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The anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), under the leadership of Olanipekun Olukoyede, earned the commendation of the Senate on Tuesday over its achievements in 2024.

Lawmakers across parties commended the agency for discharging its professional mandate diligently and conscientiously.

The applause was on the heels of a motion titled ‘Commendation of the EFCC for 2024 Achievements’ sponsored by Senator representing Benue North East, Emmanuel Udende.

Presenting his motion, Senator Udende, who incidentally is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, recalled that the agency filed 5,081 cases in court, and secured 4,111 convictions, the highest since its establishment.

The lawmaker further told his colleagues that the agency recovered over ?460 billion and millions in foreign currencies, including dollars, pounds, euros, and other denominations, as well as hundreds of vehicles, properties, estates, and digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether.

He said: ‘The EFCC has demonstrated courage, patriotism, and professionalism in discharging its mandate.

‘This performance has strengthened Nigeria’s financial framework and deepened public trust in anti-corruption institutions.’

In their individual contributions, the lawmakers commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to institutional reforms that have improved anti-corruption enforcement.

Senator representing Ebonyi North, Onyeka Nwebonyi, described the EFCC’s performance as ‘a revolution in anti-corruption enforcement.

‘It’s time to acknowledge the results and give credit where it’s due.

‘President Tinubu deserves commendation for appointing the right people and providing the right support.’

Senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, however, expressed strong reservations about the agency’s retention of 2-3% of recovered funds, without recourse to constitutional provisions that require presidential and legislative approval before such funds can be spent.

He was, however, countered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who clarified that the law empowers only the President, not the EFCC, to seek Senate approval before expending any recovered proceeds.

He said: ‘For every one conviction, there are at least ten deterrence.

‘The EFCC’s work is not only about prosecution but prevention. We must commend their success while ensuring proper oversight.’

Addressing journalists after plenary, Senator Udende rejected proposals for the creation of a separate agency to manage recovered assets, insisting that the EFCC remains best positioned for that role.

‘The EFCC understands the origin of every asset it recovers, so they’re in the best position to manage them.

‘Our duty as lawmakers is to ensure transparency and accountability – not to duplicate agencies and increase government bureaucracy.’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the arson attack on its Ekiti State Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, describing it as a deliberate act of political terrorism aimed at silencing opposition voices.

The attack, which occurred just hours before the party’s scheduled Reconfiguration and Affirmation Ceremony, is the latest in what the ADC calls a disturbing pattern of violence against its members and infrastructure across the country.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC called for an independent investigation, the prosecution of perpetrators, and greater attention from civil society and international observers, warning that democracy is under threat if opposition parties continue to be targeted with impunity.

The statement read: ‘In the early hours of Monday, 21st October, while most of Ado-Ekiti was still asleep, unknown assailants set fire to the building housing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) State Secretariat.

‘This was a deliberate act of arson intended to sabotage and terrorise the opposition ahead of the governorship election in the state. The ADC condemns this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms. It is criminal, anti-democratic, and a disgrace to all who claim to believe in political freedom.

‘This attack came on a day when the ADC in Ekiti had planned a quiet but significant event, the Reconfiguration and Affirmation Ceremony of our Ward, Local Government, Senatorial, and State Executives. It was to be a renewal of commitment, a reaffirmation of values, and a consolidation of our structure.

‘Quite significantly, we note that this latest incident in Ekiti is only a continuation of serial attacks on our party members and infrastructure across parts of the country. Since the opposition coalition unveiled the ADC as its party of choice in July, our members and structures nationwide have faced a pattern of orchestrated aggression that should alarm every citizen who believes in the freedom to choose.

‘In Kaduna, on August 30, some of our party leaders were attacked when an inauguration event was violently disrupted. In Lagos, our leaders were attacked in Alimosho. In Kebbi, the convoy of our leaders came under attack in Birnin Kebbi in early September. And in Kogi, our party secretariat in Dekina was targeted. Let us not forget Edo State, where the sitting Governor has issued thinly veiled threats to our members.

‘Each of these cases, on its own, could be dismissed as the unfortunate actions of political miscreants. But taken together, five states, multiple incidents, a consistent target, they form a pattern too dangerous to ignore. This is no longer about partisanship. It is about the integrity of the political process itself.

‘What is especially troubling is the silence that follows these acts. Where is the outrage from those who claim to be custodians of our democracy? A system that looks away while opposition parties are violently suppressed is a system begging for a crisis.

