Major International Business Headlines Brief ::: 14 October 2025
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Major International Business Headlines Brief ::: 14 October 2025
<mailto:info at bulls.co.zw>
ü Madagascar's President Urges Respect for Constitution, Ignores Calls to Resign
ü Nigeria: We're Not Intimidated By No-Work, No-Pay Threat, Say Varsity Lecturers
ü Nigeria: IMF's Renewed Focus On Tracing Illicit Financial Flows to Plug Nigeria's Fiscal Leakages - MD
ü Bitcoin Adoption Rises Across Africa Amid Shifting Global Market Trends
ü Nigeria: NNPC, Others Hike Fuel Price to N955 Per Litre
ü Somalia, Qatar Discuss Infrastructure and Urban Development Cooperation During Ministerial Visit
ü South Africa: Teenager Supports Her Family Using an E-Bike
ü Lesotho: Financial Constraints Hamper Parly Operations
ü Senegal's Senelec Launches $200m Hybrid Green, Sustainability Bond
ü Ghana Inflation Falls Below 10 Percent for First Time Since 2021
ü Nigeria: Gas Hoarding - Govt Directs NMDPRA to Intensify Depot Monitoring
ü Uganda: Stop Bypassing Weighbridges, Transport Minister Warns
ü Nigeria: Federal Government Flags Off Nationwide Cybercrime Awareness Campaign
ü Nigeria: NCAA Warns Airlines Against Delay in Ticket Refund Policy
ü US-China trade tensions back as port fees take effect
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Madagascar's President Urges Respect for Constitution, Ignores Calls to Resign
Madagascar's embattled President Andry Rajoelina has said he was sheltering in a "safe place" following an attempt on his life, ignoring calls to resign after spiralling unrest that has forced him into hiding.
The twice-delayed speech marked his first public address since a mutinous army unit backed anti-government protests, and followed reports that the 51-year-old leader had fled the country.
"Since September 25, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me," he said in a live address Monday evening on Facebook.
Sources told RFI that he had left Madagascar on Sunday on a French military plane.
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"I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life," he said, without revealing his location.
How Gen Z is taking the fight for their rights from TikTok to the streets
Constitution must be respected
The protests, led by mostly young Gen Z demonstrators, erupted over severe power and water cuts in the impoverished Indian Ocean country, but developed into a broader anti-government movement calling for Rajoelina to resign.
Rajoelina, a former mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, called for the constitution to be respected and ignored calls to step down.
"There is only one solution to these problems: to respect the constitution currently in force," he said at the start of his address. "If we fail to do that, poverty will only worsen."
"I am on a mission to find solutions," he said.
Deadly protests erupt in Madagascar over chronic blackouts and water cuts
Mobilisations to continue
Eliott, a member of GenZ Madagascar, was sceptical. "He is clearly not open to dialogue, it is not even certain he will take part in national consultations or engage with stakeholders," he told RFI.
"Mobilisations will continue, as will efforts to organise broad national consultations to find a way out of the crisis," he added.
Rajoelina first came to power in 2009 following a coup sparked by an uprising that ousted former president Marc Ravalomanana.
While acknowledging that the constitutional framework should be respected, Ravalomanana called for the head of state to step down.
"The solution is a peaceful transition - to acknowledge the power vaccuum in Madagascar - but we are nonetheless obliged to respect the constitution," he told RFI.
Rajoelina has not appeared in public since Wednesday and his address, set for state television and radio, was twice delayed Monday as armed forces attempted to seize the state broadcaster.
French President Emmanuel Macron, has expressed "great concern" over the island's crisis.
"It is very important that constitutional order and institutional continuity are preserved in Madagascar, because the country's stability - and the wellbeing of its people - depend on it," Macron said.
(with newswires)
Read or Listen to this story on the RFI website.
Nigeria: We're Not Intimidated By No-Work, No-Pay Threat, Say Varsity Lecturers
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has dismissed the federal government's 'No Work, No Pay' directive, insisting that the union will not be intimidated by threats.
ASUU President Chris Piwuna stated this on Monday while speaking as a guest on Channels Television's programme, 'Politics Today.'
He said the union remains united and would not succumb to what he described as the government's attempt to divide the academic community.
"We don't respond to threats, and nobody can threaten us," Piwuna said.
Piwuna stated that all academic bodies, such as the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) and the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA), were standing together in support of the strike.
"He is threatening us, writing to NAMDA and CONUA, telling them they can't get their salaries. He wants to divide us, but we are united in this matter.
"CONUA is with us, NAMDA is with us, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is with us, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) is with us. The polytechnics and colleges of education are also with us," he said.
The ASUU president advised the minister of education, Dr Tunji Alausa, to focus on resolving the ongoing dispute instead of issuing threats.
"He has got something coming. He had better sit down and solve this problem, or he will fail in trying to divide us," he added.
Piwuna also hinted that the union remained open to dialogue and was ready to engage with the federal government.
"Today, I received a call from the Minister of State for Labour. She said she had been directed to intervene and get this matter resolved. ASUU is willing. We are ready and available to discuss this matter once and for all," the ASUU president added.
Strike: Academic Activities Grounded, Disrupts Final Semester Exams
The two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has taken effect across public universities in Nigeria, disrupting final semester examinations.
It was gathered that some institutions reported partial compliance, while others have been completely shut down, with students stranded and expressing fears of delay in graduation.
The industrial action, which commenced yesterday, follows the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government to address lingering issues affecting the university system.
These issues include unpaid Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), withheld salaries, and the non-implementation of renegotiated agreements.
At Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, the chairman of ASUU, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, confirmed to LEADERSHIP that the chapter had complied with the national directive and that its members would not attend class.
"Yes, we have joined the strike as approved by the national body," he said.
Our correspondent gathered that academic activities were paralysed in most departments as lecturers withdrew from classes in adherence to the union's directive.
Some students did not bother going to school, lamenting that lectures were unlikely to be held even if they did, as the union had already declared the strike.
A 300-level microbiology student who identified himself only as Victor and resides in Giri said he would not go to school until he verified from his friends that everything was in order.
"I didn't go to school today, unlike most friends here. We will assess the situation to know if there is any need to attend classes tomorrow," he said.
However, the school management has yet to issue a circular concerning the strike or whether lectures will continue.
Checks in other universities showed varying levels of compliance. At the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, activities continued, as it was gathered that the institution was currently conducting undergraduate examinations.
A final-year student, Mr Bem Abraham, said in an interview with LEADERSHIP that the school could not join the strike immediately due to the ongoing examinations.
"I will be writing my final paper tomorrow and will graduate. I'm sure after the examinations, the school will join the strike if the government fails to resolve the issue with ASUU," he said.
