The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Police inaugurate RRT to enhance operations in Jigawa

    Police inaugurate RRT to enhance operations in Jigawa

    The Jigawa State Police Command has inaugurated Rapid Response Team (RRT) to enhance security operations in the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Shiisu Lawan, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Dutse.

    “The Jigawa Police Command, under the visionary and proactive leadership of its Commissioner of Police, Mr Dahiru Muhammad, has established a Special Tactical Unit code-named the Rapid Response Team (RRT).

    “This is part of strategic efforts to further strengthen security operations and improve rapid response across the state,” the statement said.

    Read Also: NNRA partners DSS, police to enforce nuclear safety regulations

    The statement said that  officers posted to the newly established unit underwent rigorous tactical and operational training conducted by operatives of the 35 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Dutse.

    It explained that the intensive training covered combat operations, tactical maneuvers, and weapons handling, including practical training at the command’s shooting range to enhance operational efficiency and professionalism.

    The statement added that in addition to the trainings, several lectures were delivered to equip the officers with vast knowledge in the rudiments of police operations, investigative techniques, human rights standards, and ethical policing.

    According to the statement, the Command also emphasised on the dangers of bribery, corruption, assault and extortion, in line with the Nigeria Police Force’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.

    The statement said that the CP, Muhammad,  while addressing the officers, underscored the importance of strict adherence to the Police Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement, and Force Order 237 on the use of firearms.

    Others are the rights of human beings and the need for continuous self-development and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    It added that the CP also charged the officers to remain disciplined, patriotic and people-oriented while carrying out their assignments.

    “The CP assured the public that the team is designed to improve swift response to distress calls, violent crimes, handle farmer/herder conflicts, conduct special operations, control crowds and enhance public confidence in policing.

    “Following the launch, the Rapid Response Team personnel have been deployed across the seven Area Commands of the State, with the Office of the Overall Commander located at the State Headquarters, Dutse, to ensure effective coordination and statewide coverage,” the statement said.

    The statement also reiterated the command’s commitment in safeguarding lives and property, while urging members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information. (NAN) 

  • Dangote Refinery increases ex gantry petrol price to N799/ litre

    Dangote Refinery increases ex gantry petrol price to N799/ litre

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced an increase in the ex gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol. 

    The Refinery raised the product price from N699 per litre to N799 per litre. Its partner retail outlet- MRS, will sell at N839 per litre. 

    The firm also reaffirmed its commitment to market stability and uninterrupted nationwide supply of petrol.

    Dangote Refinery, in a statement, explained that  the facility implemented a deliberate and temporary price support intervention during the festive period  to cushion the effect of heightened household spending during the yuletide on Nigerians..

     “This marked the second consecutive festive season in which the Refinery absorbed significant costs in the national interest, including logistics support in 2024 and a price reduction in 2025 to promote affordability and market calm.

     “Despite the price reduction, many filling stations failed to reflect the new price at the pump, thereby denying Nigerians the benefits of the reduction,” it added.

    Read Also: Dangote Refinery expansion begins

    It added that with the festive period over, PMS prices, it said, have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long term market stability and affordability.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird, stated that the Refinery continues to supply the domestic market with approximately 50 million litres of PMS daily, with nationwide evacuation and distribution operating normally.

    He noted that the Refinery’s design flexibility allows it to process a wide range of crude and intermediate feedstocks, enabling continued PMS supply during planned maintenance activities. According to him, this capability ensures that domestic supply remains stable and uninterrupted.

    He noted that the Refinery’s design flexibility allows it to process a wide range of crude and intermediate feedstocks, enabling continued PMS supply during planned maintenance activities. He added that this capability ensures that domestic supply remains stable and uninterrupted.

    “As a domestic producer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to shield the Nigerian market from import related volatility and external supply disruptions, while remaining a stabilising force in the downstream petroleum sector. Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains focused on delivering energy security, price stability, and long-term value for Nigerians,” the statement said.

  • LEADERSHIP Award a call to greater service, says First Lady Tinubu

    LEADERSHIP Award a call to greater service, says First Lady Tinubu

    First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON) has described her emergence as LEADERSHIP Person of the Year in 2025 as a renewed call to service, declaring that there is still more work to be done.

