Anointed candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the elections for National Assembly leadership positions in Abuja. Senator Godswill Akpabio became President of the Senate with 63 votes, defeating Senator Abdulaziz Yari's 46. Senator Jibrin Barau was elected Deputy President unopposed. In the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas emerged as Speaker with 353 votes, while Benjamin Kalu secured the Deputy Speaker position. The elections adhered to the party's zoning arrangement, with Akpabio representing the South-South and Abbas the North-West. President Bola Tinubu congratulated the elected officials and emphasized the importance of cooperation between the executive and legislature for effective governance, warning of potential challenges ahead. The election process was described as free and fair, fostering a collegial atmosphere among senators.

Barely 24 hours after meeting with President Bola Tinubu where an agreement was reached to call off their protests, the rapprochement between the organised labour and the Federal Government appeared to have collapsed as the unions on Thursday night vowed to embark on a nationwide strike from August 14 if their leaders were summoned for contempt of court orders.

 The Nigeria Labour Congress hinged its decision on the contempt of court application filed by the Federal Ministry of Justice against the labour leaders on Wednesday.

It threatened to down tools should the Federal Government fails to withdraw the lawsuit accusing the labour leadership of disobeying court orders.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, announced the decision on Thursday night after the union’s National Executive Council meeting which was held in Abuja. 

In a bid to avert a strike by the labour movement last month, the FG had through the Federal Ministry of Justice secured an order from the National Industrial Court restraining the NLC and the Trade Union Congress from embarking on any strike action over issues bordering on “removal of fuel subsidy, hike in prices of petrol and consequential increase in cost of living,” pending the determination of the suit.

The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, in a statement, urged the NLC to withdraw the seven-day notice it issued on its plan to commence a nationwide industrial action from August 2, if the demands of labour unions were not met.

The justice ministry sternly warned in a statement on July 26 that the planned strike by the union would be contempt of court, an offence that is punishable by imprisonment.

Counsel for some #EndSARS protesters, Mr Adesina Ogunlana, has questioned the N61m budgeted by the Lagos State Government for the mass burial of 103 corpses recovered in the wake of the October 2020 #EndSARS protest.The state government had on Sunday confirmed the authenticity of a leaked letter indicating planned mass burial for 103 corpses. The letter, dated July 19 2023, The letter, signed by the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr Onafowote Idowu, But Ogunlana, who represented some#ENDSARS protesters who claimed to have either been shot or witnessed soldiers shooting protesters at the Lekki tollgate on October 20, 2020, expressed dismay at the sum budgeted to give mass burial to unclaimed bodies. The activist-lawyer said, “My concern is not about the people that died but the fact that somebody is saying he wants to carry out a mass burial with N61m – the mass burial of unidentified bodies, of degraded bodies that died about two years ago, roughly about 20 or 19 months ago. 

You want to use N61m for mass burial! It should not even be up to N1m. Is it not just digging a big grave and putting the bodies there? That shows you the exploitation of the ruling class that we have, who are telling the people to bear the pain and to bear with the government.”

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced significant progress in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, revealing that it approved approximately $20 billion in Field Development Plans (FDPs) over the past ten months. NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe—represented by Deputy Director Efemona Bassey—made this disclosure during a two-day strategic media workshop for energy correspondents in Lagos. Komolafe explained that the approvals reflect ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at increasing oil production, attracting new investments, and strengthening industry confidence. He noted that despite declining global investment trends, Nigeria has maintained measurable growth supported by the Petroleum Industry Act and recent executive orders issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Komolafe highlighted key achievements, including crude oil output surpassing 1.7 million barrels per day on several occasions and a rising rig count approaching 70 active rigs nationwide. He reaffirmed the commission’s target of boosting national production by an additional one million barrels per day, with a new licensing round scheduled for December 1, 2025. Emphasizing the pivotal role of the media, he urged journalists to provide factual, contextual, and development-focused reporting to positively shape investor perception while upholding transparency.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Abdurahman Bobboi, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Adamawa State, Sanda Lamurde, former Commissioner for Finance in the state, and Feredan George, Chief Store Officer of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency. The charges include stealing, forgery, and uttering. The accused pleaded not guilty to the 26 counts, and the prosecution counsel, Abubakar Aliyu, requested a trial date. Justice Aliyu ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of their bail applications. The case is expected to be adjourned until November 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, 2017.

An authorised biography of President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed how he chose Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as his running mate for the 2015 presidential election despite opposition from national leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The book, 'Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria,' by Prof. John Paden, was presented at an event in Abuja. The book claims that Tinubu, then Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, and Osinbajo were forwarded to Buhari for him to pick a running mate shortly after the retired general emerged the party's candidate at its convention in Lagos. Paden did not disclose who forwarded the list of the three nominees to Buhari. Although Tinubu was one of the four persons who reviewed the book, he did not raise any objection to the author's claim.

Political pundits have criticized politicians who were once against restructuring in Nigeria, arguing that they are using it as a bait to endear the people to themselves. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar initially called for Nigeria's restructuring in 2016, stating that it was necessary to reform the country into a workable entity. However, political pundits believe this was a big bait by an experienced politician with eyes on the 2019 presidential election. Some people have called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to listen to the people's call for restructuring, which is featured in the party's manifesto. Some have also called for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference report, which could address major issues affecting the country. However, President Buhari has insinuated that the fight against corruption and insecurity is on his agenda. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, has also been quiet on the restructuring subject, stating that it would bring the much needed balance to the country.

Opposition political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Labour Party, have seen a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP, NNPP, and Coalition of United Political Parties accused the APC-led Federal Government of exploiting state resources to coerce politicians into switching allegiance. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all party members in the state have officially defected to the APC, citing internal conflicts and other issues. Senator Kawu Sumaila has formally confirmed his defection from the National Peoples Democratic Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Sumaila cited his commitment to his constituents as his primary concern, stating that all politics is local. His departure has also sparked rumors that former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso may return to the APC. Oluwole Oke, a long-serving member of the House of Representatives, has also announced his resignation from the PDP. Meanwhile, LP Senator Neda Imasuen is on the verge of defecting to the APC, with efforts underway to strengthen the party's ranks nationally and in the state.

Nigerian labour unions including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have raised alarms about the dire conditions faced by workers as they demand a review of the current minimum wage of N70,000, which they argue has become inadequate due to rising inflation. On May Day 2025, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that both legislative and executive branches of government are committed to addressing workers' concerns. However, union leaders claim the situation has worsened since President Bola Tinubu's administration began, particularly following the removal of the petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, leading to increased living costs and several protests.
Trade union representatives, such as Comrade Julius Laye from Bayelsa, criticized government policies, including new taxes and tariff hikes, contributing to hyperinflation and leaving workers struggling to afford basic needs, including healthcare. In Ebonyi State, leaders Prof. Oguguo Egwu and Comrade Igwe Chidi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for an adjustment to the National Minimum Wage Act, which stipulates reviews every three years. They underlined that the hardships endured by workers are unprecedented and emphasized the importance of this year’s Workers Day theme, ‘Reclaiming a civic space amid economic hardship,’ which reflects the ongoing struggles of the Nigerian workforce.

On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that 2,316,232 individuals have completed online voter pre-registration in Nigeria. Osun state leads with 185,089 registrations, followed by Imo (143,386) and Kano (132,290). The update is part of INEC's efforts to ensure transparency in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process, representing completed registrations for the twelfth week. Registration is suspended in Anambra state until after the Governorship Election on November 8, 2025. Other notable figures include Sokoto (123,320), Lagos (109,693), and the Federal Capital Territory (106,855). The CVR is set to end in August 2026 and has shown increased participation from northern states due to enhanced voter awareness initiatives by community organizations and local leaders.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 30 political parties will participate in the Ondo State governorship election on November 26, 2016. The parties include the Alliance for Democracy, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party, All Progressives Congress and Accord Party, Labour Party, Citizen Popular Party, Peoples Party of Nigeria, Allied Congress of Nigeria, National Conscience Party, and Unity Party of Nigeria. The commission is preparing to ensure a free and fair election and will use technology to streamline the process. The commission has initiated voter education, mobilisation, and public enlightenment campaigns to prevent voter apathy and encourage citizens to avoid violence.

About 35 ministries, departments, and agencies of the Federal Government failed to appear before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating alleged employment racketeering. The committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, accused the MDAs of lacking respect for constituted authority and ordered them to provide staff members to serve as desk officers. Gagdi had previously urged the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Budget Office, IPPIS, and the FCC to provide desk officers. The four agencies that appeared before the committee were the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the National Teachers Institute, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria. Gagdi criticized the MDAs for applying for a waiver for recruitment without advertising, claiming such waivers were usually used to perpetrate fraud.

According to the Nigerian Communication Commission, the fifth-generation network would close the country's fibre connectivity deficit and increase Internet penetration thanks to its widespread wireless connectivity. Nigeria needs three times as much fibre infrastructure as it presently has to achieve around 90% broadband penetration, among other goals, by 2025, according to the World Bank. As the number of 5G devices is anticipated to exceed one billion in the next two years, the cost of 5G devices and related equipment will shortly decline.

Northern governors and traditional rulers have called for a six-month suspension of mining across the region, attributing worsening insecurity to illegal mining activities. They announced a plan to mobilize N228 billion for combating banditry, with each state contributing N1 billion monthly. This decision was made during a joint meeting aimed at enhancing security responses, following numerous school raids resulting in the kidnapping of over 500 individuals. President Bola Tinubu recently declared a nationwide security emergency and endorsed the establishment of state police, marking a shift in political opposition. The forum also highlighted the link between illegal mining and increased violence, pushing for an audit of mining licenses. The meeting underscored the importance of regional unity and sustainable financing in addressing these challenges, with leaders stressing the need for investments in infrastructure to facilitate economic growth in the North.

Nigerian state governors have formed vigilante squads to combat kidnappings and bandits. The squads, consisting of vigilantes, hunters, and neighborhood watch groups, will complement police and other security forces. The abductions have taken scores of Nigerians, with some states in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Lagos, and others under siege. The abductors are demanding a N100m ransom for the release of the nine victims. The governors are deploying trained personnel to enhance public safety and bolster existing security structures. The formations are being created due to the thin deployment of security forces, particularly in rural areas, and the increasing number of attacks by non-state armed groups.

The Federal Government may demolish no fewer than 30 illegal settlements and slums and over 6,000 illegal buildings in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as part of measures to restore the nation’s capital’s master plan. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who dropped the hint on resuming office on Monday, said all illegal buildings distorting the Abuja master plan would be pulled down. Wike vowed to flatten all illegal buildings even if they belonged to a minister or an ambassador. Findings by The PUNCH indicate that the slums that might be affected by the urban renewal programme would include Apo Mechanic Village, Byanzhin, Dawaki, Dei Dei, Durumi, Dutse, Garki, Garki Village, Gishiri, Gwagwalape, Idu, Jabi, Kado Village, Karmo, Karshi, Karu, Katampe, Ketti Village, Kpaduma, Kabusa, Kpana Village, Kubwa, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Mabushi, Mpape, Nyanya and Piya Kasa. Also, those who acquired lands from Abuja indigenes may lose their investments as they were regarded by the FCT Administration as illegal. Checks indicate that the 6,000 structures that may be affected by the restoration plans included buildings that have been abandoned for a long time in violation of the building code.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has filed a motion to the US Court to overrule President Bola Tinubu's request to stop Chicago State University from releasing his academic record. Atiku has secured an order from a US magistrate for CSU to make Tinubu's academic records available to his legal team. He is seeking to test the authenticity and origin of 12 pages of documents, including two different diplomas, that purport to have been issued by CSU.

The Alliance for Democracy in Ondo State has declared Chief Olusola Oke as its candidate for the November 26 governorship election in the state. Oke defected to the Alliance after the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress failed to adopt the recommendation of the Electoral Appeal Committee, which recommended the annulment of the September 3, 2016, primary of the party in Ondo State. The state Chairman of the Alliance, Mr. Seriki Adebobola, stated that Oke had the capacity to win the election. The party chairman noted that with the coming of Oke to the AD, the party would win the forthcoming governorship election, adding that the party stood a better chance to win the governorship poll with the former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party in its camp. The party chairman also noted that the party stood a better chance to win the governorship poll with the former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party in its camp.

The Federal Government has arraigned Oladipupo Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, on seven counts related to vote-buying and other electoral offences during the March 18, 2023, governorship poll. Adebutu was arraigned alongside five others before Justice Abiodun Akinyemi of the Ogun State High Court. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges in the criminal case marked AB/10c/2023. The All Progressives Congress had dragged Adebutu before the police, alleging that he induced voters during the poll by allegedly giving out 200,000 vouchers preloaded with N10,000 to prospective voters. The Federal Government filed charges against Adebutu and his PDP allies last year, but their arraignment was stalled as Adebutu was said to have travelled out of the country for medical treatment.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke was absent during the PDP governorship primary, where Adedamola Adebayo secured the candidacy for the 2026 election with 919 votes from 957 delegates. A confrontation occurred after the election involving some lawmakers and an INEC official, resulting in an assault amidst claims of political interference by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Despite announcing his resignation from the PDP, Adeleke's name remained on the ballot. The primary faced confusion due to conflicting directives from factional party officials, leading to a tense atmosphere despite heavy security presence. Adeleke cited a national leadership crisis as his reason for resignation in a letter obtained by the press. The deadline for candidate submission set by INEC is December 15.

The Presidency has refuted claims that African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, poses any political threat to President Bola Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines programme, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Adesina’s recent economic comments as inaccurate and politically misplaced. Adesina had stated during a policy forum in Abuja that Nigeria’s GDP per capita had declined from $1,847 in 1960 to about $824 in 2025, arguing that Nigerians are now worse off than they were 64 years ago. Responding, the Presidency rejected these figures, citing World Bank data which estimated Nigeria’s 1960 GDP per capita at just $93, not nearly $2,000. Onanuga stressed that GDP alone cannot determine citizens’ wellbeing and pointed to significant progress in infrastructure, education, and life expectancy. He maintained that, considering broader quality-of-life indicators and ongoing development projects, Nigerians are better off today than at independence.

In just 17 months, the Tinubu administration has expressed interest in establishing a decentralized police force in Nigeria. This comes after President Bola Tinubu stated that the Federal Government will expedite the devolution of power to sub-national levels and further equip forest guards. The National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, welcomed the renewed call by the President. Ajayi expressed hope that Tinubu would remove delays clogging the implementation pipeline before the end of 2025. The idea of state police has been on the front burner for quite a while, and the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced Tinubu's renewed move to create state police after talks with state governors. The creation of state police was part of agreements reached at an emergency meeting between the President and state governors, following nationwide killings, kidnappings, food price hikes, and economic hardship. The process is still in its infancy and will only take shape after more deliberations between stakeholders.

