Author: The Nation

  • NNPP rejects court order reversing dissolution of Kano executives

    NNPP rejects court order reversing dissolution of Kano executives

    A faction of the national secretariat of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) loyal to Rabiu Kwankwaso has rejected an ex parte order granted by a Kano State High Court reversing the dissolution of its executive committees in the state. 

    A statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, in Abuja described the purported order as “a farce” and an abuse of court process.

    He said the NNPP National Working Committee (NWC) had not been served with any court process and therefore considers the reported ruling as “an ordinary street rumour.”

    As a consequence of the deepening crisis over Governor Yusuf’s defection to APC, the former NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa –a pro-Kwankwaso was sacked at the prompting of the governor, who swiftly appointed Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as replacement. Abiya’s appointment was even backed by the court which affirmed the dismissal of the former chairman.

    However, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in its response, described Dungurawa’s removal as a nullity. It went on to dissolve the entire Kano party executives at the ward, local government and state levels indefinitely, saying the action was in line with the NNPP constitution.

    Not relenting, the pro-Yusuf camp approached the Kano High Court, where Justice Nasiru Saminu, granted an order restoring the party’s executives at the state, local government and ward levels, which were earlier dissolved by the party’s NWC.

    Read Also: Kano NNPP leadership pits Yusuf against Kwankwaso

    But the party’s NWC is insisting that even if such an order exists, it would be legally defective.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson said it was improper for a court to issue an interim injunction against a decision that had already been completed by a political party’s national leadership.

    “The court lacks jurisdiction to reverse an internal decision of the party,” he said, arguing that the Supreme Court has consistently held that the internal affairs of political parties are non-justiciable,” he said.

    The party also warned that if the reported injunction was confirmed, it would pursue legal remedies and petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) against any judicial officer found to have issued overreaching orders in breach of due process.

    Ladipo said: “The dissolution of Kano State executives at all levels therefore stands.”

  • Trump admits Muslims also killed in Nigeria

    Trump admits Muslims also killed in Nigeria

    • Warns more strikes coming ‘if Christians are killed’
    • Cancels ‘second wave’ of attacks on Venezuela due to country’s cooperation with US
    • Pope denounces resort to force by countries to assert dominion

    The United States President, Donald Trump, acknowledged that Muslims are also being killed in Nigeria, while warning that he could order more airstrikes on Nigeria if the killings in the country continue.

    Reacting, Pope Leo XIV condemned attacks on sovereign nations by the United States, Russia and others.

     On Christmas Day, the U.S.hit two camps run by a jihadist group called Lakurawa in the largely Muslim state of Sokoto, in north-western Nigeria near the border with Niger.

    The strikes occurred about a month after Trump threatened to send troops into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing to wipe out the terrorists killing our cherished Christians, as some US politicians repeatedly claimed that there was a genocide against Christians in the West African nation.

    It is still unclear if there were any casualties, as neither the US nor Nigerian government has provided figures, and there has been no update on the outcome of the attack.

    Trump, in a wide-ranging interview with the New York Times, dropped hints of another strike.

    “I’d love to make it a one-time strike. But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike,” he said.

    Though Nigeria’s government has continued to deny the accusations that it is failing to protect Christians from jihadist attacks, it has, however, agreed to cooperate with the US and other friendly countries in tackling the insecurity in the country.

    Last October, Massad Boulos, Trump’s senior adviser for Arab and African affairs, said Boko Haram and ISIS were killing more Muslims than Christians.

    Asked about his adviser’s statement, Trump said: “I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. But it’s mostly Christians.”

    Cancels ‘second wave’ of attacks on Venezuela

    Trump said early Friday that he had cancelled a “previously expected” second wave of attacks on Venezuela due to the country’s cooperation with the United States.

    It comes nearly a week after he ordered a military operation to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is currently in US custody along with his wife, Cilia Flores.

    Shortly after that military operation, Trump said in a news conference, “We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so. … We actually assumed that a second wave would be necessary, but now it’s probably not.”

    In Friday’s Truth Social post, Trump said the US and Venezuela are “working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.”

    “Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed; however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes,” he added.

    Trump went on to say that Venezuela was “releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace,’” adding, “This is a very important and smart gesture.”

    Venezuela began releasing the high-profile prisoners on Thursday, including opposition politicians in an effort to “seek peace,” the acting government said.

    Following the military operation last week, US officials had demanded, among other things, that Venezuela’s interim government release political prisoners, according to a source familiar with the US administration’s briefing with key lawmakers this week.

    Trump also has not ruled out the possibility of longer-term military involvement, and said Thursday that his administration will soon begin actions to target cartels on land, following months of strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

    Read Also: Trump’s oil push widens with seizure of Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela

    Trump has also said he would say hello to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado when she travels to Washington, DC, next week. He added in an interview with Fox News that it would be “a great honour” to share Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize after she suggested doing so.

    US ‘ll ‘hit Iran hard’ if protesters are killed, says Trump

    The United States President, Donald Trump, has threatened to attack Iran.

    There have been nationwide protests demanding regime change, with many having lost their lives in the protests.

    In a swift reaction, Trump said Ayatollah is “looking to go someplace” to escape, adding that Iran is on the “verge of collapse.”

    He warned that the US would ‘hit the country hard,’ if protesters were killed, saying he had “put Iran on notice.”

     At least 40 protesters and several police officers have been killed in the clashes, according to rights groups and local media, with 2,200 arrests so far.

    Iranians have demonstrated in more than 100 cities and towns across the country, according to human rights groups.

     “There’s so many people protesting,” he said.

    “Nobody’s ever seen anything like what’s happening right now, but I have put Iran on notice that if they start shooting at them, these people are totally unarmed people, and they love their country.

    “They want something to happen. Look at their country. They’ve gone back 150 years. But I’ve warned them that if they do anything bad to these people, we’re going to hit them very hard. I’ve said it very loud and very clear, that’s what we’re going to do.”

    Pope raps US, Russia, others

    However, Pope Leo XIV on Friday denounced how nations were using force to assert their dominion worldwide, “completely undermining” peace and the post-World War II international legal order.

