Category: PM News

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.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has directed the immediate suspension of all village and ward heads of Mallam-Fatori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area, over their absence during his visit to the community.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dauda Iliya Special Adviser on Media and publicity to Zulum on Monday in Maiduguri

Zulum gave the directive while inspecting public infrastructure for residents returning to the insurgency-ravaged border town.

The governor expressed concern over the absence of the traditional leaders, describing it as unacceptable at a time when residents were returning and rebuilding their communities.

He directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Alhaji Sugun Mele, to work with the Shehu of Borno to coordinate the process of appointing new village and ward heads without delay.

Zulum said the new appointees must be people of proven integrity, competence and commitment, capable of working with residents, government and security agencies to restore stability and development.

‘Traditional leaders have a critical role to play in stabilising communities emerging from conflict.

‘Their presence is essential for maintaining communication between government and residents, strengthening community resilience and providing leadership as returnees settle into their ancestral homes,’ he said.

The governor also pledged to accelerate the reconstruction of critical infrastructure in Mallam-Fatori.

He also directed the immediate construction of an Islamic education centre , primary and secondary schools, as well as a hospital in the area.

Zulum said the provision of basic amenities is critical to enable returnees rebuild their lives and restore livelihoods.

He also visited the 68 Battalion Nigerian Army headquarters, where he commended troops for their courage and commitment to maintaining security in the area.

The governor assured the military of continued government support to enhance their operational effectiveness.

Four persons have been confirmed dead from a two-storey building that collapsed in the Popo-Giwa/Abemi area of Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara state on Tuesday morning.

Four persons were also rescued from the rubbles of the collapsed building, according to the State Fire Service.

The Chief Fire Officer, Mr Alabi Muhammed, confirmed this on Tuesday while speaking in Ilorin.

Muhammed said that the building, located near Masalasi Gogoro, collapsed on Tuesday morning, trapping eight people in eight of its 26 rooms.

According to him, firefighters from the Kwara Fire Service, in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders, immediately commenced search-and-rescue operations to evacuate the victims trapped under the rubble.

‘Four victims were rescued alive, while four others were recovered and confirmed dead.

‘The four rescued victims have been taken to hospital for treatment,’ he said.

He added that officials of the Kwara Hospitals Management Board, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other emergency agencies joined the rescue operation.

Also, the Secretary of the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Magaji Saadudeen, confirmed the death of four people and the rescue of four others.

He said eight people were trapped in the collapsed building, adding that the rescued victims and bodies of the deceased had been taken to hospital and morgue respectively.

‘The rescued persons are receiving treatment presently,’ Saadudeen said.

New ECOWAS President, Birame Diop, has pledged to deepen cooperation with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, who recently quit ECOWAS and formed a parallel bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Diop made this known during his formal inauguration as president alongside a new management for the ECOWAS Commission on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Diop was earlier confirmed in July by ECOWAS leaders during the 69th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government.

According to him, ECOWAS must urgently strengthen internal cohesion and deepen engagement with the breakaway member states, stressing that ECOWAS is at a crossroads.

He said that geographical proximity, shared security and socioeconomic challenges had made such cooperation even more imperative.

Diop noted that ECOWAS and the AES countries share about 5,250 kilometres of borders and would continue to have extensive interactions among their populations.

‘We have no other choice, our brothers, our neighbours, our comrades have left us, but geography remains the same,’ he said.

‘So we have no other choice than to work in a solidary, concerted manner for the interest of both spaces,’ he emphasised.

He further identified terrorism, irregular migration, organised transboundary crime and environmental challenges as common threats, which require coordinated responses from both sides.

Speaking earlier, former ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Touray, described the handover as an affirmation of confidence in the regional organisation, stressing that institutions must remain stronger than individuals.

‘Leadership is temporary. Institutions endure. The strength of an institution is measured not by the individual who leads it, but by its ability to fulfil its purpose beyond any one tenure,’ he said.

He said the preceding management had bequeathed numerous achievements, including progress on major regional infrastructure and connectivity projects such as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway.

Touray said his achievements included regional electricity interconnection, trade and transport corridors, economic and monetary integration, preparations for the launch of the ECO currency in 2027, and programmes targeting food security, youth, women, education and skills development.

He said the West African Rice Investment Roundtable, for instance, was an initiative that generated an investment pipeline of about 1.54 billion dollars, including 1.47 billion dollars in firm commitments.

He also highlighted the connection of rural communities to national electricity grids under the regional electricity access project and progress on the regional battery storage programme, among others.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, urged the new ECOWAS leadership to prioritise regional integration, financial accountability, peace and security.

According to him, the leadership transition at ECOWAS is an affirmation of continuity in the collective pursuit of regional integration.

