Nigeria News (Standard)
Ruth Kadiri Laments Soaring Food Prices in Lagos, Questions Impact on Ordinary Nigerians
Nollywood actress cites ₦5,000 spent on tomatoes as NBS data shows food inflation hits 16.06% in April 2026
Nollywood actress cites ₦5,000 spent on tomatoes as NBS data shows food inflation hits 16.06% in April 2026
Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has raised alarm over the rising cost of food in Lagos, saying on Monday that if someone like her is feeling the pinch, she fears for the plight of ordinary Nigerians. Kadiri made the remarks in a video posted online, highlighting that basic ingredients such as pepper and tomatoes now cost up to ₦5,000 per purchase.
Kadiri said she was troubled by how quickly prices have escalated and expressed concern about families struggling to cope. ‘Cost of tomatoes is so high. Somebody will use ₦5,000 to buy pepper and tomatoes. ₦5,000, while somebody else out there is probably earning ₦25,000, ₦40,000, ₦50,000,’ she stated. Her comments resonated widely among Nigerians online, with many saying she spoke for millions facing similar hardship.
Her public outcry comes amid new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which reported that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose from 15.69% to 16.06% in April 2026—the highest since November 2025. The spike has been driven mainly by surging food costs, with key staples such as pepper, beef, yam flour and garri recording significant increases. The NBS Cost of Healthy Diet indicator now puts daily nutrition needs at a minimum of ₦1,513 per adult—a jump of 12.4% compared to last year.
Kadiri also spoke on the psychological toll of prolonged hardship. ‘Poverty—what poverty does to people’s minds is like cancer; it eats away,’ she said in her video message. She warned that frustration over living costs could spill over into family tensions and general anger in society.
The United Nations has projected that up to 35 million Nigerians risk facing severe food insecurity during the peak lean season in 2026. In some states such as Ekiti and Abia, households reportedly spend more than 87% of the minimum wage on food alone. Labour leaders have warned that rising prices are eroding workers’ purchasing power nationwide.
Kadiri concluded: ‘If somebody like me can start to feel the brunt of the heaviness of being a human being, I wonder what other people are going through.’ With inflation still climbing and no immediate relief in sight, stakeholders say urgent policy action will be needed to address worsening food affordability across Nigeria.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ruth-kadiri-rising-food-prices-nigeria-2026061111100952325
Nigeria News (Standard)
House of Representatives Passes State Police Bill in Landmark Abuja Session
Legislation aims to decentralise policing powers; move sparks debate over security and constitutional amendment requirements
Legislation aims to decentralise policing powers; move sparks debate over security and constitutional amendment requirements
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant step towards decentralising security architecture in the country. The session, which took place at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on 11 June, saw lawmakers vote overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal after prolonged deliberations.
The bill’s passage follows months of pressure from various stakeholders calling for more localised control of security operations amid persistent insecurity in several regions. Lawmakers debated provisions for recruitment, oversight, and funding of the proposed state police forces before agreeing to forward the bill to the next legislative stage.
Advocates argue that state police will enhance rapid response to crime and address peculiar security challenges facing states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, and Rivers. However, critics warn that without strong safeguards, state governors may abuse policing powers for political ends. The legislation also faces hurdles as it requires constitutional amendment, demanding concurrence from two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Supporters within the House described the move as historic. “This bill represents a bold step towards empowering states to secure their people,” one lawmaker said during plenary. Opposition members urged caution, stressing the need for clear guidelines to prevent potential misuse by state executives.
With the House’s approval secured, attention now shifts to the Senate and state legislatures. If enacted, Nigeria will join countries like the United States and India with multi-level policing systems. Analysts say successful implementation could improve public trust in law enforcement but caution that funding and operational independence will be critical challenges moving forward.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Chinese Embassy, Federal Ministry Mark 55 Years of Nigeria-China Relations at Abuja Exhibition
Zero-tariff policy for African imports, cultural exchange and technology cooperation top agenda at anniversary event
Zero-tariff policy for African imports, cultural exchange and technology cooperation top agenda at anniversary event
Officials from the Chinese Embassy and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology gathered at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja on Wednesday to commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China. The event, which featured a traditional calligraphy and Tang Dynasty virtual reality exhibition, highlighted both countries’ commitment to deepening partnerships in trade, technology, and culture.
The anniversary celebration comes as China rolled out a new zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries, including Nigeria. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre, said at the event that the move would provide Nigerian businesses with greater access to Chinese markets and support economic growth. “On May 1 this year, China began implementing zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries, including Nigeria. This will provide more mutually beneficial market opportunities and greatly contribute to Nigeria’s economic development,” Yang said during his address.
The exhibition in Abuja was organised as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen people-to-people connections between both nations. Yang noted that exchanges in education, business and culture have increased over the years. He also emphasised the significance of 2026 being declared the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. “For 55 years, the friendship between China and Nigeria has been profound and enduring,” Yang added.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mukhtar Muhammad, represented Nigeria at the event. Muhammad called for further cooperation in science, technology and innovation sectors. “Nigeria has the largest population in Africa; a dialogue with Chinese civilisation will help us advance further in terms of technology, innovation and science,” he said.
The anniversary coincided with the International Day for Dialogue of Civilisations on June 10. Both sides agreed that cultural engagement is essential for mutual understanding amid global tensions. Going forward, officials pledged to sustain high-level visits and expand joint initiatives in trade facilitation, cultural programming and technological innovation between Nigeria and China.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sanwo-Olu Presents Hamzat, Sonayon-James as APC Lagos Governorship Ticket for 2027
Governor unveils current deputy and new running mate, signaling party’s strategy ahead of next Lagos election
Governor unveils current deputy and new running mate, signaling party’s strategy ahead of next Lagos election
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday in Lagos introduced his current deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, alongside Sonayon-James as the All Progressives Congress (APC) joint ticket for the state’s 2027 governorship election. The announcement was made during a gathering of party stakeholders in Lagos.
According to details shared at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu formally presented Dr. Hamzat and Mrs. Sonayon-James to APC leaders and supporters as the preferred flagbearers for the next election cycle. The move is seen as part of APC’s early preparations to maintain its hold on Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Lagos State has remained under APC control since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Political observers say that by confirming his deputy and introducing a fresh face like Sonayon-James, Sanwo-Olu is positioning the party to address both continuity and demands for broader representation within Lagos politics.
The formal presentation was attended by top APC officials in Lagos State. However, opposition parties are yet to react officially to the unveiling of the APC ticket. Party members at the event expressed confidence that the duo will deliver victory for APC in 2027.
With this early declaration, political activities are expected to intensify as other parties strategise ahead of the governorship poll. Stakeholders are watching closely to see how APC’s choice will shape alliances and opposition tactics in coming months.
House of Representatives Passes State Police Bill in Landmark Abuja Session
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