    “War is back in vogue, and a zeal for war is spreading,” Leo told ambassadors from around the world who represent their countries´ interests at the Holy See.

    The Pope didn´t name individual countries that have resorted to force in his lengthy speech, the bulk of which he delivered in English in a break from the Vatican´s traditional diplomatic protocol of Italian and French. But his speech came amid the backdrop of the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela to remove Nicolás Maduro from power, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and other conflicts.

    The occasion was the Pope’s annual audience with the Vatican diplomatic corps, which traditionally amounts to his yearly foreign policy address.

    In his first such encounter, history´s first U.S.-born pope delivered much more than the traditional roundup of global hotspots. In a speech that touched on threats to religious freedom and the Catholic Church’s opposition to abortion and surrogacy, Leo lamented how the United Nations and multilateralism as a whole were increasingly under threat.

    “A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies,” he said. “The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined.”

    “Instead, peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting one´s own dominion. This gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence,” he said.

    Leo did refer explicitly to tensions in Venezuela, calling for a peaceful political solution that keeps in mind the “common good of the peoples and not the defense of partisan interests.”

  • Court bars resident doctors from embarking on strike planned for January 12

    Court bars resident doctors from embarking on strike planned for January 12

    • ’NARD not intimidated by court order’
    • NMA threatens indefinite strike in Edo over abductions

    The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja has issued an order restraining the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and its members from embarking on the strike they planned to commence on January 12.

    Reacting to the court order obtained by the Federal government, NARD said it would not be intimidated.

    Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the order on Friday while ruling on a motion ex parte filed by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in a suit marked: NICN/ABJ/06/2026.

    Justice Subilim gave the ruling after listening to the Director of Civil Litigation (Federal Ministry of Justice), Mrs Maimuna Lami Shiru, who led a team of lawyers from the ministry, moved the motion ex parte.

    Listed as respondents to the motion and defendants to the substantive suit are NARD, its National President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleman, and the association’s Secretary General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim.

    Justice Subilim, in a copy of the “enrollment order” seen on Friday, said after painstakingly listening to the submission of the lawyer to the claimants and going through the documents submitted and the rules of the court relied on, he was satisfied that the ex parte motion was meritorious and should be granted.

    The judge added that he was “satisfied that this is a proper case for the grant of an interim injunction.”

    He proceeded to issue an interim order of injunction “restraining the defendants respondents, their members, servants, agents, privies, and or any other person acting on their behalf or at their directives from calling, directing, organising, participating in or embarking upon any form of industrial action, including but not limited to strikes, work stoppages, go-slows, picketing or any other form of industrial protest or disruption.”

    The judge also restrained NARD, its National President and Secretary General, from “taking steps preparatory to or in furtherance of any industrial action, from the 12th January, 2026, until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice” filed by the claimants.

    Justice Subilim held that the orders made “shall remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice fixed for the 21st of January, 2026.”

    He ordered the claimants/applicants (FRN and the AGF) to serve the defendants with the orders made, “within seven days of the date hereof.”

    The judge added that “the defendants/respondents (NARD, Suleman and Ibrahim) shall be at liberty to apply to discharge or vary this order within seven days after services of this order.”

    The NARD had earlier this month announced plans to resume its previously suspended “total, indefinite and comprehensive strike with effect from January 12.” The group claimed that its decision was informed by the Federal Government’s alleged failure to fully implement agreed resolutions.

    It said the decision to resume its strike was taken at an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (E-NEC) held on January 2.

    A statement by the group said its NEC directed all centre presidents across the association’s 91 accredited centres to convene congress meetings and thereafter address the media, to saturate public spaces with information on the planned industrial action within the next seven days.

    The association said it would resume the strike alongside a series of coordinated protests, beginning with centre-based demonstrations scheduled to hold from January 12 to January 16.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Court bars resident doctors from embarking on strike planned for January 12

    It added that this would be followed by regional protests to be led by caucus leaders, while a nationwide protest would subsequently be organised by the NARD NOC.

    NARD stated that the suspension of the renewed strike would only be considered after the full implementation of what it described as its minimum demands.

    These include the reinstatement of the five resident doctors disengaged from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Kogi State, the payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, among others.

    ‘NARD not intimidated by court order’

    The association of the resident doctors said it would not be intimidated by the court injunction restraining industrial action, insisting that its planned nationwide strike remains on course, unless the Federal Government demonstrates genuine and practical steps toward meeting the doctors’ demands

    Speaking on a national television evening magazine programme on Friday, NARD President Dr Mohammad Suleiman said resident doctors had anticipated the government’s no work no pay policy and court action long before the injunction was issued

    “Indeed, I can tell you that my members are not perturbed, my members are not shaking at all. We actually envisioned this

    “Even when we went on the NARD strike, total independence and comprehensive 1.0 at the latter part of last year, we anticipated no work, no pay, or even a court injunction. These things were factored into the decision to embark on this action,” he said.

    He dismissed the injunction as neither new nor unexpected, citing past confrontations between resident doctors and previous administrations.

    Suleiman said the resolve of resident doctors remained firm despite threats of sanctions, adding that the issues at stake justified the action.

    “They should go ahead and throw the no-work-no-pay. They are throwing court injunctions, we are looking at it, probably even mass sacking of doctors will follow, but the resolve of my members is not shaking at all,” Suleiman affirmed.

    However, the NARD president said the association was not closed to dialogue and would be willing to reconsider its position if the government shows concrete evidence of good faith.

    “We have nothing but respect for the Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health, Professor Mohammed Pate and the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako; these are senior colleagues in the profession.

    “But let us dwell on the issues; we suspended our action based on the Memorandum of Understanding we signed. After that, we wrote a reminder letter in the middle of December. We made several visits to many agencies of government, but nothing moved,” he noted regrettably.

    He explained that the association only began hearing of government action after it announced the resumption of the strike, raising concerns about the sincerity of the response

    “After we declared that we are resuming the strike, we started hearing in newspapers and on social media that movements were being made. Up until now, a lot of things are still in the process and in the pipeline,” he added.

