Good morning,
The roads in Abuja have become rivers. Lugbe, Airport Road, all submerged. Thousands of vehicles stuck. Commuters wading through floodwaters. A resident called it “officially in the trenches.” The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had warned of three days of rain and thunderstorms across the country. The warning was clear. The drainage was not. The city’s rapid growth has outpaced the development of drainage systems. Construction on waterways has exacerbated the problem. The government’s promises have not been kept. The question is whether it will finally act or wait for the next flood.
While the floodwaters rise, the political waters are churning. A US lobbying firm hired by Atiku Abubakar in a $1.2 million annual deal is under scrutiny after threatening to embarrass President Tinubu at the UN. The firm’s founder, Karl Von Batten, has posted on X claiming that Tinubu’s alleged past heroin ties make him a “U.S. liability.” The claims stem from a 1993 civil forfeiture case that involved about $460,000. No criminal charges were ever filed against Tinubu. The UN General Assembly is scheduled to open on September 8. The question is whether this will backfire on the firm and its client.
And the religious mobilisation debate is heating up. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has condemned Peter Obi’s recent appearances at churches, warning that the use of religion for political mobilisation could deepen divisions ahead of 2027. Adeyanju cited the Electoral Act 2026, which expressly prohibits the use of places of worship for political campaigns. Obi’s supporters have pointed to double standards, noting President Tinubu’s recent meeting with hundreds of Christian clerics at Aso Rock. I would also add that Deji never seems to comment whenever the President dances on religious fault-lines. The debate is a sign of things to come as 2027 approaches. The question is whether the law will be enforced or ignored.
But there is good news on the football front. FIFA has acknowledged the resignations of the NFF executive board and pledged technical support for the National Sports Commission-led structural reforms. The endorsement provides international legitimacy to the reform process. The reforms are a test of Nigeria’s commitment to rebuilding its football administration. The question is whether they will deliver results or just more bureaucracy.
And the economy is facing headwinds. Brent crude has jumped 5.38% to $95.36 per barrel following renewed military attacks between the US and Iran. The higher crude prices boost government revenue, but they also increase the cost of imported fuel. Higher petrol prices feed into inflation, squeezing already struggling households. The question is whether the tensions will escalate or ease.
Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector is in crisis. Nigeria’s manufacturing sector attracted about ₦6.8 trillion in investment over the past decade, but production has failed to keep pace. Manufacturers’ inventories rose to ₦1.07 trillion in the second half of 2025, while bank loans to the sector fell 23% to ₦6.6 trillion. More than 100 manufacturing companies have shut down. The investment is flowing. The production is not. The question is whether the government will act or the sector will continue to struggle.
Warmly,
Lolade