Category: PM News

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, have arrested 68 suspected drug traffickers in the month of August 2026.

They also intercepted 7,531.51kg of narcotics across the state during the same period.

The Commander of NDLEA in Edo State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, gave the breakdown in a statement issued in Benin.

He noted that the figures show the Command’s ‘unwavering commitment’ to tackling drug trafficking and abuse in Edo.

Ofoyeju who disclosed that the suspects comprise 34 males and 34 females, noted that the gender balance further authenticates the fact that substance use has no respect for sex.’

According to the statement, drugs seized and removed from circulation include: 7,524.83 kg of Cannabis sativa, 1,098.177 kg recovered, 6,433.33kg destroyed on farms, 5.3311 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.0668 kg of methamphetamine, 34.8 litres of codeine syrup.

Four cannabis farms were destroyed in Orhionmwon and Owan West.

Ofoyeju said no convictions were recorded in August because the Federal High Court was on vacation, but three new cases were filed and 87 cases are pending.

Beyond enforcement, the Command’s CTR and PS units counselled 23 clients and trained 12 persons in vocational skills including tailoring, perfume making, and liquid soap production.

It also carried out five sensitisation programmes that reached over 2,150 participants.

‘We will continue to collaborate with community leaders, media organisations, and law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and health of our citizens.

‘We are unwavering in our commitment to flushing out drugs and apprehending those who profit from the suffering of others,’ Ofoyeju said.

Nigeria’s preparations for the September Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been hit by an injury crisis, with six Super Eagles players currently sidelined ahead of the crucial international fixtures.

Among the players affected are Christantus Uche, Sadiq Umar, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Zaidu Sanusi, Tochukwu Nnadi and Yira Sor.

Uche appears to be the biggest casualty after sustaining a serious knee injury during Getafe’s pre-season friendly against Monaco on August 6. The midfielder suffered multiple ligament and meniscus tears in his right knee and has undergone surgery.

The injury has ruled Uche out for the rest of the season, effectively ending his hopes of featuring for Nigeria in the September qualifiers and potentially the AFCON finals should the Super Eagles qualify.

Sadiq Umar is also a doubt after sustaining a hamstring injury in his right leg following Valencia’s 3-1 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña. The striker has been placed on a rehabilitation programme, although the club has not given a definite date for his return.

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has suffered another setback after sustaining a tear in his right thigh during the club’s 1-0 victory over Bologna. He is expected to spend at least three weeks on the sidelines, putting his participation in Nigeria’s September fixtures in doubt.

Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi is certain to miss the September qualifiers after suffering an adductor injury in Porto’s 3-0 victory over Académico de Viseu.

Sanusi, who had featured in every minute of Porto’s league campaign before the injury, was substituted in the 17th minute. His absence leaves head coach Eric Chelle with another defensive concern ahead of the international window.

Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has also joined the injury list after suffering a knee injury during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Monaco.

Although Nnadi is yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Marseille, the injury could disrupt his efforts to secure more playing time and compete for a place in the Super Eagles squad.

Meanwhile, Amedspor winger Yira Sor has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering a Grade 2B hamstring injury.

Sor sustained the injury shortly after making his Super Lig debut following his pound 3 million move from Genk. He had scored for Amedspor before the setback halted his promising start at the club.

The growing list of injuries presents Chelle with a selection headache as Nigeria prepares for the September AFCON qualifiers.

With several established and emerging players unavailable or doubtful, the Super Eagles coach may be forced to turn to alternative options as he prepares his squad for the crucial fixtures.

Nigeria will be hoping that the injury situation does not worsen before the players converge for the September international window.

The controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, has taken a dramatic turn, with a House of Representatives investigative panel uncovering about 58 bank accounts allegedly linked to the organisation’s detained Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, as well as an alleged ?400 million transaction now under investigation.

The discoveries were contained in the preliminary findings of the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating how the purported agency secured recognition within parts of the Federal Government’s administrative and budgetary system despite, according to the panel, having no valid legal instrument establishing it.

