South African retail giant Shoprite in Nigeria is currently going through downtimes as the firm struggles to stay afloat four years after the exit of its former South African owner from Nigeria’s retail business.
Shoprite is rapidly losing market share in the retail grocery sector due to increased competition; the majority of its stores are essentially closed and about to close.
As at press time, Shoprite stores in Ilorin and Ibadan were closed, however, inspections of the majority of their retail locations that remained open nationwide revealed essentially empty shelves.
Shoprite has become a household name in the retail supermarket sector since its first location opened in Lagos in 2005. It now has at least 25 locations across eight states, including the federal capital territory.
Shoprite Holdings, the parent company of the retail brand, is a South African business with its headquarters located in Brackenfell, Cape Town. Shoprite is a subsidiary of this corporation.
Its entry into Nigeria has made the retail supermarket industry more well-known, directly employing over 2000 people and assisting other local companies, particularly the farmers who provide some of its products.
Empty shelves
The business segment has suffered significant financial losses as a result of supply chain issues, inflationary pressures, and other factors.
As a result, the company chose to concentrate on the South African market while switching from an ownership to a franchise business model.
Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda are just a few of the African nations where it has already ceased operations.
In 2020, the then Chief Executive Officer, Pieter Engelbrecht said, “We are at the approval stage in terms of the sale of our Nigeria supermarket operation.
“From here, our capital allocated to the region remains at a minimum and we continue to manage costs as best as we can.”
However, four years after the takeover, the Shoprite stores in Nigeria are becoming virtually extinct. As far back as 2024, the company closed down its Kano store.
Residents have already adapted to life without Shoprite after the company left the city after its management declared in a statement that it would cease operations in the state on January 14, 2024.
According to the management, the decision was made because of the company’s financial status and the challenging business environment in the state at the time.
Additionally, it was discovered that the business had trouble paying the N66 million monthly rent to the Ado Bayero Mall, which translates to N792 million year after deducting electricity costs, the cost of running and maintaining its generator, and staff expenses.
Authorities and employees at the Ikeja location, however, maintain that the retail behemoth is not ceasing operations.
During a conversation with Oluwatosin, the store’s administrator, he clarified that the situation is connected to ongoing talks between Shoprite’s suppliers and its new management.
Oluwatosin, the store’s administrator, clarified in a chat that the development is connected to ongoing talks between Shoprite’s suppliers and its new management.
But in recent years, it has faced increased competition from emerging shopping malls, local supermarkets, and online platforms that are expanding aggressively across major cities.
Wike, who said he traveled abroad simply to rest, warned that those spreading such false reports might be the ones to suffer a heart attack. He even threatened to send condolence letters to those responsible for the claims.
He made these remarks during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Arterial Road N1, stretching from Wuye District to Ring Road II in Abuja.
Recently, it was reported that Wike suffered heart attack at a hospital in London.
FCT minister
Responding, Wike said: “Since I took this appointment as minister, I have never had time to travel out so I said let me go on holidays.
“Each time I travel, I travel with files and CofOs, so this time around I said I won’t travel with any file.
“So if the world will crumble let it crumble because one has to be alive before you satisfy all the people. You know this job we are doing, they have been waiting for you.
“The day you drop, they will announce some other person the next day so you must make sure while you’re working you also take time out and relax.
“So as I said let me travel and before I know it, I heard that they said they were sick, I hear they have heart attack. God will continue to help them to have heart attack.
“It is my prayer I will sign their condolences. It’s my prayer that very soon I will write a letter that we are sorry we loved him but take heart because it’s God that gives and God that has taken.
“You see the level of this country where we are, we play politics with everything. How somebody can sit down and write all kinds of things, where the person saw me I don’t know, the hospitalyou saw me I do not know and yet we are all happy reading it on social media.
“This is a country where somebody go on social media and say Mr President is a criminal and nothing will happen. You are lucky to have a president that believes in the rule of law, you are lucky and continue to be lucky.” Wike.
The current whereabouts of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remain unclear amid growing speculation about his potential return to Port Harcourt.
Providing an update on the situation during The Morning Show on Arise Television, Rivers State correspondent Friday Olokor noted that the atmosphere in the state remains calm, despite underlying political tensions.
According to a report by The Guardian, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has officially handed over power to the reinstated Governor, Sim Fubara.
