Nigeria was plunged into another round of widespread darkness on Tuesday as the national electricity grid collapsed for the second time in five days, cutting off power supply to all electricity distribution companies (Discos) across the country.
Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) showed that as of 10:54 a.m., power allocation to all Discos dropped to zero. By 11:14 a.m., only the Delta Gas Power Plant was still generating, producing a meagre 39 megawatts on the grid.
The latest incident comes barely days after the grid was restored from a previous collapse last Friday, underscoring persistent challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) confirmed the outage across its coverage area in the South-East, affecting Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
In a statement, EEDC’s Group Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Emeka Eze, said the company lost supply from its power source at about 10:48 a.m., resulting in outages across networks operated by its subsidiaries—MainPower, TransPower, FirstPower, NewEra and EastLand.
According to him, the cause of the system failure was yet to be determined, adding that the company was working with relevant stakeholders to restore supply as soon as possible.
EEDC apologised to customers for the inconvenience and assured them that efforts were ongoing to ensure a swift restoration of electricity, though no timeline was given.
Nigeria is set to strengthen its position in Africa’s research and innovation space as the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) announces plans to host the 2026 SPARK Africa Translational Research Bootcamp and Scientific Conference in Abuja.
The conference, scheduled for February 2–7, 2026, will be held in partnership with the SPARK Global programme of Stanford University and is expected to boost Nigeria’s capacity to translate scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, said the programme underscores the importance of translational research in bridging the gap between laboratory science and real-life clinical and public health applications.
He noted that the approach integrates research, healthcare delivery, policy and industry to ensure measurable impact on society.
Founded over two decades ago at Stanford University, the SPARK initiative focuses on advancing research from “bench to bedside” through mentorship, education and access to critical resources. Led by Professor Daria Mochly Rosen, the programme has reviewed over 1,000 projects globally, supported several start-ups and helped move multiple products into clinical trials, particularly in areas such as maternal and child health, global health and orphan diseases.
With SPARK Global now active in more than 40 academic institutions worldwide, Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 Africa edition is seen as a strategic boost to its research profile. Previous editions were held in Zimbabwe in 2023 and Mozambique in 2024.
As the local partner, NIPRD brings extensive experience in drug, vaccine and biological product development and has aligned its mandate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on local content development, value chain growth and job creation in the health sector.
Analysts say hosting the SPARK Africa Conference in Abuja will expose Nigerian researchers to global best practices, attract international collaborations and accelerate innovation in life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing, positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for translational research on the continent.
Relief came on Tuesday as the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja, ordered striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately suspend their industrial action.
The court granted an interlocutory injunction filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration against the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), effectively grounding the strike that has shut down activities across FCTA secretariats.
The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/17/2026, was brought against the JUAC Chairman, Mrs. Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, seeking to stop the union from embarking on strike, picketing or any form of lockout.
In his ruling, Justice E.D. Subilim held that although the dispute qualified as a trade dispute, the right to strike is not absolute once the matter has been taken to court.
The judge ruled that workers are barred from embarking on or continuing any strike after a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court, stressing that any ongoing industrial action must cease immediately.
“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the defendants and their representatives from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimants, pending the determination of this suit,” the judge declared.
The court adjourned the case to March 23, 2026, for hearing of the substantive matter.
With the ruling, FCTA offices are expected to reopen as workers return to duty.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has congratulated Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.
The Awodi-07 well was drilled as part of the Joint Venture’s ongoing drive to further delineate and unlock hydrocarbon potential within its asset portfolio. Drilling commenced in late November 2025 and was concluded in mid-December 2025, with operations carried out safely, efficiently and in full compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards.
In a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, the national oil company said that following comprehensive testing, logging and data acquisition, the well was safely secured, marking the successful completion of the programme.
According to NNPC Ltd, results from the Awodi-07 well were highly encouraging, confirming the presence of significant hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones. The development represents a major milestone for the Joint Venture, strengthening confidence in the asset and reinforcing the prospectivity of the area.
