Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria. The directive — effective January 21, 2026 — instructs U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to stop issuing immigrant visas to citizens of those countries while a broad review of screening and vetting procedures is conducted. This policy affects countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America, including major nations like Nigeria, a key nation in Africa, and Russia. This change is particularly significant for Nigerians, as Nigeria is a key nation in Africa…

As Nigeria’s Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), 2025 took effect on January 1, 2026, a fresh controversy has erupted over how commercial banks are applying stamp duty charges on electronic transactions. What was supposed to be a simple reform aimed at streamlining tax collection has instead triggered widespread public frustration — with many Nigerians complaining of what is seen as “double” or excessive charges imposed by banks on everyday financial transfers. What Is This Stamp Duty Charge? Under the new tax law, electronic transfers of ₦10,000 and above attract a flat ₦50 stamp duty charge — previously labelled the Electronic Money…

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco), one of Nigeria’s largest power distribution utilities, has announced the appointment of Wola Joseph-Condotti as Interim Chief Executive Officer — a major leadership shake-up coinciding with a change in ownership and a strategic reset for the company. A New Chapter Begins: Leadership Transition at Eko Disco The board unveiled the appointment of Wola Joseph-Condotti as interim CEO on January 12, 2026, following the resignation of Rekhiat Momoh, who had served as CEO for nearly two years. The formal announcement was made at a company flagship town hall meeting led by Engineer Olubunmi Peters, Chairman…

Former Governor of Rivers State and elder statesman, Dr. Peter Odili, has openly declared his support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, affirming that the governor remains the undisputed political leader of Rivers State despite the ongoing political crisis rocking the state. Odili made this known on Tuesday at a public event in Port Harcourt, where he spoke pointedly against the backdrop of renewed political tensions and power struggles within the state’s political landscape. “Your People Are With You” Addressing Governor Fubara directly, Odili delivered a strong message of reassurance, stressing that the governor enjoys the backing of the Rivers people. “Your…

In a move that has captivated global audiences and sparked intense debate about international norms and U.S. foreign policy, U.S. President, Donald J. Trump, posted an image on his social media platform, Truth Social, portraying himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela.” The image strongly resembles a Wikipedia‑style profile, complete with Trump’s portrait, the label “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026,” and his titles as the 45th and 47th President of the United States. Context: Venezuela in Turmoil This unusual social‑media post comes amid extraordinary developments in Venezuela: Earlier in January 2026, U.S. forces carried out a major military…

Nigeria’s fiscal landscape is under mounting pressure as the cost of servicing public debt under President Bola Tinubu’s administration is projected to exceed ₦91 trillion between 2023 and 2028 — a stark indicator of the country’s widening fiscal deficits, weak revenue performance, and rising borrowing costs. Rising Debt Service: The Numbers According to budget data and projections contained in the Medium‑Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2026–2028: The federal government significantly undershot its debt service targets in the past two years, with actual outlays far exceeding budgeted amounts. In 2023, the government spent ₦8.56 trillion on debt servicing versus a budget of ₦6.56 trillion, and…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), is set to publish its January 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO), Update on Monday, January 19, 2026, offering fresh forecasts and analysis on the global economy’s trajectory. The release will be accompanied by a hybrid press conference hosted at the National Bank of Belgium in Brussels, where IMF economists will discuss the latest findings with journalists and stakeholders. The World Economic Outlook series is one of the IMF’s flagship publications, widely watched by policymakers, investors, and analysts around the world. Produced by IMF research teams, these reports provide comprehensive assessments of short- and medium-term global…

The Federal Government has taken a significant step toward enhancing safety and monitoring on the iconic Third Mainland Bridge with the inauguration of a ₦40 billion Close Circuit Television (CCTV), control centre. The unveiling took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, marking a milestone in infrastructure security and traffic management in Lagos State. Boosting Security and Surveillance The new CCTV centre, built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is designed to provide real-time monitoring of activities on and beneath the Third Mainland Bridge. According to federal authorities, this facility is the first of its kind in Nigeria — equipped…

Football in Africa is more than a sport — it’s a source of identity, pride, and unity. Few companies have embraced this passion as fully as TotalEnergies, the global energy leader that has gone beyond sponsorship to become a true partner in the growth of African football. Through its unwavering commitment to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and other competitions, TotalEnergies is helping to write the next chapter in Africa’s football story. A Partnership Driven by Passion Since 2016, TotalEnergies has been at the heart of African football, proudly serving as the title sponsor of CAF competitions, including the…

The Federal Government has rolled out a comprehensive policy framework designed to reduce the financial burden on parents, improve learning outcomes, and promote sustainability in Nigeria’s education system. Key measures include restrictions on graduation ceremonies and a directive mandating the reuse of textbooks in schools. The policy was unveiled on Friday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s education sector. Graduation Ceremonies Streamlined Under the new guidelines, graduation ceremonies have been significantly streamlined to curb excesses. The Federal…

The Federal Government (FG) has pledged to halt the practice of withholding the salaries of striking health workers, even as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare recently ordered the stoppage of salaries for members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals currently on strike. The seeming contradiction has reignited debate within the health sector, with unions and analysts questioning whether the government’s renewed commitment to dialogue aligns with its immediate actions on the ground. Circular Orders ‘No Work, No Pay’ Enforcement In a circular dated January 8 and addressed to Chief…

Yusuf Datti Baba‑Ahmed, the former vice‑presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in the 2023 elections has firmly denied reports that he recently announced plans to run for the presidency in the 2027 general election. In a televised interview, Baba‑Ahmed described the claims as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of his comments amid ongoing political discussions. Clarifying the Controversy The controversy began after media and social media reports emerged suggesting that Baba‑Ahmed was positioning himself for a presidential bid. Some interpretations of his recent public remarks led to speculation that he was preparing to contest Nigeria’s highest office. However, in his…