Presenting the findings in Abuja on Wednesday, committee chairman Yusuf Gagdi said preliminary financial information showed that identifying details associated with Adeyemi were linked to approximately 58 bank accounts, with more than 30 apparently operated in the names of about nine agencies, companies, foundations or related entities.

The committee identified a wider network of more than 12 entities allegedly associated with Adeyemi, including organisations bearing names connected to investment promotion, United Nations youth initiatives, entrepreneurship, education and foundations.

Gagdi, however, cautioned that the discovery of the accounts did not by itself establish criminality.

He said the committee was still reconciling account mandates, registration records, beneficial ownership information, signatories and transaction histories to determine who controlled the accounts and how they were used.

At the centre of the financial investigation is an alleged ?400 million transaction involving a company which told the committee that Adeyemi induced it to make payments in four instalments.

According to the preliminary findings, the company allegedly believed the payments were connected to a contract for the renovation, furnishing or improvement of a residential property presented as Adeyemi’s official residence in his claimed capacity as PFIPC director-general.

The committee said it is tracing the destination of the money, identifying account holders and beneficial owners and establishing the ownership and status of the property.

Adeyemi has previously claimed that he borrowed ?400 million to secure his appointment, while denying wrongdoing. He has also made allegations against the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the money. Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations.

The most troubling dimension of the investigation, however, may not be the number of accounts or the alleged ?400 million transaction, but how the purported organisation managed to penetrate government structures in the first place.

The House panel said it found no valid Act of the National Assembly, gazetted enactment, presidential executive order or other lawful instrument establishing the PFIPC.

It also uncovered alleged fabricated official documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter, an alleged Executive Order and a document presented as an Act of the National Assembly.

Evidence presented to the committee indicated that the Presidency did not issue Adeyemi’s purported appointment letter.

The panel subsequently exonerated Gbajabiamila in the PFIPC scandal, saying the evidence before it did not establish that he authorised, established or participated in the activities of the purported organisation.

Yet the organisation allegedly occupied government office accommodation, projected itself online as a federal institution and used the names, photographs and offices of senior government officials.

The committee said approximately 39 people were also presented as employees, with investigators examining their recruitment, appointment letters, identity cards, remuneration and allegations that some prospective employees may have been asked to pay money to secure employment.

The panel has called for financial records linked to the accounts and entities to be preserved and for relevant investigative agencies to trace, freeze and recover any proceeds of unlawful conduct where established in accordance with the law.

It stressed that its findings remain preliminary and do not constitute a determination of criminal guilt.

The final report, according to Gagdi, will identify institutional and individual responsibilities and recommend appropriate legislative, administrative, civil, financial and prosecutorial action where supported by evidence.

Malam Abdulhafiz Umar Barau, popularly known as Dan Isan Gusau / Magayakin Tsafe and Founder of the AUG Foundation, has been honoured at the 5th Edition of the Nigerian Humanitarian Awards and Magazine (HAMS 2026) in recognition of his contribution to poverty alleviation and community development.

Barau received the Award for Excellence in Poverty Alleviation and Community Impact during the awards ceremony held on Saturday, August 29, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

The ceremony, organised under the theme ‘United for Humanity,’ brought together humanitarian leaders, philanthropists, public officials, community advocates and development-focused Nigerians to celebrate individuals whose work continues to create meaningful impact.

Through the AUG Foundation, Barau has built a reputation around grassroots humanitarian intervention, with initiatives spanning poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, financial empowerment and community development.

His interventions have focused on responding to the immediate needs of vulnerable people while supporting initiatives that can improve livelihoods and strengthen communities.

Speaking during the ceremony, Emmanuel Anabueze, President of the Nigerian Humanitarian Awards and Magazine, said the recognition was intended to celebrate service that produces tangible results.

‘Humanitarianism requires courage, consistency and a genuine commitment to people. Abdulhafiz Umar Barau has demonstrated that commitment through his efforts to support communities and alleviate hardship.’

Anabueze added that the award should serve as encouragement for Barau and other humanitarian leaders to continue their work.

