The outspoken son of the immediate-past Kaduna State governor, Bashir El-Rufai has on Monday displayed the logo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on his verified Facebook page amidst his father’s defection rumours.

Although, Bashir only posted the SDP logo without any written words.

El-Rufai

Bashir’s father, former governor Nasir El-Rufai has intensified consultations with influential and notable politicians across the country including former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar among others for the formation of a mega party or formation of coalition to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 presidential elections.

El-Rufai has on different occasions denied defection rumour saying he is still APC member.

United States President Donald Trump has criticised the Joe Biden administration of allegedly misusing taxpayer funds, citing over $8 million spent on transgender-related experiments involving mice.

His remarks quickly sparked debate, with major news outlets fact-checking his claims.

However, a review of federally funded research projects confirmed that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indeed allocated millions to studies examining the effects of hormone therapy on mice.

According to available grant records, the NIH provided funding for various research projects related to gender and hormone therapy in animal models.

“These studies, conducted by research institutions across the country, explore topics ranging from reproductive health to immune responses in the context of hormone treatments,” the White House stated.

Among the projects funded are $455,000 for a study titled “A Mouse Model to Test the Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on HIV Vaccine-Induced Immune Responses,” $2.5m for “Reproductive Consequences of Steroid Hormone Administration.”

Researchers noted that “these mice manifest defects in ovarian architecture and have altered folliculogenesis.”

Also, $299,940 was also used for research on “Gender-Affirming Testosterone Therapy on Breast Cancer Risk and Treatment Outcomes.” The study compared breast cancer risk in female mice receiving testosterone therapy versus those that do not, $735,113 to examine the “Microbiome Mediated Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy in Mice.”

Trump also alleged that Biden used $1.2m for a study on “Androgen Effects on the Reproductive Neuroendocrine Axis,” which investigated the role of androgens in reproductive hormone regulation using transgenic mice, and $3.1m for research on “Gonadal Hormones as Mediators of Sex and Gender Influences in Asthma.”

Scientists involved in the project stated, “We will study the contributions of estrogens to HDM-induced asthma outcomes using male and female gonadectomized mice treated with estradiol.”

In total, the projects amount to $8,290,053 in federal funding.

Trump’s remarks have added fuel to ongoing political debates about government spending and scientific research priorities. “The Biden administration is wasting millions on transgender experiments on mice while Americans struggle with inflation and rising costs,” Trump declared.

Meanwhile, media outlets and fact-checkers have responded by analysing the studies in question. While some experts argued that such research was essential for understanding hormone therapies’ broader medical implications, critics contend that taxpayer dollars should be directed toward more immediate public health concerns

The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has called Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to resign from office honourably within 48 hours or be impeached by the State House of Assembly.

Chairman of APC in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, made the call on Monday morning while briefing journalists at his private residence in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Okocha accused Fubara of insulting President Bola Tinubu, when he attempted to proffer a political solution to the crisis in the state.

He said: “As a political party, we are today advising the governor; there are two options, resign honourably or be impeached. That is the position of the All Progressives Congress. He has disrespected Mr. President and we told him that we cannot be here and have him to disrespect Mr. President.

“The offences are there; the Supreme Court has agreed and even provided us with more evidences. The House of Assembly does not need to set up any committee again to investigate him.

“48 hours is too much to give him as ultimatum. He should just resign honourably.”

Details Later….

Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, visited ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and Pastor Tunde Bakare, in Lagos on Sunday.

Photographs of the Kaduna politician posing with Aregbesola and Bakare went viral on social media.

While El-Rufai’s discussion with the two politicians was not revealed, it is believed that the visits were part of his political scheming ahead of the 2027 general elections.

El-Rufai has in recent times been very critical of the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu.

The Kaduna politician blamed Tinubu for his rejection by the National Assembly during ministerial screening.

Aregbesola, a former ally of Tinubu, recently dumped the APC alongside his supporters in Osun State.

Bakare lost the APC presidential ticket to Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential poll and he has also been critical of the government of the day.

In recent times, El-Rufai, a chieftain of the ruling APC, has also been found hobnobbing with opposition politicians, including the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

His Sunday visit to Aregbesola and Bakare was disclosed by Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media adviser, in a tweet on Sunday.

“Malam Nasir @elrufai was in Lagos today to visit Ogbeni @raufaregbesola and Pastor Tunde Bakare,” Adekeye wrote.

 El-Rufai’s meeting with both men is coming days after visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna.

