General Secretary of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Dr Ayuba Asheshe, has reiterated that there are evidences beyond doubt that Christian genocide is real in Nigeria.

He lamented that insecurity in the country has claimed 19,100 churches, 600 clergymen abducted and thousands of Christians killed in Nigeria.

Briefing newsmen in Jos, Asheshe observed that documented evidence showed that 1,200 churches annually, about 100 every month or three daily, totaling 19,100 churches over 16 years were burnt and destroyed.

He added that more than 600 clerics, comprising of 350 pastors and 250 Catholic priests, have been abducted in different parts of the country, with many killed.

Also, the General Secretary stated that statistics by Open Doors USA showed that 82% of Christians killed worldwide between October 2022 and September 2023 were Nigerians, while over 3.5 million Christians have been displaced, their homes and churches burnt to ashes.

Reports by Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), he said, explained that many Christians have been killed in Nigeria over the past two decades and within ECWA.

In ECWA alone, he said that 208 members were abducted between 2023 and 2024, several of whom have lost their lives in captivity.

He appealed to the government to do more to stem the tide of continuous attacks, burning of churches and killing of Christians across the country.

He hailed recent efforts by the Federal Government for the awakening to strengthen the Nigerian security architecture.

According to him, the measures, though still at the early stages, reflected a commendable shift toward protecting the sanctity of human life, upholding justice, and restoring confidence in the capacity of the state to defend its citizens.

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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French revenue agency, Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFP), to enhance cooperation in tax administration and promote efficiency in revenue collection.

The agreement, signed at the French Embassy in Abuja, was described as a strategic step towards strengthening bilateral ties in the area of tax innovation, intelligence sharing, and digital transformation.

Speaking during the event, FIRS Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, said the MoU was designed to deepen collaboration between both countries amid growing challenges posed by a digitalising global economy.

“As economic activities become increasingly borderless, the ability of both our institutions to collaborate, share intelligence, and harmonise approaches will be crucial. This MoU provides exactly the platform we need to deepen that cooperation,” Adedeji said.

He explained that the partnership would allow Nigeria to benefit from France’s advanced technology in compliance management, taxpayer services, and data-driven enforcement, while France, in turn, could draw insights from Nigeria’s rapid digital growth and innovation in tax administration.

“The two-way exchange is essential as both countries adapt to emerging challenges such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) deployment, cybersecurity, and cross-border taxation,” he added.

Signing on behalf of the French government, Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier described the agreement as an important milestone, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to fiscal cooperation.

He underscored the need for shared approaches to tax administration, particularly in view of the complex nature of digital transactions and the growing need for transparency in international taxation.

In a separate development, Adedeji also unveiled a new identity for the Joint Tax Board (JTB), which will now be known as the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), following the enactment of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2025.

The law, signed by President Bola Tinubu on June 26, 2025, marks a new era in harmonised revenue administration in Nigeria.

The agreements come ahead of the FIRS’s formal transition into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in January 2026, in line with newly signed tax reforms approved by President Tinubu.

According to a statement by Adedeji’s Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, the transition is aimed at repositioning the agency to better manage emerging fiscal dynamics and embrace international best practices.

Adedeji emphasised that the reforms reflect a deliberate effort to engage more with global partners and reshape Nigeria’s tax system for resilience, innovation, and inclusivity.

He said, “Another important aspect is workforce development. While we look forward to learning from France’s well-structured human capital systems, particularly in professional standards, continuous learning, and organisational discipline, we also believe that our experience in managing a young, dynamic and diverse workforce will offer valuable insights to DGFIP.

“Together, we can develop models that strengthen institutional culture, build global competencies, and prepare our respective institutions for the future of public finance administration.

“We also anticipate strong bilateral cooperation in international taxation, exchange of information, transfer pricing, and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting BEPS-related work.”

He said that, as Nigeria moves into the era of the Nigerian Revenue Service, the partnership is a cornerstone of the transformation, one that will help build a modern, trusted, innovative, and globally connected revenue administration.