    According to him, NARD has 16 outstanding demands, and the National Executive Council NEC insists they must be resolved conclusively, noting, “What the NEC is saying is take these issues to finality. There are 16 items on that table, and these issues must be resolved.”

    Responding to government claims that seven of the demands had been met, including payment of arrears, Suleiman disputed the figures. Suleiman disagreed, explaining, “We still have over 2000, almost 3000 of our members that are yet to be paid the 25 to 35 per cent arrears

    “These arrears were said to be put inside the service-wide vote in 2023; they were not paid. In 2024, they were put there, they were not paid, in 2025, they were put there again,” he noted, stressing that resident doctors were tired of waiting for special presidential interventions to access payments

    “The demand is to capture it in the budget; it is no retreat, no surrender,” he added.

    Suleiman criticised the timing of the court injunction and the no-work-no-pay threats, describing them as hostile tactics while negotiations were ongoing

    “When we are discussing and we are at the negotiating table, we should do it in good faith. By the time you begin to bring out armouries and arms like this, you do not want to negotiate,” he noted.

    Addressing concerns about the impact of the strike on patients, Suleiman said the suffering of doctors and the health system could no longer be ignored.

    “Are we ignoring the suffering that doctors are going through in this country? Are we ignoring the suffering patients go through because doctors are exhausted, frustrated and tired?” he asked.

    The NARD President, however, disclosed that talks with the government were still ongoing and expressed cautious optimism that tangible actions could lead to a shift in NARD’s position.

    “Right now, we are in conversations with the federal government team. I would hope that from tonight to Sunday, a lot of things will be done properly.

    “If these conversations lead to palpable things on the ground, the NEC will favourably look at it. Once those gains drop, I can tell you NEC will review its position,” he assured.

    Suleiman also dismissed allegations that NARD was acting on behalf of political interests

    “I am a clinician, I am a doctor, I have never been involved in politics. We are resident doctors, and we only serve Nigerian patients,” he emphasised.

    NMA threatens indefinite strike in Edo

    However, the Edo NMA has protested the abduction of its members, threatening to embark on an indefinite strike action beginning from Saturday, January 10th, 2026.

    Two of its members, Dr Abu Babatunde and Dr Stephen Osamaye, are currently in the kidnappers’ den.

    Babatunde works at the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, while Osamaye works at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua.

    They were abducted separately on January 1st and January 2nd 2026.

    A statement by the Chairman of Edo NMA, Dr Eustace Oseghale, said the kidnappings raised concerns about healthcare professionals’ safety in Edo State, as well as undermining healthcare delivery.

    The Edo NMA demanded the immediate release of the doctors, enhanced security protocols for Edo State residents, and regular engagement between NMA Edo and the Edo State Government on security concerns.

    Oseghale said doctors would withdraw services statewide if the demands were not met.

    “A safe working environment is crucial for healthcare providers. We’ll continue to withhold services until our demands are met and colleagues are safe.

    “We urge a swift resolution and the safe return of our colleagues. Security operatives should take this seriously, as they’ll be held responsible for the consequences of our action.”

  • BBNaija fanbase no longer growing, show has lost credibility — Phyna

    BBNaija fanbase no longer growing, show has lost credibility — Phyna

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate Phyna has expressed her concerns about the current state of the reality show, arguing that many contestants lack what it takes to excel after their time in the house.

    Speaking during a livestream, she said several ex-housemates depend on the same fanbase, which is no longer expanding and therefore cannot sustain their careers.

    She explained that the audience simply shifts support from one contestant to another, without attracting new followers.

    Phyna further stated that the show has lost credibility, noting that BBNaija alumni are no longer regarded with the same respect as in previous years.

    According to her, the prestige once associated with being a former contestant has significantly diminished.

    Read Also: I need clarity before apologising to Davido for past ‘beef’ – Phyna

    She said, “The steeze housemates do have on the show they don’t have it again, because it’s the same fan base that moves from one to another, no new people, nothing new. It’s just the same people.

    “And that aside, the show has lost credibility compared to the way it was before, because when you tell someone now that I came out of BBNaija, they won’t rate you like they do then.”

    Phyna, whose real name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, won the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, tagged ‘Level Up’, on October 2, 2022.

    She took home a grand prize of N100 million, beating fellow finalist Bryann with 40.74% of the votes.

    Phyna is the second female winner of the show, following Mercy Eke’s win in 2019.

  • Why Super Eagles’ bonus was delayed at AFCON 2025 – NSC chairman

    Why Super Eagles’ bonus was delayed at AFCON 2025 – NSC chairman

    The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has attributed the delay in the payment of bonuses to the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    Dikko spoke on Thursday after reports emerged that players of the Nigeria threatened to boycott their AFCON quarter-final clash against Algeria over unpaid bonuses.

    According to the NSC chairman, the funds have already been approved and released, but are still undergoing due process.

    “The money has been released and is being processed,” Dikko said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

    Read Also: Akinsanmiro misses Super Eagles training ahead Algeria clash

    He added: “The NFF, the Sports Commission, the Presidency, the Minister of Finance, and the CBN are all involved. Fundamentally, the money for this AFCON is approved and being processed through the right channels. It’s a matter of timing.”

    He stressed that approval of funds does not automatically translate into immediate disbursement, explaining that multiple government institutions are involved in the process.

    “Let me give you the timelines of how these issues work. First and foremost, I must tell you that Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, duly approved the special budget for the AFCON as far back as November 14, 2025,” Dikko said.

    “But approving the money is different from getting the money out. It takes time for the funds to be processed through the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

  • Best Bitcoin Pokies: Top Crypto Casino Sites for Secure Gameplay in 2026  

    Best Bitcoin Pokies: Top Crypto Casino Sites for Secure Gameplay in 2026  

    Crypto slots don’t hit the same when payouts crawl, and that’s exactly why the best Bitcoin pokies have carved out a solid portion of the online gambling industry. Faster transactions and a level of transparency you don’t get at traditional sites make a real difference when your money is on the line.

    Our top pick, Ignition, earns the #1 spot for its strong RTP averages and quick BTC withdrawals. Below, we’re breaking down 15 of the best Bitcoin pokies platforms.

