Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on the Nigerian government to urgently implement social safety nets to cushion the impact of economic reforms on poor and vulnerable citizens.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Villa in Abuja, Okonjo-Iweala commended the administration for its efforts to stabilize the economy, particularly through the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

However, she emphasized that growth must now follow stability and that ordinary Nigerians need immediate relief.

“You cannot really improve an economy unless it is stable. The President and his team have worked hard on that. But the next step is growth and social safety nets for those who are feeling the pinch of reforms,” she said.

Since Tinubu took office in May 2023, the nation has witnessed steep rises in inflation, food prices, and cost of living.

The fuel subsidy removal and forex reforms, although praised by international observers, have triggered widespread hardship.

In August 2024, public frustration boiled over into #EndBadGovernance protests, with demonstrations in major cities like Lagos demanding economic relief for struggling Nigerians.

During her visit, Okonjo-Iweala also briefed the president on the launch of the Women’s Exporters’ Fund for the Digital Economy, a collaborative effort between the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Nigeria is one of four countries globally selected for the pilot rollout of the initiative.

“We had over 67,000 Nigerian women apply. Out of these, 146 women were selected to receive direct financial support,” she announced.

• 16 entrepreneurs under the Booster Track will receive up to $30,000 and 18 months of technical support to scale existing businesses.
• 130 women under the Discovery Track will each receive $5,000 along with one year of mentorship and training.

Okonjo-Iweala noted that the program was developed with the support of Nigeria’s First Lady and is part of a broader social safety net strategy aimed at empowering women economically.

The visit came just weeks before the WTO chief begins her second term on September 1, 2025, after making history in 2021 as the first African and first female Director-General of the 164-member global trade body.

She was accompanied by Nigeria’s Trade Minister Jumoke Oduwole during the meeting.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $125 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to fund Abia State’s ambitious Integrated Infrastructure Development Project.

This was announced in a statement issued Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti, Mr. Ukoha Ukoha, describing the development as a major breakthrough for the state’s infrastructural agenda.

According to the statement, the IsDB facility forms a critical part of a larger $263.8 million co-financing arrangement that also includes $100 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB), $15 million from the Canada–Africa Development Bank, and $23.8 million in counterpart funding from the Abia State Government.

“This approval marks a key milestone in a project that has gone through extensive consultations and procedural processes. It is central to the state’s mission to overhaul its infrastructure,” the statement said.

The IsDB loan will fund the construction of over 126 kilometres of roads in Aba, and 35.57 kilometres in Umuahia, including a strategic link road between both cities.

The project will also include erosion control infrastructure across critical sites.

When completed, the infrastructure is expected to:

Reduce travel time across major urban corridors,

Create over 3,000 jobs for residents,

Cut greenhouse gas emissions,

Improve access to social services, and

Attract new private sector investment.

The Abia State Ministry of Works will execute the project, under the guidance of a State Steering Committee, which will provide policy direction and oversee implementation via a State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU).

Procurement for IsDB-funded aspects will follow the bank’s strict procurement rules, and disbursements will be made directly to contractors and consultants, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

The approval also validates Governor Otti’s infrastructural vision, which has emphasized road modernization, urban renewal, and sustainable development since he assumed office.

“This facility will accelerate road reconstruction efforts in Aba and Umuahia, address erosion challenges, and lay the foundation for an integrated transportation system that boosts commerce and improves quality of life,” the statement added.

Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support, the National Assembly for approving the borrowing plan, and Finance Minister Wale Edun for finalizing the financing arrangements.

He also acknowledged the roles of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Attorney General of the Federation, and IsDB Vice President, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, for pushing the process through.

“This project will complement our administration’s ongoing efforts to transform Abia into a hub of sustainable economic growth,” the governor said.

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has come under fire from political stakeholders following his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu.

Critics interpret the trip as a sign of fear over a potential loss in the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

After the meeting, Soludo told reporters that he and Tinubu have maintained a close friendship for 22 years and that he is supporting the President’s re-election bid in 2027 as part of a cooperative progressive effort.