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is seeking to borrow N2.3tn ($3bn) from Afrexim Bank to support the naira. Afrexim Bank is currently in talks with oil traders to finance loans, as the naira hit an all-time low of 1,000 to the dollar on the black market.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed that Lagos will host the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), reinforcing the city’s position as Africa’s creative and cultural capital. During a visit from representatives of the African Union (AU) and the AFRIMA International Committee, Sanwo-Olu declared Lagos “ready to roll out the red carpet,” emphasizing the event’s alignment with his administration’s focus on developing the creative and tourism industries. He noted that Lagos’ 2025 cultural calendar already includes major international events like the Cannes Film Festival and the E1 World Championship, highlighting the state’s growing global profile.AU official Angela Martins praised Sanwo-Olu’s continued support for the arts, calling AFRIMA an important tool for advancing the AU’s cultural agenda and Agenda 2063. AFRIMA President Mike Dada added that the 2025 edition will be a week-long festival expected to attract 1,600 nominees, 1,100 crew members, and a 400 million global audience, boosting Lagos’ economy through tourism and job creation.The official hosting certificate will be presented to Lagos on May 13, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Professionals in Nigeria's aviation industry are increasingly concerned about unruly passenger behavior and related safety issues at airports. During the 2025 Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Safety Week in Lagos, experts highlighted a surge in incidents over the past decade, with a disruptive event occurring in one out of every 568 flights, often due to verbal abuse and intoxication. Yakubu Dati, a former commissioner, emphasized the need for effective conflict management strategies that incorporate negotiation and safety management systems. He noted that various conflicts in aviation, from labor disputes to communication breakdowns, threaten operational efficiency and safety if unmanaged. FAAN's Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, announced initiatives like training personnel in conflict de-escalation, improving passenger processes, and fostering a culture of professionalism to enhance safety. David Zacharias, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards, stressed the importance of continual safety improvements and collaboration among stakeholders. Roland Iyayi, from the Airline Operators of Nigeria, called for the employment of qualified personnel to better manage crises at airports.

Super Falcons forward Rahseedat Ajibade is anticipating a tough clash against Australia, After missing the opening game against Canada due to suspension,appearing in her second world cup and tagged as one of the key players for Nigeria, the Atletico Madrid Feminine forward said she is looking forward to the encounter.“Personally, I’m fine. Really pumped up for the game. It’s going to be a difficult game because we’re playing the host team in front of their own fans and at their own stadium with so much crowd. A lot of factors.Barring any knock in the team, I think we’ve got this. I trust the team. We have the capacity; we have the talent and we have the energy.

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will conduct an open hearing on November 20, 2025, regarding President Donald Trump's redesignation of Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC). This designation, pending Senate ratification, would enable the US to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials involved in religious persecution and signal that religious freedom in Nigeria is at risk. The hearing will be chaired by Representative Chris Smith and feature panels of US State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders discussing the scope of religious persecution and potential policy responses.Trump's October 31 designation cited severe violations of religious freedom, especially against Christians, and threatened military action and aid cessation if the Nigerian government does not address these issues. President Bola Tinubu has challenged this characterization, asserting Nigeria's commitment to religious liberty. Meanwhile, congressional members express concern over the rising violence against Christians in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for US intervention based on the humanitarian crisis and religious persecution occurring there.

The Association of Alternative Power Suppliers of Nigeria has expressed the readiness to develop mini grids to augment electricity generation and supply in the country. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission recently unveiled the Draft Mini-Grid Regulation 2016, saying mini grids could be used as a bridge technology to accelerate electrification activities. NERC said the mini-grid regulation was specifically designed to accelerate electrification in areas without any existing distribution grid and areas with an existing but poorly electrified or non-functional distribution grid, especially but not limited to rural areas. The President, AAPSN and Managing Director, AOS Orwell, Mr. Femi Omotayo, said members of the association would provide alternative power mainly through embedded generation projects to fill the supply gap in the power sector. According to Abiola-Odunowo, the association’s plan is to find 10 companies in each local government that can generate one megawatt to start with. He said the mini-grid regulation would afford alternative power producers the opportunity to go to the consumers directly.

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has warned the newly-elected chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 additional Local Council Development Areas in the state against short-changing their people. Amosun gave this warning during the swearing-in ceremony for them at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. The new chairmen, all of the ruling All Progressives Congress, were declared winners of the 57 chairmanship seats by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission in the last Saturday’s council elections in the state. Amosun urged them to see their new status as a “call to service” and urged them to be “transparent, accountable and not short-change the people” lest they would be called to give account of their stewardship to President Muhammadu Buhari’s government of probity. The governor said the position they occupied should be for the growth and development of the people, not for settling political scores.

Tobi Amusan, the world women's 100m hurdles champion and record holder, is missing from Team Nigeria's list of 26 athletes for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. The list includes 11 male and 15 female athletes, with Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, Sade Olatoye, and Chioma Onyekwere among the prominent females. The list also includes national champion Usheoritshe Itshekiri, Favour Ashe, Seye Ogunlewe, Alaba Akintola, Fakorede Adekalu, and Anunagba Karlington. Amusan's participation at the championship has been uncertain due to her provisional suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit for missing three drug tests this season. The Athletics Integrity Unit has stated that there will be a hearing on her case before the World Championships, but nothing has been heard about the proceedings. Amusan made history at the championships last year, racing to a new world record time of 12.12secs in the semi-finals and 12.06secs in the final to clinch the gold medal.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reported a surge in unbanked money, reaching N3.79tn in June 2024, a significant increase from N3.61tn in April. This has hindered the Central Bank of Nigeria's ability to effectively implement its policies and manage the country's economy. The Central Bank of Nigeria has been promoting financial inclusion through campaigns, but many Nigerians still lack basic banking knowledge. The increasing volume of cash outside the banking system has also raised concerns about potential cash pool inflation. The total currency in circulation increased to N4.05tn in June, while the Central Bank of Nigeria special intervention fund decreased by 35.7%. This reduction could be part of the Central Bank of Nigeria's strategy to manage the country's money supply and stabilize the economy, but it also exacerbates difficulties banks face in meeting recapitalisation demands. The Central Bank of Nigeria's net foreign assets have increased to N18.33tn, signaling strength in the country's external reserves, but net domestic assets have slightly decreased.

Residents of the IyiowaOdekpe community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have protested against Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), accusing them of operating like a "mafia organization" and claiming systematic extortion and intimidation for several months. The community members alleged that EEDC gives them an estimated monthly billing of over N80,000, which they said is more than the minimum monthly wage. They demanded the immediate provision of prepaid meters, the cancellation of accumulated arrears resulting from inflated bills, and the restoration of electricity supply. The Chairman of the IyiowaOdekpe Landlords and Tenants Association, Chief Sunday Obinze, decried the hardship imposed on the community by EEDC, stating that the bills sent to postpaid users range between N80,000 and N130,000 monthly. The community previously paid between N18,000 and N28,000 monthly before the recent billing surge. The Secretary of the association, Dr. Okolie Chukwunonso, echoed Obinze's sentiments, calling on NERC to intervene and properly regulate EEDC to prevent further suffering of ordinary residents. The protesters called for urgent intervention by the government and regulatory bodies to ensure fair billing, provision of prepaid meters, and restoration of electricity. However, the Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, EmekaEzeh, noted the concerns and stated that the challenge of power supply is a national concern and not peculiar to EEDC or the South East region.

Capital Oil Chairman Ifeanyi Ubah has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of a fraudulent primary in the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State. Ubah alleged that the primary was a sham and that the party had the right to trample on its constitution and the Electoral Act. He stated that the list of delegates used for the election was different from the list given to the Independent National Electoral Commission. Ubah, a loyal member of the PDP, described the Anambra governorship primary as a "show of shame" with obvious irregularities. He accused the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, and some party committee members of robbing the people of their dream for a potential governor.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out one of nine counts of $1.6bn crude oil fraud against businessman Jide Omokore and five others. Justice Nnamdi Dimgba struck out the eighth count after hearing an application by former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who alleged she was indicted without an opportunity to defend herself. The six defendants include Omokore, his companies Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had preferred nine counts of criminal diversion of about $1.6bn, alleged to be part of proceeds of sales of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government. Alison-Madueke, currently in the UK, was not listed among the existing six defendants in the case to defend the charge.

 

 

 

The old guard of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has demanded that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) grant the ANPP bloc the 2031 presidential ticket to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. The Association of Former ANPP Members, led by Prof. Vitalis Ajumbe, criticized the APC leadership for sidelining ANPP members in political appointments since the merger in 2013. Ajumbe urged Tinubu to ensure fairness by backing the ANPP, highlighting the need for increased representation of former ANPP members in key positions. Despite their grievances, the ANPP bloc pledged to support Tinubu's re-election and mobilize across local government areas. APC officials deemed the demands premature, emphasizing the need to focus on the upcoming 2027 elections.

Princess Shola Daibo, a candidate of the Accord Party in the upcoming by-election into the Delta State House of Assembly in Warri-South Constituency 1, has accused the All Progressives Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission of plotting to rig the election. Daibo stated that forces within the APC had concluded plans to rig the election in favour of their candidate. The Accord Party is fielding Daibo for the election scheduled for Wednesday, 26 April, 2017, by INEC. The assembly seat became vacant following the death of Mrs. Omawumi Udoh at a London hospital. After the seat was declared vacant, INEC announced a by-election for Wednesday, April 26, 2017. The Accord Party has condemned the act of cowardice and warned that any attempt to rig the election will be maximally resisted. The party has also reported that the APC lacked the capacity to match the grassroots spread of the Accord Party in Warri-South and had resorted to deploying machinery to emasculate the party and its candidate. The party has also reported on various other news, such as the Niger coup, fire gutting the house of David Church in Lagos, fake customs CG arrests, and the AFCON 2023 fixtures.

In an effort to enhance cargo clearance efficiency, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) launched the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) application, engaging stakeholders such as importers and exporters. Zonal Coordinator Mohammed Babandede described OSS as a technology-driven solution that aims to streamline processes, cut cargo dwell time from 21 days to 48 hours, and recover additional revenue through improved tracking. The initiative seeks to minimize wage costs and reduce port congestion by consolidating multiple checks into a unified process. Stakeholders raised concerns about potential continued interception by Customs outside the ports and delays caused by other government agencies. The OSS initiative is positioned as a significant advancement in Nigeria’s trade facilitation, aligning with global standards while addressing local issues.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has achieved a historic milestone in October 2025 by generating N304 billion in revenue, marking the highest monthly collection recorded by any customs command. This represents an increase from the N264 billion collected in October 2024, bringing total revenue for the first 10 months of 2025 to N2.4 trillion, which surpassed the entire revenue of 2024 two months before year-end. Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba attributed this achievement to increased efficiency, officer dedication, and technological advancements in trade facilitation. He announced a forthcoming "drive-through scanning" system projected to process 150 containers per hour, reducing clearance time and enhancing transparency, thereby boosting investor confidence. Furthermore, targeting improvements in port operations, Oshoba has conducted unannounced visits to engage stakeholders to speed up cargo evacuations and emphasized a collaborative approach with the Nigerian Ports Authority to enhance the effectiveness of the Apapa Port, which is vital to Nigeria's import economy. He confirmed that efforts would continue to prevent revenue losses and ensure compliance among importers.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared Tony Nwoye, winner of the August 26, 2017 Anambra State APC primary, as the party's standard bearer in the state governorship election. The decision was made at a meeting of the party's National Working Committee, which considered the report of an appeal panel investigating a petition filed by Senator Andy Uba. The committee stated that the integrity of the exercise was not in dispute. Nwoye had to cancel a press conference to fill the Independent National Electoral Commission's nomination forms before the deadline.

Supporters of Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Dr. Olusegun Abraham clashed during a peaceful protest in Akure, Nigeria. Abraham's supporters were protesting against Akeredolu's candidacy for the November 2016 governorship election. The protesters were attacked by APC youths carrying Akeredolu's posters and weapons. The clash resulted in the destruction of vehicles and deserted Oyemekun Road, where the secretariat was located. No life was lost, but the situation was calmed by additional policemen. Abraham, a preferred candidate of the party's National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, criticized the incident as uncivilized and urged the APC leadership to let the right candidate be chosen. He emphasized that Akeredolu could not win the upcoming election for the state without his mandate restored. Akeredolu's Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, denied that the protesters were members of the APC in the state.

Strong indications have emerged that members of the ruling all progressives congress' National working committee may clash with  the partys' governors over a plan  by the latter to adopt ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje as the new national chairman of the party.s'  THE Development followed the sudden iyiola omisore as the  party national chairman and nationalsecretary, respectively.THE Crisis rocking the ruling party had on Tuesday led  Adamu and Omisore to resign from their positions  after they were accused of high -handedness and financial mismanagement.however findings by punch  revealed that Ganduje were opposed by the numbers of choice.

Strong indications have emerged that members of the ruling all progressives congress' National working committee may clash with  the partys' governors over a plan  by the latter to adopt ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje as the new national chairman of the party.s'  THE Development followed the sudden iyiola omisore as the  party national chairman and nationalsecretary, respectively.THE Crisis rocking the ruling party had on Tuesday led  Adamu and Omisore to resign from their positions  after they were accused of high -handedness and financial mismanagement.however findings by punch  revealed that Ganduje were opposed by the numbers of choice.

Strong indications have emerged that members of the ruling aLL progressive congress' National working commitee may clash e NWC.some APC NWC members who spoke to PUNCH said they were opposed to the governors'  plan ,insisting that the office had been zoned to central geopolitical zone.Ganduje is from North west Geopolitical zone.Continuing, Lukman urged the president to speak up to douse the tension and intervene on time with the ultimate aim of returning the APC to its founding vision of progressive politics.with partys' governors over a plan by the latter to adopt ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje as the new national chaiman of the party.  The development followed the sudden exit of senator Iyiola Omisore as the party s' national chairman and national secretary, respectively. The crisis rocking the ruling party had on Tuesday led Admu Omisore to resign from their positions after they were accused of high-handedness and financial mismanagement by some members of th

The Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said he is alerted to a plot by some individuals and political interests in the All Progressives Congress to activate a spate of negative media campaigns to discredit and portray him as unacceptable to the generality of the people. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, advised those behind the plot to concentrate on their aspiration rather than engaging in character assassination. The Nigerian Constitution states clearly the qualifications for the position of the President of the country. Every qualified adult has the right to aspire to the number one position, but it is not appropriate to destroy the reputation of a fellow citizen who is perceived as a possible opponent. PUNCH is offering Nigerians up to $14,000- $17,000 (12 million+) in US Dollars through premium domain names and a sharp flusher to save their family from toilet snakes and poop blockages.

The Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said he is alerted to a plot by some individuals and political interests in the All Progressives Congress to activate a spate of negative media campaigns to discredit and portray him as unacceptable to the generality of the people. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, advised those behind the plot to concentrate on their aspiration rather than engaging in character assassination. The Nigerian Constitution states clearly the qualifications for the position of the President of the country. Every qualified adult has the right to aspire to the number one position, but it is not appropriate to destroy the reputation of a fellow citizen who is perceived as a possible opponent. PUNCH is offering Nigerians up to $14,000- $17,000 (12 million+) in US Dollars through premium domain names and a sharp flusher to save their family from toilet snakes and poop blockages.

The All Progressives Congress on Thursday slammed the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, for criticising the verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal which upheld President Bola Tinubu’s election and the electoral process. This happened as Atiku and Obi attacked the Independent National Electoral Commission over its conduct of the polls. The five-member tribunal had nullified the petitions of Atiku and Obi in the 12-hour judgment delivered on Wednesday. However, speaking on the development during a press conference at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, Atiku said his belief that the PEPC’s judgment left a lot to be desired convinced him to direct his legal team to approach the Supreme Court for redress. The former vice president slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission for poor management of the last general elections which he said the judiciary had a duty to redress. The LP presidential candidate, Obi, has similarly criticised Wednesday’s judgment of the PEPT. The ex-Anambra State governor averred that it was “not conterminous” with justice, adding that everything about the presidential election was not yet over. He insisted the matter had not yet reached its logical conclusion.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has emphasized the importance of the South-East region in Nigeria's presidential race. He emphasized the need for the South-East to join the APC, as it represents the most viable route for any South-East person to the presidency. Odigie-Oyegun also welcomed Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a former Deputy National Chairman to the Modu Sherrif-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, into the APC. He emphasized the need to win the November 18, 2017 Anambra State governorship election to end the cry of marginalisation by the South-East. He emphasized the importance of unity of purpose and working hard to make Anambra a critical state in the South-East. He emphasized the need for unity among all those aspiring to the governorship seat.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) plans to send emissaries to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to investigate his grievances against the party. The party may apply sanctions if found guilty. The Organising Secretary of the Adamawa State chapter of the APC, Ahmed Lawan, said plans to address the issue have been delayed by members of the state exco traveling to Saudi Arabia to observe the hajj. The party is concerned about recent utterances credited to the former vice-president, including his remarks that the party abandoned him. Lawan said the party is surprised by the former vice-president's alleged selflessness and the party's failure to reward him. The party plans to summon a meeting with Atiku and take a decision if he lodges complaints.

