Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, stressed the importance of swiftly bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly attack to justice.

Terrorists belonging to Memuda sect reportedly carried out the deadly attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara on Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday, leaving scores dead and property destroyed.

The UN chief conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Nigeria”.

The Secretary-General also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

“The Secretary-General reiterates the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Nigeria in their efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism and stresses the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.

According to media reports, armed groups attacked the two rural villages in Kwara state on Tuesday, with the death toll expected to rise as bodies continue to be discovered.

Many victims were reportedly shot at close range, while homes and shops were set ablaze, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushland.

The attack was the deadliest recorded in the area in recent months, amid a sharp rise in violence across Nigeria’s northwest and north-central regions, where armed groups have increasingly targeted civilians.

The worsening security situation has also contributed to a deepening humanitarian crisis, with large-scale displacement and growing hunger and malnutrition across affected areas.

AU

 The African Union (AU) Commission has condemned the deadly attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara, which left scores dead and property destroyed.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in a statement, said he learned with deep shock and profound sorrow of the terrorist attack carried out on the communities.

Youssouf regretted reports that “at least 162 innocent civilians tragically lost their lives” in the violent attacks, which occured on Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday.

The AU Chairperson condemned “in the strongest possible terms this heinous and barbaric act, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights and an unacceptable assault on peace and security”.

He reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations.

The Chairperson extended “his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of the victims, as well as to the brotherly people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

He expressed the African Union’s “full solidarity with the Government of Nigeria and the authorities of Kwara State during this difficult time”.

The African Union reiterated its steadfast commitment to continue supporting the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in their efforts to consolidate peace, security and stability throughout the country.

The post UN, AU strongly condemn deadly attacks on civilians in Kwara appeared first on Business Today NG.

It said that the country recorded gains especially in exchange rate management inflation and business confidence.

CPPE’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Muda Yusuf, disclosed this in a statement, while presenting the organisations review of the economy in 2025 as well as its outlook for 2026.

He said that 2025 provided a strong foundation of stability adding that with sustained reforms and improved security, 2026 could witness more robust growth and better living standards.

According to him, the most notable achievement in 2025, was the stability of the Naira which traded largely between N1,440 and N1,500 to the dollar.

He said that this stability boosted business confidence, reduced imported inflation, and made pricing and investment planning more predictable.

He added that inflation also dropped sharply from 24.48 per cent in January, to about 14.45 per cent in November, strengthened by improved supply conditions and reduced logistics pressures.

According to him, prices of many food items and imported goods fell during the year, leading to improved consumer sentiment.

Yusuf said that business confidence also strengthened throughout the year, adding that, many companies which recorded losses in 2024 returned to profitability in 2025.

On fiscal performance he said that federal government revenues fell short because of lower than expected oil prices and weak oil production.

He added that the 2025 budget was based on assumptions that did not materialise, including oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day, and an oil price of 75 dollars per barrel.

Yusuf said that actual production averaged 1.66 million barrels, while prices hovered around 66 dollars.

According to him, this led to a significant shortfall from the projected 41 trillion naira revenue target, and weakened capital expenditure performance.

He, however, disclosed that many states performed better, with stronger internally generated revenue, improved liquidity and better project execution.

Reviewing sectoral performances, he said that the service sector remained the strongest driver of growth, accounting for 53 per cent of GDP by the third quarter of the year.

“Telecommunications finance construction real estate and trade led the expansion,” he said

He said that the non oil sector grew by 3.91 per cent and contributed over 96 per cent of GDP.

According to him, manufacturing remained weak, contributing only 7.62 per cent to GDP and growing by 1.25 per cent due to power shortages high logistics costs unfair import competition and rising operating expenses.

Yusuf noted that Agriculture recorded a modest recovery, growing by 3.79 per cent though insecurity while low productivity remained major obstacles.

Looking ahead, the CEO said that rhe outlook for 2026 is one of cautious optimism.

He projected a GDP growth of between 4 and 4.5 per cent, supported by lower inflation stronger consumer demand and possible monetary easing.

He said that services would continue to drive growth while capital markets could receive a major boost from a potential listing of the Dangote Refinery.

Meanwhile, he warned of risks factors, including; insecurity, oil price and production volatility, high operating costs, fiscal pressures, geopolitical tensions, and political uncertainties.

Yusuf noted that growing resistance to tax reforms could also affect revenue projections.

The post Nigeria: Centre forecasts stronger economic Growth 2026 appeared first on Business Today NG.

Cross section of insurance directors and MD’s at the conference.

Cross section of participants at the event.

Cross section of Universal Insurance PLC Delegation to the conference

Cross section of Enterprise Life Delegation to the conference

Cross section of HEIRS Insurance Group Delegation to the conference

Cross section of NAICOM Delegation to the conference

from left: Dr. Chizoba Ehiogu, Rector CIFM; Mr. Akinjide Orimolade and another delegate at the conference

Cross section of delegates at the conference.

Cross section of delegates at the conference

From left:Commissioner for insurance/CEO NAICOM, Olusegun Ayo Omosehin; President of Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) Ekeoma Ezeibe and Dr. Chizoba Ehiogu, Rector CIFM, at the conference.

From right: Managing Director of NEM Insurance PLC, Andrew Ikekhua; Managing Director (MD) of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc is Dr. Adaobi Nwakuche  and Mr. Idowu Semowo, ED, Finance & Admin.

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