At the University of Benin, the ASUU chapter issued a circular telling members that teaching, project or thesis supervision, departmental, faculty board, or Senate meetings, seminars, examinations, or inaugural lectures would be prohibited.
The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Lecturers, Bauchi, joined the nationwide strike despite the government's threats.
The chairman of the ASUU chapter at the university, Dr Haruna Angulu, said the union fully complied with the national body's directive on the strike.
Angulu affirmed that there would be no withdrawal from the strike until the union's national leadership issues further instructions.
Although the university is on holiday, some activities are ongoing on campus.
At Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), it was gathered that the ASUU chapter was in a meeting to determine the next line of action when this report was filed.
On Sunday, ASUU president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the warning strike became inevitable after the government failed to demonstrate a genuine commitment to resolving outstanding issues despite several meetings and assurances.
NLC Backs ASUU Strike, Rejects FG's 'No Pay, No Work' Rule
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared full support for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)'s two-week warning strike.
In a statement issued yesterday and signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the labour centre accused the government of failing to honour its agreements with university lecturers and of neglecting Nigeria's public education system.
Ajaero said ASUU's warning strike was a direct result of the Federal Government's inaction and disregard for previously negotiated terms.
He described the action as both necessary and justified, insisting that the government, not the lecturers, had breached the terms of engagement.
The NLC also rejected the government's threat to invoke the "No Work, No Pay" rule, arguing that it would distort the situation.
The NLC said it would not allow the government's neglect to continue unchecked, warning that organised labour would take collective action if the situation persisted.
The statement reads: "The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is deeply concerned by the persistent crisis in Nigeria's public education system, marked by chronic underfunding and a failure to honour agreements. The government refuses to implement voluntary agreements with lecturers and workers, undermining public tertiary institutions.
"The lecturers are willing to work, but by reneging on its commitments, the government has made it impossible for them to do so with the dignity and conditions their profession deserves. The core principle remains: 'No Pay, No Work'."
It called the federal government to immediately set aside its threats and address the core issues in the negotiated agreements with ASUU.
"The struggle of ASUU is our struggle. The fight for public education is a fight for Nigeria's future. We will no longer allow these unions to stand alone. We demand that the federal government use this two-week window to present a concrete plan for fully implementing all agreements.
"The choice is clear: honour the agreements and salvage public education, or face the resolute and unified force of the entire Nigerian workforce," he said
Federal Govt Enforces 'No Work, No Pay' Policy
Meanwhile, the federal government has directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to enforce the "No Work, No Pay" policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently participating in the ongoing strike.
In a circular dated 13th October, 2025, signed by the minister of education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, which LEADERSHIP sighted, the Ministry expressed dissatisfaction at ASUU's decision to embark on industrial action despite the government's repeated appeals for dialogue.
Strike Disrupts Final Semester Exams At FUD, SLU
The strike has disrupted the Federal University Dutse (FUD) final semester examinations in Jigawa State.
The disruption has left students, including finalists, angry and wandering around the campus. Some affected students were scheduled to complete their examinations by Wednesday, October 15.
According to Dr Salim Ahmad, chairman of the ASUU Federal University, Dutse chapter, the union was compelled to embark on the strike due to the inconsistency and failure of successive federal governments to abide by an agreement signed in 2017.
"Every teacher wants to be in the classroom, but we are always very concerned about the condition of teaching and learning," Dr Ahmad said.
"What we have been agitating for is an improvement in the conditions of our universities, which the federal government promised but has failed to deliver since 2017."
Similarly, the chairman of ASUU at Sule Lamido University (SLU), Kafin Hausa, Dr Mustapha Hussain, confirmed that the institution joined the nationwide warning strike to demand improved conditions of Nigerian universities.
TSU, Wukari Varsity comply With ASUU's Directive
Academic activities have been paralysed at Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, and the Federal University of Wukari in compliance with the ASUU national body's directive.
The ASUU leadership in the two universities have constituted a task force to ensure strict compliance.
Dr. Garba Mbave Joshua, the ASUU chairman in TSU, directed that no lecturer should be seen attending to students for any academic work during the period under review.
ASUU chairperson at the Federal University of Wukari, Dr Asabe Mercy Magoomya, who declined to comment on the development, said they were directed not to speak with the press.
Our correspondent gathered that Dr. Magoomya has directed members to stay away from the campus premises pending the directive of the union's national body.
Students Fear Delayed Graduation
Academic activities have also been crippled at Sa'adu Zungur University (SAZU) and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.
At SAZU, lecturers have completely withdrawn their services, suspending all teaching and examination-related activities.
Shu'aibu Abubakar, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, confirmed that union members were strictly observing the strike directive.
"There is total compliance. No lecturer reports to work, and all academic activities, including examinations, have been suspended until we receive further instructions from ASUU headquarters," he said.
A final-year student from the Department of Economics, who preferred anonymity, expressed disappointment at the development.
"This strike is untimely. I just finished my exams and was hoping to graduate this year. If it lingers, it will delay my NYSC mobilisation. We are tired of starting and stopping. Our future is at stake," he lamented.
When our correspondent visited the Yelwa Campus, classrooms were deserted, offices locked, and the usually busy walkways empty, with an eerie silence replacing the normal campus bustle.
Another student, Mohammed Yunusa, from the Faculty of Technology Education, said the strike had thrown his plans into disarray.
UNIJOS, PLASU Deserted As Lecturers Shun Classes
Lecturers at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has joined the two-week warning strike declared by ASUU national secretariat.
The development has grounded academic activities in Bauchi and Naraguta campuses of the institution.
Prof Jurbe Joseph Molwus, chairman of ASUU, UNIJOS chapter, confirmed the development to our correspondent in a telephone interview.
Our correspondent who monitored the strike observed that lecture halls were empty, and there were no signs of teaching and learning or other academic activities.
Besides, the university's main gate was partially closed, indicating limited access.
Only few students were on the campus.
Similarly, the usually crowded Multi-Purpose Auditorium (MPA) was also deserted, and the main entrance was firmly locked with a key.
In the same vein, the ASUU chairman, Plateau State University chapter, Dr Monday Hassan, confirmed to our correspondent on the phone that the branch had also complied with the directive by ASUU national leadership.
Academic Activities Grounded At Lokoja Varsity
Academic activities were halted on Monday at the Federal University Lokoja in Kogi State following the two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) kicked off in the Institution.
Our correspondent gathered that union members were fully compliant at the two university campuses in Felele and Adankolo, as lecture halls remained deserted.
A lecturer who spoke with our correspondent in confidence said the strike is part of ASUU's move to compel the federal government to honour the 2009 agreement and address other lingering issues affecting university education.
Speaking on the sidelines of the pre-convocation press briefing, the vice chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, called on the government and ASUU officials to return to the negotiation table, saying it is only sincere dialogue and understanding between parties that can bring the desired solution.
UNIZIK Students Urge FG To Head ASUU Demands
Students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, have bemoaned the two-week warning strike and pleaded with the federal government to find a common ground to end the industrial action.
The chairperson of the ASUU, NAU, Comrade Innocent Nnubia, confirmed to LEADERSHIP in an interview at the union's secretariat in the university that they had joined the warning strike "in compliance with the directive of ASUU's National Executive Council."
Two students of the institution, Ebuka Christian, a 300-level Library Information Science student, and Lilian Nwosu, his 200-level Radiography counterpart, have pleaded with both the federal government and ASUU to resolve the cause of the industrial crisis quickly.
Ebuka said: "We just resumed last week (Monday, 6th October). And I returned from Enugu. We are still settling down to start academic work, and this strike started.
KWASU Lecturers Join Strike, Set Up Monitoring, Enforcement Committee
The ASUU chapter at the Kwara State University, Malete, yesterday directed its members to join the strike.
At the end of the congress, the striking lecturers set up a 15-member Strike Prosecuting Committee(SPC) to monitor and enforce compliance by members.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP, the ASUU- KWASU chairman, Prof. Shehu AbdulGaniyu Salau said they have commenced the warning strike at the institution.
ASUU Warning Strike in Force at FUT Minna, IBBU
In Niger State, the lecturers of the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna and the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai have complied with the two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
A LEADERSHIP finding revealed that the strike has taken its toll on the Federal University of Technology Minna, and the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, resulting in the suspension of ongoing examinations on both campuses.
Further findings also revealed that the new Abdulkhadir Kure University in Minna did not join the strike because the union is yet to establish a branch at the university.
It was, however, learnt that at FUT Minna and IBBU Lapai, the examinations, which began about two weeks ago to conclude the 2024/2025 academic session, have been halted in compliance with the strike.
The ASUU Chairman at FUT Minna, Professor Lukeman Oyewobi, and his counterpart at IBB University, Dr Galadima Bala, confirmed that they were fully complying with the strike as directed by the national body.
UMYU Joins ASUU Nationwide Strike in Katsina
At Umaru Musa Yar'adua University (UMYU), Katsina, ASUU Chairman Murtala Abdulahi confirmed that the institution has fully complied with the nationwide strike declared by the union.
Speaking during an interview with LEADERSHIP, the ASUU Chairman stated that academic staff at UMYU have joined the industrial action in solidarity with the national directive of the union.
During a visit to the school premises, students were seen carrying their bags and leaving the campus. They expressed disappointment over the sudden strike action, especially final-year students.
Students Stranded as EBSU Lecturers Stay Away from Lecture Halls
The ASUU strike has affected academic activities at Ebonyi State University (EBSU), as students who arrived on campus were unable to attend lectures, with most lecturers staying away from classes.
However, the same scenario was not witnessed at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, as the university is currently not in session.
Students were seen in clusters discussing the strike action at both the Permanent Site and the College of Agriculture (CAS) Campuses of Ebonyi University. Meanwhile, lecturers who were present on campus stayed in their offices but did not attend classes.
The Calabar Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, which includes Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Ebonyi States, Dr Ikechukwu Inyenyi, stated that the union expects all universities to comply with the national directive. The demands include concluding the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, releasing the withheld three and a half months' salaries, sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities, and ending the victimisation of lecturers at LASU.
Academic Activities Running at UNIMAID
Academic activities are ongoing at the University of Maiduguri, where students are currently sitting examinations for the 2024/2025 end-of-semester session.
When contacted by LEADERSHIP regarding the ASUU position at the University of Maiduguri, Chapter Chairperson Dr Mohammed Sadisu Waziri stated that the chapter would hold an executive meeting, followed by a congress, in line with the national directive to suspend all academic activities.
Regarding the federal government's "no work, no pay" threat, Waziri commented, "The government usually threatens workers whenever they want to enforce their rights."
ASUU Grounds Academic Activities in UNICAL, UNICROSS
Academic activities were on Monday halted at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), following the nationwide strike declared by ASUU.
The leadership of ASUU at both institutions has directed members to remain steadfast and resolute.
UNICAL ASUU Chairman, Dr Peter Ubi, declined to comment, stating, "The union bulletin being circulated has told our story. I will not say a word in that regard."
Earlier, ASUU UNICROSS Branch Chairman, Dr Patrick Ushie, told LEADERSHIP via telephone that his members would down tools in solidarity with their colleagues in federal tertiary institutions due to the federal government's failure to meet their demands.
KASU Joins ASUU Warning Strike as Students Receive Half-Day Lectures
Kaduna State University (KASU) has joined the two-week warning strike embarked upon by ASUU.
Our correspondent who visited the university's main campus reports that some students received two lectures on Monday morning before ASUU officials halted further teaching.
Although there were no union officials available to comment, a student of Accounting, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "We received two lectures in the morning on Monday before the strike commenced in our school. I call on the federal government and ASUU to resolve their differences so that it will not affect our academic calendar."
LEADERSHIP further observed that students remained in the university hostels, awaiting the next directive.
ASUU-ABU Joins Warning Strike
The ASUU chapter at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has joined the two-week warning strike in compliance with the directive from the national body.
Comrade Haruna Jibril, the chapter chairman, confirmed after a congress meeting held at the main campus in Samaru, Zaria, that they are complying fully.
Although it was only the first day of the strike, he expressed optimism that compliance would be 100%.
A monitoring exercise at both the Samaru and Kongo campuses showed that students were idle in groups while classes remained empty.
Uncertainty at Gombe Campuses
Uncertainty surrounds university campuses in Gombe State following the 14-day warning strike declared by ASUU over the federal government's failure to meet long-standing demands.
At the Federal University Kashere (FUK), students returning from vacation this week expressed concerns about potential disruptions to the academic calendar.
A 300-level student, Adam Isma'il, said, "I will just wait and see how things will go before resuming. I don't want to waste transport money again."
When contacted, Dr Abdulkadir, the ASUU spokesperson at the institution, declined to comment, stating, "Only the ASUU president can speak to the media on this issue."
ASUU: FUBK in Total Compliance, Suspends Academic Activities
The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) was shut down on Monday in total compliance with the ASUU strike.
The branch chairman of ASUU, Dr Abdulrahman Yusuf Bashir, confirmed the closure and stated that lecturers had downed tools for the next two weeks, as directed by the national body.
ASUU Strike Grounds UNICAL, UNICROSS as Lecturers Down Tools
The ASUU strike has paralysed academic activities at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
The strike is a response to the federal government's failure to meet ASUU's demands, including implementing past agreements, releasing withheld salaries, and improving funding for public universities.
The union has instructed its members to suspend all academic engagements, including classes, conferences, and public lectures.
"We're Used to Your Threats," FULAFIA ASUU Tells FG, Joins Warning Strike
The ASUU branch at the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, stated that it is not intimidated by the federal government's "no work, no pay" policy.
Branch chairman, Dr Sunday Orinya, told journalists that the two-week warning strike would be strictly observed as directed by the national body.
ASUU's Strike Paralyses Academic Activities in South-West Universities
Academic activities at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye -- all in Ogun State -- were suspended on Monday due to ASUU's nationwide strike.
ASUU chapters in the three institutions held long congress meetings to deliberate on the directive from the national body.
Dr Adewale Ositoye, Chairman of the TASUED chapter, confirmed their participation in the strike. Sources at FUNAAB and OOU also confirmed their readiness to comply.
At FUNAAB's Alabata campus on the outskirts of Abeokuta, student attendance was sparse, suggesting many had anticipated the strike.
OAU Joins ASUU Strike
Members of ASUU at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, joined the nationwide warning strike to press home their demands.
As regular academic activities for the new session had not yet commenced, only new students undergoing course registration were directly affected.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, Professor Anthony Odiwe, chairman of the ASUU OAU, criticised the federal government's inaction on the union's demands regarding service conditions, university autonomy, and funding.
He added, "The salaries of academic staff in Nigeria are the lowest in the world", and stated that lecturers would endure any threats, including "no work, no pay".
ASUU Members in Ondo Join Two-Week Warning Strike
ASUU members in Ondo State universities joined the nationwide warning strike on Monday.
Dr Bolu Oshodi, Chairman of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) ASUU chapter, confirmed, "We are currently on strike. Before this, we were on a local strike, so this is a case of a double strike for us now."
Dr Oluwasola Rotimi of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OSUSTECH), added, "Every one of us is currently on strike throughout the federation. That was the resolution from the NEC."
Read the original article on Leadership.
Nigeria: IMF's Renewed Focus On Tracing Illicit Financial Flows to Plug Nigeria's Fiscal Leakages - MD
Washington DC- The renewed focus of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on tracing Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) could plug Nigeria's fiscal leakages, the Managing Director (MD)of the global institution, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, has said.
She spoke while engaging with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the ongoing 2025 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington DC.
He words, "We believe that for countries like Nigeria, the IMF's renewed focus on tracing Illicit Financial Flows could provide a blueprint for plugging the fiscal leakages that have long undermined revenue generation and sustainable growth".
The MD warned of the growing threat of illicit financial flows (IFFs) phenomenon which she said has become a major factor undermining the economic and financial stability of nations across the globe.
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According to the Fund, illicit financial flows -- which include stolen public funds, proceeds from criminal activities, and untraceable digital transactions -- continue to erode governance systems, drain public resources, and cripple developmental efforts, especially in developing economies.
In a recent policy briefing, IMF officials noted that IFFs now come in "multiple dimensions." These range from outright embezzlement of taxpayers' money to private funds channeled into illegal ventures that threaten national welfare. The digital economy, they added, has further complicated the challenge with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin providing an avenue for anonymous financial transactions.
She said, "You may have money just plainly stolen -- money that belongs to the taxpayers. You may have private money directed for criminal activities undermining the welfare of citizens," the Fund noted. "Now with digital money, criminal activities can be funded without being traced. This is a serious problem, and we have to take it as such."
IMF's Strategy to Combat Dirty Money
In response, the IMF disclosed that it has strengthened its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, following a comprehensive review in 2023.
The Fund outlined four key pillars guiding its current strategy:
Mandatory Financial Surveillance:
She said "Following the money" has now become a compulsory part of the IMF's annual Article IV consultations -- the standard economic health check for member countries. This ensures that the Fund routinely assesses each nation's exposure to illicit flows and financial integrity risks.
The MD added that the IMF is embedding lessons from past experiences into its financial sector evaluation tools to better trace illicit transactions and vulnerabilities.
In addition, she said for countries seeking IMF financial assistance, any program design will now include specific measures to address the problem of illicit flows, particularly where such challenges are deemed systemic.
Ms. Georgieva also said the Fund was supporting member countries through technical assistance and training to enable local authorities to detect, trace, and respond effectively to suspicious financial activities.
"We need to train country authorities so they can trace illicit financial flows, be more alert, and act quickly" she stated, adding "Digital tools help in tracking money, but they also create new avenues for evading oversight."
Governance and the Way Forward
The MD emphasized that curbing illicit financial flows goes beyond financial systems to the very core of governance and institutional integrity.
Through its Governance Diagnostics initiative, the Fund was helping countries identify structural weaknesses that allow corruption and financial crimes to thrive.
"The governance diagnostic is not an audit," the MD clarified, and that "It is about identifying vulnerabilities in the institutional setup -- the breeding grounds for problems -- and proposing reforms to address them."
She encouraged greater collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners in tackling the menace.
Her words, "We ask our teams to engage with civil society and non-government institutions because they often know where the vulnerabilities lie. Working together, we can build trust and achieve more."
The MD commended ongoing partnerships with countries like Sri Lanka and Kenya, which have embraced collaborative frameworks to combat financial crimes while strengthening governance structures.
Read the original article on Vanguard.
Bitcoin Adoption Rises Across Africa Amid Shifting Global Market Trends
As the globe shifts, Africa has seen a marked increase in the adoption of Bitcoin. Increasing volumes of trade, investments from leading institutions, and new policies are changing the continent’s cryptocurrency environment.
As of August 2025, the total cryptocurrency market had a market capitalization dip of 1.7 per cent. This was due to the PPI coming in stronger than anticipated. According to Binance, Bitcoin dropped to a market share of 57.3 per cent while Ethereum’s jumped above 14.2 per cent. This was due to speculation on a rate cut alongside a shift into altcoins.
Corporate treasuries kept buying Ethereum, and now they hold about 4.44 million ETH or 3.67 percent of the total supply. Over the years, September has shown market weakness as the time when investors start taking profits over periodic cycles. This will likely impact the rest of the world’s trading, including Africa, which is still an active cryptocurrency user. This article aims to demonstrate how African markets respond to the prevailing global conditions, including live data on the bitcoin price today , increases in trade volumes, investments from institutions, and the impacts of legal policies on market accessibility.