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has announced that the All Progressives Congress will lead evidence at the election petitions tribunal to show how the Peoples Democratic Party allegedly benefited from electoral fraud during the recent governorship poll. Oshiomhole defended the PDP's candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was allegedly denied victory in the election, stating that he is not worth 50,000 votes. He expressed satisfaction with the APC's performance in the September 28 election and emphasized that the victory signaled the final political "funeral" of the PDP godfathers. Obaseki promised to run an all-inclusive government and commended the Islamic council for their support before and during the election. He also urged the governor-elect to be resolute in achieving his objectives and to be accessible to the citizens of the state. Obaseki's tenure will end on November 12.

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has dropped the names of two influential politicians, Muyiwa and Temitope Ilori, from his cabinet list. Aregbesola was re-elected for his second term in office in November 2014 and has run the government without a cabinet since then. The list of nominees sent to the House of Assembly for confirmation included a former senator representing Osun West in the Senate, Husein Mudasiru, and 38 others as commissioner and special adviser-designates. The House of Assembly was filled to capacity as families, friends, and well-wishers of the nominees stormed the place to get first-hand information on the confirmation process. The list also included former Chief Press Secretary to Akande, Special Adviser of Environment, Senior Special Adviser to Aregbesola on Electronic Broadcast, and Commissioner for Special Duties.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has denied rumors of a coup plot and stated that the military is committed to democracy according to international best practices. The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, stated that the military has constituted a panel to quiz officers and soldiers suspected of being involved in the unholy alliance. Enenche explained that the instruction given by the army chief was a "routine instruction" to guard against misconduct and that warnings are issued with possible investigations following any signs of actions likely to breach the military code of conduct. He assured Nigerians that the armed forces remain loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari and in complete subordination to civil rule. The contemporary Nigerian military is abreast with the best international practices in governance, which is democracy.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has denied rumors of a coup plot and stated that the military is committed to democracy according to international best practices. The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, stated that the military has constituted a panel to quiz officers and soldiers suspected of being involved in the unholy alliance. Enenche explained that the instruction given by the army chief was a "routine instruction" to guard against misconduct and that warnings are issued with possible investigations following any signs of actions likely to breach the military code of conduct. He assured Nigerians that the armed forces remain loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari and in complete subordination to civil rule. The contemporary Nigerian military is abreast with the best international practices in governance, which is democracy.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has denied rumors of a coup plot and stated that the military is committed to democracy according to international best practices. The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, stated that the military has constituted a panel to quiz officers and soldiers suspected of being involved in the unholy alliance. Enenche explained that the instruction given by the army chief was a "routine instruction" to guard against misconduct and that warnings are issued with possible investigations following any signs of actions likely to breach the military code of conduct. He assured Nigerians that the armed forces remain loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari and in complete subordination to civil rule. The contemporary Nigerian military is abreast with the best international practices in governance, which is democracy.

Lagos-based lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje has filed a N50bn suit against President Muhammadu Buhari, the Department of State Services (DSS), and its Director-General, Lawal Daura, for allegedly violating the rights of judges whose houses were raided by DSS operatives between October 8 and 9. The suit seeks an order awarding N50bn as "general and exemplary damages," N2m as the cost of the suit, an order compelling the DSS to return the recovered money to the judges, and a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from arresting, inviting, intimidating, or harassing the judges. The DSS had arrested Justices Sylvester Ngwuta and John Okoro of the Supreme Court, Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and Justice Muazu Pindiga of the Federal High Court, Gombe Division. The seven of them have since been released on self-recognition by the DSS. Ogungbeje's suit is restricted to five of the arrested judges, who are still in active service.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has announced his intention to run for the presidency in 2019, turning himself into an opposition figure for his own party, the All Progressives Congress. In an interview with the Voice of America in Hausa, Atiku criticized the Buhari-led administration, claiming that he was dumped by the government despite spending his resources on ensuring the President's rise to power in 2015. This came just hours after the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhassan, declared her readiness to support Atiku's bid for the presidency against President Buhari. Alhassan confirmed that she would support Atiku in 2019 because "President Buhari has not told anybody that he would contest the 2019 presidential election." However, political pundits believe Alhassan could not have openly declared her support for Atiku without the backing of other party members. The 2019 presidential election is expected to cause clashes among Buhari's and Atiku's supporters, as they may not have the same level of support.

Members of the Ahmadu Bello University branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities demonstrated against the alleged forcible takeover of the university's property by Kaduna state Governor Mallam Nasir EL-Rufai on Monday.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its nine months strike due to the non-payment of salaries of its members. The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council intervened and promised to prevail on the Federal Government to implement the N52.5bn Revitalisation Fund and Earned Academic Allowance. The Minister of State for Education has said there is no justification for a strike, and Mercy Chepaka has appealed to the government to not hire lecturers from the moon.

The Federal Government said the platform presented by the ASUU as its preferred alternative to the integrated perssonnel and payroll information system know as UTAS has failed.

The joint committee of ASUU, NUC and NITDA is set to submit the report of the integrity test on the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) on Tuesday. ASUU has demanded the deployment of the UTAS payment platform instead of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

Avanti Communications has been named the market-leading high-throughput satellite capacity partner in sub-Saharan Africa for the second year running.

A statement said the results from the 20th edition of the NSR Satellite Capacity Supply and Demand Analysis reported that Avanti’s market share was now more than two times its nearest competitor.

“NSR’s annual report is one of the satellite industry’s most trusted and comprehensive sources for satellite capacity analysis, offering insight into key market developments and dynamics,” it stated. 

According to the statement, Avanti had made a significant commitment to Africa. The company has ambitions to accelerate growth across the region through local partnerships and the rollout of connectivity solutions; connecting rural communities and improving network resiliency for critical communications infrastructure is central to this strategy.

It said till date, Avanti had connected more than 1,000 villages and schools across Africa, providing services in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and South Sudan.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno announced an allocation of over N800m for the empowerment of non-indigenous communities, including Ndi Igbo, Arewa, Yoruba, and the Niger Delta. Speaking at the Igbo Unity Day Celebration, he emphasized his administration’s commitment to unity and inclusivity, recognizing the Igbos' contributions to the state’s economy. Eno praised the community's leadership for promoting peace and unity, stating that Akwa Ibom is evolving into a melting pot of cultures. He expressed gratitude for their support and commitment to sustaining harmonious relations, provided they adhere to laws. The President of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Kayceey Chidiadi, commended Eno's leadership for fostering community harmony and noted their inclusion in government positions.

Over 600 residents of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State have been displaced by a banditry attack shortly after the Sallah celebration. The attack occurred in four communities, including Lanta, Tunga, Dnakau, and Juweedna, and resulted in the burning of houses and rustling of cattle. The state Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management reported no reported kidnappings or deaths. The residents have criticized the persistent attacks, claiming that there was no presence of security agents in the local government, allowing bandits to operate without resistance. A tailor in Minna expressed his sadness at the situation and the lack of action taken by the government to end the reign of terror.

Twenty-three women have been kidnapped by bandits in the Damaga district of the Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The women, our correspondent was told, riding on motorcycles, swooped on them, whisking away 23. An indigene of the area, Mohammed Sani, who spoke to our correspondent about the incident, 

“We have already informed the police about this issue and we are waiting to hear from the bandits the amount of money they will ask us to pay (as ransom).” 

The villager lamented that the kidnap was one too many, noting that villagers continued to pay ransom to bandits now and then.

Meanwhile,  bandits also kidnapped 10  officials of Triacta Construction Company in Talata-Mafara, the hometown of former governor Abdulaziz Yari.

An indigene of the town, Ismail Shehu, said the weapon-wielding hoodlums fired many shots in the air before they finally forced themselves into the company and kidnapped 10 of the construction workers.

Nigeria's security crisis has intensified with coordinated bandit attacks resulting in the abduction of over 490 individuals, including monarchs, students, and worshippers, across multiple states. The Senate has urged for the enhancement of community-based policing as security agencies struggle to address the escalating violence, despite a declared nationwide security emergency. Incidents report abductions and attacks from Sokoto to Kogi, with specific cases including the kidnapping of 38 worshippers, students, and a traditional ruler whose captors demanded a ransom of N150 million. Various officials have called for a more localized approach to security, emphasizing the role of community efforts in combating banditry. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria criticized the government's current strategies, asserting a lack of urgency and effectiveness in addressing terrorism and advocating for a more aggressive stance against perpetrators.

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the former Governor of Delta State, has reconciled with Prof. Patrick Utomi after months of verbal attacks over the state's financial state. The reconciliation was brokered by Bishop Matthew Kukah, who accused Utomi of excessive borrowing and alleged diversion of funds. Uduaghan urged Utomi to contest the post of a councillor in his ward instead of aiming to be the next governor. The former governor's spokesman, Mr. Areh Sunday, announced their reconciliation on Facebook.

Emeka Okochie, a bookseller and publisher, is struggling to make sales due to the emergence of electronic books and the current state of the economy. Donatus Nwaogu, the manager of Donatus Books, said devaluation of the naira and the increase in the price of commodities had affected the purchasing power of paper book lovers. Isaiah Adeogun, a teacher and purchasing manager at Bible Wonderland, said the invention of e-books had not affected the production and sale of paper books, but that Nigerians had a slow adoption of technological advancements. Ben Chucks lamented that the pandemic had drastically affected sales, except for those who must buy books for their children.

The Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has become a part-time and ceremonial President, only seen during the Friday Jumat service at the Presidential Villa. Fayose believes that Nigerians should be properly informed about the well-being of their President and that the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, should constitutionally act as the President. He accused close allies of deliberately shielding Buhari and preventing him from attending to his health to continue running the government on the basis of "Mr President has directed" even when the President did not direct anything. Fayose insisted that Nigerians must hear the voice of their President and see him physically, not through surrogates or the cabal operating behind the scenes. He said that it is only when the President is seen and heard physically that Nigerians will believe that they are not being ruled by a part-time and ceremonial President, whose powers are being exercised on his behalf by some cabal.

Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Director of Missions, Pastor Caxton Fasuyi, has emphasized the importance of empowering youths with entrepreneurial skills to reduce poverty and hunger in Nigeria. He announced the admission of 100 youths to the Joseph Ayo Babalola University's entrepreneurial skills acquisition programme, sponsored by the CAC. The program is part of a partnership between the church and the Bank of Industry, sponsoring youths from six geo-political zones. The church will provide start-up packages worth millions of naira to those who excel. The program is expected to continue after the first batch, aiming to eradicate poverty in the church.

The Federal Government in Nigeria has announced a mandatory registration of Point-of-Sales operators to reduce kidnapping and assist security agencies in arresting ransom payments. The registration process aligns with legal requirements and Central Bank of Nigeria directives, aiming to safeguard businesses and strengthen the economy. The deadline for registration is 60 days and ends on July 7th. The benefits of registration include access to loans, legality, and compliance with regulatory requirements. However, PoS agents have criticized the move, arguing it would place more burden on operators, especially in rural areas.

The west African Examination council has said the use of information and communication Technology has reduced the period for the processing of result of the west African senior school certificate Examination for candidates from 84 days to 45 days.

Despite facing allegations of a N1.2 trillion digital trading fraud that impacted over 600,000 Nigerians, the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) has resumed operations, introducing new withdrawal options to rebuild investor trust. Sources indicated that new registrations and trading activities have restarted, even as investigations by regulatory agencies continue. An external audit is in progress to determine the losses incurred when the platform collapsed in April. Existing investors will reportedly regain access to their funds starting June 25, 2025, contingent on the completion of the audit by a UK-based insurance firm. Following the SEC's declaration of CBEX as an illegal operation and ongoing inquiries by the EFCC, the platform's activities have been condemned. At least eight individuals linked to CBEX have been declared wanted for promoting the scheme. Despite regulatory warnings, new users are still being attracted to the platform by promises of quick profits, with reports indicating that withdrawal options have been reactivated. However, funds from previous accounts remain inaccessible, as alleged losses from a failed trade on April 14 led to significant financial damages. For restoration of accounts, CBEX requires users to reinvest a portion of their initial capital, suggesting a plan to recover losses and continue operations. While the platform aims to dispel fraud allegations, user skepticism and regulatory scrutiny continue to loom over its legitimacy.

In order to encourage colleges to advance digitalization over the next two years, the Central Bank of Nigeria has publicly announced that it is prepared to establish a N100 million award programme. This was stated by Mr. Adebisi Shonubi, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, at the opening summit of the CIO Club Africa, with the topic "The Role of Digitalization in Transforming the Economy."

In order to encourage colleges to advance digitalization over the next two years, the Central Bank of Nigeria has publicly announced that it is prepared to establish a N100 million award programme. This was stated by Mr. Adebisi Shonubi, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, at the opening summit of the CIO Club Africa, with the topic "The Role of Digitalization in Transforming the Economy."

The National Economic Council has confirmed that a $3bn emergency loan-for-crude oil secured in August will be used to stabilize the naira, which has been fluctuating in the Investors & Exporters' window and worsened in the parallel market. The loan will enable the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to settle taxes and royalties in advance and provide the Federal Government with dollar liquidity.

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is set to launch a new digital Asset and Liability Declaration System to replace Nigeria’s outdated paper-based process and strengthen anti-corruption efforts. CCB Chairman Abdullahi Bello announced the initiative during a validation workshop in Abuja, emphasizing that the old manual system was inefficient, poorly analyzed, and failed to serve as an effective accountability tool. The digital platform will enable real-time verification of public officials’ assets by integrating national databases such as the Corporate Affairs Commission, land registries, and financial institutions. It will automatically detect undeclared properties, companies, and income streams, enhancing transparency. To ensure sustainability, a graded service fee will apply to political office holders and senior public servants, while junior staff and those unable to pay will be exempt. Senator Neda Imasuen praised the reform and its funding model. The system is expected to become fully operational after stakeholder validation.

Atiku Abubakar's legal team plans to challenge President Bola Tinubu's plea for Chicago State University not to release privileged documents from his academic records. The legal team had 48 hours to respond in the US court. Tinubu's lawyers argue that his academic records are not useful in Nigerian courts and that Atiku's request is intrusive, allowing him to conduct a fishing expedition into his private, confidential, and protected educational records.

Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA has distributed baby cots with net covers, clothes, and baby scales to some pregnant women and the Ogudu Primary Health Centre, Lagos State.

President of the club, Mr Akeem Shonde, said the club distributed the maternal and child kits to pregnant women and the hospital to commemorate the Rotary Month of maternal and child health.

 Shonde also said the club gave out the items to help reduce the burden of malaria among babies as well as cushion the harsh economic effects of getting those items on the mothers.

“The nets will prevent the babies from having malaria. Looking at the economic situation in the country, we decided to help the pregnant women remove that burden of getting those items because it is very important for them to prevent their babies from having malaria,” he said. 

Representative of the health centre, Dr Kehinde Oguntoyinbo, commended the Rotary club for their continuous support for the hospital, saying most of the pregnant women were not financially buoyant to get the mother and baby care items.