‘Nevertheless, we want the world to know: we are not victims. We are builders of a future that offers an alternative. We are being attacked because our message is resonating with the everyday Nigerian who is tired of the failures of the APC-led administration. Because our structures are growing, because the APC can feel the ground shifting beneath them, they continue to attack us. The fire in Ekiti is further confirmation that the APC is afraid of the rising wave of the ADC.

‘We, therefore, call on security agencies to investigate these coordinated acts of aggression. We demand the swift prosecution of the perpetrators. And we invite civil society, INEC, and international observers to pay closer attention to the quiet war being waged against the only real opposition party left in Nigeria.

‘Despite the ashes, our Affirmation Ceremony in Ekiti will still proceed, whether in a hall or under a tree. And to those who think violence will deter us, we have only this to say, the ADC is not going away. We will continue to build. We will continue to organise. And come election day, we will remind the nation that those who resort to fire do so only when they have run out of arguments.’

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro as a ministerial nominee to the Senate for confirmation, according to the State House.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday.

He stated, ‘Dr Doro’s nomination follows Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda’s election as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in July. Yilwatda previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

‘Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa LGA of Plateau State, Dr Doro has over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience in clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community engagement in the UK and Nigeria.

‘He has degrees in Pharmacy and law, an MBA focusing on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice..

‘He is an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with NHS frontline experience across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices, and hospital settings.

‘He has also led youth mentorship and social impact initiatives in the diaspora and local communities.’

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A Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and 10 others in Kuje prison.

Their remand followed their involvement in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on Monday in Abuja.

Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Kanuta Kanu, confirmed the development in a post on X shortly after the court session on Tuesday.

‘The magistrate seating in Kuje remanded Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, his youngest brother. This is a conspiracy from the executive, legislature and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial on Thursday,’ Kanuta Kanu posted on X.

Earlier reports indicated that the Nigeria Police had arraigned Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others over their role in the protest.

Court documents shared on X by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), showed that the police charged them with inciting disturbance and breaching public peace in violation of a court order.

The documents also alleged that the accused blocked free movement, disrupted traffic, and chanted songs demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, had earlier told Channels Television’s Politics Today that Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother, and others arrested during the protest would be charged to court after investigation.

The incident comes amid renewed calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose prolonged detention continues to draw public attention and spark protests across parts of Nigeria.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday unveiled plans to investigate the over $1.8 billion grant and $2.8 billion received by Nigeria from the Global Fund and USAID from 2021 to 2025 for the response against HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, as well as for supporting resilient and sustainable systems for health.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Deputy Spokesman, Hon. Philip Agbese, who solicited the House’s intervention.

In his lead debate, Hon. Agbese observed that Nigeria has received an estimated $1.8 billion in grants from the Global Fund from 2021 to 2025 for the fight against HIV, TB, and Malaria, in addition to over $2.8 billion received from USAID to cover health threats such as HIV, malaria, polio, and tuberculosis between 2022 and 2024.

According to him, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, founded on 22 January 2002 as an independent, multilateral financing entity, was designed to raise significant resources and accelerate efforts to end the HIV, TB, and malaria epidemics globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

‘The House is aware that Nigeria also received over $6 billion in health assistance from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief from 2021 to 2025 to fight HIV/AIDS and build the capacity of health and community systems.

‘The House also notes that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is responsible for the utilisation of the grants from USAID, while the Country Coordinating Mechanism Nigeria is responsible for utilising and implementing the Global Fund grants in Nigeria.

‘The House is concerned that, with this huge investment in the nation’s response to HIV, TB, and Malaria, Nigeria still bears a great burden in all these public health threats.

‘In 2023, approximately 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurred among Nigerian children aged 0-14 years, while 51,000 AIDS-related deaths were recorded in the country, with Nigeria ranking third globally in HIV deaths, and also having the highest number of HIV cases in West and Central Africa.

‘In the area of TB, Nigeria ranks first in Africa and sixth in the world, accounting for 4.6% of the global TB burden, while Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally, accounting for an estimated 26.6% of global cases and 31% of malaria deaths.

‘The House is also aware that the UN Sustainable Development Goals have established a target of 2030 for all nations to ensure the elimination of HIV, TB, and Malaria in their countries, for which, if the status quo continues, Nigeria may likely not meet this target.

‘The House is also concerned that there has not been a coordinated and robust oversight of the implementers of these grants received by the country by the National Assembly.

‘The House is also aware that, pursuant to Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly or its committees have inherent powers to summon or request documents from any government ministry, agency, parastatal, or non-governmental agency for the effective discharge of its mandate.

‘The House is worried that if something drastic is not done to reassess and re-evaluate the utilisation and implementation of these grants, with the 8th replenishment in view, Nigeria may continue to suffer huge burdens and continue to lose its population to these diseases, thereby failing in the elimination of HIV, TB, and Malaria by the year 2030.’

