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Wike Vows Certificates of Occupancy for AMAC Indigenous Residents

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Wike Vows Certificates of Occupancy for AMAC Indigenous Residents

FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday promised indigenous communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) that they would receive Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) for their ancestral lands, vowing to end decades of uncertainty over land ownership.

Wike made the pledge during a thank-you visit to AMAC following the recent area council elections, where he also thanked residents for their support and reiterated the administration’s commitment to grassroots development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I came to tell you that hope will return. Today, we are seeing that hope restored,” Wike said to cheers from residents, recalling his earlier town hall meeting where communities outlined their priorities, including road projects like the now-completed Saburi Road.

The minister warned against politicians who only show up during elections and do nothing for communities.

“Never again should politicians deceive you. Relationship is symbiotic you do your part, I do mine. When you fulfil your part, government must fulfil its own,” he said.

Responding, Wike assured residents that the administration would protect indigenous lands, grant CofOs, and continue engaging communities directly to ensure fair development across AMAC and the entire FCT.

“The President does not want ministers who remain in offices without knowing what the people want. Governance is about direct engagement, and that is what we are delivering,” he said.

AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, praised Wike’s intervention, describing his support as instrumental in ensuring victory during the elections. Traditional leaders, led by the Sape of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, thanked the minister for development strides but urged further action on land allocations and protection of indigenous settlements.

The event drew a large turnout of residents, youth groups, and traditional leaders despite the afternoon sun, underscoring the high expectations of indigenous communities for tangible results.

CBN Gold Reserves Rise to $3.5bn as Local Bullion Boosts External Assets

By
Gladys Phillip
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0

Nigeria’s external reserves have climbed to $3.5 billion in gold holdings following the addition of locally refined bullion meeting London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Good Delivery standards, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed.
The latest consignment was aggregated by the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) under the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP) and delivered into the apex bank’s reserves as part of its diversification drive.
Speaking at a workshop on strategies to maximise the economic benefits of minerals in Nigeria, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the monetary-grade gold was purchased in naira at prices linked to LBMA benchmarks.
According to him, the transaction structure enabled the bank to strengthen its gold reserves without deploying foreign exchange, thereby preserving external liquidity while enhancing reserve growth.
Cardoso noted that the move aligns with broader macroeconomic stability objectives, particularly amid global uncertainties, as central banks worldwide increasingly turn to gold as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks.
The NGPP sources gold from local miners under a responsible sourcing framework aligned with international due diligence standards. While the CBN acts as the sole off-taker, the SMDF oversees fiscal and supply chain management.
The CBN governor stressed that Nigeria’s mineral wealth can only translate into sustainable economic gains through prudent management, institutional credibility and strict adherence to global best practices.
Executive Secretary of the SMDF, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, described the successful delivery of LBMA-standard gold as proof of strengthened formalisation and due diligence processes within the sector.
Also speaking, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu, reaffirmed support for mineral sector financing, while Executive Vice Chairman of Kian Smith Gold Company, Nere Emiko, called for deeper investment in exploration and processing infrastructure.
The apex bank maintained that the domestic gold purchase programme remains central to its strategy to enhance reserve quality, reduce external vulnerabilities and position Nigeria’s mineral assets as a pillar of long-term economic stability.

‘No Officer Above the Law’: Disu Declares Zero Tolerance for Corruption, Misconduct

