Latest news with #Kaduna
Times of Oman
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Can Nigeria's new opposition coalition defeat Tinubu?
Abuja: According to the opposition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) can challenge President Bola Tinubu'sgrip on power at the 2027 general election in Nigeria. The ADC coalition, led by former presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Vice President of Nigeria Abubakar Atiku, says it is uniting to address what they describe as the country's worsening economic condition under the Tinubu administration. Nigeria's opposition is reeling from defections of top leaders and politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Aside from Obi and Atiku, the coalition includes former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi. "We are fighting for the soul of the country, that is what this coalition is about," Yunusa Tanko, a member of the new coalition and coordinator of Obi's so-called "Obidient" movement, told DW. "The Nigerian system is in a bad state — there's hunger in the land, rising insecurity, and clear disdain for democratic values," Tanko said. "Many true democrats believe the system must be rejigged. This coalition is a collective effort to fight for the soul of Nigeria and defend the essence of democracy. It's also about making sure hunger doesn't wipe away the people in the midst of plenty." Nigeria has regularly held peaceful elections since the return of democracy in 1999, despite allegations of electoral fraud, political violence and corruption. Reaction from President Tinubu's allies While supporters of the coalition remain optimistic of victory in the 2027 polls, Tinubu's ruling APC dismissed the new party as a coalition of "retired politicians without electoral value." Binta Garba Massi, a former lawmaker and supporter of Tinubu, told DW: "Coalition in a democratic setting — this is healthy to me. But the process of trying to unseat an incumbent president is another issue." She cited the time when the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power, the APC (which was then in opposition) had formed a coalition. "But now... I think it's an entirely different ball game," she said. Coalitions are not new in Nigerian politics. The country's opposition has tried this before. In 2015, the APC itself was born from a coalition that succeeded in defeating then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. That coalition broke the PDP's 16-year grip on power, leading to the election of then-opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari. However, observers note that the dynamics are significantly different now. "I think it's too early to say if the coalition can make any real impact," Mallam Baba Yusuf, a political analyst, told DW. "If we consider the current political dynamics in Nigeria, it seems more like just another political gathering," Baba Yusuf explained, adding that President Tinubu and others in the APC have decades of experience in opposition and were able to unseat an incumbent in 2015. "Their methodology, approach, and mindset were quite different from what we're seeing now. Unless the current opposition leaders significantly change their strategy, I don't see them making much of a dent." Economic challenges deepen Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu's government has implemented bold economic reforms—ending fuel subsidies and floating the naira—in an effort to attract foreign investment and restructure public finances. A recent World Bank report stated that Nigeria's economy had recorded its largest growth in the past decade. However, Nigerians have been feeling the pinch; the cost of living has surged, and millions are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, housing, and transportation. For many grappling with inflation, joblessness, and rising insecurity, the coalition promises a new political vehicle — but its chances remain uncertain. "As they are coalescing, the current administration is strategizing. There is insecurity in almost every part of Nigeria — is that the fault of the APC?" Garba Massi, a Tinubu ally, said. "Some of the people fighting the president today were helped by him to grow politically. But rest assured, APC is still standing strong and waxing stronger. At the end of the day, APC will clinch that seat in 2027 by the special grace of God." Organizers of the ADC coalition say discussions are ongoing with a roadmap to register the party and present a single opposition presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: FG, Kaduna govt to partner on light rail projects
The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its willingness to collaborate with the Kaduna State government on the construction of light rail projects to enhance the state's transportation system. During a meeting with a delegation from the Kaduna State Government, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, acknowledged the state government's eagerness to partner with the Federal Ministry of Transportation for the development of the light rail. He emphasised that this partnership is both timely and relevant, stating that the transportation sector is crucial for the nation's economy. He noted that no country can significantly improve its GDP without an efficient and affordable transportation system. 'When I took over as the Minister of Transportation. I was directed by Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure the timely delivery of all railway projects under the railway partnership. Your Excellency, the Ministry is pleased with your developmental metrics. It matched with that of our dear President in putting transportation on the top scale of your administration. 'When Mr. President visited China for a state visit. He has engaged President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China to ensure the delivery of our project from Ibadan to Abuja and Kaduna to Kano and Portharcourt to Maiduguri Your Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that we are going to deliver Kaduna to Kano segment of the railway modification project by next year. Kano to Maradi with a branchline to Dutse by next year.' The Minister further gave the assurances of support under the directive of Mr President, that the Ministry should collaborate with the sub-nationals to ensure the development of rail transportation sector, that the Federal Ministry of Transportation would cooperate with Kaduna State to ensure timely delivery of the Kaduna Light Rail. Alkali therefore gave an express directive the the Ministry's Permanent Secretary to set up an engagement committee between the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Kaduna state government who will give the design on how the light rail project, would be developed. 'We want to do the ground-breaking as quickly as possible. The committee will submit a report within two weeks. And you are directed to come to your inaugural meeting. I am going to inaugurate the committee on Monday. I will give you the terms of reference. I have already given you a marching order to report back to the Ministry within two weeks,' said Alkali. Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani who led the delegation appreciated the minister for repositioning the rail transportation system within and outside the country. The governor asserted that addressing transportation-related issues would no doubt address other pressing issues such as the creation of jobs and the enhancement of productivity. 'I want to appreciate the minister for repositioning both within the country and outside. And the level of support the ministry is getting from her partners and that is why some of us at subnational have step up and that is why today with the support of our leaders President Bola Tinubu who have given this rare opportunity to give the minister.' Sen. Uba Sani noted that Kaduna state is one of the states leading in the area of transportation, the transportation hub in the whole of northern Nigeria, and second to none after Lagos. 'Few week ago, President Bola Ahmed was in Kaduna to commission our 100 CNG buses and he attest to the fact that Kaduna is leading, and not only that, five months ago we did the ground breaking of our brt and we are embarking on 24km corridor, of our bus terminal which I have no doubt that it is the first in Nigeria. I am here to brief the minister that we are making a lot of progress. We are looking forward to commissioning the project by the 3rd quarter of next year. 'Due to this, President Tinubu selected Kaduna as one of the few states for the light rail project. 'President Tinubu has given 100 billion first instalment to support towards ensuring the light rail in Kaduna, ' he said.