    Best Bitcoin Pokies Sites: First Look

    Disclaimer: Heads up about our links! Adblock might get confused, so please disable it if you have any issues.

    Important: The sites listed in this guide are intended for English speakers around the world. Please remember to check your local laws to ensure online gambling is legal where you live. Also, Adblock might get confused, so please disable it if you have any issues with our links.

    Now that you’ve got a general idea of what the top platforms have to offer, we’ll take a deeper look into each pick in detail. These reviews highlight the game depth, payout options, and general feel of each casino.

    1. Ignition – Best Overall

    Pros

    • Up to $3,000 crypto welcome bonus
    • Crypto-friendly from the start (BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT)
    • Entered into the VIP program automatically
    • Fast, free crypto withdrawals
    • Anonymous poker tables protect new players
    • Strong poker tournaments alongside slots

    Cons

    • Live dealer games don’t count toward wagering
    • Could use more filtering options

    If you want a Bitcoin pokies platform that feels balanced rather than bloated, Ignition lands in a sweet spot. You’re getting a full casino backed by serious poker DNA, which shows up in how smooth the software runs and how quickly crypto payments move when you’re ready to cash out.

    Game Selection: 4.8/5

    There are around 400 games. The slot library alone clears 300, mixing classic reels with modern crypto slots. They include bonus rounds, adjustable bet sizes, and varied volatility levels. RTP rates are competitive across the board, and paylines are flexible enough for both low-stakes and high-roller sessions.

    Beyond Bitcoin slots, you also get blackjack, roulette, and live dealer rooms. Of course, poker is still Ignition’s backbone, so you can find fast-fold tables, knockout tournaments, and sit & gos for a few quick hands.

    Bonuses & Rewards: 5/5

    Ignition’s crypto bonuses are generous, with the main welcome offer providing a 300% match up to $3,000 when you deposit with Bitcoin or other coins. With wagering requirements at 25x, you’ll be able to reasonably get through them, especially compared to other platforms.

    Ongoing promos rotate often. Weekly crypto boosts, Daily Scratch & Win cards, and recurring Hot Drop Jackpots are available. Poker players also get extras like the $200 Royal Flush Bonus and more.

    Banking & Crypto Support: 5/5

    You can fund your account using Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and more. Bitcoin Lightning is the fastest option, though, offering near-instant on-chain payments.

    Wallet integration is smooth, transaction fees are minimal on crypto deposits, and confirmation times stay short. Ignition was also our top pick in this new online casino review.

    Start with up to $3,000 welcome bonus at Ignition

    2. Bovada – Poker Room, Sportsbook, Casino Hybrid

    Pros

    • Up to $3,750 in crypto welcome bonuses
    • Separate bonuses for casino, sportsbook, and poker
    • 9 different Hot Drop Jackpots
    • Weekly crypto withdrawals up to $180,000
    • Long track record in Bitcoin casinos

    Cons

    • Limited game filtering tools
    • Sportsbook layout looks dated

    Bovada has been a fixture of Bitcoin gambling since 2011, now offering slots, sports betting, and poker all under one platform.

    Game Selection: 4.8/5

    When you log in to Bovada, you’ll find over 300 casino games, with a focus on quality over bulk. Slot machines cover a wide range, from low-risk spins to higher-risk plays chasing bigger multipliers. Network-linked Hot Drop Jackpots run across select games, with hourly and daily drops that trigger automatically once the timer hits zero.

    The platform also has a large sportsbook, covering more than two dozen sports with deep prop markets and competitive lines. Poker rounds things out with knockout formats, turbo events, sit-and-gos, and quick-entry tables when you want instant action.

    Bonuses & Rewards: 4.9/5

    You’ll have three separate welcome paths to choose from once you sign up. For sports betting, there’s a $750 bonus using the code BTCSWB750. Poker players can get a $500 match bonus, while casino fans get the biggest offer: up to $3,750 in crypto bonuses, spread across their first three bonuses. The first uses BTCSWB750, with BTC2NDCWB covering deposits two and three.

    Ongoing perks include things like the Mega Scratch Card, which can land up to 100,000 Bovada Rewards Point, redeemable for cash, and the Parlay Booster, which delivers boosted odds and automatic entries for more reward points each week.

    Banking & Crypto Support: 5/5

    Crypto banking is another of Bovada’s strong points. You can deposit using BTC, Bitcoin Lightning, Litecoin, Tether, and several other digital currency options.

    Minimum deposits start at a low $10, topping out at $5,000, which works well for casual and high-stakes players. Most withdrawals clear in under an hour, and high weekly limits give you room to cash out larger wins without delays.

    Start with up to $3,750 crypto bonus at Bovada

    3. BitStarz – 5 BTC & 180 FS Welcome Bonus

    Pros

    • Massive 5 BTC match and 180 free spins welcome bonus
    • Supports 500+ cryptocurrencies
    • Large library of provably fair games
    • Thousands of slots, including exclusives
    • Weekly tournaments like Slot and Table wars

    Cons

    • No sportsbook
    • Poker tournaments aren’t available

    Launched in 2014, BitStarz is one of the longest-running Bitcoin pokies, still setting the pace for blockchain gambling. Everything in this platform is crypto-first, from the size of the welcome package to how quickly winnings get to your wallet.

    Game Selection: 4.9/5

    With close to 4,500 games in the library, BitStarz has a noticeable emphasis on crypto slots designed to run cleanly on browsers and mobile devices. The catalogue includes everything from volatile bonus-heavy games to progressive jackpots to high-RTP slots.

    There are also exclusive titles like BitStarz Billion and other originals, developed by game providers like Betsoft Gaming, Reflex Gaming, and Spinomenal. Live dealer games round things out, adding real-time blackjack and roulette if you like to switch formats mid-session.

    Bonuses & Rewards: 4.7/5

    The headline offer is hard to miss, offering a 5 BTC match bonus paired with 180 free spins. It’s one of the largest welcome packages in the Bitcoin casino space, and it’s backed by ongoing promos, too.

