Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Google has agreed to pay USD 40.2 million (about R688 million), media support package for South African news organisations, following a landmark settlement with the country’s Competition Commission, (CompCom) probe. Key Findings from the Inquiry The Competition Commission’s Media & Digital Platforms Market Inquiry found that Google’s search and content-display practices prevented fair monetisation for local media. A major issue identified was what regulators call “zero-click behaviour” — users consume news via Google itself (for example through summaries), rather than clicking through to publishers’ sites, leading to dwindling referral traffic. Google’s algorithms reportedly favour large, foreign news outlets over South…

In a tense and charged World Cup qualifying playoff match, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed he was targeted by laser pointers from the stands — but said he refused to let it break his concentration. Speaking after Nigeria’s dramatic extra-time win over Gabon — a 4–1 victory sealed by Osimhen’s brace — the star forward opened up about the disturbing incident. “I actually saw the person pointing the laser at me … the person was in the stand, I couldn’t go there,” Osimhen said. He added that the tactic appeared to be a deliberate attempt to distract the…

In a swift policy reversal, Nigerian filling stations across the country have begun reducing pump prices for petrol and diesel after the government suspended a planned 15 percent import duty on fuels. The decision is being met with relief by consumers and concern from some industry groups — marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. Duty Suspension and Market Reaction On Thursday, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), announced the 15 percent ad-valorem import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS,) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), was “no longer in view.” The duty had been slated to take effect…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mohammed Buba Marwa as the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for a further five-year term, extending his leadership of the agency until 2031. Background and Credentials Marwa, who hails from Adamawa State in Nigeria, first took charge of the NDLEA in January 2021 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Prior to that, he chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to December 2020. A former military governor of Lagos and Borno States, Marwa is an alumnus of the…

The Senate was sharply divided on Thursday over a bill seeking to establish the Chartered Institute of Revenue and Fiscal Management of Nigeria, a proposed professional body aimed at promoting excellence, transparency, and accountability in fiscal governance. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Revenue and Fiscal Management of Nigeria and for Related Matters, 2025 (SB. 614),” was sponsored by Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central. Leading the debate, Aliero stated that the proposed institute would regulate fiscal management practices, monitor compliance with professional standards, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic management framework. “The institute…

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to halt its scheduled National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, set for November 15–16, 2025. Saraki emphasized that proceeding amid ongoing legal disputes could deepen internal divisions within the party. In a statement personally signed following a meeting with the PDP Board of Trustees’ Reconciliation Team, led by Hassan Adamu, Saraki cautioned that the planned convention has become mired in both political and legal controversies. He recommended the establishment of a Caretaker Committee to temporarily manage party affairs and restore internal calm. Saraki described the current situation as…

Nigeria contributes about 14 per cent of global maternal deaths and nine per cent of under-five deaths worldwide, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has revealed. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the second day of the 2025 Joint Annual Review (JAR), Meeting of the Health Sector, the minister described the statistics as “deeply concerning,” stressing that the country’s progress, though visible, remains far below what is expected for a nation of its size and potential. The meeting, themed “All Hands, One Mission: Bringing Nigeria’s Health Sector to Light,” brought together policymakers, development…

Nigeria booked their place in the final of the African playoff stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a dramatic 4‑1 win over Gabon in extra time. The match took place in Rabat, Morocco, as part of the continental mini‐tournament for the runners‑up of the groups. Key Facts Venue: Neutral ground, Rabat, Morocco. This was a semi‑final of the CAF qualifying playoff for Africa’s additional spot in the inter‑continental playoffs. Nigeria prevailed 4‑1 after extra time, having been pegged back to 1‑1 late in regular time. Match Progression & Goals Nigeria took the lead in the 78th minute…

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG), has announced a significant reversal of its education language policy — deciding to abandon the use of indigenous/mother-tongue instruction and instead make English the medium of teaching from pre-primary through tertiary education. Background In 2022 the government approved a new national language policy (the National Language Policy, or NLP), which stipulated that children from early childhood or pre-primary up to Primary Six should be taught in their mother tongue or the language of the immediate community, with English introduced later. This policy corresponded with the earlier national education framework (the National Policy on Education,…

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to suspend the planned 15% import duty on petrol (PMS), and diesel (AGO). Background In late October 2025, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu approved a policy introducing a 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). The duty would apply on the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF), value of imported fuel. The aims were to: Protect and encourage domestic refining capacity (especially the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and modular refineries). Align import costs with “domestic market…

The Lagos State Government has unveiled a 25% subsidy on essential food items as the festive season approaches — a move aimed at easing the cost-of‐living pressures on households. What The Subsidy Covers According to Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, the initiative includes: A 25% discount on staples like 5 kg rice, 3.2 kg beans, 2.5 kg garri, 1 loaf of bread, 1 kg each of pepper and other essentials. Availability of these discounted items at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub, Mushin. Extension of support to farmers via the second phase of the ‘Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy…

The Federal Government of Nigeria under the new Tax Act 2025, plans to overhaul the capital gains tax (CGT), regime. Find as I listed below among the key changes: The current CGT rate on share‑disposals and other capital assets (previously around 10 %), would be increased – reports suggest up to 30 % for certain disposals. A threshold exemption of ₦150 million annually has been cited as applying to retail investors, which the government says covers “99.9 %” of such investors. A reinvestment relief carve‑out: For instance, if proceeds from share sales are reinvested in equities, certain taxes may be exempt; but if reinvested…