In his final state-wide broadcast, Ibas urged the people of the state to support Fubara as he resumes his duties of leading the state.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had suspended Fubara six months ago while declaring an emergency rule in Rivers State.
However, the president lifted the emergency rule on Wednesday from Fubara while reinstating Fubara.
Providing updates on the situation in the State, Olokor said the absence of the Fubara has created uncertainty and a vacuum in governance, with residents anxiously waiting for clarity.
He explained that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which remains factionalized, were holding separate meetings to continue legislative activities.
Olokor noted that the political divisions have deepened the challenges faced by the people, who continue to bear the brunt of the crisis.
He added that there are expectations that both factions of the Assembly will work towards reconciliation to prevent a repeat of past political crises in the state.
He said: “Yes, thank you very much, as is expected right now in Rivers state, Port Harcourt specifically, the atmosphere is cool. There is no problem. The fact is that, for right now, the whereabouts of the governor is not still known, even though there are speculation that he might come in today.
“Rivers state is being bandied as the hotbed of political antagonism but from what we are seeing right now, the atmosphere is cool, calm, cozy. There’s no problem. And for the House of Assembly, we are still expressing some members of the House of Assembly right now.
“Well, like as you know, a leadership is not supposed to have a vacuum. But since the governor is not around down, the atmosphere is tense, and the people of Rivers are waiting because nobody really know the whereabouts of the governor.
“So as it is now, the sole administrator, everybody, they are waiting to see what’s going on. But with the way it is now, nobody knows the time the governor is going to be around and how the handover is really going to be.
“Whatever I am going to tell you is going to be what I would call a political conjecture. For right now, it is the same, and nothing has really been known about the whereabouts of the governor, whether he’s going to come or not.
“Of course, normally, since a new the government is coming back, now, the feelings is that the members of the state assembly, even though factionalized, will be meeting in separate places to really put the acts together, because the state has suffered a vacuum in terms of legislation.
“The people have really suffered like it is said that where two elephants fight, it is the ground that suffers. The people of Rivers state have suffered a lot, and it is believed that they should come together to write, put things together, to really move everything forward.
“For right now, the members of the House of Assembly, it is believed that they might be meeting somewhere, the 20 members of the House of Assembly belonging to the APC and the other three. It is understood that they are meeting separately, trying to put this in order to make sure that the act of legislation continues.
“Definitely based on fillers, individually, there’s no way you cannot rule out the fact that factions will still be there, even though elections have been held and won.
“What matters is they coming together to put the past behind them, to move ahead, because the state, the people of the state have suffered. And the crave here is that history should not repeat itself again.”
On Thursday, Rivers residents poured out in large numbers to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara following the end of his six-month suspension imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The jubilant crowd, many singing pro-Fubara songs, gathered eagerly in anticipation of the governor’s return.
However, at the time of this report, The Nation observed that the governor’s whereabouts remain unknown, as he has yet to address the people or speak to his supporters who have been camped outside the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Security operatives have cordoned off the Government House and restricted public access.
It was observed that the measure was taken to prevent possible looting of government property.
The gathering has caused terrible gridlock, causing drivers to take alternative routes.
President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following a deepening political crisis in the state.
The political impasse, which stemmed from a disagreement between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led to a division in the State House of Assembly, with 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike and initially four, now three, remaining with the governor.
Tinubu ended the six-month emergency rule on September 17, 2025, directing the governor, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly to resume duties on September 18, 2025.
The Zamfara State government has appealed for enhanced humanitarian assistance to support thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable families throughout the state.
The call was made by the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters, Salisu Musa Tsafe, in a statement released on Thursday by the ministry’s Director of Information, Bashir Kabir Ahmed.
He commended development partners for their interventions so far but stressed that more assistance was urgently needed to cushion the plight of displaced communities.
According to him, Zamfara currently has thousands of IDPs from about 1,008 communities across its 14 local government areas, as captured in the State Social Register.
Tsafe urged organisations including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, Première Urgence Internationale, PUI, and others to scale up interventions in livelihood support, empowerment programmes, and cash transfers.
He assured that the state government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, had provided the political will and enabling environment for partners to operate effectively.
