1. Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over $20 Billion Projects Linked to Chagoury

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain questions raised by The Economist over about $20 billion worth of projects linked to businessman Gilbert Chagoury, a longtime associate of the President. Atiku described the concentration of the contracts as an “assault on public trust” and said the amount, estimated at about ₦27 trillion, requires greater transparency.

Atiku called for the publication of procurement records, competitive tendering processes, tax concessions and beneficial ownership details connected to the projects. He argued that Nigerians facing higher taxes and living costs under the government’s economic reforms deserve clear explanations, while urging the Presidency to respond with records rather than attacks on critics.

2. NERC Dissolves Kaduna DisCo Board Over N456.5 Billion Debt

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has dissolved the board of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc over cumulative market obligations of about N456.5 billion, citing prolonged defaults, high losses and inadequate investment. The decision, which took effect on August 10, was made under the Electricity Act 2023 after the company recorded further debts of more than N118.6 billion under its current core investor, ASI Engineering Limited.

NERC has appointed an interim seven-member board chaired by Dr Abdullahi Garba for an initial six-month period, while retaining the managing director as administrator. The commission also directed the selection of a new core investor within 12 months as it seeks to stabilise electricity supply across Kaduna and other areas covered by the company.

3. Army Rescues 33 Kidnapped Passengers in Zamfara

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, working with the police, have rescued all 33 passengers kidnapped by terrorists in the Magazu area of Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The victims were rescued on August 8 after security forces, acting on credible intelligence, engaged the terrorists while they were moving the hostages.

The gunmen abandoned the passengers and fled into nearby bushes during the confrontation, while none of the rescued victims was injured. Security forces have continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists as part of wider operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West.

4. Oyinlola-led PDP Faction Endorses APC’s Oyebamiji for Osun Election

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has endorsed the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15 election. Other PDP figures, including former Secretary to the State Government Fatai Akinbade and former Southwest PDP National Vice Chairman Tajudeen Oladipo, joined the endorsement in Osogbo.

The group said its decision was based on the need for inclusive leadership, justice and a new direction for Osun State, while maintaining that its members remained PDP supporters. The endorsement represents a fresh political realignment days before the poll and could add pressure to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid.

5. Nigeria Revenue Service Reports Economic Recovery as Reserves Hit $51.9 Billion

The Nigeria Revenue Service says Nigeria’s economy has moved towards greater stability following reforms under President Bola Tinubu, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms and changes to the tax system. The agency said external reserves rose from $3.99 billion in 2023 to $51.9 billion by July 2026, while tax collections increased from N12.3 trillion to N27.1 trillion.

NRS Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji also pointed to oil production of 1.73 million barrels per day and economic growth of 3.8 per cent in the first half of 2026. He attributed the improvement to digitisation, new tax laws and stronger market confidence, while acknowledging the economic difficulties experienced during the adjustment period.

6. Military Airstrikes Hit ISWAP Targets in Lake Chad and Borno

Nigerian military airstrikes have wounded an ISWAP commander and killed several terrorists during separate operations around the Lake Chad region and Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The Nigerian Air Force said Ba Ari Hisbah, a prominent commander in the group’s police wing, was wounded in both legs near Arege, while four terrorists, including a senior fishing tax collector, were neutralised in other strikes.

A separate precision strike in Sambisa Forest on August 8 killed nine suspected ISWAP fighters, including commander Abu Khalid Al Muhajir. The operations were based on intelligence and targeted the group’s logistics, mobility and revenue networks as security forces intensify efforts to weaken terrorist activities in the North-East.

7. INEC Extends Deadline for 2027 Governorship and Assembly Candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the deadline for political parties to upload their candidates for the February 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections from August 8 to August 11, 2026. The extension followed requests from political parties that encountered difficulties completing submissions on the commission’s dedicated portal.

INEC said the additional time would allow parties to complete the process while remaining within the legal framework for the elections. The APC had already completed its candidate uploads before the original deadline, while other parties have been urged to finalise their submissions before the new deadline.

8. Chad to Allow Visa-Free Entry for All African Citizens From 2027

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has announced plans to abolish visa requirements for citizens of all African countries from January 1, 2027. The President announced the policy during the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, describing it as part of efforts to promote free movement, continental integration and stronger economic ties among African countries.

The policy is expected to support trade, tourism and regional cooperation, particularly because Chad shares borders with several African countries. Chad will become one of a growing number of African countries offering broad visa-free access to fellow Africans, in line with the African Union’s integration agenda and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

9. Building Collapses in Kano, Children Among Those Rescued

A residential building collapsed in the early hours of August 8 in the Dan Dishe area of Kwanar Yashi, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, trapping residents inside. Fire service officials rescued between 13 and 16 people, including several children from the Yusuf family, with some victims reportedly found unconscious.

The survivors were handed over to relatives for medical treatment, while authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collapse. The incident has renewed concerns over building safety in densely populated areas, particularly during the rainy season when weakened structures can become more vulnerable.

10. Kano Holds Mass Wedding for About 1,500 Couples

The Kano State Government has organised a mass wedding for about 1,500 couples from low-income backgrounds as part of efforts to support families and reduce the financial burden associated with marriage. The two-day programme, organised by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, included ceremonies at the Emir’s palace and other local levels.

Each bride received a dowry of about N200,000 alongside household items and business support, while participants underwent medical screening and counselling. The programme, which involved more than N1 billion in support packages, is intended to promote social stability and assist families struggling with the rising cost of marriage in the state.