Category: PM News

The Lagos State Government has paid N1.036 billion retirement benefits to 663 retirees from the state’s public service, local governments, Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) and other government agencies.

The presentation of bond was made on Wednesday at the 117th Retirement Benefits Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony held at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja.

In his goodwill message, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prioritising the welfare of public servants and ensuring that retirement benefits were administered responsibly.

Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Bukonla Durodola, said the presentation marked another milestone in the government’s determination to fulfil its obligations to retirees and ensure that officers who had devoted their productive years to the state received their duly earned benefits.

He said the release of the funds demonstrated the government’s resolve to honour its commitments and provide retirees with greater financial security as they transitioned into a new phase of life.

The Head of Service also acknowledged the contributions of public servants to the growth and development of Lagos State, assuring serving officers that the government remained committed to building a responsive, productive and people-oriented public service.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Babalola Obilana, said the government was facilitating the payment of N1,036,355,006.43 to the 663 beneficiaries in recognition of their years of dedicated service.

The beneficiaries comprise retirees from the mainstream public service, local governments, Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and various parastatals.

Obilana said the initiative underscored the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to fulfilling its pension obligations and improving the financial security of retired public servants.

He added that LASPEC would continue to pursue measures to improve pension administration, strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and enhance service delivery to retirees.

According to him, the commission is working to improve operational processes, embrace technology, strengthen records management and facilitate the processing of retirement documentation.

He said LASPEC would also sustain its financial education and sensitisation initiatives to help serving officers and retirees understand their pension entitlements, retirement procedures and the effective management of retirement income.

Obilana urged beneficiaries to keep their retirement records safe and ensure that their personal and pension-related information remained accurate and up to date.

He also cautioned retirees against individuals who might attempt to exploit them by promising to facilitate pension payments in exchange for unofficial fees, advising them to rely only on authorised channels for information and assistance.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has lashed out at some of its candidates who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their departure as ‘good riddance to bad rubbish.’

The opposition party also accused the APC of using money, political appointments and other incentives to lure its candidates away ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC alleged that the defections were motivated by personal financial interests rather than political convictions.

‘It has come to the attention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, that some candidates of our party have been bribed by the APC to defect to the ruling and ruinous All Progressives Congress, APC, obviously for pecuniary reasons,’ the statement read.

The party accused the APC of deliberately targeting its candidates with financial inducements and promises of political appointments.

It maintained that those who accepted such offers lacked the ideological commitment expected of NDC members.

‘They were never truly of us. To them, we say good riddance to bad rubbish, and we wish them luck in their political misadventures,’ Director declared.

The NDC announced plans to conduct fresh congresses to replace the defecting candidates in the affected constituencies.

‘In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, the party will immediately conduct fresh congresses to elect credible, competent and trustworthy candidates to replace the defectors in the affected constituency,’ the statement added.

Director urged party members and supporters not to be discouraged by the defections, insisting that the NDC remained committed to its political objectives.

‘These are the last kicks of a dying horse that has seen the handwriting on the wall of its imminent defeat,’ he said.

The party maintained that it remained determined to pursue its ambition of providing an alternative government and delivering improved security, governance and economic prosperity.

However, the NDC did not identify the affected candidates or provide evidence supporting its bribery allegations in the statement.

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has activated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), following the Federal Government’s announcement of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),

This is contained in a public advisory by the centre’s Director-General, Prof. Muhammad Adamu-Abbas in Kano on Tuesday.

Adamu-Abbas said the centre is fully ready and on high alert for any eventualities.

‘The Federal Government confirmed one case of imported Ebola in Abuja. The patient is already isolated and receiving care. Forty-four people who had close contact with the patient have been found and are being monitored every day.

‘Here in Kano, the KNCDC Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) is on high alert. There is no need to panic, but we must all be careful and act quickly,’ the Director-General said.

He called on residents to be calm while cautioning them to also abide by mandatory protocols to avoid occurrence of the outbreak or further spread of the disease.

He listed the mandatory protocols to include not going to a pharmacy, chemist, or local drug shop to self-medicate, not boarding public transportation (buses, taxis, keke, Adaidaita) to minimize exposing others while individuals who came down with the infection must be immediately isolated in a private room.

He said the signs and symptoms of ebola could include sudden high fever, extreme weakness, severe headache, body and joint pains, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding.

‘Ebola infection occurs if the blood or body fluid of an infected person touches the eyes, nose, mouth or a wound on the skin. It can also be contracted through touching clothes, bedding or surfaces that have a sick person’s fluid.