She said “The club has helped the women to remove the burden of buying baby beds, nets and clothes from them.

One of the pregnant women, Victoria Inyang, thanked the club for the mother and baby care packs.

The House of Representatives has resolved to probe the ongoing N15tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which has attracted both praise and condemnation since its approval in February. The 10-lane coastal road was designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through various states before culminating in Calabar. The project gained traction under the administrations of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari but could not commence. The Ministry of Works defended the project, stating it followed due process and that House of Representatives members had pledged support for the project. The Federal Executive Council has approved and released N1.06tn for the contractor for the pilot phase of the construction. The highway was conceived as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction plus Financing project, with part-funding by the Federal Government between 15 to 30%. The approval process went through the Bureau of Public Procurement after consideration by the Federal Executive Council.

Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani emphasized the importance of unity among Northern elites to address the region's development challenges during a visit from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) leadership. He stated that the North has significant human capital that can drive growth if effectively harnessed. Sani highlighted the need for skills acquisition and financial inclusion, noting many northerners lack access to banking services, which hampers their ability to participate in government programs. The ACF's upcoming 25th anniversary, aimed at promoting dialogue and collaboration, was discussed, with plans for an endowment fund to support community projects. The ACF seeks to build bridges with other regional groups and engage influential personalities to foster national cohesion.

Nigerian Director of Publicity, Femi Fani-Kayode, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to condemn the killings of Fulani herdsmen. Fani-Kayode expressed dissatisfaction with the Buhari administration and urged him to condemn the heinous activities of his kinsmen. He warned that if the government continued to persecute its perceived enemies, a national rebellion was inevitable. Fani-Kayode urged the President to stop making sensational allegations and lies to silence the opposition. He also criticized a comment by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, who suggested holding vandals responsible for the country's lack of electricity. Fani-Kayode believes in the force of logic and believes that when a people are pushed against a wall, things can change quickly.

Electricity consumers in Nigeria have been protesting against the hike in prepaid meters prices announced by power distribution companies. The Electricity Consumers Protection and Advocacy Centre has accused the electricity sector of being structured to inflict hardships on the masses. After months of shutting down their meter application portals, some Discos have released revised prices of the product. The hiked prices follow the deregulation of meter sales by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, giving room for vendors and buyers to sell meters at prices convenient to both sides. A single-phase meter rose from N88,000 to an average of N147,000, depending on the vendor. The new meter prices took effect from May 23, and customers would have their meter installed within 10 working days after payment had been made. The prices were as supplied by IBEDC meter vendor, Mojec Asset Management Company Limited. The Chief Executive Officer of Femadec Group, Fola Akinola, recently said that power distribution companies shut down their meter application portals because manufacturers and DisCos were regularising the prices of meters to reflect current economic realities. The NERC had released an order on the deregulation of meter prices under the MAP scheme, which stipulated that consumers should get energy credit as a refund for meters paid for. The Executive Director of the Electricity Consumers Protection and Advocacy Centre, Princewill Okorie, wondered why the Discos would be allowed to hike meter prices at a time when consumers are yet to come to terms with the Band A tariff hike. He claimed that the Discos, aided by NERC, have been extorting Nigerians by failing to abide by the MAP policy, which stipulates that consumers should get energy credit as a refund for meters paid for.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is awaiting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's report on officers accused of corruption before making a decision. The commission is currently investigating over 100 officers for alleged bribery during the last general election. Some resident Electoral Commissioners of INEC were alleged to have been bribed by People's Democratic Party officials. The EFCC has arrested Oluchi Brown, an administrative secretary in Delta State, and Edem Effanga, a retired INEC official. The commission is not going to cover up any of its workers, and suspects will not be disciplined until the EFCC submits its reports. The law will be used to handle the EFCC's report when it is out.

The police authorities have said they would not condone any form of violence during the planned two-day demonstration declared by organised Labour in protest against the hardships and high cost of living in the country.The police handed down the Riot Act on Sunday as the Nigeria Labour Congress gave fresh conditions ahead of the minimum wage negotiation commencing on Monday (today.)The police warning is coming against the backdrop of the alarm by the African Development Bank that rising prices of fuel and other commodities could lead to social unrest in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, and Kenya.The AfDB sounded the warning in its macroeconomic performance and outlook for 2024 in which it projected Africa’s economy to grow higher than the 3.2 percent recorded in 2023. “I am a teacher in one of the private schools; I have gotten nothing in the form of palliative from the government. We have been trusting in the Lord and we thank God for his grace has been sufficient for us,” she said. Mr Samuel Tijani, a resident of Ilisan Remo, did not benefit from the palliatives just as he appealed to the government to lessen the pains of the fuel subsidy removal. Tijani said, “I have received nothing in the name of palliatives from anyone since the crisis of this fuel subsidy removal began. I heard that the state government is planning to distribute another set of food palliatives soon. I sincerely hope that the government will ensure that it goes around this time.”

Meedical doctors in cross river, on sunday began an indfinite strike in solidarity with one of their colleagues  abducted on Thursday from her residence in calabar. The doctors announcedv the strike in a communique issued after their emergency general meeting on sunday in calabar .The communique issued signed by the chairman  of the Nigerian medical Association, crossRiver branch ,Dr

Nigeria's Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, intercepted 11 imported used vehicles and other contraband worth N854 million in January. The command recorded a total of 60 seizures, including different contraband. Smuggling is a crime involving false declaration, concealment of goods, unapproved routes, forging customs documents, willful underpayment of duties, and trafficking in prohibited or restricted goods. In 2023, FOU Zone A made 1,119 different seizures, 136 arrests, and 16 convictions, for a total duty-paid value of N10bn. In the first month of this year, 10 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. Other items seized included 3,653 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 23,025 litres of petroleum motor spirit, 241 bales of used clothes, and 1,490 kg of Indian hemp. The Customs Area Controller (CAC) called for more collaboration and partnership with stakeholders in the area of information sharing and intelligence to fight smuggling.

Nigeria's Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, intercepted 11 imported used vehicles and other contraband worth N854 million in January. The command recorded a total of 60 seizures, including different contraband. Smuggling is a crime involving false declaration, concealment of goods, unapproved routes, forging customs documents, willful underpayment of duties, and trafficking in prohibited or restricted goods. In 2023, FOU Zone A made 1,119 different seizures, 136 arrests, and 16 convictions, for a total duty-paid value of N10bn. In the first month of this year, 10 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. Other items seized included 3,653 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 23,025 litres of petroleum motor spirit, 241 bales of used clothes, and 1,490 kg of Indian hemp. The Customs Area Controller (CAC) called for more collaboration and partnership with stakeholders in the area of information sharing and intelligence to fight smuggling.

Nigeria's Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, intercepted 11 imported used vehicles and other contraband worth N854 million in January. The command recorded a total of 60 seizures, including different contraband. Smuggling is a crime involving false declaration, concealment of goods, unapproved routes, forging customs documents, willful underpayment of duties, and trafficking in prohibited or restricted goods. In 2023, FOU Zone A made 1,119 different seizures, 136 arrests, and 16 convictions, for a total duty-paid value of N10bn. In the first month of this year, 10 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. Other items seized included 3,653 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 23,025 litres of petroleum motor spirit, 241 bales of used clothes, and 1,490 kg of Indian hemp. The Customs Area Controller (CAC) called for more collaboration and partnership with stakeholders in the area of information sharing and intelligence to fight smuggling.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accused Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State of double registration in the ongoing voter registration process. Bello registered twice and in an undesignated area, violating the law. The commission has commenced disciplinary action against INEC staff involved in the illegal registration. The commission cannot commence legal action against Bello due to the immunity clause for governors in the constitution. Bello's Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on New Media, Gbenga Olorunponmi, have not responded to attempts to speak with him. The commission has designated a center for voter registration in all 774 local government areas.

Champions D’Tigress outclassed hosts Rwanda 79-48 in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Kigali, Rwanda to book a place in the final, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The win on Thursday means D’Tigress have now extended their unbeaten run to 23 games and are on the verge of winning a fourth consecutive AfroBasket title.

The last time Nigeria lost a game in the Women’s Afrobasket was in 2015 against Cameroon in the semi-finals.

New head coach, Rena Wakama, maintained the starting five that managed to beat Mozambique 59-52 in the quarter-finals to set up a last-four showdown with the hosts — whom they had defeated in their previous two meetings 2009 and 2011 — on Thursday. 

Amy Okonkwo, Palla Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Elizabeth Balogun, Sarah Ogoke and Blessing Ejiofor were ruthless from the tip-off, but the hosts scored the first points, before Okonkwo put Nigeria in front.

D’Tigress blew through the Rwandans and established a 22-6 lead in the first quarter. 

It was a bright start for the Rwandans in the third quarter, as they outscored D’Tigress to get themselves back into the game, as the quarter ended 58-35.

In the final quarter, Nigeria restored control and secured an outstanding 31-point victory to progress to the competition’s final.

Okonkwo led the Nigerians with 23 points, followed by Oluwayemisi Taiwo, who netted 12 points.

Nigeria now await the winners of the other semi-final game between Mali and Senegal on Friday (today) as they hope to win the championship for the fourth time in a row on Saturday, a feat that only the Senegalese boast of in African basketball.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Sub-Saharan African countries to eliminate tax exemptions and increase domestic revenue to reduce fiscal deficits, rather than reducing fiscal expenditure. The IMF also suggested that increasing women's participation in the labor force could boost GDP by about 8% in the coming years, despite the weakest medium-term growth outlook in over 30 years.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has praised President Muhammadu Buhari's two-year administration, stating that positive results are evident in areas such as security, corruption, and the economy. Although the economy remains a challenge, the Federal Government has introduced measures to revamp it. Osinbajo acknowledged that the fight against corruption appears slow due to the slow nature of the nation's justice system, but all hands are on the deck to ensure that all stolen funds are recovered and culprits brought to justice. On security, the government has made significant achievements in the North East, where the Boko Haram sect challenged the nation's sovereignty. The government has reorganized and equipped its Armed Forces and revitalized the regional Multinational Joint Task Force. In the Niger Delta, the government is engaging with local communities to understand their grievances and create solutions. The government is working with state governments to design effective strategies and interventions to bring the menace to an end.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has praised President Muhammadu Buhari's two-year administration, stating that positive results are evident in areas such as security, corruption, and the economy. Although the economy remains a challenge, the Federal Government has introduced measures to revamp it. Osinbajo acknowledged that the fight against corruption appears slow due to the slow nature of the nation's justice system, but all hands are on the deck to ensure that all stolen funds are recovered and culprits brought to justice. On security, the government has made significant achievements in the North East, where the Boko Haram sect challenged the nation's sovereignty. The government has reorganized and equipped its Armed Forces and revitalized the regional Multinational Joint Task Force. In the Niger Delta, the government is engaging with local communities to understand their grievances and create solutions. The government is working with state governments to design effective strategies and interventions to bring the menace to an end.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has praised President Muhammadu Buhari's two-year administration, stating that positive results are evident in areas such as security, corruption, and the economy. Although the economy remains a challenge, the Federal Government has introduced measures to revamp it. Osinbajo acknowledged that the fight against corruption appears slow due to the slow nature of the nation's justice system, but all hands are on the deck to ensure that all stolen funds are recovered and culprits brought to justice. On security, the government has made significant achievements in the North East, where the Boko Haram sect challenged the nation's sovereignty. The government has reorganized and equipped its Armed Forces and revitalized the regional Multinational Joint Task Force. In the Niger Delta, the government is engaging with local communities to understand their grievances and create solutions. The government is working with state governments to design effective strategies and interventions to bring the menace to an end.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has praised President Muhammadu Buhari's two-year administration, stating that positive results are evident in areas such as security, corruption, and the economy. Although the economy remains a challenge, the Federal Government has introduced measures to revamp it. Osinbajo acknowledged that the fight against corruption appears slow due to the slow nature of the nation's justice system, but all hands are on the deck to ensure that all stolen funds are recovered and culprits brought to justice. On security, the government has made significant achievements in the North East, where the Boko Haram sect challenged the nation's sovereignty. The government has reorganized and equipped its Armed Forces and revitalized the regional Multinational Joint Task Force. In the Niger Delta, the government is engaging with local communities to understand their grievances and create solutions. The government is working with state governments to design effective strategies and interventions to bring the menace to an end.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has praised President Muhammadu Buhari's two-year administration, stating that positive results are evident in areas such as security, corruption, and the economy. Although the economy remains a challenge, the Federal Government has introduced measures to revamp it. Osinbajo acknowledged that the fight against corruption appears slow due to the slow nature of the nation's justice system, but all hands are on the deck to ensure that all stolen funds are recovered and culprits brought to justice. On security, the government has made significant achievements in the North East, where the Boko Haram sect challenged the nation's sovereignty. The government has reorganized and equipped its Armed Forces and revitalized the regional Multinational Joint Task Force. In the Niger Delta, the government is engaging with local communities to understand their grievances and create solutions. The government is working with state governments to design effective strategies and interventions to bring the menace to an end.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has charged the Redeemer’s College of Technology and Management, Ogun State, to develop a relevant academic curriculum to enable graduands to be contributors to national development in the areas of entrepreneurship and scientific inventions. The Chairman, Governing Council, RECTEM, Dr Johnson Odesola, said the convocation provided ample opportunity for assessment of the performance of an institution and to raise the bar for higher academic and entrepreneurial pursuits. The Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Kaduna, Prof. Idris Bugaji noted that Technical and Vocational Education and Training remained the driving force for sustainable development. Mama Dada, a middle-aged woman, set herself ablaze over her inability to pay back a loan from a microfinance bank.

Aguele stated that "Open Finance, backed by a strong digital identity infrastructure, was key to bridging the gap between identification and financial inclusion to achieve result at scale for the over 500 million people living in Africa without a recognised form of ID" during the Decentralised Finance (DeFi) session of the 5th edition of the Africa Tech summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, describing the Peoples Democratic Party as a “sinking ship.” The defection ceremony, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, was attended by prominent political figures and state governors. Governor Diri’s move, coming ahead of the 2027 general elections, makes him the fourth governor from the Peoples Democratic Party to join the All Progressives Congress this year. Explaining his decision, Diri expressed concern about Bayelsa’s political future under what he described as a declining party, emphasizing that his action represents an “Ijaw realignment” rather than a mere change of political affiliation. He also noted that the current administration is addressing several long-standing infrastructural demands of the Ijaw people. Diri’s defection has received support from fellow South-South governors who called for greater unity in regional governance. Vice President Shettima commended Diri’s decision as a commitment to development over partisanship, saying it aligns Bayelsa State with a forward-looking vision for progress. Governor Diri concluded by reaffirming that his decision is guided by a belief in inclusive politics that advances the well-being of his people.

A man identified as Mohammed Faworaja has met his untimely death in Ilorin, Kwara State capital while running away from a dog.

PUNCH Metro gathered on Thursday that the incident occurred around Asa Dam, the Warah-Osin area in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state. 

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “The dog, a German shepherd, got loose and chased the deceased who hit his chest on an electric pole. He died of internal bleeding and the canned fish (Sardine) which he went to buy dropped and was seen beside the pole at the scene of the incident.

“He was a very friendly man and cannot be more than 33 years of age. He was the breadwinner of the family. The police are involved in the matter.

The board of the Lagos State Football Association on Tuesday suspended its chairman,  , for gross misconduct by a simple majority of five to four.

At the meeting held at the LSFA office on Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos, Oki was alleged to have “committed, among other things, offences which violates against the rules and regulations of the Nigeria Football Federation.”