‘An award is not the conclusion of a humanitarian journey. It is a reminder to do more. We hope this recognition inspires greater service, reaches more people and creates an even wider impact.’

The recognition of Barau formed part of a broader awards programme that celebrated Nigerians making contributions across areas including community development, youth empowerment, women and girls’ empowerment, child welfare, social impact and economic development.

The atmosphere at the Nicon Luxury Hotel reflected the significance of the fifth edition, as honourees, guests and supporters celebrated achievements made through service to humanity.

For the AUG Foundation founder, the honour represents recognition of a humanitarian journey centred on responding to community needs and supporting people facing economic and social challenges.

The 5th Nigerian Humanitarian Awards and Magazine concluded with a renewed commitment by the organisers to expand the platform and continue highlighting individuals whose actions demonstrate the power of service.

The evening ultimately reinforced the message of ‘United for Humanity’ – that lasting change is possible when compassion is matched with courage, action and a sustained commitment to improving the lives of others.

Chelsea have reportedly made a world record £519 million from player sales and loan fees during the summer transfer window, earning more from outgoing deals than they spent on new players.

The London club signed 10 first-team players for a combined £328 million. Their transfer activities have reportedly left them with a net spend of around minus £120 million.

The figures highlight Chelsea’s aggressive approach to buying, developing and selling players while generating significant income from transfers.

Their biggest permanent sale was Enzo Fernandez, who joined Manchester City for £125 million. The deal also made Chelsea the first club to make a profit from the sale of a player who had originally cost more than £100 million.

Nicolas Jackson was another major departure, joining Aston Villa for £65 million, while Marc Cucurella was sold for about £51.8 million.

Liam Delap and Andrey Santos also left the club for £50 million each.

Trevoh Chalobah completed a move to Como for approximately £30 million, while Tyrique George joined Everton permanently for £24 million.

Chelsea’s latest transfer dealings underline the club’s continued focus on player trading. The substantial income from sales has helped the club balance its spending on new signings and reshape its squad.

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike on Thursday opened up on his feud with Kwara governor, AbdulRaman AbdulRazak.

Wike, who spoke during his monthly media chat said the Governor AbdulRazak has been going around, accusing him of planting candidates to contest elections on the platform of the PDP in Kwara State.

The Minister said the accusation followed his support for the senators and House of Reps members who lost APC to tickets in Kwara to contest on the platform of his faction of PDP.

But while justifying his action, Wike said he decided to offer the Kwara lawmakers PDP ticket to prevent them from being poached by the opposition ADC or NDC and subsequently working against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

The Minister, however, said the Kwara governor told him not to allow any candidate to be fielded on the platform of the PDP in his state or to allow him to produce the candidates.

Wike said ‘You removed three senators You removed House of Rep members. Strategically, if you try to remove all these people, you have crisis in your hand. Now, these senators you removed, you have no place for them. Therefore, do you prefer them to go to ADC or to go to NDC that will oppose Mr. President?

‘Now, instead of you to appreciate us that we never allowed them to go to ADC or NDC, but to Wike faction (of PDP) which is supporting Mr. President, you are now saying that I’m sponsoring candidates in your state.

‘You did not give them ticket. They have an option to go to ADC or NDC. Would you have preferred them to go to ADC? If they go to ADC and were given ticket, would they be working for Mr. President?

Certainly not.

‘If they go to NDC, would they be working for Mr. President? Certainly not. Now, they come to me, obviously, they would work for Mr. President. Now you are now accusing me that, ‘look, that Wike is planting people all over the state.’

Wike further said some governors have asked him to ensure that the PDP did not produce candidates for elections in their states

But he said those governors failed to support him when he was fighting to gain control of the PDP. ‘What was their role when I was fighting? What support did you give to us? You didn’t give me any support.

‘I fought. I’ve succeeded I went to my state and succeeded, which you were against me. Now you are turning around to come to me that my party should not produce a candidate in your state, and if we produce, you will bring the candidate.