‘For prevention, wash your hands always with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Do not touch sick people or their belongings. Do not touch dead bodies.

‘Do not eat bushmeat. If you must eat meat, buy from clean markets and cook it very well. Clean your house, especially door handles, phones and tables with disinfectant or bleach.

‘If you have fever and any of the danger signs and you have travelled or met someone who is sick, do not go to a chemist or stay at home.

‘Call health officials immediately on KNCDC 07077974504, kanocdc@gmail.com, kano_cde on facebook, X. Instagram or call your LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) or report to any health facility.

In a related development, the director-general also advised all public, private, faith-based and military facilities in the state to be on the look out.

He also directed them to ensure strict compliance to the Infection Prevention and Control, IPC while warning them against compromise on IPC enforcement to protect the patients and the health workers.

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has lamented that he still lives in Games Village, Abuja, despite serving eight years as governor of the state.

Ortom, who governed Benue between 2015 and 2023, disclosed that he has remained in the same residence since 2008, when he served as the National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s *Political Paradigm*, the former governor questioned how many of his colleagues still lived in similar circumstances after leaving office.

‘Which ex-governor is living in Games Village?’ he asked.

Ortom explained that under the state’s existing arrangements for former governors, he was entitled to a house in Abuja or another location of his choice.

However, he alleged that his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, cancelled the benefits provided under the law enacted by the Benue State House of Assembly.

According to him, the entitlements also included annual medical examinations at a hospital of his choice, either within Nigeria or abroad, with the expenses covered by the state government.

The former governor said he had not received those benefits since leaving office in May 2023.

He also disclosed that his monthly salary while serving as governor was less than ?600,000, maintaining that it was no different from what other governors earned.

Ortom insisted that the allowances and other provisions for former governors were separate from their salaries and were backed by legislation.

The former governor’s latest remarks add to his continuing disagreement with the administration of Alia, who succeeded him in 2023.

Ortom belongs to the PDP, while Alia was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Benue State Government’s response to Ortom’s latest allegations was not included in the interview report.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has said the the defection of some of its candidates to the All Progressives Congress was proof that the ruling party is growing increasingly desperate as the 2027 elections draw closer.

NDC said this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director on Tuesday.

Director described the APC’s actions as ‘the last kicks of a dying horse that has seen the handwriting on the wall of its imminent defeat.’

The party accused the APC of dangling money, appointments and other inducements to lure those it described as ‘money-minded’ candidates from its fold.

Director said the APC has been using ‘desperate and malicious tactics,’ offering cash and political appointments to get people to jump ship into what he called its ‘sinking fold.’

‘It has come to the attention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that some candidates of our party have been bribed by the APC to defect to the ruling and ruinous All Progressives Congress (APC), obviously for pecuniary reasons,’ Director said.

‘For those who have fallen for this bait, it is clear that they lack the values, virtues, and ideological commitment associated with our great party,’ he continued. ‘They were never truly of us. To them, we say good riddance to bad rubbish, and we wish them luck in their political misadventures.’

The NDC said it would not dwell on the losses, but moves quickly under the Electoral Act 2026, to hold fresh congresses to pick new candidates it considers credible and competent for the affected constituencies.

‘We wish to reassure our teeming party members, supporters, and well-meaning Nigerians not to be perturbed by the antics of the ruling party in bribing a few of our members,’ he said.

The NDC spokesperson insisted that the NDC remains focused on its goal of rescuing the country ‘from the vice grip of the buccaneers in power’ and delivering the good governance, security and prosperity Nigerians want.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed reports that the Federal Government plans to introduce a fuel tax when the economy stabilises, describing them as ‘fake news’ and insisting that the levy is not on the government’s agenda.

Oyedele, in a post on X on Tuesday, said his comments during an interview with ARISE News had been misrepresented.

He maintained that introducing a fuel tax under the prevailing economic conditions would be insensitive to Nigerians still grappling with the impact of petrol subsidy removal.

The minister’s clarification followed reports suggesting that the government would introduce the levy when economic conditions improved and citizens’ income levels could accommodate it.

He insisted that his remarks should not be interpreted as an announcement of a government plan to impose a new tax on fuel.

During the interview, conducted on the sidelines of the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, Oyedele explained that introducing a fuel tax while petrol was subsidised would have been counterproductive, as the government would effectively be paying the tax itself.

