President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking Thursday in Abuja at the Federal Executive Council meeting after the swearing-in of two new ministers, stated that Nigeria remains on a steady growth path with increasing stability and prospects for prosperity as economic reforms continue to yield results and gain national and international recognition. Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro was sworn in as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, while Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN) took over the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. The President emphasized that both appointments will help drive Nigeria’s development agenda. On the economy and foreign relations, President Tinubu…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reduced the constituency project allocation for federal lawmakers from ₦1 billion each to ₦500 million due to funding constraints in the 2025 national budget. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi of Plateau State explained that the previous arrangement allowed each House of Representatives member up to ₦1 billion, while senators received ₦2 billion each. He noted that the actual amount depends on the number of lawmakers from a state. For example, in Plateau State, the ₦1 billion envelope would have been shared among eight members, giving each about ₦125 million under the old scheme. Gagdi also stated that…
Nigeria international John Ogu has hailed Victor Osimhen as the best striker in the world following the Super Eagles star’s remarkable performance in Europe. Ogu made the statement after Osimhen scored a hat‑trick for Galatasaray in their 3‑0 win against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League. Reacting to Osimhen’s display, Ogu posted on X: “Osimhen is the best striker in the world.” The 2023 African Player of the Year has now scored 12 goals in his last eight matches for Galatasaray in European competitions. Ogu praised Osimhen’s consistency and goal‑scoring prowess, noting that his recent performances demonstrate exceptional talent and…
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has expressed confidence that Florian Wirtz and Thomas Frimpong will thrive at Liverpool. Speaking on the players’ potential impact, he said, “Both players have immense quality and I am certain they will adapt quickly to the Premier League.” Boniface highlighted Wirtz’s vision and technical ability as key attributes that will suit Liverpool’s attacking style. “Wirtz can control the midfield and create chances in tight spaces, which is exactly what the team needs,” he added. He also praised Frimpong’s physicality and work rate, saying the Ghanaian midfielder will provide stability and energy in Liverpool’s midfield. “Frimpong’s defensive…
The head of France’s state audit office described the dramatic theft of crown jewels from the Louvre last month as “a deafening wake up call” for the museum’s security operations. The report, prepared by the Cour des Comptes and presented by Pierre Moscovici, states the museum had sufficient funds for the improvements yet the pace of upgrading safety and technical infrastructure was wholly inadequate. Covering the period between 2018 and 2024, the audit found that the museum’s management repeatedly placed priority on high profile acquisitions and visitor attracting displays over essential maintenance and security systems. As of 2024 only 39…
Germany’s financial regulator BaFin has issued a record €45 million fine against J.P. Morgan SE, the Frankfurt‑based subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co., citing repeated failures in its anti‑money‑laundering (AML) controls. BaFin stated that between October 2021 and September 2022, J.P. Morgan SE “systematically failed to submit suspicious activity reports without undue delay,” breaching Germany’s Money Laundering Act. The regulator said the bank’s internal processes for reporting suspicious transactions were inadequate. JPMorgan responded by acknowledging the fine relates to “historical findings” and emphasized that “the timing of our SAR filings did not impede any investigations by the authorities.” The bank reiterated its commitment to preventing, detecting, and…
Washington Thirty one members of the US Congress have publicly praised President Donald Trump for his decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing serious concerns over the protection of religious freedom. In a joint statement, the lawmakers said they “applaud President Trump’s decisive leadership in the matter.” One of them, Representative Riley M. Moore (R Va), said: “I want to sincerely thank President Trump for his incredible leadership and decisive action to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.” US officials say Nigeria earned the designation because of what…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has confirmed Kenneth Udeze as the National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA), dismissing a challenge filed by party member Adekunle Rufai Omoaje. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that the suit lacked merit and upheld Udeze’s leadership. Omoaje had argued that a national convention held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, produced a new executive leadership, which he claimed should replace Udeze’s administration. The plaintiff sought the court’s validation of this convention as legitimate. In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu agreed with submissions from Udeze’s lawyer, Ezenwa Ibegbunam, stating that the case was incompetent and could not stand. The…
Petroleum marketers under the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Abia State have threatened to withdraw services if the state government does not reverse a recent increase in taxes. The association issued a 21‑day ultimatum to the government, describing the new taxation as “outrageous” and unsustainable. In a statement signed by IPMAN Chairman Mazi Oliver Okolo and Secretary Imo Mascot Obike, the marketers said the consolidated revenue levy for petroleum marketers has been increased by over 600 percent, escalating from ₦95,000 to ₦600,000 annually without prior consultation. They noted that this comes amid already challenging business conditions following…
The United States military has prepared a three level contingency plan outlining possible intervention strategies in Nigeria, depending on the scale of involvement required. According to reports, the plan is categorised into light, medium and heavy options, each detailing the extent of deployment the US may consider if the situation demands action. The disclosure comes amid concerns over Nigeria’s security challenges and growing international interest in the country’s stability. The report stated that the United States Africa Command had already designed the plans and submitted them for consideration. It noted that the “light option involves limited military support, while the…
The Independent National Electoral Commission has given strong assurances to members of the National Youth Service Corps who will serve as ad hoc staff in the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday. INEC said measures have been taken to ensure their safety and prompt payment of all allowances for the assignment. INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan addressed journalists in Awka, where he emphasised that the welfare of corps members deployed for election duties remains a top priority. He explained that the commission, alongside security agencies, is committed to providing a safe working environment during the election. “Nobody would hold back…
The Federal Government has announced a renewed partnership with Germany aimed at reducing illegal migration by providing Nigerian youths with skills training and opportunities for lawful employment abroad. The initiative focuses on empowering young people with the necessary vocational skills to secure decent jobs and choose safe migration options. Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi revealed the development in Abuja after a meeting with Matthias Leder, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Giessen Friedberg. He explained that the collaboration would open structured labour mobility channels for qualified Nigerians seeking career growth overseas. According…