An Illustration of inflation
1. Nigeria’s inflation falls to 14.63%, but food prices remain elevated
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 14.63% in September, down from 15.39% in August, according to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday, October 15.
The annual rate was 20.98% in September 2025. Month-on-month inflation also slowed to 0.06%, compared with 0.71% in August.
However, food inflation remained relatively high at 19.59%, underlining the continuing pressure on household budgets.
Why it matters: The latest figures indicate that consumer prices are rising more slowly. They do not mean that prices have returned to previous levels. Food and energy costs remain especially important to household purchasing power.
Watch: The Central Bank’s response, movements in petrol and food prices, and whether the decline in inflation continues into the final quarter of 2026.
2. Borno military base attacked as Tinubu orders intensified security operations
Security sources have reported that 15 soldiers and five members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed during an attack on a military base in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Tuesday night. The military has not independently confirmed the reported casualty figures.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu chaired a National Security Council meeting on Thursday, directing security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and kidnappers, rescue abducted Nigerians and ensure a secure environment for the 2027 elections.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa said the President also instructed security personnel to remain politically neutral.
Why it matters: The reported military casualties underline the continuing security challenges in the North-East. Protecting voters, candidates and election officials is also becoming an immediate operational priority.
Watch: Official confirmation of the Borno casualties, further military operations and the security arrangements being developed for the January elections.
3. APC releases nationwide campaign timetable; Tinubu to attend rallies in 12 states
The All Progressives Congress released its presidential campaign timetable on Thursday, October 15, confirming that President Bola Tinubu will personally attend rallies in 12 states, while other party leaders will represent him elsewhere.
The campaign begins in Kaduna on October 24, followed by Rivers on November 7, Plateau on November 14 and Oyo on November 21.
The President’s other scheduled appearances include Borno, Enugu, Bauchi, Sokoto, Delta, Kano, Adamawa and Lagos.
The timetable follows Wednesday’s inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and the publication of an expanded membership list that includes prominent politicians from outside the ruling party, notably Nyesom Wike, Chukwuma Soludo and Ademola Adeleke.
Why it matters: The timetable establishes the ruling party’s nationwide campaign programme. The inclusion of politicians from other parties also places attention on the nature of cross-party political cooperation ahead of 2027.
Watch: The Kaduna campaign launch, the roles played by the newly named council members and the opposition parties’ campaign schedules.
4. Federal Government and NLC disagree over minimum-wage negotiations
A fresh disagreement has emerged between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress over when negotiations for a new national minimum wage should begin.
Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi says the existing ₦70,000 minimum wage, introduced in 2024, is not due for review until June 2027.
However, NLC President Joe Ajaero argues that negotiations should begin immediately to allow sufficient time for a new agreement.
In correspondence made public on Thursday, October 15, the NLC maintained that preparations should begin by October 17, citing the statutory review timetable and the increasing cost of living.
The government maintains that an immediate review would be premature.
Why it matters: The disagreement comes amid organised labour’s demands for lower petrol prices and additional measures to protect workers’ purchasing power.
Watch: Whether the government agrees to establish a tripartite negotiating committee, further exchanges between the parties and the possibility of industrial action.
5. Presidency says National Policing Bill will reach lawmakers within two weeks
The Presidency says a proposed National Policing Bill is almost ready for submission to the National Assembly.
Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila disclosed on Thursday that a presidential working group had substantially completed work on the legislation.
However, the related constitutional amendment required for state policing faces a separate hurdle.
Reports indicate that only a small number of state assemblies have approved the amendment, against the constitutionally required support of at least 24 states.
The Presidency says consultations with governors are continuing, while remaining issues in the proposed legislation are being resolved.
Why it matters: State policing would significantly change Nigeria’s security structure. The proposed legislation must address operational responsibilities, funding, oversight and safeguards against political interference.
Watch: Submission of the bill, the progress of the constitutional amendment and the positions taken by state legislatures.