Growing Interest in Cryptocurrency Across African Markets
The rapid expansion in the adoption of Bitcoin across Africa south of the Sahara has stirred considerable discussion. The recent report by Binance Digital Assets claims that the increased use has little connection with U.S. monetary policies and claims that domestic factors like unstable local currencies, easier banking services, reduced barriers to electronic payments, and cheaper remittance services play a central role.
It goes on to claim that monotonically linking interest rate cuts to Bitcoin’s rate of growth is a faulty framework. Binance cites the recent dramatic expansion of user interest in Africa as evidence that the digitization trends Africa is pioneering in the multi-dimensional digital economy are changing the monetary and economic relations in ways that monetary regimes underestimate. The cited user interest did not exist in the past few years.
This means that, even though there are global trends, Africa uses cryptocurrency first and foremost for self-interest. The phenomenon of Bitcoin in the region illustrates the deepening ability of adoption, which, in turn, is conditioned more by local than global financial changes.
Bitcoin Trading Volumes See Notable Changes
Per Binance's records, by August 2025, Bitcoin's market cap dropped to about 57.3 percent while Ethereum's market cap increased to more than 14.2 percent. This underscored altcoin rotation, which was buoyed by market speculation about Fed easing. Simultaneously, Ethereum corporate treasuries globally continued to hoard, approaching 4.44 million ETH, representing 3.67 per cent of the total supply.
>From an African perspective, these developments are starting to influence local engagement. Traders and financial institutions in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa have begun to shift from merely holding Bitcoin and are showing more interest in Ethereum. The Ethereum accumulation by corporate treasuries, as noted by Binance, is a phenomenon which captures just the emerging pattern of African adoption: the shift from Bitcoin centricism to a more diverse portfolio of digital currencies.
According to historical records, September has typically recorded weakness, as profit realization has destroyed value, a trend that might also apply to African markets, particularly those with high retail participation. Although cycles in international markets steer the rest of the world, adoption in Africa is unique in its sensitivity to external and internal factors, which means the shift from Bitcoin to Ethereum is a multifaceted strategy that is probably already discernible in the region.
Institutional Investments Influence Local Adoption
As noted by Binance, historical data dating back to 1988 shows that when the Federal Reserve starts a policy cycle, the scale of its actions almost always exceeds what the bond market had predicted during the early years. The policy rate has moved farther than what was possible frequently, which created a great deal of uncertainty for global investors. For African institutions, the unpredictability related to the US monetary policy has increased the attractiveness of diversifying into alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies.
As David Princay, President of Binance France, explains: “If or when BTC prices plateau, Additional diversification into crypto assets by institutions and corporations will also be of interest. It will be fascinating to see how an altcoin season within a more mature and regulated crypto world will turn out.” This is especially useful for Africa which has seen a growing interest in Ethereum as well as other tokens. Institutional portfolios are now beginning to reflect not only Bitcoin reserves but also other digital assets, as a result of cycles in different countries, as well as domestic market inflows.
Amid these global policy changes and corporate strategies, it appears that Africa is now moving past the initial experimentation stage of adoption. As highlighted by Binance, these changes indicate that Africa is beginning to integrate more with international investment trends, all the while servicing unique regional financial needs.
Regulatory Developments Shape Market Participation
Africa’s cryptocurrency markets are subject to closer scrutiny. The Federal Reserve will hold a payments innovation conference on October 21 to discuss use cases of stablecoins, the convergence of payments using AI, and the tokenization of finance to inform future regulation frameworks. African regulators watch digital asset initiatives.
Digital assets frameworks being developed in countries such as Nigeria and South Africa seek to manage, foster, and balance innovation. The approval of Polymarket by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is an example that illustrates clarity in regulation for DeFi, and a guiding example for African regulators to promote digital finance ventures.
African countries are actively observing and studying international changes. Such actions are meant to control market activities, promote cryptocurrency use, and reduce risks of participation. Such actions are a testament to the growing propensity for African nations to engage in proactive and well-organized frameworks for cryptocurrency regulations.
Nigeria: NNPC, Others Hike Fuel Price to N955 Per Litre
The price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise known as petrol, yesterday, increased by 6.8 percent to N955 per litre, from N890 per litre sold last week.
Vanguard gathered that stations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and stations owned by Independent Marketers in Lagos and Abuja showed that the petrol was dispersed between N900 and N955 per litre.
In a phone interview with the Public Relations Officer, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Mr. Chinedu Ukadike attributed the hike to supply and logistics challenges incurred by major marketers in the industry, which include NNPCL and Dangote Refinery.
He noted: "Dangote increased their loading price to N845 per litre, as against N825 earlier sold, thereby resulting to a selling price of between N900 and N955, depending on the location.
"We are aware that NNPCL supplies only to their retail outlets. Presently, the supply at Dangote is not sufficient for marketers. Most of our members, who paid for products to Dangote, are yet to load for two weeks now.
"I will say that when people are scrambling for products, it results to hike in price. Some marketers, who paid to buy about three million litres from Dangote, were only given one million litres, as they complained of products being rationed, amongst marketers."
Read the original article on Vanguard.
Somalia, Qatar Discuss Infrastructure and Urban Development Cooperation During Ministerial Visit
Doha — Somalia's Minister of Public Works, Dr. Elmi Mahmoud Nur, held a series of high-level meetings in Doha on Monday with key Qatari officials, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development and urban planning.
In a pivotal meeting, Dr. Nur met with the Acting Head of the Qatar Fund for Development, where discussions focused on enhancing the longstanding fraternal ties between the two nations and exploring the fund's potential role in supporting Somalia's economic infrastructure projects.
The Somali minister emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships to rebuild and modernize critical public infrastructure, including transportation networks and public service facilities, aligning with Somalia's broader development agenda.
Later, Dr. Nur held a side meeting with the Minister of Social Affairs and Local Administration of the Syrian Arab Republic, focusing on bilateral cooperation in urban development and social service delivery.
The two officials agreed on the need to exchange expertise and strengthen institutional collaboration between their respective ministries.
The Somali minister also met with the Chairman of Qatar's Real Estate Regulatory Authority, where the two sides discussed frameworks for strategic cooperation in asset management and promoting investment in Somalia's construction sector.
Concluding his visit, Dr. Nur paid a courtesy call to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Qatar, where he was warmly received by diplomatic staff.
He commended the embassy's efforts in strengthening diplomatic ties and serving the interests of the Somali diaspora in Qatar.
Read the original article on Shabelle.