Also, unveiling the new identity at the 158th Meeting of the JTB in Abuja, with the theme: “Managing Transition: Driving Transformation, Building the Future of Tax Administration in Nigeria, the chair of the board described the new logo and accompanying brand elements as significant symbols of the institution’s evolution.

He said, “The new brand identity represents renewal, transformation, and our collective commitment to excellence in revenue administration. It reflects what the JRB stands for and will guide our activities and operations in the emerging dispensation.”

He said the transition to JRB marked a significant step toward a more unified and efficient national revenue administration architecture. He added that the reform is expected to deepen collaboration across revenue authorities, strengthen information sharing, and improve tax compliance nationwide.

Adedeji, therefore, urged member states and relevant agencies to align fully with the reform agenda and complete all necessary adjustments within their jurisdictions to ensure the seamless implementation of the new tax Acts, which come into effect on January 1, 2026.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary, JTB, Mr Olusegun Adesokan, said that with the transition, JRB will create a revenue-friendly environment that works for everyone.

He said the board is already working with revenue authorities to harmonise silos of taxpayers’ data to create a national database for the Tax ID project, adding that tax IDs will be generated for individuals and corporates using foundational data such as NIN and company registration numbers.

Adesokan further explained that the JRB will do much more in harmonising taxes, levies, and rates across the country, noting that chairmen of the Internal Revenue Services who are members of the board are already driving the domestication of a uniform tax and levy Act in their respective states.

In an interview with ThisDay, Executive Chairman, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Mrs Shade Omoniyi, urged the FIRS chairman to make additional amendments to ensure that road blocks cease to exist.

She said: “One of the major reforms in the tax reform bill that has just been signed is the banning of roadblocks, especially on the roads across the country. It has been found to be a major contributor to market prices, as a clear example.

“So, if we’re going to implement this and it is seen as of good value to people, we need to ensure that across the country, roadblocks are stopped in their entirety. It is only when we are able to do that that the value is seen by the people — you understand. You know we have so many agencies of government — we have ALGON, we have the police, we have all kinds of people on the road.

“Now, if we want to ensure that this happens and the prices of things in the market really go down, it has to be something that is accomplished across the country. If that is one of the major things we’re able to do with the new JRB, I personally will be very happy with what the President has been able to achieve.”

Also, speaking to ThisDay, Executive Chairman, Sokoto IRS, Mr Abubakar Tambuwal, said the JTB had taken the bull by the horns by ensuring that all revenue aspects are concentrated in a single entity.

On his part, Executive Chairman, Lagos IRS, Mr Ayodele Subair, said the new tax revolution was part of the groundbreaking reforms that the present administration had ushered into the country.

He told ThisDay, “The Joint Revenue Board is the umbrella body for all the revenue agencies in the country, and the Joint Revenue Board’s main objective really is to bring all revenue agencies together, to harmonise taxes all over the country, and to make sure that everything is uniformly applied across the nation

“This is very good for the nation itself; it’s very good for investment; and it’s very good for all stakeholders generally, because we need to develop our country. Nobody’s going to come and do it for us. It’s got to be us developing. And what does this mean for development? We have to generate revenue.”

Meanwhile, as Nigeria moves toward the January 1, 2026, implementation of the NRS Act, the FIRS has said it is ramping up partnerships with the country’s security and financial intelligence agencies.

The tax authority said tighter coordination would be essential to safeguard national revenue assets, dismantle tax-evasion networks, and reinforce the nation’s fiscal resilience.

At a high-level stakeholder engagement with security agencies in Lagos on Tuesday, the Head of the FIRS Special Enforcement Division, CSP Kyes Bakfur, said it was time for a more coordinated national effort in tax enforcement. According to him, effective revenue protection relies heavily on shared intelligence, joint field operations, and operational synergy among relevant agencies.

Bakfur disclosed that the division has, over the years, safeguarded FIRS facilities nationwide, led investigations into tax-related criminal offences, and conducted operations that strengthened the service’s revenue-collection drive.