The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all ongoing and planned land reclamation projects throughout the state, citing significant environmental and social risks posed by unchecked activities.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, issued a statement expressing serious concern over the rapid spread of unauthorized reclamation on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon fronts in high-risk areas including Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo, and Badagry.
He further revealed that many of these projects were being carried out without the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals or drainage clearances from the ministry.
“While reclamation may create room for urban development, the associated dangers cannot be overlooked. These include heightened flooding risks, coastal erosion, disruption of livelihoods, particularly for fishing communities, loss of wetlands and biodiversity, reduction in lagoon capacity, and deterioration of water quality,” Wahab said.
Sanwo-Olu
Wahab noted that given Lagos’ low-lying terrain and fragile ecosystem, the government would no longer condone reckless reclamation practices that compromise the safety and wellbeing of residents.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, requires all approved reclamation projects to be resubmitted to the ministry for documentation and monitoring. In addition, ongoing and proposed projects must undergo a full EIA process and secure clearance before continuation.
He issued a seven-day compliance deadline, warning that defaulters would face strict sanctions, including site decommissioning, excavation and removal of illegal fills, reopening of obstructed water channels, as well as arrests and prosecution.
“Enough is enough,” Wahab declared, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the state from avoidable ecological disasters.
The plenary is being presided by Martins Amaewhule, speaker of the house, at the conference hall located within the legislative quarters.
The conference hall is now serving as the lawmakers’ temporary chamber since the official chamber at the Rivers assembly complex on Moscow Road was burnt and later being renovated by the state government.
Governor Fubara
The Rivers assembly complex’s renovation was not finished by Ibas, the state’s only administrator.
A protracted political crisis resulting from the disagreement between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), prompted Tinubu to declare emergency rule in the oil-rich state on 23 March.
In today’s fast-moving digital economy, technology is no longer a back-office tool but the very engine that drives competitiveness, innovation, and growth. Global digital engineering powerhouse Akkodis has taken a bold step into this future with the launch of Akkodis Intelligence — a framework built to help businesses embed technology in a way that is human-centred, scalable, and designed for long-term value.
Jo Debecker, President & CEO of Akkodis, explained the motivation clearly: “What used to be experimental is now generating real returns. Akkodis Intelligence combines the best of human expertise with advanced technologies to accelerate performance and innovation.”
At its heart, this initiative is not just about shiny new tools. It is about making sure people remain at the centre of transformation.
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What Makes Akkodis Intelligence Different
For over four decades, Akkodis has been shaping how industries adopt and adapt to technological change. The company’s new intelligence framework builds on this experience in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
Unlike traditional digital projects that often focus on isolated solutions, Akkodis Intelligence is designed to be holistic and scalable, built on three core pillars:
Empowering human experience — ensuring that technology supports people instead of overwhelming them.
Enhancing productivity — combining automation with real-time analytics and human feedback loops to improve accuracy and decision-making.
Driving sustainable growth — developing systems that adapt to change, remain reliable, and offer long-term value.
This human-centred philosophy matters because digital transformation has often been treated as a purely technical exercise. In Nigeria and other emerging markets, for example, companies sometimes deploy technology without paying attention to how employees or customers will use it. Akkodis Intelligence recognises that the most effective tech solutions are those that are intuitive, inclusive, and adaptable to human needs.
Real-World Applications Already in Motion
The promise of Akkodis Intelligence is not theoretical. It is already being deployed in industries that rely heavily on speed, precision, and safety:
Automotive Engineering: Akkodis is working on frameworks that integrate software, data, and human input for simulation, design, and testing. This is crucial for the development of software-defined vehicles, where digital continuity and speed are competitive advantages.
Aviation Maintenance: By applying AI and digital twin technologies, airlines and maintenance teams are now able to plan repair and overhaul schedules more effectively, cutting downtime and ensuring better safety.
Emergency and Frontline Services: First responders — from firefighters to medical teams — are being equipped with wearable devices, biofeedback systems, and telehealth tools that reduce stress and improve decision-making in crisis situations.
These examples show that Akkodis is not just selling technology. It is rethinking how humans interact with systems in high-pressure environments. Whether it is engineers designing safer cars, technicians maintaining aircraft, or medics saving lives, the technology must be supportive, not burdensome.
Why This Matters for Businesses in Nigeria and Beyond
For businesses across Africa, where digital transformation is often slowed down by cost, infrastructure, and skill gaps, the arrival of frameworks like Akkodis Intelligence is significant. It signals a new approach — one that focuses on impact and scalability rather than experimentation.
