The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has reacted to Nigeria’s first quarter 2026 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report with cautious optimism, describing the latest growth figures as evidence of improving macroeconomic stability but warning that deep structural weaknesses still threaten sustainable economic transformation.

According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s economy expanded by 3.89 percent year-on-year in Q1 2026, an improvement from the 3.13 percent growth recorded in the same period of 2025.

In its assessment of the report, CPPE said although the growth was slightly lower than the 4 percent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, the performance still reflects improving business confidence, relative macroeconomic stability and resilience across major non-oil sectors of the economy.

The economic policy advocacy group explained that slower first-quarter growth compared to the preceding quarter was not unusual because economic activities are typically softer at the beginning of the year due to seasonal business patterns.

The Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, noted that the services sector remained the strongest pillar of the economy, contributing 57.73 percent to GDP while growing by 4.31 percent.

He highlighted the strong performance recorded in information and communication technology, financial services, trade, entertainment and construction, describing them as evidence of the increasing importance of the digital and services economy in Nigeria’s growth trajectory.

According to the report, the ICT sector grew by 10.98 percent, financial services expanded by 8.54 percent, while the entertainment industry posted an impressive 11.25 percent growth despite persistent macroeconomic challenges.

One of the most notable developments in the GDP report was the emergence of the trade sector as Nigeria’s single largest contributor to GDP at 17.89 percent.

CPPE attributed this to improved exchange rate stability, better foreign exchange liquidity, easing inflationary pressures and recovering confidence among businesses and investors.

However, the group warned that long-term economic transformation cannot rely heavily on commerce alone, stressing that stronger productive capacity, industrialisation and local value addition remain critical for sustainable growth.

The manufacturing sector also recorded modest improvement, growing by 3.29 percent compared to 1.13 percent in the previous quarter.

The growth was driven mainly by activities in petroleum refining, food and beverages, cement, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Despite the improvement, CPPE expressed concern that manufacturing still contributes less than 10 percent to GDP, blaming the weak performance on high energy costs, elevated interest rates, poor infrastructure, logistics bottlenecks and policy uncertainties.

Yusuf stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful structural transformation without a stronger industrial base capable of supporting large-scale employment, export competitiveness and inclusive growth.

The report also highlighted strong performances from the construction, real estate, quarrying and refining sectors.

According to CPPE, construction and real estate jointly contributed nearly 18 percent to GDP, supported by sustained infrastructure investments and increasing investor interest in property-related assets.

The oil refining sector emerged as the best-performing segment of the economy after recording an exceptional 37.46 percent growth during the quarter.

CPPE described the development as a major indication of the transformative impact of domestic refining on Nigeria’s economy, particularly in strengthening energy security, reducing import dependence, conserving foreign exchange and deepening industrialisation.

The organisation noted that the impressive performance was largely driven by operations at the Dangote Refinery, which it said is gradually reshaping Nigeria’s energy ecosystem and boosting domestic value addition.

It added that heightened regional and global demand for refined petroleum products amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East also contributed to the sector’s rapid growth.

Similarly, quarrying and minerals grew by 23.41 percent while the cement sector expanded by 11.53 percent, reflecting sustained construction activities nationwide.

Although the non-oil sector contributed 96.08 percent of GDP compared to the oil sector’s 3.92 percent, CPPE pointed out that a major structural imbalance still exists because the non-oil economy contributes less than 15 percent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

The group said this reflects weak export competitiveness, low productivity and poor integration into global value chains.

CPPE, however, identified the sharp contraction in the electricity and gas sector as the most worrying aspect of the GDP report.

The sector declined by 15.30 percent, making it the worst-performing segment of the economy in the first quarter and one of the sharpest declines recorded in recent years.

Yusuf warned that the decline exposes the deep fragility of Nigeria’s power sector and raises serious concerns about the sustainability of economic growth, industrial productivity and business competitiveness.

He noted that electricity remains the foundation of productivity, industrialisation and economic competitiveness, stressing that worsening power supply will continue to increase production costs and weaken businesses already struggling with high interest rates, logistics challenges and weak consumer demand.