    Senator Tinubu spoke after the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper formally presented her with the award letter during a courtesy visit.

     She expressed appreciation to the organisation for the recognition, describing it as both encouraging and motivating.

    “With this, I am fired up for the year,” she said, stressing that her focus remains on serving ordinary Nigerians rather than pursuing accolades.

    The First Lady noted that she was encouraged by the recognition of her efforts as a woman in leadership as the current administration approaches the midpoint of its first term. 

    She acknowledged the male-dominated nature of society but said it only strengthens her resolve to work harder.

    Read Also: I work hard because my husband is diligent, says First Lady

    “I have never seen men as a challenge,” she said. “But it makes me know that I have to work three times as hard to get ahead. I always tell young girls to be confident, focused and hardworking.”

    Senator Tinubu also paid glowing tribute to the late founder of LEADERSHIP Group, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, describing him as a man of integrity and vision. She commended the organisation’s current leadership for sustaining his legacy and thanked them for their continued commitment to excellence.

    Chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said the selection of the First Lady as Person of the Year 2025 was a unanimous decision of the newspaper’s nomination board.

    She explained that the choice was based on the impact of Senator Tinubu’s interventions across the country, particularly through the Renewed Hope Initiative, since the inauguration of the Tinubu administration in 2023.

    Group’s Senior Vice Chairman, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, said Senator Tinubu had redefined the office of the First Lady, transforming it into a platform for stewardship, compassion and national development.

    According to him, her philanthropic and humanitarian interventions have touched lives across Nigeria, cutting across ethnic, religious and political lines.

    LEADERSHIP unveiled its 2025 award recipients in November 2025, with Senator Tinubu emerging as Person of the Year. 

    The Board of Editors, however, announced that no Politician of the Year was selected despite the country approaching another election cycle.

    Six Governors were named Governors of the Year 2025 for commitment to people-centred governance. 

    They include Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna); Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa).

    Governor Oyebanji was recognised for inclusive leadership that has transformed Ekiti State, while Governor Lawal earned the award for restoring security and investing heavily in education, healthcare and infrastructure in Zamfara State.

    Governor Sani was honoured for his reconciliatory leadership in Kaduna State, Governor Oborevwori for implementing Delta State’s ‘MORE Agenda,’ and Governor Sule for prioritising infrastructure and human capital development in Nasarawa State.

    The Banker of the Year award went to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tony Okpanachi, for expanding access to finance and empowering over 700,000 MSMEs. Providus Bank emerged Bank of the Year for its role in driving digital innovation in the financial sector.

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) was named Government Agency of the Year for expanding enforcement and recovering over N10 billion for Nigerian consumers.

    The Environmental Impact Agency of the Year award went to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for advancing sustainable industrialisation and climate-friendly technologies.

    Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) clinched the Oil and Gas Local Content Champion of the Year 2025 award for developing Nigeria’s first onshore crude export terminal.

    Other winners include OPay (Fintech Company of the Year), Nestlé Pure Life (Product of the Year), and the Trade Modernisation Project (Company of the Year).

    Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu emerged Young College Person of the Year 2025 for her outstanding academic achievements, while Justine Madugu won Sports Person of the Year for leading the Super Falcons to a record 10th WAFCON title.

    All awardees will be honoured at the LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards Ceremony scheduled for February 12, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

  • Tinubu’s Türkiye visit strategic, not routine — Bwala

    Tinubu’s Türkiye visit strategic, not routine — Bwala

    The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Türkiye as a strategic and highly consequential engagement, dismissing suggestions that it is a routine foreign trip.

    Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the visit, Bwala said the trip was at the invitation of the Turkish government, a gesture he said underscores Nigeria’s growing diplomatic influence under President Tinubu’s leadership.

    According to him, President Tinubu’s stature as a former leader of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria’s strategic importance on the African continent shaped the level of reception and expectations surrounding the visit.

    “This is not just another trip. It is a strategic visit, first because it is by invitation of the Turkish government. The President of Nigeria is a person of influence in Africa, and Nigeria itself plays a strong role on the continent. With the breakthroughs we are recording in the economy, security and governance, this visit carries significant weight,” Bwala said.

    Bwala explained that the state visit would formally begin with a series of engagements from Tuesday, during which Nigeria and Türkiye would explore areas of mutual interest, particularly in defence, security and economic cooperation.

