News

Nigerian Economy Shrinks By N63bn, 28 Sectors Struggle

Published

3 years ago

August 31, 2022

No fewer than 28 sectors of the economy declined in the second quarter of 2022 as real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) shrunk by N63.49billion quarter-on-quarter.
While real GDP grew by 3.54per cent year-on-year in Q2 2022, it declined by 0.37per cent from the N17.35trillion that was recorded in the first quarter of 2021 to N17.29trillion in Q2, 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)data revealed.
The NBS blamed this decline on lower economic activity that was witnessed in Q1 2021.
The analysis of real GDP data revealed that only 18 of the 46 NBS captured economic activity sectors experienced growth in the quarter under review.
According to the data from the statistics body, the agriculture sector witnessed mixed positives, with two sub-sectors witnessing growth and the other two recording a decline.
Crop production grew from N3.39trillion to N3.59trillion; livestock declined from N318.49billion to N282.02billion; forestry grew from N44.14billion to N51.28billion; while fishing declined from N125.46billion to N88.3billion.
In the mining and quarrying sector, crude petroleum and natural gas declined from N1.15trillion to N1.09trillion; coal mining grew from N1.61billion to N4.79billion; metal ores declined from N4.87billion to N1.26billion; and quarrying other minerals grew from N363.29million to N25.51billion.
The 2022 has been a tough year for the manufacturing sector with inflation and foreign exchange scarcity negatively impacting growth.
Only three of the 13 subsectors in the manufacturing sector recorded any growth in the quarter under review.
Oil refining grew from N1.66billion to N2.82billion; cement declined from N188.81billion to N143.74billion; food, beverage and tobacco declined from N875.94billion to N760.08billion; textile, apparel, and footwear declined from N342.48billion to N283.34billion; wood and wood products declined from N53.81billion to N44.41billion; whereas pulp, paper, and paper products declined from N13.38billion to N9.70billion.
Chemical and pharmaceutical products grew from N42.75billion to N47.37billion; non-metallic products declined from N63.52billion to N49.24billion; plastic and rubber products declined from N60.12billion to N53.01billion; electrical and electronics increased from N839.34million to N921.50million; basic metal, iron and steel declined from N39.93billion to N37.31billion; motor vehicles and assembly declined from N9.53billion to N7.63billion; and other manufacturing declined from N76.07billion to N55.55billion.
The electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector grew from N32.72billion to N118.79billion.
The water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation sector grew from N39.06billion to N61.12billion.
Construction declined from N725.99billion to N554.11billion.
The trade sector grew from N2.79trillion to N2.91trillion.
Accommodation and food services also recorded a decline from N173.41billion to N68.17billion.
Under the transportation and storage sector, road transport grew from N151.97billion to N293.85billion; rail transport and pipelines declined from N40.96million to 19.92million; water transport increased from N802,77million to N1.04billion; air transport declined from N25.26billion to N9.69billion; transport services grew from N7.11billion to N11.14billion; and post and courier services declined from N6.26billion to N2.42billion.
Seen as one of the bright spots of the economy, telecommunications and information services under the information and communication sector grew from N2.25trillion to N2.59trillion; publishing declined from N5.45billion to N4.66billion; motion pictures, sound recording and music production declined from N229.67billion to N157.57billion; and broadcasting grew from N330.47billion to N433.43billion.
The arts, entertainment and recreation sector declined from N35.69billion to N51.85billion.
In the financial and insurance sector, the financial institutions subsector declined and insurance declined from N85.11billion to N80.18billion.
The real estate sector was one of the sectors that shrunk, declining from N927.32billion to N920.49billion.
The professional, scientific and technical services sector fell from N560.47billion to N525.94billion; administrative and support services grew from N3.39billion to N3.54billion; public administration also grew from N283.59billion to N375.59billion, but education fell from N333.06billion to N231.85billion.
While the other services sector declined from N702.74billion to N473.72billion, the human health and social services sector increased from N126.01billion to N131.28billion.
In a statement addressing the general GDP, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, disclosed that productivity and competitiveness issues had continued to negatively impact performance across sectors of the economy.
He stated that the general operating environment of the nation was also very challenging for most investors, with SMEs particularly more vulnerable to prevailing macroeconomic shocks, resulting in high mortality rate for small businesses.
He said, “Many businesses are struggling to cope with the numerous challenges and shocks to the economy. On the welfare front, the citizens are also experiencing serious economic hardship as a result of the galloping inflation and the impact on purchasing power.”

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor