NEWS HOUR | 25 MAY 2026 | AIT LIVE

Añadido: 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]9% in first quarter of 2026. Services sector drives expansion despite persistent inflationary pressures.

[00:00:11]African Democratic Congress ADC in Baoi endorses Artiku Bubakar as preferred presidential candidate for 2027 general elections.

[00:00:23]And as we countdown to 2027 elections, AIT News X-rays President Tonibu's three years in office on agriculture and food production performance.

[00:00:37]In business, Nigeria's money supply rises to 124.99 trillion naira despite CBN's tightening measures.

[00:00:49]And in sports, CAF's multi-million dollar investment set to boost Nigerian clubs in Africa enter club competitions.

[00:00:59]Hello there, thanks for joining us. This is the news on AIT. I'm Hadiza Aldu.

[00:01:04]With me on the news is Shola Jay.

[00:01:08]You're welcome. So let's begin with the Nigerian economy which is has recorded a 3.89% 89% growth in the first quarter of this year, higher than the 13.13% recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. The services sector drove expansion despite persistent inflationary pressures, weak electricity supply, and declining crude oil production. The latest gross domestic product report released by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that nominal GDP rose to 110.79 trillion in the first quarter of this year, equivalent to about $79 billion at an exchange rate of a,000 naira to one US dollar.

[00:01:55]The latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that Nigeria economy expanded by 3.89% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing the 3.13% growth recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. The report also indicates that Nigeria's nominal GDP rose to 110.79 trillion NRA in the first quarter representing a year-on-year increase of 17.79%.

[00:02:26]The services sector remained the largest contributor to economic output accounting for over 57% of total GDP driven by strong activities in telecommunications, financial services, trade and real estate. Agriculture posted improved growth of 3.15% during the period while the construction and manufacturing sectors also recorded modest recovery. The nono economy grew by 3.94%.

[00:02:54]The non-oil sector accounted for 96.08% of total real GDP in the quarter.

[00:03:01]However, the report showed that average crude oil production declined to 1.55 million barrels per day in the first quarter of 2026 compared with 1.62 million barrels per day recorded in the same period of 2025.

[00:03:18]Despite the decline, the oil sector still recorded a yearon-year real growth of 2.57% contributing 3.92% to real GDP.

[00:03:28]Meanwhile, the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply sector recorded a sharp contraction of 15.30% in real terms, underscoring persistent challenges in the country's power sector. Analysts say the figures reflect continued resilience in the non- oil economy, but caution that high energy cost, foreign exchange instability, and infrastructure deficits could slow the pace of economic growth in the month ahead.

[00:04:04]And join us now to talk more on President Tobu's performance in the past three years in area of food and agriculture is special assistant to Senate President on political matters.

[00:04:15]Uh that's technical to minister of interior.

[00:04:20]We have Dr. Adoji political analyst as well. Thanks for joining us on the news.

[00:04:32]My we see seem to be having some technical issues with doctor there but we'll get back to him as soon as we can. Let's move on with more stories. Bouch state chapter of the African Democratic Congress ADC has endorsed former vice president Atu Abuakar as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The state party chairman Shibu Dankama said the endorsement followed extensive consultations among party leaders, youths and women groups across Baoi state, northeast Nigeria.

[00:05:09]>> At a meeting of party leaders and members in Baoi, state ADC chairman Shribu Dangama stated that Nigeria's current socioeconomic and security struggles require experienced leadership. We are gathered here as committed democrats and patriotic Nigerians to formally adopt his excellency atu Abu Bakran Adamawa as the presidential of the African Democratic Congress ADC for the 2027 ginatorial elections.

[00:05:46]This decision was not taken lightly.

[00:05:51]It followed wider consultations among party leaders, stakeholders, youth, women groups, professionals and committed members of the party across Bel state. Our people are ying for leadership with vision, compassion, experience and national acceptance.

[00:06:12]After careful considerations, we realize and are convinced that Alaji Atiku Abuakar possess the experience, political maturity, national reach and democratic credentials required to reposition Nigeria on the path of progress, unity, stability and prosperity. Dan Kama expressed confidence that Atiku will deliver transparent and purposeful leadership if elected in 2027.

