The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Customs, NDLEA intercept 347.5kg of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

    Customs, NDLEA intercept 347.5kg of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted 347.5 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in an imported Toyota Sienna at the Apapa Port, Lagos.

    The illicit drugs were uncovered during a joint examination of a single import consignment containing four vehicles, the Customs Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Port Command, Isah Sulaiman, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.

    According to the command, the drugs were hidden in 13 bags inside one of the vehicles. A breakdown of the seizure showed that 10 bags weighed 25kg each, one bag weighed 29kg, while two others weighed 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, bringing the total to 347.5kg.

    The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Port Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, said the seizure represents the fourth major joint drug interception by the NCS and NDLEA at the port in less than two months.

    Oshoba said the interception reinforces his resolve that no cargo, whether import or export, would be allowed to pass through the port without thorough examination, warning that criminal elements attempting to traffic prohibited goods through Apapa Port would always be detected and stopped.

    Read Also: Court orders final forfeiture of aircraft over N1.04b customs duty violation

    “We remain vigilant and resolute in our duty to protect our society and national security,” he said.

    He added that the operation underscored the strength of inter-agency collaboration, noting that intelligence sharing and joint enforcement by the NCS and NDLEA have consistently outmanoeuvred smuggling networks operating within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

    According to Oshoba, the seizure was a direct result of the strengthened partnership between the two agencies. He also disclosed that plans were underway to deploy a high-capacity drive-through scanner capable of processing up to 200 containers per hour to further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations at the port.

    The CAC explained that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs of both agencies continue to promote zero tolerance, professionalism and seamless cooperation among officers.

    He confirmed that, in line with established protocols, the seized 347.5kg of Canadian Loud had been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of suspects.

    Oshoba noted that the interception aligns with the 2026 International Customs Day theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” reaffirming the Apapa Port Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to curb illicit activities and safeguard society.

  • Gunmen abduct expectant woman in Ondo, police begin rescue mission

    Gunmen abduct expectant woman in Ondo, police begin rescue mission

    Suspected gunmen on Tuesday night abducted an expectant woman at Ayedele community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, the Nation has learnt.

    The victim, identified as Mary Jesulayomi, was seized alongside a nonagenarian, Pa Ogunleye Mese, and his wife, Mrs Mese, around 7:40 pm.

    The incident reportedly occurred a few metres from the Federal Secretariat, Igbatoro, on the outskirts of Akure.

    It was gathered that the armed men, said to be about four in number, later released Pa Mese and his wife – a stone’s throw from the scene of the abduction.

    Speaking in a four-minute video interview, obtained by the Nation in Akure, the 90-year-old Pa Mese said he was beaten and sustained injuries during the attack.

    Read Also: Suspected gunmen ambush police patrol, kill officer in Oyo

    “I was sitting there when the armed men suddenly arrived and started shooting into the air to scare people away. I was confused at first before they came to where I was seated and grabbed the three of us.

    “They dragged me, my wife and the pregnant woman towards the bush. I managed to escape while we were being marched and ran in a different direction.”

    Also speaking in the footage, Mrs Mese said she collapsed while the gunmen were leading them into the bush, describing the incident as shocking.

    “I fell down and could not continue. They left me behind and took the pregnant woman away. Later, policemen arrived for a rescue mission, but the woman had already been taken away,” she said,

    Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the tactical teams of the command had been deployed to the area.

    “Upon receipt of the report, the command deployed tactical teams to the scene. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.

    The incident came barely a week after gunmen abducted seven persons at Eleyewo community, also in Akure North LGA, where two of the victims were later rescued by the police.

  • AI will only replace journalists who refuse to learn – NUJ Chairman

    AI will only replace journalists who refuse to learn – NUJ Chairman

    Comrade Akeem Abas, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, says Artificial Intelligence (AI) can only replace journalists without updated digital skills.

    Abas said this in Ibadan on Wednesday at a two-day AI training, organised by the state council in collaboration with the American Open University, Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training is entitled “Empowering Journalists with Artificial Intelligence for Ethical, Innovative and Future-ready Journalism”.