According to CPPE, the heavy dependence on diesel and petrol-powered self-generation is eroding profitability across manufacturing, SMEs, agro-processing, hospitality and even the digital economy.

The organisation called for urgent reforms across the electricity value chain, including stronger investments in transmission infrastructure, improved market liquidity, accelerated metering and governance reforms capable of restoring investor confidence.

The aviation sector also recorded a contraction of 7.62 percent, reflecting the difficult operating environment facing domestic airlines.

CPPE blamed the downturn on high aviation fuel prices, exchange rate pressures, multiple taxation, regulatory charges and rising maintenance costs.

The group warned that the aviation sector’s struggles could have broader economic consequences because air transport remains critical for trade, tourism, investment and business connectivity.

The textile industry was equally described as being trapped in a prolonged recessionary cycle, which CPPE linked to Nigeria’s wider deindustrialisation challenge and declining domestic productive capacity.

According to the organisation, the collapse of labour-intensive industries such as textiles continues to worsen unemployment, weaken industrial linkages and deepen poverty levels.

Meanwhile, the oil and gas sector slowed significantly from 6.79 percent growth in Q4 2025 to 2.57 percent in Q1 2026.

CPPE described the slowdown as concerning given the sector’s importance to government revenues, foreign exchange earnings and overall macroeconomic stability.

While acknowledging that the GDP figures are encouraging from a macroeconomic perspective, the organisation insisted that the quality and inclusiveness of growth remain critical concerns.

It stressed that weak electricity supply, fragile industrial productivity, high operating costs and modest manufacturing contributions continue to limit employment generation and weaken household welfare.

Yusuf concluded that economic growth must ultimately translate into improved living standards, stronger purchasing power and better welfare outcomes for Nigerians.

He added that the next phase of economic reforms should focus more aggressively on industrialisation, productivity growth, export competitiveness, electricity reforms and inclusive economic development.

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The Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandate, CPPM, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his third year in office, describing his administration’s economic reforms as bold, difficult and necessary for Nigeria’s long-term stability.

In a statement dated May 29, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, the group said President Tinubu assumed office at a period of severe fiscal and structural challenges, adding that his administration had taken courageous steps aimed at repositioning the economy.

According to the CPPM, reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange unification and the introduction of student loan initiatives were not politically convenient decisions, but were necessary to reduce leakages and create more fiscal space for development.

The group acknowledged that the reforms have come with pain and hardship for many Nigerians, but maintained that they were designed to secure the country’s future beyond immediate political considerations.

CPPM further urged the Tinubu administration to consolidate on the ongoing reforms to ensure they translate into improved living conditions for Nigerians.

The organisation listed some of the achievements recorded within the last three years to include increased government revenue, reduced deficit financing and renewed investments in infrastructure and social intervention programmes.

Among the projects highlighted by the group were the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Highway, Benin-Ore Expressway, Kaduna-Lokoja Highway, new airport terminals, seaport reconstruction projects, as well as initiatives such as NELFUND and CREDICORP.

On security, the group said security agencies had recorded significant operational successes against terrorists and criminal groups across parts of the country, although it admitted that security challenges still persist.

The CPPM also pointed to what it described as institutional reforms by the administration, including efforts to strengthen anti-corruption agencies, digitise government operations and improve the ease of doing business.

According to the statement, President Tinubu’s first three years in office reflect what it called “bold leadership in a difficult season,” adding that nation-building should be viewed as a marathon rather than a sprint.

The group also commended Nigerians for their sacrifices, patience and perseverance despite the current economic realities, which it said have been worsened by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

CPPM urged citizens not to give in to misinformation or actions capable of destabilising the country, while reaffirming its commitment to engaging governments at all levels to ensure good governance, security and prosperity for Nigerians.

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The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has debunked a viral letter claiming that security personnel would be deployed to examination centres across the country during the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE.

In a statement signed by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola F. Adesina, on behalf of the Head of National Office, the Council described the letter as fake, fraudulent and misleading.

According to WAEC, the forged document, dated May 27, 2026, with reference number L/SED/12/DIST/VOL. 4/460, was allegedly addressed to school proprietors and principals.

