***Bans Social, Religious Activities Beyond 4pm** By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has confirmed that major bandit commanders have relocated into parts of the state, prompting the government to impose a ban on all social, religious, and community activities beyond 4pm with immediate effect. Ododo made the disclosure on Thursday during an expanded State Security Council meeting in Lokoja, convened amid rising public anxiety over reports of bandit presence in some communities. The meeting drew participants from the security agencies, traditional institutions, and key community stakeholders. The governor said the decision was necessary to safeguard…
Author: National Update
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued a blistering indictment of the country’s security failures, warning that repeated delays in responding to attacks on Christian communities are deepening fears of collusion and strengthening claims of a looming “Christian genocide.” In a statement on Thursday, the bishops said they have received disturbing reports of security teams arriving late—or not at all—during violent assaults on predominantly Christian settlements, particularly in the Northern and Middle Belt regions. They described the pattern of attacks as “prolonged, brutal, and devastating,” noting that several communities have been completely destroyed or occupied, while displaced persons…
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has called for urgent collective action to strengthen water security and build Nigeria’s resilience to climate change. Edun made the call in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of the Lokoja Dialogues, an initiative designed to promote community-driven solutions for water management, climate adaptation and sustainable development. He described water as a “strategic economic asset” essential for boosting agricultural productivity, supporting livelihoods and ensuring inclusive growth. According to the minister, addressing Nigeria’s water challenges requires coordinated investment, innovation and broad stakeholder collaboration. Edun reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment…
By Ben Adaji Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is on track to take over Taraba State — and ultimately Nigeria — in the 2027 general elections. Atiku made the declaration while reacting to the massive turnout at the ADC rally in Jalingo and the unveiling of the party’s new Taraba State Secretariat. He said the excitement across the state shows a growing hunger for political change and a government that puts people first. According to him, the ADC’s rising momentum, reinforced by deepening grassroots mobilisation, has positioned the party as a formidable force ahead…
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised concerns that the proposed hike in excise duty on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) could hurt local production, cost jobs, and derail investment in the sector. Speaking before the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, MAN’s Abuja Liaison Director, Adeyemi Folorunsho, said the move—from the current flat ₦10-per-litre levy to a higher rate—comes at a time when many manufacturers are already operating on razor-thin margins. He warned that a sudden increase could disrupt production, weaken the viability of plants, and drive up sugar imports, undermining the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan. “Such a tax could destabilize…
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,…
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…