    According to Abas, a digitally empowered journalist is not a threat to national development, but a strategic partner in nation-building.

    He said that with AI competence, journalists could become media consultants, offering data analysis, content strategy, and communication advisory services to governments, institutions, and the private sector.

    He added that they could build media and technology startups, fact-checking platforms, local data hubs, investigative journalism labs, digital storytelling studios, and AI-assisted news platforms that serve niche audiences.

    According to him, journalists can also function as policy advisors and public communication experts, supporting government agencies, legislators, and development institutions with research-based insights, public engagement strategies, and evidence-driven narratives.

    Abas noted that the training was, in its truest sense, not for charity, but capacity building.

    “This vision aligns squarely with Nigeria’s Digital Economy Agenda, which prioritises digital skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital development as drivers of national growth.

    “As the country pushes towards a knowledge-based economy, journalists must not be excluded from this transformation.

    “During our electioneering campaign, we promised to move beyond symbolic leadership to policy-driven unionism, pledging to equip our members with skills that translate into relevance, sustainability, and dignity in a changing economy.

    “This training of 120 journalists is a direct fulfilment of that promise; AI will not replace journalists, it will only replace journalists who refuse to learn,” he said.

    Abas urged the participants to move from routine reporting to analytical and solution-oriented journalism.

    He called on journalists to interrogate data, interpret policies, and enlighten citizens in ways that strengthen democracy and accountability.

    “To policymakers and stakeholders present, this initiative sends a strong message; investing in journalists is investing in transparency, stability and informed governance.

    “A technologically competent press is not a luxury; it is a national necessity.

    “Let us remember that journalism has survived every technological disruption because it adapts without surrendering its soul.

    “Artificial Intelligence must amplify human judgment, not replace it; it must serve democracy, not undermine it,” Abas said.

    Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the emergence of AI as a good development.

    Oyelade, however, said, like any other global innovation, AI comes with its own gamut of minuses, as it could be deployed by netizens or online users for alarming negative uses.

    Read Also: Economists, TUC hail Oyo NUJ Correspondent Chapel’s Secretary

    According to him, studies have shown that AI is indeed a quintessential part of journalism, as it is today and in the future.

    “In Oyo State, the key factor behind the success of the Seyi Makinde-led administration is the religious deployment of science and data in governance.

    “The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is deploying digitisation of its land transactions, such that financial leakages have been blocked.

    “Fraud has been brought to the barest minimum, and it has helped tremendously to increase the state’s IGR, reaching a phenomenal N103 billion in 2025.

    “This figure alone represents more than the total IGR of the past two administrations in the state,” he said.

    Oyelade implored journalists to seize the opportunity to use the benefits and knowledge provided at the two-day event for personal and corporate use.

    He also commended the new Oyo NUJ executives for organising the training in less than two months of assuming office.

    Also, Dr Seyi Akanbi, the acting Vice-Chancellor (VC) of American Open University, Nigeria, described AI as a solution, only in the hands of good people.

    Akanbi identified misinformation, disinformation and propaganda as threats to journalism.

    He, therefore, urged journalists to learn and deploy AI for content integrity, social responsibility, professional excellence, innovation and adaptation.

    The VC advised them to partner with organisations such as Google to create a fact-checking platform for accuracy.

    (NAN)

  • Strike: Normalcy returns as FCTA workers resume after court order

    Strike: Normalcy returns as FCTA workers resume after court order

    Activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have begun to pick up as workers resumed after the ruling of the National Industrial Court on Tuesday, ordering suspension of the workers’ strike.

    Recall that the National Industrial Court presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, ordered that the strike embarked upon by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) be suspended forthwith to allow dialogue continue.

    Following the ruling, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urged workers to immediately resume duty, stressing that while the right to protest is recognised in a democracy, court orders must be respected.

    Read Also: FCTA workers urged to comply with court order, maintain peace

    To this end, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular directing all Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) to open and strictly maintain staff attendance registers to ensure compliance with the court order.