By
Mosali Edunosa
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0

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has declared zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of power and indiscipline within the Force, warning that rank and influence will no longer shield erring officers from consequences.
Addressing senior officers at the inaugural conference of strategic police managers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre in Abuja, Disu said discipline—not hierarchy—would define the new order in the Nigeria Police Force.
He stressed that the Force must return to its core mandate of serving the people, safeguarding the nation and upholding the rule of law, insisting that these principles must be reflected in officers’ daily conduct.
“In an era of heightened public scrutiny and instant communication, every action of the Police reflects instantly on the entire Force and on Nigeria itself,” he said.
“Misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, extortion, unlawful arrest or detention, no matter how isolated, erodes confidence and dishonours the uniform. Let me be unambiguous: such conduct will not be tolerated.”
The IGP placed responsibility on senior officers to lead by example, noting that authority gains legitimacy only when exercised with restraint, fairness and sound judgment. He emphasised that respect for human rights is central to professional policing and public trust.
Disu announced plans to strengthen internal accountability mechanisms, revealing that oversight units such as the Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit and the X-Squad would be empowered to investigate misconduct independently and without interference.
“The message must be clear: no officer is above the law,” he declared, warning that culpable officers would face swift disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where necessary.
He also urged citizens to report wrongdoing, assuring them of protection, while cautioning officers that loyalty must never translate into shielding colleagues from accountability.
Beyond enforcement, Disu signalled reforms in recruitment and capacity building, stating that the Force would overhaul its processes to admit only candidates of proven character, competence and commitment as part of efforts to rebuild public confidence and restore integrity to the institution.

Nigeria Targets $104bn Climate Investment as Reps Back Green Finance Bank

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Nigeria is positioning to unlock an estimated $104 billion in climate-smart investment opportunities by 2030, following backing from the House of Representatives for the proposed Green and Climate Finance Bank.
Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Ogene, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Green and Climate Finance Bank briefing in Abuja on Wednesday alongside Quantum Partners and promoters of the initiative.
Ogene described the proposed bank as timely and strategic, noting that it would mobilise private capital and deploy innovative risk-sharing tools to provide long-term financing for renewable energy and other climate-aligned sectors.
“The proposal to establish a Green and Climate Finance Bank is both timely and strategic. The bank is designed to mobilise private capital, use innovative risk-sharing tools, and provide long-term financing specifically for renewable energy and climate-aligned sectors,” he said.
He explained that the institution would support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women-led businesses, green innovators, and infrastructure developers driving the transition to a sustainable economy.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s renewable energy policy aimed at boosting energy security.
“This initiative comes at a critical time in our nation’s history. It is in line with the Federal Government’s policy of renewable energy as a viable option to strengthen energy security,” Ogene stated.
He clarified that the bank would be a private sector-driven institution with strong governance standards aligned with global environmental, social and transparency benchmarks.
“This is not a government-owned bank. It is a private sector initiative with a strong governance framework designed to attract both domestic and international investors while ensuring measurable climate and development impact,” he added, assuring that the National Assembly would provide an enabling legislative environment for sustainable finance frameworks.
Speaking at the briefing, Dr. Oluwafemi Adedipe, founder of Quantum Partners and one of the promoters, said Nigeria remains both climate-vulnerable and a promising green investment frontier.
“Floods, drought, desertification and energy insecurity threaten livelihoods and economic stability. At the same time, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, green infrastructure and circular economy ventures represent transformative growth sectors,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s climate investment potential could reach about $104 billion by 2030 but warned that capital mobilisation and proper risk structuring are critical to unlocking the opportunity.
“Opportunity alone does not translate into progress. The capital must be mobilised, risks structured, and projects financed,” Adedipe said, adding that the proposed bank would bridge the gap between green projects and capital markets through flexible financing solutions.
Also speaking, co-founder of Quantum Partners, Dr. Samuel Ndubuisi-Brown, revealed that promoters aim to raise $100 million in founding capital to secure regulatory approvals, establish operational systems and commence lending, targeting operational take-off in 2026.
He described the initiative as offering investors both financial returns and measurable environmental and social impact.
“It is about building a home-grown platform that speaks the language of international investors and local entrepreneurs, while strengthening Nigeria’s resilience to climate risk,” Ndubuisi-Brown said.
Lawmakers reiterated their readiness to engage regulators, development finance institutions and private investors to ensure the bank aligns with national priorities and global best practices as Nigeria deepens its green transition strategy.