“This year alone, our division successfully executed enforcement operations that contributed significantly to the broader revenue effort of FIRS,” he said.

With the approaching transition to the NRS, Bakfur stressed that the briefing was designed to deepen synergy with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Financial Surveillance Unit (FSU), among others.

“Our expectation is a much more symbiotic association,” he said after the session. “The aim is to ensure that security agencies and other bodies involved in tackling tax evasion can work together to create a more robust agenda for national tax enforcement,” he added.

Responding to concerns about inadequate tools and infrastructure for enforcement officers, Bakfur assured participants that the FIRS leadership was proactively addressing those gaps.

“The Executive Chairman has taken decisive steps to resolve these issues,” he said.

FIRS consultant, Oladipo Olayemi, who delivered a paper titled: “Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration for Enhanced Revenue Generation and National Security in Nigeria”, said the focus of the engagement was to enhance collaboration— not to highlight internal flaws.

He noted that increased revenue would ultimately translate into better funding for security agencies. “More revenue generated means more funds for security outfits, ensuring we live in a safe environment,” he told participants.

Olayemi acknowledged that issues such as bribery and inter-agency misconduct exist but insisted the session was forward-looking.

He said, “We are not dwelling on the negatives. The real question is: where do we go from here? How do we work together to ensure security is provided and the revenue to support that security is generated adequately?”

Another FIRS consultant, Mr Oladipupo Arowoshebi, echoed this point, noting that with rising national security concerns, increased collaboration would not only boost enforcement efficiency but also ensure adequate funding for Nigeria’s security architecture.

Representing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Chief Superintendent Adams Oluwaseyi reminded participants that corruption remains a significant threat to revenue collection.

Although the ICPC Act does not directly legislate on tax matters, she said the commission plays a vital role in prosecuting bribery, record falsification, and other corrupt practices that undermine tax administration. She added that monitoring political office holders for tax compliance is key to curbing high-level tax-related corruption.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election slated for Saturday, December 13, in Osogbo, Osun State capital, all aspirants for the party’s ticket have closed ranks and endorsed Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji as the consensus candidate.

It was earlier gathered that one of the frontline aspirants, Senator Ajibola Basiru, had on Friday collapsed his campaign structure into that of Oyebamiji, paving the way for a united front going into the primary.

The aspirants later converged at the party secretariat, where the Chairman and Co-Chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, urged party members to prioritise unity and cooperation to ensure the APC regains control of Osun State in 2026.

Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders on Friday night ahead of Oyebamiji’s formal affirmation, the committee stressed that the people of Osun were yearning for purposeful governance and charged members to work collectively towards defeating Governor Ademola Adeleke in the forthcoming election.

“Transparency is key, and tomorrow is to affirm Asiwaju Oyebamiji as our consensus candidate. Let me appeal to everyone to be united; we mustn’t allow internal wrangling or rancour to weaken our progress. After the affirmation, we must unite to concentrate on the August 2026 State election.

“Osun people are yearning for purposeful governance because it belongs to the Progressives and it must be reclaimed for the Progressives, and with unity and commitment after the primary, we will reclaim what duly belongs to us.”

Governor Okpebholo commended members for their steadfastness and patience despite being in opposition, assuring them that their sacrifices were recognised and appreciated.

Also speaking, the Co-Chairman, Governor Aiyedatiwa, described the 2026 Osun governorship election as a major political contest that can only be won through a united party.

Aiyedatiwa emphasised the supremacy of the party and urged members to rally behind the consensus candidate.

“**We have a great battle before us in August 2026, and we must stay united to achieve this feat. We can only win with the party through unity, so we must come together irrespective of who the candidate is. Besides, on the day of the election, the name of the candidate won’t be on the ballot, but that of the party, and that shows that the party is supreme; hence, he who wins must be supported.

“I plead with us to ensure a rancour-free election in 2026. Let’s mobilise our people, educate them, embrace newness and ensure we uphold unity.”

He added that Osun must reclaim its mandate and return to the Progressives.

