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Capital Betrayal (Why Investors Are Abandoning Lagos for Abuja) ~The Bitter Truth

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Capital Betrayal (Why Investors Are Abandoning Lagos for Abuja) ~The Bitter Truth.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

In the staggering landscape of Q1 2025, a seismic economic shift has unfolded: Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has outpaced Lagos as Nigeria’s foremost magnet for foreign capital. Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics reports that the FCT drew US $3.047 billion in capital importation, compared to Lagos’s US $2.565 billion. This remarkable overtake marks the first time Lagos has been dethroned in decades as the top investment destination. This historic breakthrough raises a compelling question: Why is Abuja now eclipsing Lagos, Kano, Adamawa and Anambra in attracting foreign investment?

1. Strategic Political Capital and Policy Confidence.
Abuja, as the nerve centre of Nigeria’s federal government, enjoys unmatched political stability and regulatory clarity. The proximity to the presidency, the National Assembly and key ministries fosters investor assurance (especially for projects with government linkages or public) private partnerships. It is no surprise that in-depth coverage points to “A STABLE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT and TARGETED, PRO‑INVESTMENT POLICIES” as foundational to Abuja’s ascent.

2. Robust Infrastructure and Landmark Developments.
Unlike traditional commercial hubs, Abuja has seen a robust push in infrastructure. Monumental projects such as the WORLD TRADE CENTRE ABUJA, a multi-use skyscraper complex in the Central Business District with over ₦152 billion (US $1 billion) in investments, signal Abuja’s emergence as a modern business nexus. Complementing this, developments like Centenary City (a futuristic, free‑zone smart city near Abuja International Airport) are positioning the FCT as the “Dubai of Nigeria”.

3. Institutional Power and Investment Enablers.
Abuja does not just build megaprojects, it cultivates ecosystems. The Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) is driving real estate, transport and technology through ventures such as the Abuja Technology Village Free Zone, automotive hubs and urban mass transit systems. Such institutional platforms simplify investment logistics, deepen investor confidence and strengthen Abuja’s case as a destination with built-in enablers.

4. Economies Eschew Risk: The ‘Hot Money’ Effect.
While Abuja’s capital influx is impressive, it is crucial to dissect the nature of this inflow. Nearly 92% of Q1 2025 capital was in the form of portfolio investments (short‑term, high‑yield “hot money”) rather than traditional foreign direct investment (FDI), which accounted for just 2.24% of inflows ($126.3 million). Abuja’s appeal to speculative funds may be influenced by its perception as a secure asset arena; a safe, high-return environment.

5. Contrast: Lagos and the Marginalized States.
Lagos, though a perennial powerhouse, likely suffers from its own structural challenges: congestion, cost pressures, over-dependence on finance/commerce and regulatory complexity. As analysts observe, many of Nigeria’s states failed to attract any foreign capital in 2024 due to INSECURITY, POOR INFRASTRUCTURE, WEAK GOVERNANCE and a LACK of INVESTMENT PROMOTION AGENCIES.
Against this backdrop, Abuja stands out as both accessible and cohesive.

Voices from the Field
At the Abuja Business and Investment Summit 2024, Barrister Wike captured the momentum: “Abuja is not just the political capital of Nigeria; it is a place of opportunities waiting to be harnessed.” He further underlined that “security is paramount in attracting investors. The safety of our investments is our top priority”.

His assertion cuts to the core: SAFETY, ORDER and OPPORTUNITY have a magnetic pull.

The Tipping Point: Abuja’s Winning Formula.
Abuja’s ascendancy is neither accidental nor fleeting; it is the product of STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES:

Policy clarity and stability rooted in its status as Nigeria’s political heartbeat.

World-class infrastructure and megaprojects that redefine business possibility.

Institutional architecture (e.g., AICL) that smooths investment pathways.

Perceived safety and predictability, attracting both equitized capital and speculative investors.

Relative vacuum of competition beyond Lagos, especially in States with systemic challenges.

However, a caveat: with FDI so marginal in the capital flows, Abuja’s position must evolve beyond being a magnet for “hot money.” It must become a real investment engine; one that fosters MANUFACTURING, TECH, TRADE and LONG-TERM ENTERPRISE.

In essence, Abuja has seized its moment (not through HAPPENSTANCE, but through design. Lagos may press forward, but for Q1 2025, the capital’s crown rests in the heart of the nation) and it is doing so with CONFIDENCE, SUBSTANCE and VISION.

Capital Betrayal (Why Investors Are Abandoning Lagos for Abuja) ~The Bitter Truth.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

~ George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

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COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

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COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

 

 

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.

The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.

COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.

Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage

At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.

He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.

Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool

In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.

Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.

Proactive Security Operations Underway

Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.

According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.

A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace

Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.

Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.

Call for National Unity

The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.

“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.

The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.

 

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IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security

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IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.

As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.

Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.

Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

 

IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security

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Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor

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Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor

Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor

……“Miracles, Healing, and Deliverance Overflow at Grace Nation Services”

 

The Grace Nation midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance, and Solutions (PHDS) Service on 2nd April 2026 at the international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was a spectacular display of God’s power, marked by miracles, healing, and deliverance.

The God of Grace Nation continues to demonstrate His authority, breaking strongholds, healing the sick, restoring lost glory, and providing solutions to every problem presented at His altar.

 

Testimonies of God’s Power

One woman, previously diagnosed with a terminal condition and slated for a ₦4.5 million surgery due to inability to excrete, was prayed for by the Generational Prophet, Christopher Okafor, just a week after visiting the church. Declaring healing within 24 hours, she returned to testify to God’s miraculous intervention.

 

Another pregnant woman, whose baby was bridged and at risk, was located and prayed for. She returned to service with confirmation that her child is now well-positioned for delivery. Similarly, a woman booked for a C-section due to an overdue and poorly positioned pregnancy testified during the service that her baby is now properly positioned, ready for birth.

 

These testimonies underscore the truth: what God cannot do does not exist. Grace Nation has entered a new level of spiritual authority, and with faith, believers are witnessing the impossible become reality.

 

God Works by Principle, Not Gossip

 

In his sermon, Dr. Okafor emphasized that God does not operate on superstition, gossip, or social media pressures. His work is grounded in His Word, and it is through adherence to His principles that Grace Nation continues to flourish.

 

The Generational Prophet stressed that to enjoy divine blessings and fruitfulness, believers must remain connected to God’s Word, faithfully serve Him, and ignore distractions or side-talks. Focused commitment to God’s service guarantees alignment with His miraculous power.

 

Join the Movement

Grace Nation Worldwide is open for all who desire a life transformed by divine intervention. Weekly services include:

Sunday Service: 7:00 AM

Grace Nation Island Service (Ogombo): Wednesday, 5:00 PM

Midweek PHDS Service: Thursday, 7:00 AM

 

Attending these services under the ministry of the Generational Prophet ensures encounters with God’s supernatural power, life-changing miracles, and lasting breakthroughs.

Grace Nation Worldwide is not just a church—it is a reality where faith meets the supernatural.

 

 

By Sunday Adeyemi

 

[email protected]

 

Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor

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