By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is gradually emerging as a preferred destination for investment, saying the economic reforms introduced by his administration are beginning to yield positive results capable of driving job creation and economic growth.

He stated this in his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world, contained in a statement issued by the State House on Tuesday.

The President said the country had passed through difficult economic conditions but is now witnessing signs of stability and recovery following reforms implemented by his administration over the last three years.

“As a nation, we are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal. The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations,” Mr Tinubu stated.

“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth. The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.”

The President described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that symbolises sacrifice, obedience, compassion and faith, urging Nigerians to embrace unity, tolerance and selflessness for national development.

Mr Tinubu also expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would continue to improve security and expand opportunities for citizens across the country.

“I am confident that, by the Grace of God, the reforms we have diligently pursued will continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all,” he said.

While acknowledging continued attacks by terrorists and bandits in parts of the country, the President assured affected communities that the Federal Government remained committed to restoring peace and defeating criminal elements.

“I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies—including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader—heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities. I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” Tinubu stated.

He further urged Muslim faithful to use the Eid celebration to pray for national peace, unity and wisdom for leaders at all levels.

The President also called on Nigerians to extend support to vulnerable citizens and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investments in security, infrastructure, agriculture and human capital development as part of efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s former president, Mr Goodluck Jonathan, may contest the 2027 presidential election if he wishes, as a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed a suit filed by a lawyer, Mr Johnmary Jideobi, seeking to stop him from contesting.

Justice Peter Lifu flung the suit and also awarded a N20 million fine against Mr Jideobi and in favour of the ex-president. He equally awarded a N1 million fine against the plaintiff and in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The judge held that Mr Jideobi lacked the legal right to have instituted the suit, having not suffered any loss from his perceived Mr Jonathan’s intention to vie for next year’s poll.

The judge, who said that a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and an Appeal Court had already held that Mr Jonathan was eligible to run, said he was bound by the decision of the appellate court. He described the lawyer’s suit as “an abuse of court process”.

Justice Lifu also dismissed Mr Jideobi’s motion seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case for being frivolous.

Mr Jideobi had sued Mr Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and AGF as the 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively.

Mr Jonathan is a former president of Nigeria. He first assumed power in 2010 after the death of ex-President Musa Yar’Adua. The Bayelsa-born politician served as vice president under Mr Yar’Adua and took over when the late president first fell sick.

A year later, he contested and won the 2011 presidential election. But in 2015, Mr Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated him, the first time an incumbent had lost a presidential election since the return of democracy in 1999.

Upon his exit from office, he has taken on a more diplomatic role despite calls for him to run in recent elections.

However, the 2027 polls have seen increased support for the former Nigerian leader, who has actively moved away from partisan politics since 2015.

Recently, Mr Jonathan told some youths under the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan that he would consult before deciding on the matter.

“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections,” the former president told the group when members visited him in Abuja.

“The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” he added.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Monday said it is partnering with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to chart a path for African energy development.

A statement by the company noted that the partnership was discussed last week, when the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr Bashir Ojulari, received in audience the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Afreximbank, Mr George Elombi, at the NNPC Towers, Abuja.

NNPC said it set out its direction under the Enterprise First framework, positioning the company as a high-performance Partner of Choice built on execution and profitable growth.

Afterwards, both leaders agreed on a shared agenda for continental energy development and industrialisation, and to hold regular strategic sessions, the first session scheduled later in the year.

On financing, the state oil company said it led the discussion on the planned African Energy Bank (AEB), to be headquartered in Abuja, and confirmed its readiness to deepen its investment.

The Cairo-based lender was instrumental in the founding and funding of the energy bank that is soon to be operational.

Afreximbank affirmed its commitment to the company’s growth through risk-sharing, structured financing, and further refinancing to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas resources, the statement added.