The former Kaduna governor’s visit to Lagos has fuelled fresh conversations about his political future and possible strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory was recently in the news when he granted an interview on Arise Television, where he accused Tinubu of deliberately dropping him from his list of ministerial nominees.

He also slammed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for undermining the North over his alleged 2031 presidential ambition.

In the interview, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory hinted at leaving the ruling APC, saying the party had already abandoned him.

When asked if he would be supporting the President’s re-election bid in 2027, the Kaduna politician dodged the question, saying he wasn’t even certain if he would still be in the APC by then.

His perceived anti-party activities had made the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka query his true motive at the end of the just concluded National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja.

When called for a reaction regarding El-Rufai’s recent visit to Aregbesola and Bakare, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, initially declined, saying the party cannot continue to give his activities needless attention.

When pestered further, the Osun party chieftain said the former governor is the least of their worries at the moment.

He said, “We don’t have any comment. Anybody who wants to worry about his movements is free. So far he is a Nigerian, El-Rufai is free to visit anybody he likes.

“We have more serious work to do than to comment on anybody roaming around.”

The National Deputy Organising Secretary of the party, Nze Chidi Duru also expressed the belief that El-Rufai has the freedom to mingle and associate with whoever he wants.

He said, “You remember that he once visited Aregbesola when he was governor. But at the end of the day, returned and supported Mr President. In recognition of that, there is freedom of association, which is very important. And it is good that he is exercising it to the highest.

“There is no restriction with respect to that. So I don’t think any meaning should be read into his recent visits other than a meeting of friends. At the end of the day, if it leads to something beyond that, we then need to make demands.

“So it is not every visit that we should give political colouration or gain.  I am not even thinking about it. It is like me going to visit a political friend and it then becomes a national issue. If there is something that comes out of such association, we can then comment about it.”

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has discontinued the naira-for-crude deal with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other local refineries, TheCable understands.

The development could trigger an uptick in the pump price of petrol as local refineries — including Dangote — will now rely on international suppliers for feedstock, gulping huge costs in dollars.

The NNPC reportedly told the refineries it has forward-sold all its crude, although production is now said to be higher than when the deal commenced.

Nigeria officially commenced the sale of crude oil and refined petroleum products in naira to local refineries on October 1, 2024.

The move was meant to improve supply, save the country millions of dollars in petroleum products imports, and ultimately reduce pump prices.

However, multiple sources said the initiative will be suspended until 2030.

A high-level source confirmed that the NNPC has notified Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other local refiners that it will no longer provide crude oil to them, as it has forward-sold all of its crude supplies until 2030.

Despite recent attempts to bolster domestic refining capacity, the country has spent “over $4.3 billion importing 6.38 billion litres of premium motor spirit (petrol) and automotive gas oil (diesel) in just five months”, industry sources said.

The NNPC is said to be among the entities still importing products, an act backed by the recent deregulation of the downstream sector.

Another source said at a time when Nigerians are hoping for further price reductions, “the NNPC unilaterally decided to end the naira-for-crude initiative”.

TheCable has contacted the NNPC for comments.

While the Dangote refinery has declined to comment on the NNPC’s recent move, an official said the company will carefully assess its options and decide on the appropriate course of action.

The decision to stop the naira-based crude supply might lead to volatility in the foreign exchange (FX) market, thereby eroding recent gains, according to market analysts.

THE TROUBLED CRUDE-FOR-NAIRA DEAL

In October 2024, the federal executive council (FEC) approved the allocation of 450,000 barrels of crude intended for domestic consumption to be sold in naira to Nigerian refineries, with the Dangote refinery serving as a pilot project.

Under the scheme, the NNPC was expected to supply 385,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the Lekki-based refinery.

However, the national oil firm has been accused of consistently failing to meet the allocation.

In November 2024, the refinery said the crude-for-naira initiative was faltering, as it was still unable to secure adequate supplies.

“We need 650,000 barrels per day, (state oil firm NNPC Ltd) agreed to give a minimum of 385,000 bpd but they are not even delivering that,” Edwin Devakumar, the vice-president of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) had said.

He further described the NNPC’s supply as “peanuts”.

Nigeria’s petrol imports surged in 2024, doubling despite an increase in domestic refining capacity, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on imported fuel, according to findings by The PUNCH.

The latest data from the foreign trade statistics report of the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the cost of petrol imports rose by 105.3 per cent to N15.42tn in 2024 from the N7.51tn recorded in 2023.

This sharp increase in fuel import expenditure came at a time when expectations were high for a decline in reliance on foreign supply following significant investments in local refining.

The commencement of operations at the 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity Dangote Petroleum Refinery last year and ongoing revival efforts at the other local refineries were expected to reduce import dependence.

However, existing data suggests that these refineries have yet to reach full production capacity to meet domestic demand.

Over the past five years, Nigeria’s petrol import bill has steadily risen. In 2020, the country spent N2.01tn on fuel imports, more than doubling to N4.56tn in 2021.

By 2022, the figure further increased to N7.71tn before slightly declining to N7.51tn in 2023. However, in 2024, fuel import expenditure surged to an all-time high of N15.42tn, marking the largest petrol import bill in Nigeria’s history.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that despite the commencement of petrol production by three major refineries in Nigeria, oil marketers had continued to import and distribute the product nationwide.

Marketers imported 2.3 billion litres of petrol between September 11 and December 5, 2024. The continued importation of petrol is contrary to a public announcement by some group of marketers who earlier stated their intention to halt petrol imports and focus on domestic supply.

The local refineries are the 650,000 barrel per day capacity Dangote Petroleum Refinery located in Lagos and the 210,000bpd capacity Port Harcourt Refining Company in Rivers State. PHRC currently produces from its old plant with a capacity of 60,000bpd.

Also, the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company commenced operations in December 2024. PHRC and WRPC are both under the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The PUNCH also reported that despite improved domestic refining capacity in Nigeria, major oil marketers have continued to import refined petroleum products, as they imported 6.38 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in the past five months.

But independent marketers and retailers, through their various associations, kicked against the development, as the importation of these commodities gulped about N6tn, a development that further piled pressure on the country’s forex.

The Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, earlier said that importation promotes competition, helping drive down the price of PMS.

Commenting on fuel importation, he explained, “What importation does for us is that it contributes to the market’s competitiveness. The price movements you are enjoying and the market competition are the result of importation. Importation is useful.

“We want local refining. Let’s be clear. We want local refining. What ensures that we have the most competitive price is that locally refined fuel prices have to compete with imported prices. That is what keeps our prices at the pump as low as possible,” the MEMAN leader asserted.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured a total of 4,111 convictions in 2024.

According to the commission, the conviction was the highest number in any operational year since its inception.

The commission also recovered significant sums across multiple currencies, totaling $214.5m, N364.6m, £54,318, €31,265, and various other amounts in different currencies.

This was contained in a document obtained by The PUNCH.

“In 2024, the commission secured 4,111 convictions. This is the highest number of convictions secured in any operational year from inception to date. This laudable achievement is attributable to the dedication of our officers and the enabling environment provided by the management and stakeholders of the commission.

“The commission remains committed to enhancing the knowledge and capacity of its prosecutors and the judiciary,” the document stated.

Beyond monetary recoveries, the EFCC also seized significant assets, including 70 tons of unidentified solid minerals and various cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Green Satoshi Tokens, and Tether coins, among others.

“$ 214,513,439.55, N364,597,370,151.35; £54,318.64 ; €31,265.00; CAD $2,990.00; AUD $740.00; CFA 7,821,375.00; UAE DIRHAM 170.00 ; RIYALS 5,115.00 ; W 73,000.00 ; ¥ 105.00 ; GH¢ 225.00 and RAND 50.00 were recovered in 2024.

“Assets recovered are 70 tons of unidentified solid minerals; 40,844,094 units of shares worth about N1,055,190,044.55 and $4,414,801.76; 13.37BTC worth about $572,992.86, 5.97886094 ethereum worth $13,353.06, 298.4770071 green Satoshi token worth $6, 1,002.547631, ($1,002.22), sum of N2,699,233 and N9,477,977,318.78, $2,605,858.30 and GBP1,600, cash among others.

“Some of the monetary recoveries made by the commission have been reinvested by the Federal Government into initiatives that provide significant benefits to the Nigerian people.”

The EFCC stated that the most prevalent cases investigated in 2024 involved advance fee fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime.

It added that several socio-economic factors, including rising unemployment, the pursuit of quick wealth, and weak regulatory frameworks, contributed to the high volume of the cases.

The anti-graft agency said, “The commission is actively advancing its investigative efforts across all zonal directorates. In 2024, cases involving advance fee fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime were the most prevalent in our investigations.

“The high volume of these cases can be attributed to several factors, including rising unemployment, a desire for quick wealth among the youth, a large informal economy, and weak regulatory frameworks”

The commission also raised the alarm that

cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, utilising AI-driven fraud.

