Analysts Project 15% Inflation
Analysts at Commercio Partners have projected Nigeria’s inflation rate to hover between 15 and 20 per cent following the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to a 2024 base year. This aligns with the federal government’s 15 per cent inflation target for 2025. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has also scheduled its first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for February 18 and 19, despite delays in releasing rebased inflation and GDP figures by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Read more
Athena Commentary: The rebasing of inflation offers Nigeria an opportunity to better reflect its evolving consumption trends and economic realities. However, structural reforms and proactive economic policies will be essential to ensure that the statistical improvements translate to tangible economic stability for Nigerian households.
Nigeria’s Corruption Ranking Revealed: 36th in Global List
According to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranks as the 36th most corrupt country globally, sharing this position with Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq, and Cameroon, all scoring 26 points out of 100. While Denmark leads as the least corrupt nation with 90 points, followed by Finland and Singapore, most countries including Nigeria have either stagnated or worsened in their corruption levels since 2012, with the report highlighting how corruption threatens global progress on issues like climate change. Read More
Athena Commentary: The stark difference between Nigeria’s score of 26 and Denmark’s 90 points reflects not just numbers, but fundamentally different approaches to governance – Nordic countries have built strong institutions with automated systems that make corruption difficult, while also fostering a culture where public service is seen as a sacred trust. Countries like Singapore and New Zealand have shown that rapid improvement is possible through a combination of tough anti-corruption laws, excellent pay for public servants, and automated government services that reduce human interaction in processes.
2027 Election: APC Dismisses Obasanjo, Atiku Alliance as Non-Threatening
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met with ex-President Obasanjo in Abeokuta amid speculation about forming a coalition for the 2027 presidential election, though Atiku claimed it was just a courtesy visit. While the ruling APC dismissed the meeting as a gathering of “indolent politicians” that poses no threat to President Tinubu’s re-election chances, other opposition figures like Peter Obi and NNPP have expressed varying levels of interest in a potential coalition, though with certain conditions. Read More
Athena Commentary: The meeting between Atiku and Obasanjo, whether for coalition talks or courtesy, underscores Nigeria’s fragmented opposition landscape, which often struggles to unite against ruling parties. In developed democracies like the UK or Germany, coalitions are typically based on shared policies and strategic interests, offering a unified front, unlike Nigeria where personal ambitions and mistrust often derail alliances. If Nigerian opposition parties fail to build cohesive coalitions, it weakens democratic competition and entrenches ruling party dominance, hindering effective governance and accountability.
Alleged Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu Challenges Court Jurisdiction
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been adjourned indefinitely by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako announced the adjournment after Kanu contested her authority to preside over his case, citing her prior recusal in September 2024. The chief judge, however, rejected her recusal and reassigned the case back to her. During the proceedings, Kanu asserted that the court lacked jurisdiction, dismissing the judge’s authority. His counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, echoed concerns about the court’s position but was interrupted by Kanu, who requested to take over his defence. Read more
Athena Commentary: The ongoing legal impasse highlights fundamental questions about judicial independence and fair trial rights. While courts must uphold procedural integrity, the judiciary’s coherence in high-profile cases like Kanu’s is essential to maintaining public trust. Respect for due process and clear judicial guidelines are critical to avoiding perceptions of bias or procedural inconsistencies.
Compiled by
Ijeoma Achebe
Aliyu Jalal