The Nations Reporters

The Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, has called for integrated planning, policy reforms, and strong collaboration between the government and private sector to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges. He made the call on Saturday during the 8th Late Engr. Geoffrey Aiwerioba Public Lecture Series, hosted by the Benin branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Benin City. Ogbeide-Ihama praised the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo for ongoing infrastructure projects and encouraged stakeholders, including the NSE, to work with the government to close the infrastructure gap. > “With joint efforts, Edo State and Nigeria can achieve lasting development and a better future for citizens,” he said. --- Electricity Act 2023: A Tool for Growth He urged state governments—especially Edo—to take advantage of the Electricity Act 2023, which now allows states to generate, transmit, and d...

The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has announced plans to hold two-day public hearings across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones on July 4 and 5, 2025. The hearings are part of a major national consultation to allow Nigerians share their opinions on key issues that will shape the country’s future. According to a statement by Ismail Mudashir, spokesperson for Senator Barau Jibrin, who chairs the committee and serves as Deputy Senate President, the hearings will take place in: Lagos (South West) Enugu (South East) Ikot Ekpene (South South) Jos (North Central) Maiduguri (North East) Kano (North West) Senator Barau urged Nigerians to actively participate, describing the exercise as a crucial step in strengthening democracy. > “This is a critical moment. We want every Nigerian’s voice to be heard in shaping a Constitution that truly reflects the people’s will,” he said. --- What’s Up for Discussion? Over 50 proposals will be reviewed, including: 🏛️ Local Governme...

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially ended his two-year tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, handing over the role to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. The handover took place on Sunday in Abuja during the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority, where Tinubu symbolically presented the ECOWAS Emblem to the incoming Chair. Reflecting on his time in office, Tinubu described it as a deep honour and privilege to have led ECOWAS since July 2023. He thanked fellow West African leaders for their trust and support throughout his tenure. > “As I hand over to my great friend and brother, President Julius Maada Bio, I do so with a sense of fulfilment and hope for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu said. Focus on Peace, Unity, and Progress President Tinubu expressed confidence that ECOWAS will continue to move forward in its mission of achieving peace, stability, and prosperity across the region. He urged member states to stay united ...

  The Kano State Government has stepped up its campaign to end open defecation, with six more local government areas joining the initiative aimed at improving hygiene and public health. According to a statement released on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Mustapha Muhammad, the new additions bring the total number of participating LGAs to 26. Out of these, 15 LGAs have already achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, and certificates of attainment will soon be issued to them. The campaign is being carried out in partnership with UNICEF and is implemented through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) under the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development. As part of the effort, the government has distributed key hygiene and awareness tools, including: Information and education materials Improved latrine covers Tippy Tap handwashing kits Public sensitization banners “We’re Changing Behaviour, Not Just Distributing Materials” — RUWASA Bos...

  The Federal Government has invested more than ₦200 billion in Nigeria’s agricultural sector to boost food production and achieve national food security. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made this known in a statement released on Sunday. He said the ministry had also distributed fertilizers worth over ₦2.15 million free of charge to farmers across the country to support cultivation and increase yields. > “The Ministry has invested over ₦200 billion in agricultural interventions and has given out over ₦2.15 million worth of fertilizers free to farmers nationwide,” Kyari said. He also thanked the Government of The Gambia for seeking a partnership with Nigeria to improve food production and drive economic growth in both countries. Progress Towards Food Security The minister acknowledged that the journey toward food sufficiency in Nigeria has not been easy but pointed to progress made with help from international development partners like the Food and ...

  The Nigerian Army has appealed to the public for more support in its efforts to tackle banditry and terrorism across the country. It expressed concern that some residents of troubled communities were not providing timely information that could help security agencies stop attacks and arrest criminals. Major General Obinna Onubogu, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, made this known during a media briefing on Saturday in Akure, Ondo State. The event was organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs. Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Onubogu said the army is actively involved in operations in Benue, Plateau, Kwara, and other states affected by insecurity. He explained that President Bola Tinubu recently gave clear orders for the military to take stronger action in areas affected by violent attacks, particularly in the North Central region. “We are already on the ground in Benue and...

