Author: Lawan

The decision by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to resume the issuance of petrol import licences has drawn sharp criticism from industry advocates, who warn that the move risks undermining domestic refining efforts and exposing the market to substandard fuel products. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Energy Transparency and Market Justice Initiative (ETMJI) condemned the regulator’s action, describing it as a policy reversal that could weaken recent gains in local supply while encouraging the inflow of lower-quality petroleum products. The regulator had earlier maintained that domestic refining capacity was sufficient to meet national demand,…

Zamfara 2027: Northern APC Peace Agenda applauds Matawalle, Dauda Lawal’s reconciliation …commends Matawalle’s large heart, love for President Tinubu’s success above personal interest The Northern APC Peace Agenda has commended the political reconciliation between Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, describing their alliance under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a stabilising development ahead of the 2027 elections. In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna and signed by its president, Alhaji Rabiu Ahmad, the group said Matawalle’s decision to forgo any governorship ambition and back Lawal reflects political maturity and a broader commitment to…

The Federal Government has unveiled the National HIV Prevention Plan 2026–2030, shifting from reactive treatment to proactive, development-focused interventions to prevent infections and strengthen Nigeria’s human capital for sustainable growth nationwide. Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday in Abuja, Ms Kachallom Daju, represented by Dr Bilqisu Idris, affirmed the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s full commitment to successful implementation of the Plan nationwide. It was reported that the inauguration highlighted a dual-track approach balancing immediate clinical needs with long-term developmental prevention strategies designed to reduce infections and strengthened resilience across populations nationwide. Government officials, civil society organisations, traditional and…

Fourteen-year-old Adeolu Oluwadamilola Ooreofe emerged the winner of the 2026 African Spelling Bee in the Junior Category, bringing pride to Ekiti State and Nigeria after a remarkable performance at the continental competition held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Adeolu, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, defeated contestants from more than 20 African countries to clinch the coveted title, capping years of steady academic and spelling excellence. Her latest triumph follows an impressive run in previous competitions. She placed second in the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee, came second in the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, finished fifth in the 2025…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu and her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, to the Federal Government. Justice Emeka Nwite gave the ruling on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in a case involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd over the ownership of the funds, which the anti-graft agency said were proceeds of fraud and other unlawful activities. In his judgment, Justice Nwite held that Oceangate failed to convincingly explain the source of the money. He ruled that…

The Super Eagles camp in Antalya has swelled to 21 players ahead of upcoming international friendlies in Turkey. It was reported that six additional players arrived on Wednesday morning, boosting the squad after an initial wave of early arrivals on Tuesday. Early arrivals include Fisayo Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, Emmanuel Oluwasegun, Yira Sor, Paul Onuachu and Philip Otele. Others are Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon, Francis Uzoho, Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Also in camp are Frank Onyeka, Adebayo Adeleye, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. Raphael Onyedika, Igoh Ogbu, Maduka Okoye, Samuel Chukwueze and Zaidu Sanusi complete the 21-man list…

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has directed political appointees who would be interested in contesting 2027 elections to resign, citing the Electoral Act. The directive was contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa in Kano on Wednesday.The statement said that the interested persons must resign by March 31, 2026, to ensure neutrality and level playing field. The directive was conveyed through an official circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, emphasising the need for strict compliance with laws governing the conduct of public officers.The circular stated that the decision is in…

In a landmark judgment, a federal high court sitting in Lagos has ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) acted beyond its powers when it sacked the board and management of Union Bank of Nigeria in January 2024. credit: thecable

World Bank has identified lack of coordination as a factor affecting the fight against multidimensional poverty ravaging the country. Nigeria’s Country Director Bank, Lire Ersado, disclosed this yesterday at the launch of One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS) in Abuja. He noted that instead of Nigerians to reinforce each other, government officials sometimes clash because of the parallel systems it is running. “I have come to realize why a lot of efforts that go into poverty reduction are not having the kind of impact we would like to see. “The first reason is lack of coordination in my view. We…

The Presidency has cautioned Senator Ali Ndume against making sweeping claims about terrorism on television, urging him instead to channel any credible intelligence to relevant security agencies for action. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the advice on Tuesday while reacting to Ndume’s recent appearance on Channels Television, where the lawmaker alleged that terrorists operate with informants embedded within Nigerian communities. Onanuga said any actionable intelligence regarding terrorist activities, informants, or planned attacks should be shared directly with the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Security Adviser, and other intelligence bodies. “If Senator Ndume…