The embattled FA boss was accused of “not attending the NFF Congress with no excuse and without the knowledge of the LSFA Board, changing of the association logo without approval of the board and the congress, denying the Nigerian Professional League A1 Camera delegates access to test-run the A1 camera prior to the commencement of the league, and total disregard to NFF instructions on NPFL rules and regulations regarding branding and streaming of matches by our affiliate (Sporting Lagos FC).”

Oki was also alleged to have “released the 2023/24 NNL SEASON – MATCH DAY LOGISTiCS to NNL clubs without the knowledge of the board, delayed and stopped several youth tournaments and recreational football, threatening teams to move out of Lagos and initiating independence of LSFA outside of the authority of the NFF.” 

The board also said he was at loggerheads with the Lagos State Sports Commission on the use of facilities and accused him of “spoiling a hitherto amiable relationship.”

After his suspension, Oki was also alleged to have slapped his vice chairman Olawale Gafar. A video, which went viral online on Tuesday, showed Gafaar lamenting, with Oki seated close to him

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) disrupted an alleged arms supply network linked to attacks in Plateau State and surrounding regions, arresting a suspected arms dealer, Musa Abubakar, on November 12, 2025. Intelligence led DSS operatives to Abubakar's workshop in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area, where they reportedly seized components of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), chemicals, and equipment. Abubakar allegedly confessed to manufacturing and distributing high-caliber weapons and ammunition to armed groups engaged in violent activities in Plateau and other northern states. This operation coincided with the recapture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, known as Bomboy, a Kuje Prison escapee linked to previous attacks. Additionally, the DSS had earlier apprehended nine suspects, including Timna Manjol, aged 46. The statements affirm the DSS's commitment to combating arms trafficking and terrorism in the region.

Officers of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, on Thursday night, quelled a violent protest that erupted following the alleged killing of a fashion designer by an operative of the Department of State Services who shot intermittently and injured several people. One of our correspondents gathered that a customer brought the DSS official to the victim’s shop for allegedly failing to deliver some clothes on an agreed date. A trader in the market, who did not want her name in print for fear of being victimised, said some of the fashion designer’s colleagues, who learnt about the incident, intervened but their interference did not go down well with the DSS operative. She noted that the operative was arrested and detained by the police after he allegedly shot and killed the fashion designer. Responding to the development in a statement, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh said, In an incident at Garki International Market on September 7, 2023, an altercation arose between market occupants and certain individuals, including a DSS personnel and a tailor named Muhammad Habibu. The Garki Divisional Police station mobilised officers in response to a received distress call reporting the invasion of the market by these individuals, who fired shots at a tailor known as Mubarak Mubarak. However, in a statement, the spokesperson for the DSS, Peter Afunanya, said the secret police was investigating the matter.

Oak Business School (Monotechnic) owner Dr Lance Elakama has appealed to stakeholders in the education sector to train learners to become employers of labour and not job seekers. The school has secured accreditation in five courses, including Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Banking and Finance as well as Computer Science. The school is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratory, ICT, e-library, air-conditioned lecture rooms with highly qualified lecturers and hostel facilities. The school will commence academic activities on January 17 at its temporary campus in Ogba, Lagos. Mama Dada, a middle-aged woman, set herself ablaze over her inability to pay back a loan of N70,000 she reportedly took from a microfinance bank, LAPOs.

Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have disagreed over the existence and ownership of 48 houses allegedly traced to the ex-governor. Sylva claimed he owned only three houses in Abuja, while the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, insisted that the ex-governor owned the 48 houses, allegedly returned to him by a court's order. The commission has begun fresh moves to challenge the return of the houses to Sylva before the Court of Appeal. The PUNCH reported that the EFCC had traced and sealed off 48 properties allegedly owned by Sylva. The PUNCH had arraigned the ex-governor for an alleged N19bn fraud and slammed 50 charges against him. Three Federal High Courts had struck out the case. Sylva denied ownership of the houses and threatened legal action against the anti-graft commission over the report.

Nine lawmakers of the Ekiti House of Assembly have fled to Ibadan, Oyo State, claiming their lives were unsafe. They alleged that a batch of detectives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department arrived in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday to arrest them, led by a Chief Superintendent of Police, Mohammed Abubakar. The lawmakers also alleged that some leaders of the All Progressives Congress were seen helping policemen identify their homes, stressing that they fled Ekiti because their lives were being threatened.The Assembly's Committee Chairman on Information, Youths, and Sports, Gboyega Aribisogan, said it was necessary to come to Ibadan to alert the public to the new clandestine plot by the APC-led Federal Government to cripple the government of Ekiti State. The Assembly has revealed that the three legislators declared missing by the state government actually ran into hiding to evade arrest by the officials of the Department of State Services.The lawmakers had gone underground since March 4, when a member of the legislature, Afolabi Akanni, was arrested and detained for 18 days by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged sundry allegations. The Assembly has directed the state lawmakers to shun any invitation from the DSS due to an alleged plot to arrest and detain them.

European champions England thrashed China 6-1 in their last group game on Tuesday in Adelaide to send a ruthless warning to Nigeria ahead of their round of 16 meeting slated for next Monday in Brisbane at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

England have quietly gone about their business in the group stage, winning their first two games against Denmark and Haiti 1-0, but showed absolute class to sweep aside the Chinese and finish their group campaign with a 100 per cent record.

The Lionesses have now set up a round of 16 clash against Nigeria, who finished second in Group B, no thanks to their goalless draw against Ireland on Monday. The Falcons drew 0-0 with Canada in their first game and stunned co-hosts Australia 3-2 in their second game but missed the chance to top the group and avoid the potentially difficult clash against England.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has initiated talks with President Bola Tinubu on the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, who has been in detention since 2021 following his re-arrest in Kenya. After a private meeting with Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, talked about the release of Nnamdi Kanu. And we basically identified with that. We’ve banned sit-at-home on Mondays in Enugu. Need to, ” he emphasised. In terms of growing our economy from the current levels to $30bn. Which we believe partnering with the Federal Government,.

The bullish trading experienced in recent times on the Nigerian Exchange Limited slowed this past week, recording a gain of N8bn for investors.

With market capitalisation ending at N35.994tn previous Friday, trading activities kicked off on a positive note on the NGX, appreciating to N35.539tn on Monday.

It went higher to N35.932tn on Tuesday, but suffered a continuous decline in the next three trading sessions, following the announcement of an increase in the Monetary Policy Rate to 18.50 per cent, to end at N35.402 on Friday.

The NGX All-Share Index and Market capitalisation appreciated slightly by 0.02 per cent.

Similarly, all other indices finished higher except for NGX Main Board, NGX CG, NGX Banking, NGX Insurance, NGX AFR. Bank Value, NGX AFR. Div. Yield, NGX MERI Value, NGX Consumer Goods and NGX Industrial Goods Indices which depreciated by 0.16 per cent, 0.90 per cent 2.21 per cent, 1.60 per cent, 2.20 per cent, 1.78 per cent, 0.65 per cent, 2.36 per cent and 0.31 per cent respectively, while the NGX ASeM and NGX Sovereign Bond Indices closed flat.

A total turnover of 2.854 billion shares worth N37.645bn in 41,547 deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the NGX, in contrast to a total of 4.182 billion shares valued at N99.048bn that exchanged hands in previous week in 41,446 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.936 billion shares valued at N27.704bn traded in 20,839 deals; contributing 67.84 per cent and 73.59 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value.

Former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola urged private sector engagement to enhance funding for medical research in Nigeria, emphasizing that government resources alone are insufficient. During a NIMR media chat, he highlighted the country's potential for innovative research that is hindered by financial constraints. Fashola mentioned that the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) requires increased support to address diseases like diabetes and hypertension. He announced the mobilization of N502 million for NIMR, benefiting 120 researchers, and called for reforms to secure dedicated research funding. NIMR's Director General, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, pointed out the need for improved human resources and infrastructure, while the Foundation reported growth in research funding despite challenges in meeting its £44,000 grant target.

A 45-year-old furniture maker, Ahmed Atolagbe, whose two sons were killed on July 22, 2023, when a portion of the fence of a hotel collapsed on their house in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, is demanding justice for the deceased.

The Kwara State-born grieving father told PUNCH Metro on Thursday that tragedy struck when the fence of a hotel collapsed on his three-room apartment located on Alao Street, Olainukan Bus Stop, Isawo in Ikorodu during a downpour.

The father of six said his two sons, seven-year-old Abdulwahab and nine-year-old Roqeeb, who were sleeping around the dining section of his sitting room at the time of the collapse died on the spot.

He added that his first son was also injured while his wife, Omotola, lost consciousness following the impact of the tragedy that befell the family. 

He said, “I was already at my furniture workshop in Irawo when I received a distress call that I should return home to attend to a pressing issue.

“By the time I got home, I realised that the fence of a hotel beside my house had collapsed following the impact of the erosion coming from the hotel.

“The fence fell on my house, killing two of my sons. My eldest son was also injured. The incident was too much for my wife. She fainted and was rushed to the hospital.”

In Ikun-Ekiti, the governor of the state of Ekiti, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, opened a centre for tech and business skills. JM Tech Centre is a non-profit technology centre that was established to provide the people of Ekiti, Nigeria, and Africa with the necessary entrepreneurship and 21st-century technology skills to become nation-builders.

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has called on the Federal Government to increase the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps members due to the dwindling purchasing power of the naira. Fayose made the call during the swearing-in and official opening ceremony for the 2017 Batch 'A' Stream I of the NYSC at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Ise/Orun/Emure Ekiti. He stressed that the N19,800 monthly allowance was no longer sufficient for the survival of corps members and called for an urgent review of the allowance. The governor reiterated his commitment to the well-being of corps members serving in the state and promised to give further assistance to the NYSC. He lamented the monumental increase in the population of graduates annually without corresponding development in the facilities, leading to huge infrastructural decay in the NYSC camps nationwide. Fayose also assured the state government that the state government would continue to acknowledge and reward deserving youths with state honours award, automatic employment, and cash gifts. He encouraged corps members to go into farming, fishery, snail farming, and tap into the agriculturally-friendly environment of the state.

The Fedes for N6.9bn procurement fraud at the federal capital Terriotory high court, maitama, Abuja. Emefile will be arraignment and mention. Emefiele will be arraigned along a female CBN emral Government will on thursday arraign the suspended central bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefile and his asocsiateployee, sa'adatu yaro and her company , April 1616 investment limited on 20 charges of procurement fraud, consipracy and conferring corrupt advantages on his associates. Emefiele, who had been in detention since he was accused of conferring corrupt advantages on yaro a director in april 1616 investment ltd.  Emefiele s'associate the ex-CBN governor was said to have conspired with yaro to confer corrupt advantages on the CBN staffer by awarding to her a contract for the supply of two toyora hilux shell specification vehichles.

All Abstract

Federal civil servants are urging the Federal Government to promptly clear three months of arrears from the N35,000 wage award due to the rising cost of living. This wage award, negotiated in 2023 as a temporary relief amidst economic reforms, has faced delays despite partial payments. Workers express frustration over the slow disbursement, fearing government insincerity. Calls for immediate action have been made by representatives from the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, emphasizing the need for timely payments to alleviate financial difficulties and maintain trust in government commitments. The government has committed to continuing payments but indicated that they will be made in tranches based on fund availability. Civil servants stress that completing the wage payments is vital for their morale and financial stability.

The Federal Government has approved a special intervention fund to rebuild the burnt library complex of the University of Jos, Plateau State. All lost academic materials in the complex, which hosts two faculties, four departments, and the Information and Communication Technology facility, will be restored. The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa, stated that the loss caused by the fire incident is something that cannot be quantified because of the loss of some academic materials that no amount of money can replace. The library is the soul of any institution, and the news of the fire incident was received with sadness, and that is why I am leading the team from TETfund myself to see the extent of the damage

The Federal Government has warned states and local governments to avoid collecting royalties and taxes from licensed miners operating in their domains. Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake stated that miners and operators owe the Federal Government more than N2tn and called on them to pay the debt. Alake stressed that operators must monthly pay royalties and taxes to the Federal Government, stating that they are the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government. The mining sector under the Tinubu administration is given top priority.

The Nigerian Federal Government has blamed opposition elements for the food crisis, revealing 32 smuggling routes used to take food items out of the country. The government described the economic challenges as the work of "forces that are hell-bent on…plunging this country into a state of anarchy." President Bola Tinubu defended the country's recovery path, citing the recent interception of 45 trucks of maize bound for a neighboring country and urging Nigerians to unite against undermining forces.Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has hinted at plans to create millions of jobs by unlocking the value of the country's vast public assets, aiming to optimize and double the Gross Domestic Product. The Federal Government aims to raise at least $10bn to increase foreign exchange liquidity, stabilize the naira, and unlock revenue potential. The newly restructured Ministry of Finance Incorporated will take the center stage, focusing on transparency and accountability. The improved returns will be directed towards funding for education, healthcare, housing, power, roads, and other areas vital to lifting millions out of poverty and stimulating sustainable economic development.

The Federal Government is in talks with the World Bank to obtain over $1bn loans to address the challenges faced by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their host communities, as well as bolster rural access and agricultural marketing in Nigeria. The IDP loan is estimated at $500m, while the rural access and agricultural marketing project loan is estimated at $550m. The World Bank documents indicate that some of the loans addressed by the global bank have been initiated under the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The IDP initiative aims to improve access to resilient and inclusive basic services and economic opportunities for IDPs and their host communities in displacement-affected local government areas in the northern part of Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will act as the borrower for Nigeria, while the National Commission for Refugee Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and the North East Development Commission are the implementing agencies.

The $2bn domestic FGN US dollar bond opening in Nigeria is expected to have a positive impact on the economy. The first series of $500m was announced at a hybrid roadshow in Lagos, attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, and Director General of the Debt Management Office, Ms. Patience Oniha. The bond offering is targeted at pension funds, banks, Nigerians living in the country, foreigners living in the country, and Nigerians living in the diaspora. United Capital is the lead issuing house for the offering. Analysts predict that the offering will boost external reserves to help stabilize the Nigerian currency. The bond issuance holds promise to investors and the economy in several ways, such as providing an alternative, cheaper source to meet the government's financing needs and strengthening the naira. However, the tenor of five years seems ambitious, and a two-year, short-term tenor would have been better and less costly.

The Federal Government is expected to make up to $17bn if it sells down its stake in most joint-ventures oil and assets, JP Morgan has stated. The United States bank’s projection came against the backdrop of the government’s plan to boost foreign exchange earnings and external reserves in order to ease forex pressure. The US bank stated this in a report titled, ‘Nigeria: Reform pause rather than fatigue (CBN’s financial accounts open a can of worms).’ According to JP Morgan, the low net forex reserves mean a continued forex market pressure, adding however that the CBN can still source forex at commercial and semi-commercial rates. The highly profitable nature of the currency swap arrangements between the CBN and domestic commercial banks is expected to continue for some time, it said. Commenting on the government assets which can provide succor in the medium term, it stated, “For example, the President’s policy advisory council has recommended the government sell down its stake in the most joint-venture oil and gas assets, a proposal that is estimated to bring in up to $17bn.” The US bank further said the recently announced $3bn loan to the NNPC could help partly improve FX liquidity conditions in the market, with the oil company selling the dollars to the CBN and remitting the naira proceeds to the government as upfront payments for oil revenues and taxes. However, the large external financing needs of the private sector will sustain forex pressures, the bank warned.