He also argued that the priority should be to grow incomes faster than prices rise, rather than suppress prices.

According to him, any consideration of fuel taxation would depend on economic stability and improved income levels, not a desire to impose additional taxes on Nigerians.

He said his immediate position remained that introducing the levy at this time would be insensitive.

Nigerian government said it has rescued, rehabilitated and reintegrated more than 5,400 human trafficking victims over three years, while securing 26 convictions.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to international organisations in Vienna, Dr Fatima Ajimobi, disclosed this on Tuesday.

Ajimobi addressed the 13th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) in Vienna.

She said Nigeria remained concerned about trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, illicit firearms, environmental crimes and terrorism.

The ambassador explained that these interconnected threats continued to undermine national security, weaken institutions and threaten development despite international efforts.

According to her, Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts included nationwide awareness campaigns, improved operating procedures and stronger protection for victims.

She said the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons had recorded significant achievements during the past three years.

These included the rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of more than 5,400 trafficking victims and 597 survivors of violence against persons.

Ajimobi also disclosed that 168 persons had been investigated and prosecuted, resulting in 26 convictions during the period under review.

The envoy highlighted Nigeria’s National Strategy for Combating Organised Crime, covering 2027 to 2031, which she said was launched in August.

She explained that the strategy adopted a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting organised crime.

Ajimobi said criminal networks were increasingly exploiting legitimate travel channels and irregular border crossings to facilitate migrant smuggling.

She highlighted intelligence-led border-security measures introduced in 2025 to improve early detection of suspicious activities at international terminals.

The ambassador also identified illicit firearms trafficking as a major contributor to organised crime and cross-border insecurity.

She said Nigeria was strengthening regional cooperation to trace weapons, identify trafficking routes and disrupt the financial networks supporting criminal syndicates.

Turning to environmental crimes, Ajimobi identified illegal mining, illicit mineral trafficking, crude oil theft, illegal logging and wildlife crime as growing concerns.

She said these activities required stronger international cooperation, technology transfer and sustained technical assistance, particularly for developing countries.

The envoy also warned that criminal networks were increasingly exploiting information and communication technologies, creating new challenges for investigators and prosecutors.

She consequently called for improved digital forensics, electronic evidence-sharing, mutual legal assistance, extradition cooperation and joint investigations.

Ajimobi reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing UNTOC and its protocols, while urging countries to strengthen accountability, protect victims and dismantle transnational criminal networks.

The Nigerian Army has listed arrest 10 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovery of motorcycles, fuel, fertiliser and cash during a security operation in Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State among the recent achievements of its troops.

An operational report on Tuesday in Abuja said the suspects were apprehended at about 6;30 p.m., on Oct. 18 at Bayamari village.

The report said the exercise was conducted by troops of 233 Battalion, in conjunction with 27 Task Force Brigade and local hunters during an operation to disrupt terrorist supply networks.

It said the troops recovered four motorcycles, 11 bags of NPK fertiliser, 12 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each containing 25 litres, and one 25-litre jerrycan of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Other items recovered according to the report, include two mini-drums containing 30 litres of PMS, nine mobile phones, ?351,700 and 5,800 CFA francs.

The report said the suspects and recovered items had been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action.

The report also said that troops of 27 Brigade Garrison Patrol received a surrendered Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) member on Oct. 18.

It said that preliminary investigations indicated that the individual, who hailed from Maringa village in Biu LGA of Borno, joined the terrorist group in 2024 as a foot soldier through a WhatsApp recruitment group known as ‘ZANGI’.

According to the report, the surrendered member identified a recruiter he described as the group’s head of marketing at BUK Camp in the Timbuktu Triangle, as being responsible for his recruitment.

‘He also reportedly admitted involvement in several terrorist operations in Benisheikh, Maringa and Mandaragirau communities in Borno.’

The report said that the recruiter used social media platforms, including WhatsApp and X, formerly Twitter, to recruit and initiate unsuspecting individuals into the group.

It said the surrendered member remains in custody for further investigation.

The report further said that troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, intercepted 18 internally displaced persons (IDPs) around Kashomri Forest in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

According to the report, the interception occurred at about 11;20 p.m., on Oct. 17, when troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade at Forward Operating Base Kawuri encountered the group.

It said that preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had left the Konduga IDP camp to search for baobab leaves and fruits around Kashomri but lost their way while returning to the camp.

The report said they were subsequently handed over to the camp chairman and community leaders, known as Bulamas, to facilitate their reunion with their families.