Organisations that adopt this model can expect:
Faster time-to-market — thanks to rapid prototyping, simulation, and real-time feedback loops.
Operational efficiency — through automation of repetitive tasks and improved accuracy in decision-making.
Resilience and adaptability — with solutions that evolve alongside regulatory changes and market demands.
Sustainable growth — as systems are designed to last, not become obsolete after a few years.
Being part of the Adecco Group also gives Akkodis a global edge: over 50,000 tech and engineering consultants in more than 30 countries. This scale allows the company to draw lessons from diverse industries and regions, improving the quality of solutions delivered to clients everywhere.
For Nigerian firms exploring opportunities in fintech, energy, logistics, and even government services, frameworks like Akkodis Intelligence offer a path to leapfrog old inefficiencies and embrace truly future-proof systems.
Conclusion
The launch of Akkodis Intelligence is not simply a corporate milestone. It represents a wider shift in how the world should think about digital transformation: not just as a race to adopt technology, but as a human-first journey that must deliver real, measurable value.
As businesses in Nigeria and across Africa position themselves in the global economy, solutions that balance human experience with technological sophistication will define the winners. Akkodis Intelligence is showing that this balance is not only possible but profitable.
NLC Backs Naira-for-Crude Deal for Dangote Refinery, Citing Path to Lower Fuel Prices
Primary school teachers, local government workers, and primary healthcare staff in Kaduna State have yet to benefit from the implementation of the N72,000 minimum wage.
According to Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kaduna, the new wage structure has not been applied at the local government level, where these categories of workers are employed.
He noted that this delay has led to discrepancies in salary payments across some local government areas, as highlighted by the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ), with many teachers still receiving pay based on the outdated wage structure.
The chairperson noted that the implementation of the new ₦72,000 minimum wage for state civil servants has already commenced in Kaduna State, beginning with workers on Grade Levels 1–6 in the state civil service, stressing that workers within this category have since been placed on the new wage structure, as what remains is the consequential adjustment across other cadres and salary structures.
He noted that following the constitution of the Consequential Adjustment Committee by the Kaduna State Government on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, under the Chairmanship of the then Head of Service, Hajiya Habiba A. Shekarau, negotiations were concluded to address the consequential adjustment applicable to the broader civil service.
He explained that the NLC embarked on a strike action on 2nd December 2024 to press home the demand for both the minimum wage and the consequential adjustment, stating that action was suspended on 3rd December 2024 after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, wherein the State Government committed to full implementation.
While implementation for Grade Levels 1–6 has commenced, Suleman said the consequential adjustment for other categories, including tertiary institutions and parastatals, is tied to the ongoing staff and pension verification exercise, pointing out that the government has assured that the process will be concluded within September 2025, and the NLC is holding it accountable to the commitment.
The chairperson said, “It is equally important to note that earlier this month, the State Government demonstrated commitment by adopting the new salary tables for CONMESS and CONHESS, thereby adjusting the wages of health workers in line with the ₦72,000 framework.
“However, we must also acknowledge the gaps that remain. The minimum wage has not yet been effected at the local government level where primary school teachers, local government employees, and primary healthcare workers fall under. This explains the discrepancies reported in some LGAs by NGIJ, where teachers are still receiving salaries based on the old wage structure.”
He assured that the NLC is fully aware of the challenges, which also informed the recent strike ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), saying that interestingly, engagements are ongoing, the State Government has already taken steps to address the concerns.
“The NLC’s position remains firm: all categories of workers and pensioners in Kaduna State – state, local government, teachers, health workers, and tertiary institutions must benefit from the ₦72,000 minimum wage and the negotiated consequential adjustments,” he explained.
He called on the Kaduna workers to remain calm and vigilant, while assuring them that the Congress will not relent until full and fair implementation is achieved across board.
Staff involved in the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 project have launched a protest in Bonny, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, over alleged irregularities in tax deductions.
The demonstration, initially led by fitters and welders under Daewoo Contractors, has now expanded to include junior staff members.
Investigations revealed that each affected worker has faced monthly deductions of approximately ₦150,000 for tax clearance over the past two years.
However, the aggrieved staff allege that despite the deductions made over the past two years, NLNG has not issued them their Tax Identification Numbers, TIN.
