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2026

Politics

Embrace AI Now or Risk Falling Behind, IMF Tells Africa

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged governments across sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate investments in electricity, digital infrastructure, internet connectivity and workforce skills, warning that the region could miss out on the economic benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) without urgent action. In a report titled Africa Can Grow Faster With AI If It Moves Now, the IMF said AI could increase the region’s economic output by about four per cent over the next decade by boosting productivity, creating better jobs and improving public service delivery. However, it stressed that these gains depend on countries addressing long-standing infrastructure and digital readiness challenges. According to the IMF, the biggest threat to Africa is not that AI will eliminate jobs, but that the continent could fall further behind if it fails to adopt and scale the technology quickly. The report estimates that under an ambitious reform agenda, AI could contribute around four per cent to sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP over the next 10 years. Without major improvements in infrastructure and policy, however, the technology’s impact could be limited to just 0.2 per cent. The Washington-based lender noted that the region currently ranks lowest on its AI Preparedness Index due to weak digital infrastructure, limited technical expertise, inadequate regulations and low investment in research and innovation. One of the major barriers identified is unreliable electricity. The IMF said nearly half of the population in sub-Saharan Africa still lacks dependable access to power, making it difficult for businesses, technology firms and research institutions to operate AI systems that require stable electricity. To address this challenge, the Fund called for increased investment in national power grids and the expansion of mini-grid solutions around schools, hospitals and innovation hubs to support digital and AI-driven industries. The report also highlighted limited internet access as another obstacle. While mobile phone usage has grown significantly, only about 38 per cent of Africans were using the internet in 2024, compared to the global average of roughly 68 per cent. The IMF said expanding broadband infrastructure, fibre-optic networks and affordable internet access would help accelerate AI adoption across the continent. Beyond infrastructure, the organisation emphasised the need for stronger investment in education and digital skills. It recommended expanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education while equipping workers with practical AI and digital competencies to prepare them for future employment opportunities. The IMF believes AI could play a transformative role in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, financial services and public administration. Potential applications include AI-powered weather forecasting for farmers, intelligent diagnostic tools for hospitals, and improved tax administration and public financial management for governments. The report also noted growing private sector investment in Africa’s AI ecosystem. It cited Microsoft’s partnership with G42 to develop a $1 billion geothermal-powered data centre in Kenya and Cassava Technologies’ collaboration with NVIDIA to deploy advanced graphics processing units across several African countries, initiatives expected to strengthen the continent’s AI computing capacity. Despite these developments, the IMF warned that AI infrastructure remains concentrated in a few countries. It noted that Africa has around 160 data centres, most of them located in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, raising concerns that the benefits of AI could be unevenly distributed unless more countries improve their digital infrastructure. The Fund further called for robust regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while protecting privacy, strengthening cybersecurity and ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence. According to the IMF, Africa’s ability to benefit from AI will depend less on developing sophisticated AI models and more on addressing fundamental challenges such as reliable electricity, wider internet access, digital skills development and supportive policies. It concluded that with decisive action, artificial intelligence could become a major driver of economic growth, higher productivity and more inclusive development across the continent rather than another missed technological opportunity.

Politics

Tracka Questions FG’s ₦962.83bn Allocation for SUVs, Empowerment

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Civic accountability organization Tracka has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 budget, revealing that allocations for luxury vehicles and empowerment programmes total almost N1 trillion more than the combined budgets of seven key federal ministries. Following a review of the 2026 budget proposal, the group said the government plans to spend N15.13 billion on the purchase of 39 sport utility vehicles (SUVs), while N947.7 billion has been earmarked for 2,579 empowerment projects nationwide. According to Tracka, the combined allocation of N962.83 billion exceeds the N960.27 billion budgeted for seven ministries, including Trade and Investment, Housing, Women Affairs, Justice, Livestock Development, Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Petroleum. The organisation said the spending pattern raises concerns about government priorities at a time when the country faces significant economic and social challenges. Tracka also questioned the transparency of the proposed empowerment programmes, noting that only 70 of the 2,579 projects have clearly identified implementation locations. It argued that the absence of location details makes it difficult for citizens, oversight bodies and taxpayers to monitor the projects or verify how the funds will be used. The group further observed that the projects are distributed across 184 government agencies, many of which do not have statutory responsibilities for implementing empowerment programmes. Among the agencies identified are one linked to a river basin authority, which is expected to oversee 393 projects valued at N127.1 billion, the National Agricultural Development Fund with six projects worth N89.5 billion, another state development-related agency handling 216 projects valued at N88.1 billion, and a separate agency responsible for 94 projects worth N36.9 billion. While acknowledging that properly designed empowerment programmes can improve the livelihoods of vulnerable Nigerians, Tracka warned that poorly managed schemes risk becoming channels for political patronage instead of delivering measurable public benefits. The organisation stressed that transparent project locations, clearly defined beneficiary selection criteria and implementation by agencies with the appropriate legal mandate are essential to maintaining public confidence in such programmes. Tracka also pointed to the country’s fiscal outlook, noting that the proposed 2026 budget carries an estimated deficit of about 46 percent, meaning a significant portion of government spending will be financed through borrowing. Given the country’s fiscal constraints, the organisation argued that every public expenditure should be tied to projects with clear, measurable outcomes and strong accountability mechanisms.