“Additionally, cybercriminals are continuously evolving their tactics, incorporating innovations like AI-driven fraud, deepfakes, and advanced phishing schemes,” it stated.

Operatives of the Abia police command have reportedly found the remains of three individuals, including an officer, after a violent attack on Azumini Ndoki community in Ukwa east LGA of the state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, quoted intelligence sources as saying that the victims were among those abducted on March 4 when armed men, in a Toyota Sienna, ambushed a convoy escorting Obasi Lawson, a businessman.

The publication said the attackers shot and killed the driver and another passenger before fleeing with the businessman and a police officer from his security team.

Makama said police operatives, after days of extensive search operations, recovered two bodies on March 8, later confirmed to be the driver and a civilian passenger.

The publication said further investigations led to the discovery of Tanko Natip’s remains in a nearby bush.

Natip, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), had his body photographed and moved to Okeikpe Mortuary in Ukwa west.

Makama stated that the whereabouts of Lawson remain uncertain as tactical teams, aided by tracking technology, continue searching for him.

The source added that security has been strengthened in the area, with more tactical teams deployed to deter further attacks and monitor the movements of the suspected abductors.

China is set to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) courses in primary and secondary schools in a bid to strengthen the country’s goal to dominate the sector.

According to a statement on the Beijing Municipal Education Commission’s website, schools in Beijing, the capital of China, will offer at least eight hours of AI classes periodically — starting from the coming fall semester which begins on September 1.

The statement said the schools can run them as stand-alone courses or integrate the courses with existing curricula like information technology and science.

“Build municipal general basic courses. Implement the requirements of the national curriculum plan and curriculum standards, and offer all courses related to artificial intelligence education,” the introductory part of the document reads.

“Explore the establishment of local courses for artificial intelligence education in primary and secondary schools, develop the ‘Beijing Local Curriculum Outline for Artificial Intelligence Education in Primary and Secondary Schools (Trial)’.

“Compile primary and secondary school artificial intelligence education and teaching guidelines and student learning manuals based on the cognitive abilities of students at different stages of education, develop supporting course resources with diverse forms and dynamic updates, and promptly reflect new technologies, new methods, and new achievements.”

China’s AI battle with the US reached new heights this year when DeepSeek dropped a leaner, faster model that rivalled those from the United States.

Beijing’s new education plan follows a pledge by the government to support the extensive application of large-scale AI models and the development of new generation intelligent terminals and manufacturing equipment.

Recently, Huai Jinpeng, China’s minister of education, said the country will release a white paper on AI education in 2025.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has revealed that 30% of Nigeria’s 24 million registered Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) shut down between 2023 and 2024 due to mounting economic challenges. This alarming trend was highlighted during the launch of the “2025 Private Sector Outlook: Adapting to Economic Uncertainties for Growth and Resilience” in Lagos.

Segun Omisakin, Chief Economist and Director of Research at NESG, outlined the key risks faced by businesses during this period. These include foreign exchange (FX) shortages and volatility, with the naira averaging N1,479.9 per dollar in 2024; rising public debt, which reached N142.3 trillion as of September 2024; and the exit of multinational companies, which, alongside MSME closures, resulted in an estimated N94 trillion economic loss. Omisakin also pointed to structural issues such as insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited market access as significant hurdles for the private sector.

Despite some positive developments, such as improved foreign exchange availability due to policy reforms and a 3.4% GDP growth in 2024—the highest since 2021—businesses continued to struggle with rising costs, inflationary pressures, and policy uncertainty. Wonu Adetayo, NESG Board Director, noted that while reforms like fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonisation boosted investment levels, stagnant productivity and macroeconomic imbalances worsened living standards and economic distress.

During a panel discussion, Dele Kelvin Oye, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), emphasised the importance of policy stability for attracting foreign direct investment. He urged the government to act as a facilitator rather than a competitor in economic affairs and called for greater inclusion of business organisations in key negotiations to ensure broad-based economic benefits.

Other panellists echoed these sentiments, warning against government overreach into private sector affairs and advocating for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. They stressed the need for active involvement of business associations like the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in economic decision-making.

The NESG also highlighted the lack of immediate monetary interventions following the fuel subsidy removal, which exacerbated inflationary pressures, and criticised inconsistent Customs regulations and fluctuating exchange rates as deterrents to investment and operational stability. To address these challenges, the NESG proposed a framework of economic stabilisation, consolidation, and acceleration, emphasising the need for policies that enhance private sector competitiveness and monitor reform efficacy.