Nigeria's Poverty Rate May Hit 62% by 2026, Says PwC
Nigeria’s poverty rate is projected to rise sharply to 62 per cent by 2026, with about 141 million people expected to be living below the poverty line, according to PwC. “Poverty is projected to rise to 62 per cent (141 million people) by 2026, reflecting weak real income growth and lingering inflation effects,” PwC noted. With food inflation remaining elevated, these households are disproportionately exposed to price shocks. The report warned that rising poverty levels pose significant risks to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth prospects. Rising poverty, they warn, could also weaken domestic consumption, limit productivity growth, and place additional pressure on public finances.
Source:Punch
January 07, 2026 06:07 UTC
Over 140m Nigerians may become poorer by December
Poverty levels in Nigeria are expected to worsen significantly over the next two years, with as many as 141 million Nigerians, representing about 62 per cent of the population, projected to be living in poverty by 2026, according to PwC. PwC noted that weak real income growth, combined with persistently high living costs, is likely to push millions more Nigerians into poverty despite expectations that headline inflation may gradually moderate. The firm estimates that Nigeria’s poverty rate will rise to 62 per cent by 2026, reflecting the compounding effects of sluggish income growth and lingering inflationary pressures. According to the report, most Nigerians are unlikely to see income increases that meaningfully offset rising costs in the near term. As a result, households, particularly those at the lower end of the income spectrum, remain highly vulnerable to economic shocks.
Source:The Guardian
January 07, 2026 05:44 UTC
Court jails ex-Lagos education director for stealing N48m
A Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced a 64-year-old former Lagos State education director, Olawale Solomon Feleti, to two years and five months’ imprisonment for stealing N48,992,271.73. Justice Rahman Oshodi convicted and sentenced Feleti after finding him guilty on a five-count charge of stealing preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The prosecution counsel, Mr A. M. Dambuwa, told the court that the convict dishonestly converted the sum of N48,992,271.73 belonging to Access Bank Plc. The EFCC said the offences were contrary to and punishable under Section 287(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The judge added that if the convict makes full restitution to the bank, Access Bank Plc should formally notify the court.
Source:The Guardian
January 07, 2026 05:44 UTC
Super Eagles Depart Fez for Marrakesh for AFCON Quarterfinal
The federation added that defender Ryan Alebiosu remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from injury. The move to Marrakesh is in line with a new arrangement introduced by CAF for this edition of the tournament. As a result, the Super Eagles are expected to return to their base in Fez after the quarterfinal match and then travel to Rabat should they progress to the semifinals, where they could face either hosts Morocco or Cameroon on January 14. All is good and we are presently at training.”Achor also rejected claims that forward Jerome Akor Adams had left the team camp after the match. “He took permission to go and see his mother who was hospitalized here in Fes, and returned in less than an hour,” he said.
Source:Punch
January 07, 2026 05:32 UTC
Sunday Jackson Pardon: A Victory for Justice and Fairness
THE belated pardon granted to a farmer, Sunday Jackson, by the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, is a plus for justice and fairness. Jackson was arrested and charged with murder at a state high court under Section 221(a) of the Penal Code Laws of Adamawa State 1997. But the Supreme Court, in a judgement on March 7, 2025, upheld the death sentence passed on Jackson by an Adamawa State High Court. A Justice of the Supreme Court in the panel, Helen Ogunwumiju, nailed it with her dissenting judgment. Assuming the Fulani man had killed Jackson, he would have likely escaped, let alone bagging the death sentence.
Source:Punch
January 07, 2026 04:53 UTC
Nurses’ union condemns killing of member, demands justice in Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has condemned the brutal killing of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem at Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. The council expressed deep sorrow, outrage and total condemnation over the unjust and brutal killing of its innocent young colleague, Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, who was in active service at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. Nurses leave their homes daily to save lives, yet many are uncertain of returning alive to their families. “We demand justice for our fallen colleague and urgent government intervention to guarantee the safety and security of all nurses and healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory. Anything short of decisive action will further expose nurses to danger and erode public confidence in the nation’s security system,” the statement added.
Source:The Guardian
January 07, 2026 04:36 UTC
A defining moment for Nigeria: Why staying the course matters
As we enter a new year, the questions that fill our markets, our homes, and our places of work are clear and urgent. This path was never promised to be easy, but it was promised to be honest and purposeful. My role is to be a steady voice for this administration, to explain our ambitions and our actions. This is why in 2026, our “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity” is critical. The easy politics of division and noise will persist, but the hard work of building a Nigeria that works for all must prevail.
Source:The Guardian
January 07, 2026 04:10 UTC
12 Arrested After Gunmen Attack Rivers Estate, Shoot Residen
At least 12 suspects have been arrested following an attack on an estate in Mbodo, Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday afternoon, during which a resident was shot in the leg and abducted. Iringe-Koko disclosed that operatives responded to a distress call, arrested several suspects, rescued the abducted victim, and recovered exhibits, including an automatic pump-action gun. “The attack resulted in the destruction of part of the estate and damage to vehicles. She added, “The twelve suspects arrested are: Chinedu Nnodim, aged 45, from Etche LGA, Rivers State, Joel Wopara, 49, from Rukpokwu, Rivers State, Wopara Iyke, 45, from Rumuewara, Oraigwe, Rivers State, Henry Godwin Orumere, 44, residing in Anaka Abuja Road, Port Harcourt; Chidi Herbert, 47, Ehi Water, Rumuodumanya, Port Harcourt; Wobe Ginikanwa, 44, Airport Road, Rukpokwu, Rivers State. Adepoju stressed that OSPAC operatives are expected to operate strictly under police supervision and in synergy with the command.
