Category: PM News

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Fatai Tijani, has warned content creators, bloggers, and social media users against spreading false, misleading security-related information.

?Tijani gave the warning on Thursday during a strategic security meeting with senior officers of the command at the Officers’ Mess, Ikeja.

?He expressed concern over unverified security reports and misleading videos on social media, noting that such content caused panic among residents.

?According to him, false information creates unnecessary fear, undermines confidence in security agencies, and disrupts public order.

?The commissioner urged content creators to verify information before publishing or sharing it online. He stressed that freedom of expression must not be used to spread content capable of inciting fear, panic, or tension.

?Tijani warned that anyone deliberately disseminating false information threatening public peace would be investigated and prosecuted.

?He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across the state. The commissioner assured residents that adequate measures were in place, adding that officers were on alert for swift responses.

?He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible, timely information for effective policing.

?Tijani appreciated members of the public assisting the police with useful information, encouraging them to sustain the cooperation.

?According to him, the command will continually review operational strategies to ensure Lagos remains safe for residents and businesses.

?He directed senior officers to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and deepen inter-agency collaboration.

?The commissioner also warned against using covered number plates, adding that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

?He emphasised stronger collaboration with other security agencies, especially in border communities, to prevent criminal infiltration.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has announced the appointment of new principal officers for the minority caucus.

During Thursday’s plenary, Abbas named Frederick Agbedi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Ekeremo/Sagbama federal constituency in Bayelsa, as the Minority Leader. Agbedi is aligned with the PDP faction loyal to Kabiru Turaki.

Abbas also appointed Abdussamad Dasuki of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), representing Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency in Sokoto, as Deputy Minority Leader.

Mansur Manu Soro of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), representing Darazo/Ganjuwa federal constituency in Bauchi, was named Minority Whip.

The Speaker noted that the appointments followed **unanimous nominations by the minority caucus** and assured that the House leadership would work closely with the newly appointed officers to achieve the legislative objectives of the green chamber.

More updates on the activities of the new principal officers are expected in the coming days.

Nigeria’s crude oil production increased to 1.53 million barrels per day (bpd) in May 2026, according to the latest report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The figure is higher than the 1.489 million bpd recorded in April, representing an increase of 41,000 barrels per day, or about 2.8 percent.

The rise marks the first time Nigeria has produced above its OPEC quota since mid-2025, boosting hopes for increased government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. The development also strengthens Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer.

According to OPEC, Nigeria’s improved performance came at a time when overall oil production among members of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) declined. Total DoC production averaged 33.13 million bpd in May, down by 190,000 bpd from the previous month.

Reasons for the Improvement

Nigeria has struggled for years to meet its OPEC production target due to challenges such as crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, underinvestment, and operational disruptions.

However, recent efforts by the Federal Government to improve pipeline security and attract investment into the oil sector appear to be yielding results.

The last time Nigeria exceeded its OPEC quota was in July 2025, when production reached 1.507 million bpd. In June 2025, the country produced 1.505 million bpd.

Nigeria Remains Africa’s Top Producer

OPEC data shows Nigeria continues to produce more crude oil than several other African oil-producing nations. In May 2026:

Libya produced 1.30 million bpd

Algeria produced 982,000 bpd

Congo produced 283,000 bpd

Gabon produced 210,000 bpd

Economic Impact

The increase in crude oil output is expected to support Nigeria’s economy by boosting government revenue, foreign exchange earnings, and external reserves.

Although the Federal Government has set a long-term oil production target of 2.6 million bpd for 2026, it adopted a more conservative benchmark of 1.8 million bpd for budget planning.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reported that crude oil production rose to 1.84 million bpd in March 2026, while domestic crude oil supply to local refineries remained below target during the first quarter of the year.

The latest OPEC figures suggest Nigeria’s oil sector is gradually recovering, although sustaining the growth will depend on continued improvements in security, investment, and infrastructure.

The world’s biggest football tournament starts very soon, and Matchday 1 will treat fans to several fantastic battles. The best sports betting site 1xBet talks about the most interesting matches and what to expect from them.

Brazil vs Morocco

1xBet odds: W1 – 1.66, X – 3.88, W2 – 5.95

Brazil are one of the tournament favorites, but ahead of their opening match, Carlo Ancelotti has faced a problem on the right flank of defense. Wesley, the team’s only natural right-back, got injured in a friendly against Egypt. The Roma player was forced to leave the squad, and now the Seleção will have to look for alternatives in his position.

Morocco are a side capable of causing problems for any opponent. The Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals of the previous global competition and are now heading into the tournament as one of Africa’s strongest national teams. However, the Moroccans also have personnel problems: Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli were injured in their last friendly match against Norway and are at risk of missing the game against Brazil.

Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador

1xBet odds: W1 – 3.52, X – 2.91, W2 – 2.50

For Côte d’Ivoire, the upcoming World Football Forum is their first since 2014. Back then, the Elephants featured representatives of their Golden Generation: Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré and Gervinho. Emerse Faé’s current squad may not boast such big names, but it has enough speed, physical strength and players capable of turning a game around through individual skill.

Ecuador are one of the most disciplined teams in South America. Sebastián Beccacece’s side not only boast players of the calibre of Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié and Enner Valencia, but also shows great teamwork combined with confidence in their abilities. Breaking down Ecuador’s defense is no easy task, which is why La Tri are considered slight favorites for the opening game.

France vs Senegal

1xBet odds: W1 – 1.47, X – 4.55, W2 – 7.80

For France, this competition will be more than just another bid for the title. It will be Didier Deschamps’s last tournament at the helm of the national team, which means Les Bleus have extra motivation to give a fitting send-off to the coach who has kept the team at the highest level for so many years. There are plenty of reasons for optimism: a star-studded squad, extensive experience from previous tournaments and decent form ahead of the start of the global forum.

In 2002, Senegal caused a sensation by defeating France in their opening match, and the team will now be looking to replicate that success from 24 years ago. The current Lions of Teranga also know how to perform in major tournaments, and their squad features many players who are used to high-level pressure. Senegal are the underdogs in their game against France, but they are certainly not the sort of opponents who will give up without a fight.

Portugal vs DR Congo

1xBet odds: W1 – 1.32, X – 5.60, W2 – 11.00

Few expect Portugal to slip up in their opening game. Roberto Martínez has one of the strongest squads in the tournament, and for Cristiano Ronaldo, this world forum is likely to be his last chance to win the main football trophy.

For the DR Congo, simply taking part is already a significant achievement. The Leopards are back at the tournament for the first time since 1974 and have nothing to lose. The African team possess not only physical strength and spirit, but also talented players, including Yoane Wissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Cédric Bakambu.

The DR Congo will have to work a lot without the ball in their match against Portugal, but the underdogs also have players capable of capitalizing on the few scoring opportunities they create.

England vs Croatia

1xBet odds: W1 – 1.77, X – 3.88, W2 – 4.865

One of the key Matchday 1 fixtures will be a remake of the 2018 semi-final. Competition for a starting spot in the England national team is so fierce that even Jude Bellingham cannot feel safe of his place. Croatia have long been difficult opponents for the Three Lions and know how to get results through their experience, fighting spirit, and discipline.

England look the favorites, but this match will certainly not be an easy start for Thomas Tuchel’s men. In the two previous tournaments, Luka Modric and his teammates proved their ability to beat the strongest opponents, winning silver and bronze medals.

Ghana vs Panama

1xBet odds: W1 – 2.05, X – 3.68, W2 – 3.725

Ghana kick off the tournament with a match in which the Black Stars are expected to secure a win. In a group featuring England and Croatia, the clash with Panama could prove crucial in the battle for a spot in the knockout stage, so there’s no room for making mistakes. At the same time, Ghana are in a difficult situation: Carlos Queiroz took charge of the team shortly before the start of the tournament, and the loss of Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu, and Alexander Djiku limits the manager’s options.

Panama have qualified for the main football tournament for the second time in their history, but the team hasn’t won a match at this level yet. Thomas Christiansen’s side will undoubtedly play cautiously, relying on a solid defense and counterattacks. Panama need not just to stay in the game, but to try and win. Given that they will face Croatia and England in their next games, this may be their only chance to earn points.

The Global Forum starts soon

Matchday 1 rarely provides definitive answers, but it often reveals who is really ready to fight for the title. We’re in for some exciting clashes, fierce competition, potential upsets and results that will immediately shape the situation in the groups.

Business Africa has challenged widespread claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is responsible for Nigeria’s highest level of borrowing since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999.

According to the report titled ‘Who Borrowed Most? Nigeria’s Presidential Debt Record 1999-2025,’ recent narratives suggesting an unprecedented surge in borrowing under the current administration do not fully align with available debt data.

The research firm argued that much of the apparent increase in Nigeria’s debt stock since 2023 is not solely the result of fresh loans, but also reflects major revaluation effects following foreign exchange policy adjustments introduced under the Tinubu administration.

Debt figures and key comparisons

The report stated that Nigeria’s external debt stood at about $42.5 billion when President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. By December 2025, this figure had risen to approximately $51.9 billion, representing an estimated increase of $9.4 billion over the period.