The meeting was attended by members of the party’s apex Elders’ Council, Igbimo Agba Osun, the governorship aspirants, serving and former lawmakers at both national and state levels, and other critical stakeholders.

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Menstruation comes with its own challenges, and for many women, choosing the right menstrual product can significantly affect comfort, confidence, and daily activities.

While sanitary pads remain the most commonly used menstrual product in Nigeria, tampons offer an alternative that some women find more convenient, particularly for active lifestyles.

An estimated 1.8 billion people around the world menstruate each month, yet hundreds of millions lack access to menstrual products and basic hygiene facilities.

In Nigeria, as many as 37 million women and girls may struggle to access or afford menstrual products such as pads and tampons.

Studies show that less than two per cent of women in Nigeria use tampons, highlighting limited awareness and accessibility.

Speaking with PT Health Watch, Halimat Jimoh, a registered nurse-midwife and maternal health advocate, says that tampons are safe when used correctly and can provide comfort and mobility for women during their periods.

Mrs Jimoh, who is the founder of The Midwife Next Door, explains that tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow, unlike pads, which sit outside the body.

“Tampons are perfectly safe to use, especially when applied correctly. First-time users should understand how they work and select the right size or absorbency for their flow,” she said.

“Always wash your hands before insertion, avoid touching the part that goes inside, and never leave a tampon in for more than four to six hours.”

Common misconceptions

Mrs Jimoh notes that several myths about tampons persist in Nigeria.

“Some people believe tampons can make you lose your virginity or that they can get lost inside you. These are false. Tampons stay in the vagina when used correctly and do not affect virginity.”

She also emphasises proper insertion, usage, and disposal.

“Lean over a chair or stool and gently insert the tampon. Most come with an applicator to guide placement. After insertion, the string remains outside and is used to remove it. Always change tampons every four to six hours, wrap used ones in tissue, and dispose of them in the bin. Do not flush them.”

Reducing health risks

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious risk linked to tampon use.

Mrs Jimoh advises that women should “Choose the lowest absorbency for your flow, change tampons regularly, and monitor your body for unusual symptoms such as fever, rash, or cramps. Seek medical attention immediately if any occur.”

She also encourages teenagers and first-time users to start with regular or lowest absorbency tampons, practising at home until they feel comfortable.

Comfort and convenience

From her professional experience, Mrs Jimoh noted that women find tampons more comfortable than pads, particularly during physical activities.

She said, “Tampons feel a lot less bulky than pads, and they give more freedom to move around. Many women complain that pads shift during workouts or feel somehow when they are walking fast or stretching.

“Some even say the pad makes them feel hot or uncomfortable, especially on active days. And there is also that experience of the pad getting in between the buttocks, which can be very annoying.

“But with tampons, you can move freely without thinking about anything. They are very good for days when you want to exercise, do sports or even swim.”

She said in terms of comfort and movement, tampons often make the whole experience easier.

She, however, said individual choices still depend on what feels comfortable for each person and the menstrual products they have access to.

Need for more awareness

Women who shared their experiences with PT Health Watch also find tampons more convenient, as they reduce friction and discomfort caused by pads and help keep clothing dry.

They also report that tampons can lower the chances of getting stained when changed regularly.

READ ALSO: Inside Nigeria’s prisons where female inmates are left without menstrual care

However, availability remains a challenge, and prices can be quite high. Some women have to buy multiple packs when they can find them, sometimes relying on friends to source them from different stores.

Despite these challenges, tampons are appreciated for their comfort and mobility.

While some women believe tampons offer convenience, hygiene benefits and comfort, their use remains very low in Nigeria due to misconceptions, cost, low availability and limited public awareness.

Mrs Jimoh says improved education on menstrual hygiene and product access may increase adoption over time, giving women more options.

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said securing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 must remain a shared objective for members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, across the state.

The governor made this known while addressing party leaders at the APC’s quarterly stakeholders’ meeting, where he urged members to close ranks as political activities gradually intensify ahead of future elections.

Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of unity within the party, cautioning against internal divisions driven by personal ambitions or conflicting interests.