They further claimed that an audit uncovered anomalies showing that, despite the monthly deductions, the taxes were never remitted to the federal government
As a result, the workers are demanding the release of their TINs and a refund of the monies deducted over the last two years.
One of the protesting workers, a pipe welder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the protest commenced on Monday, after repeated requests for clarification went unanswered.
He added that although the company asked the workers to appoint representatives for dialogue, the resolutions reached during then discussions have not been implemented.
In addition, one of the protesters accused their union of compromising the issue, alleging that union leaders had been aware of the situation for two years but remained silent because they were benefiting from
the “illegal taxation.”
The approval was given on Thursday during a plenary session, allowing the governor to expand his advisory team shortly after unveiling a fresh wave of key appointments to strategic offices and statutory boards.
Lawmakers emphasized that this decision aims to enhance governance and support the administration in effectively delivering its development agenda.
Governor Alia is expected to unveil the names of the new appointees in the coming days.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has launched drone technology to enhance traffic monitoring and security surveillance throughout the state, marking a significant move from conventional manual enforcement to sophisticated digital intelligence systems.
At the official unveiling of the program, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, highlighted that the drones will offer real-time aerial surveillance of key traffic routes, enabling faster responses to congestion, accidents, and emergencies.
“This initiative is not just about deploying new equipment but about redefining our approach to traffic management through digital governance. With real-time aerial oversight, we can intervene faster, enhance safety, improve emergency coordination, strengthen security measures, and encourage a more disciplined motoring culture,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He noted that the drones will be deployed for aerial reconnaissance and high-definition monitoring, ensuring officers can respond proactively rather than depending solely on ground patrols.
Bakare-Oki also stressed that the deployment will operate under strict ethical and regulatory guidelines to maintain public trust. “We want to assure Lagosians that the use of drones will strictly comply with privacy safeguards and legal standards, guaranteeing transparency and integrity in the system,” he added.
According to the agency, the innovation will complement LASTMA’s existing toll-free hotline, enabling faster emergency response and accident management.
The move, authorities said, is part of broader efforts to ease traffic flow, reduce travel time, minimize accidents, and promote greater discipline on Lagos roads.
Daniel Bwala, SA to Tinubu on policy and communication
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has stated that Seyi Tinubu is eligible to challenge his father in the 2027 general election if he chooses to do so.
Bwala emphasized that Seyi is constitutionally qualified to run for any political office in Nigeria, including the governorship of Lagos State.
He added that the president’s son has established himself as a bridge-builder and influential figure among the youth.
The presidential spokesman made the assertion in an interview on The Clarity Zone podcast posted on YouTube on Wednesday, while dismissing claims that Seyi’s political involvement is linked only to his father’s influence.
Ex Atiku aide, Daniel Bwala
“If Seyi Tinubu’s father is the president, what stops him from running for Lagos State governor? Seyi Tinubu can even challenge his father in the next election,” Bwala said.
Bwala opined that Nigerians should judge Seyi based on personal experience away from inherited perceptions, describing the president’s son as humble and unassuming despite his privileged background.
In an inspiring milestone, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund under the United Nations dedicated to education in emergencies and protracted crises, has announced that 14 million children and adolescents have now been reached through its education programmes since its inception. As of mid‐2025, the organisation reports that 8.3 million of them were helped during the first two years (2023–2024) of its current Strategic Plan, spanning 33 crisis‐affected countries.
These millions include girls, boys, refugees, internally displaced children and young people who, until now, have found school access to be uncertain or completely disrupted by conflict, disasters or other emergencies. ECW’s report, Investing in Futures: 2024 Annual Results, comes at a time when global crises—conflict, climate, displacement—are escalating, putting urgent pressure on education systems that are already fragile.
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Equity, Inclusion and Progress: Who’s Being Reached and How
One of the most striking outcomes in ECW’s latest report is the emphasis on who is benefiting and how. Equity and inclusion are not just buzzwords here—they are measurable, documented progress.
Gender parity: Roughly 51% of the children reached are girls. That’s significant in contexts where girls frequently bear the brunt of disruption to education.
Displaced children: Around 43% are either refugees or internally displaced persons—young people caught in upheaval and forced to flee, yet still being given opportunities to learn.