The fake letter claimed that the Council had concluded plans for the comprehensive deployment of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to all WAEC examination centres nationwide beginning from June 1, 2026.

WAEC clarified that the document did not emanate from the office of the Senior Deputy Registrar and Head of Test Administration, Mr. S.D. Kum, whose signature was falsely attached to the letter, nor from any department within the Council.

The examination body stressed that it had not issued any directive regarding the deployment of security operatives to individual examination centres as claimed in the circulating document.

WAEC further stated that the false letter was the handiwork of fraudsters and mischief-makers seeking to create panic, mislead the public and disrupt the smooth conduct of the ongoing examinations.

The Council urged school authorities, parents, supervisors, invigilators, candidates and the general public to disregard the contents of the letter entirely.

WAEC also wished all candidates sitting for the 2026 WASSCE for School Candidates success in their examinations.

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has cautioned Nigerians against the use of unverified substances such as bitter kola, salt water, herbs and seasoning cubes as alleged cures or preventive measures for Ebola virus disease (EVD).

In a public health advisory, the agency warned that the spread of misinformation about supposed home remedies could fuel panic and undermine national preparedness efforts amid renewed Ebola outbreaks in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

The advisory, titled “Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): Myths vs Facts,” was issued in response to growing false claims circulating on social media following confirmed cases in countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

While stressing that Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, the NCDC said the country remains on high alert due to increased cross-border movement and international travel linked to affected regions.

The agency dismissed viral claims suggesting that common household items or herbal mixtures could prevent or cure the disease, describing them as scientifically unfounded.

“There is currently no approved home remedy for Ebola virus disease,” the NCDC stated. “Early reporting, supportive medical care and strict infection prevention measures remain the only effective response. Avoid self-medication and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.”

The health agency also cautioned against the circulation of false health information, warning that misinformation during outbreaks can trigger unnecessary fear and weaken public confidence in health authorities.

“Sharing unverified information can create panic and confusion,” it added. “Members of the public are strongly advised to rely only on official public health updates.”

According to the NCDC, vigilance remains necessary despite Nigeria’s Ebola-free status, given the ongoing outbreaks in neighbouring regions and the risk of importation through travel routes.

“Although no case has been confirmed in Nigeria, outbreaks in the region require preparedness, vigilance and responsible behaviour to reduce the risk of importation and transmission,” the agency said.

The warning follows recent comments from NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, who said Nigeria’s risk level remains high due to continued transmission in parts of Central and East Africa, as well as frequent population movement across borders.

Idris noted that early Ebola symptoms often resemble other common diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever, making rapid detection more difficult and increasing the importance of surveillance.

“This assessment estimated the risk of Ebola importation into Nigeria as high due to ongoing transmission in the DRC and Uganda, international travel and population movement, and the possibility of delayed detection because early symptoms overlap with other illnesses,” he said.

Health authorities have continued to urge Nigerians to remain calm but alert, emphasizing that timely reporting of symptoms and adherence to medical guidance remain the most effective ways to prevent outbreaks from spreading within the country.

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Retail lending in Nigeria recorded a decline in January 2026 as tighter banking system liquidity and cautious lending by commercial banks slowed credit expansion across the economy.

This is according to the latest Economic Report released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which showed that although overall retail loans weakened during the period, consumer credit continued to rise as more Nigerians turned to borrowing to cope with rising living costs.

The development comes amid persistently high interest rates and the apex bank’s aggressive monetary tightening measures aimed at controlling inflation and stabilising the foreign exchange market.

According to the report, total consumer credit outstanding rose to N3.81 trillion in January 2026 from N3.78 trillion recorded in the previous month.

The increase was driven largely by a sharp rise in personal loans, which climbed by 5.95 per cent to N1.96 trillion from N1.85 trillion in December 2025.

The CBN noted that personal loans accounted for more than half of total consumer credit during the period, highlighting growing dependence on salary-backed loans, digital lending platforms and short-term household financing.

“The increase in consumer credit was due solely to the rise in personal loans,” the report stated.