  The World Bank has issued a strong warning to developing countries, urging them to adopt sweeping reforms in debt reporting to avert a looming global financial crisis driven by opaque and undisclosed borrowing. In a newly released report titled “Radical Debt Transparency”, the Bretton Woods institution cautioned that many countries face rising fiscal instability due not only to external economic shocks, but to the growing prevalence of hidden loans and unconventional financing arrangements. > “Debt transparency is essential to safeguarding and monitoring debt sustainability,” the report stated. “Yet too often, the world learns of unsustainable debt only when it’s too late.” --- Opaque Borrowing: A Crisis Brewing in the Shadows The report, released on Friday, underscores how off-budget financing, private placements, central bank swaps, and collateralized loans have become increasingly common—yet remain poorly reported. The World Bank called on both borrowers and lenders to publ...

Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has officially stepped down from his role after 20 months of service. In a heartfelt post shared via Facebook on Saturday, Soneye expressed gratitude to his colleagues, citing the need to focus more on family and personal commitments as the reason for his resignation. > “I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd. This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence,” he wrote. His announcement drew an outpouring of commendations from industry professionals and media colleagues. --- A Respected Voice in Nigeria’s Energy Sector Describing his time at NNPCL as an “honour,” Soneye said he was proud to have contributed to the transformation of the company during a pivotal era in Nigeria’s energy history. > “It has ...

  Flight Lieutenant Kafayat Sanni, Nigeria’s first female fighter pilot, has once again made history—this time at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) in Accra. Sanni emerged as the Best Allied Student and also clinched the Best Assistant Commandant Paper Award during the College’s prestigious graduation ceremony held on Friday, which was attended by top military leaders and dignitaries from across Africa. The announcement was made in Abuja on Saturday by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). A Rising Star in African Military Aviation Kafayat Sanni first rose to national and international prominence in 2019 when she was officially decorated as the first female fighter pilot in Nigerian Air Force history, following intensive training in the United States. Since then, she has flown the Alpha Jet, and also served as a prolific instructor on the Super Mushshak, mentoring the next generation of NA...

  Nigeria’s leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is approaching its end, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to step down as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. Tinubu was first elected ECOWAS Chairman on July 9, 2023, in Guinea-Bissau, and secured a second term on July 7, 2024, during the ECOWAS summit in Abuja. His tenure will officially conclude at the upcoming summit scheduled to take place this weekend at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Minister Tuggar Hints at Leadership Transition As preparations for the summit and leadership handover intensify, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, gave a strong indication of the impending transition during the closing session of the 94th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on Friday night. “Let me sincerely appreciate each one of you for your cooperation and support to me over the last two years as the Chair of this Coun...

  The Chairperson of ECOWAS and President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made a powerful appeal for urgent economic unification, policy alignment, and aggressive regional investment across West Africa. He made this call on Saturday during Day 2 of the West African Economic Summit held in Abuja. Speaking to regional leaders and stakeholders, Tinubu emphasized that the time for rhetoric and symbolic meetings had passed. “Today is not about celebrating how far we’ve come, but about forging a bold new path,” he said. “One that moves beyond fragmentation and towards deeper integration, shared prosperity, and collective action.” He stressed the need for West Africa to take control of its economic destiny, rather than relying on external partners. “The global economy will not wait for us to get our act together. We must stop competing in isolation and instead build strong regional value chains, invest in infrastructure, and align our economic policies.” Inter-Regional Trade and Youth ...

  Personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta have uncovered and dismantled a major dump site used for illegal oil refining operations deep within the creeks of the Niger Delta region. The discovery was disclosed by Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, Commander of NNS Delta, during a press briefing in Warri on Saturday. He described the development as part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining under Operation Delta Sanity II. Acting on credible intelligence, naval forces launched an operation on June 19, 2025, deploying 14 officers aboard two gunboats and a speedboat into the creeks of Delta State. The team navigated to the Obotebe community in Burutu Local Government Area, pinpointed at coordinates 5.381734°N and 5.587105°E, where they uncovered the illegal refining dump. Items recovered from the site include: One 1.5-horsepower Yamaha engine One power generator Six industrial pumping machines Two rolls of industrial hoses And other i...