[00:06:44]He urged ADC members to focus on grassroots mobilization, discipline, and unity to ensure victory at the polls.

[00:06:57]Now, one of former vice president Atukubaka's challengers for the ticket of the African Democratic Congress, former minister of transportation, Rutia Ameichi has uh joined thousands of party members to participate in the exercise at his ward in Ubima local government area of River State. The former River State governor killed alongside party faithful at his ward 8 to cast his vote.

[00:07:21]He described the process as free and fair and expressed confidence that the electoral integrity observed in his ward will be replicated across the country.

[00:07:32]>> A huge number of turnout in their thousands >> in their thousands that turned out to to vote. First day there was dancing celebrations and all that and then we got the INC people involved and all that and I cast my I did cast my vote and I left the place. I hope that the system will be transparent as it was in my village. If it is transparent I will accept the result because from the all we agreed is that if the primary is free and fair nobody's going anywhere but where it is not free and fair a lot of us will react.

[00:08:08]The race for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress features a high-profile field including the minister of transportation, former Chubikamei, you saw there, former vice president Tuka Baka and the former PDP princial aspirant and businessman Muhammad Ayatudin.

[00:08:27]>> Internal friction has hit some political parties in Gumbate following the conclusion of primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. Agrieved members from both the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, are alleging widespread exclusion and a lack of transparency.

[00:08:46]The dissatisfied factions are now demanding immediate leadership intervention to address the contentious outcomes.

[00:08:56]The coalition of African Democratic Congress members from Kwami Fakaya and areas are gaomb to vent their anger over the conduct of the primaries held two days ago.

[00:09:10]>> The dissatisfied members alleged that excises completely ignored their collective interests of grassroots. They claim key stakeholders were who bu the party were systematically sidelined. Our people gathered to vote the candidate of their choice but they were systematically or strategically disenfranchised which is uh undemocratic.

[00:09:37]>> The friction is not limited to the opposition inside the ruling all progressive congress. A similar wave of discontent is breing over the conduct of and final results of internal polls >> because actually there was irregularities during the primary elections. Let me say it wasn't done.

[00:09:54]>> The agree factions are now appealing to both national and state party executives.

[00:09:59]>> We are urging the national body to intervene and they should make sure that justice will have rebuilt.

[00:10:10]Protesters are demanding a review of the process insisting that credible primaries are vital to saving party unity news.

[00:10:21]>> A former member of the House of Representatives Ibrahim Sh has emerged as the governorship candidate of the people's democratic party the PDP in Zanfara state ahead of next year's general elections. Ibraham will merge through a consensus arrangement adopted by the party during governorship primary election held in Gusau the Zanfara state capital. Speaking shortly after his affirmation, the governorship hopeful expressed appreciation to party members and supporters for the confidence reposed in him to fly the party's flag in the election.

[00:10:54]>> Uh this is an opportunity I've been looking for for a very long time. uh there has been there's been efforts made by me to become a a candidate but those e efforts were being thwarted but I as a Muslim like I said the god god's time is the best I believe this is the best time for me to be a candidate and uh I appreciate what god has done today uh 14 local government representation have come out to agree and affirm that I should be the candidate to carry its flag for the 2027 election The people of Zanfara are very very very close to my heart that I feel a lot has to be done to upgrade their lives.

[00:11:36]Starting from the insecurity incidences happening, the current government came on board with the promise that insecurity will be tackled. You are all witnesses. Has there been a concerted effort for that to be tackled? No.

[00:11:52]typical Zanfara citizen is under a lot of pressure from insurgency mandatory. So I can assure you this is one aspect that a major aspect that I want to tackle.

[00:12:07]>> He promised to improve the quality of education and healthcare services as well as enhance the welfare and living conditions of the people of Zanfara.