Learning outcomes: In nearly all ECW programmes, education participation has increased; in many, learning outcomes in literacy and numeracy have improved. Social-emotional learning is also being addressed. In programmes where evidence is available, 88% reported gains in literacy/numeracy; 78% showed improvements in social-emotional learning.
Inclusion of vulnerable groups: More than 155,000 children with disabilities have been reached in 2023–2024. Efforts are also being made to meet the needs of pre-primary aged children (~6%) and secondary school age students (~20%), especially girls in secondary levels.
In addition, ECW is placing increasing emphasis on the intersection of climate change and education. About 41% of the children reached during 2023-2024—approximately 3.4 million girls and boys—were served by programmes that include climate adaptation components.
Funding Shortfalls, Forgotten Crises, and Urgent Needs
Despite the foresight, partnerships, and real progress, ECW warns of a growing gap between what is needed and what is available—financially and institutionally.
Resource mobilisation: So far, ECW has mobilised US$934 million towards its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. That’s about two-thirds of its target. Still outstanding are US$567 million necessary to hit the US$1.5 billion goal by end-2026.
Unpaid pledges: Among pledges already made, some US$113 million remain unpaid, which delays projects and disrupts delivery of education services in crisis zones.
Funding gap in humanitarian appeals: In 2024, education was severely underfunded. Although it represents just about 5.4% of total global humanitarian requirements, education appeals only received approximately 30% of what was requested.
The report also draws attention to “forgotten crises”—those emergencies that receive relatively little international attention and support despite severe need. Countries such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria, and South Sudan are listed. ECW dedicated 39% of its US$202 million disbursements in 2024 to interventions in these underfunded or overlooked settings.
The scale of need is growing. An estimated 234 million children and adolescents affected by crises globally require urgent education support—an increase of 18% compared to three years ago. Without adequate funding and coordinated action, millions more risk being left behind.
Why This Matters, What Must Be Done
Why should anyone—governments, NGOs, citizens—care about this? Because education is more than a right: it is a lifeline.
Building resilience: Children who have access to education during crises are more likely to recover faster, adapt better, and contribute to rebuilding their communities. Education promotes stability.
Protecting futures: When crisis disrupts schooling, especially for girls, risks increase: early marriage, dropping out, exploitation. Ensuring access protects not only education but dignity, opportunity and wellbeing.
Addressing intersecting crises: Climate change, conflict, displacement—they don’t act in isolation. Education programmes that also build in climate adaptation, conflict sensitivity, inclusion of displaced learners, and disability must be scaled. The 3.4 million children reached in climate-linked programmes in 2023-24 show what is possible.
So, what must be done? ECW’s report outlines steps and asks for urgent action from partners, both public and private:
Increase funding commitments: To reach the full US$1.5 billion target of the Strategic Plan, new contributions are needed. Donors must convert pledges into actual funding.
Sustain multi-year programming and rapid response: Programmes that span more than one year allow for greater stability, better systems strengthening, and improved learning outcomes. Rapid response capacity is also crucial for sudden emergencies.
Strengthen partnerships with local actors and national governments: ECW is pushing for increased national ownership. One recent indicator shows that nearly a third (29%) of funding in 2024-approved programmes is committed or planned for transfer to local and national actors. This ensures interventions are contextually appropriate, sustainable, and scalable.
Innovate in fragile settings: Innovations in delivering education in conflict zones, climate-affected areas, or among displaced populations are needed. This could include blended learning, mobile schooling, psychosocial support, or modular curricula that can flex with changing realities.
Focus on inclusion: Girls, displaced children, children with disabilities, and those in secondary education—all remain among the most vulnerable. Dedicated strategies to bring them into schools and keep them there must be reinforced.
ECW in Nigeria: A Closer Look
Although ECW’s report covers 33 countries globally, Nigeria is listed among the forgotten or underfunded crises where progress is urgently needed.
In Nigeria, conflict (in the North-East especially), displacement, and climate shocks (flooding, environmental degradation) have disrupted education for many children. The ECW’s model—combining rapid response and multi-year programming—offers a pathway for more stable, inclusive education. But to fully unlock that potential in Nigeria, the following are especially critical:
Mobilising more resources: both domestic government funding and international donor support.
Strengthening local capacities: local NGOs, community actors, teachers and state governments need sustained training, support and empowerment.