  The Federal Government has suspended two personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for attempting to facilitate the issuance of an international passport to an inmate—an action deemed a serious breach of protocol. The suspension was confirmed in a statement on Saturday by the NCoS Public Relations Officer and Deputy Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar. Abubakar described the incident as a case of misconduct uncovered through the Nigeria Immigration Service’s automated passport application system, a result of ongoing reforms and inter-agency collaboration under the Ministry of Interior. “This misconduct was detected through the automated passport application process and other holistic reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service,” Abubakar stated. The incident, which occurred roughly two weeks ago, directly violated established rules and was considered highly unacceptable and impermissible by the Service. As a result, Abubakar disclosed that the Civil Defence, C...

 Something powerful is happening in Nigeria’s advertising world — and its name is FPL Media . Once a rising contender, FPL Media has now exploded into the undisputed king of out-of-home advertising in Nigeria , transforming streets, highways, and public transport into a living, breathing canvas of brand dominance . From billboards that tower over the city skyline to lamp posts that light up with powerful visuals   FPL Media is everywhere. And we do mean everywhere . If People Walk There, Drive There, or Breathe There — FPL Media Owns It FPL Media has gone beyond traditional marketing. It has hijacked the public’s attention with a scale so bold, it’s nearly impossible to miss. Massive digital and static billboards stretching across the busiest roads in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and more Lamp posts turned storytelling pillars , every few feet, broadcasting messages from dawn till dusk Bus stops wrapped in bold campaigns , confronting every passerby with cl...

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its first global guideline to help manage Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) during pregnancy. This announcement was made on World Sickle Cell Day , celebrated every year on June 19 . The 2025 theme is: “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy.” What is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited blood disorders where red blood cells become hard and shaped like sickles (or crescents), instead of being soft and round. These sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow, causing: Severe pain Anemia (low blood count) Frequent infections Serious health emergencies like strokes, organ failure, or sepsis Why Pregnancy Is Risky During pregnancy, a woman’s body needs more oxygen and nutrients. This puts extra pressure on the body, which can worsen health problems linked to SCD. WHO says women with SCD are 4 to 11 times more likely to die during pregnancy compared to women wit...

President Bola Tinubu has created a special committee to help bring lasting peace to Benue State after a terrible attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area , where about 200 people were killed last Friday. The peace committee includes former Benue governors Gen Atom Kpera (retd.) , Senator George Akume , Senator Gabriel Suswam , and Samuel Ortom . Also part of the team are traditional rulers HRM Prof. James Ayatse (Paramount Ruler of Tiv Nation) and HRM Dr. John Elaigwu (Paramount Ruler of Idomaland). At a town hall meeting in Makurdi , the state capital, President Tinubu urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead the peace efforts. He emphasized the importance of working with local leaders, federal officials, and residents who are not originally from Benue. He said, “Let us meet again in Abuja to create a lasting peace plan. I am ready to support this peace effort. We will find peace and turn this tragedy into growth.” The meeting included government officials,...

  The Edo State Government and China are working together to find ways to share knowledge in education, culture, and technology. On Wednesday, Governor Monday Okpebholo welcomed a high-level group from Fujian Jiangxia University in China, led by the university’s President, Ling Qzdan , during a visit to the Government House in Benin City . According to the Governor’s spokesperson, Fred Itua , the Chinese team showed strong interest in partnering with Edo State to build closer ties between schools and institutions in both places. Governor Okpebholo said his government had been waiting for this kind of partnership. He stressed that working with countries like China is important for sharing knowledge and building skills that last. “We are happy to welcome you to Benin City, one of the oldest cities in Africa and the world, rich in culture and history,” he said. “Your visit is very exciting because this partnership will help us share knowledge in education, culture, science...

President Bola Tinubu visited people recovering from last Friday’s deadly attack by armed herders in Yelewata , Guma Local Government Area , Benue State . The attack killed over 100 people . The injured are being treated at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital . President Tinubu arrived at the Nigeria Air Force Base Airport in Makurdi around 12:58 p.m. on a condolence visit to the state. He was welcomed by: Senator George Akume , Secretary to the Government of the Federation Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State Senator Abba Moro , Senate Minority Leader Other federal lawmakers from Benue State Governors from the North Central zone Ministers and government officials

Key political leaders and traditional rulers have gathered at the Benue State Government House banquet hall in Makurdi , the state capital, and at Yelewata , where last Friday’s deadly attack happened. This is ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit today . The visit aims to bring together community leaders to talk about the ongoing violence that has killed more than 500 people in 2025 alone. When President Tinubu arrives, he will first go to Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area . This community was the hardest hit in the recent attack, which killed over 100 people. The President will meet with the families of those who died, people who were forced to leave their homes, and local leaders affected by the violence. After visiting Yelewata, Tinubu will go to the hospital where many of the injured are being treated. Later, he will return to the Benue State Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi for a town hall meeting with important leaders. Those expected to attend include:...

