Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Zamfara state government has disbursed N40,000 each to 8,593 vulnerable beneficiaries, as announced by AGILE coordinator Sa’adatu Abdu Gusau. The payments were made directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts, allowing for ATM withdrawals. Complaints can be addressed via suggestion boxes, a GRM line, or official correspondence. Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal also inaugurated the distribution of over N1 billion under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program to support local businesses, with varying grants for nano, micro, and small businesses. In December 2024, Governor Lawal distributed N5 billion to assist 44,000 vulnerable individuals as part of a COVID-19 recovery initiative.

The Nigerian Court of Appeal (PCA) is handling 1,209 petitions and 813 cases from primaries for the 2023 general election. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem urged politicians to manage their affairs and focus on national economic development. The court has 98 panels and 39,526 appeals pending as of 31st August 2023. She commended Justices and support staff for their performance and urged the Federal Government to improve the welfare and work condition of court officials.

The Intercontinental Marketing and Communication Consortium (IMCC) has issued an apology to the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) for deploying the "All Eyes on the Judiciary" billboard without an approval certificate. The agency acknowledged breaching Article 24(a) of the Nigeria Advertising Practice Code, which requires all advertising, marketing communications, and related materials to undergo ARCON's vetting process and secure the ASP's approval certificate before public exposure. IMCC stated that the agency sent artwork to ARCON liaison officer Markus Inji Lukman, who provided reassurances that the material would be approved.

Political party membership registration is a key step to ensuring a vibrant democracy, because it is the key to having one’s voice heard in shaping party’s direction, participation in primaries and selection of candidates who’ll represent one’s interests, and an opportunity to influence policies and ideology, participate actively in party activities, meetings, and even leadership. A card carrying member of a political party often get access to party funding, training, and other resources, an opportunity to click with like-minded people and potential allies, contribute to shaping the party’s stance on key issues, and build a political career.The APC State Caretaker Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, said the  electronic registration is critical to building a credible and verifiable membership register that reflects the true strength of the party while the e-registration coordinator, Hon. James Ornguga, said the supplementary training is a booster session designed to equip the new agents with the technical skills required to handle the digital platform and take the registration exercise closer to the grassroots.“Our aim is to make the process inclusive and efficient. With more agents at the ward level, people will be able to register without unnecessary delays,” he said.

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has received regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate a Non-Interest Banking (NIB) Window, marking a pivotal development in the Bank's growth. This approval allows BOI to begin Non-Interest Banking operations, facilitating Nigeria's sustainable industrial development through tailored financial solutions aimed at underserved and impactful business segments. The initiative promotes inclusive growth by enabling new ethical funding, supporting the real economy, and aligning financing with social objectives. BOI can now finance assets and raw materials for customers via approved Non-Interest Banking products, thereby enhancing its operational capacity, introducing innovative financing methods, and deepening support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other underserved groups vital for Nigeria’s economic progress. Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of BOI, emphasized the importance of this licence in reaching borrowers who previously could not access financial services, particularly those averse to conventional interest-based financing. This move not only opens doors for ethically motivated enterprises but also facilitates their engagement with the formal financial system in line with their values and operational needs.

Sierra Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio, has declared a nationwide curfew following an attack by unidentified gunmen on military barracks in Freetown. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the plot to disturb the peace and constitutional order in the country. The curfew was imposed as security forces continue to search for fleeing renegades. ECOWAS called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the illegality and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government and people of Sierra Leone's quest for democracy and good governance. The incident also revealed that some inmates from the central prison in Freetown had escaped, and authorities are investigating. The U.S. embassy in Freetown has criticized the recent attack, stating that such actions were not justified.

Enugu State Government has set an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target of N870 billion for the year, exceeding last year's total IGR of N406.77 billion. The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) reported that in 2025, tax revenue contributed N51.5 billion (12.6%), while non-tax revenue accounted for N355.2 billion (87.4%). The IGR increased from N26.8 billion in 2022 to N406.7 billion in 2025, demonstrating a growth of 125% from the 2024 figure of N180.5 billion. Key reforms under Governor Peter Mbah, including technology deployment and the widening of the tax net, have bolstered income without raising tax rates. Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani of ESIRS noted that infrastructure investments are expected to enhance tax revenue, revealing a 72% year-on-year increase in tax revenue from N30 billion in 2024 to N51.5 billion in 2025.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Enugu State has praised Governor Peter Mbah for extending the minimum wage to primary school teachers after years of waiting. NUT chairman Theophilus Nweke stated that Mbah was ready to pay wage awards and resolve the three-year minimum wage dispute with the past administration. NUT has praised Mbah's commitment to teachers' welfare and has implemented four of its five-point demands.