‘In essence, there will not be any opposition. Did I reach any agreement that now that I’m going to support Mr. President, PDP will not have any candidate anywhere?.’

The Minister said he has been able to ensure that such problems will not occur in Rivers through his Rainbow Coalition.

‘In fact, today in Rivers State, aside from the fact that we will not have crisis, I said, look, if we allow this thing to be APC be on your own, PDP be on your own, we’ll have crisis.

‘And I said, look, let everybody come together. All of us are the same political family, but we will use two parties to achieve whatever we want to achieve. Look at their strength, look at their weaknesses. Today, we don’t have crisis,’ he said.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) have explained why petrol prices have increased across the country.

The national presidents of IPMAN and PETROAN, Abubakar Maigandi and Billy Gillis-Harry, respectively, said the increase was mainly caused by rising global oil prices, the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, and the prices at which petroleum products are supplied to retailers.

Petrol prices have risen to between N1,310 and N1,345 per litre, from about N1,210 to N1,275 per litre less than two weeks ago.

Maigandi said the conflict between the United States and Iran was a major factor behind the latest increase.

He explained that changes in global oil prices could affect the price of petrol in Nigeria, causing it to either increase or decrease.

According to him, the ongoing conflict has created uncertainty in the global oil market, which is affecting petroleum prices.

Gillis-Harry, however, said petrol retailers were not responsible for the increase.

He explained that retailers must sell based on the price at which they buy petroleum products from suppliers.

He said retailers could not buy petrol at a high price and sell it below their purchase price because they still had to cover expenses such as transportation, financing, logistics, services and other operating costs.

Gillis-Harry said retailers only add a small margin to their purchase price to remain in business.

He stressed that the latest increase was caused by the price charged by suppliers rather than by petrol retailers.

He said retailers were simply passing the prevailing cost of petroleum products to consumers.

The PETROAN president maintained that retail prices were based on the actual cost of obtaining the products and were not arbitrarily fixed by filling station operators.

Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.43 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, marking its strongest quarterly growth in five years, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The growth was driven by strong performances in several sectors, particularly mining, oil refining and other parts of the non-oil economy.

Coal mining recorded the highest growth rate at 74.89 per cent, followed by oil refining at 43.94 per cent and metal ores at 20.18 per cent.

However, not all sectors grew at the same pace. Some service-related sectors recorded steady growth, while others slowed compared with the previous year.

10. Financial Institutions – 8.35%

Financial institutions grew by 8.35 per cent in Q2 2026, slightly lower than the 8.40 per cent recorded in the first quarter.

The sector recorded much slower growth compared with the 16.18 per cent recorded in Q2 2025.

The slowdown came as the high interest income that supported the banking sector in 2025 began to reduce. However, the ongoing recapitalisation of banks has strengthened their financial position and could support future expansion.

9. Motion Pictures, Sound Recording and Music Production – 9.15%

Nigeria’s film, music and sound production sector grew by 9.15 per cent in Q2 2026, up from 8.86 per cent in Q1.

The sector also performed better than the 4.07 per cent growth recorded in Q2 2025.

The performance shows that Nigeria’s creative industry continues to recover and expand after recording slower growth towards the end of 2025.

8. Telecommunications and Information Services – 10.38%

The telecommunications and information services sector grew by 10.38 per cent in Q2 2026.

Although this was lower than the 12.24 per cent recorded in Q1, it was still higher than the 7.39 per cent recorded in Q2 2025.

Growing demand for mobile data, internet services and digital products continues to support the sector.

7. Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation – 11.24%

This sector recorded 11.24 per cent growth in Q2 2026, improving from 10.32 per cent in Q1.

Its growth was also slightly higher than the 10.60 per cent recorded in Q2 2025.

The sector has maintained steady growth over recent quarters, remaining above six per cent since early 2024.

6. Arts, Entertainment and Recreation – 11.93%

Arts, entertainment and recreation grew by 11.93 per cent in Q2 2026, compared with 11.25 per cent in Q1.

