Here are the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today, January 16, 2025:
- Tinubu Unveils Nigeria’s Climate Strategy
President Bola Tinubu has introduced a three-pillar approach to address climate change, emphasizing global collaboration to bridge the energy transition gap between Africa and the rest of the world. He views climate change as both an environmental challenge and an economic opportunity.
2. Veteran Criticizes Military Equipment
During the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, retired Colonel Nasiru Salami criticized the Nigerian military’s use of inferior weapons against insurgents in the North-West. He highlighted the disparity in firepower between security forces and insurgents, calling for immediate upgrades to military equipment.
3. House Investigates Failed Abia Road Project
The House of Representatives has directed the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to investigate the failed reconstruction of the F107 Ohafia Bende Umuahia road in Abia State. Lawmakers expressed concerns over the project’s abandonment despite substantial funding.
4. Shehu Sani Reflects on Ahmadu Bello’s Assassination
Former Senator Shehu Sani has attributed Nigeria’s current challenges to the 1966 assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. Sani believes that Bello’s death planted a “seed of evil” that continues to affect the nation.
5. Ijaw Congress Warns Against Ethnic Misrepresentation
The Ijaw National Congress has issued a warning against portraying Rivers State as part of Igbo land. They caution that such misrepresentation could incite ethnic tensions and urge for accurate representation of the state’s diverse ethnic composition.
6. Nigeria Recovers $110 Million in Stolen Assets
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi has announced the repatriation of $110 million in assets stolen from Nigeria and hidden in various countries. The government plans to utilize these funds for national development projects.
7. National Assembly Increases Customs Revenue Target
The National Assembly has raised the Nigeria Customs Service’s 2025 revenue target from N6.5 trillion to N12 trillion. This adjustment aims to boost government revenue but has raised concerns about the feasibility of such an ambitious target.
8. December Inflation Rises to 34.8%
Nigeria’s inflation rate increased to 34.8% in December 2024, up from 34.6% in November. The festive season’s heightened demand for goods and services is cited as a contributing factor to this rise.
9. Dutch National Drowns Escaping Kidnappers
A Dutch citizen, Gibson Reuben, tragically drowned after his vehicle plunged into the Aleto-Eleme River in Rivers State. Reuben was attempting to escape from kidnappers when the incident occurred.
10. Nigeria Drawn in Group D for CHAN 2024
The home-based Super Eagles have been placed in Group D alongside defending champions Senegal, Congo, and Sudan for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament is scheduled to take place later this year.