The company noted that the success of Awodi-07 underscores the value of disciplined exploration, robust technical evaluation and strong operational collaboration between NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited.
Commenting on the achievement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operational excellence, technical expertise and consistent value delivery.
“The success of the Awodi-07 well further reinforces the strength of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture and our shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves,” Ojulari said. “This achievement aligns with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people.”
Also reacting, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, described the results from Awodi-07 as clear evidence of the benefits of sustained collaboration, technical rigour and a stable operating environment.
“This discovery highlights the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act,” Ntia said, adding that NNPC Ltd looks forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to advance the discovery towards development and monetisation.
NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited operate several oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta under a joint venture arrangement, with Chevron holding a 40 per cent stake and NNPC Ltd the remaining share.
Through the partnership, both companies aim to ramp up production to about 146,000 barrels per day, supporting government revenue, job creation and Nigeria’s long-term energy security.
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has declared Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Ganduje made the announcement on Monday while addressing top APC leaders during Governor Yusuf’s official return to the party, describing the decision as a collective sacrifice by all other prospective aspirants who agreed to step down in the interest of unity.
“I can categorically tell you that you are going to win in 2027 with a landslide because all those contesting for the same seat have agreed to allow you to go alone for it,” Ganduje told the gathering.
He described Yusuf’s return to the APC as a historic and unifying moment for the party in Kano, recalling their long-standing political association.
“We were in the APC together. The party was formed with you. Later, due to political differences, you left for the NNPP, but we thank God that you are now back home, back to your party,” Ganduje said.
The former two-term governor of Kano also praised Yusuf’s leadership style and performance in office, describing him as a progressive politician whose actions speak louder than words.
“You, as our brother and the Governor of Kano State, are a progressive politician. Your utterances, your policies and the implementation of those policies speak for themselves. Today, you stand as the leader of the APC in Kano State,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended Governor Yusuf for what he described as a bold and strategic return to the APC, noting that the move would further strengthen and consolidate the party’s dominance in Kano State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Monday formally rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the decision was aimed at ending what he described as decades of opposition-driven and isolationist politics that have hindered the state’s development.
Speaking during his official defection ceremony at the Kano Government House, Yusuf said leadership demands difficult but necessary choices in the collective interest of the people.
“Leadership must rise above comfort, sentiment or personal interest. After wide consultations and careful reflection on the future of Kano State, I have relinquished my membership of the NNPP and joined a party that is better positioned for Kano,” the governor said.
Yusuf announced that his defection was not a solitary move, revealing that his cabinet, 22 out of the 24 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state have agreed to align with the APC.
“I, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, together with my cabinet, the majority of our lawmakers and all local government chairmen, have resolved to join the ruling party, the APC,” he declared.
The governor explained that his return to the APC was anchored on the need to align Kano State with the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in order to fully tap into national development opportunities.
“This decision is not driven by personal ambition or negative motives, but by the collective good of Kano and the transformational vision we have for the state,” Yusuf said. “Kano is richly endowed, and we must put an end to confrontational politics.”
He stressed that governance should be people-centred, not personal.
“Government is a responsibility to the people, not a personal affair. We are choosing development over personal interests, progress over emotions, and rejecting retrogressive politics in favour of purposeful governance,” he added.
Yusuf expressed optimism that the move would usher in a calmer and more cooperative political climate in the state, while acknowledging the contributions of those who supported him in the past.
“I remain grateful to everyone who stood by me. My loyalty is to Kano above all else—Kano comes first,” he said.
In a bid to further stabilise the political landscape, the governor announced the establishment of a Kano Elders Council, a non-partisan body of respected leaders tasked with advising, reconciling differences and fostering unity across the state.
“The council will serve as a moral compass and stabilising force to ensure that Kano continues to move forward in unity. Our government will remain inclusive—no one will be left behind,” Yusuf said.