[00:12:21]And in other news, fresh tension has hit the People's Democratic Party in Inugu state following Sunday's controversial governorship primary election. Two parallel exercises have produced two different winners. Both claiming victory with over 7,000 votes each. Sami Namani and former innovation minister Uchain Naji are now locked in in a fierce battle for the party's ticket.

[00:12:50]>> The crisis within the enable state PDP board over long before the leg cast their ballot. Just 24 hours to the primary, the state leadership reportedly suspended Sans Namani for alleged antiparty activities.

[00:13:05]Hours later, a counterfasure retaliated, announcing the suspension of former minister Naji. By Sunday, the crash widen into two par primaries. He reportedly pulled over 7,000 votes while Naji got just 121 votes.

[00:13:29]The minister is my brother and uh I cannot uh uh underage him.

[00:13:38]But across town, another story was unfolding. Naj's camp organized his own primary claiming a marching landslide victory of over 7,000 votes.

[00:13:49]The state party leadership appeared to stand firmly barding Naji. However, N man's loyalist insists the exercise is the only legitimate vote.

[00:13:59]>> So, I am highly honored by this privilege. Of >> course, we are happy because the person that we are here for is the person our choice. So, we stand for Odera in Enano West. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the PDP now has a task of resolving this eternal showdown. If his be to tackle the incumbent is to be taken seriously a news inu.

[00:14:32]>> Okay, now let's h bring you some more stories. Now the chairperson of the house of representatives committee on petroleum resources downstream Ioier has called on the chief justice of Nigeria as well as the national judicial council to intervene in plans to dregister some political parties in the country to according to him >> avert anarchy addressing the media in the national assembly on Monday will cheer a wand against actions that will heat up the polity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 election probably bring that to See you in the course of the bulletin.

[00:15:06]>> Yes. Coming up next is business after this break. Stay with us.

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[00:19:35]Welcome to business report. I am Hola.

[00:19:38]Nigeria's broad money supply rose to 124.99 trillion naira in April 2026 and this signed sustained liquidity growth within the financial system despite ongoing monetary tightening measures by the central bank of Nigeria. The latest monetary data showed that broad money supply increased from 123.12 trillion naira recorded in February 2026 and this reflects a rise of nearly 1.87 87 trillion naira over the two-month period. The development comes as monetary authorities continue efforts to strike a balance between curbing inflation and supporting economic growth. Broad money supply also known as M3 measures the total amount of liquidity within the economy including currency in circulation, demand deposit, savings, fixedterm deposits and foreign currency holdings.

[00:20:34]And now the federal government and the United Kingdom says stronger monitoring and evaluation systems are critical to achieving Nigeria's economic and development targets. The position was highlighted at the close of a capacity development workshop in Abuja for planning and monitoring offices across ministries, departments and agencies.

[00:20:54]Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Suzuki was represented by the permanent secretary Deborah Odo says improved monitoring would help government track performance in key sectors which include infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and education. She added that the administration is focusing on accountability and measurable outcomes in public service delivery. Officials of the British High Commission emphasized that the initiative reflect ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in strengthening public finance and institutional capacity. The workshop comes amid growing public concerns over policy implementation, transparency and the delivery of government project with analysts maintaining that effective monitoring will depend largely on enforcement, data integrity and accountability across agencies.

[00:21:50]And now what's happening on the floor of the Nigeria exchange today. The all share index opened the new trading week on a positive note rising by 0.56%.

[00:22:01]The market capitalization of the Nigerian exchange now stands at 161 trillion naira. This is an equivalent of about 117 billion. You recall that last week the market closed in the negative territory and it put a pause on the seven week consecutive positive trading but today the gainers chart where we have Africa recording strong gains of over 300 naira. Let's move to the gainers chart. So we'll see the top five gainers for today where Etel Africa led the gainers for the day ending about 3,655 naira and that's over 300 naira added to it share price again. You recall the last trading Africa closed at 3,320 naira and today it recorded an appreciation of 10%. International energy insurance also featured as a second actively gainers for today ending at 3 naira 74 cobble and that's a percentage of 9.68%.

[00:23:04]Also on that list we have sovereign trust insurance we have covering offshore and VFD group. VFD group closed at 1090 cobbo and that's an appreciation of 9.55%.

