As Nigerians grapple with rising living costs, the Federal Government is preparing a nationwide crackdown on traders and businesses accused of giving customers less than the quantities they pay for, warning that short measures unfairly drain household incomes. The planned operation will target open markets, filling stations, supermarkets and other commercial outlets, with authorities promising surprise inspections, test purchases and public identification of repeat offenders. Dr Salim Mohammed, Director of the Weights and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, disclosed the plan in Abuja, describing accurate measurement as essential to consumer protection and fair trade.…
Author: National Update
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has blamed the sharp depreciation of the naira under President Bola Tinubu’s administration for worsening poverty and eroding Nigerians’ purchasing power. Speaking on Wednesday at the 2026 Financial Times Africa Summit in London, Obasanjo criticised the scale of the currency’s decline, arguing that it had imposed a heavy economic burden on citizens. He said the naira’s fall against the United States dollar had reduced Nigerians’ ability to afford goods and services, adding to the hardship faced by households already grappling with rising living costs. “We do not live in isolation as a country. We interact with…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja A professor of Science Education at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Lawrence Achimugu, has called for a state of emergency on teachers’ welfare and education funding, warning that poor remuneration and inadequate resources are undermining effective teaching and learning in Nigeria. Achimugu, who is also Dean of the Faculty of Education, said innovative teaching methods would remain largely ineffective unless governments addressed the poor working conditions, inadequate infrastructure and weak institutional support confronting teachers. He made the call while delivering the university’s 30th inaugural lecture, titled “Monkey De Work, Baboon De Chop: The Dark Shadow…
Former deputy governors across Nigeria have called for guaranteed political representation for women, young people and marginalised minorities, urging governments to widen access to power and make leadership more inclusive. The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) said greater inclusion, accountable leadership and stronger citizen participation were essential to rebuilding public trust and addressing the disconnect between government and the people. The forum made the call in a 16-point communiqué issued at the end of its fifth national conference, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel from October 20 to 21. It urged the federal, state and local governments…
Armed bandits have reportedly intercepted a vehicle conveying passengers returning from Sokoto city and shot everyone inside along the road to Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The exact number of people killed in the attack, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, October 21, had yet to be confirmed as of Thursday. Conflict reporter Bakatsine, who covers security incidents in northwestern Nigeria, reported the incident and shared photographs of some of the victims. Some of those killed were reportedly among the 3,000 people recruited by the Sokoto State Government who had travelled to the state capital for further screening and…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has commended the peaceful conduct of the October 17 local government elections in Kogi State but identified late arrival of electoral officials, inadequate materials and low voter turnout as major shortcomings. The human rights organisation also blamed inadequate voter education and declining public confidence for the poor participation recorded in several polling units. In its election observation report signed by its Executive Director, Idris Miliki Abdul, CHRCR said its observers found that several polling units lacked election officials and materials, contrary to the schedule announced by the Kogi…
By Handel Okoli As Nigeria inches towards another general election, against a backdrop of political tension, growing anxiety, and genuine national security concerns, certain aspects of the life and times of one of our finest statesmen have assumed renewed significance. The ideas, convictions, and political philosophy of Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria, deserves serious reflection as we consider the kind of country we wish to build. Dr. Ekwueme was born on 21 October 1932. Had he not passed away on 19 November 2017, he would have celebrated his 94th birthday on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. His…
***Coalition alleges ₦20m campaign to frustrate crackdown, demands probe of alleged military collusion Indigenous youth organisations in Plateau State have accused groups representing Fulani interests of attempting to undermine security operations through petitions and social media campaigns targeting security agencies. Addressing a press conference at the NUJ FCT Council in Abuja on Wednesday, the coalition urged President Bola Tinubu to sustain joint operations involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow. The youth leaders alleged that sponsors of armed militants were raising ₦20 million to fund media campaigns, court cases and petitions aimed at frustrating…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kogi State chapter, has warned that neglecting doctors’ welfare threatens patients’ lives, urging the Federal and state governments to improve remuneration, provide safer workplaces and address burnout among medical practitioners. The state chairman, Dr Mary Onyeche Obari, gave the warning during activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.” Obari said doctors routinely work under intense pressure, handle emergencies and make critical medical decisions, often at the expense of their physical and mental health. She warned that such sacrifices should not be mistaken for professional…
Opposition leaders are stepping up efforts to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke among the prominent figures being considered for a consensus presidential ticket. The G100 coalition said Wednesday in Abuja that negotiations with opposition parties and presidential hopefuls were making progress, raising the prospect of a coordinated challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress. But with no candidate-selection formula publicly announced, the coalition faces a critical test: persuading rival political camps to rally behind one candidate and avoid a divided…