Nigeria's Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, has criticized Justice Ibrahim Buba for granting a perpetual injunction to former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Peter Odili, which has halted his prosecution. Buba's order has prevented the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other government anti-corruption agencies from prosecuting or arresting Odili, who was accused of embezzling N100bn of Rivers State money during his eight-year tenure. Sagay argued that the current injunction is unconstitutional and unconstitutional, stating that it removed the prosecutorial powers of the police and prosecution in Nigeria. He urged law enforcement agencies not to give up and suggested that any judge who grants an order of perpetual injunction against investigation, interrogation, and arrest should be regarded as having committed a serious act of wrongdoing, which should merit disciplinary action by the National Commission for the Prevention of Corruption. The case could be reopened, and measures are being put in place to ensure such an order is never granted again.

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has accused the Federal Government of sending policemen from Abuja to arrest 11 members of the state House of Assembly. The move comes after a failed attempt by the Department of State Services to arrest lawmakers. The alleged clampdown on legislators is expected to begin on Tuesday night. The move is attributed to TKO Aluko's malicious outburst that those listed for arrest stockpiled arms during the governorship election. Fayose vowed to resist any attempt to use the police to harass lawmakers and government officials in the state. The APC chairman, Jide Awe, and TKO Aluko, who are wanted for alleged murder and perjury, have not been arrested. A leader of the APC in Ekiti said there was no big deal in inviting public officials to explain certain actions and inactions.

The Federal Government of Nigeria plans to establish 500 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations over three years to transition to cleaner fuels and reduce petrol consumption. This initiative stems from an agreement between the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and Chinese manufacturer Endurance Group, creating a special purpose vehicle called Compressed Natural Gas Auto Mobility Infrastructure Company. This company will manage the deployment of refueling stations, develop gas supply infrastructure, and enhance logistics, aiming to minimize long queues at existing CNG stations. The move aligns with the government's goal to stabilize transportation costs and reduce foreign fuel dependence, part of the broader Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative launched in 2023, which aims to enhance energy security and create jobs in the gas sector. The infrastructure will utilize a virtual pipeline network for consistent gas delivery and support the nationwide use of auto-CNG.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria has expressed concern over the continued rejection of gunshot victims by hospitals, which is against the provisions of the Gunshot Act 2017, which mandates all medical facilities to provide compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots and related matters. The ministry called on medical facilities to comply with the Act, noting that strategies are being put in place to ensure compliance by Nigerian healthcare facilities. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, stressed that gunshot victims must be attended to by hospitals because they come under medical emergencies that require urgent attention to save the life of the patient or victim. The ministry also urged the police to comply with and enforce the provisions of the Act with promptness.

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a flood alert for 14 states, warning that 43 locations may experience heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding between September 4 and September 8, 2025. Flooding remains a pressing environmental challenge in Nigeria, often resulting in displacement, destruction of farmlands, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. In recent years, heavy rains have worsened flooding across multiple states, with thousands losing homes and livelihoods. The warning comes as the country grapples with climate change and inadequate drainage infrastructure, making many communities vulnerable during the rainy season. The affected states include Ebonyi State, Cross River State, Kano State, Zamfara State, Taraba State, Abia State, Yobe State, Plateau State, Borno State, Imo State, Niger State, Sokoto State, Kaduna State, and Akwa Ibom State. The Chinese government has donated $1m to support victims in the northern states, and the government has agreed on a joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism with the Chinese Embassy. China's Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, expressed China's solidarity with Nigeria, recalling that both countries recently suffered devastating flooding.

Nigerian students under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Education Agreement are staging a protest due to unpaid scholarship stipends, which have reached 11 months in arrears. They claim the government has reduced their monthly allowance from $500 to $220 and still owes payments for September to December 2023. Many students are struggling to afford basic needs, and some have taken informal jobs, violating scholarship terms. The protest will occur at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja. The government announced the termination of the BEA program, citing it as an unsustainable use of public funds, while redirecting resources to domestic scholarships. Current beneficiaries will be allowed to finish their programs, but no new admissions will be accepted post-2025.

Nigeria's Federal Government plans to increase borrowing despite a 40.5% surge in revenue for the first eight months of 2025, driven by gains in non-oil revenue collections. The country's fiscal performance from January to August 2025 saw total collections reach a record N20.59tn, surpassing the N14.6tn collected in 2024. However, Nigeria still faces funding gaps in crucial sectors such as infrastructure, with low capital spending. To address these gaps, the government plans to borrow locally and domestically. The World Bank is expected to approve loans totaling $1.75bn before the end of the year to support key development projects in Nigeria, including agriculture, health, and digital infrastructure. Major projects set to benefit from this financial backing include the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth project, Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth, Health Security Programme in Western and Central Africa, Nigeria – Phase II, and Fostering Inclusive Finance for MSMEs in Nigeria. These projects comprise the $1.75bn in loans expected to be approved by the World Bank before the end of the year.

Nigeria's Federal Government plans to raise $10bn to improve foreign exchange market liquidity, following a naira falling to an all-time low of 1,850 per dollar at the parallel market. President Bola Tinubu announced the plan at the inaugural Public Wealth Management Conference in Abuja, focusing on increasing foreign exchange liquidity and ensuring optimal management of government assets and investments. The government aims to double the GDP growth rate and significantly increase the GDP base over the next eight years. The President stressed transparency and accountability as key principles, focusing on improved corporate governance, innovative partnerships, and attracting alternative investment capital. The improved returns will be directed towards funding for education, healthcare, housing, power, roads, and other areas vital to lifting millions out of poverty and stimulating sustainable economic development and job creation.

Nigeria's Federal Government plans to raise $10bn to improve foreign exchange market liquidity, following a naira falling to an all-time low of 1,850 per dollar at the parallel market. President Bola Tinubu announced the plan at the inaugural Public Wealth Management Conference in Abuja, focusing on increasing foreign exchange liquidity and ensuring optimal management of government assets and investments. The government aims to double the GDP growth rate and significantly increase the GDP base over the next eight years. The President stressed transparency and accountability as key principles, focusing on improved corporate governance, innovative partnerships, and attracting alternative investment capital. The improved returns will be directed towards funding for education, healthcare, housing, power, roads, and other areas vital to lifting millions out of poverty and stimulating sustainable economic development and job creation.

Nigeria's Federal Government plans to overhaul its tax system, aiming to increase the tax burden to wealthy citizens and reduce corporate taxes. This move is part of President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms, aiming to lift the country's tax take to 18% of GDP within three years. The plan aims to protect the poor and address widespread tax evasion in Africa.

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has pledged to resuscitate the Ajaokuta Steel Company and set a roadmap for its development. The Federal Government has allocated over N3bn annually to cover personnel costs, but the company has not started operations in over 42 years. Audu emphasized the creation of a new ministry to pursue President Bola Tinubu's overall development. Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, urged staff to be result-oriented and revealed a roadmap for the sector.

The Federal Government may incur additional N315bn in wage bill in the next six months for the newly introduced allowance for federal workers. This came as Organised Labour agreed to suspend its proposed nationwide strike for 30 days, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government after a marathon meeting that ended around 11pm on Tuesday. Announcing the outcome of the meeting to State House correspondents, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, said “The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.” Lalong said the memorandum shall be filed with the relevant court of competent jurisdiction within one week as consent judgment by the Federal Government. According to the agreement, the Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 only to all Federal Government workers “beginning from the month of September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.” The agreement further read in part, “A minimum wage committee shall be inaugurated within one month from the date of this agreement.

The Federal Government has proposed a 40% salary increase for lecturers in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as the union prepares for negotiations with a government delegation led by Yayale Ahmed. This decision follows a consensus reached during a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja. Branch leaders will inform members about the ongoing negotiations, which will resume next week. ASUU's ultimatum to the government recently expired, raising concerns of a strike due to unresolved issues, including unpaid salaries and the university revitalization fund. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, asserts that the government has addressed ASUU's demands and is working to prevent strikes, while the Nigeria Labour Congress supports ASUU in advocating for its rights if negotiations falter.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in collaboration with key banks and private sector investors, has launched a major initiative to harness over $20 billion in annual diaspora remittances for national economic development. This effort will be showcased at the 8th Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS 2025), scheduled for November 11–13, 2025, at the State House, Abuja, under the theme “Fast Tracking Regional & National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment.” The summit aims to channel the financial resources, skills, and innovations of over 17 million Nigerians abroad into productive ventures that drive economic transformation across sectors such as energy, real estate, finance, and technology.President Bola Tinubu is expected as Special Guest of Honour, while Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, will host the event. High-profile speakers include Professor Bartholomew Nnaji and Mr. Temi Popoola, addressing diaspora investment frameworks and emerging market opportunities. Supported by Zenith Bank, First Bank, AG Mortgage Bank, and Rainbow Heritage Group, the summit emphasizes the role of diaspora investors in sustainable growth. Previous editions have already attracted significant local investments, underscoring the summit’s growing influence in linking diaspora capital to Nigeria’s development agenda.

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Talks between the Federal Government and organised labour over the removal of fuel subsidy ended in a deadlock due to the hike in petrol pump prices. The NNPCL has not given people the opportunity to import, leading to no competition and the government resorting to forece.

Nigeria’s total debt (Federal Government and states’ loans) may hit at least N107.38tn soon following the approval of fresh borrowings for the Federal Government and the new securitization of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s N7.3tn Ways and Means advances. This is as the Senate, as of December 2023, approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow $7.8 billion and €100 million as part of the Federal Government’s 2022–2024 borrowing plan. According to Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council under former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the loan facility on May 15, 2023, to finance infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, insecurity, and other sectors. While asking for approval, he said the foreign loan was necessary to bridge the financial gap and return normalcy to economic activities in the country. Nigeria’s total debt as of the end of September 2023 was N87.91tn, according to data from the Debt Management Office. The breakdown of this debt revealed total external debt as N31.98tn ($41.59bn) and total domestic debt of N55.93tn. The total debt includes that of the federal government and state governments. Following the recent approvals by the senate, total debt will climb up by at least 22.15 percent (N19.47 trillion) to N107.38 trillion in 2024 if the borrowing plan is followed.

The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are in a dispute over the payment of outstanding bonuses and allowances for Nigeria women's national team players, dating back to 2021. FIFPro confirmed that it received complaints from players over their outstanding monies with the federation, and confirmed that it is assisting players in a disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation concerning bonus payments, camp allowances, and expenses. The players expressed the desire to remain focused on their performance without making public statements or facing distractions during the tournament. The Super Falcons believe it is now time for the Nigeria Football Federation to honor their commitments and pay the outstanding amounts. The NFF described the global players union's action as "nothing more than a storm in a team cu." The NFF insisted that it would pay the players what they and FIFA promised them, including payment for friendly matches, qualifying matches, appearance fees, and bonuses once FIFA paid the World Cup money. Some players in the squad have been paid while others are yet to receive theirs. The NFF has a rich history of owing national team players and has been involved in 23 matches, including friendlies and the 2022 WAFCON.

OnePipe, a fintech company, has launched a press writing challenge on finance-focused journalism to promote and inspire educational reporting and writing with particular emphasis on enhancing the awareness and understanding of embedded finance. The challenge is open to all forms of media and will run for a duration of eight weeks. The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ope Adeoye, said that the world needs a new type of financial services ecosystem, one where everyone has a role to play and everyone has some value to capture. The most important details in this text are that Nigerians can now earn up to $14,000- $17,000 (12 million+) profiting from premium domain names, and that Mama Dada set herself ablaze over her inability to pay back a loan of N70,000 she reportedly took from a microfinance bank, LAPO. The text also explains that the mix-up in the name of the microfinance bank is not deliberate.

OPPO Nigeria has launched the OPPO A96 smartphone with a 5000mAh battery, 33W SUPERVOOCTM flash charging, and a 6.59-inch 90Hz colour-rich punch-hole display. It also features Optimized Night Charging, RAM expansion, 16MP front camera, AI natural retouching, and 360° Fill Light feature. Mama Dada set herself ablaze over her inability to pay back a loan from LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited. President Muhammadu Buhari's unforgivable sins include the Nigerian-naira cash scarcity, Betara and Tinubu's House leadership meeting, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Adamawa's suit against INEC, Multichoice's price hike, and President Muhammadu Buhari swearing in six new permanent secretaries.

For the benefit of USAID, GRICD, a provider of cold chain technology that leverages the Internet of Things to enable last-mile delivery of temperature-sensitive goods, has partnered with logistics provider Haultrac to enhance the delivery of vital healthcare supplies to all 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.Medicines, fast diagnostic test kits, laboratory reagents, and consumables are among the healthcare items, the company confirmed.

30 days after assuming office, President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and reforms have attracted both praise and criticism from home and abroad. However, the most vulnerable Nigerians only hear hardship as Renewed Hope risks morphing into despair, STEPHEN ANGBULU writes. The discontinuance of petrol subsidy and the unified exchange rate have attracted the praise of many multilateral organisations, foreign investors and Nigerians comfortable enough to bear the combined consequences of these policies. For most citizens, however, the past 30+ days have been a via dolorosa, even as the promised palliatives meant to cushion the aftershocks remain yet elusive. As more citizens sink into multidimensional poverty, the F.G. and Organised Labour are yet to finalise the various scopes of intervention. At the last meeting between both parties at the Presidential Villa on June 19, the F.G. said it had set up a steering committee to consider the various demands of the Organised Labour to produce a workable framework in eight weeks, that is, by August 14.

WhatsApp announced that it had a user base of more than one billion—that is, one in seven people on earth. People all over the world have been using WhatsApp for numerous purposes. Since then, the popular messaging app has added a host of new features, including improved speed, security, reliability, and simplicity. With such a huge user base, it is one of the most popular messaging apps. WhatsApp has also just added a video-calling feature to the app after a series of beta tests. There has been a rise in the app called Snapchat and its Stories feature, from Instagram to Facebook, and now even WhatsApp has tried to clone it. In the new WhatsApp’s Beta app on iOS and Android, there is a new ‘Status’ tab where the ‘Stories’ can be put and seen before they disappear 24 hours later. The new ‘Stories’ feature is only available to a select few who operate on a jailbroken Apple device or a rooted Android smartphone. WhatsApp just confirmed that it is rolling out the video calling feature across Android, iOS, and Windows. You will now be able to see ‘Video Call’ and ‘Voice Call’ choices when you tap the top dialer button. A new dialogue giving the option between a standard voice call and a video call will appear.

Following the floods that have ravaged farmlands in the northern part of the country, agricultural experts and big-time players in the agro-allied industry have sounded the alarm over an impending food crisis across the country as agricultural fortunes dip in the North.The experts insist that unless urgent and very drastic steps are immediately taken, the crisis may worsen as floods continue to ravage farmlands in the northern states.Ten states, namely Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Sokoto and Kebbi are highly affected, following heavy rainfall in the region. Meanwhile, down South, the  Chief Imam of Osogbo, Shiek Musa Animasaun, on Sunday led a prayer session to seek God’s face over the lack of rain being experienced in the state in recent months.The Chairman, Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Shiek Maruf Isola, who spoke in Yoruba language, in his sermon, said divine intervention for rain had become necessary as the drought being experienced was already having a negative impact on the residents.

