By Fatima Ndagi The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Implementation and Oversight of the Naira-for-Crude-Oil Policy has demanded a complete breakdown of all crude oil seizures, sales, and disposal activities from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the agency of submitting incomplete documentation. The directive was issued on Wednesday by the committee chairman, Rep. Emerengwa Boniface Sunday, during the committee’s resumed investigative hearing in Abuja. The Naira-for-Crude policy—introduced in 2024 to stabilise the naira, support domestic refineries, and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves—is under parliamentary scrutiny amid concerns over transparency and compliance. Appearing before lawmakers,…
Author: National Update
By Fatima Ndagi The member representing Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency of Niger State, Hon. Jafaru Mohammed Ali, has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently step up military operations to curb the escalating bandit attacks ravaging communities in his constituency. He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—who holds the traditional title of Jagaban Borgu—to take decisive action against armed groups terrorising the Borgu Emirate. Hon. Ali made the call on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the recent upsurge in violence, including an attack on his convoy and the abduction of over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary…
Nigeria has reaffirmed its leadership role in driving African–Arab economic cooperation, with the Federal Government calling for stronger trade ties focused on agribusiness value addition and industrial development. The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, made the call in Abuja at the Agribusiness Matchmaking Forum held ahead of the African–Arab Trade Bridges (AATB) Board of Governors Meeting. Speaking to policymakers, investors and development partners, Edun said that in a rapidly changing global economic landscape, Africa and the Arab region must strengthen regional trade, deepen investment flows and build shared value chains to unlock…
The Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigerian Police has swooped on Arc Kabiru Ibrahim, the self-proclaimed President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), along with his executive council, over allegations of impersonation, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and conduct capable of breaching the peace. The action follows a formal complaint by Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi and his team, who accused Kabiru Ibrahim of defying a Court of Appeal ruling that barred him from using the AFAN presidential title. According to the complainants, Ibrahim has continued to parade himself at public events, on TV, and across social media,…
***Akpabio: ₦10 Per Litre No Longer Realistic **Finance Ministry, Manufacturers Raise Concerns Nigeria’s efforts to curb rising noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) received a major boost on Thursday as the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, civil society groups, medical experts and advocacy coalitions urged the Senate to strengthen the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax. Speaking at a public hearing organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, Customs and Excise, stakeholders pushed for replacing the current flat ₦10-per-litre tax with a percentage-based (ad valorem) levy and for legally earmarking part of the proceeds for public health programmes. The hearing…
In a move that could reshape local political alignments, Mr. Nehemiah Tsentse, former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly and erstwhile Director of Protocol to ex-Deputy Governor Silas Agara, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement came on Thursday via a formal letter addressed to the APC Chairman of Ninghaan Ward in Akwanga Local Government Area. Sources close to Tsentse confirmed that he has chosen to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing careful consideration behind his decision. Tsentse’s defection marks a significant political statement, given his long-standing influence within the APC and his…
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., has underscored the transformative role of art and culture in shaping Nigeria’s public-sector leadership and national development. Speaking to participants of the 4th Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja, Musawa urged emerging public leaders to recognize cultural heritage as a strategic asset for governance, social cohesion, and economic growth. Special Adviser on Media & Publicity Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted the minister to have addressed the trainees under the theme, “Building the Next Generation of Public…
Nigeria is accelerating its shift from costly, polluting fuels to clean, homegrown energy as the Federal Government positions Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at the heart of the nation’s sustainable transport future. The move, officials say, is not just about greener vehicles—it is a strategic leap toward economic transformation and energy independence. Speaking at the 2nd Annual Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conference and World Sustainable Transport Day at the National Open University of Nigeria, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the transition as a “national imperative” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. She said the shift is a cornerstone…
Fear and terror gripped Palaita and Kakuru communities in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, on Wednesday as armed bandits launched brazen attacks on residents. In Palaita, chaos erupted around 2:00 p.m. when bandits stormed a rice farm, abducting 24 villagers, including pregnant women, as they worked under the scorching sun. Villagers said the attackers moved with alarming speed, vanishing into the bush before soldiers from a nearby military camp, just five kilometers away, could intervene. “They came out of nowhere,” a distraught local recounted. “By the time anyone realized what was happening, they were already gone with…
Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary and global governance advocate, Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, calling it “a dangerous interruption of democracy and a warning of Africa’s deeper governance crisis.” In a statement Thursday, Frank stressed that while coups are unacceptable, African leaders and regional bodies share responsibility for creating conditions that make them possible. “Military rule is never the answer. But we cannot ignore that coups emerge from failing democracies—rigged elections, unconstitutional term extensions, and leaders who refuse to respect the people’s will,” he said. Frank, recently appointed Senior Advisor to the Global…