Nigeria is a country with a population of over 200 million people, and a rich and diverse culture. It is also a country that faces many challenges, such as poverty, insecurity, corruption, and unemployment. In this blog post, we will look at some of the latest news in Nigeria and how they affect the lives of Nigerians.
One of the most pressing issues in Nigeria is the security situation, especially in the northern regions where bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers have been terrorizing the people. Recently, the Nigerian military suffered a major setback when 20 soldiers were killed in an ambush by bandits in Niger State³. The soldiers were part of a joint operation to clear the bandits from the area. The military held a mass burial for the slain personnel on Thursday³. This incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the military and the government in tackling the security challenges.
Another issue that affects many Nigerians is the state of the economy, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fall in oil prices. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.51% in the second quarter of 2021, compared to 5.01% in the first quarter². This shows a slowdown in economic activity and recovery. However, the bureau also reported that the unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in the second quarter, from 33.3% in the fourth quarter of 2020². This was due to a change in methodology that excluded some categories of workers from the labor force². Some analysts have criticized this change as an undercount of the true unemployment situation in Nigeria.
On a positive note, Nigeria has been making some progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of global targets to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030. The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has reaffirmed the government’s determination to eradicate poverty in Nigeria in line with the SDGs¹. She also said that the government is partnering with universities and other institutions to provide skills acquisition and empowerment programs for youths and women.
These are some of the latest news in Nigeria that reflect the challenges and opportunities that Nigerians face every day. Nigeria is a country with great potential and resilience, but it also needs more support and cooperation from its leaders and citizens to overcome its problems and achieve its goals.