South Africa: Teenager Supports Her Family Using an E-Bike
Green Riders, a last-mile delivery company, aims to create over 50,000 jobs for unemployed youth
Taylor Pitcher from Manenberg, Cape Town was left with no choice but to leave school as a grade 10 learner to find work to help support her mother and younger sibling. Today, the 19-year-old is one of over two thousand people who have seized the opportunity to work as a Green Rider.
To date, the company has done about one-million deliveries of goods and food in the last-mile delivery industry.
Pitcher says she searched for a job for months before a relative introduced her to the Green Riders. She applied and underwent three-month training in Athlone. "I was one of the stronger riders during training, so I was given a bike with the first group in April," she says.
Green Riders, piloted in 2023, recruits unemployed young men and women from poor communities, and trains them to become professional delivery riders. The e-bikes they use are significantly cheaper to run than petrol engine motorbikes which not only saves riders thousands of rands each year but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with delivery vehicles.
Pitcher delivers for Uber Eats mostly in Claremont and Rondebosch. The riders work on commission and pay a rental fee of about R900 per week.
"I'm the only one working in the house. My mom is unemployed. So in a week where I see I won't make as much, I choose to sometimes work as late as 10pm or 11pm," she says.
The flexibility of being able to determine her own work hours and exploring as she bikes around the city are the main reasons Pitcher says she enjoys her job. To keep safe when riding home late at night, Pitcher says she communicates with and waits for other Green Riders who also live in Manenberg so they can leave and return together. But the job is not without its dangers; in May she was robbed at gunpoint.
Undaunted for now, she is eager to continue the work as she is supporting her family. "I would encourage other young people to join an initiative like this because the job is exciting and you see so many places and things while riding," she says.
Read the original article on GroundUp.
Lesotho: Financial Constraints Hamper Parly Operations
LESOTHO's Parliament is unable to designate a focal person to monitor the domestication of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Model Laws due to financial constraints and a lack of full institutional autonomy.
This was revealed during a benchmarking visit to the Parliament of Lesotho by the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee yesterday at the National Assembly.
Speaking during the engagement, the National Assembly's Deputy Clerk, Libuseng Majoro, said Parliament's financial limitations have hindered its capacity to appoint a dedicated officer for the task.
"It is unfortunate that the Parliament of Lesotho is unable to designate a focal person to monitor the domestication of SADC Model Laws owing to financial constraints and lack of full autonomy. Recruitment of additional legal officers is, however, underway, and one of these officers will accordingly be designated for this assignment," Ms Majoro said.
She explained that SADC Model Laws are designed to promote legal uniformity within the region. Member States, she said, may choose to adopt them in full, modify them to suit national contexts, or use them as reference material to amend or create new laws.
"The Parliament of Lesotho recognises the importance of the SADC Model Laws as guiding instruments in enacting relevant Acts."
However, she acknowledged that Lesotho lacks a defined process or procedure for domesticating the region's Model Laws.
"Parliament does not have a specific procedure for domesticating Model Laws, but Ministries and Members of Parliament are at liberty to use them as reference material to influence legislative changes -- as they often do."
Despite the absence of a formal framework, the Parliament of Lesotho has enacted several laws aligned with SADC Model Laws. These include the Children's Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Act, 2025, which mirrors the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage, the Sexual Offences Act of 2003, which repealed outdated legislation on sexual crimes, and the Counter Domestic Violence Act of 2022, which provides for the prevention of domestic violence and the protection of victims' rights.
Ms Majoro further highlighted that the domestication of some Model Laws has yielded positive outcomes for Lesotho, including credible elections with minimal post-election conflicts and a reduction in child marriages.
"In some rural communities, chiefs are now working with the police to curb child marriages. There has also been increased reporting of domestic violence and economic abuse at community level -- a new but encouraging trend," she said.
However, she pointed out lingering challenges, including language barriers and limited public awareness.
"All our laws are written in English and are not translated into Sesotho, which makes it difficult for rural communities to understand them. As a result, many cases of child marriage and domestic violence go unreported due to ignorance and poverty," Ms Majoro lamented.
For his part, Member of Parliament for Pela-Tšoeu constituency and Chairperson of the SADC-PF Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes, Mope Khati, said the benchmarking visit was an opportunity for mutual learning.
"This visit is not only an occasion to showcase our achievements but also an opportunity for collective reflection and learning.
"Domestication of SADC Model Laws reminds us that progress is not measured only by the passage of legislation, but by the impact such laws have on the lives of the people they are meant to protect," Mr Khati said.
He added that the exercise would help assess implementation challenges and explore strategies to strengthen enforcement and accountability.
"It will allow us to examine how effectively our policies translate into action and to learn from one another. In the SADC family, no nation walks alone -- we are bound by shared histories, shared values, and shared dreams for a just, inclusive, and peaceful region."
Mr Khati emphasised that SADC Model Laws represent a collective regional commitment to human rights, gender equality, and social justice.
"By domesticating these Model Laws, we bring SADC's principles from paper into practice -- ensuring that our region moves forward as one: united, accountable, and responsive to the needs of its citizens."
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Regional Parliamentary Oversight Committee, Chushi Kasanda, said the Committee's visit aimed to understand how the domestication process operates in Lesotho.
"In this benchmarking exercise, we seek to understand how the domestication process unfolds in Lesotho -- including in-country mechanisms triggered upon adoption of a Model Law by the Forum, prospects for future domestication, and challenges faced, particularly in collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature.
"In other words, we wish to learn from Lesotho as a case study from which lessons and good practices can be shared with other countries," Mr Kasanda said.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times.
Senegal's Senelec Launches $200m Hybrid Green, Sustainability Bond
The issuance, open from September 29 to November 5, 2025, carries a five-year maturity ending in 2030 and is divided into four tranches
SENELEC, Senegal's public electricity utility, has launched a XOF 120 billion ($195 million) securitization program that combines Green Bonds and Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLBs) -- a first for Africa.
The transaction involves transferring overdue and unpaid receivables, including those owed by public institutions, embassies, and large corporations, to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) -- the FCTC SENELEC 2025-2030 -- which will issue bonds on the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UMOA) regional market.
The issuance, open from September 29 to November 5, 2025, carries a five-year maturity ending in 2030 and is divided into four tranches: Senior, Mezzanine, and Junior C1 and C2, with yields of up to 10%.
Proceeds will fund renewable energy and energy efficiency projects (52.5%) and sustainability-linked initiatives (47.5%). The bonds will be listed on the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM).
