin Malamai of Daura, Mallam Naziru Daura, who offered prayers seeking Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased. At the event were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among others. The event also attracted former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Babagana Kingibe, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, former Katsina State Governor, Bello Masari, former Deputy Governor, Mannir Yakubu, Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Health, Prof A...

  President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the 2025 edition of the  All Africa Music Awards , scheduled to hold in Lagos from November 25 to 30. According to a statement shared with  Saturday PUNCH , the theme of the event is “Unstoppable Africa.” Tinubu’s endorsement came in response to a letter from the African Union Commission requesting Nigeria’s collaboration for the next edition of the prestigious awards show. The statement said the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, on Wednesday inaugurated an inter-ministerial Local Organising Committee to work with the host city, African Union and International Committee of AFRIMA to “plan and deliver a historic event. The inter-agency LOC was inaugurated at the ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja. The statement said, members of the committee were drawn from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Nigerian Film Corporation and the Nationa...

Bitcoin surged past the $120,000 mark for the first time on Monday, reaching a record high of $123,153.22 before easing to around $122,000 — still up 2.4% for the day. The rally underscores renewed investor optimism as key U.S. legislative discussions around cryptocurrency regulation get underway this week. Later today, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to debate a set of bills aimed at establishing a long-awaited regulatory framework for the digital asset industry. Those efforts have found a vocal ally in U.S. President Donald Trump, who has declared himself the “crypto president” and urged lawmakers to overhaul existing rules in favor of the industry. “It’s riding a number of tailwinds at the moment,” said IG market analyst Tony Sycamore, pointing to strong institutional demand, bullish momentum, and Trump’s backing as key drivers. “It’s been a very, very strong move over the past six or seven days and it’s hard to see where it stops now. It looks like it can easily hav...

At least 20 people were killed on Monday night in an attack by gunmen in the Bindi village, Ta-Hoss District of the Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State . The assault, which also left many injured, is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued the state’s rural communities. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the village while residents were asleep, launching a coordinated house-to-house onslaught. Women, children and the elderly were among the victims, as many were unable to flee the violence in time. Survivors described the assailants as heavily armed. Senator Pam Dachungyang, representing Plateau North, condemned the killings and expressed concern over what he described as a “war situation.” In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Eric Dung, the Senator said the recurring attacks, including previous ones in Jol and Rim villages, point to a deliberate effort to terrorise and displace farming communities. “This cycle of daily, unpro...

Nigeria is set to push for a 25 per cent increase in her oil production quota by 2027. The push for the new quota by the   Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)   cited growth in refinery capacity and improved production. According to Argus Media, a London-based independent provider of market intelligence and price benchmarks for global commodity and energy markets, NNPC limited, led by Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, aims to raise its crude oil production quota from the current 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) to two million bpd. Ojulari stated that Nigeria’s current production is slightly below the quota at around 1.4 million bpd, with condensate production adding another 250,000 bpd, bringing the total output to approximately 1.65 million bpd. The NNPC is targeting a capacity of 2.4 million bpd and production of two million bpd by 2027, with 1.7 million bpd being crude and 300,000 bpd being condensate. The push for a higher quota comes as the O...