The ceremony marking the governor’s return to the APC was held at the State Coronation Hall and attracted prominent political figures, including former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, federal and state lawmakers, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Inuwa Waya, Senator Kawu Sumaila, and other senior APC leaders at state and national levels.
The event was marked by chants and songs in praise of President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf, reflecting a celebratory atmosphere.
State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, described Yusuf’s decision as a major boost for Kano’s development, assuring the governor of the party’s full support.
He pledged that the APC in Kano would work closely with President Tinubu’s administration to deliver meaningful development to the state.
Anti-graft agency uncovers massive airline ticket, investment scams; flags N162bn crypto transactions at single bank.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a sweeping investigation into multiple banks and financial technology companies for their alleged complicity in two major fraud schemes that defrauded Nigerians of N18.7 billion, exposing what officials called “deliberate breaches” of banking protocols.
Unveiling the findings on Thursday, EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, detailed two distinct operations: a fake airline ticket discount scam and a bogus investment scheme, both heavily facilitated by lapses within the financial sector.
The Scams: N651m Airline Fraud & N18bn Fake Investment
The first scheme targeted travelers through fraudulent discount offers for a foreign carrier. “The payment module is designed…that their victims would be convinced payment is made into the airline’s account,” Uwujaren explained. Instead, victims’ entire bank balances were emptied. Over 700 people lost N651,097,755 to this scam, with only N33.6 million recovered. The EFCC warned the fraud remains active, with foreign actors converting stolen funds to cryptocurrency via the Bybit exchange.
The second and far larger operation involved ‘Fred and Farid Investment Limited’ (FF Investment), which lured over 200,000 Nigerians with false promises. More than N18 billion was funneled through nine companies offering fake investment packages. Uwujaren stated that “more than 900 Nigerians were fleeced through the direct connivance of banks.” Foreign nationals masterminded the scheme alongside three arrested Nigerian accomplices.
Systemic Failures: 960 Accounts for One Customer, N162bn Crypto Flow
EFCC investigators presented a damning picture of institutional failure. Directors Abdulkarim Chukkol (Investigations) and Michael Wetcas (Abuja Zonal Directorate) stated that “a new generation bank and six Fintechs and Micro Finance Banks” clearly compromised procedures, allowing fraudsters to launder proceeds into digital assets.
Investigations revealed that N162 billion in cryptocurrency transactions passed through a single new-generation bank without proper checks. In an egregious case, one customer operated 960 accounts at the same bank, all allegedly used for fraud.
Regulatory Crackdown & Warnings
The EFCC declared that negligence enabling suspicious transactions “would no longer be allowed.” It called on financial regulators to enforce strict compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC), Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) requirements. Any bank or fintech found aiding fraudsters should be suspended and prosecuted, the Commission warned.
Uwujaren urged financial institutions to strengthen internal controls, stating continued lapses expose the economy to “leakages and compromises.” The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s financial system integrity as the probe continues.
Symbolic switch signals Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s imminent move from NNPP to ruling party.
The Kano State Government House has undergone a striking political transformation, with the green and white flags of the All Progressives Congress (APC) now prominently displayed on its pillars and gates, heralding the anticipated defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
A visit to the seat of power on Monday morning confirmed the complete replacement of the NNPP’s red and white insignia with APC symbols. The visual shift marks the symbolic start to what state officials are describing as a “Homecoming” for the governor.
Inside the Government House, a palpable air of preparation is evident, with security personnel and staff on high alert. The premises are being readied for the arrival of top-tier national and state APC leaders, alongside a large gathering of supporters expected for the formal declaration ceremony scheduled for later today.
The event will see Governor Yusuf, elected under the NNPP banner in 2023, officially declare his membership in the ruling APC, a move set to significantly reshape the political landscape of Nigeria’s most populous state.