Politics

PDP Threatens Court Action as Governors Push State Police Bill

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State governors are intensifying efforts to secure the speedy passage of the proposed state police bill, urging the National Assembly, the 36 State Houses of Assembly and the Presidency to complete the legislative process before campaigns for the 2027 general elections begin. The renewed push follows the House of Representatives’ approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill, which seeks to establish state police services across Nigeria. The bill was passed after weeks of lobbying by governors, who are now calling for its swift harmonisation with the Senate’s version. Sources familiar with the process said the governors want Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to immediately constitute a harmonisation committee to reconcile differences between both chambers before the National Assembly’s annual recess. According to the sources, governors are concerned that the legislative break and the approach of the election season could delay the bill if the process is not concluded quickly. Once harmonised, the legislation will return to both chambers for final approval before being transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for concurrence. Governors are also said to have engaged state assembly speakers, urging them to ensure the bill is approved promptly once received. They have equally opened discussions with officials in the Presidency, seeking a speedy presidential assent after the bill completes the legislative process. However, the bill’s passage in the House of Representatives has attracted criticism over the voting procedure. The legislation was approved through a voice vote, a move some stakeholders argue did not comply with constitutional requirements for amendments. A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Minister Tanimu Turaki, has threatened legal action, alleging that lawmakers failed to consider and vote on the bill clause by clause. The group argued that such a process is required for constitutional amendments and warned that the procedure could be challenged in court. Former lawmaker Sergius Ogun also criticised the method adopted by the House, noting that previous constitutional amendment exercises relied on electronic voting rather than voice votes. While acknowledging that the outcome of any legal challenge cannot be predicted, he said judicial scrutiny could help clarify the constitutional process. The governors’ urgency is also linked to security planning ahead of the next general elections. Several states already operate local security outfits, including vigilante groups and community watch organisations, which they hope to transform into formal state police agencies once the constitutional amendment is enacted. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun recently disclosed that governors had agreed to ensure their respective state assemblies pass the bill simultaneously after it is transmitted. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also expressed confidence that the states would demonstrate their support through a swift concurrence process. Many state assembly speakers have already pledged to support the legislation, describing it as a significant step in Nigeria’s constitutional reform efforts. Meanwhile, civil society organisations have called for broader public consultation before the bill progresses further. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre has urged the National Assembly to organise public hearings across the country’s six geopolitical zones, noting that important issues, including the proposed funding structure for state police, have yet to be fully explained to Nigerians. Although the bill secured 311 votes in the House of Representatives well above the constitutional threshold required for amendments minority lawmakers staged a walkout, insisting that the legislative process failed to meet constitutional standards. With governors pushing for accelerated action and opponents preparing possible court challenges, the fate of the state police bill will likely be decided in the coming weeks as lawmakers race against time ahead of the 2027 election season.

Education

Concerned Parents, Alumni Challenge Babcock Convocation, Seek Return of Academic Recognition