    He disclosed that key Ministers accompanying the President are scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with their Turkish counterparts, aimed at strengthening collaboration across critical sectors.

    The presidential aide also highlighted President Tinubu’s international standing, noting that his leadership style has helped to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic relations globally, including renewed engagement with major partners such as the United States, following earlier diplomatic challenges.

    He cited the recently concluded diplomatic engagements with the United Arab Emirates as evidence of Nigeria’s renewed momentum on the global stage, adding that the Türkiye visit builds on those gains.

    Bwala further emphasised Türkiye’s historical strengths in defence and security, particularly its capacity to manufacture advanced military hardware relevant to Nigeria’s security needs, while noting areas where Nigeria has also provided support to Türkiye over the years.

    Describing the visit as “a meeting of shared interests,” Bwala said both countries stand to benefit, adding that Turkish officials and citizens have shown excitement and optimism since President Tinubu’s arrival.

    He assured that details of specific agreements and deliverables from the talks would be communicated at the conclusion of the visit, which he said is expected to further consolidate Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, deepen defence cooperation and unlock new economic opportunities in line with the administration’s agenda.

  • What to know as CBN upgrades OPay, Moniepoint, Kuda, others

    What to know as CBN upgrades OPay, Moniepoint, Kuda, others

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has upgraded the operating licences of several leading financial technology firms and microfinance banks (MFBs) to national status, allowing them to operate fully across all States of the Federation.

     Director of the Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department at the CBN, Yemi Solaja, announced this during the annual Committee of Heads of Banks’ Operations (CHBOs) conference held in Lagos.

    Solaja explained that the licence upgrade is not automatic, noting that affected institutions were required to meet specific regulatory, compliance and operational benchmarks before qualifying.

    He said many digital lenders and payment service providers had expanded their operations beyond the limits of their original licences, prompting the regulator to formally update their authorisations to reflect their nationwide reach.

    Under the revised framework, major players including Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, OPay, Kuda Bank and other fintechs now hold national licences, granting them approval to operate across Nigeria rather than within restricted regions.

    The CBN said the move is aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight of fast-growing fintech operators while sustaining momentum in the expansion of financial inclusion nationwide.

    Here are things to know about the CBN’s National Licence Upgrade:

    1. Nationwide operations now permitted

    The national licence allows fintechs and microfinance banks to operate legally across all states, removing previous regional or state-level restrictions.

    Read Also: CBN calls for inclusive cash, digital payments system

    2. Stronger regulatory oversight

    The upgrade closes a regulatory gap by bringing fast-growing fintechs fully under CBN supervision, with tighter monitoring of operations nationwide.

    3. Higher capital and compliance standards

    National microfinance banks must now maintain a minimum capital base of about ₦5 billion, alongside stricter reporting, governance and risk-management requirements.

    4. Physical presence is mandatory

    Licensed institutions are required to establish physical branches or service centres in key locations, improving access for customers who need in-person support.

    5. Improved consumer protection and dispute resolution

    Expanded oversight and physical outlets are expected to enhance complaint handling, transaction reversals and customer redress mechanisms.

    6. Fintechs remain distinct from commercial banks

    Despite the upgrade, fintechs and MFBs are not deposit money banks and are still limited to services permitted under their licence categories.

    7. Agent banking networks will expand

    Nationwide approval enables firms to scale agent networks across Nigeria, boosting access to cash-in, cash-out and payment services, especially in underserved areas.

    8. Boost for financial inclusion and rural economies

    The move supports the CBN’s cashless and financial inclusion agenda, improving access to digital payments, savings and credit for rural communities and informal workers.

    9. Rising operational costs for operators

    Maintaining nationwide infrastructure, compliance teams and physical outlets is expected to increase operating expenses for affected firms.

    10. Pressure on smaller fintechs

    Higher capital and compliance demands may strain smaller players, potentially leading to mergers or market consolidation.

    11. Greater focus on data protection and cybersecurity

    As operations scale nationally, regulators are expected to intensify scrutiny of data privacy, cybersecurity and customer information protection.

    12. Increased competition for traditional banks

    Commercial banks may face stiffer competition in retail payments and SME services, particularly where fintech agents are more accessible than bank branches.