[00:23:17]On the flip side, Magnickel stopped the losers chart with a 10% decline as about 80 cobbo was wiped off its share price.

[00:23:26]Also on that list, we have the initiate plc ending at 30 naira 45 cobble and that's a depreciation of 9.91%. Also, lend Africa is there. We have Ziches, Agro Allied and May and Baker. Now let's take you to the top three most actively traded stocks. In terms of trading activity, banking stocks dominated the top five most traded equities in terms of volume for the day. And we have Access Holdings dominating in terms of volume charts with over 61 million of his share price traded today valued at 1.5 billion naira. Zenith Bank also followed with 37.9 million unit of stocks traded and Fidelity Bank as the third most actively traded stocks with over 35 million of his shares traded on the floor of the Nigerian exchange. Now to the oil market where Brent crude futures fell by 7% dropping below $97 per barrel on Monday and this followed growing optimism that the United States and Iran could reach an agreement to deescalate tensions and reopen the strait of Homus. And as business reports, I am Olam Ryodina continues.

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[00:27:30]You're welcome back. We told you earlier that the chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources downstream Iikena Ugo has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to intervene in plans he says to dregister some political parties all in a bit to avert anarchy. Addressing the media in the National Assembly on Monday, the lawmaker warned against actions that will hit up the polity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, stating that the issue before the court has already been decided by several courts of competence jurisdiction in the country. Fellow countrymen, Justice Danjuma Banjo and on Friday some few days ago at the court of appeal in an appeal number CA/ ABJ CV 569206 finally granted a stay of proceeding arresting the move and proceedings of justice leafy not to do further or take any further steps including delivering that judgment that he plans to deliver in 9 days and I think Nigerians must applaud the appeal court for playing that role for which judiciary is known for intervening when he was like anarchist to set him lawmaker used the briefing to draw attention to the disappearance of two young men alleged to have been abducted by operatives of the tiger base command in Weri calling on the inspector general of police and the police service commission to investigate their activities.

[00:29:13]>> This young voice Obina and Madav was abducted by a notorious police unit. The word there is notorious and I will read am report for you that subsequent police IG have refused to disband refused to re in which we hope that this present IG who is a reformer will decisively with the rot coming out from there everybody is scared people can't talk out again they are scared of either being killed or being abducted because they are notorious but not for me >> who described the development as a recurring pattern revealed several attempts on his life destruction of his campaign materials in Idiato calling for the activities of the Tiger based command to be put in check to give the people a sense of belonging.

[00:30:08]Let's also tell you that former vice president Atiku Abuakar has voted in the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress ADC saying the exercise demonstrates the party's commitment to rebuilding Nigeria.

[00:30:23]Article cast his vote at the AI word polling unit in Jimea Yula Adamawa state alongside other party members participating in the ADC presidential primary. In a message shared on his ex account, the former president uh rather former vice president said the process demonstrated democracy in action and reflected the party's focus on national progress. He said, and I quote, I joined other prospective voters of the African Democratic Congress in our party's presidential primaries in casting my vote at the AI word polling unit in Jamaa, Yola, Adamawa State. This is democracy at work. Artiko added, "The election taking place simultaneously in 8,89 words in Nigeria is a major step in our quest to recover our beloved country and set it on the path of prosperity.

[00:31:22]>> It's been 3 years since President Bolatinu was sworn in as a Nigerian leader. He promised to fix the economy, address rising insecurity, create jobs, and fight for the interests of citizens both home and abroad. As President Tinubu seeks reelection in 2027, has he delivered on his promises? And does his performance so far merit a second term?

[00:31:46]ARC News begins a special May 29 review countdown service where we interrogate the Tinu administration's deliverables across various sectors of national life.

[00:31:58]Join us on the ARC News for May 18, 2026.

[00:32:06]Now, 3 years into President Bolatinu's administration, Niger's agricultural sector presents a mixed bag of results.