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A group of concerned parents and graduates of Babcock University has called on the institution’s management to restore what it described as the central purpose of convocation by giving greater prominence to academic excellence during graduation ceremonies.In an open letter issued following the university’s 2026 convocation, the group expressed disappointment over what it considered the inadequate recognition of outstanding academic performance, urging the management to acknowledge the shortcomings of the ceremony, apologize to affected graduates and put measures in place to prevent a recurrence. The group argued that convocation should primarily celebrate scholarship, discipline and academic achievement, noting that the ceremony ought to serve as a platform for honoring students who distinguished themselves through years of dedication and hard work. According to the letter, one of the major concerns was the selection of the commencement speaker, a serving state governor, whose address allegedly focused largely on his administration’s achievements rather than offering graduates intellectual inspiration, professional guidance or reflections suited to a university convocation. The group maintained that commencement speakers should be chosen based on their ability to inspire graduating students and contribute meaningfully to the academic significance of the occasion rather than the public office they occupy.It also criticised what it described as the minimal recognition accorded to outstanding graduates during the ceremony, stating that only the overall best graduating student of the university was publicly acknowledged. The parents and graduates noted that the best graduating students from the university’s schools, departments and part-time programmes, as well as first-class graduates, were not recognised on stage despite their exceptional academic records.Instead, the affected students were reportedly directed to collect their awards at the university registry, a decision the group said diminished the value of years of academic excellence. While stressing that it had no objection to other categories of recognition presented during the ceremony, the group expressed concern that the “Youth Development and Social Advocacy Award,” given to graduates recognized for positive personal transformation, received prominent attention while academic distinctions received little publicacknowledgment. According to the letter, recognizing personal growth and social rehabilitation is commendable, but such recognition should not overshadow the primary purpose of a university convocation, which is to celebrate academic merit.The group further argued that public recognition during convocation often serves as an important credential for graduates seeking scholarships, employment opportunities and postgraduate admissions, adding that denying outstanding students that platform could have lasting consequences. It therefore urged the university to publicly acknowledge that the 2026 convocation did not sufficiently celebrate academic excellence, apologize to affected graduates and establish a clear framework for recognizing the best graduating students across all schools and departments, as well as all first-class graduates, during future convocations.The letter concluded that universities exist to promote merit, evidence and excellence, insisting that convocation ceremonies should reflect those values by ensuring that graduates who excelled academically receive the public recognition they deserve.

Governance, Public Affairs

FG Calls for Probe Into Nigerian’s Death in South African Police Operation

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The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of Nigerian national Ibeh Chika Simon during a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation in Bellville, Cape Town, describing the circumstances surrounding his death as deeply troubling. In a statement dated July 25, the Consulate also expressed concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who is receiving treatment for serious injuries sustained during the operation on July 23. The Nigerian mission described the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of unresolved deaths and alleged police misconduct involving foreign nationals in South Africa. It warned that the situation was particularly worrying amid growing Afrophobic sentiment, which it said threatens the rights to life, dignity and due process guaranteed under South African law. The Consulate called on South African authorities to launch a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable. While reiterating that Nigerians living in South Africa are expected to obey the country’s laws, the mission stressed that allegations of wrongdoing should never justify the use of excessive force or unlawful killings. According to the statement, criminal suspects are entitled to due process through the courts, and law enforcement agencies must operate within the limits of the law. The Consulate extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured Nigerian a speedy recovery. It also urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and to seek justice through legal and diplomatic channels. The latest incident comes amid continued concerns over attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Nigerian national Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed by police officers on June 28, while another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, was reportedly murdered by unidentified attackers on the same day. The Federal Government has previously evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches following outbreaks of Afrophobic violence. President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have repeatedly condemned attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals. Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has also said the Federal Government will seek compensation from South African authorities for Nigerians who lost businesses, property and livelihoods as a result of the anti-African attacks.

Health

FG Raises Nursing Admissions to 50,000 to Tackle Health Worker Shortage

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The Federal Government has increased annual admissions into nursing schools from about 20,000 to 50,000 students as part of efforts to address the country’s shortage of healthcare professionals and strengthen the health sector. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during an interview with journalists, explaining that the move is part of wider education reforms aimed at developing the skilled workforce needed to support President Bola Tinubu’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030. According to Alausa, the administration is prioritising investment in human capital by expanding access to professional education, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare. He said the government’s long-term objective is to position Nigeria as a global supplier of skilled professionals capable of driving economic growth at home while competing successfully in international labour markets. The minister noted that admissions into nursing schools have more than doubled since the current administration took office, rising from around 20,000 to approximately 50,000 students annually. He added that enrolment into medicine, pharmacy and dentistry programmes has also been significantly expanded to help close the country’s healthcare workforce gap. Alausa expressed confidence that the increased training capacity would begin to ease the shortage of nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals as more graduates enter the workforce over the coming years. He described education as a key pillar of the administration’s economic agenda, saying it would play a central role in achieving sustainable growth and supporting the President’s development objectives. The minister also assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was designed to remain financially sustainable beyond the lifespan of the current administration. According to him, the scheme was carefully structured to ensure its long-term viability rather than serving as a short-term intervention. Alausa further stated that the government has restored relative industrial peace in tertiary institutions through continued engagement with academic and non-academic staff unions, noting that the improved stability is contributing to better performance across the higher education sector. Nigeria has continued to grapple with a shortage of healthcare workers due to years of limited training capacity and the increasing migration of nurses and doctors abroad in search of better pay and working conditions. The situation has placed additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system, particularly at the primary and secondary healthcare levels. To address the challenge, the Federal Government has expanded admissions into nursing and other health-related programmes while increasing investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other human capital development initiatives. The government believes these measures will help meet local healthcare demands while positioning Nigeria as a major source of skilled professionals for the global workforce.