    The circular, dated January 27, 2026, instructed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, Parastatals and Agencies to enforce immediate resumption of duties by workers, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to staff welfare.

    A visit to the FCTA offices and its affiliate MDAs on Wednesday, showed reasonable compliance by the workers as they were seen within the premises and their officers carrying out their normal official duties.

  • NUPRC reaffirms commitment to transparent bid process for 50 oil blocks

    NUPRC reaffirms commitment to transparent bid process for 50 oil blocks

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan on Wednesday reaffirmed commitment to the transparent process for the 50 blocks in the 2025 Oil Bid Round.

    She declared the commission’s commitment while speaking at a Pre-Bid Webinar organised by the Commission to provide authoritative guidance for companies and investors seeking to participate in Nigeria’s 2025 Licensing Round.

    “The Licensing Round is an open call for committed partners, those ready to invest, bring technology and accelerate Nigeria’s assets from licence award to exploration, appraisal and ultimately, full production,” she said.

    NUPRC had on December 1, 2025, launched Nigeria’s 2025 Licensing Round, which offers 50 oil and gas blocks across frontier, onshore, shallow water, and deepwater terrains for potential investors.

    She said the process was not only about offering an acreage, but an opportunity to participate in a stable, rules-based system that is opening the door to genuine value creation. 

    She explained that the Licensing Round was an open call for committed partners, those ready to invest, bring technology, and accelerate Nigeria’s assets from licence award to exploration, appraisal, and ultimately, full production.

    While stating that the process follows five steps: Registration, Pre-qualification, Data acquisition, Technical bid submission, and Evaluation and Commercial Bid Conference, the CEE noted that only candidates with high technical and financial credentials, professionalism, and credible plans would move forward.

    According to her, winners are chosen through a transparent merit-based process. Adding that with the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, signature bonuses for the 2025 Bid Round are now set within a value-range that reduces entry barriers and places greater weight on what truly matters.

    These, according to her, are technical capabilities, a credible programme, financial strength, and the ability to deliver production within the shortest possible time.

    “This has been done to increase competitiveness and a response to capital mobility,” she added.

    The NUPRC boss also submitted that the bid process would comply with the PIA 2021 and remain open to public scrutiny.

    “Let me state clearly that the bid process will comply with the PIA 2021, promote the use of digital tools for smooth data access, and remain open to public, international, and institutional scrutiny, through partners like NEITI, and other oversight agencies. Indeed, transparency is an integral part of our process,” she said.

    Read Also: NUPRC honours late PENGASSAN president Okoro

    Eyesan said that since December 1, 2025, all licensing materials have been posted on the Commission’s portal, dedicated support channels created to enable prompt response to enquiries from applicants, noting that the pre-bid conference has provided an opportunity to clarify the requirements to promote a transparent, well-informed participation process.

    “To further strengthen the process, today’s Webinar, the first of its kind, aims to clarify bid requirements, and helps you participate effectively before the tender deadline as well. We also invite your questions and feedback to improve the licensing round process and outcomes.

    “In closing, let me emphasize that the Nigerian 2025 Licensing Round is not merely a bidding exercise; it is a clear signal of a reimagined Upstream Sector anchored on the rule of law, driven by data, aligned with global investment realities, and focused on long-term value creation,” she added.

  • Tinubu calls for coordinated global action on climate-induced mobility

    Tinubu calls for coordinated global action on climate-induced mobility

    • …says climate change now a major driver of displacement
    • …urges people-centred migration policies

    …highlights Nigeria’s floods, Lake Chad crisis as proof no nation can tackle climate-induced mobility alone

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger international cooperation and people-centred policies to address the rising challenge of climate-induced mobility, describing climate change as one of the most significant drivers of human movement in the world today.

    The President made the call on Wednesday while delivering the opening statement at a special event on Climate-induced Mobility convened under Nigeria’s chairmanship of the Rabat Process.

    The event marked Nigeria’s final official meeting as Chair and brought together senior officials and international partners to deliberate on the nexus between climate change, migration, development and security.

    Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu said hosting the event at this time was both deliberate and symbolic, reflecting Nigeria’s conviction that climate change now has profound implications for peace, security, development and human dignity across Africa, Europe and beyond.

    According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu stressed that for Nigeria, climate-induced mobility is neither distant nor abstract but deeply rooted in the country’s history, geography and lived realities.

    While mobility has traditionally served as a coping mechanism for communities adapting to environmental and economic change, he noted that the scale and intensity of recent climate pressures have fundamentally altered migration patterns.

    According to the President, mobility is not inherently negative and, with sound policies, legal protection and adequate investment, can serve as a legitimate adaptation strategy that enhances resilience and preserves human dignity.

    Read Also: Forest guard approval: NCYP commends Tinubu, urges community-based youth recruitment in Plateau

    Highlighting Nigeria’s experience, President Tinubu recalled the devastating 2022 floods that affected over 4.4 million people and displaced about 2.4 million across more than 30 states, with entire communities submerged, homes destroyed and livelihoods disrupted.

    He added that recurring floods continue to displace populations, placing sustained pressure on host communities and fragile infrastructure.

    The President also cited the Lake Chad Basin, where decades of environmental degradation have undermined fishing, farming and pastoral livelihoods, forcing communities to migrate, as well as Nigeria’s coastline, where rising sea levels and erosion threaten housing and infrastructure.

    Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, he said his administration has shifted from reactive responses to proactive climate disaster preparedness, including the launch of the Global Flood Disaster Management Project to strengthen early warning systems, flood-resilient infrastructure and disaster coordination nationwide.

    He also announced the Climate-Resilient Livelihoods Empowerment Programme for Displaced Populations, a 10-year, $250 million initiative aimed at empowering displaced persons through climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy entrepreneurship, green value chains and targeted women and youth leadership tracks.

    President Tinubu said climate-induced mobility is a transnational challenge that no government can address alone, calling for shared responsibility, strengthened international cooperation and sustained solidarity.

    He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing evidence-based policymaking and inclusive partnerships within the Rabat Process and beyond.

    He thanked Switzerland, the European Union, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and other partners for their continued support, expressing hope that the discussions would translate into concrete collaboration linking climate action, migration governance and sustainable development.

  • Reps seek joint security operations against bandits in Gombe

    Reps seek joint security operations against bandits in Gombe

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately initiate a coordinated Joint Security Operation and provide area surveillance and ground support to flush out the armed bandits terrorising communities in Gombe state and destroy their camps to avoid recurrence.

    The House also asked the Inspector General of Police to immediately deploy Mobile Police Force Squadrons to maintain law and order and provide Mobile Police Force Squadron format in the affected communities.

    In a resolution following a motion of urgent public importance by the Chief Whip, Usman Bello Kumo the House asked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Northeast Development Commission to immediately provide relief materials to the victims of the attack in communities within Akko Local Government Arca.

    Read Also: Reps seek urgent FG intervention over rising tension between Ondo–Ogun border communities

    While moving the motion, Kumo informed the House of the recent attacks by armed bandits on Garin Galadima, Pindiga, Garin Jaji, and Laro and other communities in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, that resulted in the killing of 6 innocent people, abduction of 20 persons currently being held hostage by the kidnappers, and destruction of properties, thereby causing widespread fear and displacement of citizens from their homes.

    According to o him, these attacks have caused widespread destruction of properties, displacement of citizens, and loss of livelihoods, fear, and uncertainty within the communities.

    He said these incidents are a stark reminder of the overwhelming threat to national security, and a call to all security agencies to double their efforts in ensuring that they provide adequate protection to the citizens and their properties.

    He expressed concern that if no stringent security measures are taken to safeguard the lives of our people in adherence with Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), particularly Section 14 (2) (8), which clearly states thus: that the set of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

  • Tinubu seeks reforms to expand Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, strengthen health institutions

    Tinubu seeks reforms to expand Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, strengthen health institutions

    President Bola Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to amend the Court of Appeal Act to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre at the appellate court for the adjudication of appellate matters.