The sector also recorded a strong improvement from the 7.64 per cent growth recorded in Q2 2025.

The steady performance reflects continued activity in Nigeria’s entertainment, cultural and recreational industries.

5. Cement – 12.75%

Nigeria’s cement sector grew by 12.75 per cent in Q2 2026, up from 11.53 per cent in Q1.

The sector also performed strongly compared with the 4.86 per cent recorded in Q2 2025.

The growth was supported by continued construction and infrastructure projects, as well as increased production capacity by major cement manufacturers.

4. Insurance – 16.13%

The insurance sector recorded 16.13 per cent growth in Q2 2026, rising significantly from 9.94 per cent in Q1.

The sector grew slightly faster than the 15.70 per cent recorded in Q2 2025.

Increased enforcement of compulsory insurance policies, wider corporate insurance coverage and the growth of digital insurance services are helping to drive the sector.

3. Metal Ores – 20.18%

The metal ores sector recorded a strong recovery in Q2 2026, growing by 20.18 per cent after contracting by 8.75 per cent in Q1.

The sector also improved significantly from the 6.96 per cent contraction recorded in Q2 2025.

The rebound suggests increased mining activity and stronger demand for metals used in industrial and construction activities.

2. Oil Refining – 43.94%

Oil refining was Nigeria’s second-fastest-growing sector in Q2 2026, recording 43.94 per cent growth.

The sector grew from 37.46 per cent in Q1 and was significantly higher than the 15.78 per cent recorded in Q2 2025.

The strong performance reflects increased domestic refining capacity, particularly the expansion of the Dangote Refinery, and a gradual reduction in Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

1. Coal Mining – 74.89%

Coal mining recorded the highest growth among all sectors in Q2 2026, expanding by 74.89 per cent.

This represented a major turnaround from the 9.80 per cent contraction recorded in Q1.

The sector also performed better than the 57.53 per cent growth recorded in Q2 2025.

The sharp increase shows how strongly coal production can respond to changes in power-sector demand and industrial energy needs.

Overall picture

The Q2 2026 GDP figures show that Nigeria’s economy is gaining momentum, but growth remains uneven across sectors.

Mining and energy-related activities recorded the strongest growth, led by coal mining and oil refining. Metal ores also recorded a major recovery.

At the same time, sectors such as telecommunications, insurance, cement, entertainment and financial services continued to record positive growth.

The figures suggest that while Nigeria’s economy is expanding, some sectors remain more volatile than others. The stronger performance in mining and refining also points to the growing importance of domestic production and the non-oil economy in supporting economic growth.

Overall, Nigeria’s 4.43 per cent GDP growth in Q2 2026 represents a stronger economic performance, although the benefits of that growth are not evenly spread across all sectors.

OPay has said it will work with security agencies to find and prosecute those behind a false report claiming that the fintech company planned to shut down its operations in Nigeria.

Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday, OPay’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, Dotun Adekunle, said the company had contacted regulators, security agencies and law enforcement authorities over the fake report.

Adekunle said the false information had caused concern among OPay customers and could damage trust in Nigeria’s digital financial services sector.

He said the report did not come from OPay and that the company had no plans to stop its operations in Nigeria.

‘OPay is here. OPay is operating, and OPay is going nowhere. The message that is circulating online is false. It did not come from OPay,’ Adekunle said.

He urged Nigerians not to make financial decisions based on unverified information shared on social media and messaging platforms.

Adekunle said OPay would do everything possible to identify those responsible for spreading the false information and ensure they face the law.

Also speaking, OPay’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, said the company had formally reported the matter to relevant regulatory, security and law enforcement agencies.

Rokosu said the fake message was particularly serious because it was presented as an official communication from OPay. He said such information could create fear, cause financial losses and weaken public confidence in regulated financial institutions.

He disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant regulators had confirmed that the information was false, while the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Police were investigating the matter.

According to him, OPay had provided evidence to assist investigators in identifying those behind the false report.

Rokosu also said the company had started legal proceedings against some of those allegedly involved in creating and spreading the information.