    Weekly tournaments like Slots and Table Wars introduce a competitive angle to your regular play, while frequent reload bonuses and free spins keep value going for regular players.

    Banking & Crypto Support: 4.7/5

    BitStarz supports a huge range of digital currency options, including the big names like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether, along with hundreds of altcoins. Wallet integration is seamless, transaction fees are low to zero, and confirmation times are short.

    Most crypto withdrawals clear instantly, with a $50,000 instant cashout limit, so larger wins won’t sit in limbo. All transactions run behind military-grade encryption, so your funds and personal details are locked down.

    Start with a 5 BTC match bonus at BitStarz

    4. Wild.io – 400% Match Bonus on Signing Up

    Pros

    • 400% match bonus up to $10,000
    • 300 free spins across your first three deposits
    • Nearly 8,000 slots
    • Daily rakeback and cashback rewards
    • Integrated esports and sportsbook betting

    Cons

    • Overwhelming interface for new players
    • Could use more filtering for the size of library

    If you’re the type of player who wants option upon options — slots, live tables, esports betting, rotating promos — this Bitcoin pokies platform delivers.

    Game Selection: 5/5

    Wild.io’s library clears 8,000 games, with more than 7,000 slots covering every style and genre imaginable, from simple three-reel classics to feature-heavy video slots with bonus rounds and volatile payout swings.

    Live gaming is deep, too, with 30 roulette wheels (from classics to subtle twists) and around 100 live dealer games running at any given time.

    On top of that, the sportsbook has more than 30 sports categories for you to bet on, including top football, esports, rugby, and niche markets.

    Bonuses & Rewards: 4.6/5

    New players start with a 400% match bonus up to $10,000, which may seem low compared to other platforms on our list. But you’ll also have 300 free spins split across your first three deposits, too. Just use the code WILD each time you add funds to your account.

    You’ll also get cashback rewards from day one. Every player earns 5% back, while VIP members can push that as high as 20%.

    Ongoing promos like the Wheel of Fortune offer free spins and cash prizes, and slot tournaments like BGaming’s Slot Mania give you more ways to earn.

    Banking & Crypto Support: 4.6/5

    Wild.io runs strictly on crypto. You can add funds to your account through BTC, ETH, LTC, TRON, and several other coins. Minimum deposits are really low, 0.00006 BTC, making it accessible even if you’re testing the waters. Withdrawals range from 0.002 BTC up to 10 BTC per transaction.

    Payouts are fast. Most crypto withdrawals hit your wallet in under five minutes, keeping confirmation times short and avoiding drawn-out waits.

    Start with up to $10,000 match bonus at Wild.io

    5. MyStake – Unique Exclusive Games

    Pros

    • 10% cashback on crypto deposits
    • Exclusive mini-games
    • Fun, free Fantasy League competitions
    • Daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments
    • Strong focus on community-driven play

    Cons

    • Welcome bonus details appear only after sign-up
    • Interface feels cluttered

    If you’re bored of spinning the same slot formats, MyStake feels like a reset. Launched in 2019, the platform set out to make online gambling feel playful again. Alongside thousands of Bitcoin pokies, you get original mini-games, community tournaments, and unique experiences that break up the usual slot sessions.

    Game Selection: 4.7/5

    MyStake’s library pushes past 8,000 games, covering nearly every slot style there is. The real hook is its exclusive content. You get 26 original mini-games and 15 exclusives, many of which play more like an arcade game than traditional slot machines.

    For example, Chicken Cross is the platform’s take on Frogger. You control risk directly, adjusting the “road rage” to choose how aggressive the traffic gets and how big the multipliers are.

    Outside the casino floor, MyStake’s sportsbook and Fantasy League add more layers. You can draft players from top UEFA Champions League teams. Score enough points, and you can win prizes like a new iPhone or PS5.

    Bonuses & Rewards: 4.5/5

    The standard offer includes a 170% deposit match with 300 free spins, giving you a solid starting bankroll across slots and other games. If you deposit with crypto, you’ll also earn 10% cashback, which softens losing streaks.

    There’s also a 3+1 Freebet promo. Place three bets, and the fourth one comes back free, calculated as the average of the first three wagers.

    Banking & Crypto Support: 4.6/5

    With seven cryptocurrency options, you’ll have the usual suspects like BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, and USDT. Fast withdrawals are standard here, with most requests clearing within hours. Plus, there are no withdrawal fees eating into your winnings.

    Claim your 170% deposit match at MyStake

    Highest Paying Bitcoin Pokie Games

    The Bitcoin pokies below were picked for one reason: they actually give you room to win. Strong RTPs, payout-boosting mechanics, and various volatilities make these games worth playing.

    Hot Drop Jackpots: A Night with Cleo

    This slot shines during Ignition’s Hot Drop cycle, where progressive jackpots are guaranteed to fall once the timer runs out. Built on a 5-reel, 20-payline layout, it delivers a steady baseline gameplay with sudden spikes when the jackpots trigger.

    Play a Night with Cleo at Ignition

    Wild Multiplier: Golden Buffalo

    With a 6×4 reel setup and 4,069 ways to win, every spin on Golden Buffalo has multiple paths to pay. Wild multipliers stack, opening the door to payouts up to 3,125x your bet, with a top-end potential of $500,000 on a single spin.

    Play Golden Buffalo at Bovada

    Megaways Slot: Aztec Magic Megaways

    This BGaming title goes all-in on chaos. Six reels, up to 117,649 Megaways, and a 96.69% RTP create a setup built for explosive runs. Free spins ramp things up, and with high volatility, the wins arrive in clusters. The max payout reaches $259,200 per spin.

    Play Aztec Magic Megaways at BitStarz

    Scatter Slot: Bonanza Billion

    Bonanza Billion is a high-volatility BGaming slot with a 95.97% RTP and a monstrous 15,000x max multiplier. You can trigger free spins naturally or buy them outright, with random 2x up to 100x multipliers popping up. Stack those correctly, and you’re looking at wins reaching $225,000.