However, while personal borrowing increased, retail loans declined by 4.15 per cent to N1.85 trillion from N1.93 trillion recorded in the previous month.

The decline suggests that banks became more selective in extending retail credit as liquidity conditions tightened within the financial system.

Analysts say the trend reflects the difficult economic reality facing many households, with consumers increasingly relying on credit facilities to manage rising food prices, transportation costs and weakening purchasing power.

The report also highlighted a broader tightening in monetary conditions across the banking sector during the review period.

Broad money supply fell by 1.50 per cent in January 2026, driven mainly by a contraction in Nigeria’s net foreign assets.

Currency held outside banks also declined by 2.02 per cent, while deposits across the financial system weakened during the month.

According to the apex bank, tighter liquidity conditions pushed interbank lending rates higher and contributed to slower loan growth across several sectors of the economy.

Despite the slowdown in retail lending, total credit to the economy still recorded a marginal increase of 0.17 per cent, rising to N57.41 trillion from N57.32 trillion in December 2025.

The growth was largely supported by increased lending to the services and agriculture sectors.

Credit to agriculture expanded by 2.77 per cent during the month, while lending to the services sector rose slightly by 0.12 per cent.

In contrast, credit to the industrial sector declined by 0.24 per cent, reflecting weaker lending appetite toward manufacturing and industrial activities.

The services sector remained the biggest beneficiary of bank loans, accounting for nearly 57 per cent of total credit in the economy.

Industry followed with 36.55 per cent, while agriculture accounted for 6.47 per cent of total lending.

The CBN maintained that Nigeria’s banking sector remained stable during the period, noting that key prudential and regulatory indicators stayed within acceptable thresholds.

However, concerns continue to grow over the structure of lending within the economy.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise recently warned that despite ongoing bank recapitalisation efforts, credit distribution remains heavily skewed and insufficiently aligned with productive sectors capable of driving long-term economic growth.

The group argued that stronger bank balance sheets must translate into increased financing for businesses, manufacturing and sectors that can stimulate employment and economic expansion.

For many Nigerians, however, the latest figures underline a growing dependence on personal borrowing as economic pressures continue to squeeze household incomes.

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The Presidency has threatened legal action against controversial social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), over the circulation of an alleged AI-generated audio falsely attributed to President Bola Tinubu.

The warning was issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the emergence of a viral video in which VDM played the controversial audio to his followers while questioning the credibility of the current administration.

The audio, which appears to carry characteristics of AI voice cloning technology, featured a voice allegedly mimicking President Tinubu making a number of controversial remarks about insecurity in the South-East, the 2027 election and loans obtained from the World Bank.

Among the claims contained in the recording were allegations that insecurity in parts of the country was intentional, that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had been asked to step down during the 2023 election, and that World Bank loans were allegedly being used to finance future political campaigns.

Reacting to the video, Onanuga condemned the circulation of the audio and accused VDM of deliberately spreading false and misleading content capable of causing public confusion.

“This VDM needs to face the full weight of the law for disseminating a fake audio of President Tinubu,” Onanuga wrote on his verified X account. “This is a clear abuse of social media.”

The presidential aide made the comment while reposting a message from another X user who criticised the viral clip and questioned why some Nigerians appeared convinced that the voice in the recording belonged to Tinubu.

In the video shared online, VDM urged his followers to listen carefully to the recording and make their own conclusions.

Speaking partly in Pidgin English, the social media commentator suggested that Nigerians should reconsider supporting Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“This man does not have anything to offer anymore,” VDM said after playing the audio. “For me, Tinubu should go in 2027.”

However, further checks later showed that the controversial audio itself was not directly uploaded as a standalone post on VDM’s verified platforms, even though clips from the livestream continued circulating across social media.

The incident has once again raised fresh concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence to create fake political content and manipulate public perception online.

In recent months, experts and advocacy groups have repeatedly warned about the dangers of deepfake technology, especially as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle.

The Coalition for Ethical Technology and Democratic Integrity recently urged the Federal Government to criminalise AI-generated blackmail and misinformation, describing it as a serious threat to national security and democratic stability.