    13. Stricter penalties for regulatory breaches

    National licence holders face tougher sanctions for violations, including fines, operational restrictions or licence withdrawal.

    14. Higher transparency expectations

    The CBN will require more frequent disclosures, audits and performance reports to monitor financial stability risks.

    15. Potential boost to investor confidence

    National regulatory approval may strengthen investor trust in Nigeria’s fintech sector and attract additional local and foreign investment.

  • Federal Fire Service saves 55 lives, N8.7bn property in Kano

    Federal Fire Service saves 55 lives, N8.7bn property in Kano

     The Federal Fire Service (FFS), says it has saved 55 lives and property worth N8.7 billion from 433 incidents in the last one year in Kano State.

    Kazeem Sholadoye, the Command’s Controller in the state, said this in a statement by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin, on Tuesday in Kano.

    He said that 19 persons lost their lives due to fire outbreaks, road accidents among others while property worth N263 million destroyed by the fire in 2025.

    Sholadoye said the service responded to 21 emergency calls and 107 false alarms within the period under review.

    The controller urged residents of the state to handle fire with care and switch off electrical appliances before going out to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

    (NAN)

  • Nigeria, UAE jointly waive off tariffs on some products

    Nigeria, UAE jointly waive off tariffs on some products

    Federal Government signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to remove tariffs on some products.

    Rep. Sam Onuigbo a member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday said that the game changer in Abu Dhabi was CEPA which Nigeria signed with UAE at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week which took place from Jan. 11–15.

    NAN reports that Onuigbo was a member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency and served as Chairman of the Committee of Climate Change in the House of Representatives of Nigeria during the 8th Assembly.

    “The CEPA signed in January 2026, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on 7,315 Nigerian products. This includes immediate duty-free access for 2,805 products (38.3 per cent), with the remainder phased out over three to five years, covering agricultural and industrial goods.

    “Similarly, under the Nigeria/UAE CEPA also signed in January 2026, Nigeria has eliminated tariffs on 6,243 products imported from UAE. That agreement creates these wonderful opportunities between Nigerians, the Emirates,” he said.

    Read Also: Nigeria, UAE to partner on $400b commodities sector

    Onuigbo said that the agreement is massive and would facilitate an environment for business persons in Nigeria, who have businesses that are verifiable, identifiable, to go over there and open offices also to work there for three months and come back.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for the agreement, saying that the agreement was geared and targeted towards how to reposition Nigeria, create the enabling environment for employment, and of course make everybody happy.

    “Nigeria is ready for business. Nigeria’s carbon market framework policy was unveiled again there in Abu Dhabi

    Nigeria is a nation of nearly 250 million people and has had, over the years, the challenge of enough energy or power to be able to attain its economic and industrialisation targets.

    “And because of that, Nigeria has been engaging in different activities, for instance, the Energy Transition Plan, enactment of the Climate Change Act, the Electricity Act which the President signed barely eight days after he assumed office in 2023.

    “This shows the importance of addressing the energy gap having enough energy, electricity is a fundamental point to developing industrially which nigeria deems necessary.

    Onuigbo lauded Nigeria’s participation at the Abu Dhabi summit saying that the summit would further enable global economic opportunity for people to work together within Nigeria and UAE.

    He added that the President’s collaboration would address the challenges and devastating effects of climate change as well as to build up Nigeria’s economy in 2026.

    (NAN)

  • Troops rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

    Troops rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 11 kidnapped victims in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a swift operation along the Kaduna–Abuja road.

    A military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the operation was carried out on Monday night after troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Doka detected suspicious movement with the aid of a long-range CCTV camera mounted in the area.

    The source said the troops sighted armed terrorists moving through the bush along the Gidan Duna–Amale axis with kidnapped victims and immediately mobilised in pursuit.

    “On sighting the approaching troops, vehicles and motorcycles, the terrorists abandoned the victims and fled into the bush.

    “The troops secured the area and fired probing shots to forestall any possible counterattack, but no further contact was made,” he said.

    The source disclosed that a total of 11 victims were rescued, comprising five adult males, three females and three children.

    He added that the victims revealed they were abducted from Gada Mallam Maman community in Kachia LGA on Oct. 26, 2025.

    He added that the rescued persons were later conveyed back to their community, where they were reunited with their families.