Ensuring flexible, resilient education delivery: schools that can adapt to disruptions, mobile or remote learning where needed, and psychosocial support to address trauma.
Prioritising girls’ secondary education, children with disabilities, and internally displaced learners to prevent widening inequality.
Looking Ahead: Targets, Risks, and Hope
ECW has set clear targets: with sufficient funding, the plan hopes to reach 20 million crisis-affected children and adolescents by the end of 2026.
But there are real risks: unpaid pledges, persistent underfunding of education in humanitarian appeals, escalating conflict and climate disasters, and systemic barriers to inclusion threaten to derail progress. If these risks are not addressed, millions of children will continue to face interrupted education, loss of opportunity, and long-term disadvantages.
There is reason for hope, however. ECW’s model of shared commitment—governments, UN agencies, civil society, foundations, private sector—shows that real progress is possible even in the hardest settings. For Nigeria and many other countries, this report is a call to action: investments in education in crisis are not charity—they are necessary, urgent, and yield returns for societies, economies, and futures.
Conclusion: Investing in Futures Is Non-Negotiable
The story of ECW reaching 14 million children in crises is a powerful narrative of what is possible when international will, local commitment, and smart design come together. But it’s also a warning: those gains are fragile and depend on consistent funding, inclusive policies, and adaptive strategies.
For Nigeria, and the world, investing in education amid crises is not optional—it’s essential. To protect futures, to sustain hope, and to build more resilient societies, we must heed the call: increase support, fill funding gaps, empower local actors, and ensure no child is left behind.
The reinstatement of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara by President Bola Tinubu has sparked mixed reactions from political stakeholders and human rights activists.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
During the emergency rule, Tinubu appointed Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.
But on Wednesday, Tinubu announced the reinstatement of the governor, saying: “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.”
Since the reinstatement was announced, different views are being expressed in reaction to the president’s declaration.
Tinubu committed to peace, sustenance of democracy reinstating Fubara – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for restoring democratic governance to Rivers State by ending the emergency rule he imposed on the State.
Wike, who noted that the President has once again demonstrated his total commitment to peace and sustenance of democracy in the country, said his proactive action saved the State.
In a statement forwarded by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, said the President’s intervention had further restored the confidence of the people of Rivers State in his leadership.
He commended the people of the State for their belief in the President and continuous support for him in his tireless efforts to return the country to the path of progress and development.
Wike called on all stakeholders in the State to work together harmoniously in the collective interest of the State and its people.
The Minister, who cautioned troublemakers, especially fifth columnists who are always seeking to benefit from the crisis to stay away from the State, added that, “From Rivers State going forward, the only news that will emanate will be that of peace, progress and development.”
Tinubu decimating democracy, nothing to cheer – Atiku
Expressing displeasure, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, described Tinubu’s actions as illegal and unconstitutional because the president lacked the power to suspend a democratically elected governor.
Speaking with Ibe said Tinubu’s administration was using state institutions to decimate the opposition and coerce them into the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He said: “How can you suspend what you don’t have the power to suspend? It was an illegality; there is nothing to clap and celebrate over.
“The president has no power to vacate a democratically elected governor of a state; there is no provision for that. The signs are clear that the democratic space is being further constrained, restrained, and diminished on account of all of that.
“This is just a continuation of all of that. Why would he have suspended a governor that he didn’t have the power to? He didn’t elect him; the governor was elected by the people, and it’s the people that have the power to validate him by either granting him a second term or going back to the people.
“The president does not have that power and should not have arrogated that power to himself. What he did was illegal, unconstitutional, and it remains illegal and unconstitutional.
“Whether he has reinstated him or not is immaterial, and we should be concerned that this administration under Tinubu has continued to use the institutions of state, including the anti-corruption agencies and other institutions of government, to coerce everybody into the APC.
“The opposition is being decimated, and they are being deliberate about it. What kind of democracy is that? This is a dictatorship; there is no democracy under the watch of this administration.
“There is nothing to celebrate; there is nothing to cheer about his reinstatement. He should not have been suspended in the first place.”
Rivers
Tinubu’s hatchet job done, Fubara decimated, neutralized – Lawyer Idam
On his part, human rights lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam said Fubara had been decimated with his suspension and reinstatement by the president.