“We must collectively work to deliver Ondo State for President Tinubu in 2027,” the governor said, adding that party cohesion is essential to achieving that goal.

He warned members against actions that could undermine party leadership or fellow party members, even while supporting preferred aspirants, noting that internal discord could weaken the APC’s electoral chances.

The governor explained that the quarterly stakeholders’ meeting was designed to enhance engagement, feedback and collaboration within the party, as well as to review political and developmental progress in the state.

Highlighting achievements of his administration, Aiyedatiwa said efforts had been intensified in the health sector, with several facilities undergoing renovation and standby ambulances being provided across local government areas.

He added that ongoing development projects were deliberately spread across all local councils to promote balanced growth statewide.

The governor also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the revalidation of Ondo State’s deep seaport licence, explaining that the earlier registration contained errors that failed to properly reflect the state’s identity.

Earlier, the APC Chairman in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, who was represented by the party’s Vice Chairman, Atili Agabra, said the meeting provided an avenue for party members to directly engage with the governor.

He commended the state government for employing youths across various ministries, departments and agencies, describing the administration’s engagement with different party organs as unprecedented.

Also speaking, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Isaac Kekemeke, reaffirmed that Aiyedatiwa remains the party’s leader in Ondo State.

While acknowledging the presence of other influential party figures, Kekemeke said the governor is the principal mobiliser for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition in the state.

He added that the President has confidence in APC governors nationwide, describing Aiyedatiwa as a strong loyalist and key campaign figure for Tinubu in Ondo.

Kekemeke observed that most criticisms of the government were coming from within the party, noting that opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Labour Party no longer pose significant threats in the state.

He urged the governor to continue accommodating diverse interests within the APC and to lead efforts to maintain unity ahead of future political contests.

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has mourned the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing it as a painful loss to both the state and the nation.

In a condolence message shared on his Facebook page on Friday, Jonathan said he received the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s passing with “deep shock and sadness,” noting that the late deputy governor was a dedicated public servant who committed his life to the welfare of the people.

He described Ewhrudjakpo as a devoted servant of Bayelsa, a patriot and a loyal representative of the state and country, adding that his long years in public service earned him widespread respect and admiration.

Jonathan said Ewhrudjakpo distinguished himself in every position he held, serving with diligence as commissioner, senator and, later, deputy governor.

According to the former president, the death of the deputy governor represents a profound loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State, his immediate family and all who worked closely with him.

Jonathan said Ewhrudjakpo would be remembered for his integrity, dedication to service and unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Bayelsa State.

He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the Bayelsa State Government, urging them to take solace in what he described as Ewhrudjakpo’s impactful life of service.

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A young lady has raised alarm on social media after her brother was knocked down by a commercial tricycle while heading to an early morning examination at the University of Abuja.

According to the distraught lady, the accident happened in the early hours of the day as students rushed to campus for a test reportedly scheduled for around 5 a.m.

Lady.

She said her brother and one of his coursemates were attempting to cross the road directly in front of the University of Abuja when a tricycle, allegedly moving against traffic, rammed into them.

She disclosed that her brother sustained severe injuries and was unconscious at the time she shared the update, adding that doctors had classified his condition as critical and were preparing him for surgery. The medical team, she noted, warned that amputation of his leg might be necessary.

The lady further alleged that although the tricycle operator was initially apprehended, there were indications that efforts were being made to secure his release. She also claimed that the university management had yet to contact the family or provide any form of assistance following the incident.

In addition, she revealed that the hospital initially declined to admit her brother due to the severity of his injuries before eventually accepting him, as medical expenses continued to rise beyond her financial capacity.

She said in part…

“University of Abuja you need to come to my aid at this point, I cannot do it alone; I’m traumatized. How school go dey set test around 5 am? He was struggling to go to school this morning, in front of university of Abuja that was how keke cleared him. The keke was following one-way. As I am talking to you now, he is unconscious, and they’re about to do surgery. As I am talking to you now, it’s 50/50; it’s either they do the surgery or they remove the leg. Please the bills is too much for me. It was the SUG that called me to come and carry my brother. They took him to two hospitals they rejected him because of the condition. As I am talking to you now, they arrested the keke man but they’re about to release him.”

