Business
Nigeria undergoing economic reset, says Governor Soludo

Nigeria undergoing economic reset, says Governor Soludo
Nigeria’s economy is currently undergoing a reset with the removal of petrol subsidy and floating of the naira, Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has said.
The governor said it was sensible to eliminate the ‘’debilitating scam’’ called subsidy which benefitted largely the urban elite.
He spoke on Thursday while giving the 13th convocation lecture of Abuja-based Veritas University.
Soludo, who was Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor between May 2004 and May 2009, commended Tinubu for ending ‘forex and electricity subsidies.”
The governor said, “Nigeria is undergoing a fundamental and disruptive reset. Hopefully, we have ended the debilitating scam called fuel subsidy as well as the forex and electricity subsidies.
“We have entered a ‘muddling-through’ phase which we must navigate carefully. Soon we must migrate from the destructive subsidies that benefitted largely the urban elite to a productive social contract that creates opportunity for all.”
Soludo urged Nigerians to sit up and craft a pragmatic new deal and an emergency national infrastructure plan similar to the United States (US) Marshall Plan to take the nation to great heights.
He said, “As we muddle through the shocks occasioned by the needed disruptive changes, we must sit and craft a pragmatic New Deal for Nigeria plus an emergency national infrastructure plan akin to the U.S Marshall Plan for Europe after the Second World war.
‘’Some elements of the new deal such as the minimum wage legislation, draft tax reform bill, and planned cash transfers are positive signs.
“This moment calls for historic coordination between the federal and state governments to agree on the critical elements of the augmented New Deal and Marshall Plan as well as their implementation to deliver outcomes within the shortest possible time.
“A key issue will be the ‘national plan’ for the deployment of the apparent ‘fiscal/subsidy windfall’.
“I say ‘apparent’ windfall because much of the nominal increase in fiscal revenues is largely money illusion. In the US, dollar terms and real purchasing power terms, much of the current revenue windfall is still far lower than in previous years.
“For example, a state that received N5 billion or $43.4 million as monthly federation account allocation in 2007/8 when the exchange rate was N118 to a dollar and a bag of cement sold for a few hundred Naira would need to receive at least N77 billion a month at current exchange rate and prices to be restored to its 2007/8 position. But the state does not get even a third of such.
“Fixing the oil output will be a critical game changer in the short to medium term. However minuscule or even non-existent the windfall in real terms, the federation must be seen to intentionally execute a new deal that pragmatically coheres with our peculiar federalism while urgently addressing the needs of the people.
“Besides the humongous investment to build infrastructure for the 21st century, we urgently need to prioritise our national investment in human capital — to transform our abundant human resources into productive capital. In the 21st and 22nd centuries driven by digitalisation, only societies that intentionally mine their human capital will triumph.
“Deploying our depleting natural resources to invest in the bridge to the future—human capital—will not only give our teeming population a stake in society but also secure their future.
“As a country, we must aim to remember this time in our history as the moment when we dared to remove the negative subsidies but deployed a part of the windfall to benefit our children and youths—via their education and health.
“At the minimum, we should set a national target to bring down the out-of-school children to zero within 5-8 years, and qualitative tuition-free secondary education to all Nigerian children within 10 years, while mainstreaming selected centres of excellence for the exportable labour force.”
The governor charged the graduating students not to fail the country.
He said, “The future you seek is in your palms, and only those who plan can control the future. As I look into your eyes, I can see hope.
“Nigeria may not have offered you much, but in fulfilment of your divine purpose on earth, you will be expected to give more than you have received.’’
Business
Bitcoin plunges to $80k amid ongoing volatility

Bitcoin plunges to $80k amid ongoing volatility
Bitcoin’s price plummeted to $80,052 late Sunday night, marking a 7% decline over the past 24 hours as uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic policies continues to ripple through the market.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $82,200.
The overall cryptocurrency market experienced a 7% drop, reducing its valuation to $2.77 trillion.
READ ALSO:
- Chelsea 1-0 victory against Leicester boosts top four hopes
- Varsity workers protest non-payment of salary increment arrears
- Atiku support group blasts Bode George as Tinubu apologist
Solana and XRP both recorded 7% losses, while Ethereum fell 8%, trading near the $2,000 mark. Despite the downturn, Bitcoin’s dominance remains steady at 58.2%.
The market’s decline has triggered significant liquidations, with Coinglass data reporting $616 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours, according to crypto.news price tracker.
Bitcoin plunges to $80k amid ongoing volatility
Railway
NRC targets moving 100 containers daily from Lagos to Kaduna, Kano by rail