    The President is also seeking amendments to the Court of Appeal Act and the Federal High Court Act to increase the number of Justices and judges from 70 to 110 for the Court of Appeal, and from 70 to 90 for the Federal High Court.

    In addition, Tinubu has proposed comprehensive amendments to the laws establishing 24 federal health institutions and regulatory agencies to strengthen their operational capacity.

    The Speaker of the House announced that the President transmitted three separate bills requesting legislative amendments affecting the judiciary and the health sector.

    One bill seeks to amend the Court of Appeal Act 2004 to expand the number of Justices to 110, while another proposes changes to the Federal High Court Act 2024 to raise the number of judges to 90. The third communication contains 24 bills aimed at revising legal frameworks governing federal health institutions nationwide.

    The proposed Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is designed to enhance the institutional capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the appellate court in line with constitutional provisions and current justice sector demands.

    Beyond increasing the number of Justices, the bill also seeks to restructure provisions on the composition, precedence, and ranking of Court of Appeal Justices, including the status of the President of the Court and the determination of seniority. It further provides for the conduct of court proceedings through electronic and audio-visual platforms.

    In addition, it seeks to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre within the Court of Appeal, to which appellate matters may be referred for settlement, while empowering the President of the Court of Appeal to issue regulations and practice directions for its effective operation and also seek to introduce several procedures and administrative amendments to improve operational efficiency and legal certainty in appellate practice.

    The President explained that the bill also seeks to update terminology and definitions within the Principal Act, including the recognition of virtual hearings and modern correctional nomenclature, and consolidates interpretative provisions to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the current legal and institutional framework.

    According to him, these amendments are timely and necessary; they respond to the growing demands on the appellate justice system, seek to reduce delays in the administration of justice, strengthen access to justice for litigants across the Federation, and reinforce public confidence in the judiciary.

    For the Federal High Court, the president, while the original act provides for 50 judges for the court, the number was increased to seventy (70) by the Amendment in 2005, and remains the current strength of the Court.

    President Tinubu said, “It is noteworthy that the Court now bears a substantial and expanding responsibility for the prosecution of terrorism related offences, transnational organized crimes, and other matters touching directly on national security.

    Read Also: 2027: Why north will back Tinubu for second term, by NYF

    “The House is invited to note that the proposed increase of the Federal High Court Justices from 70 to 90 will significantly improve the Judge-to-ration, enhance the speed and quality of adjudication, and allow for greater judicial specialization in technically demanding areas such as terrorism, financial crimes, taxation, intellectual property, maritime law, and election-related litigation.

    The President is also seeking the approval of the House to amend 24 Health Sector Acts.

    He said, “The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in coordination with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, following the directive of the Federal Executive Council, engaged in a review of the enabling laws of the Health Sector Institutions for the purpose of streamlining the over-bloated membership structure of their Governing Boards to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery and have concluded the following twenty-four Health Sector Bills”

    The bills are University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc.) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the National Hospital for Women and Children, Abuja (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Federal Medical Centres (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the National Specialty Hospitals Management Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board (Amendment) Bill, 2025; The National Eye Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the National Hospital for Women and Obstetric Fistula (Establishment) Bill, 2025 and the National Ear Care Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

    The bills also include the Medical and Dental Practitioners Bill, 2025; the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (Registration, etc.) (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Institution of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Radiographers (Registration, Etc.) (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

    The rest are the Community Health Practitioners (Registration, Etc.) (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Medical Rehabilitation Therapist (Registration, Etc.) (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Dental Technologists (Registration, Etc.), (Amendment) Bill, 2025; (xix) The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (Registration, Etc.) (Amendment) Bill, the Dental Therapist (Registration, Etc.) (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the National Blood Service Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Records Officers Registration and Digital Health Bill, 2025; and the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Bill, 2025.

    The president appealed to the lawmakers to expedite the consideration and passage of the bill.

  • FG to France: Economic changes driving growth and stability

    FG to France: Economic changes driving growth and stability

    The Federal Government has told the French government that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms are moving forward steadily and are helping to build stronger political understanding across the country, even as the changes bring short-term challenges.