Travellers are expressing their disappointment and frustrations as airfares continue to skyrocket, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to embark on their desired trips. The rising costs, coupled with economic uncertainties, have left many passengers in a state of dismay. The naira had fallen from N471/$ to N867/$.With this development, intending international students hoping to resume school in September, had been greatly impacted by the unpredictable fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The prices of air tickets had skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to travel, especially when compared to neighbouring countries such as Benin and Ghana, where airfares are notably cheaper. As the exchange rate continued to rise, most foreign airlines’ funds were trapped within Nigeria.This scenario created a problematic landscape for Nigerians who depended on reasonably priced flights to go about their business. In an exclusive chat with The PUNCH in Abuja, a potential traveller, noted that although he had not yet booked his flight, He disclosed that many Nigerians had started exploring alternative options. One popular choice was to travel via the Benin Republic, where airfares were considerably cheaper.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has raised concerns over fraudsters targeting retired judicial officers' pensions. The council claims that the fraudsters have been bombarding retired judges with phone calls demanding various sums of money to help them fast-track the payment of their retirement benefits. The NJC Director of Information, Soji Oye, distanced the council from the actions of the alleged fraudsters and urged retired judicial officers to be wary so as not to fall victim to these unscrupulous elements.Nigerian retirees face delayed payment of pension and gratuities, and judges are not left out. In 2022, six Lagos State retired judges sued the state government and the NJC over their delayed pension. The retired judges who sued were Justices Samuel Candide-Johnson, Iyabo Kasali, Olaide Olayinka, Doris Okuwobi, Titilola Ojikutu-Rhode, and Grace Onyeabo.The council has warned retired judicial officers to be wary of and report such calls to the pension department of the council for appropriate action. In addition, Nigerians have finally been approved to earn in US dollars; premium domains can earn up to $17,000 (₦27 million) monthly.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced plans to introduce a new $11.50 levy on international air tickets, raising the total security-related charges to $31.50 per passenger. The fee, known as the Advance Passenger Information System levy, is designed to strengthen aviation security and enhance passenger data management, with projected revenues expected to exceed $1 billion over 20 year. However, the proposal has drawn criticism from airline operators and other industry stakeholders, who argue that it will further increase the already high taxes on air tickets and could discourage international travel. Opponents of the levy have called for a policy review, expressing concern about its potential impact on affordability and competition, particularly in light of Nigeria’s rising inflation and unstable foreign exchange rates. Stakeholders have also urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to provide greater transparency about the purpose of this new charge and how it will differ from existing fees.

Oil marketers have projected that the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, would hit N515/litre once they source foreign exchange rate at the parallel market. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to provide opportunity for marketers to start importing petrol by enabling dealers to have access to foreign exchange. Currently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company is the sole importer of PMS into Nigeria, as other marketers stopped importing due to their inability to access the United States dollar. Ukadike called on the government to give oil marketers the opportunity to start importing petrol, as the commodity was now deregulated. He identified the lack of the United States dollar as a challenge, but the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced that it was no longer going to fix the prices of petrol or release templates for the commodity.

Oil marketers have projected that the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, would hit N515/litre once they source foreign exchange rate at the parallel market. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to provide opportunity for marketers to start importing petrol by enabling dealers to have access to foreign exchange. Currently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company is the sole importer of PMS into Nigeria, as other marketers stopped importing due to their inability to access the United States dollar. Ukadike called on the government to give oil marketers the opportunity to start importing petrol, as the commodity was now deregulated. He identified the lack of the United States dollar as a challenge, but the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced that it was no longer going to fix the prices of petrol or release templates for the commodity.

The opening of its Innovation Challenge in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa has been announced by the Google News Initiative (GNI). The financing for the chosen innovation initiatives might total up to $150,000 per project. The Innovation Challenge has been active in the area since 2019, and 43 ideas from 18 countries were chosen for the first two rounds, according to GNI.

On November 8, 2025, candidates in the Anambra State governorship election signed a peace accord, promoting non-violence and respect for electoral outcomes. Organized by the Kukah Centre and National Peace Committee, the signing ceremony included key figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various political parties. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan asserted the commission's readiness for a credible election, confirming logistics improvements and assuring the protection of voters' rights. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun emphasized the importance of security and neutrality during the election, pledging substantial police deployment and warnings against disruptions from non-state actors. The accord aimed to cultivate political tolerance and respect for democracy, with participating candidates, including Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, vowing to adhere to the agreement and encouraging peaceful civic engagement. Additionally, the Resident Electoral Commissioner announced contingency measures for a technology-driven electoral process.

The Federal Government intends to provide incentives such as grants, tax and fiscal motivations, startup labels, seed investment, and tax holidays in the nation, according to Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. This programme aims to find young people with ideas who are talented startups, place them in developed hubs for training, and provide them with financial support as they develop their goods and services. Government commitment to enacting and implementing laws that support the ecosystem is demonstrated, among other things, by the National Startup Bill and the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The battle for the control of the Peoples Democratic Party took a new twist on Monday in Abuja when loyalists of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, forcefully took over the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in the absence of governors elected on the party’s platform and their loyalists. Members of the National Working Committee, led by the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who have been enjoying the support of the PDP governors, were nowhere near the secretariat when the Wike-backed faction took over on Monday. It was not clear, as of the time of filing this report, what the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, intended to do in the interim, with Damagum appearing to have lost out in the power tussle. Earlier on Monday, a few minutes after 9 am, the Wike-led faction of the PDP headed by Mohammed gathered at the party’s Federal Capital Territory office.

Welcome to the world of one of the most dreaded forms of cyberattacks because it can actually wreak havoc to a single system or network of systems. According to TrendMicro, ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. More modern ransomware family members, collectively categorised as crypto-ransomware, encrypt certain file types on infected systems and force users to pay the ransom through certain online payment methods to get a decrypt key. I reached out to Remi Afon, the president of the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria, and he had this to say. To guard against WannaCry ransomware or any form of malware infection, all critical software patches must be updated as soon as patches or new operating system versions are available. This includes mobile and other Internet-connected devices. Also, regular backups of systems must be conducted; systems can be restored in cases of ransomware, and having a current backup of all data speeds up the recovery process. Keep all the software on your computer up-to-date. When your operating system or applications release a new version, install it. And if the software offers the option of automatic updating, take it.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was murdered by unknown gunmen in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. John Chu, who was the Chairman of the APC, Ward 7 in Onne, was accosted and shot several times by his assailants. Chu was returning home after a meeting of his political party in the area when the incident occurred. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the killing of the party chief and stated that the investigation had begun to apprehend those behind the act. Chu was shot and killed by a group of gunmen on his way back from a party meeting. The state police spokesman described the incident as unfortunate and explained that an investigation had begun to apprehend those behind the act. The incident occurred while Chu was returning home from a party meeting.

Government and federal capital Territory, 50 per cent to the state governments and 35 per tothe 774 local governments. for instance, the FAACS'communique on june  2023  revenue distribution, issued last week , stated; The N907.05 billion total distributable revenue  of30l50 billion distributed.Given the increased adoption of e-payment in the country in  the first quarter  of this year , when the cash  scarcity  crisis occassion by CBN NAIRA  Redesign  policy made  more Nigerians ti restort to using e-payment  platiforms, expectation in many quarters is that would subsequently boost the country.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has urged world leaders to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and addressing transnational crimes such as forced labor, modern-day slavery, human trafficking, and cybercrime. He emphasized the importance of state institutions strengthening to promote accountability and combat corruption, and urged the international community to provide critical assistance and material support. Buhari also expressed fear of a nuclear war due to the activities of the North Korean Government and called for a special delegation to visit North Korea to ensure a lasting solution. He also urged the UN to not forget UN Security Council Resolutions from 1967 on the Middle East crisis, which remain unimplemented. He also lamented the killings in Myanmar, targeting the Rohingya population, and called for the halt to the ongoing ethnic cleansing and the safe return of the displaced Rohingya people to their homes in safety and dignity.

The United States Agency for International Development has warned Nigeria and other African countries to brace up for higher food prices, following recent developments that have temporarily halted Ukraine’s food exports to African countries.

USAID’s Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programming, Isobel Coleman, said this on Thursday at a virtual press conference.

According to her, Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative had already begun to trigger higher food prices around the world.

She noted the impact of this food price hike would be more felt in developing countries that were import-dependent, and had conventionally relied on grain imports from Ukraine. 

Coleman said, “One of the world’s largest breadbaskets is Ukraine. By doing this, Russia is increasing food prices globally. We’ve already seen how global food prices came down over time after the Black Sea Grain Initiative came into place. Since Russia has pulled out of the agreement, food prices have again been on the rise.

“This affects every country around the world, but it affects, most acutely, large import-dependent developing countries that have to spend much of their precious foreign exchange resources to purchase food to feed their population.”

The Black Sea Grain Initiative was conceived to specifically allow for commercial food and fertiliser (including ammonia) exports from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea, which are Odessa, Chornomorsk, Yuzhny/Pivdennyi.

Chuck Nduka-Eze, the Isama Ajie of Asaba kingdom, has announced Prof. Epiphany Azinge as the new Asagba of Asaba. Azinge, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, has been well-received by the Asaba community and the entire country. The people expect Azinge to take Asaba to greater heights, consistent with his high performance in various positions. The new Asagba enjoys wide and enthusiastic support from over 95% of the citizens of Asaba. The process leading to the emergence of a new king in Asaba involved a transparent democratic process, with 10 candidates selected from the quarter. Azinge stands out from the other contenders due to his expertise in law and public figureship. He has also served as the President of the Asaba Development Union, demonstrating his dedication to all things Asaba.

The new Asagba of Asaba, a respected Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has the capacity to address issues in the community. The Asagba has internal support from Senior Advocates, the Obis, and the Agu Nwanyi. The selection process was successful, with the Asagba-in-Council, Otu-Ihaza, and Obis all pleased with the outcome. The new Asagba has received over 95% of the citizens' support, including all traditional institutions. Some aggrieved persons have challenged the process in court, but the process has been improved through traditional institutional remedial platforms. The Asagba cannot pilot the city's affairs alone, and the chiefs in Asaba are considering cooperation to achieve the mandate given to him. The Asagba has shown appreciation for the collegiate nature of the Asaba governance structure, and the chiefs have worked closely with him to ensure the successful tenure of the previous Asagba.

The relationship between Nigeria and Canada is dynamic and positive, with around 70 Canadian companies active in various sectors of Nigeria's market. Canada has great experience and expertise in mining and agriculture, which are priorities for Nigeria's efforts to diversify the economy. Canada has made strides in ensuring mining investments benefit not just the country but the communities where they are located. However, Nigeria has not focused on mining until recently, and the government and Minister Fayemi are determined to develop this sector. Canada has also been instrumental in Nigeria's fight against insurgents, identifying niches where they can be helpful and providing training programs for police and military officers. Over 100 officers have benefitted from these training programs, with some focusing on crime-related issues and terrorist attacks. The Canadian government is determined to help Nigeria develop its potential in renewable energy, which will have a spill-off effect on the entire Nigerian economy.

When you take into account vision impairment and restricted movement, things get even more complicated for people who are new to smartphones and find the UI puzzling rather than straightforward. For instance, older users may have difficulty reading text and graphics and clicking buttons on the screen. Here are some suggestions for improving smartphone accessibility: Make text easier to read, streamline the user interface, enable voice control, convert lists to text (so the device can read the works to you), and obtain assistance with real-world reading.

One needs to exercise caution while posting content to social media because one never knows exactly who will see their pictures and status updates.Here are the privacy settings for four of the main social networks that you should be aware of: How to make postings on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter private as well as how to make a TikTok post private.

One needs to exercise caution while posting content to social media because one never knows exactly who will see their pictures and status updates.Here are the privacy settings for four of the main social networks that you should be aware of: How to make postings on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter private as well as how to make a TikTok post private.

Installing Windows 10 or 11; purchasing Microsoft Office; setting up an Outlook email address are all actions that increase the likelihood of having a Microsoft account. From Microsoft Edge to OneDrive, this portal connects everything you do with Microsoft's products. To set up strong defence against hackers and con artists, you don't need to be a seasoned security professional. Here are some steps you may do to secure your Microsoft account: Make use of two-step verification and secure passwords, Stay current, avoid frauds, monitor device and account activities, and safeguard your privacy. More privacy options are available in Edge, the Windows 10 Settings app, and other places.

Installing Windows 10 or 11; purchasing Microsoft Office; setting up an Outlook email address are all actions that increase the likelihood of having a Microsoft account. From Microsoft Edge to OneDrive, this portal connects everything you do with Microsoft's products. To set up strong defence against hackers and con artists, you don't need to be a seasoned security professional. Here are some steps you may do to secure your Microsoft account: Make use of two-step verification and secure passwords, Stay current, avoid frauds, monitor device and account activities, and safeguard your privacy. More privacy options are available in Edge, the Windows 10 Settings app, and other places.

 Because of their size, large files and folders must be shared online via programmes and apps. For example, you might want to send an edited home movie to a devoted cousin or back up a photo collection to a different site. Use these services to distribute any huge data loads, whether you're moving them across computers or sharing them with others: Use Dropbox, Google, WeTransfer, or iCloud to exchange enormous files. You can also use Dropbox to share gigantic files..

Large files and folders must be exchanged online through programmes and apps due to their size. For instance, you could want to backup your photo collection to a separate website or transmit an edited home video to a devoted relative. To spread any large data loads, whether you are moving them across machines or sharing them with others, use the following services: To send large files, use iCloud, Dropbox, Google, WeTransfer, or Google Drive. Dropbox also allows you to share very large files.

Large files and folders must be exchanged online through programmes and apps due to their size. For instance, you could want to backup your photo collection to a separate website or transmit an edited home video to a devoted relative. To spread any large data loads, whether you are moving them across machines or sharing them with others, use the following services: To send large files, use iCloud, Dropbox, Google, WeTransfer, or Google Drive. Dropbox also allows you to share very large files.

The focus of services like Netflix, Hulu, and others is on streaming films and TV shows continuously. They don't stay on some platforms indefinitely. They acquire new videos while losing old ones as liencesing deals renew or expire. Any given day, one might search for their favourite TV show only to discover it has been discontinued. The following choices for streaming your videos to any device are more dependable: Purchase your preferred digital entertainment from websites like Apple TV and Google Play, create your own streaming service, and then keep the film on your computer at home so that you can stream it to other devices around the house.The Windows and Mac operating systems, as well as third-party apps, make it relatively easy to set up your own streaming service from the comfort of home.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has announced that his administration has convened a national conference to address insecurity and agitations in the country. The conference was organized by The Patriots, led by Prof. Ben Nwabueze, and was a consensus-based decision. Jonathan called on President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the conference's recommendations, stating that council chairmen were receiving allocations without using them for community development. He also criticized interventionist agencies for leaving behind uncompleted projects in the Niger Delta. Jonathan emphasized that states had better utilized the 13% derivation that came to the oil-rich region.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Kingsley Achife, on Monday said the residential consumers in Ogun State owed the company over N67bn.

Achife urged members of the public never to cover staff of the company indulging in unwholesome practices as about 10 of such erring staff had been sacked in the last five months

He disclosed this at a community engagement held at the IBEDC headoffice, Leme, Abeokuta, for its customers within Abeokuta metropolis and Sagamu.

Achife, who was represented by the Lead Media Relations Officer, IBEDC, Ibadan, Mrs Busolami Tunwase, said consumers should to pay their debts to avoid disconnection. 

He said the company called for the engagement with the customers to seek better working relationships, and to particularly appeal to them to help in paying their debts which was now becoming a source of concern to the company.

Achife said “We have called this meeting to seek better working relationships with our customers but this we cannot do if they are not paying for the services being rendered.

“As we speak customers in Ogun State are owing us over N67bn, this is very huge and we all know that no business can survive with suffocating debt like this. So we are appealing to them to pay up before we begin to disconnect them.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to adopt the statutory delegates' option in the next review of its constitution, particularly for state and local government primaries. He emphasised the need for a modality where no one person could influence delegates to elections and suggested that those who served at certain levels should be made statutory delegates. Jonathan also urged PDP members not to be intimidated by corruption and urged society to come up with reforms to reduce it. He also said that the PDP is still the strongest party and that some issues may be addressed in the future. He encouraged his party members to continue with the party, stating that the PDP did well during its 16-year rule by the number of reforms it implemented. He also mentioned his defeat in the 2015 presidential election and his plans to speak on the reasons behind the party's defeat.