[00:32:13]While the period has been defined by ambitious policydriven mechanization and massive funding, the sector remains heavily constrained by poor implementation, severe food inflation, insecurity, and supply chain shocks. In this special report, AIT's Unazi on Jaku examines the administration's agricultural performance over the last three years.

[00:32:38]President Bolakinu began the talk of food production during his campaigns for election pledging to enhance agriculture to guarantee food security.

[00:32:50]On assumption of office, he initiated series of policies under his renewed hope agenda aimed at structural interventions that will modernize Nigeria's food systems. Among initiatives introduced was big focus on rapid mechanization, dry season farming expansion and direct physical incentives to combat food insecurity driven by an improved investment environment and import waiverss.

[00:33:18]Nigeria's agriculture sector recorded a real annual growth rate of 2.92% pushing total sector turnover to 101.46 trillion naira. This marked a notable expansion compared to the 1.69% growth rate seen previously. The administration also doubled down on its agriculture expansion program which was a dominant agenda of the president's visit to Brazil in mid 2025.

[00:33:50]Central to this was the renewed hope agriculture mechanization program where the administration injected large scale capital assets into local farming networks notably rolling out 2,000 tractors supplied by Bellarus to boost commercialized outputs. The results data from National Bureau of Statistics NBS reveals that the agriculture sector attracted over 167 million US dollars in capital importation signaling an erratic but upward trajectory in foreign investor interests.

[00:34:26]But while there have been measurable macro level growth, the cost of food, transportation and agriculture inputs have skyrocketed deepening the hunger crisis across the country >> between July and December uh 2024. You recall that Mr. President said he was going to I mean he gave us a window of zero tariff for imported items about four four competencies were mentioned and uh these uh happened but as these things came in people had low purchasing power >> back in the villages and communities rural farmers needed more support leading to the president's declaration of a state of emergency on food insecurity but one year after the emergency declaration. The reality on ground remained uninspiring. Prices continued to sore. Purchasing power collapsed and inflation hit historic highs.

[00:35:25]The mountain hardship ultimately drove thousands of citizens to the streets in 2024 for nationwide hunger protest.

[00:35:35]Acknowledging that Nigerian farming can no longer rely solely on rainfall, the administration launched an ambitious dry season farming initiative targeting 500,000 hectares of land.

[00:35:47]>> Our mission is clear to boost agricultural productivity, create livelihood opportunities and drive wealth creation. In a bid to provide immediate relief, President Enable ordered the release of 42,000 metric tons of assorted grains and 60,000 tons of rice from the national strategic grain reserves. These supplies were distributed across the 36 states and the FCT to stabilize markets and support vulnerable households. Then came a controversial regulatory push on September 11, 2024. The federal government ordered a special federal executive council committee to aggressively crash food prices nationwide. It was a move that drew sharp criticism from agriculture experts.

[00:36:35]>> Prices went very high. We use fiscal policies, liberalizing importation of food to bring down the prices. But it has a consequence which is what we are battling with now.

[00:36:50]>> To balance farmer income and national productivity, the government expanded its fet leather support systems and scaled up its climate smart agriculture initiatives. The focus is shifting towards solar powered irrigation or year round production and agroindustrial value addition. While these initiatives are still very much a work in progress, propnets argue that they have stabilized market supplies in recent months, signaling a start of a new green revolution. Yet for the average Nigerian, expectations remain high for more sustainable interventions that will bring food prices down to a manageable level.

[00:37:33]Zabit News Abuja.

[00:37:37]>> The managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDC, Samuel Ubuku, has assured Nigerians of transparency in selection of beneficiaries for the 2026 foreign postgraduate scholarship program. The managing director of NDDC stated this during an on the sport observation of the interview session for applicants in Port Target. AIT's Chubichuku has more.

[00:38:02]The other interview is the final session for those applying for the NDC postgraduate foreign scholarship program. The managing director of the NADC Samuku who was represented by the director heads education and social services patients Isugu said beneficiaries will be selected based on merit in order not to derail the essence of the program. Those that are successful after this oral interview will be invited for pre-eparture brief.