    Play Bonanza Billion at Wild.io

    Video Slot: Book of Dead

    This classic runs on a 5-reel, 10-line layout with a 96.21 RTP and straightforward mechanics. Three or more scatter symbols trigger free spins, and the Rich Wilde symbol can expand to cover reels during bonuses. Line up five on a payline, and you’re paid 500x your bet.

    Play Book of Dead at MyStake

    What Are Bitcoin Pokies?

    Bitcoin pokies are online slot machines that use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for deposits, bets, and payouts instead of traditional payment methods. Behind the scenes, these games run on the same mechanics as standard slots, but they’re built to work smoothly with BTC payments and crypto wallets.

    What sets Bitcoin online pokies apart is how money moves. Deposits are handled through the blockchain, which means fewer intermediaries, lower transaction fees, and faster confirmation times. When you win, payouts often reach your wallet in minutes rather than days.

    Many Bitcoin real money casinos also offer provably fair games, allowing you to verify outcomes through blockchain-based systems rather than taking the casino’s word for it.

    How We Chose Bitcoin Pokies: Ranking Methodology

    We ranked each BTC casino using a clear set of criteria that focuses on how these platforms perform once real money is involved.

    Game Library Quality

    We looked at overall game variety, slot providers, and how well each library balances classic reels, modern video slots, and progressive jackpots. RTP rates, volatility levels, paylines, and bet size flexibility all factored in, along with mobile compatibility.

    Platforms running smooth HTML5 games scored higher, especially when mobile slots felt just as polished as desktop play.

    Bonus Value

    Instead of chasing headline numbers, we focused on how usable each bonus actually is. That meant weighing wagering requirements, free spins value, and how often ongoing promos show up after the welcome offer expires.

    The best Bitcoin casinos paired fair rollover rules with realistic bonus rounds. These platforms ranked higher than sites pushing inflated matches that rarely convert to withdrawable funds.

    Crypto Banking Options

    Bitcoin pokies live or die by how well they handle payments. We evaluated supported cryptocurrencies, wallet integration, and how smoothly deposits and withdrawals run from start to finish.

    Fast confirmation times, low transaction fees, and support for BTC payments through major crypto wallets mattered more than sheer coin count. Sites offering instant payouts (or as close to it as possible) earned a higher score.

    Security & Provably Fair Features

    Trust matters a lot, even in blockchain gaming. We prioritized Bitcoin pokies that use strong encryption, transparent payout policies, and provably fair systems that let you verify game outcomes.

    Platforms supporting anonymous play and on-chain verification scored higher, especially when security features didn’t interfere with gameplay or slow withdrawals.

    Benefits & Drawbacks of Crypto Pokies for Real Money

    Here’s a look at where online pokies, Bitcoin, and digital currencies shine and where they fall short:

    ProsCons
    Faster withdrawals, clearing in minutes instead of days.Coin value can change between deposit and withdrawal since crypto prices fluctuate a lot.
    On-chain payments cut out banks and processors, so you’ll have lower transaction fees.Wallet setup and confirmations aren’t beginner-friendly.
    You can verify outcomes when you play provably fair games. 
    Many bitcoin casinos don’t require extensive personal details, allowing anonymous play. 
    Crypto slots often launch earlier or exclusively on BTC platforms. 

    Types of Bitcoin Online Pokies

    Bitcoin pokies have evolved past the three-by-three slot machines of yesteryear. Here are some of the most common versions of crypto pokies, real money slot options:

    • Classic 3×3: The stripped-down originals are three reels, three rows, and a small number of paylines. Payouts are straightforward, volatility is usually low to medium, and bonus rounds are rare.
    • Video slots: Expect five or more reels, expanded paylines, layered bonus rounds, and frequent free spins. Volatility levels range from steady grinders to high-risk games built for big multipliers.
    • Progressive jackpots: Progressive Bitcoin pokies link every player of that particular game or series of games (like Hot Drop Jackpots) to a shared prize pool that grows with every spin. These games trade lower base payouts for a chance at massive wins, sometimes reaching six or seven figures.
    • Megaways: These titles replace fixed paylines with dynamic reel systems, offering tens, hundreds, or thousands of ways to win on each spin. These games are typically high volatility, with wins arriving in bursts rather than steady increments.

    FAQs on BTC Pokies

    Here are the most common questions players ask about Bitcoin pokies, payouts, and wallets.

    What Is the Best Bitcoin Casino?

    The best Bitcoin casino is one that combines fast BTC payouts, fair bonuses, and a strong library from reliable game providers. Our top pick is Ignition.

    What Pokies Pay Out the Most?

    The pokies that pay out the most are usually high-RTP slots with medium to high volatility. Progressive jackpots, megaways, and bonus-heavy video slots tend to offer the largest upside.

    What Is the Best Game to Earn Bitcoin?

    The best game to earn Bitcoin is typically a high-RTP crypto slot with consistent bonus rounds rather than a pure jackpot chase. Games that balance volatility with frequent free spins and multipliers give you more chances to convert.

    Which Bitcoin Wallet Is the Best in the USA?

    The best bitcoin wallet in the USA depends on how you play, but most players prefer non-custodial crypto wallets with strong security and fast blockchain payments. Wallets that support quick confirmations and easy integration with Bitcoin casino sites make deposits and withdrawals far smoother.

    Comparison of Top 5 Bitcoin Pokies Sites

    Here’s a recap of our top five Bitcoin pokies platforms and what each one does best.

    • Ignition –This platform balances fast BTC withdrawals, a deep slot library, and top-tier poker action under one roof. Its crypto welcome bonus goes up to $3,000 with a low wagering requirement.
    • Bovada – A casino, sportsbook, and one of the top online poker platforms all in one, Bovada is backed by years of reliability. New players can choose separate bonuses for each section, including the casino offer of up to $3,750 using BTCSWB750 (first deposit) and BTC2NDCWB (second and third).
    • BitStarz – Built for a variety of games, you’ll have thousands of crypto slots to choose from. The headline offer features a 5 BTC match plus 180 free spins.
    • Wild.io – Another casino with lots of choice, you’ll have thousands of crypto slots, live dealer games, and sports betting options on Wild.io. On sign-up, you can unlock a 400% match bonus up to $10,000 and free spins by using the code WILD on your first deposit.
    • MyStake – With custom mini-games, arcade-style exclusives, and community tournaments you won’t find elsewhere, MyStake sets itself apart. The welcome bonus includes a 170% deposit match with 300 free spins, and the rewards grow from there.