It further revealed that troops of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, arrested four suspects over an alleged attempt to engage in illegal oil activities in Rivers.

It said that the suspects comprised three men apprehended at Go Round Farm in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and a woman arrested at her residence in Okwuzi in the same area.

‘The three men were allegedly preparing to vandalise a pipeline to facilitate illegal oil activities when troops of CIB VIII apprehended them at about 7;20 a.m. on Sunday.

‘The troops recovered a generator, two rolls of electrical wire and other working tools.

‘The female suspect was alleged to have engaged the services of the arrested men for the illegal operation.

‘All the suspects are still in the military custody for further investigation and necessary action,’ it said.

The Ogun State Government has disclosed that 111 travellers from countries considered high-risk for Ebola have completed medical surveillance, assuring residents that no case of the deadly disease has been recorded in the state.

The disclosure follows the Federal Government’s confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, prompting heightened surveillance across the country.

Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, October 21, explaining that the 111 persons of interest had been identified, monitored and discharged from follow-up after completing the required surveillance period.

Coker said the state had strengthened its preparedness measures to prevent the spread of the disease, following outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries.

According to her, the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is coordinating surveillance, early detection and response activities to ensure suspected cases are promptly identified and managed.

She disclosed that disease surveillance officers, port health officials, clinicians and other healthcare personnel had undergone training to strengthen the state’s response capacity.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant without panicking, stressing that no Ebola infection had been confirmed in Ogun as of Wednesday.

The alert comes after the Federal Government confirmed an imported Ebola case involving a woman who recently arrived in Abuja from Uganda.

Health authorities have identified 44 contacts linked to the confirmed patient and commenced monitoring to prevent further transmission.

Coker identified common symptoms of Ebola as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, noting that unexplained bleeding may occur in some cases.

She explained that symptoms could develop between two and 21 days after exposure, warning that anyone with possible exposure should contact health authorities promptly.

Residents were advised to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid contact with the bodily fluids of suspected patients and refrain from spreading unverified information.

The commissioner also directed public and private healthcare facilities to promptly isolate and report suspected cases.

She assured residents that the state government would continue working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance.

Residents can report suspected cases through the NCDC toll-free line, 6232, or contact the Ogun State Epidemiologist on 08084250881.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has concluded rescue operations at a domestic well in Abule-Egba, where a two-year-old toddler and a man who attempted to rescue the child died.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at No. 4, Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, Abule-Egba, according to the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has concluded rescue operations at a domestic well in Abule-Egba, where a two-year-old toddler and a man who attempted to rescue the child died.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at No. 4, Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, Abule-Egba, according to the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu.

Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement, said LASEMA received a distress call at 9:48 a.m. and immediately activated its emergency response plan, deploying a response team from its Igando base.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, had accidentally fallen into the well.

A man from the Hausa community residing in the area reportedly descended into the well in an attempt to save the child but became trapped and was unable to climb out.

On arrival, LASEMA responders found residents making efforts to rescue both victims. The agency subsequently coordinated operations with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.

Despite sustained efforts under difficult conditions, the man was recovered dead. His remains were placed in a body bag and handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.

Oke-Osanyintolu commiserated with the deceased’s family and community, describing his attempt to save the toddler as an act of exceptional bravery.

Efforts to recover the child were complicated by the well’s high water level and thick mud at the bottom. The rescue teams attempted to drain the well, but operational challenges hampered the process.

A specialist local diver was eventually deployed to conduct a final search. According to the agency, the diver reported that the toddler’s body had sunk deep into the mud and could not be recovered. Only one shoe was retrieved.

Following the specialist’s assessment and consultations with the family and community leaders, the agency said the operation was brought to an end, with all responders returning to their respective bases.

Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents to ensure that wells and other openings within residential compounds are properly covered, raised and secured, particularly in homes where young children live.

He also advised residents against attempting dangerous rescue operations without appropriate equipment and trained personnel, urging them to contact emergency services through the toll-free numbers 767 or 112.

In a separate incident, the agency’s Eagle Response Team from its Cappa base recovered a broken-down articulated truck carrying bags of clothes at Challenge Bus Stop, inward Cappa.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the truck had become immobile due to a damaged propeller, obstructing traffic along the route.

The agency deployed its heavy-duty equipment, Super Metro, to remove the vehicle from the road, restoring normal traffic flow.

He assured Lagos residents that LASEMA remained prepared to respond to emergencies across the state.