Category: Daily Trust

The Federal Government has announced a central price for all the houses under its Renewed Housing Scheme.

The government over the weekend stated that the prices across the country now stand at N8.5 million for a one-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, N11.5 million for a two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow and N12.5 million for a three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow.

The adoption of uniform selling prices aimed at promoting affordability, transparency, and fairness

Also, it will ensure that Nigerians across all regions have equal opportunities to benefit from the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, said that ‘priority in the allocation of the housing units will be given to low- and middle-income earners, civil servants at all levels of government, employees in the organised private sector with verifiable sources of income, and Nigerians in the Diaspora who wish to own homes in the country,’

The Ministry further announced that the sale of the completed housing units across the northern and southern regions will soon commence and encouraged the public to be part of it.

On payment options, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, explained that several payment options have been provided to make the houses affordable and flexible. These include outright (full) payment, mortgage, rent-to-own scheme, and instalment payment plans. This according to him is to enhance affordability and ensure fairness for qualified Nigerians

‘Renewed Hope housing projects is a Federal Government housing initiative under President Bola Tinubu to provide affordable housing across the country. The programme includes large-scale ‘Renewed Hope Cities’ in each geopolitical zone and ‘Renewed Hope Estates’ in 30 states, with a total target of 34,500 units across the nation. Financing options like mortgages, rent-to-own, and public rental are available, and a new online portal jas been launched to facilitate the process,’ he said.

Nigeria has agreed to host the maiden meeting of the African bloc of the National Committees of the International Press Institute (IPI).

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known during a meeting over the weekend in Vienna, Austria, with IPI Executive Board Chairman, Mr. Marton Gergely; Executive Director, Mr. Scott Griffen; and Nigerian and African representative on the IPI Executive Board, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin.

The IPI Board had earlier approved the creation of regional blocs of national committees to address region-specific interests within the global IPI community.

‘Nigeria agrees to host the maiden meeting of the African bloc. It is a great honour for us to lead as we always do,’ the minister said.

He recalled that Nigeria successfully hosted the IPI World Congress and General Assembly in Abuja in 2018, affirming the country’s readiness to deliver another world-class event.

Although no date has been fixed, Griffen said the IPI Secretariat in Vienna would work out the details with Adedoyin and the IPI Nigeria National Committee.

Gergely commended Nigeria for its leadership in democratic governance and commitment to press freedom, while Griffen lauded the Nigerian National Committee for its strong engagement in promoting media freedom.

During the meeting, Idris also discussed IPI Nigeria’s ongoing request for IPI’s support for the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos. The NIJ was established by the IPI in 1971 during the presidency of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and its governing board is currently chaired by former Ogun State governor and IPI leader, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has called on Islamic financial institutions to play the lead in driving the global digital economy growth, stressing that the ethical principles of Islamic banking are perfectly aligned with the rapidly evolving financial world.

Pantami delivered a keynote address in Manchester on Sunday at the Annual Conference of the Nigeria Muslim Forum, United Kingdom (NMFUK), on the theme: ‘Ethical Digital Economy: The Future of Community-Centred Islamic Digital Banking.’

The ex-Minister of Communications and Digital Economy emphasized that the Islamic banking model stands for fairness, transparency, accountability, and the protection of the poor-values that resonate universally.

‘Islamic banking is not just for Muslims, but for humanity,’ he noted. ‘Its foundations are built on ethics and justice rather than interest or exploitation. It is a system rooted in fairness and accountability, one that safeguards human dignity, while promoting sustainable development.’ Pantami drew attention to a study conducted in Indonesia, which revealed that non-Muslim customers were among the most loyal patrons of Islamic banks due to their transparency, flexibility, and moral clarity.

The former minister said 66% of those interviewed agreed that the Islamic banking system was appropriate for both the Muslim and Western worlds, while 65% acknowledged that it offers more benefits than conventional banking.

Observing that the financial landscape across the globe is being redefined by digital transformation, the professor of cybersecurity insisted that Islamic banking must be at the forefront of the advancement.

‘The digital economy is the fastest-growing economy in the world today,’ he stated. ‘Islamic banking should be part of this growth, offering a more equitable and transparent financial system that serves everyone, not just a few.’