To this end, the House mandated its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control to investigate the utilisation of the grants received by Nigeria from 2021 to 2025 for the fight against HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

In the same vein, the House mandated the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to provide the implementation plan and approvals granted by the National Assembly for the utilisation and expenditure of these grants.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has approved the implementation of 70% of the 2024 CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure for staff of all state-owned tertiary institutions, effective October 2025, as part of his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and revitalising the education sector.

The approval followed a high-level meeting between the Governor and leaders of the Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions (JUTIKS), which culminated in the suspension of the month-long strike embarked upon by the unions.

The dialogue, held at the Government House, Kaduna, was facilitated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, led by Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, and attended by representatives of academic and non-academic unions from Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria; College of Education, Gidan Waya; and the Kaduna State College of Nursing and Midwifery with campuses in Kaduna, Kafanchan, and Pambegua.

The unions had declared industrial action on 30 September 2025 over issues relating to the implementation of the 2009 CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure, retirement benefits, and general staff welfare in state-owned tertiary institutions.

In a joint press conference held after the meeting in Kaduna, the union leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Sani for what they described as his ‘listening leadership, transparency, and unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare and educational advancement in Kaduna State.’

According to the union leaders, the key outcomes of the meeting include:

Approval and immediate implementation of 70% of the 2024 CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure for both academic and non-academic staff.

Approval of the 65-year retirement age.

Approval of a 40-year service policy for non-teaching staff.

The unions recognised and lauded Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to paying the National Minimum Wage despite fiscal constraints and commended the Governor for the ?13.5 billion paid in gratuities, pensions, and death benefits to retirees.

They also appreciated the Governor for the 50% reduction in tuition fees across state-owned tertiary institutions, which has expanded access to higher education, and acknowledged the ongoing renovation, reconstruction, and upgrade of facilities in all tertiary institutions.

The unions further noted the government’s openness and democratic approach to labour relations, describing Governor Sani as ‘a true pro-democracy advocate who continues to uphold the rights of workers.’

While acknowledging the state’s financial challenges, including a ?5 billion monthly debt repayment burden inherited from the previous administration, the unions commended the Governor’s prudence and prioritisation of education and human capital development.

‘In recognition of the Governor’s sincerity, proactive engagement, and decisive action on our demands, the Union has resolved to suspend the strike with immediate effect,’ the unions said.

The union leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and collaboration with the state government to ensure long-term stability and growth in Kaduna’s tertiary education system.

The position of the unions was jointly signed by Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, NLC Chairman, Kaduna State; Comrade Usman Shehu Suleiman, Chairman, JUTIKS/ASUP, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic; Comrade Shuaibu Dauda Adamu, Secretary General, JUTIKS; Comrade Nuhu Yerima Christopher, Chairman, COESU, College of Education, Gidan Waya; Comrade Mahmud Aliyu Kwarbai, Chairman, NASU, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic; and Comrade Daniel Danboyi, Chairman, Academic Staff Union, College of Nursing.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, scheduled to run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Director, Strategic Communications, NELFUND, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, announced this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Fund reminded institutions to update and upload the verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal, as this step is essential for students to successfully apply and benefit from the scheme.

‘NELFUND appreciates the continued cooperation of tertiary institutions nationwide and seeks their further collaboration to ensure a smooth and inclusive loan process for all eligible students,’ the statement added.

Oluwatuyi in the statement noted that to support a seamless rollout, institutions are advised to note the following:

‘Item Details / Action Required

Portal Opening Date Thursday, October 23, 2025; Portal Closing Date Saturday, January 31, 2026.

‘Eligible Students Returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions; Student Identification Fresh students may apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number (in place of Matric Number).

‘Institutional flexibility: Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.

‘Special Notice: Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility.’

NELFUND further appealed to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints.

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has expressed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian pilgrim performs the 2026 Hajj both in comfort and safety.

Usman said this on Monday while inaugurating the Aviation Monitoring Committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise at the Commission’s Hajj House headquarters in Abuja, adding that facilitating the spiritual journey for Nigerians is not only a statutory duty but also a sacred trust.

He charged members of the newly inaugurated committee to function as diligent gatekeepers, entrusted with the critical mandate of undertaking transparent and impartial monitoring of all aviation matters.

The NAHCON boss, according to a release signed by his Technical Assistant (Media), Ahmad Muazu, made it clear that the committee is a functional, non-decorative body, reflecting the Commission’s zero-tolerance for failure and its core commitment to pilgrims’ welfare.