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Key Takeaways
SENELEC's hybrid Green and Sustainability-Linked Bond securitization marks a landmark innovation for Africa's sustainable finance market. By securitizing overdue receivables and channeling proceeds into renewable energy and social-impact projects, Senegal is leveraging capital markets to advance its 40% renewable energy target by 2030. The deal underscores growing sophistication in the UMOA bond market, blending credit risk transfer with ESG-linked financing. Investors gain access to diversified tranches with varying risk-return profiles, while SENELEC strengthens liquidity and balance sheet resilience. Beyond its financial engineering, the transaction signals a regional shift toward market-based climate finance, positioning Senegal as a leader in sustainable infrastructure funding. As African utilities face rising electrification demands and fiscal constraints, the SENELEC model could become a blueprint for ESG-driven securitization across the continent's power sector.
Read the original article on Daba Finance.
Ghana Inflation Falls Below 10 Percent for First Time Since 2021
Ghana's inflation slowed to 9.4% in September, marking its ninth consecutive monthly decline and the first single-digit reading since August 2021, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. The rate now sits within the Bank of Ghana's medium-term target band of 8% ±2%, reaching the end-2025 target three months ahead of schedule.
Government Statistician Alhassan Iddrisu said the data confirms a disinflation process that began late last year after inflation peaked near 24% in December 2024. The drop reflects base effects, easing food prices, and a more stable cedi.
Food inflation decreased to 11% from 14.8%, while the rate of imported goods slowed to 7.4% and services to 4.8%. Local goods inflation remained high at 10.1%, and regional disparities persisted -- from 20.1% in the Northeast to 1.2% in Bono East.
In response, the central bank cut its key policy rate by 350 basis points to 21.5%.
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Key Takeaways
Ghana's return to single-digit inflation marks a turning point for one of West Africa's most inflation-hit economies, offering relief after two years of high prices and currency volatility. The decline enhances the Bank of Ghana's credibility and supports the government's efforts to stabilize macroeconomic conditions under the IMF-supported program. However, vulnerabilities remain: a renewed cedi depreciation, rising fuel costs, and potential utility tariff hikes could reverse gains. The central bank's sharp rate cut -- its largest in years -- signals confidence in sustained disinflation but also aims to stimulate credit growth after prolonged tightening. For households, price relief is uneven, with food and import costs easing but energy and basic goods still elevated. The challenge now is to preserve stability while reigniting growth and maintaining fiscal discipline ahead of the 2026 elections.
Read the original article on Daba Finance.
Nigeria: Gas Hoarding - Govt Directs NMDPRA to Intensify Depot Monitoring
The Federal Government has mandated the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) depot monitoring to prevent product hoarding following its recent price surge.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, gave the directive in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, in Abuja on Monday.
Ekpo expressed concern over the situation, noting that the price of LPG has risen from N1,000/N1,100 per kg to as high as N1,500 and N1,700 per kg in some parts of the country.
He said that the recent price surge was primarily caused by two factors which involved the industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the Dangote Refinery.
The minister said that the industrial action temporarily halted loading of LPG, known as cooking gas, at the refinery.
Ekpo added that the other factor was the ongoing maintenance activities at the Nigeria LNG train four facility, which reduced the volume of LPG available in the domestic market.
He said that the monitoring of the LPG depots across the country by the NMDPRA was to ensure compliance and prevent other sharp practices capable of worsening the current situation.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and show understanding while assuring them that the situation was temporary and would normalise very soon.
"These disruptions led to a shortfall in supply and a consequent increase in prices due to demand and supply imbalance."
The Minister, however, noted that operations at the Dangote Refinery have now resumed, with loading of the LPG to the domestic market already underway.
"Similarly, the Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat Energy has commenced loading, while the Nigeria LNG is gradually restoring normal operations as maintenance nears completion.
"With these developments, supply to the domestic market is expected to stabilise by next week, leading to a gradual reduction in prices," he said.
Ekpo also reiterated that the LPG market was deregulated.
He appealed to marketers, distributors, and all stakeholders along the LPG value chain to be patriotic in their dealings and desist from hoarding.
He also appealed to them to refrain from exploiting consumers for profit.
The minister assured that the Federal Government remained committed to ensuring sufficient and affordable gas supply to all households across the country. (NAN)
Read the original article on Vanguard.
Uganda: Stop Bypassing Weighbridges, Transport Minister Warns
The State Minister of Transport, Fred Byamukama, has cautioned road users, particularly heavy truck drivers, against carrying excess loads and bypassing weighbridges, saying the practice contributes significantly to the deterioration of national roads.
Speaking during an inspection of the Kyenjojo-Kyegegwa-Mubende Road, an 89-kilometre stretch that has become prone to accidents due to potholes, Byamukama said the government is prioritizing rehabilitation to improve safety and road durability.
"As the Ministry of Works and Transport, we are here to monitor the progress of works on some roads. This particular road has been in poor condition since it was last rehabilitated in the early 2020s, but it has developed potholes again. We have come to give it a new life," Byamukama said.
He noted that the rehabilitation, being executed by government engineers under the Ministry of Works and Transport, will take about two years and is expected to be completed in 2027.
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"Our engineers will complete the works within 18 months at a cost of Shs108 billion. We are doing this project in-house using government engineers and equipment.
After completion, the road will serve the public for about 10 years because rehabilitated roads typically last between 8 and 10 years," he added.
The minister revealed that Cabinet had approved Shs1.69 trillion to support nationwide road maintenance projects, addressing delays caused by previous budget constraints.
"We have been experiencing delays on some roads due to budget constraints, but Cabinet has approved Shs1.69 trillion to address major road problems nationwide. I can assure you that the funds are now available," Byamukama confirmed.
He commended ministry engineers for their commitment, contrasting their efficiency with private contractors whom he described as "money-minded."
"When you look at this road, in 2019 the contractor had bid Shs220 billion for rehabilitation. If we were to bring in a new contractor now, the cost would exceed Shs300 billion. However, with just Shs190 billion, we are fully rehabilitating the road using government staff, which shows real value for money," he said.
Byamukama also disclosed that the government plans to rely more on its own engineers and equipment for future road projects to reduce costs and enhance accountability.
"Government is advising us to start using our own teams for road rehabilitation. We plan to acquire more equipment to ensure that we handle more of this work internally, instead of spending heavily on contractors," he said.
The minister expressed concern about truck drivers who deliberately evade weighbridges, warning that the practice shortens road lifespan.
"Some drivers bypass weighbridges and fail to weigh their lorries. As a result, the roads get damaged quickly," he cautioned.
Byamukama also provided an update on the KM 86 Mubende-Mityana Road, which has remained incomplete for nearly five years, noting that contractors will resume work soon.
"The contractor will resume work in about two weeks, and this time we don't expect any further delays. By December, they should have covered the remaining stretch from Mityana to Mubende. We have secured the necessary resources, and other critical road projects across the country will also be worked on," he said.