In contrast, it noted that external debt rose much more sharply under former President Muhammadu Buhari, increasing from about $10.3 billion in 2015 to roughly $42.9 billion by 2023. This represents an estimated jump of $32.6 billion within eight years.

The report further highlighted that Nigeria’s external debt declined significantly during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who reportedly reduced the country’s debt burden by approximately $25.9 billion between 1999 and 2007, largely through debt relief initiatives.

Exchange rate effects and debt revaluation

Think Business Africa explained that comparisons based only on naira-denominated debt figures can be misleading because Nigeria’s external obligations are primarily denominated in foreign currencies, especially US dollars.

Following the unification and reforms of the foreign exchange market in mid-2023, the naira experienced substantial depreciation. This automatically increased the naira value of existing external debt, even without new borrowing.

As a result, the inherited external debt stock of $42.5 billion, previously valued at about ?19.6 trillion under earlier exchange rates, appeared significantly larger when recalculated under the new exchange rate regime.

The report also pointed out that domestic debt figures were affected by accounting adjustments, particularly the securitisation of approximately ?23.9 trillion in Ways and Means advances accumulated under previous administrations.

True drivers of rising debt profile

According to the analysis, while Nigeria’s total debt profile has continued to grow, a large portion of the increase reflects valuation changes and restructuring rather than purely new borrowing.

It added that, when exchange rate effects and accounting adjustments are excluded, the level of fresh borrowing under the current administration appears more moderate than headline naira figures suggest.

The report also observed that domestic debt measured in dollar terms reportedly declined by about $6.5 billion between early 2023 and the end of 2025, while total public debt increased only marginally by around $2.7 billion over the same period when adjusted for valuation effects.

Broader fiscal concerns remain

Despite its findings, Think Business Africa stressed that Nigeria’s debt situation still presents serious fiscal challenges. It noted that the most pressing issue is not necessarily the size of the debt alone, but the increasing cost of servicing it.

Rising debt servicing obligations, the report warned, continue to place pressure on government revenue and limit fiscal space for critical sectors such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and social welfare programmes.

Context from official data

Meanwhile, data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) indicates that Nigeria’s total public debt rose significantly during the period under review. Public debt stood at about ?87.38 trillion as of June 30, 2023, shortly after President Tinubu took office.

By December 31, 2025, this figure had increased to approximately ?159.28 trillion, driven by a combination of new borrowing, exchange rate adjustments, and the restructuring of existing liabilities.

The report concludes that Nigeria’s debt debate requires a more balanced interpretation, emphasizing both dollar-denominated realities and the distortions introduced by currency depreciation and accounting changes.

The Nigerian naira recorded its first depreciation against the United States dollar this week at the official foreign exchange market, ending a brief period of appreciation recorded in previous trading sessions.

Data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the local currency exchanged at N1,362.05 per dollar on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. This represents a slight decline from the N1,360.55 per dollar recorded on Tuesday.

The latest figure indicates that the naira lost N1.50 against the dollar on a day-to-day basis, highlighting renewed pressure on the foreign exchange market after two consecutive days of gains.

Despite the marginal depreciation, Nigeria’s external reserves continued to grow, providing a positive signal for the country’s foreign exchange position. According to data from the apex bank, the nation’s foreign reserves increased to $50.35 billion as of June 9, 2026, reflecting continued inflows and improved liquidity levels.

Analysts say the growth in foreign reserves could help strengthen the CBN’s ability to support the foreign exchange market and maintain stability in the value of the naira over time.

Meanwhile, activity at the parallel market, popularly known as the black market, remained stable. The naira traded at N1,395 per dollar on Wednesday, unchanged from the rate recorded a day earlier.

The stability in the black market suggests that demand and supply conditions in the informal foreign exchange segment remained largely balanced despite movements at the official window.

The latest development comes after the naira posted gains against the dollar during the first two trading days of the week, raising hopes among market participants that the local currency could sustain its positive momentum.

While Wednesday’s decline was relatively small, investors and businesses will continue to monitor developments in the foreign exchange market, particularly the impact of rising external reserves, monetary policy measures, and global economic conditions on the performance of the naira in the coming days.

The former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Umar Ajiya, has defended the company against allegations of corruption.

Ajiya spoke during a Senate Public Accounts Committee hearing investigating claims of financial mismanagement in the company.

His comments came after Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, described NNPCL as a ‘house of thieves’ while raising concerns over some of the company’s expenditures.

Responding to the allegations, Ajiya said NNPCL and its workers are not thieves. He clarified that N2.9 billion was spent on the incorporation and rebranding of the company, contrary to claims that N5.8 billion was used for the registration process.

