Nigeria’s agricultural sector drew $167.25 million in capital inflows in 2025, signaling steady but strategic investor interest in one of the country’s most critical sectors, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The inflows, while modest, reflect periods of both heightened investor confidence and volatility, highlighting the sector’s opportunities alongside its structural challenges. Quarterly data from the NBS reveal fluctuations throughout the year, shaped by policy interventions, seasonal cycles, and access to financing along the agribusiness value chain. In the first quarter (Q1), agriculture attracted $24.15 million, before surging to $67.24 million in Q2. Inflows dropped sharply to $24.67…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
OpenAI is charging into 2026 with unprecedented momentum, buoyed by a record $122 billion funding round that pegs the company’s valuation at $852 billion. Fresh off the March launch of its powerhouse GPT-5.4 model and amid swirling rumors of an imminent GPT-5.5 release, the AI giant appears poised for its most transformative year yet. GPT-5.4 solidifies OpenAI’s lead Launched on March 5, GPT-5.4 anchors OpenAI’s current lineup, available in Standard, Thinking, and Pro variants. It boasts native computer-use capabilities, achieving 75% on the OSWorld-Verified benchmark — edging out human performance at 72.4%. The model also set a new high of…
The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on both the federal and state governments to take decisive steps to tackle insecurity and promote unity across the country. The call was made in an Easter message delivered by the state chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Yohanna, who expressed concern over the persistent security challenges affecting lives and livelihoods in the state and beyond. Yohanna noted that insecurity has continued to inflict hardship on citizens, with many communities experiencing loss of lives, displacement, and disruption of farming activities. He urged authorities to intensify efforts…
Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has detected unauthorised activities involving genetically modified (GMO) cotton and ordered the immediate suspension of four new transgenic cotton hybrid varieties, citing serious regulatory breaches. The varieties in question—MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, and BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002—were registered on March 26, 2026, by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries without NBMA’s required approval under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 (as amended). NBMA’s surveillance revealed that confined field trials and other activities involving these GM cottons occurred without prior authorization, inspection, or oversight.…
The United States dominates global oil production in 2025, accounting for 16.08% of the world’s supply, according to fresh data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This surge, driven by shale innovations in the Permian Basin, outpaces traditional giants like Russia (11.69%) and Saudi Arabia (11.26%). Canada follows at 5.85%, bolstered by oil sands output, while Iraq (5.20%), China (5.14%), and Iran (4.96%) round out the top six. The United Arab Emirates (4.52%) and Brazil (4.43%) also punched above their weight, thanks to offshore deepwater fields. Lower down, Nigeria – Africa’s largest producer – contributed 1.90%, trailing Norway (2.19%)…
Egypt has emerged as Africa’s leading vegetable and fruit producer, topping continental output for key staples such as wheat, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, cucumbers, garlic, oranges and sugar beet, and ranking among the top producers for several other crops, despite having one of the smallest arable footprints on the continent. Main production claims: What the data shows Based on recent Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and sector analyses (covering roughly 2017–2024), the following elements of the viral claim hold broadly: Wheat: Egypt is the largest wheat producer in Africa, with annual output around 9–10 million tonnes in recent years, surpassing Ethiopia…
Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged journalists across Nigeria to uphold truth and professionalism in their reporting, warning against the misuse of social media platforms to spread misinformation. The monarch made the appeal on Sunday when he received members of the Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who paid him the traditional Sallah homage at his palace in Sokoto. The Sultan emphasised the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion and maintaining national cohesion, particularly in an era where information travels rapidly through digital platforms. “Social media is a powerful tool, but it can…
As the world marks World Water Day on March 22, agricultural experts are shifting the conversation beyond water conservation to a broader focus on efficiency and optimisation in farming systems. With growing climate variability and increasing pressure on water resources, stakeholders say the challenge is no longer limited to access, but how effectively water is utilised in agricultural production. ALSO READ Youth agripreneurs, policymakers discuss Africa’s food future Speaking on the issue, Venessa Moodley, Biostimulants Lead at Omnia Nutriology, said biostimulants are emerging as a practical solution to enhance both water and nutrient use efficiency in crops. “Biostimulants support the…
Leaders of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone are set to hold a high-level meeting aimed at easing growing tensions along their shared borders following a series of recent security incidents. The talks, expected to take place in Conakry, come after weeks of escalating disputes and military incidents in border communities linking the three Mano River Union countries. Regional leaders are seeking diplomatic solutions to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Tensions between Guinea and Sierra Leone intensified in late February after Guinean forces detained 16 Sierra Leonean security personnel accused of crossing into Guinean territory without authorization. Guinean authorities said…
FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Association following incidents involving supporters during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff match played in November. In a disciplinary report released by the global football governing body, both countries were found to have breached provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code over the conduct of their fans during the African qualifying playoff final, which DR Congo won on penalties. The Nigeria Football Federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after Nigerian supporters were reported to have thrown objects onto the pitch during the match. FIFA ruled that the incident violated…