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with officials from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Microeconomic Risk Analysis Due Diligence Mission, led by its Country Director, Mr. Jacky Amprou.

    Bagudu said the reforms have helped bring the executive and legislative arms of government closer in working together, while also improving cooperation among the federal, state, and local governments.

    “The reforms have improved cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government. The National Assembly has been very supportive of the President’s bold economic initiatives,” he told the AFD team. He added, “Of equal importance is the friendly relationship among the federal, state, and local governments.”

    According to the Minister, the economic changes introduced over the past two and a half years are beginning to produce results, including better economic stability, stronger confidence from investors, and a growing sense of political unity across the country.

    He explained that, even with political tensions in some regions and the difficult timing of the reforms, the government has stayed committed to pushing through important economic measures. Bagudu noted that the rising level of political agreement around these policies has helped to steady the naira, keep investor interest alive, and reduce the usual uncertainty that often comes before elections in developing economies.

    Speaking on President Tinubu’s long-term plans, Bagudu said the government is working toward building a one-trillion-dollar economy within the next five years. He explained that this goal is based on inclusive growth that allows development to spread from the grassroots to the national level.

    He said a key part of this plan is the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan, which is designed to identify economic opportunities in all 8,809 wards across the country and bring local needs into national planning.

    “At the heart of this approach is making sure development starts from the ward level, moves through the states, and finally shapes the national development plan,” Bagudu said.

    Read Also: New economic architecture emerges as TMF applauds Tinubu’s transformational investment strategy

    He added that the government will focus strongly on agriculture, local production, and value chains to create jobs, improve food security, and raise household incomes.

    Bagudu also said the government remains committed to private-sector-led growth and is working to make Nigeria more attractive to both local and foreign investors, despite challenges such as low revenue, high interest rates, and global economic pressures.

    He admitted that the reforms have caused some short-term pain for citizens but said they are necessary for the country’s long-term stability and sustainable growth.

    Earlier, Mr. Amprou told the meeting that the AFD mission is not focused on a single project but is carrying out a broad review of Nigeria’s economic and structural reforms. He said the agency is updating its country risk and economic assessment, which will guide future support and financing decisions.

    He noted that since 2022, Nigeria has introduced major reforms that have changed the economic landscape, and the mission is seeking a deeper understanding of how the government plans to strengthen these reforms and drive faster national development.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Deborah Odoh, welcomed the AFD delegation and other development partners. She said it is important for all international support to align with Nigeria’s 2026–2030 National Development Plan.

    She described Nigeria as a strong destination for growth and thanked development partners for their continued support, while stressing that all assistance should match the country’s own development goals.

    Both sides agreed that future AFD activities in Nigeria must follow the government’s development priorities. They also discussed plans for a new AFD–Nigeria Country Partnership Agreement, as the current five-year agreement is expected to end in 2025, so that the next phase of cooperation will align with Nigeria’s 2026–2030 development plan.

  • NAF probes alleged civilian casualties in Niger airstrikes

    NAF probes alleged civilian casualties in Niger airstrikes

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the alleged civilian casualties during airstrikes conducted on January 25 in Kurigi village in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

    The probe will be conducted by the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team of the service, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Wednesday.

    According to him, the NAF acknowledged the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries and conveyed its deep concern for all affected. He reaffirmed that the protection of non-combatants remains central to its operational conduct.

    He Ejodame said, “Over the past year, the NAF has consistently applied its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response – Action Plan (CHMR-AP), embedding civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations while strengthening training, procedures, and safeguards aimed at minimising harm.

    Read Also: NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists, disrupt planned attacks on civilians

    “In line with this commitment, the NAF has activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to commence an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the reported incident.”

    The NAF’s spokesperson stressed that the service is guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency.

    He assured the NAF’s unwavering resolve to “take responsibility where required, implement necessary improvements, and safeguard innocent lives, while continuing to defend the nation with professionalism, restraint and respect for the trust placed in it by the Nigerian people.”