I have tailored this breaking news story in the concise, impactful style characteristic of major newspaper reports, focusing on the key visual evidence and imminent political event.
Governor warns crippled grassroots governance in Osun is “unsustainable,” appeals to Tinubu for federal intervention
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has declared a full-scale crisis in the state’s local government system, accusing sacked APC council officials of an illegal year-long occupation of secretariats and demanding the immediate release of over ₦130 billion in statutory allocations he claims are being withheld from the councils.
In a fiery statewide broadcast on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke framed the escalating standoff as a battle between constitutional order and “naked impunity,” warning that the blockade has crippled grassroots administration and inflicted severe hardship on workers and residents.
At the heart of the dispute is the legal status of local government leadership. Adeleke asserted that court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors have unlawfully occupied the 30 council offices for nearly a year, despite judgments from the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in November 2022 and subsequent affirmations by the Court of Appeal in February and June 2025, which nullified their elections.
“The court removed them, not my administration,” Adeleke stated, emphasising that fresh local government elections were held in compliance with court orders, leading to the swearing-in of newly elected officials on February 23, 2025. He labelled the current secretariat occupants as “imposters acting without any lawful mandate.”
The governor launched a direct accusation against his predecessor and political rival, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, alleging he is backing the continued occupation with police support—a move Adeleke said undermines democracy. He claimed local government workers attempting to resume duty have been harassed by armed police officers and political thugs.
The financial impact of the crisis is staggering. Adeleke disclosed that since February 2025, statutory allocations due to Osun’s local governments—now totalling approximately ₦130 billion—have not been released to the legally recognised council accounts. He stated these funds are critical for paying salaries of primary school teachers, nurses, health workers across 332 primary healthcare centres, council staff, traditional councils, and retirees.
“Governance is about humanity, responsibility, and compassion, but this burden cannot continue indefinitely,” Adeleke said, noting that the state government has made “painful sacrifices” to cover salaries for almost 12 months.
Adeleke further accused the United Bank for Africa (UBA) of allowing unauthorised persons to operate the councils’ accounts, noting that senior bank officials involved are facing criminal prosecution.
Calling for federal intervention, Governor Adeleke appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the release of the withheld funds and to protect democratic institutions. “There is no provision in our Constitution for tenure elongation,” he declared, urging Nigerians and democracy advocates to demand an immediate end to the council occupation and the release of funds. He assured residents of his administration’s commitment to upholding the constitution while urging them to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
Case delayed as Justice Minister seeks time to review high-profile charges.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has assumed control of the prosecution of senior lawyer Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over an alleged fraudulent claim to a London property, leading to a postponement of his arraignment.
At a hearing on Monday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the Office of the AGF formally requested and received the court’s consent to take over the case from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, appearing for the AGF, informed Justice Peter Kekemeke that the decision was made pursuant to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution. He stated the aim was to collaborate with the ICPC to ensure a prosecution that “meets the highest standard of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence and compliance with due process.”
Oyedepo emphasized the move was guided by “public interest” and the desire to instill “confidence, fairness and competence in the criminal justice” system, assuring the court that the defendant’s rights would be protected.
The AGF subsequently requested an adjournment to allow his office to retrieve and thoroughly review the case file from the ICPC “to take a well-informed decision.”
The ICPC, represented by Dr. Osuebeni Akpos, raised no objection to the takeover and pledged full cooperation. Consequently, Justice Kekemeke adjourned the case to February 24, 2026, for the arraignment.
Ozekhome, represented in court by a formidable legal team led by Kanu Agabi, SAN, and 15 other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, faces a three-count charge filed by the ICPC on January 16.
He is accused of giving false information and using forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to deceive a public authority. The charges allege that in August 2021, he presented these documents to support a claim of ownership of a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, during proceedings before the London First-Tier Tribunal.
The high-profile takeover underscores the case’s sensitivity and signals a coordinated inter-agency approach to the high-stakes legal battle.