    How to Sign Up & Start Playing Bitcoin Pokies

    Getting started is easy, especially on a crypto-friendly platform like Ignition. Here’s the entire process, step-by-step, so you know exactly what to expect:

    Step 1: Create your account. Head to the website and click the Join button. Enter your email and a secure password, and fill in basic account details.

    Step 2: Choose your bonus. During sign-up, select the crypto welcome bonus if you’re depositing with Bitcoin or other coins.

    Step 3. Deposit with Bitcoin. Open the cashier (or hit the “Deposit” button), choose Bitcoin as your payment method, and send funds from your crypto wallet. These are processed nearly instantly.

    Step 4: Pick a pokie and set your bet. Browse the slot library, choose a game that matches your preferred volatility level, and adjust your bet sizes and coin value to fit your bankroll.

    Available Bonuses for Online Bitcoin Pokies

    Bonuses can stretch your bankroll if you structure them in a way that makes sense. Below are the most common Bitcoin pokies bonus types, paired with the platforms where they actually deliver.

    Bonus TypeDescriptionProsConsWhere to Find the Best One
    Crypto WelcomeMatch bonus on your first Bitcoin depositLarge starting balance, crypto-friendlyWagering still appliesIgnition – 300% match bonus up to $3,000
    Multi-deposit matchBonuses split across multiple depositsSpreads value over timeRequires repeat depositsBovada – $3,750 over three deposits.
    Free SpinsSpins on selected slot machinesLow-risk way to test gamesLimited game selectionBitStarz – 180 free spins on sign up
    Cashback RewardsPercentage of losses returnedSoftens losing streaksUsually capped weekly at certain amountsMyStake – 10% cashback on crypto deposits

    Smart Strategies to Get the Most Out of the Best Bitcoin Pokies Sites

    These practical tips help you stretch your bankroll and avoid common mistakes that cut sessions short.

    • Match volatility with your bankroll. High-volatility slots can pay big, but they demand patience. If your balance is limited, stick to medium-volatility games that offer steadier returns.
    • Pay attention to RTP rates. Slots with higher RTPs give you better long-term value, especially when you’re playing through bonuses or extended sessions.
    • Use bonuses selectively. Only activate bonuses you plan to clear. A smaller match with manageable wagering often beats a huge offer that locks your funds for too long.
    • Withdraw strategically. When you hit a solid win, don’t let it ride indefinitely. Crypto payouts are fast. Use that speed to lock in profits rather than chasing big numbers.

    Choosing the Best Sites to Play Bitcoin Pokies

    Bitcoin pokies stand out because they cut out some of the issues with online casinos: slow banking, drawn-out withdrawals, and murky game rules. Platforms like Ignition replace this with speed, transparency, and flexibility.

    If fast access to your winnings and a deep lineup of real-money crypto slots matter to you, Bitcoin pokies are definitely worth exploring. Pick a platform that matches your bankroll and risk tolerance, fund your wallet, and start spinning today.

    DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling is risky, and it’s important to approach it with caution. Check your local laws to ensure that online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction. All websites on this page are 21+ only.

    If you have a gambling addiction problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. The following free gambling addiction resources can be of help as well:

  • FG fast-tracks acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters

    FG fast-tracks acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters

    …as Air Chief leads team to United States

    The federal government is strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) operational capabilities in ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations through the acquisition of new air platforms to address evolving security threats.

    The latest effort is the move to procure 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters from the United States (U.S).

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has led a Programme Management Review meeting with senior U.S government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron, an American aerospace manufacturer, in San Diego, California.

    The AH-1Z is a modern attack helicopter operated by the U.S. military and equipped with advanced sensors, precision-guided weapons, and night-fighting capabilities.

    The acquisition of the AH-1Z is expected to significantly enhance the NAF’s ability to provide close air support, conduct armed reconnaissance, and sustain air operations in challenging environments.

    According to a statement by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Thursday, Air Marshal Aneke, during the engagement, thanked the U.S Government and Messrs Bell Textron for their continued cooperation, professionalism, and transparency in the execution of the helicopter acquisition programme.

    The Air Chief noted that the structured review reflects the NAF’s deliberate emphasis on programme discipline, accountability, and results.

    He acknowledged the professionalism and openness that were started by both teams during the process.

    “We deeply value the professionalism and openness demonstrated throughout this process, and we remain fully committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the timely and successful delivery of these platforms,” the CAS stated.

    The Air Chief emphasised that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters represents more than a platform upgrade, describing it as “a reflection of the enduring defence cooperation” between Nigeria and the United States.

    According to him, the programme underscores a shared responsibility for regional and global security, built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for peace and stability.

    He said, “This partnership speaks to our collective resolve to confront evolving security challenges through collaboration and sustained capability development.”

    The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s sense of urgency and commitment in the acquisition of the platform, assuring the U.S. team that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the helicopters are delivered as quickly as possible.

    Read Also: FG confirms release of Super Eagles’ bonuses

    The Air Chief charged the programme management team to work smartly and proactively to complete production on schedule and within budget.

    “Timelines and standards must be met concurrently. We must remain focused, innovative, and solutions-driven,” he stressed.

    The CAS thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat capability, operational efficiency, and mission readiness, thereby strengthening the NAF’s ability to deliver decisive airpower in support of national security and stability.

    The Air Chief added that the advanced capabilities of the helicopters would enable the NAF to conduct highly precise operations, minimise collateral damage, and provide timely and effective support to ground forces, ultimately saving lives and protecting property across affected communities.

    He reassured Nigerians of the NAF’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorist and criminal threats with professionalism, restraint, and accountability, while sustaining public trust and confidence in its operations.