[00:38:32]It's at that point that you know that you'll be given an award letter to the scholarship to assess the scholarship.

[00:38:38]Process has been very calm and successful. This is not the first time we're doing it for the past 10 years and have been doing it.

[00:38:44]>> Some of the applicants commended the NDC for a transparent exercise.

[00:38:49]>> The whole exercise starting from the exam down to the interview was very clear. It was transparent based on my uh my knowledge. It was transparent and yes it was very professional.

[00:39:00]>> The interview went well. The the interviewers were amazing. They were very friendly and they were professional.

[00:39:07]>> 12,277 applicants that applied for it. But by the end of the day, not everybody met with the criteria. So we invited 5,986 to come in for the um computer based test. 2,493 persons participated in the aura interview. Chibu, AIT News, Port Aot.

[00:39:29]The governor of River State, Similar Eubara, has inspected the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction work at the state secretariat complex in Port Akard, reaffirming his administration's commitment to improving public infrastructure and provide a more conducive working environment for civil servants. The governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and emphasized the importance of restoring the historic secretariat complex to modern standards to enhance delivery and efficiency in governance across the state.

[00:40:01]For decades, the River State Secretariat Complex has served as the administrative heartbeat of government activities, housing ministries, departments and agencies responsible for driving governance and public service delivery.

[00:40:16]However, the aging facility originally built during the military administration of Alfred Deaspie has gradually deteriorated over the years, prompting concerns over safety, functionality, and the working environment for civil servants. Determined to reverse the situation, the administration of Governor Simalai Fubara embarked on an ambitious multi-billionaire reconstruction and renovation project aimed at transforming the secretariat into a modern and efficient government complex. Governor Fubara on Monday inspected the ongoing work reaffirming his administration's commitment to restoring the secretary to modern standards. But I wanted to really confirm that uh much job is uh going on most importantly the inside and that is what I just uh went to inspect myself. I think uh with the progress of uh of work here by the grace of God I believe that uh first quarter of next year it will be handed over to the government. The extensive renovation includes structural rehabilitation, modern office spaces, improved electrical and water systems, upgraded conference facilities, enhanced security architecture, and the more conducive working atmosphere. The governor noted that beyond aesthetics, the project is designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance productivity, and restore the pride of public servants who use the facility daily.

[00:41:49]AIT news.

[00:41:51]>> The minister of federal capital territory Sam Wiki says the withdrawal of River State Governor Simallay Fuber from the APC governorship race did not come as a surprise to him. According to the minister, the governor had already made a commitment not to seek a second term, a position he believes should have been upheld by not purchasing the nomination form in the first place.

[00:42:13]Speaking shortly after inspecting ongoing projects in the nation's capital, including the Abuja city gate, the minister also backed the emergence of Kingsley Chinda as the APC governorship candidate.

[00:42:26]>> On Monday's inspection tour by the FCT minister also provided an opportunity to get his reaction to the withdrawal of Governor Sim Fubara from the APC governorship race. I'm not surprised that the governor uh withdrew in the first place.

[00:42:43]have collected the form >> because the agreement does reach that the impeachment should be dropped while he should also not talk about second and so for me I'm not surprised um that he has to withdraw at that stage but they correct him for first show sign of gentlemanship >> he also commended the emergence of kinsley chinder as the APC governorship candidate describing it as a positive development for the party.

[00:43:17]>> Well, I would want to say I'm surprised um a good product by KF.

[00:43:25]Uh everybody knows that Kinder is the material quite experienced he has worked with executive and now legislature you can hear his voice when he was minority leader of the PDP. I'm sure that uh it must have been approached by the progressive congress to join them and then get the ticket. Projects inspected during the tour include the access road to the renewed hope city in Karasana, the rehabilitation of the old Ky road, the FCT 105 road linking airport road to Kujay being handled by Arab contractors, the Kujo road by Gilmore as well as the ongoing remodeling of the city gates.

[00:44:09]Buuka, EIT News, Abuja.