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Nigeria’s pension industry continued its steady march upward in October 2025, with total pension assets climbing to N26.66 trillion, representing a 2.19% month-on-month increase from N26.09 trillion recorded in September, and a strong 21.63% surge year-on-year.

The pension industry demonstrated sustained resilience, supported by cautious rebalancing into safer, liquid assets and sustained confidence in Federal Government securities, despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, marked by sticky inflation, FX volatility, and uncertain capital market sentiment.

The data showed that RSA enrollments grew from 10.93 million in September to 10.97 million in October, a 0.39% increase—reflecting ongoing onboarding of new entrants into the formal workforce and micro-pension participants.

FGN Securities remain the anchor, now 59.86% of total Assets 

FGN instruments remain the backbone of Nigeria’s pension portfolio, expanding marginally by 1.35% MoM to N15.96 trillion. These securities now account for 59.86% of total pension assets. Key movements within FGN Securities are:

• Treasury Bills, up 11.34%, due to attractive short-term yields, prompted stronger inflows.
• Fed Govt Bonds (HTM), up 8.14%, still the largest component at N13.88 trillion, representing 52% of total pension assets alone.
• Sukuk Bonds, up 5.33%, because of the move to diversify portfolios with instruments offering attractive returns and lower risk.
• Green Bonds, up 1.68%, reflecting renewed interest in sustainability-linked instruments.
• Government securities, up 1.28% reinforce the market-wide risk-off posture as fund managers seek to safeguard value amid volatile equity and FX markets.

Money Market Instruments surge 18.85% as PFAs chase liquidity 

Money market allocation recorded one of the strongest movements in October, rising from N2.42 trillion to N2.88 trillion—an 18.85% MoM increase. The category now accounts for 10.80% of total pension assets.

• Fixed deposits and bank acceptances drove the rally, surging 24.89% to N2.48 trillion, as PFAs sought higher short-term yields and liquidity buffers.
• However, foreign money market instruments plunged 44.80%, due to FX repricing and valuation impacts tied to continued naira volatility.
• While commercial papers rose by 5.61% to N328.65 billion.

Corporate Debt Instruments slip 3.41% 

Corporate bonds dipped from N2.24 trillion in September to N2.16 trillion in October, contributing 8.11% to the total assets. The decline was broad-based:

• Corporate Bonds (HTM): down 3.70%
• Corporate Bonds (AFS): down 2.67%
• Infrastructure Bonds: down 7.61%

This cooling in appetite aligns with continued credit risk concerns in the private sector, elevated borrowing costs, and recent downgrades affecting select issuers.

Equities see mixed movements 

Domestic equities grew 5.01%, increasing to N3.84 trillion, and accounting for 14.42% of the total assets. This is supported by bargain-hunting as investors priced in potential year-end rallies.

Foreign equity exposure, on the other hand, fell 6.45%, echoing valuation pressures and conservative FX repositioning.

Total allocation to equities (domestic + foreign) represents about 15.39% of total pension assets.

Alternative assets 

The alternatives segment delivered mixed outcomes:

Mutual funds advanced 1.32% to N221.88 billion, buoyed by moderate growth of 2.22% and 0.21% in open/close-ended funds and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), respectively.

• Infrastructure Funds, likewise, increased by 9.23% to N262.57 billion, signaling renewed PFA interest in real-sector diversification
• Private Equities declined by 10.53% to N233.10 billion, reflecting valuation adjustments and cautious commitments.
• Real Estate dropped sharply by 40.19% from N243.35 billion to N145.56 billion, possibly due to portfolio restructuring or markdowns.
• Supra-national Bonds retreated by 10.44% to N19.70 billion.

Cash & other assets declined sharply by 16.79% from N518.95 billion to N431.84 billion in October, reallocating into higher-yielding money-market and government securities.