NRC targets moving 100 containers daily from Lagos to Kaduna, Kano by rail
There are plans to commence movement of containers by rail soon from Lagos port to Kaduna by rail with an initial target of 50 to 100 containers daily.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this when he received the management team of the ICNL, led by the Managing Director, Mr Omotayo Dada, at the corporation’s headquarters, Ebute Metta, Lagos, on Tuesday.
Only recently, the corporation re-launched the rail cargo train from Apapa port Lagos to Moniya container terminal deport in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a partnership deal with APMT.
The NRC MD had earlier paid a visit to ICNL headquarters in Kaduna, which paved the way for discussion on the resumption of container movement by rail to Kaduna, according to a statement by the corporation.
Opeifa said the corporation was willing to partner with major movers of large containers from across the country.
He said the corporation would continue to design products for companies willing to use the rail to move its cargoes.
He noted that with the ICNL partnership, the corporation hopes to move additional 50 to 100 containers per day from Lagos to Kano via Apapa, Ijoko, Ilorin, Minna and Kaduna.
L-R: Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa; Managing Director, Inland Containers Nigeria Ltd, Mr Omotayo Dada, and the Head of Commercial Services, Mrs Odetunde King Abigail, during the courtesy call on the NRC MD…on Tuesday.
Earlier, the Director of Operations and Commercial of the corporation, Mr Akin Osinowo, said the corporation was in talks with many manufacturers, including the Dangote Group of Companies and BUA, among others.
He added that the NRC still continues to service Lafarge, taking cement consignments from Ewekoro to Osogbo and Ilorin.
He however said any company or terminal operator partnering with it is meant to add value to rail movement by using their size and status to prospect new customers in order to boost the railway’s haulage capacity.
He said the ICNL is a long standing customer of the corporation, adding that some of the factors that led to the stoppage of cargo movement especially on the narrow gauge are being addressed.
He said issues such as insecurity, especially between Minna and Kaduna, and the washouts of several portions of the rail tracks, among others, were being aggressively addressed either by the corporation’s team of engineers or by the Federal Government.
The NRC management and that of ICNL expressed commitment to continue their engagement and draw a road map for quick commencement of container freight to as far as to Kaduna and Kano on the western line.
Auto
Suzuki By CFAO slashes prices of Grand Vitara GL, GLX SUVs, EECO van in promotional campaign

Suzuki By CFAO slashes prices of Grand Vitara GL, GLX SUVs, EECO van in promotional campaign
Suzuki by CFAO has commenced a nationwide promotional campaign, slashing prices of three outstanding models in a move to give Nigerians an opportunity to own durable, fuel-efficient and stylish Suzuki vehicles at affordable rate.
The fast-growing automobile dealership in Nigeria says in a statement that the limited-time offer also comes with added benefits designed to maximise customer value and return on investment.
The three models, Suzuki Grand Vitara GL, Grand Vitara GLX, and the Suzuki Eeco van, come with exclusive incentives such as one-year free service and free registration, apart from the price slash.
General Manager of Suzuki by CFAO, Madam Aissatou Diouf, says, “The Suzuki brand under CFAO remains committed to delivering affordability, innovation, and reliability to its customers.
“We encourage potential buyers to take advantage of this offer before it ends. Customer feedback continues to reinforce Suzuki’s reputation for quality, fuel efficiency, and overall satisfaction.”
The auto firm says the promotional offer allows customers to drive home the Suzuki Grand Vitara GL for ₦46 million, instead of ₦48 million, while the Grand Vitara GLX is currently available at ₦53 million, down from 55 million, and the Suzuki EECO van for ₦19.5 million, down from ₦23 million.
Grand Vitara GLX
This is a feature-packed SUV with a robust design, sophisticated styling, and cutting-edge technology.
It comes equipped with 1.5L, 2WD automatic transmission (FS), panoramic sunroof, power door mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, 9-inch touchscreen audio system, 360-degree camera, outstanding fuel efficiency of just 4-5 litres per 100km.
Grand Vitara GL
This variant features a 1.5L engine, 2WD automatic transmission (FS), power door mirrors, alloy wheels, and fabric seats while maintaining the same remarkable fuel efficiency as the GLX.
Suzuki Eeco van
This is for businesses and entrepreneurs seeking affordability and efficiency.
It is a versatile and reliable vehicle, perfect for a practical and affordable transportation solution.
It is powered by a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and delivers 54 kW (73hp) of power and 101 Nm of torque;
5-speed manual transmission.
Its other features are exceptional fuel economy of just 4-5 litre per 100km; low maintenance costs and practical features such as manual air conditioning, park assist, and fabric seats.
Basic safety features, including seatbelts, a driver-side airbag, and an audio system with AM/FM radio and USB connectivity are available.
Exterior features
Compact design: The Eeco Panel van has a compact design, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Sliding doors: The van features sliding doors on both sides, providing easy access to the cargo area.
Rear door: The rear door is designed for easy loading and unloading of cargo.
Interior features
Spacious cargo area: The Eeco Panel van has a spacious cargo area, perfect for carrying goods, equipment, or tools.
Vinyl flooring: The cargo area features vinyl flooring, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Tie-down points: The van has tie-down points to secure cargo and prevent shifting during transport.
Safety
Driver airbag: The Eeco comes equipped with a driver airbag for added safety.
Seatbelts: The van features seatbelts for the driver and passengers.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS): The Eeco has ABS to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking.
Comfort/convenience features
Manual air conditioning: The van which can accommodate 5 to 7 passengers features manual air conditioning for added comfort.
Power steering; The van features power steering for easy maneuverability.
The auto firm notes that this is a golden opportunity to own a Suzuki vehicle at an unbeatable price and urged interested people to visit any Suzuki by CFAO dealership nationwide to take advantage of this limited-time offer before it runs out.
-
Education13 hours ago
Over two million candidates register for 2025 UTME, JAMB closes registration
-
metro2 days ago
ALGON drags FG, states to court over local govt funding, autonomy
-
metro3 days ago
Reginal Daniels removes husband’s name from new video, Ned Nwoko reacts
-
metro2 days ago
Open loud preaching in Anambra attracts N500,000 fine – Soludo
-
metro2 days ago
Blackout: TCN, DisCos debunk fresh grid collapse, supply hits 5,093MW
-
metro22 hours ago
Use of worn-out tyre lands FRSC sector commander in trouble
-
Education22 hours ago
Varsity workers protest non-payment of salary increment arrears
-
metro3 days ago
Tinubu offers fresh appointment to Jega