However, Nicolas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election, dismissed the visit as futile. He accused Soludo of anticipating defeat and seeking external support.

Ukachukwu pointed out that Tinubu, as APC leader, has empowered him to secure victory for the party in Anambra.

He likened Soludo’s actions to those of “a drowning person,” warning that no amount of photo ops with the President will prevent his defeat on election day.

In a statement released in Awka through Okechukwu Modebe, Ukachukwu described the visit as a clear indication of desperation and anxiety from the governor, who he says is scrambling for help after missing opportunities to improve the lives of Anambra residents.

He expressed confidence that APC will celebrate victory soon, especially with the upcoming Senatorial by-election in Anambra South on August 16, where Azuka Okwuosa is the party’s candidate.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu shared details of his meeting with Soludo on his official X account, saying their discussions centered on deepening democracy, enhancing security, and promoting economic reforms.

Describing Soludo as “a friend of over two decades,” Tinubu highlighted their shared vision for progressive governance.

“We discussed the bold reforms underway, the need to stay focused, and the importance of tackling insecurity through decisive action and inclusive opportunities for our teeming youth,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with any state that prioritizes human, social, and economic development, stating, “Nigeria’s progress is strongest when we work together.”

Tinubu also pledged to continue fostering sustainable growth, saying, “We will continue to take a bet on our dear country, Nigeria, to ensure sustainable and shared prosperity for the future.”

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that the structural rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State will cost more than ₦3 trillion.

Speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, Umahi explained that underwater and structural assessments revealed significant damage to the bridge’s piles and piers caused by illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion.

“The rehabilitation is estimated at ₦3.8 trillion, while a complete rebuild would cost about ₦3.6 trillion,” the minister said.

“We have approval for at least seven specialist contractors to carry out detailed investigations, designs and bids for both rehabilitation and new construction under an EPC+F [Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing] arrangement.”

Umahi added that similar findings were reported from earlier studies on the Carter Bridge in Lagos, which was deemed beyond repair.

Contractor Julius Berger recommended a full replacement, with costs estimated at ₦359 billion.

Following FEC’s approval, the government will invite public-private partnership bids for the projects and is exploring funding options with international lenders such as Deutsche Bank.

The Third Mainland Bridge, Nigeria’s longest bridge, was inaugurated in 1990 and serves as a vital transport artery for Lagos’ estimated 20 million residents.

Although periodic maintenance has been carried out over the years, recent inspections showed more severe damage than previously known.

“The underwater problems are compounded by decades of neglect and human activities that have undermined the bridge’s substructure,” Umahi explained.

He emphasised the urgency of the project, saying, “We cannot delay. If we decide on rehabilitation, it will require huge resources and specialised engineering. If we opt for a new build, it is slightly less costly but still a massive undertaking.”

In addition to the Lagos bridges, Umahi said the FEC approved interventions for several other damaged bridges across Nigeria, including the Jalingo Bridge in Taraba State, the Ido Bridge damaged by fire, Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State, Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, a bridge on the Abuja–Kogi route, bridges on the Lagos–Ibadan corridor hit by vehicles, the Jebba Bridge in Kwara State, and the Itokin–Ikorodu Bridge in Lagos.

“These emergency works will be documented and forwarded to the President for approval through the Ministry of Finance,” he added.

Umahi also announced that the FEC had allocated ₦493 billion for two major infrastructure projects: upgrading the Kano–Katsina Road and constructing a new Carter Bridge.

The 152-kilometre Kano–Katsina Road, initially awarded in two contracts, has undergone significant cost revisions due to current economic realities.

Section One’s cost rose from ₦14 billion in 2013 to ₦68 billion, while Section Two’s price moved from ₦29 billion in 2019 to ₦66.115 billion.