Breakdown by fund category 

Across the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) structure, the distribution remained consistent with historical trends, as Fund II remains the largest and most actively managed segment of the industry:

• Fund II, the default fund for active RSA contributors aged 49 and below, rose to N11.25 trillion, increasing by 2.68%. This fund contributed 42.18% to the total assets, highlighting strong inflows and solid investment returns.
• Fund III (Pre-Retiree), the default Retirement Savings Account (RSA) fund for active Nigerian contributors aged 50 and above, also increased modesty by 1.89% to N6.85 trillion, accounting for 25.71% of the total assets.
• Fund I (Aggressive), recorded a significant growth of 6.99%, to N424.11 billion.
• Fund IV (Retiree Fund), and Fund V (Micro-Pension) posted growth of 3.65% and 4.42%, respectively, while Fund IV contributed 7.58% to the total assets.
• Fund VI (Shariah), increased by 7.16% to N205.39 billion.
• Fund VI (Retiree Shariah), N21.52 billion, +4.16%, 0.08%
• Existing schemes and CPFAs contributed by 12% and 10.10% to the total asset funds, respectively, reinforcing the growth trajectory across legacy and institutional schemes.

What this means for you 

October 2025 reinforced the pension industry’s steady resilience, even amid macroeconomic turbulence. The asset mix shows a sector leaning heavily into safety, liquidity, and predictable returns—evident in strong flows into FGN securities and money market instruments.

At over N26.66 trillion, Nigeria’s pension industry remains a major stabilizing force in the financial markets, with PFAs continuing to navigate the tightrope between risk management and return optimization.

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Tragedy strikes as former Lagos deputy governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire loses her only son, Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire.

According to reports, Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire Passes Away

According to reports, Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire passed away after undergoing surgery in Dubai.

Meanwhile, condolences and tributes are pouring in from fans and political dignitaries over his passing.

Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire’s Biography

Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire was a UK-based medical doctor prior to his passing and is survived by his wife and children.

Dr. Adefulire was a respected medical professional based in the United Kingdom.

Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire’s Biography

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire is a renowned Nigerian politician and public servant, born on September 29, 1959, in Lagos State.

Notably, she’s affectionately known as cheerful giver due to her philanthropic nature.

Adejoke’s journey in politics began during the Third Republic when she was elected as a Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, becoming the first female lawmaker in Lagos State.

She holds an Honorary Doctor of Arts (Poverty Alleviation and Technology Incubation) from Lagos State University (LASU) and serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

Her dedication earned her numerous awards, including the International Public Servant of the Year Award (2007) and the Guinness World Record for reading aloud to the most children (2011) .

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Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi 

The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has sponsored 355 Christian pilgrims for the 2025 pilgrimage to Israel, reaffirming his commitment to religious inclusivity and support for the Christian community.

The Executive Secretary of the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ibrahim Yakubu Gwallang, disclosed this yesterday at the commencement of the screening exercise for intending pilgrims held at the Board’s headquarters.

Gwallang described the governor’s gesture as a clear demonstration of inclusive governance, noting that the sponsorship reflects Bala Mohammed’s dedication to strengthening unity and supporting Christians in the state. 

He urged the beneficiaries to pray for the governor’s success and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the process.

He further appealed to intending Pilgrims to ensure orderliness, present only genuine documents, and uphold the image of Bauchi State during the holy trip. 

The Executive Secretary expressed gratitude to the governor for his continuous support, assuring that the Christian community will not disappoint him.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Affairs, Pastor Zakka Magaji, congratulated the selected pilgrims and encouraged them to be worthy ambassadors of the state.

He lauded Governor Mohammed for consistently identifying with the Christian population in his administration, offering prayers for God’s continued guidance and wisdom upon him.

This year’s Team Leader, Mr. Haruna Mandabs, pledged a seamless and well-coordinated pilgrimage experience, adding that every effort is being put in place to ensure smooth operations.

The screening exercise is being conducted by officials from the National Christian Pilgrims Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, and medical personnel. 

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