According to him, the figures being circulated have been misunderstood, stressing that all financial records were properly documented and accounted for.

‘We are not thieves. N2.9 billion was used for the registration and rebranding exercise, not N5.8 billion as alleged,’ Ajiya said.

He also assured the Senate committee and Nigerians that no funds were missing from the company during his tenure.

Ajiya noted that NNPCL has consistently published its audited financial statements over the years, a move aimed at promoting transparency and rebuilding public trust in the organisation.

‘If money was actually missing, we would not have had the confidence to publish our audited accounts for the public to see. We made it a responsibility to submit our accounts to the Auditor-General and also publish them on our website so Nigerians can examine and scrutinise them,’ he stated.

The former CFO added that the company’s efforts to make its financial records public were part of broader reforms to improve accountability and address concerns about transparency in the nation’s oil sector.

The Senate committee is continuing its investigation into the financial activities of NNPCL as lawmakers seek further explanations on several expenditure items raised during the hearing.

Three suspected armed bandits were killed while an AK-47 rifle with ammunition was recovered after a gun battle between the bandits and police operatives in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday.

The police operatives had responded to a distress call at about 11:00p.m. on Wednesday that a large number of suspected armed bandits had launched an attack on Bodinga village and surrounding communities, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, in a statement issued to journalists in Sokoto on Thursday.

Rufai said the operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Anti-Kidnapping Unit were immediately deployed to the area upon receiving the report.

‘The operatives courageously engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time.

‘However, the superior firepower and tactical advantage of the security forces overwhelmed the bandits, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest with gunshot wounds,’ Rufai stated.

He added that a subsequent search of the surrounding bushes led to the discovery of three corpses of bandits.

‘Security personnel also recovered an AK-47 rifle and a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition,’ he said.

Rufai further disclosed that no civilian or security personnel were injured during the operation.

He said patrols had been intensified in the area to ensure residents’ safety and prevent further attacks.

The spokesman also revealed that Sokoto Commissioner of Police, Mr Hayatu Shaffa, urged residents of Bodinga LGA and neighbouring communities to promptly report any suspicious persons, particularly those with gunshot wounds, to the nearest security agency.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have retained their 26th position in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings released on Thursday, maintaining their place among the world’s top football nations despite mixed results in recent international matches.

The ranking comes after a busy period for Éric Chelle’s side, who participated in the Unity Cup invitational tournament held in London. The three-time African champions impressed at the competition, recording a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe before following it up with a convincing 3-0 win against Jamaica.

The Super Eagles also featured in two international friendlies this month as part of their preparations for upcoming competitions. They played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Poland in Warsaw before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Leiria on Wednesday night. Despite the loss, the team delivered a spirited performance against the European giants, providing encouraging signs for the coaching crew and supporters.

On the African continent, Nigeria remains the third-highest ranked nation, trailing only Morocco and Senegal. Algeria occupy fourth position, while Egypt complete the top five teams in Africa.

At the global level, there were no changes among the leading nations. Reigning world champions Argentina continue to sit at the summit of the rankings, with Spain, France, England, and Portugal rounding out the top five.

The latest rankings will serve as another benchmark for the Super Eagles as they continue their preparations for future international assignments, including the race for qualification to major tournaments.

FIFA is scheduled to publish its next set of world rankings on July 20, when teams around the world will learn whether their recent performances have affected their standing.

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the State Police Bill, paving the way for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing architecture.

The resolution followed a plenary vote in which 289 lawmakers voted in favour, while one voted against and the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, abstained.

The voting took place during a session called to consider the bill following a spike in killings, kidnappings, and banditry across the country in recent months.

The plenary was not without drama. Kaduna lawmaker Bashir Zubairu, of the African Democratic Congress, raised a point of order, claiming that the document on the proposed state police, prepared by the House Committee on Constitution Review, was only made available to members on the day of the session.

‘Mr Speaker, this document was only made available to lawmakers in the chambers, and we are yet to go through it. We cannot do justice to it because we have not gone through it,’ Zubairu said.

The Speaker ruled the point out of order and proceeded to take members through the clauses. Despite intermittent shouts of ‘Point of Order’ from the chamber, the presiding officer continued with the debate.

Before the vote, Abbas noted that the electronic voting system was faulty, and the exercise was conducted based on attendance. Out of 290 members present, 289 supported the bill.

The passing of the State Police Bill marks a major step toward reforming Nigeria’s security architecture and responding to growing public concerns over rising insecurity.

Further details and implications of the bill are expected to be released in due course.