News24
27-06-2025
- News24
Soldiers killed in bandit attacks on Nigerian Army bases
At least 17 soldiers were killed when armed gangs attacked three of the army's forward operating bases in central and northwestern Nigeria. In what appeared to be a coordinated assault, the gangs, commonly referred to locally as bandits, attacked bases on Tuesday in the states of Niger and Kaduna. The attackers engaged troops in prolonged firefights lasting several hours. 'Sadly, some gallant warriors paid the supreme price in the day-long battles while four troops wounded in action are currently receiving treatment for their gunshot wounds,' the army said in a statement on Wednesday. One officer told the AFP news agency, 'bandits attacked the camp while others laid ambush on soldiers outside.' Nigerian Army launched counteroffensive The Nigerian Army confirmed the attacks and said it had launched counteroffensives in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force, which resulted in 'significant enemy losses'. Armed groups operating in the northwest are known for mass kidnappings for ransom and frequent attacks on security personnel. They maintain camps in a vast forest that spans parts of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna states in the northwest, as well as Niger state in the central region. In addition to fighting armed gangs, the Nigerian military continues to face persistent threats from Boko Haram and 'Islamic State'-affiliated groups operating in the region. Earlier in June, gunmen killed scores of people in Benue state. Amnesty International Nigeria said that at least 100 people were killed, and police later reported that 26 suspects were arrested in connection with the attack.
Free Malaysia Today
26-06-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Gunmen kill 17 soldiers in northern Nigeria attacks
Armed gangs in Nigeria, known locally as bandits, typically target security forces. (EPA Images pic) LAGOS : At least 17 soldiers were killed in northern Nigeria when gunmen stormed three army bases, security sources and a local official said today, the latest assault in a region plagued by violence. Armed gangs operating in the northwest, known locally as bandits, typically engage in kidnapping for ransom and target security forces. The Nigerian army confirmed the attacks yesterday but did not provide details. 'Sadly, some gallant warriors paid the supreme price in the day-long battles while four troops wounded in action are currently receiving treatment for their gunshot wounds,' the army said in a statement. Two security sources said gunmen launched surprise attacks on the army's forward operating bases in the Kwanar Dutse Mariga and Boka areas in Niger state and another base in neighbouring Kaduna state, battling troops for several hours. The sources and Abbas Kasuwar Garba, chairman for Mariga district, said all 17 fatalities were at the Kwanar Dutse Mariga base. 'It was an ambush. They (gunmen) came from nowhere and used heavy ammunition to attack,' said a Niger-based army officer. The Nigerian army said it launched counter-attacks, killing several gunmen. Insecurity has stretched Nigeria's military, as it confronts armed gangs alongside Islamist groups Boko Haram and an Islamic State affiliate in the northeast. Niger state has witnessed ambushes against military personnel, with Boko Haram fighters known to operate there.
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: We're formalising over 10,000 artisans miners into clusters — Kaduna mining MD
Managing Director of Kaduna Mining Development Company, Alhaji Shuaibu Kabir Bello, has hinted that they are formalising over 10,000 artisans miners into clusters because of their capacity to contribute to the economy and the export market. Speaking at a strategic engagement on the establishment of solid minerals clusters, aggregation centres organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Kaduna, the MD noted they are actively involved in formalising their operations while adhering to safety and environmental standards. 'We are actively engaged in the formalisation of artisanal miners ,working diligently to organise them into clusters for effective aggregation. This initiative not only enhances their productivity but also ensures that we can collect accurate data on both the miners and their outputs. 'By formalising these operations, we are paving the way for better resource management, improved safety standards and increased market access for these miners. 'As we look to the future, I urge all stakeholders to join us in this clarion call for the formalisation of artisanal miners. By doing so, we can unlock significant value addition opportunities that will not only benefit the miners themselves but also contribute to the overall development of the mining sector.' In his address, the state coordinator, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Kabiru Yusuf, said Kaduna State is endowed with vast solid mineral resources with significant deposits spread across its 23 local government areas. He said the establishment of solid minerals clusters and aggregation centers is a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking the full potential of our mineral resources, creating jobs and boosting the internally generated revenue. Declaring the event open, the representative of Gov Uba Sani, the Commissioner of Business lnnovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai commended the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and Kaduna Mining Development Company for bringing together miners, processors, exporters, investors and regulatory bodies, saying, this collaborative efforts underscore the determination to unlock vast potential of our solid minerals sector. He said, Kaduna State is richly endowed with solid minerals such as gold, tin, lithium, and gemstone. 'These resources if harnessed strategically can serve as a cornerstone for sustainable development, job creation and export competitiveness.' Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