France plans to withdraw 1,500 troops from Niger following a July coup, a significant blow to French influence and counter-insurgency operations in the Sahel region. Macron refuses to recognize the junta as Niger's legitimate authority and will coordinate troop withdrawal with coup leaders. France's military base in Niger has become a hub of anti-French protests.

The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have been warned that their planned strike on October 3 will violate a court order and disrespect the court's dignity. The strike is based on fuel subsidy removal, fuel price hikes, and workers' welfare, and Justice Olufunke Anuwe restrained them from proceeding.

The Southeast region's governors and leaders have called for unity to overcome insecurity, agitation, and infrastructure deficits. They emphasized the importance of working together to accelerate development. The summit, organized by the governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, aimed to address challenges posed by individualism and divisiveness. The theme was "Southern Beyond 2023, Time for a Reset." Governors urged the Igbo people to believe in their capacity to turn things around despite insecurity. WTO chief Okonjo-Iweala blamed economic and security challenges on disunity among leaders and the people.

Blessing Chizurum Daniel, a 2019 Abia State University (ABSU) Law graduate, chose law due to her detest for injustice. Growing up, she witnessed a wealthy young man brutalizing an older victim with impunity, which inspired her to pursue a career in law. Despite setbacks, she found life-saving courses and the supportive faculty at ABSU to make her journey smooth. Daniel's passion for reaching out to people and her desire to help those who can't stand up for themselves led her to choose law.Law School impacted the author's confidence and self-confidence, leading to a shift from active to reserved behavior. They experienced a call to bar ceremony and a greater responsibilities as a lawyer, allowing them to handle tasks better than their older siblings. The author advises students to try their best and brainstorm with fellow students. The author also appreciates the unique wig and gown style in the profession, which adds glamour. The author believes the beauty of the profession lies in experiencing it in its entirety, rather than just as a judge, SAN, or professor.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the World Trade Organisation's Director General, emphasized the need for countries to ratify the fisheries subsidies agreement, stating that despite geopolitical tensions, the multilateral trading system remains resilient. She highlighted the importance of focusing on the 13th Ministerial Conference deliverables, taking responsibility for ocean over-fishing, and negotiating the second phase of fisheries subsidies.

Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commissioned a 100 kWp solar mini-grid in Damau, a rural community in Kaduna State, as part of its initiative to enhance sustainable energy access and promote socio-economic development in underserved regions of Nigeria. This project, funded through the Federal Government’s Capital Subvention, is part of a broader REA framework that aims to increase renewable energy infrastructure, with 39 more mini-grids set to be deployed nationwide under the 2024 Capital Projects.For the 2,500 residents of Damau, the mini-grid is already making a significant difference, powering homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. A notable aspect is the electrification of a solar submersible borehole, which has addressed water scarcity by providing consistent access to clean water, easing the burden on women and children who previously traveled long distances for this essential resource.The REA has refined its deployment strategy to leverage renewable energy solutions and productive anchor-loads, moving beyond traditional grid extensions to enhance socio-economic impacts. Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, MD/CEO of REA, emphasized the integration of energy access with social infrastructure, noting the role of decentralized renewable energy in transforming rural communities. He acknowledged the support of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in aligning projects with community needs.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of nine new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for five-year terms. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. The RECs include Isah Ehimeakne from Edo, Bamidele Agbede from Ekiti, Jani Bello from Gombe, Taiye Ilayasu from Kwara, and Bunmi Omoseyindemi from Lagos. The appointments are expected to uphold professional and ethical conduct.

Nigeria's UTM Offshore Ltd, owner of Nigeria's first Floating Liquified Natural Gas (UTM FLNG) company, is optimistic about President Tinubu's commitment to revamp the nation's productive sector. The company plans to collaborate with global energy conglomerates to ensure affordable gas, reduce prices, create jobs, and lower gas flaring hazards.

Governor Dauda Lawal announced a state of emergency in education and health sectors in Zamfara, aiming to revamp these areas for the benefit of citizens. During a meeting with the management of the newly established Federal University of Medical Sciences and Health Technology in Tsafe, he emphasized his administration's commitment to improving these sectors, highlighting an investment of over 8 billion naira in the university. Vice Chancellor Professor Ibrahim Yakasai commended the governor for prioritizing education and health, asserting that the university addresses the critical need for advanced medical facilities in Nigeria. Both leaders expressed a united effort for the university's success, focusing on collaboration and support for smooth operations as it begins its initiatives.