  President Bola Tinubu arrived in Makurdi , the capital of Benue State , on Wednesday afternoon as part of efforts to respond to the recent violent attacks in the state. The President landed at the Makurdi Airport , located at the Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Command Base , at about 12:58 p.m. He was welcomed by: Senator George Akume , Secretary to the Government of the Federation Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State Senator Abba Moro , Senate Minority Leader Federal lawmakers from Benue State Governors from North Central Nigeria Ministers and other top government officials President Tinubu is expected to visit Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area , one of the places badly affected by the recent attacks. He will also meet with important community leaders and stakeholders to discuss how to stop the violence and bring peace back to the region. Earlier, the President visited some of the people who were injured in the attack by armed herde...

The Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS ) has been advised to reduce its dependence on foreign aid and start working towards financial independence and internal reform. This call was made on Sunday in Abuja during the opening of the 37th meeting of the ECOWAS Administrative and Finance Committee . Prof. Nazifi Darma , ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, told member countries to make better use of their own resources and fight corruption more seriously. “As you discuss financial and administrative matters, I urge you to think about the changing world. The United States, for example, is changing how it gives aid, and other donors may do the same soon,” he said. He asked the committee to come up with long-term plans to reduce or completely stop relying on foreign donors for funding ECOWAS agencies. Darma also mentioned that ECOWAS had recently upgraded its translation equipment, showing its commitment to improving how the organisation works. Ambassador Olaw...

Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited , a company under the SIFAX Group , has achieved a major milestone with the arrival of the IPSARION — the biggest general cargo ship the terminal has ever handled at Tincan Island Port in Lagos . This was shared in a statement on Sunday by Olumuyiwa Akande , the Group Head of Corporate Communications at SIFAX Group. Akande explained that the IPSARION , a ship registered in Malta , is a bulk carrier measuring about 200 meters long with a gross weight of 36,560 tons . It arrived from Europe , carrying items like construction equipment, steel rods, vehicles, chemicals, and power machines . “The ship was built in the Philippines and is operated by YAKE BULK LIMITED , while Helikon Shipping Enterprises Ltd manages it,” Akande said. The Managing Director of Ports & Cargo, Mr. John Jenkins , said the arrival of the IPSARION is a big move that will help boost trade and grow the Nigerian economy. “We used to mainly handle container ...

  The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), South-West Zone , has told its members to stay away from the Lekki-Epe corridor starting Monday, June 16, 2025 , to avoid possible problems. The directive came from the zone’s chairman, Chief Oyewole Akanni , in a statement shared with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Ibadan. Chief Akanni said the national office of IPMAN had already told members not to send fuel trucks to load or pass through the Lekki-Epe route from Monday. This decision is because they fear that their truck drivers may face harassment and intimidation when the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation begins enforcing its new E-Call-up policy . He explained that several meetings with the government to find a solution have not worked. Akanni added that the government still wants to go ahead with the ₦12,500 E-Call-up system without listening to suggestions from IPMAN , the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)...

The Lagos State Police Commissioner , Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a full investigation into a bribery accusation made against a police officer involved in the handling of six criminal suspects. The police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin , shared this in a statement on Sunday. He said the commissioner set up a special team to look into the case after serious complaints were made against a Tactical Commander in the Okokomaiko area . The allegations include bribery and possible misconduct during the investigation and prosecution process. “The team is made up of senior police officers, and it’s led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID , along with the command’s top legal officer,” Hundeyin explained. “They have one week to carry out their investigation and report back.” To make sure the investigation is fair and not influenced, the officer facing the accusations has been moved out of the tactical unit . “The result of the investigation will be shared with th...

On Thursday,  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  gave a national speech before a joint session of the  National Assembly  in celebration of  Democracy Day 2025 . In his address, the President spoke about Nigeria’s journey toward democracy and honoured the heroes of  June 12 . Read the full speech below: THURSDAY, 12TH JUNE 2025 Protocol: With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of the Nigerian people. 2. Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve. 3. I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes and destitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode of governance of our resilient and beloved people. 4. With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls u...