He noted, “₦6 billion and ₦34 billion had been allocated in the 2024 and 2025 budgets, respectively, for Section One, while Section Two will receive ₦80 billion over the same period.”

The minister underscored the importance of bridge and road infrastructure to economic growth and national connectivity.

“We are pursuing partnerships that will bring in private capital while ensuring that the government retains oversight and quality control,” Umahi said, stressing the use of the EPC+F model and PPP arrangements to ease the funding burden on the federal budget.

The Third Mainland and Carter bridges are key components of Lagos’ main road network, carrying hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily.

Umahi revealed that detailed studies and procurement processes for the Lagos bridge projects would begin immediately, with timelines dependent on financing agreements.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the approval of a large-scale youth recruitment initiative into the State Civil Service, aimed at reducing unemployment and accelerating development across the state.

The governor made this announcement while addressing a crowd at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, ahead of the Edo Central Senatorial By-election scheduled for August 16, 2025.

Governor Okpebholo underscored his commitment to grassroots development and expressed a deep personal connection to the region.

“If I do not develop my home, no one else will develop it,” he said.

In addition to the job creation effort, the governor revealed ongoing projects in Edo Central, including the construction of a modern market in Irrua, the dualization of the Ekpoma–Ubiaja road, and the extension of a 33kV power line to improve electricity supply in the area.

He also referenced his short but impactful stint in the Senate, during which he helped facilitate the reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi–Okene road, a major project supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Okpebholo called on the people of Edo to rally behind President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, describing him as:

“A leader who loves Edo State.”

As part of immediate education infrastructure upgrades, he directed the Commissioner for Education to begin the renovation of Eguare-Ugbegun Primary School in Ward 10.

Reflecting on past electoral victories, the governor thanked the people of Irrua for their unwavering support and resistance to electoral manipulation:

“My coming here is just to thank you and tell you that I am ready to serve and work for our people. You resisted rigging, and we won very well.”

During the rally, Okpebholo disclosed that he had instructed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Ikhilor, to initiate the civil service recruitment process.

“We are going to massively employ our young people. Creating employment for our youths is the best thing we can do for them,” he affirmed.

The rally was attended by several high-ranking APC members, including the SSG, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., Edo Central Senatorial Leader General Cecil Isekhaigbe (rtd.), APC State Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, and the APC senatorial candidate, Hon. Joseph Ikpea.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for spending excessive time abroad, while Nigeria continues to face serious challenges.

Obi’s comments came after reports that Tinubu departed for a 12-day overseas trip, starting with Dubai, then attending the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan from August 20 to 22, and subsequently traveling to Brazil for trade talks.

The presidency has not yet announced when the President will return.

In a statement posted on X, titled “Again, Our President Moves as the Nation Bleeds,” Obi revealed that Tinubu has spent over 200 days out of his 806 days in office away from Nigeria.

“Mr. President is not a tourist. He is the Chief Executive of a troubled nation and his duty is here, not in endless foreign conferences that add little or no value to our people,” Obi said.

The former governor of Anambra State questioned the necessity of the current trip, pointing out that it comes just weeks after Tinubu’s previous visit to Brazil.

Obi also criticised the President’s prolonged stays abroad, including a week-long trip to St. Lucia ahead of the BRICS Summit, describing it as excessive.

“Actual BRICS leaders arrived just a day or two before the summit. Why was our President gone so long?” Obi asked.

He argued that the ongoing trip “could have been wrapped up in five days.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, economic difficulties, and hunger crisis, Obi urged Tinubu to focus on addressing domestic issues rather than prioritising foreign travel.

“Nigerians understand that not all problems can be fixed overnight. But they expect their leader to be present, engaged, and fully committed. We are a country on fire. The President must act like the firefighter-in-chief, not a globe-trotting dignitary,” Obi stressed.

He recommended that instead of frequent international trips, Tinubu should visit Nigeria’s most affected states, engage directly with communities in distress, and work urgently to find solutions to their challenges.