According to Moses Omunyokol, the Project Manager and Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Works, the ongoing rehabilitation includes milling the failed surface, compacting, adding a new stone aggregate layer, and applying a 65mm asphalt layer before final markings and signage.
"We are going to fully rehabilitate this road and restore it to life," Omunyokol said.
"The scope of work includes milling the existing failed surface, compacting it, adding a new layer of stone aggregate, and then applying a 65mm layer of asphalt. Afterwards, we will mark the road and install signposts so that it looks brand new."
Read the original article on Nile Post.
Nigeria: Federal Government Flags Off Nationwide Cybercrime Awareness Campaign
The Federal Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Monday, launched a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness on cybercrime, calling on Nigerians especially young people to stay vigilant and use technology responsibly.
The 2025 Cybercrime Awareness Walk, which kicked off in Abuja, brought together youth volunteers, law enforcement officers, and representatives from civil society under the theme "Towards a coordinated and informed national response to cybercrime".
Speaking during the event, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Muhammad Abubakar Babadoko, said the campaign was part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's response to rising cyber-related offences.
"This year's campaign is important because it builds on the successes of the past," he said. "Cybercrime is rampant now. The way technology has made life easy for everyone, criminals are also taking advantage of it. Committing crime today is just a click away."
Babadoko explained that while prosecution and investigation remain central to the ministry's work, awareness creation is equally crucial.
"Side by side with our prosecutorial functions, we must sensitise the public to keep away from crimes. In that way, we can bring down the cost of investigation and prosecution," he added.
According to him, the awareness drive will not be limited to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but will extend to schools, markets, and communities across the country.
"This is a nationwide initiative. We will go to primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and youth corps camps. The goal is to reach every nook and cranny of Nigeria," he said.
In his address to participants before the walk began, Babadoko described the exercise as "a movement of conscience and responsibility."
"We walk to raise awareness, to educate our communities, and to remind every Nigerian that cybercrime affects us all our economy, our national security, and our daily lives. Enough of scams, extortion, identity theft, and cyberbullying," he said.
"The digital space is not lawless. Every scam or hacking incident is punishable under the Cybercrime Act. Nigerians must learn to protect their data, report suspicious activities, and use technology responsibly."
He also urged young Nigerians to channel their creativity into innovation and entrepreneurship rather than online fraud.
"Our youths are among the brightest in the world. Let us use that brilliance to build solutions, not scams," he added.
Representing the director-general of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Barr. Tessy Nnalue, Director of Community Safety, Awareness, and Compliance, reaffirmed the agency's commitment to sustaining the campaign through mass sensitisation.
"Without technology, we go nowhere. But if our youths use it for cybercrime, 'yahoo-yahoo' and the rest, it will diminish what the government is trying to achieve by digitalising the country," she said.
Nnalue noted that the NOA would leverage its nationwide presence and communication channels, including radio, television, local languages, and community outreach, to spread the message.
"What we are doing today is not a one-off activity. It will be sustained. Parents must also play their part, ask questions when your children come home with expensive gifts. The love of money is the root of the evil we are suffering now," she warned.
Read the original article on Leadership.
Nigeria: NCAA Warns Airlines Against Delay in Ticket Refund Policy
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned domestic airlines against informing passengers that ticket refunds take four weeks to process, stressing that such practice violates existing aviation regulations.
The announcement was made on Monday by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the NCAA, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to the Authority, Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 clearly stipulates that airlines must process and complete passenger ticket refunds within 14 days of request.
"The NCAA regulations are clear about the timeframe for ticket refunds, and it is 14 days. Operators cannot create a different rule in this regard," the statement read.
The warning comes amid growing complaints from passengers who say domestic airlines often claimed refund processes take up to a month. The NCAA emphasised that there "cannot be two captains in command on an aircraft," noting that airlines must strictly adhere to the authority's rules rather than invent their own.
Achimugu reiterated that the Authority will not tolerate any act that undermines its regulatory powers or unfairly treats passengers. "Enough of this. We cannot all claim to be working for the improvement of the industry and be duplicating rules in a manner that undermines the authority and is unfair to passengers," he said.
Passengers have been advised to report any airline that insists on a four-week refund period, saying complaints should be forwarded immediately to [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
Read the original article on Leadership.
US-China trade tensions back as port fees take effect
The US and China started charging new port fees on each other's ships on Tuesday, as trade tensions between the world's two biggest economies increase.
China says its levies aim to safeguard the country's shipping industry from "discriminatory" measures and apply to US-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels but not Chinese-built ships.
It comes in retaliation to US fees on Chinese ships, which Washington says are designed to support American shipping companies.
Beijing announced the levies last week alongside moves to tighten controls on its rare earth exports. US President Donald Trump responded with a threat of an additional 100% tariff on China.
Also on Tuesday, new US tariffs came into effect on imported timber, kitchen cabinets and upholstered furniture, much of which comes from China.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that Trump and China's President Xi Jinping are still expected to meet in South Korea in late October as they try to de-escalate trade tensions.
"The 100% tariff does not have to happen... The relationship, despite this announcement last week, is good. Lines of communication have reopened, so we'll see where it goes," said Bessent.
"China's position is consistent. If there's a fight, we'll fight to the end; if there's a talk, the door is open," said a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson on Tuesday.
"The US cannot demand talks while simultaneously imposing new restrictive measures with threats and intimidation. This is not the right way to engage with China," they said in a statement.
Chinese state media said the US duties on Chinese ships violated a maritime transport agreement between the two countries.
In retaliation, US-linked ships berthing at Chinese ports are now charged 400 yuan (£42; $56) per net tonne, according to Chinese state media CCTV.
The duties are closely matched to the port fees imposed by Washington. They will also apply to ships operated by US firms, and those in which an American company holds a stake of 25% or more.
The fees will rise each year, reaching 1,120 yuan per tonne in April of 2028, state broadcaster CCTV said.
Ships carrying dry bulk cargoes like coal and other raw materials could have to pay up to $3m in port fees from today, said freight analyst Claire Chong.
By 2028, some the biggest vessels that carry nearly 200,000 tonnes in dry bulk could have to pay more than $10m in fees, she estimates.
These fees add up to "significant" costs to the industry, said Ms Chong from shipbroker Thurlestone Shipping.
The exemption for Chinese-built vessels, which account for nearly half of the global dry bulk fleet, could ease some of the impact of the new port fees, she said.
Also on Tuesday, Beijing added five US subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean to its sanction list, further escalating tensions with Washington.
The latest measures come despite Washington and Beijing agreeing a tariffs truce earlier this year.
In May, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each others' goods. which had raised the prospect of trade halting between them.
This left US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.-bbc
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