The group warned that unchecked deepfake content could undermine public trust and fuel political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This is not the first time President Tinubu’s image has allegedly been used in misleading AI-generated material.

Earlier, the Federal Government cautioned Nigerians against a fake investment advertisement circulating online that used manipulated visuals of the president to promote a suspected Ponzi scheme.

Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act, which was amended in 2024, already contains provisions against the creation and distribution of false digital content intended to damage reputations or mislead the public, with offenders facing possible fines and imprisonment if convicted.

As debate continues online, the latest controversy highlights the growing challenge governments, tech platforms and citizens face in distinguishing authentic political communication from AI-generated misinformation in the digital age.

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will enjoy increased support in the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory as evidence of the administration’s performance.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday while inspecting a series of projects scheduled for inauguration as part of activities commemorating President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.

According to the minister, residents of the FCT are beginning to witness tangible improvements in governance, especially in satellite towns and rural communities that have long struggled with poor infrastructure and limited government presence.

“The people only want to see the impact of governance in their daily lives,” Wike said. “What matters to Nigerians is infrastructure, electricity, good roads and improved living conditions.”

The former Rivers State governor suggested that the administration’s ongoing projects could influence voter behaviour in future elections, insisting that the APC had already started gaining wider acceptance across the FCT.

He argued that many communities outside Abuja’s city centre were experiencing development for the first time under the current administration.

“What reason would people have not to support President Tinubu now?” Wike asked. “This is the first time many satellite communities are witnessing this level of development.”

He specifically referenced the A2-Pai Road project in Kwali Area Council, describing it as a landmark intervention that demonstrated the administration’s commitment to rural development.

According to him, the project also marked the first time a sitting Nigerian president visited the area to commission a project.

Wike further challenged opposition politicians and coalition groups to tour the FCT and assess the scale of work being executed by the administration.

“I wonder where the opposition members are,” he stated. “They should come and see the projects and the level of transformation taking place in the FCT.”

The minister disclosed that more than 20 projects are expected to be inaugurated during the anniversary celebrations, adding that additional projects could still be included as work progresses.

Among the projects listed are the Bwari and Karu water schemes, road construction projects in Gwagwalada, Kuje and other satellite communities, as well as several urban infrastructure developments.

During the inspection tour, Wike visited the rehabilitation site of the Court of Appeal Complex in Dakibiyu, newly constructed Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, internal road networks in Katampe District and the relocation site for Apo Mechanic Village traders.

He revealed that work on the Appeal Court Complex had reached an advanced stage, with contractors currently handling finishing works such as painting and polishing.

At the Judges’ Quarters project, the minister inspected residential buildings developed for judges of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and FCT High Court, describing the project as close to completion.

Wike also visited proposed accommodation sites for judges of the National Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.

The inspection further covered ongoing projects on Collector Road, where installation of streetlights and walkways is nearing completion, alongside infrastructure projects in Gaduwa and Kabusa involving bridges, road markings and drainage systems.

At the relocation site for traders affected by the Apo Mechanic Village redevelopment, Wike stated that road construction and streetlight installations had already been completed.

He added that the next phase would focus on water supply and security infrastructure, including a police station and residential quarters for security personnel.

“What remains now is water connection and security facilities,” he said. “We have already engaged security agencies so work can begin immediately.”

Responding to criticism that the administration was placing too much attention on judicial infrastructure, Wike insisted that development efforts were being spread across multiple sectors and communities within the FCT.

According to him, the projects reflect a broader agenda aimed at improving living standards in both urban and rural parts of the territory.

The post Wike Predicts Stronger Support for Tinubu, APC in FCT Over Infrastructure Push appeared first on TV360 Nigeria.

Fresh controversy has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, rejected the outcome of the party’s presidential primary, alleging widespread irregularities and voter suppression during the exercise.

Amaechi, who contested alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, described the process as compromised and far below the democratic standards the party had promised Nigerians.

In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, the former Rivers State governor said he could not accept what he called “concocted results” emerging from a flawed process.

According to him, reports from across the country indicated that a significant number of party members were unable to participate in the primary election.

