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Rebasing or Rigging? FG’s Inflation Report Sparks Outrage, Confusion

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In May 2025, Nigeria’s inflation rate was reported at 22.97 percent—a sharp decline from the 33.69 percent recorded the previous month. However, this drop wasn’t the result of any major policy breakthrough or economic overhaul. Instead, it stemmed from a rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

For some observers, the recent statistical recalibration is a welcome—albeit long-overdue—move. For others, it smacks of political theatrics: a mathematical feat disguising a deeper economic malaise. But amid the debate, one truth remains unshaken—Nigeria’s inflation is still painfully high, no matter how it’s calculated.

Dissecting the Rebase

Rebasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a standard statistical procedure. Economies shift, consumption patterns evolve, and measurement tools must be updated accordingly. The National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) decision to adopt 2024 as the new base year—more than a decade after the last revision—is, on its own, technically sound. The real issues lie in the timing and public confidence.

By anchoring the CPI to 2024—a year already burdened by post-COVID inflation and the fallout from subsidy removals—the recalibrated index now compares current prices against an already elevated benchmark. This doesn’t lower prices; it just makes the rate of increase look smaller. In other words, the perception of “cooling inflation” stems not from actual relief but from changing the ruler.

This isn’t just technical tinkering. Inflation metrics wield political as well as economic influence. Adjusting the baseline in a pre-election period, following months of policy tightening and mounting public frustration, raises the specter of narrative management rather than genuine progress.

Are Prices Actually Falling?

Not quite. Rebasing doesn’t mean prices are dropping—it simply means they’re being measured differently. Food inflation remains stubbornly high, and household surveys continue to reflect a deepening cost-of-living crisis, especially for Nigeria’s most vulnerable. Engel’s Law reminds us that poorer households spend disproportionately on food, intensifying the squeeze. The decline in the headline figure belies the everyday reality on the ground.

While there has been some easing in energy and transport costs—attributed in part to recent Central Bank reforms—the impact on household welfare has been minimal. With weak aggregate demand and stagnating real wages, the celebration over lower inflation figures seems premature, if not entirely misplaced.

The Global Comparison: A Misleading Comfort

Some defenders of the new numbers point to countries like Argentina (43.5%), Iran (43.3%), Turkey (35.4%), and Burundi (39.0%), suggesting Nigeria’s position isn’t so dire. But this comparative lens is misleading. Each of these economies faces its own unique structural crises, and using them as a benchmark for success risks normalizing underperformance rather than motivating improvement.

– NIVONEWS Reports

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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