  • Delta infrastructure drive gains momentum as Oborevwori breaks ground for Otovwodo flyover

    Delta infrastructure drive gains momentum as Oborevwori breaks ground for Otovwodo flyover

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will on Monday, January 12, 2026, officially break ground for the construction of the Otovwodo Junction Flyover in Ughelli, further accelerating his administration’s aggressive push to transform the state’s urban infrastructure.

    The groundbreaking ceremony, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., marks another major milestone in the governor’s infrastructure renewal agenda.

    A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, said guests are expected to be seated by 10:30 a.m. ahead of the flag-off.

    Construction work has already begun at the site, with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc mobilised and actively working, reinforcing the administration’s determination to deliver the project on schedule.

    The Otovwodo Junction Flyover is one of two newly approved flyover projects by the State Executive Council (EXCO), coming on the heels of the near completion of three major flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction—projects widely regarded as game-changers for traffic flow in the state and executed by Julius Berger.

    Read Also: Okowa, Morka rally APC chieftains, members for Tinubu, Oborevwori

    The second newly approved flyover is sited at Uromi Junction in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, further underlining the Oborevwori administration’s relentless drive to decongest major urban corridors and modernize Delta’s road infrastructure.

    In preparation for the Otovwodo flyover project and to ease traffic flow during construction, Oborevwori had earlier directed the construction of four adjoining roads at Ovie Palace Road, Okogbe Road, Oyakemeagbegha Street, and Edo Road, to decongest the busy junction and minimise disruption to motorists and residents.

    Similarly, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has also commenced preliminary works at the Uromi Junction flyover site, while the groundbreaking ceremony for that project is expected to be announced at a later date.

    The flyover projects form part of the Oborevwori administration’s broader infrastructure renewal agenda aimed at improving traffic management, enhancing safety, and boosting economic activities across Delta State.

  • Jeriq: Claim that Igbo artists don’t support one another is wrong

    Jeriq: Claim that Igbo artists don’t support one another is wrong

    Rapper Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani, popularly known as Jeriq, has rejected the notion that Igbo artists do not support one another, describing the assertion as baseless.

    Speaking on a recent episode of The Vybz TV Cartel podcast, Jeriq cited personal experiences to counter the narrative.

    He highlighted the contributions of established stars such as Flavour and Phyno, noting that both artists have collaborated with him without requesting payment.

    He credited Flavour with helping him secure his biggest song, Oluoma, explaining that Flavour delivered a verse for free. Jeriq added that he and Phyno have worked together on three tracks, also without charge.

    According to him, the success of many emerging Igbo artists can be traced to the support and endorsements they have received from senior figures in the industry.

    “The narrative that Igbo people don’t help each other is a fallacy. Flavour, for instance, has supported numerous artists, including several rising Igbo musicians who are now thriving because of his co-sign,” he said.

    Read Also: Why I’ve never been in a relationship, by Rapper Jeriq

    “I am also a beneficiary of Flavour’s magnanimity. My biggest song ever in this life is ‘Oluoma.’ Who gave me the verse? Flavour. Numbers don’t lie. It’s my biggest song ever. Flavour did not collect a dime from me.

    “I collaborate with other artists, and they send me a contract and a split-sheet. But Phyno and Flavour have never collected a dime from me. I have done three songs with Phyno and one hit with Flavour. They collaborated with me free of charge,” he explained.

    Jeriq also added that Igbo artists can achieve international success, citing Asake’s success with Yoruba language songs.

    He predicted an Igbo artist would sell out a US or Paris stadium performing in Igbo.

    “The way Asake is doing everything with the Yoruba language, I believe that somebody will sell out a stadium either in the U.S. or Paris with the Igbo language,” he added.

  • NGO, CSOs fault one-year delay in federal board inaugurations

    NGO, CSOs fault one-year delay in federal board inaugurations

    The convener of the forum of NGOs and CSOs for sustainable public service, Comrade Abdullahi Shiro, has criticised the prolonged delay in inaugurating chairmen and members of federal government boards, agencies, and parastatals appointed more than a year ago, describing the situation as governance in suspension.

    In a statement issued by the forum, Shiro drew a comparison between the swift legislative treatment given to ambassadorial nominations and the stalled inauguration of domestic governance structures.

    He argued that while ambassadorial postings received accelerated approval from the National Assembly, federal boards with more immediate impact on citizens continue to await activation.

    The group stressed that board appointments are not ceremonial or political privileges, but constitutionally established instruments for policy direction, institutional checks, and strategic oversight.

    It warned that failure to inaugurate these boards centralises power within management structures, weakens transparency, and undermines the purpose of corporate governance.

    Citing the importance of the affected sectors to national development, the forum called on the Federal Government to immediately inaugurate all recently appointed Chairmen, Board Members, and Chief Executives, issue the requisite instruments of office, and allow the institutions to resume full operations.

    According to the statement, more than a year after the Federal Government unveiled an extensive list of appointments—explicitly stating that they would take immediate effect—many of the agencies remain inactive due to the absence of formal inauguration, take-off briefings, and instruments of office.

    This, the forum said, has stalled board-level governance and prevented appointees from convening meetings, approving policies, exercising oversight, or providing strategic direction.

    The group noted that this vacuum has eroded accountability, slowed reforms, and weakened service delivery, creating what it described as a widening gap between presidential intent and operational reality.

    The delayed inauguration affects more than forty-six strategic institutions, including the National Youth Service Corps, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company, Nigerian Postal Service, Nigerian Railway Corporation, NIMASA, the Industrial Training Fund, river basin authorities, research councils, and numerous Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals nationwide.

    The forum stressed that these boards oversee critical sectors such as youth development, aviation, power, education, health, science and technology, infrastructure, environment, finance, maritime services, and social protection.

    It added that many of the institutions are already grappling with funding shortfalls, industrial disputes, infrastructural decay, and declining public trust.

    It argued that the prolonged delay is directly responsible for stalled approvals, weak oversight mechanisms, and sluggish responses to operational needs, especially within the health sector, where timely decisions are vital for national well-being.

    The group urged the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to reform and institutional efficiency through concrete administrative action.

    It noted that Nigerians increasingly expect governance outcomes that go beyond public announcements and translate into tangible results.