‘For the Nigerian Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, facilitating this spiritual journey for its citizens is not just a statutory duty; it is a sacred trust.

‘We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian pilgrim performs their Ibadah in comfort and safety,’ Usman said.

While emphasising that NAHCON has recorded steady improvements in airlift logistics, the Chairman said aviation remained the most sensitive and visible component of Hajj operations.

He, therefore, informed the committee members that they had the responsibility of monitoring aviation matters related to Nigerian pilgrims.

Usman said, ‘This committee is not a decorative body; it is our commitment to pilgrim welfare.

‘You are the gatekeepers, entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the aviation matters of our pilgrims.’

Usman then urged members to carry out their duties with the highest levels of integrity, patriotism, and professionalism, reminding them that the eyes of millions of Nigerian Muslims are upon them.

He expressed full confidence in the collective expertise of the committee members and tasked them to see their assignment as a sacred duty.

Responding on behalf of the members of the 10-man committee, NAHCON Commissioner of Operations and Licensing, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, who doubles as the chairman of the committee, thanked Usman for the confidence reposed in the committee members and pledged the team’s total commitment to its mandate.

He assured that members would live up to expectations, adding that they would not compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims.

‘Our mission is straightforward and solemn to guarantee safe, secure, and dignified air transport for pilgrims. We will not compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims,’ Elegushi assured.

The Aviation Monitoring Committee’s Terms of Reference (ToR) include: Reviewing, participating and evaluating all documents submitted by applicant airlines and cargo carriers for the 2026 Hajj; Inspecting and assessing the readiness of designated airports for Hajj operations; Making observations and recommendations on airport preparedness.

The ToR also include, Monitoring inbound and outbound flights at all departure centres to ensure compliance with airlift agreements and industry standards; Monitoring the quality of in-flight services in line with industry standards; Ensuring compliance with the Commission’s luggage policy by carriers and pilgrims; Recommending appropriate actions or penalties against defaulting carriers or State Pilgrims Welfare Boards; Liaising with the Central Security Committee and Task Force on abscondment of pilgrims to provide support when required and Undertaking any other action necessary for the success of Hajj airlift operations and making related recommendations.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday called for a review of the visa policy between Nigeria and Algeria towards a better bilateral relationship between the two African countries.

Speaker Tajudeen made the call during a meeting with the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, as part of his ongoing working visit to the North African country.

The Speaker specifically recommended that both Nigerian and Algerian Parliaments work towards a bilateral visa facilitation framework, including visa-free access for diplomatic and official passport holders and streamlined visa processes for ordinary citizens, business leaders, students, researchers, and cultural exchanges.

While commending the Algerian minister for sharing the commitment to advancing Nigeria-Algeria cooperation, the Speaker recalled when Attaf met with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar earlier in August and agreed to strengthen diplomatic relations with the revitalisation of the Binational Commission to advance strategic cooperation between both nations. Speaker Tajudeen also suggested that the parliaments of both countries should strategise on how to fast-track the revival of this Commission to provide a structured framework for sustained bilateral cooperation.

The Speaker also recalled that during his last visit, Minister Tuggar performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Nigerian Embassy chancery in Algiers to demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to improving relations and providing better consular services, and affirmed the parliament’s readiness to support the initiative through legislative backing and oversight.

Speaker Tajudeen also reaffirmed Nigeria’s legislative support and commitment to the successful completion of the massive Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project, while assuring the Algerian minister of Nigeria’s willingness to mobilise support for the project from other West African parliaments whose countries are involved in the project.

Noting that both Nigeria and Algeria are members of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the Speaker highlighted how parliamentary cooperation can support the removal of legislative barriers to trade such as customs duties and visa challenges for businesspeople.

Speaker Tajudeen also stressed the need to combat regional security challenges in the Sahel caused by terrorism, climate change, and political instability, while emphasising the need for parliamentary strategy and legislative support towards military and regional cooperation.

After acknowledging Nigeria’s support for Algeria’s leading role in the Joint Operational Staff Committee established to combat terrorism, especially its mediation efforts in the region, the Speaker stated the importance of peaceful settlements for regional conflicts.

He also noted the value of joint parliamentary resolutions to support the African Union’s peace efforts and continental frameworks on governance and human rights.

Speaker Tajudeen further expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Committees of both legislatures, even as the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs are advancing bilateral cooperation.

He stressed that both parliaments can help ensure consistency between foreign policy and legislative priorities, especially as they concern regional integration, peace, and migration.

Speaker Tajudeen also used the occasion to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Algeria, while expressing optimism that ‘the future will bring us even closer for the benefit of both countries and the continent of Africa.’