2027: APC France Chapter Backs Tinubu, Shettima, Pledges Massive Diaspora Mobilisation

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
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0

The France chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in 2027, vowing to mobilise Nigerians in the diaspora to support their re-election bid.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its chairperson, Hajia Amina Suzuki, the chapter said its decision followed a “rigorous assessment” of the administration’s performance, concluding that the government’s policy direction has begun to reposition Nigeria despite prevailing economic challenges.
The group cited reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including fiscal adjustments, renewed focus on the oil and gas sector, and efforts to attract investment, as signs that confidence in Nigeria’s economy is gradually being restored.
While acknowledging that some of the reforms have come with short-term difficulties, the chapter described them as necessary steps toward long-term stability and inclusive growth.
“As Nigerians in the diaspora, we closely monitor global economic indicators and investor sentiment. Nigeria’s economic narrative is changing for the better. The resilience demonstrated by this administration, alongside its commitment to infrastructure development, social investment, security enhancement and youth empowerment, stands as proof of purposeful governance,” the statement read.
The chapter also commended Vice President Shettima’s role in policy coordination and implementation, saying his office has strengthened the administration’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
Beyond endorsing the ticket, the APC France Chapter unveiled plans for active mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls, pledging grassroots engagement, voter education and strategic outreach.
“We are committed to returning home in our numbers to participate in mobilisation efforts to ensure a resounding victory at the polls. Nigeria is on a journey of renewal. This is the time to consolidate progress,” the statement added.
The chapter called on Nigerians at home and abroad to rally behind the Tinubu-Shettima ticket to sustain what it described as ongoing national transformation.

Court Slams 40-Year Jail Term on Two for Producing, Selling Fake Alcohol in Lagos

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal High Court of Nigeria has sentenced two men to a combined 40 years’ imprisonment for producing and selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Lagos State.
The convicts, Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono, 58, and Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, 28, were found guilty by Justice Allagoa J. of offences relating to the manufacture, possession, distribution and sale of adulterated and unregistered alcoholic drinks.
Their conviction followed an enforcement operation carried out on December 3, 2025, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market in Lagos, where large quantities of fake and unregistered alcoholic beverages were uncovered.
Among the items seized were counterfeit versions of Hennessy V.S.O.P and Very Special, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson’s Blended Scotch Whisky and Gordon’s Dry Gin. The products were found to be unwholesome, misleadingly packaged and not registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities.
The defendants were arraigned on eight counts bordering on possession of unwholesome products, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, and related offences under applicable laws.
The case was prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which reiterated its resolve to protect public health and rid the market of unsafe products.
NAFDAC warned that adulterated alcoholic beverages pose grave health risks to consumers, including poisoning and long-term organ damage, and vowed to intensify enforcement operations nationwide.
The agency also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, stressing that public cooperation remains critical in the fight against counterfeit and harmful goods.

POWER THIEVES BEWARE! NERC Unleashes Tough Rules on Meter Bypass, Energy Theft

By
Saladin Babagana
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0

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has rolled out stricter procedures to clamp down on meter bypass and electricity theft across the country, warning that offenders are sabotaging power supply in their own communities.
In a strongly worded statement, the commission declared that every bypassed meter and stolen cable is a direct attack on neighbourhood power stability, stressing that energy theft hurts law-abiding consumers the most.
Under the new framework, distribution companies will be better equipped to detect and eliminate illegal connections, meter tampering and vandalism. NERC said the move is aimed at protecting shared electricity infrastructure while ensuring faster reconnection for compliant customers.
The regulator noted that electricity theft not only disrupts supply but piles financial pressure on honest consumers and weakens the entire power sector.
While vowing to intensify enforcement, NERC assured Nigerians that due process and consumer rights will remain protected. Law-abiding customers, it said, will enjoy clearer guidelines and improved reconnection timelines.
The commission urged residents to safeguard power installations in their areas and report suspicious activities to distribution companies, insisting that curbing energy theft is key to stabilising the grid and improving service delivery nationwide.