Source:Punch
January 07, 2026 04:00 UTC
President and a pardon carried too far
How the President came about the decision to write off such a whooping sum of $1.42 billion and #5.57 trillion is hard to understand. Could such action possibly be as a result of a desperate ambition to win the next election? Or a bid to avoid stepping on toes of powerful people who would be exposed in the event of probe? Nigerians ought not to litter all neighbouring countries and foreign lands just because of extremely poor governance at home. What has happened is akin to Nigeria being sold in broad daylight and all Nigerians must rise up to shout: Capital No!
Source:The Guardian
January 07, 2026 03:42 UTC
Things Tata Motors is doing right with the new Punch
Instead of a half-hearted cosmetic update, Tata has given the Punch a meaningful visual refresh inspired by the Punch.ev and its newer SUVs. Feature additions that push the Punch upmarketAnother area where Tata has made the right call is feature integration. The images of the new Punch suggest that the Punch will offer ADAS, as there is a radar in front. Strengthening a proven formula, not fixing what wasn’t brokenPerhaps the biggest thing Tata has done right with the new Punch is restraint. advertisementWith these updates, the 2026 Tata Punch facelift feels less like a routine mid-life update and more like a carefully thought-out evolution.
Source:Punch
January 07, 2026 03:32 UTC
Media community pays tribute as The Punch reporter, Matthew Ochei, dies
It was a black Tuesday for journalists in Delta State and the Nigerian media as a correspondent of The Punch, Mr Matthew Ochei, died in the early hours of yesterday, after a brief illness. Ochei passed away at about 2:00 a.m., aged 43, leaving behind his wife, Mrs Uche Matthew Ochei, and three children. We pray that God will console you and give you the right frame of mind to bear this loss,” Oyowe added. Also speaking, the chairman of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, described Ochei’s death as a painful personal and professional loss. As colleagues, friends and the wider media community mourn his passing, Ochei is remembered not just as a reporter, but as a committed professional whose voice helped sustain journalism in difficult times.
Source:The Guardian
January 07, 2026 03:32 UTC
Which State in Nigeria is Very Cold?
Plateau State unequivocally claims the title of Nigeria’s coldest state, with Jos serving as its perpetually cool capital. Plateau State dominates as Nigeria’s coldest state not just because of absolute minimum temperatures but because coolness pervades the entire state consistently throughout the year. Comparing Plateau State with other relatively cool Nigerian locations clarifies why it deserves the “coldest state” designation. Plateau State is Nigeria’s very cold state, with Jos maintaining average temperatures of 22-24°C year-round due to its elevation at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level. Plateau State maintains colder average temperatures across the entire state compared to Taraba State because elevated terrain covers most of Plateau State, creating consistent coolness affecting millions of residents daily.
Source:The Guardian
January 07, 2026 01:39 UTC
Burning BRT bus causes traffic on Third Mainland Bridge
A Lagos State BRT bus was engulfed in flames on the Third Mainland Bridge on Tuesday afternoon, disrupting traffic movement around the Adekunle axis inward Iyana Oworo. The incident was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on its official X account. Traffic officers were deployed to control the flow of vehicles and reduce gridlock while fire suppression efforts continued. Because so many commuters depend on it to move between Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island, even a brief disruption can quickly cascade into heavy congestion. These incidents call for regular vehicle maintenance and stricter safety inspections to ensure passenger safety and prevent prolonged traffic congestion.
Source:The Guardian
January 07, 2026 01:18 UTC
Dias, Gvardiol sidelined as Man City face defensive crisis
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during an English Premier League football match. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES. AN ADDITIONAL 40 IMAGES MAY BE USED IN EXTRA TIME. /Ruben Dias will be sidelined for up to six weeks and Josko Gvardiol is out for “a long time” as Manchester City battle a growing defensive crisis, manager Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday. City announced on Monday Gvardiol was facing a lengthy lay-off with a tibial fracture to his right leg he suffered in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Source:The Guardian
January 06, 2026 22:28 UTC
Chelsea interim coach to lead team against Fulham
Chelsea’s under-21 head coach Calum McFarlane will take charge of the first-team squad for tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Fulham, the club has confirmed. McFarlane, who has led Chelsea’s Under-21s since the summer, oversaw Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City following the departure of Enzo Maresca. Speaking at a media conference at Cobham on Monday, shortly after the appointment of Liam Rosenior as Chelsea’s new head coach, McFarlane provided an update on the transition. “I spoke to Liam briefly last night, and he’s really excited to take the role. “It was a brief conversation, and I understand he will be at Cobham later today, so I’m sure I will catch up with him more on that.
Source:Punch
January 06, 2026 22:07 UTC