    The military source reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustained operations aimed at degrading criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property along major routes and communities.

    (NAN)

  • CDS reaffirms military’s commitment to human security 

    CDS reaffirms military’s commitment to human security 

    • …gender advisers’ training opens

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) commitment to a people-centred, ethically grounded and professionally accountable military, stressing that modern security operations must prioritise the protection of civilians and human dignity.

    General Oluyede stated this at the opening of the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course on Monday at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja. He was represented by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Major General Ibrahim Lassa.

    He said Nigeria’s security environment has become increasingly complex, marked by asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal conflicts, transnational crimes and humanitarian emergencies that directly affect civilian populations. 

    According to him, these challenges require a shift from a purely territorial defence approach to one focused on human security.

    The Defence Chief noted that the AFN is being repositioned as a force that is not only operationally capable but also responsive to socio-cultural realities in its areas of operation, with the protection of lives, preservation of human dignity and strengthening of societal resilience now central to military effectiveness.

    General Oluyede said the course aligns with his strategic focus on strengthening AFN capacities through enhanced joint operations, improved welfare, sound administration and a reinforced operational posture, within a whole-of-government framework to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity.

    He emphasised that preventive action, collaboration with civilian institutions and the protection of civilians are now integral to military success, describing human security and gender advisory roles as force multipliers that enhance legitimacy, expand operational reach and support mission sustainability.

    The CDS commended the British Defence Staff for their continued support, describing the partnership as a reflection of enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, based on shared values and people-oriented security approaches.

    He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to operational planning, deployments and engagement with civilian communities.

    Earlier, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, said the course was designed to strengthen professional competence across Nigeria’s security institutions. 

    He said participants were selected to serve in advisory roles within the AFN, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    Rear Admiral Lawal expressed confidence that the training would improve professionalism, enhance civil-military cooperation and build public trust in security agencies, urging participants to approach the programme with dedication and professionalism.

    He added that the AFN would continue to collaborate with partners to strengthen capacity building and professional development.

  • Why loan disbursement to LAUTECH is delayed, by NELFUND

    Why loan disbursement to LAUTECH is delayed, by NELFUND

    • …urges LAUTECH to allow 12,733 verified students under the scheme to sit for their exams
    • …UNIBEN confirms receipt of ₦230,599,250

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has explained that the delay in disbursing funds to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) was due to pending institutional processes required to finalise disbursement under the Education Loan Scheme.

    The agency confirmed that engagements are ongoing with the university’s management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rasak Olatunde Rom Kalilu, to resolve the outstanding issues and ensure that the disbursement process is completed as soon as possible.

    In a statement signed by the Director, Strategic Communications, NELFUND, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the agency explained that disbursements are executed only after the completion of all institution-specific validation and reconciliation requirements.

    “In the case of LAUTECH, these processes were not concluded at the time of the last disbursement cycle. However, the Fund confirms that engagements with the University are ongoing, with a view to resolving the outstanding issues and effecting payment as soon as the required steps are completed,” the statement said.

    NELFUND noted that 12,733 verified LAUTECH students under the scheme should be allowed to sit for their examinations, as it remains fully committed to settling its obligations to the institution once the process is concluded.

    It urged students and parents to remain calm, as no beneficiary will be disadvantaged.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover 6,308 students loans

    In a related development, NELFUND confirmed the successful disbursement of funds to the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for eligible student beneficiaries under the Education Loan Scheme.

    This confirmation follows an official acknowledgement letter issued by the University, signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), confirming receipt of two additional tranches of NELFUND disbursements covering 2,673 students, amounting to a total sum of ₦230,599,250.

    NELFUND said the funds were received in January 2026 and have been duly acknowledged by the University.

    The statement said, “The clarification also becomes necessary following the circulation of a purported repayment circular, which the University has formally disowned, confirming that it did not originate from UNIBEN and that no repayment guideline has been issued.

    “NELFUND reiterates that funds have already been paid directly to UNIBEN, and as such, no student is required to make any payment in connection with the loan scheme at this time. Neither NELFUND nor the Federal Government has authorized any individual, group, or institution to request payments from students or beneficiaries.

    “NELFUND remains committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with institutions to ensure that eligible Nigerian students fully benefit from the Education Loan Scheme.”