Audu Courts EU Investors, Unveils Nigeria’s $10bn Steel Market in Germany

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Nigeria has opened fresh talks with European investors as the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, unveiled the country’s $10 billion annual steel market and called for strategic partnerships to accelerate industrial growth.
Speaking at the Nigeria–German Economic Forum in Dortmund on Tuesday, the minister said Nigeria is repositioning itself from a raw materials exporter to a value-adding industrial economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Audu urged investors from the European Union to tap into Nigeria’s vast steel and mineral resources, stressing that the country’s nearly 250 million population and youthful workforce make it a natural hub for African trade and manufacturing.
He disclosed that Nigeria records about $10 billion in annual steel utilisation, reflecting strong domestic demand, and is seeking credible partners in steel and aluminium production, mineral beneficiation, and industrial infrastructure development, including power, rail, gas and ports.
The minister further highlighted Nigeria’s estimated three billion tonnes of iron ore deposits, alongside significant reserves of limestone, manganese, copper, lead-zinc, lithium and rare-earth minerals, which he said position the country for both domestic industrialisation and export opportunities to Europe.
German officials at the forum welcomed deeper economic cooperation as discussions centred on long-term investment, technology transfer and skills development to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.

Lassa Fever Death Toll Hits 75 as Fatality Rate Climbs to 23%

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 75 deaths from Lassa fever between January and mid-February 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 23 per cent.

In its Epidemiological Week 7 report covering February 9 to 15, the agency recorded 82 new confirmed cases, up from 74 cases in the preceding week.

So far this year, 326 confirmed cases and four probable cases have been reported out of 1,538 suspected cases.

The NCDC said the 23 per cent fatality rate in 2026 is significantly higher than the 19.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025, raising fresh concerns over the severity of the outbreak.

Confirmed cases during the reporting week were recorded in 14 states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna and Benue. Overall, 16 states across 58 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case this year.

About 84 per cent of confirmed cases were concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Edo states, with Bauchi accounting for the highest number of infections.

Young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected group, though cases range from one to 90 years. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8.

The agency also disclosed that five healthcare workers were infected during the reporting week, highlighting concerns about infection prevention and control in health facilities.

Although suspected and confirmed cases are lower compared to the same period last year, the NCDC expressed concern over late presentation of patients and poor health-seeking behaviour, factors it said are contributing to the rising fatality rate.

The national Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response efforts, while states have been urged to intensify community sensitisation and preventive measures to curb further spread.

FG Begins Nationwide Crackdown on Sachet Alcohol as Underage Drinking Surges

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have launched a nationwide enforcement and sensitisation campaign on the ban of sachet alcoholic drinks following alarming data on rising underage alcohol consumption.

The campaign, flagged off Tuesday at NOA headquarters in Abuja in collaboration with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), seeks to curb access to cheap and easily concealed alcoholic beverages by minors.

NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, cited findings from a 2021 national survey which revealed that 54.3 per cent of minors procure alcohol themselves, with nearly half purchasing sachets and small PET bottles from retailers.

The survey showed that 47.2 per cent of minors prefer sachet packs, while significant numbers also buy PET and glass bottles. It further revealed that many minors access alcohol through friends, social gatherings and even their parents’ homes.

On consumption trends, 63.2 per cent of minors drink occasionally, while 9.3 per cent consume alcohol daily. The study also recorded binge drinking among underaged respondents, with notable prevalence in Gombe, the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra states.

Adeyeye attributed the trend to peer pressure, parental influence, emotional distress, easy access and exposure to alcohol advertising.

She warned that underage drinking poses serious risks including brain damage, addiction, mental health disorders, poor academic performance, violence and road accidents.

She referenced a Senate resolution urging strict enforcement of the ban and expressed confidence that eliminating small, easily concealed pack sizes would significantly reduce underage access.

Also speaking at the event, NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the initiative as a united front to protect young Nigerians and promote responsible market practices.

He recalled that the Federal Government, through NAFDAC, banned the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, as well as in PET and glass bottles below 200 millilitres, effective January 1, 2026, as a public health intervention.

“Sachet alcohol is cheap, portable and easy to conceal. Prevention is better than cure,” Issa-Onilu said, stressing that government has a constitutional and moral duty to act before alcohol abuse causes deeper social and health crises.

Under the arrangement, NAFDAC will spearhead regulatory enforcement, FCCPC will ensure compliance with consumer protection standards, while NOA will drive grassroots sensitisation across its 818 offices in the 774 local government areas nationwide.

Both agencies called on parents, guardians, retailers and community leaders to support the enforcement drive to safeguard Nigeria’s youth and promote healthier communities nationwide.

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