“I made it clear from the beginning that I would only accept the outcome of a process that is free, fair, and transparent,” Amaechi stated. “I cannot support results produced from an exercise that failed to reflect those principles.”

The former minister accused the party leadership of betraying the ideals upon which the ADC positioned itself as an alternative political platform ahead of the next general election.

“There is no justification for a situation where the majority of party members are allegedly denied the opportunity to vote,” he said. “If we engage in the same practices we criticize in other parties, then what exactly makes us different?”

Amaechi further alleged that the irregularities witnessed during the primary mirrored the same electoral misconduct the ADC had previously condemned in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including vote buying and result manipulation.

His rejection of the process came shortly after fellow aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen also distanced himself from the exercise.

Hayatu-Deen, in a separate statement posted on X, announced that he would not participate in the official declaration of results, citing concerns over alleged vote rigging and irregularities reported from several states.

“I am deeply concerned by reports of widespread manipulation during the election process, some of which I personally observed,” he said while noting that he would consult with his team on the next line of action.

The growing disagreement among top contenders has cast a shadow over the ADC primary, which party officials had earlier described as a defining moment for internal democracy.

Ahead of the exercise, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had assured members and Nigerians that the ADC would conduct a transparent and credible primary capable of setting a new standard in the country’s political space.

He said the conduct of aspirants, delegates, and party officials during the process would reflect the kind of leadership culture the ADC hoped to build.

However, the latest accusations from two leading aspirants now threaten to overshadow the exercise and raise fresh concerns about unity within the party as the presidential race intensifies.

Meanwhile, collation of results from the nationwide primary was ongoing in Abuja at the time of filing this report.

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President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace love, unity and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

The President made the appeal on Wednesday after observing the Eid prayer at Dodan Barracks on Lagos Island, where he joined several top government officials and political leaders for the annual celebration.

Among those present were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; and other dignitaries.

Speaking shortly after the prayers, Tinubu urged Nigerians to reflect on the values and lessons of Eid-el-Kabir by showing compassion, generosity and understanding toward one another.

According to him, the spirit of the season should inspire citizens to reject division and embrace national unity regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.

“We thank Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness another Eid celebration,” the President said.

“We must learn from the lessons of this season, which centre on love, sacrifice and kindness to one another. There should be no discrimination, no hatred and no division among us.”

Tinubu stressed the need for Nigerians to remain tolerant and law-abiding, noting that obedience to the rule of law is essential for a peaceful and progressive society.

He also condemned insecurity and violent crimes, insisting that religious teachings do not support banditry, terrorism or the taking of innocent lives.

“Nowhere in our faith does it encourage the killing of another human being or engaging in criminal acts,” he said while addressing journalists after the prayer session.

The President further encouraged citizens to continue supporting efforts aimed at strengthening peace, stability and national development across the country.

Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam and is observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.

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The Federal Government has announced a 50 per cent reduction in train ticket fares nationwide ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, offering relief to thousands of Nigerians preparing to travel during the festive period.

The fare cut, approved through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, applies to all passenger services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) across the country.

According to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Funsho Adebiyi, the temporary discount is part of efforts to ease transportation costs and support citizens during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

Under the arrangement, passengers will pay only half of the current ticket prices from Tuesday, May 26, until Monday, June 1, 2026.

The ministry also disclosed that commuters who purchased their train tickets before the announcement would not be left out, as they would receive a 50 per cent rebate that can be reused for another trip within the promo period.

Despite the fare reduction, officials confirmed that train schedules and departure times would remain unchanged throughout the holiday window.

The announcement comes at a time when movement has intensified across major cities, especially Lagos and other commercial hubs, as many Nigerians travel to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir with family and loved ones.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has already declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

In his Eid message to Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu urged citizens to embrace unity, sacrifice and peaceful coexistence, while expressing optimism about improvements in the country’s security and economic situation.

As part of nationwide preparations for the celebrations, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kwara State said it had deployed 950 personnel, including officers, marshals and emergency responders, to monitor highways and ensure safer movement during the holiday period.

Eid-al-Adha, widely known as Eid-el-Kabir, remains one of the most important celebrations in Islam and is observed by millions of Muslims around the world.

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