Politics

Joshua Sets Up Fury Clash With Knockout Comeback

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British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua produced a remarkable comeback on Saturday night, recovering from two early knockdowns to stop previously unbeaten Albanian Kristian Prenga in the second round of their bout in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Joshua endured a nightmare start as Prenga, who entered the contest with a perfect record of 20 knockouts in 20 fights, dropped the former world champion with a powerful uppercut less than 20 seconds into the opening round. Prenga sent Joshua to the canvas again before the end of the round, raising fears of a major upset. However, Joshua responded impressively in the second round, regaining his composure before landing a series of heavy right hands that trapped Prenga against the ropes. The referee halted the contest, handing the Albanian his first professional defeat and improving Joshua’s record to 30 wins from 34 fights, including 27 knockouts. Speaking after the victory, Joshua welcomed the prospect of a long-awaited clash with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury, while expressing respect for his rival’s accomplishments. “I respect everything he has done and achieved, but I’ve wanted this fight for a long time, and now we’re here,” Joshua said. “I hope the fans are in for a great show.” He added: “I’ve learned that I cannot be stopped. I’m not going to be denied.” The fight marked Joshua’s first appearance since the December car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Clearly emotional after the bout, Joshua dedicated the victory to their memory. Wearing camouflage gear bearing their names, he described the performance as being driven by their spirit. “It was more than power. That was spirit. That was Latz and Sina,” he said. “It’s been a difficult time, but champions get back up when they’re knocked down. That’s what this was about.” Joshua’s victory came just a day after Tyson Fury recorded a seventh-round technical knockout win over Polish veteran Mariusz Wach in Thailand, with both heavyweights successfully completing their tune-up fights ahead of a proposed showdown. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that contracts for the highly anticipated all-British contest have already been signed, although the venue is yet to be decided. Wembley Stadium remains a leading option, while staging the fight in the United States is also under consideration. Hearn praised Joshua’s resilience, saying the former champion showed tremendous character by recovering from two first-round knockdowns to secure the stoppage victory. Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk also commended Joshua’s performance, saying the British-Nigerian looked better than when they previously met. According to Usyk, Joshua’s improvement is not only physical but also mental.

Energy, Governance

Ibom Power MD: N28bn Federal Government Debt Shut Down Nigeria’s Only State-Owned 191MW Plant

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Nigeria’s only wholly state-owned power plant, Ibom Power Plc, has blamed a N28 billion debt owed by the Federal Government for the prolonged shutdown of its 191-megawatt facility in Akwa Ibom State. Speaking in an interview with Platforms Africa, the Managing Director of Ibom Power, Camillus Umoh, revealed that the plant generated electricity for fewer than 30 days out of the last 360 days in 2025 due to a lack of gas supply. According to Umoh, the crisis began after Acugas, the plant’s gas supplier, suspended deliveries over years of unpaid invoices and adopted a “pay-before-supply” policy to avoid accumulating further debts. He explained that even during the few days the plant was operational, it often generated only 30 to 40 percent of its installed capacity because of limited gas availability. Umoh said the debt owed to Ibom Power is part of the estimated N4 trillion legacy debt affecting Nigeria’s Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), where power generation companies are not fully paid for electricity supplied to the national grid. He disclosed that the Federal Government has paid N12.3 billion of the N28 billion owed to the company, leaving an outstanding balance of N15.7 billion. However, he noted that the repayment arrangement includes both cash and bonds, with the bonds redeemable only at a discount. He also pointed out that the debts are being settled without interest or compensation for years of depreciation. The prolonged liquidity challenges have also prevented the company from carrying out critical maintenance on its General Electric turbines, increasing operational risks. Beyond the gas shortage, Umoh highlighted transmission constraints as another major obstacle. He said the 51-year-old Aba–Itu transmission line can evacuate only about 60MW, while the Calabar–Itu transmission line has remained out of service for four years following repeated vandalism. Despite these setbacks, Umoh said the plant is capable of generating between 82MW and 83MW whenever gas is available more than Akwa Ibom State’s current electricity demand of between 65MW and 71MW. He added that the facility was originally designed to export electricity to other states and eventually expand its capacity to 685MW under a second phase. He stressed that while the technical challenges are manageable, resolving the sector’s liquidity crisis and ensuring reliable payment for electricity generated remain essential to restoring stable operations and preventing similar disruptions across Nigeria’s power sector.