‘The objective should be an ECOWAS of citizens and not of governments, where artificial borders and narrow national interests no longer frustrate the bloc’s supranational objectives,’ he said.

The President stressed that Nigeria remained committed to the progress, growth and stability of ECOWAS but demanded greater financial probity and accountability from the organisation.

‘For Nigeria, ECOWAS must continue to justify the huge investments and sacrifices that have been made, not just by the government and people of Nigeria, including the payment of community levy, but also by other member states in the sub-region to sustain the organisation,’ he said.

President Bola Tinubu has described Vice-President Kashim Shettima as his trusted ally, patriot and valued partner in governance

President Tinubu said this in a his 60th birthday congratulatory message to Shettima in Abuja on Tuesday.

In the statement personally issued by him, the President also commended Shettima’s life of service, commitment and sacrifice to Nigeria.

‘Today, I warmly congratulate Vice-President Kashim Shettima, my brother and partner in steering the ship of our state, on his 60th birthday on September 2.’

Tinubu also felicitates Shettima’s wife, Nana, his children, family members and political associates on the milestone, describing the birthday as an opportunity to celebrate his contributions to national development.

‘Kashim is not just a trusted ally or a valued colleague, but also a patriot whose life has been defined by service, commitment and sacrifice for worthy causes.’

The President commended Shettima’s distinguished banking career and record of service as governor of Borno State and Vice-President of Nigeria, describing his public career as distinguished.

‘In both capacities, Kashim has demonstrated courage, diligence, compassion and an abiding commitment to improving the lives of the people.’

Tinubu acknowledged Shettima’s loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), support for the administration and dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda of his government.

He highlighted Shettima’s role as Chairman of the National Economic Council, commending his purposeful leadership in coordinating economic policies and promoting effective economic management.

The President said Shettima had also promoted collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments in advancing national development and addressing challenges confronting Nigerians.

Tinubu further commended Shettima’s respect for constitutional governance, democratic institutions, dialogue and consultation, describing those qualities as essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

‘As a trusted partner, his loyalty, wisdom and sense of duty have remained invaluable to the administration.’

The President thanked Shettima for his steadfast support as the administration continued to pursue its programmes and deliver on its promises to Nigerians.

‘I must thank Vice-President Shettima for his steadfast support and partnership as we continue to join hands in delivering the promises of Renewed Hope to Nigerians.’

Tinubu expressed confidence that their partnership would continue to produce meaningful progress in building the Nigeria of their dreams and advancing the country’s development.

He prayed that Allah would continue to guide, protect and strengthen Shettima, while granting him wisdom, good health and many more years of purposeful service to Nigerians.

The House of Representatives has described emergence and swearing in of Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, FCIArb, SAN as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as a significant milestone for the Nigerian legal profession and a welcome advancement for women in leadership.

‘As the first woman to lead the NBA in 35 years and the first elected female President of one of the largest and most influential bar associations in Africa, her election is historic and a beacon of inspiration to women in law and beyond,’ the House of Representatives said in a statement of congratulation to the new NBA President on Tuesday.

The House, in the statement signed by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. its spokesperson

Spokesman also congratulated the newly elected national officers and representatives of the Association following the 2026 NBA Elections, wishing them a successful tenure in service to the Bar, the justice system and the nation.

The House also commended the emergence of women as six out of the ten members of the new NBA National Executive, noting that it reflected strong representation of women at the highest level of the Association.

It added that Badejo-Okusanya emergence comes at a significant moment for the profession, with women now holding prominent leadership positions across the Bench, the Bar and legal education.

‘An accomplished arbitrator and public policy professional with more than two decades of experience, Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya also brings valuable familiarity with legislative engagement and public-private dialogue through her membership of the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER).

‘The House is particularly encouraged by Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya’s stated vision of a ‘bolder, inclusive, innovative and respected Bar’ that works for every lawyer and reclaims its space as a credible voice for justice, democracy and the rule of law. The House welcomes this vision as an important contribution to strengthening the legal profession and its role in public life.

‘Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Rep. Mamudu Abdullahi (APC, Niger), congratulated Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya on her emergence and expressed confidence in her leadership of the NBA.

‘Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), congratulated her and particularly welcomed her stated position that ‘the NBA must engage constructively with government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector while remaining firmly committed to its principles.’

‘In furtherance of Agenda 3: Law Reform of the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda, under the leadership of Abbas Tajudeen, the House remains committed to constructive engagement with the NBA on legal and institutional reform,’ Rotimi said in the statement..

The House also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, and his National Executive Council over the past two years.

‘The House of Representatives wishes Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya and the new leadership of the NBA a successful and impactful tenure,’ the statement concluded.