Investment banker and IBTC founder Atedo Peterside says the Tinubu administration's economic reforms are widening the gap between rich and poor Nigerians.

What he said

Speaking in a television interview on Monday night, 2 November 2026, Peterside reportedly said that whether the reforms are working depends on who is asked. He said upper-middle-class Nigerians with investments in the stock market are probably better off than they were three years ago, while low-income workers with little savings who struggle to eat two meals a day and pay their bills are a lot worse off. He admitted that his own investment income had risen, but said his concern was for the 130 to 140 million Nigerians who are poor and getting poorer.

Background

The government removed the petrol subsidy and unified the exchange rate in 2023, moves that pushed up prices but which it says were needed to rescue the economy. Officials point to falling inflation, which dropped to 14.63 per cent in September, rising foreign reserves and a stock market that hit a record high last week. Critics say these gains have not yet reached ordinary households, many of whom still struggle with high food and transport costs.

Political debate

The state of the economy is a central issue in the 2027 campaign. Opposition candidates say the reforms have made life harder, while the government says it is cushioning the poor through cash transfers and credit schemes.

The federal government has opened applications for the third batch of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, which offers free skills training and a monthly stipend, according to reports on Monday, 2 November 2026.

What is on offer

The programme, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education, provides free vocational training at accredited technical colleges, government institutions and registered private centres across the country. Participants receive ₦30,000 a month throughout their training. Trades on offer reportedly include solar installation, plumbing, fashion design and car repairs.

Two training options

Applicants can choose a six-month short-term certificate course aimed at beginners, school leavers and people without formal qualifications, or a one-year vocational education and innovation course for those with previous education or informal training in a trade.

How to apply

Applications are free and are made through the official TVET portal. No closing date has been announced, so applicants are advised to watch for official updates and to avoid anyone asking for money to register.

Background

The initiative was launched to tackle youth unemployment and the country's skills gap by training young Nigerians in practical trades that are in demand. Earlier batches attracted large numbers of applicants. The scheme is one of several government programmes aimed at easing hardship, alongside cash transfers and consumer credit.

Several police officers are feared dead after suspected bandits attacked a bus carrying them along the Sokoto–Gusau road in Zamfara State on Monday, 2 November 2026.

What happened

The officers were travelling in a state mass transit bus, known locally as Bazamfara, towards Gusau, the state capital. According to police sources, they were on their way to provide security for the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Zamfara North senatorial district, which was taking place in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Sources said some officers were killed in the ambush and others were abducted by the attackers. The exact number of casualties had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

Official response

The spokesman for the police zone covering the area reportedly confirmed the attack, but said he was in hospital and would issue an official statement later. The identities of the victims have not been released.

Background

Zamfara is one of the states worst affected by banditry in north-west Nigeria, with frequent attacks on travellers, villages and security personnel. Police officers are often deployed to provide security at party primaries and campaign events, and several political gatherings have been attacked in recent weeks as the 2027 elections approach. In neighbouring Niger State, gunmen abducted 14 Islamiyya students and their teacher at the weekend.

Primary result

The primary went ahead despite the attack. The APC later declared Sahabi Ya'u Kaura the winner of the fresh Zamfara North senatorial primary, held after a court invalidated the earlier exercise. He reportedly polled 49,176 votes, ahead of Tijjani Kaura with 9,628 and Abdullahi Sani Shinkafi with 6,206, winning in all four local government areas.

What happens next

Security agencies are expected to launch an operation to rescue the abducted officers, and the police are expected to release casualty figures.

Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school and their teacher in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, police have confirmed.

What happened

The attack happened at about 12.30pm on Saturday, 31 October 2026, in Tungan-Bako village near Pandogari. According to the police, the students were helping their teacher harvest maize on his farm when armed men stormed the area and took them away.

Police statement

The spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, 2 November. He said the number of students abducted was 14, correcting earlier reports that about 50 pupils had been seized. He said a joint team of security forces had been deployed to rescue the victims and that further updates would be given.

Background

Rafi and nearby local government areas in Niger State have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years, including mass abductions from schools and villages. Kidnapping for ransom remains a serious problem across north-west and north-central Nigeria, and farmers are often targeted during the harvest season. On the same day the abduction was confirmed, bandits ambushed a bus carrying police officers in neighbouring Zamfara State.

What happens next

Families and community leaders are calling for the quick and safe release of the students.