In a ground-breaking move to fortify economic ties, Nigeria has opened new frontiers of cooperation with Saudi Arabia, focusing on trade, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
The high-level visit to Riyadh, led by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, signals a bold step toward unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), Edun spearheaded discussions with top Saudi financial and development institutions, laying the groundwork for transformative partnerships.
Director of information and public communication, Muhammed Manga in a statement, indicated that talks with the Saudi EXIM Bank explored strategies to enhance export credit, insurance frameworks, and broaden market access—key measures expected to boost trade volumes between the two nations.
According to him, further engagements with the Saudi Development Fund and the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) delved into plans to scale up investments in infrastructure and agriculture.
SALIC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing food security and job creation in Nigeria, promising responsible investment practices that prioritize economic inclusion.
The delegation also held strategic discussions with Saudi ministers overseeing finance, energy, and economic planning, highlighting Nigeria’s resolve to attract foreign investment and accelerate growth across critical sectors.
Accompanied by Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning; Mr. Wale Tinubu, Presidential Economic Coordination Council member; and other key officials, the delegation emphasized Nigeria’s readiness for deeper economic integration with Saudi Arabia.
As both nations chart a path toward expanded cooperation, this landmark engagement sets the stage for robust investments, job creation, and shared prosperity in the years ahead.

In his 2024 Christmas message, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has sounded a note of caution against the growing influence of secularism and the erosion of moral values in modern society.

Speaking to Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Bishop Kukah expressed concern over the commercialization of Christmas, which he said is overshadowing its spiritual essence of peace, joy, and reconciliation.

“Christmas is increasingly being seen as another holiday or at best, one of the greatest opportunities for smart business returns. We have refused to accept the warning of Jesus that we cannot serve two masters,” he stated, referencing Matthew 6:2.

Kukah warned that materialism and moral decay, symbolized by the seven deadly sins; pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth, are leading the world astray and fueling instability.
Highlighting global conflicts, Kukah pointed to the ongoing violence in Gaza and other war-torn regions as evidence of humanity’s departure from God’s path.

“Today, the baby Jesus lies not in the innocence of swaddling clothes in Bethlehem but in the pool of blood that has now engulfed Gaza and its surrounding communities,” he lamented.

According to Kukah, the world’s moral compass has been lost, leading to escalating violence that threatens the message of hope that Christmas represents.
While urging Christians to be the light of the world, Kukah emphasized the need for self-examination and accountability rather than blaming institutions for societal corruption.

“We cannot continue to blame the Constitution, the Judiciary, the Police, or other public servants for the corruption in our society,” he said.

Instead, Kukah encouraged Christians to remain true to their baptismal promises, reminding them that divine laws written in their hearts should guide their actions.
Kukah criticized efforts to strip Christmas of its Christian meaning, warning that such trends could weaken the spiritual foundation of society.

“The forces of secularism are determined to empty Christmas of its core essence, which is the good news of joy and light to the world,” he said.
Despite the challenges facing the world, Kukah called on Christians to use the Christmas season for reflection, repentance, and the renewal of their faith.

“Christmas offers Christians a time for deep personal reflections on the values and virtues of the Christian witness,” he concluded.

Bishop Kukah’s message serves as both a challenge and a reminder for Christians to embrace their role as moral beacons and advocates of justice in a world grappling with crises.

A northern advocacy group, Northern Frontiers for Good Governance, has demanded a probe into the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security over an alleged N1 billion contract awarded for the renovation and rehabilitation of the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The group, in a petition addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 20, 2024, described the contract as a misplacement of priorities, questioning why funds meant for agricultural development were diverted to non-agricultural projects.

Signed by its National Coordinator, Mallam Abdullah Tanko, the petition raised concerns about the ministry’s focus at a time when Nigerian farmers face crippling insecurity, lack of fertilizers, and limited access to modern farm equipment.

“It is disturbing that a ministry responsible for improving food security is prioritizing the renovation of a pavilion instead of supporting farmers who are unable to access their farms due to insecurity,” the group stated.

The petition further questioned whether the project passed through legislative scrutiny, particularly the Senate Committee on Appropriation, chaired by an indigene of Ogun State.

The group urged the EFCC to investigate the motives behind the contract, Evaluate the actual cost of the project against the allocated budget, Recover any misappropriated funds and prosecute any individuals found culpable.

It emphasized that swift action would deter future mismanagement of public funds and restore confidence in governance.
In response, the EFCC confirmed receipt of the petition in a letter dated December 23, 2024, with reference number EFCC/PET/HQR/4401/2024.

As investigations commence, stakeholders and civil society organizations are closely watching how the anti-graft agency handles the case, which has sparked debates about budget priorities and accountability in public service.