Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Africa’s premier football tournament, will officially be played every four years starting from 2028. This landmark decision signals a major restructuring of the continent’s football calendar and reflects growing efforts to modernise African football and align it with global standards. Motsepe Makes the Announcement The change was revealed on Saturday by Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Speaking on the future of the game, Motsepe described the move as part of a broader vision to strengthen African football on and off the pitch. “We have the most exciting new structure…

Overview The United States government has temporarily suspended the processing of green card (permanent residency), and U.S. citizenship applications for Nigerians and nationals of several other countries following an expansion of the U.S. travel ban. This move, part of broader immigration policy changes announced by the Trump administration, has sparked international attention and concern, particularly in African and Asian nations now included on the expanded restrictions list. What Did the US Government Do? According to U.S. officials and multiple reports, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has been directed to suspend legal immigration benefits — including: Adjustment of Status applications…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially written to the House of Representatives, requesting to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly. The letter, read on Thursday by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, requested the presentation to take place at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 19, 2025. “I write to crave the kind indulgence of the House of Representatives to grant me the slot of 12:00 noon on Friday, December 19, 2025, to formally present the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly,” the letter read. Budget Size: N54.46 Trillion The 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following the Senate’s confirmation of the board members on December 16. The development represents a strategic step in the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen regulatory governance and accelerate reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector. The approval was announced in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the newly reconstituted board will be chaired by Dr. Mulisiu Olalekan Oseni. Board Leadership Dr Oseni began his service at NERC as a Commissioner in January 2017 and was later appointed Vice…

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has publicly condemned the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, and is demanding a formal apology from its producer, popular actress Ini Edo. The association described the title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith and its sacred observances. Sacred Celebration Under Scrutiny In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday and signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Christian umbrella body said that Christmas is a sacred season marking the birth of Jesus Christ — a time symbolising purity, peace, love, and redemption. According to the…

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the release of eleven Nigerian soldiers, who had been held in Burkina Faso for ten days after their aircraft made an unscheduled landing. Punch gathers this from Kimiebi Ebienfa spokesperson of the ministry on Wednesday night, “The soldiers have been released. I just confirmed with our Head of Mission in Burkina Faso.” However, it remains unclear when the personnel will return to Nigeria, as their travel arrangements are yet to be verified. Background: Unscheduled Landing and Detention The incident began on December 8, 2025, when a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C‑130 military transport…

The Senate on Wednesday deliberated on the confirmation of nominees for appointment as commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), taking decisive action on two key nominations. The report of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, presented by its chairman Cyril Fasuyi, covered the nominees Idahagbon Omoregie, representing Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo states, and Ngbea Gabriel, representing Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau states. Omoregie Nomination Stepped Down The nomination of Omoregie was stepped down following objections raised by several senators, including Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North). Oshiomhole questioned Omoregie’s conduct during his previous tenure as a federal commissioner, citing…

Nigerian motorists are beginning to feel relief at the pumps as major filling stations reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), following a recent downward review by Dangote Refinery. The move marks a significant shift in our downstream oil market and highlights the growing influence of private refining on domestic fuel prices. Major Marketers Slash Pump Prices A survey of filling stations in Abuja on Wednesday revealed notable reductions by several marketers. MRS lowered its pump price to ₦739 per litre from ₦910, AA Rano adjusted to ₦840 per litre from ₦910, and Bovas cut its price to ₦865…

December 16, 2025, was marked by significant developments across our political, economic, legal, and social landscape. From decisive regulatory actions by the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed at strengthening the financial system, to high-profile corruption investigations, security concerns, and major sports and cultural headlines, the day’s news reflected a nation grappling with reform, accountability, and public interest issues. These stories not only dominated our public discourse but also underscored broader themes of governance, economic stability, rule of law, and societal responsibility. I presented below the top ten trending news stories in Nigeria on December 16, 2025, each offering insight into…

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN), approval of 82 Bureau De Change (BDC), operators under its revised regulatory framework has reignited debate across foreign exchange market. To some, the figure appears modest; to others, it represents a long-awaited reset of a sector long accused of opacity, speculation, and weak oversight. What is clear, however, is that the licensing exercise is neither concluded nor accidental—it is a deliberate attempt by the apex bank to fundamentally reshape the retail forex landscape. A Signal, Not a Conclusion Announced on December 8, 2025, the approval of 82 BDC operators is best understood as a…

In a significant move aimed at strengthening fiscal planning amid global economic uncertainty, the Senate has approved a reduction of the crude oil price benchmark to $60 per barrel for the 2026 fiscal year as part of its consideration of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), for 2026–2028. The move followed recommendations by the Senate Committee on Finance, presented during extended plenary by its chairman, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East). In his explanation, Senator Musa emphasized that the reduction was made in recognition of global geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East and the resulting…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has taken decisive regulatory action by revoking the operating licences of Aso Savings and Loans Plc & Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, two mortgage finance institutions that have struggled with prolonged financial and regulatory challenges. What Happened? On Monday, December 15, 2025, CBN withdrew the licences of both institutions — effectively shutting down their ability to operate as licensed primary mortgage banks in Nigeria. The move is part of the apex bank’s broader enforcement of prudential standards and its efforts to shore up confidence in the financial system. Reasons for Licences Revocation According…