[00:44:15]National Broadcasting Commission announces June the 17th as new date for digital switch over the National Broadcasting Commission NBC has set June 17, 2026 for national launch of the digital switchover. over and December 31, 2028 as deadline for final analog switch off for Nigeria. The director general of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ibu, who made this known at a joint press conference in Abuja, also clarified what he termed misconceptions in the public space on the role of the regulator, which he says is targeted at ensuring a neutral digital space for all key players in the industry and not a platform for operators.

[00:45:14]Nigeria's journey towards achieving the digital switch from analog television broadcasting to digital terrestrial transmission dates back to when Nigeria finally adopted the DSO policy in 2008.

[00:45:28]The federal government under president's Muhammad deari formally rolled out the pilot phase of the DSO in 2016 in Jaws.

[00:45:36]The DSO exercise faced challenges of funding litigation from setup box manufacturers among other key barriers.

[00:45:44]At this joint media conference between the broadcast regulator NBC and the Nigerian communication satellite Nigerat, he's set to roll out the digital switchover for Nigeria on June 17, 2026 through what he calls the big picture strategy.

[00:46:03]>> I want to be clear about this. The MBC is using an 18mon period, right, to be able to ensure the platform is set up is sustainable and then we draw up frameworks that would run ensure that the process does not fail again. The NBC also clarified some misconceptions in the public space, including allegations from key players in the industry that the NBC has placed order for the procurements of new setup boxes at the expense of local manufacturers.

[00:46:34]>> What we're relying on right now are available decoders in the homes of people, right? And those already in the market. We cannot constructively go and engage. And I want to say it emphatically here that NBC has not placed an order for any box. We've been accused of that. I see that, you know, on some of the um TV um um engagements.

[00:46:57]That is wrong.

[00:46:58]>> Nigerian communication satellite Nikkimat is at the heart of the exercise ready to beam over 100 channels across the country and subsahara Africa through its satellite facilities. It also announced a replacement of Nigeria's satellite by 2028 as already approved by the president.

[00:47:18]>> We already have plans with other satellite providers that will ensure that users don't change their they don't need to be pan the antennas. You don't need to be pawn because we using the same.

[00:47:29]>> Nigeria is taking this huge but necessary step at simplifying the media space with multiple channels to the delight of its citizens. It is also encouraging creativity among young Nigerians, opening up the space for job opportunities and by extension freeing more spectrum for the use of other sectors including the telecoms industry to expand and enrich its quality service delivery for citizens. Rule AIT News Sabuja. The president and chief executive officer of the global alliance for public relations and communications management, Professor Justin Grin says Nigeria's giant strides and unwavering determination to host what is set to be the biggest and brightest and boldest world public relations forum in Abuja is highly commendable. Grin said this when he accompanied the president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, EK Nyaku on a kata visit to the Nigerian embassy in Prague, Czech Republic.

[00:48:28]Organizers say the event could open new economic, diplomatic and investment opportunities for Nigeria while placing Abuja at the center of one of the world's largest communication guard rings. AI it is ocomome has more.

[00:48:45]>> Nigeria's beat to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum is now being projected beyond image management and conference hosting. Speaking at the Nigeria's House in Prague, Czech Republic, Professor Justin Green praised Nigeria's preparations for the global events.

[00:49:02]>> Nigeria in November will host the biggest, boldest, and brightest World Public Relations Conference ever, attracting 3,000 delegates to Abuja. So, the next time we see it, we'll be in Abuja. So, make sure register and I'll see you in Abuja. NIPR President Ikyaku who is in Prague for the Global Public Relations Conference and the Global Alliance annual general meeting says hosting the forum in West Africa and for the first time presents Nigeria with an opportunity to redefine how the world sees the country.

[00:49:35]>> By coming to Nigeria, they are seeing that Nigeria is safe. Nigeria is the place to be. By the time they come to Nigeria and they are impressed with what they have done, they will go back and become advocates of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Reputation is a capital asset.

[00:49:56]>> Head of mission for the Nigerian embassy in Prague, Chim Ou describes the conference as a strategic platform to promote Nigeria's culture.