The major challenge in Nigerian universities has to do with salaries, lack of laboratories, teaching environment, shortage of lecturers, infrastructure, and lack of light. This has led to students having no seats to sit down, sharing seats, and no teaching aids or audios. Additionally, lecturers are stressed doing excess of what they should not be doing, and students have to stay 15-20 kilometres away from the school for accommodation at a cheaper rate. These are critical problems that cannot be addressed outside of the system. The union of lecturers is asking the government to increase the budget to education from the present five per cent to six per cent to 15 to 25 per cent and devote N1.3tn to Nigerian universities spread over six years. They also want the government to devote 30% of the Value Added Tax (VAT) to fund education and even 20% of VAT would resolve all these problems.

The Igbo community in Niger State has called on Governor Mohammed Bago to appoint an Igbo member to his cabinet, reimbursing their contribution to the state's Internally Generated Revenue. They believe this would align with Bago's promised 'all-inclusive' government and support his son, George Dike, who assured them of his sincerity.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council has declared that the Ndigbo must produce Nigeria's President in 2019, with a northerner potentially serving as Vice-President. The youths have mobilized resources to achieve an "Igbo President" in 2019, stating that the Igbo will no longer play a "second fiddle" in Nigerian politics. Their position on the 2019 presidential election was influenced by the North's opposition to restructuring calls and the quit order given to Igbo living in the North by a coalition of Northern groups. The youths believe that a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction would pacify all Igbo, including agitators, and prevent Biafran agitation.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have reinforced their commitment to enhance border governance and migration management in Nigeria. In a strategic meeting in Lagos, officials from both organizations discussed upgrading border systems and addressing emerging challenges. NIS Zonal Coordinator ACG E. L. Anugwa praised the long-standing partnership, while IOM’s Chief of Mission Dimanche Sharon highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in digital border governance. The meeting aims to identify operational gaps and priorities for future collaborations, enhancing Nigeria’s regional role in migration management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education systems worldwide, leading to mass closures of schools, early childhood education services, universities, and colleges. In Nigeria, basic education is financed through concurrent financing from the three tiers of government, leading to laying off teachers, increasing student dropouts, and insecurities..

The Nigerian Textile Employers Association claims smuggling of textile products through Nigeria's land borders has led to the collapse of over 150 companies in the last 40 years. The closure of the Nigeria-Niger border, stranded trucks, indicates inferior products entering the country at the expense of the local industry.

The provost,Wavecrest college of Hospitality ,Rosana Forsuelo  said future of the workplace globally lies on skill acquisitions and not degrees.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan attributed his 2015 electoral defeat to betrayals within his political circle while addressing guests at the 70th birthday celebration of Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State. Jonathan, who lost the election to Major General Muhammadu Buhari, highlighted Ogiadomhe's loyalty as exceptional in a political landscape rife with betrayal. He expressed that true loyalty is scarce in Nigerian politics, contrasting Ogiadomhe's unwavering support with the unreliable nature of many politicians. The event featured various dignitaries, including former governors and current officials, all of whom praised Ogiadomhe's character and contributions.

The PDP, the ruling party in Nigeria, has accused former President Muhammadu Buhari of sharing money meant to fight insurgency in the North-East and the country as a whole. The party's Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abdulahi Jalo, stated that the former President should clarify whether he authorized the sharing of money meant for arms purchase. Jalo urged all those who took part in the sharing of the money to refund it, and that former President Jonathan should speak on the matter. The party has alleged that several prominent members, including former Governors of Rivers State, Sokoto State, and Oyo State, were involved in the scam. The party also mentioned ex-PDP National Chairman Bello Haliru, Abba Mohammed, Sagir Attahiru, and former members of the House of Representatives. Those not members of the PDP are also linked to collecting cash. The party held a fundraising dinner for the scam.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been pressured to abandon the peace process he initiated in the troubled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Investigations revealed that the former President was no longer interested in bringing the two factions in the party together. National Chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has distanced himself from the peace process. The party under Sheriff will no longer take part in the peace process, which ended in confusion about two weeks ago. Sheriff led members of his National Working Committee out of a meeting on April 6, aimed at discussing the party's crisis. The former President had promised to set up a 40-man team to find a political solution to the crisis. The caretaker committee spokesperson, Dayo Adeyeye, stated that the reluctance of Jonathan to continue with the process could be due to the pulling out of the process by the Sheriff group. Some members of the party, including about two governors, have called on the former President to jettison the idea of setting up any committee.

The Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe on Thursday uncovered three reservoirs used for the storage of illegally-refined fuel in Bayelsa. The reservoirs, located along Tamara Street in Biogbolo, have about 35, 000 litres of Automated Gas Oil (diesel) and 38 jerrycans filled with illegally-refined products loaded in a vehicle. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that during the operation, which included operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, three boys working in the facility were arrested and interrogated.

The Kano State Government, on Sunday, said it had activated contact tracing as the diphtheria outbreak in the state has spread to 31 out of the 44 local government areas of the state.

The state epidemiologist, Dr. Abdullahi Karaunmata, who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen, said over 100 patients were on hospital admission, while about 2,000 patients who were treated and had recovered had been discharged.

The resurgence of diphtheria, according to him, may be linked to the aftermath of the COVID-19  pandemic, which resulted in a lockdown and disruption of routine immunisation of children.

Karaunmata said, “Recently, the NCDC  released a list or an update outlining the number of states affected, with the total number of confirmed cases, including the mortality among the children. The report has categorised  Kano among the states with the highest number of diphtheria patients. 

“Currently, we have more than 100 cases on admission. We have treated and discharged over 2,000.

“The diphtheria has been reported in 31 out of the 44 LGAs in the state.

“Through the epidemiology unit, we have now established contact tracing teams across the high-burden LGAs. The team is actively searching for the children, with symptoms of diphtheria. With this development we have focused our searchlight on all the nooks and crannies of the state, searching for these patients.” 

In Batsari, a farming settlement with over 120,000 residents in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the sole health facility has been non-functional for five years, forcing locals to resort to a makeshift clinic in the District Head’s compound. District Head Muhammad Salisu Jibrin expressed urgency in addressing the community's health needs, stating that silence would lead to complete healthcare deprivation. This temporary clinic serves approximately five neighbourhoods and handles 30 to 40 patients daily, managed by a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) who addresses basic health issues like malaria and basic antenatal care. However, emergencies necessitate long and costly travel to distant hospitals, a burden for families, particularly in critical situations like childbirth, as detailed in accounts from residents such as Aminu Salisu Jibrin and Basira Jibrin. The inadequacies of the clinic are evident: it lacks maternity services, proper equipment, running water, and electricity. Community members stress the dire need for a permanent health facility with qualified staff and better resources, highlighting ongoing challenges in healthcare access not only in Batsari but also in similar areas like Yan-Kifi town of Gari, where residents face the same struggles with inadequate medical services and reliance on distant facilities.

The Kebbi State Police have arrested 25-year-old Maryam Muhammad for allegedly kidnapping her friend’s four-year-old son, Abdulmumini Surajo, and demanding a N5m ransom. The child went missing on November 26, 2025, and the father received a ransom call from a female voice shortly after. Police traced the call to Muhammad, who confessed to the abduction after being arrested. The child was rescued unharmed on November 29 in Mahuta. The incident stems from a prior misunderstanding between Muhammad and the child's mother, and investigations are ongoing amid rising kidnappings in the region, including a recent attack on a school in Kebbi State.

Despite government warnings against crowd-funding for ransoms, the practice continues to gain ground, with abductees and their families raising funds from relatives, friends, and social media to secure the release of kidnapped victims. Families of abductees disregarded the government's warnings, fearing the victims might be killed or harmed if they failed to pay the ransom. The Nigerian Police Force and Minister of Defence have warned against engaging in crowd-funding for ransoms.

Banditry persisted across several Nigerian states despite intensified military operations, with 20 people abducted in Kwara and Kano between Monday night and Tuesday morning. This occurred shortly after 38 worshippers kidnapped from a church in Eruku, Kwara State, were freed through a non-kinetic operation involving the DSS and military, which the Presidency said did not involve ransom payment. In Kebbi State, 24 abducted schoolgirls regained freedom after federal intervention. However, a new attack in Isapa, Kwara, saw about 10–11 residents including a pregnant woman, nursing mothers and children kidnapped by heavily armed bandits who fired indiscriminately through the community. President Bola Tinubu ordered a comprehensive security cordon and expanded Air Force surveillance across forests in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger. Police and local vigilantes have launched search-and-rescue operations as fear spreads across affected communities. Similar overnight attacks in Kano saw 10 villagers abducted, while a church crusade in Nasarawa was disrupted by bandits.

The Delta State Police Command on Tuesday said the suspect responsible for the killing of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Omhonrina, two weeks ago, had been arrested.

PUNCH Metro reports that Omhonrina was killed by a stray bullet during an operation by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at Okpanam in the Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The NDLEA had said the incident occurred when its men were raiding a drug joint in the area.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed to journalists in Asaba, the state capital, that the suspect was already in custody. 

He, however, did not disclose the identity of the suspect.

“The suspect who allegedly killed the two-year-old boy a few weeks ago is in our custody. The investigation is almost completed and he will be charged to court,” he simply said.

Meanwhile, the command, on Tuesday, paraded a 22-year-old kidnapper, Ojokor Jeffrey, and eight others.

The Federal Government has launched the Wase Grazing Lot, a model livestock village in Plateau State, to modernize livestock farming and address insecurity caused by farmer-herder conflicts. Unveiled by Minister of Livestock Development Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the project is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Plateau State Government. It will include irrigation systems, a veterinary clinic, health and education facilities, staff housing, and a security post. Governor Caleb Mutfwang praised President Bola Tinubu for creating the livestock ministry, calling the initiative a strategic move toward peacebuilding, job creation, and economic growth. The governor also announced plans to modernize the Jos abattoir to process up to 500 cattle daily. Authorities hope structured grazing reserves like Wase will ease tensions, enhance productivity, and drive a sustainable livestock economy in Plateau State and beyond.

President Bola Tinubu has dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet to Plateau State to foster peace and community harmony following recent violence. Essiet met with local leaders, including Christian clerics and Fulani representatives, and held a town hall in Jos to reinforce community-based peace structures. Her visit, part of a broader effort for inclusive engagement, follows escalating violence in the region and aims to mediate longstanding disputes. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also called for unity and forgiveness among citizens during a Thanksgiving service, emphasizing the need for collaboration to enhance security and stability in Plateau State. Additionally, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has distanced itself from violence, asserting its role as a lawful trade association committed to non-violence and socio-economic representation.

Isah Taiofiq, Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, and five local government administrators have been suspended by the state House of Assembly due to allegations of abandoning their secretariats and staying in hotels to disburse statutory allocations, making them inaccessible in their designated areas. Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has called for calm.

The Kogi State Government has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleging that the immediate-past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, was involved in an alleged N80 billion scam. The state governor expressed dissatisfaction with the EFCC's decision to amend a charge against Bello, who left office on January 27. The government accused the EFCC of collaborating with "criminals masquerading as politicians" to tarnish Bello's image and portrayed the agency as infested with individuals who disagreed with President Muhammadu Buhari's efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. The original charge against Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman was against Ali's associate, Dauda Suleiman. The EFCC's allegations are deemed laughable as the election that produced Bello was conducted in November 2015, and he had no financial dealings with the Kogi State Government.

Nigerian workers are preparing for an indefinite nationwide strike, with the National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Etim, stating that the government has given enough time to address their demands. Etim warns of fuel scarcity and nationwide blackouts from Tuesday, and health workers will be unavailable to attend to patients. The strike is expected to begin on October 3, 2023.

The National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Etim, has criticized the Federal Government's attempt to prevent the Organised Labour from launching an indefinite nationwide strike. Etim stated that labour leaders would not be threatened and would be willing to face imprisonment for their fight for better lives for Nigerian workers.

The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has demonstrated grassroots governance through a series of empowerment and welfare initiatives in her constituency, Apapa 1. During the Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting themed “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Meranda distributed food palliatives to over 500 households and provided N100,000 each to more than 100 small-scale traders. In partnership with Zenco Group, five students were awarded full tertiary scholarships, while 200 students graduated from a summer coding boot camp. She highlighted these efforts as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing progress in job creation, education, and infrastructure. Meranda also announced upcoming road rehabilitation projects in collaboration with the Lagos State Public Works Corporation and cited ongoing community water projects. Reaffirming her dedication to education, employment, and social welfare, she pledged continued collaboration with residents to make Apapa 1 a model of effective governance in Lagos State.

Legal practitioners and scholars in Nigeria have renewed calls for comprehensive reforms within the nation’s justice system, emphasizing persistent challenges such as prolonged court delays, overcrowded correctional facilities, and legislative gaps arising from rapid technological advancements. These concerns were highlighted at the 2025 conference of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star International Lawyers’ Fellowship in Calabar, which convened over 100 legal professionals to discuss the theme, “Revolutionizing the Justice System.” Justice Frederick Oho of the Court of Appeal, Yola Division, underscored the judiciary’s role as the last bastion of hope for citizens and urged lawyers to adopt a “spirit-led” approach grounded in integrity, accountability, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. He noted that such lawyers must serve as societal watchdogs, fearlessly advocating for the underprivileged and resisting pressures that compromise justice. Speakers, including Prof. Jacob Dada, stressed that meaningful reform requires honest judicial officers, strong democratic institutions, and adherence to ethical standards. The conference concluded that revitalizing Nigeria’s justice system demands both systemic restructuring and renewed professional ethics to restore public confidence and ensure accessible, fair, and efficient justice delivery.

A leadership crisis is brewing in the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations of misconduct against the party chairman, Mr. Ezekiel Nwogwugwu. Some party stakeholders accused the party chairman of running the party as a personal business and trying to sell it to moneybags ahead of the 2019 general election. Following the allegations, the planned inauguration of the new executive committee and the opening of the party secretariat at the council headquarters in Omoba was aborted by the state chairman, Donatus Nwankpa, who swiftly petitioned security agencies. Nwankpa said the party had set up a six-man committee to look into the matter and petitioned the security agencies to stop the formal opening of the party secretariat to avert a breach of peace and order. Former chairman of the Isiala-Ngwa South council, Uzoma Uwa, said the sack of the party chairman was in line with the APC Constitution.

The Lagos State Police Command, on Wednesday, arraigned 21-year-old Basit Ogunrombi before a magistrates’ court sitting at Ogba for allegedly stealing phones and money worth N397,000. Ogunrombi is facing a three-count charge of breach of peace, conspiracy and stealing preferred against him by the police. The defendant, pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. Magistrate S. The case was adjourned till August 8 2023, for mention.

Taxes paid by manufacturers in 2023 increased by 115 per cent from N192bn in the first quarter, to N414.5bn in the second quarter. A data collated from various Company Income Tax and Value Added Tax reports published by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed. According to findings by The PUNCH, in the first quarter of 2023, manufacturers paid N62.9bn as CIT, while of N129.2bn was paid as Value Added Tax. In the second quarter, the VAT paid by manufacturers increased by 17 per cent to N151.7bn, while CIT increased to N262.7bn. This meant that manufacturers paid at least N607bn in CIT and VAT in the first six months of the year. The data also showed that across the VAT and CIT remittances in 2023, the manufacturing sector was the most taxed sector in the first and second quarters of the year. While speaking in an exclusive interview with the PUNCH, the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said manufacturers had continued to battle over-taxation, alongside other factors that had negatively affected the growth of the industry.