Pantami urged policymakers, scholars, and financial institutions to heavily invest in creativity and research to build robust digital banking systems, as fusing technology with Islamic finance would a reshape global banking along humane and inclusive lines.

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has urged businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to partner with the Abia State and take advantage of the upcoming Abia-Turkey Investment Summit and Product Exhibition.

The ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, made the call at the weekend in Abuja at a joint press conference with a high-powered Abia State delegation.

He said that the event will be beneficial as it would also involve Turkish and European partners who would be at the summit scheduled for Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

The maiden Abia-Turkey Investment Summit and Product Exhibition is slated for Umuahia, the Abia State capital, between November 25 and 27, 2025.

Obegolu, commending the Abia State government for its investment-driven initiatives, said the chamber’s ‘Buy Africa, Build Africa, mantra aligns with the objectives of the forthcoming summit, pledging ACCI’s total support for the event.

‘We have a duty to support every homegrown initiative that attracts investment and boosts manufacturing capacity in Nigeria and Africa.

‘We are inviting businesses in the Federal Capital Territory to look towards Abia and take advantage of the opportunities the Turkish and European partners will bring,’ he said.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Abia State on Investment Promotion and Public – Private Partnership, (PPP.), Chief Jerome Green-Amakwe, who is also the Chairman, Steering Committee for the summit, said the event, with the theme, ‘Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity,’ would bring together business leaders and investors from Turkey and other European countries to explore investment opportunities in Abia State.

He said that the summit is organised by the state’s Ministry of Trade and Commerce, to showcase the state’s economic potential and comparative advantages as an investment destination.

‘Our key objective is to strengthen bilateral relations between Turkey, Abia and Nigeria at large. We intend to also showcase products and services to the dynamic African market,’ Green-Amakwe stated.

A renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, has expressed gratitude to the President of Algeria, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for granting scholarships to 140 students from Nigeria who will study in Algerian universities for free.

The gesture was requested by the scholar through the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.

In the appreciation message he personally signed and sent to the President, he said, ‘Your Excellency, I wish to express my deep gratitude for your government’s generous decision to open Algeria’s universities to 140 Tijaniyya students from Nigeria.

‘This act is more than an educational gesture; it is a reaffirmation of the ideals that built Algeria’s reputation – the conviction that knowledge shared in sincerity becomes a bridge between peoples and a force for good in the world.

‘Such leadership strengthens Algeria’s standing as a country whose influence is measured not by dominion but by dignity – a voice of equilibrium and wisdom in an age that often forgets both.’

This is the second set of Nigerian students offered scholarships to study in Algerian universities free under the request made by the scholar.

The first set of students who were offered scholarships by the president are about to complete their studies.

The Nigeria Wrestling Federation has elected the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as its president for the next four years.

CG Adeniyi was elected unopposed over the weekend by the 14 board members at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

In a related development, North Central Representative Chris Amkpila, re-elected as the vice president of the sports federation.

Reacting to the outcome of the election, the newly elected NWF President, Adeniyi, expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him to lead one of Nigeria’s ‘most vibrant sports federations.’

The Customs boss pledged his commitment to expanding the reach of wrestling through stronger sponsorships and inclusive administration.

He said: ‘I want to sincerely thank the NSC for conducting a hitch-free and transparent election. The process was smooth and peaceful, which is the real essence of sports beyond competition, fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse races and cultures.

‘Also, my appreciation to all wrestling stakeholders for providing me with a great opportunity to lead the sport we all love,’ CG Adeniyi noted.

Other elected board members are: vice president – Chris Amkpila, Secretary General – Oluwasegun Bode Ademisoro, South South Rep- Daniel Igali, North East Rep – Alhaji Mustapha Bura, North West Rep- Alhaji Habib Abubakar Umar, South East Rep – Clement Ejim, and South West Rep – Akuh Purity

Others are; Technical Rep – Happiness Burutu, Athletes Rep – Blessing Oborodudu, NAPHER-SD Rep – Dr Okou Femedein Timipre, NAWIS Rep – Mrs. Adejoke Adebusoye, AFFAN Rep- Mrs Margaret Porbeni, Sponsor Rep- Mrs Amaka Asiofu, and Oluwasegun Bode Ademisoro.