[00:50:04]>> It will be a great show of what Nigeria has to offer on the leadership of our great brother Dr. Ike the president of uh the public relations in institute in Nigeria >> beyond the speeches and global meetings organizers believe the week-long event could strengthen Nigeria's reputation capital o news >> thank you se more stories the congalles government announced a new wave of Ebola outbreak in the country with all passenger flights being suspended in Bonet capital of eastern O province This is as WH said the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern with its director general adding that the situation is worrisome with the additional 82 confirmed cases and seven confirmed deaths. With the risk of crossborder transmission growing, neighboring countries including Rwanda and Uganda have tightened transport restrictions and border controls.

[00:51:10]Coming up next is sports.

[00:51:24]Thank you so much and welcome.

[00:51:26]Nigerian's representative in next season calf champions league could be set for a major financial boost following Cal's decision to significantly increase investment in African club football as Nigeria continues to battle financial and infrastructural challenge on the continent. The development is being viewed as a potential gamecher. Here is the report. The Confederation of African Football says its increased investment in inter club competition is aimed at developing the game across the continent and improving the financial stability of clubs. The winners of CF Champions League will now receive a record $6 million while overall funding for calf inter club football has risen from $19 million in 2021 to $48 million in 2026.

[00:52:16]Under CF's president Patrick Musee, stability payments to clubs in preliminary stages have also doubled to $100,000 per club. For Nigerian side expected to compete in next season's Champions League, including Enugu Rangers and Rivers United, the increased financial support could help ease the burden of continental football. Many Nigerian clubs have struggled in recent years with travel cost, player welfare, poor infrastructure and limited sponsorship while competing against some of African's wealthiest club. The improved calf funding could help club strengthen their squad, improve preparation, invest in facilities and gain valuable international exposure. Football analysts also believe that the increased prize money could encourage better organization and professionalism within Nigerian league system. K says the long-term goal is to make African football competition more competitive, commercially attractive and globally respected. And with record numbers of club now participating in calf competitions, many believe that the investment could mark the beginning of a stronger era for club football in Nigeria and across the continent. All side.

[00:53:38]Spain have included injured Barcelona forward Lami Yammer in their world cup squad despite the teenager missing the final month of the season with a hamstring injury. For the first time ever, no Real Madrid player were selected with defender Dean Herxen and Danny Cavalia left out by coach Luis de Laonte. Spain will begin their World Cup campaign against Gveri before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in group H.

[00:54:05]Premier League stars including Mik Marino Rodri and Mark Kella were also named in the 26 mile squad. Deaf Front said that the entire country is excited and fully behind national team ahead of the tournament.

[00:54:19]And in tennis, Stan Wika played his final match at Roland Garas that is the French Open losing 63 3663 64 to Jasper de Young in front of a parked crowd.

[00:54:32]Looking back to his career, the Swiss star described his 2015 French Open victory over the then world number one Nova Djokovic as the greatest match of his life. Rika will retire later this year as a threetime Grand Slam champion having also won the Australian Open and the US Open. Meanwhile, third seed Nova Jookovic recovered from a set down to beat Gilvani Seni and advanced to the second round of the competition. The Serbian veteran chasing a record 25th Grand Slam single title face Valentine Roya sport. Many thanks for watching. I am Osai.

[00:55:18]>> And that's it on the AIT News R. I am Shah Jim. I'm Hadisa Aldu. Thanks for staying with us.

[00:56:27]James Akbar arrives for a checkup at a community medical center in Dere, but it's not for his health. The student journalist is there to see how well the governmentr run center in Nigeria's central Nasarowa state is working.

[00:56:44]>> It's part of an initiative called UDE an EBibio word for my share. It sends student journalists known as EU monitors to investigate public projects and hold authorities accountable. Sometime you travel to those communities me communities where those project has been awarded you discover that those resident don't want to talk to you because they they have no idea of those projects. So so you face challenges um maybe sometime threats to your life and when a lawmaker find out or individual find out you are doing a story that will implicate him.

[00:57:21]The media nonprofit center for journalism innovation and development or CGID launched UDME in 2018.