‘OPay is taking legal action against those responsible for deliberately creating and circulating this false information. We will pursue them and ensure that the law takes its full course. There will be no impunity,’ he said.

He explained that OPay’s action was not intended to stop criticism or prevent journalists and members of the public from asking questions about the company.

Instead, he said, the move was aimed at protecting customers, ensuring accountability and preventing the spread of information capable of causing harm.

Meanwhile, Olalekan Disu, an executive at eTranzact and Financial Secretary of the Association of Licensed Payment Operators of Nigeria, said false information about a major payment company could affect the entire digital payments industry.

Disu said trust was very important to digital payments because Nigerians depend on payment platforms to send and receive money, receive salaries, make purchases and save money.

He warned that false reports about one major company could make people lose confidence in the wider digital payment system.

He called on customers, businesses, journalists and social media influencers to verify financial information before sharing or acting on it.

Disu also urged media organisations to maintain high standards when reporting issues that could affect public confidence in financial institutions.

He said there was nothing wrong with criticising financial institutions or asking difficult questions, but warned against creating or spreading false information.

The association, he added, would continue working with the CBN, regulators, payment companies, the media and other stakeholders to strengthen trust and confidence in Nigeria’s digital payment system.

Entrepreneur and Realtor, Simisola Tomori believes that there are significant opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora to build wealth through property, both in the UK and Nigeria. For her, the key is understanding that the two markets operate very differently.

In the UK, investors can explore opportunities such as buy-to-let, HMOs, serviced accommodation, commercial property, property development and strategic refurbishments. There is also an opportunity to add value to existing properties rather than simply buying and waiting for capital appreciation.

‘Nigeria also presents opportunities, particularly in land acquisition, residential development, commercial property and developments targeted at the growing middle class. However, investors need to carry out proper due diligence because issues around title, planning, infrastructure, location and property management can significantly affect an investment. For me, the most important thing is due diligence before emotion. Investors need to understand the numbers, the legal position of the property, the demand in the area, exit strategy, financing costs, taxes and the risks involved before committing their money.’ Tomori adds.

In a bid to deliver excellence and also offer practical knowledge of the real estate market Tomori created a coaching programme which would be an initiative to bridge the huge gap in the sector and assist in redefining how it could be leveraged. From seeing how many people want to get into property but simply don’t know where to start the coaching process became just the perfect solution to their problems. She further disclosed that, ‘I have met people who have the money but lack the knowledge, people who have the knowledge but don’t know how to find the right opportunities, and people who are simply overwhelmed by the process. I wanted to create something practical rather than just another programme based on theory. It is designed for aspiring investors, professionals, entrepreneurs and members of the diaspora who want to understand how to approach property investment and development strategically.’

‘Participants learn how to analyse property deals, assess locations, understand development opportunities, calculate potential returns, carry out due diligence, understand planning and compliance considerations, work with professionals, negotiate and structure projects. We also look at sourcing opportunities, funding options and exit strategies. Most importantly, I want people to leave with the confidence to analyse an opportunity themselves, rather than depending entirely on someone else to tell them whether a property is a good investment.’

Tomori’s bigger vision is about creating access to knowledge and opportunities. As she believes that wealth creation should not be limited to people who grew up around property or already have connections within the industry. She earnestly wants to help people understand how money can be converted into assets and how those assets can potentially create long-term wealth.

For the diaspora particularly, she says, ‘I want to bridge the gap between people living abroad and investment opportunities in both the UK and Nigeria. There are so many talented Nigerians abroad who want to invest back home but don’t know who to trust, how to conduct due diligence or how to structure their investments. Ultimately, I want to build a community of knowledgeable investors who can make informed decisions, create businesses, develop properties, provide housing and create opportunities for others.’

As she continues to lead the affairs at Simabel Realty Limited, she has brought together a vibrant community of over 1,000 UK-based Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs. Together, they are bridging the knowledge gap, unlocking high-yield property strategies, and building sustainable portfolios that secure financial freedom for generations to come.