Nigeria once again finds itself at a security crossroads as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appoints new service chiefs, sparking fresh debates across the country.

While some see this as a bold step toward rebuilding the nation’s security system, others fear it’s just ‘old faces in new uniforms.’

As insecurity persists from Boko Haram to banditry, the big question remains, can these new leaders truly reset Nigeria’s security strategy or will it be another cycle of promises without progress?

Join us in this episode of Nigeria Daily to find out.

92-year-old President Paul Biya has been officially declared winner of the 2025 Presidential Election in Cameroon.

According to the results announced by The Constitutional Council, Biya secured 53.66% of the votes against Issa Tchiroma, who obtained 35.19%.

The results were officially declared on Monday, although the election held on October 12.

Biya now extends his decades-long rule and will continue to lead Cameroon for another 7 years. At 92, Biya remains the world’s oldest serving head of state and is now set to govern until 2032.

Despite strong support for Tchiroma among Cameroonian diaspora communities, Biya’s domestic lead proved decisive.

Voters across Europe gave Tchiroma 62.79% of their ballots, while Biya received just 22.63%.

In the Americas, Tchiroma secured 66.75%, and in Asia and the Middle East, he earned 68.21%. Across Africa, Tchiroma also led with 54.99% of the diaspora vote, although more than half of eligible voters reportedly abstained.

The Constitutional Council emphasised that the winner is determined by the total number of votes cast across the electorate, not regional or diaspora tallies.

Biya’s victory comes amid growing calls for political transition in Cameroon, where critics have long accused the ruling party of stifling opposition and manipulating electoral processes.

However, the government maintains that the elections were free and fair.

With this win, Biya is expected to continue his leadership until the age of 99, barring any constitutional changes or unforeseen developments.

Daily Trust will continue to monitor reactions and developments across Cameroon and the region.

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has explained that his family has historically been part of the ruling lineage of the Duguri, tracing their inheritance of the throne through generations of leadership within the community.

The governor gave the clarification to enlighten the public more on the appointment of his elder brother as the new Emir of Duguri.

Governor Mohammed said this when he visited his country home, Duguri, where he paid homage to the newly appointed Emir, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Duguri.

He described the appointment of his elder brother as the Emir of Duguri as well-deserved and a product of due process, merit, and broad consultation.

The Emir had served as Village Head of Duguri before he was elevated as District Head for several years, and was now appointed as the first Emir of Duguri.

Governor Bala reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the stability and success of all newly created emirates in the state as part of efforts to bring governance and development closer to the grassroots.

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at eradicating corruption in Nigeria’s public procurement process.

BPP’s Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, who spoke during the signing ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, said the move was necessary because the integrity of the public procurement process depends largely on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which must operate with transparency and diligence.

According to him, while the BPP has a mandate to oversee compliance with procurement laws, it also recognises human vulnerabilities and will therefore rely on credible third-party institutions such as CIFCFIN to investigate irregularities and recommend lawful corrective measures where necessary.

He urged CIFCFIN to assist the BPP in conducting in-depth investigations and to provide actionable intelligence that will strengthen the agency’s capacity to ensure compliance and accountability. Adedokun noted that BPP would work closely with the institute, particularly in the areas of investigation and prosecution, to ensure full enforcement of the Public Procurement Act.

The BPP boss disclosed that the agency has shifted from operating in isolation to adopting a multi-stakeholder approach in promoting transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

‘Public trust dictates how we manage and deploy public resources. There will be no witch-hunt and no reason for any individual or organisation to be worried, provided they are doing the right thing,’ he said.

Adedokun reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s procurement system remains transparent, ethical, and efficient, while fostering collaboration among relevant institutions to combat procurement-related corruption.

The leadership of CIFCFIN pledged the institute’s full commitment to the partnership, noting that it will promote the same transparency and accountability principles that the BPP has consistently championed. The institute also commended the BPP for its proactive stance in advancing ethical governance across all MDAs.