Frowning at the president’s action, the activist lawyer said Tinubu had not addressed the situation that led to Fubara’s suspension.
Speaking with DAILY POST, the lawyer said Tinubu’s actions had shown dictatorship and not democracy.
He said: “The hatchet job has been done; the intention of Mr. President and his surrogate has been accomplished, so the idea of reinstating Fubara is something that has become a necessity for them.
“The man has been decimated, neutralized, which was the only fear.
“The president has not addressed the security situation in Rivers State. One would have expected that there would be a statement saying normalcy has returned because that was the issue and idea behind declaring the state of emergency in the first place; it was declared to return normalcy.
“Now Mr. President forgot to tell the public that the essence has been achieved, which is that of normalcy, and this is to tell you that there was no security crisis in the first place.
“It was a political interest clash between Wike and Fubara, being that Fubara has been conquered and Mr. President’s interest through Wike has been established in Rivers. So they now forgot to tell the people while continuing to hide under that cloak that there is a crisis in Rivers State to order the reinstatement of Fubara.
“I do not envy the governor; he has shown his crass desperation in politics, a crass ambition to continue to hold power. Otherwise, he was expected to have relinquished power. What is he looking for?
“For the interest of our democracy, good governance, rule of law, and if not anything else say, look, a law has been abused. A sacred part of the constitution has been abused. Must he be the governor whose posterity at least reckons with him by the time all of us are no longer around, that there was a governor that they threatened, and he said no, I can no longer continue to take it?
“And when he was reinstated, he said no, I’m no longer taking it. That is what we expected to see from Fubara, and not that they asked you to leave, you left, and they asked you to come back, you came back.
“What I’m saying is that there is nothing to rejoice in Rivers; it’s only the camp of Mr. President that should rejoice that their political influence has been established in Rivers State.”
A Puppet governor – Idam
The activist lawyer further insisted that with Fubara’s suspension and reinstatement without contesting it legally, he has become a puppet to the powers that be.
“Fubara will be a puppet, and he will just be there; in fact, a local government chairman will be better than him. There is no need if the essence is to take charge of administration and deliver good governance independent of any external influence.
“I can tell you that Fubara has lost it. There will be no sauce in Rivers State; in fact, it’s as good as accepting to be a commissioner in Rivers State as it stands now.
“So, Fubara is just there as a mere appendage of Wike. Fubara is not even worthy of a deputy governor because the influence has become more overwhelming than what it should have been if there was no issue between him and Wike.”
Tinubu has dragged Nigeria back to military era, set evil precedent – Adeyanju
Frontline human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju accused Tinubu of setting an evil precedent and dragging Nigeria back to the military era by suspending and reinstating Fubara.
“It’s a sad precedent for our democracy, the president has dragged us back to the era of military regime. One would have thought that Nigeria’s democracy has indeed matured and we have moved away from military men.
“It’s even more ironic and sad that he (Tinubu) who fought the military is the one who has set this evil and bad precedent. How can the president suspend somebody who was duly elected,” he said.
Judiciary, opposition failed in Rivers
He also accused the judiciary and opposition political parties of failing and allowing such an evil precedent in Rivers State.
Adeyanju added: “Even if people admit that we don’t have any lawyer in the country, we don’t have an Attorney General in the country or we don’t have any law officers in the country, how can such a thing happen?
“It’s like a lion tarnishing a fellow lion in the lion kingdom, there is no justification whatsoever for this ripoff of our democracy.
“The president has spat on our democracy simpliciter, it’s very sad and the dead opposition watched it happen without doing anything.
“The sad thing is that the judiciary could not take this case as an emergency to send a message to the presidency that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. The judiciary has also failed.
“The judiciary could stamp its feet on the ground for the people of Rivers. We should all be ashamed as Nigerians that we have indeed failed as a people, failure on all parts including the leaders.”
Wike x Fubara
Fubara’s reinstatement a welcomed development – CUPP
The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has said it welcomes the termination of the state of emergency in Rivers State but strongly condemns its declaration as an egregious act of federal overreach and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles.
According to CUPP, the suspension of the elected governor, deputy governor, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months over a political dispute was an unconstitutional power grab that never should have occurred.
CUPP said it firmly believes that democracy thrives on the will of the people and the independence of institutions, not through arbitrary suspensions or presidential proclamations.