Business, Energy

Sahara Group Urges Financing Model That Reflects Africa’s Energy Transition Realities

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Sahara Group has called for a fresh approach to Africa’s energy transition, infrastructure financing and energy journalism, urging stakeholders to adopt strategies that reflect the continent’s unique realities. The company made the call on Wednesday during the third edition of its thought leadership forum, Asharami Square, themed “Energising Africa’s Future: Legacy, Impact and Transformation.” Speaking at the event, Sahara Group’s Director of Governance and Sustainability, Ejiro Gray, said the company’s “Beyond XXX” vision is focused on shaping the future rather than celebrating past achievements. Gray stressed that Africa’s energy transition should be driven by local realities and supported by balanced, evidence-based journalism capable of examining the complexities of energy development and sustainability. “Effective journalism should not only tell us what happened; it should help us understand why it matters, whose interests are affected and what perspectives are missing from the conversation,” she said. Delivering the keynote address, the Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, Sadiq Wanka, said reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector are creating new opportunities for investment. According to him, the major challenge facing the sector is no longer technology but mobilising capital, developing bankable projects and creating an environment that attracts long-term investment. “The issue is no longer technology. The real challenge is mobilising capital at scale, structuring bankable opportunities and creating an ecosystem that attracts long-term financing,” Wanka said. He noted that ongoing reforms are opening investment opportunities in embedded generation, mini-grids, renewable energy, transmission infrastructure and industrial power solutions, while encouraging journalists to report more extensively on policy implementation and investment opportunities. A panel discussion featuring Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of the University of Lagos, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Temitope George, Managing Director of Investment Banking at Chapel Hill Denham, Kemi Awodein, and moderated by Argus Media Associate Editor for Africa, Adebiyi Olusolape, examined financing options for Africa’s energy future. The panelists agreed that although Africa has significant domestic capital, attracting greater investment will require stronger governance, improved investor confidence and better project preparation. Speaking on the role of the media, Professor Ogwezzy-Ndisika called for more investigative and solutions-driven reporting on the energy sector. “Energy reporting must go beyond headline events and announcements. Journalists need to ask deeper questions, examine the evidence and connect policy decisions to their impact on communities and everyday lives,” she said. George highlighted the importance of ensuring projects are investment-ready, while Awodein said governance, transparency and clear value creation remain essential for attracting long-term capital. The event also featured the unveiling of the Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship Judging Panel, an initiative aimed at strengthening energy journalism across Africa. Sahara Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, Bethel Obioma, said the fellowship is designed to equip journalists with a deeper understanding of the technical, commercial, environmental and policy issues shaping the energy sector. He added that the initiative aligns with the company’s “Beyond XXX” vision of investing in people and platforms that will contribute to Africa’s energy future, with Professor Ogwezzy-Ndisika serving as the programme’s lead assessor.

General News

18 Nigerians Among 20 Dead in Cameroon Boat Tragedy

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At least 18 Nigerians and two other foreign nationals have died following a boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon while travelling to Adamawa State, Nigeria. The boat, which was travelling from Garoua in northern Cameroon to Yola in Adamawa State, reportedly capsized late Monday night after being caught in a violent storm. According to reports, the vessel was carrying more than 50 passengers and was heavily loaded with iron rods and other building materials destined for Dasin, a community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Eyewitnesses said the boat encountered severe weather around midnight, causing it to overturn. Initial reports suggested that about 30 people may have died in the incident. However, local authorities have so far confirmed 20 fatalities, including 18 Nigerians and two foreign nationals. Sources said the remains of the Nigerian victims have been buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area, while search and rescue operations continue for passengers who are still missing. Divers from both Nigeria and Cameroon are participating in the ongoing rescue efforts. Meanwhile, several survivors are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in border communities.