Daily Gist & Guide

  OPay, one of Nigeria's popular financial technology companies, has reportedly written off $113.15 million in loans during the first half of 2026, raising questions about loan repayment, credit management, and the growing risks in Nigeria's digital lending industry. According to a report by Nairametrics published on October 13, 2026, the company recorded substantial credit losses between January and June 2026. The figures have attracted attention amid ongoing discussions about borrowing, repayment obligations, and the financial pressures facing Nigerians. However, the reported losses do not necessarily mean that Nigerians collectively refused to repay their loans. OPay Reportedly Writes Off $113.15 Million in Loans Financial disclosures cited in the report indicate that OPay wrote off approximately $113.15 million in loans during the first six months of 2026. The company also reportedly recorded expected credit losses of $118.36 million during the same period. These figures hi...

An extraordinary archaeological discovery in northeastern Nigeria has continued to attract attention because of its age and the historical questions it raises about early human settlement, transportation and migration in the region. Known as the Dufuna Canoe, the ancient wooden vessel is estimated to be approximately 8,000 years old. Its discovery in present-day Yobe State provides important evidence of the technological abilities of people who lived around the ancient Lake Chad region thousands of years ago. However, claims that the canoe proves migration from ancient Egypt to Borno, or establishes the historical origins of the Igala, Jukun and Kanuri peoples, require further evidence. How the Ancient Canoe Was Discovered The Dufuna Canoe was discovered on May 4, 1987, at Dufuna village in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State. Historical accounts identify the discoverer as Mallam Ya'u, a Fulani cattle herder who reportedly encountered the wooden vessel while digging a well. Th...

  Fresh concerns have emerged over the security situation in Plateau State following reports that some Fulani leaders in Mangu Local Government Area have called for the withdrawal of certain security agencies, expressing a preference for Nigerian Army personnel to handle security operations in the area. According to media reports, the leaders raised concerns about the activities of security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and Operation Rainbow, while calling for soldiers to take a more prominent role in maintaining security. The reported demand has generated questions about trust, accountability and the role of security agencies in addressing recurring tensions in Plateau State. Why Are the Fulani Leaders Calling for Soldiers? According to the reports, the leaders allegedly accused some security agencies of bias and questioned whether their operations were being conducted fairly. They reportedly argued that soldiers would provide a more impartial approach...

  The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung seeking to establish a Federal Teaching Hospital in Manchok, Kaduna State, bringing the proposed healthcare facility one step closer to reality. The development is expected to be significant for residents of Southern Kaduna and surrounding communities, particularly in improving access to healthcare services and medical training. Senate Approves Teaching Hospital Bill The bill was passed on Wednesday after the Senate considered a report presented by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central on behalf of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary). The committee, chaired by Senator Banigo Ipalibo Harry, reportedly examined the provisions of the bill, consulted legal drafting experts and scrutinised the proposal clause by clause before recommending its passage. Following consideration at the Committee of the Whole, the lawmakers approved the relevant clauses and passed the bill. Senate Presiden...

  Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is already generating political discussions, following a claim by G100 convener Salihu Lukman that opposition parties could settle on a single presidential candidate shortly before the election. The development has drawn attention to ongoing discussions about cooperation among opposition politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. What G100 Convener Said Salihu Lukman, convener of the G100 political pressure group and a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reportedly discussed the possibility of opposition parties presenting a common presidential candidate during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy. According to reports, Lukman suggested that an agreement could emerge months, weeks or even a few days before the 2027 presidential election. His remarks have renewed discussions about whether opposition parties and political leaders can reach ...

  As preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election continue, an APC chieftain, Obafemi George, has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may not attend campaign rallies in all 36 states of the federation. According to reports, George, a member of the media and strategic communications team of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said the president had assessed Nigeria’s electoral map and decided that preserving the gains of his administration was more important than embarking on a nationwide campaign tour. His comments have drawn attention to the ruling party’s reported campaign strategy ahead of the next presidential election. No Constitutional Requirement to Visit Every State Obafemi George reportedly argued that there is no constitutional requirement compelling a presidential candidate to visit every state in Nigeria during an election campaign. According to his explanation, a presidential candidate does not necessarily have to attend rallies in all 36 states to ...