Category: PM News

President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Government waived more than ?3.3 trillion in fuel taxes and duties to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices, while expanding alternative-fuel transportation schemes to reduce fares for Nigerians.

Tinubu also disclosed that NNPC Retail was foregoing its profit margin for 30 days, with public transport operators receiving priority, as the government worked towards a ?1,350-per-litre ceiling on wholesale petrol supply costs.

The President stated this in a message posted on his official X account, where he highlighted reported savings by commuters and transport operators using compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

He cited the experience of Blessing, whose transport fare from Masaka to Berger in the Federal Capital Territory had reportedly dropped from ?1,500 to ?500, saving her ?1,000 per trip.

Tinubu also referenced Ada and Abigail, who now reportedly pay ?1,600 instead of ?4,000 for journeys between Enugu and Nsukka, saving ?2,400 on each trip.

He further cited Kabir, a taxi driver who said ?10,000 worth of CNG enabled him to make three additional return trips compared with colleagues using petrol.

According to the President, some commuters in Borno State were also paying as little as ?50 per trip on CNG-powered and electric vehicles.

Tinubu said the experiences reflected the objective of government investment in alternative-fuel transportation: reducing operating costs for transporters and translating the savings into more affordable fares for passengers.

Acknowledging the difficulties households faced following the removal of the petrol subsidy, he said the government had a responsibility to provide practical alternatives to ease transportation costs.

On efforts to expand access, Tinubu said the Federal Government was working with state governments through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and private investors under the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme.

He disclosed that Ekiti State had received 15 buses, Lagos 20, while Akwa Ibom had 50 buses ready for service. Katsina had introduced 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles, while Kano had received 30 CNG buses and five electric buses. Another rollout was planned for Edo State.

Tinubu added that Kaduna’s 100 CNG buses had carried more than three million passengers, while over 400 certified conversion centres had converted more than 120,000 vehicles to CNG. He said refuelling infrastructure was also being expanded.

The President said the government would continue working with state governments to make affordable transportation available to more communities, stressing that policy commitments must be backed by sustainable funding and credible implementation plans.

Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and religious figures have celebrated Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Chairman of the Lagos State APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Baba Adinni of Yorubaland, on his 90th birthday, describing him as an experienced leader and a source of guidance.

The tributes were delivered during a special prayer and thanksgiving service held at the Lagos Central Mosque, where political associates, community leaders and religious figures gathered to honour the elder statesman for his contributions to public service, community development and Nigerian politics.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, Alhaji Mutiu Are, commended Olusi for dedicating much of his life to serving his political associates, community and country.

Are said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the celebrant’s longstanding commitment to public service and his contributions to the political development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their commitment to leadership and governance.

Ojelabi also praised the planning committee for organising the thanksgiving service and other activities to mark Olusi’s 90th birthday.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi at 90 Planning Committee, Dr Seyi Bamgbade, said the elder statesman deserved recognition for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and his longstanding support for President Tinubu and his family.

Bamgbade noted that the celebration was an opportunity to acknowledge Olusi’s years of service and his role in the political journey of the ruling party.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos State offered prayers for the celebrant, asking Allah to grant him continued strength, good health and more years of service.

The cleric urged younger Nigerians to draw inspiration from Olusi’s dedication to public service and commitment to the common good.

He also called on Lagos residents and political leaders to sustain the state’s tradition of progressive governance and development.

The thanksgiving service formed part of activities marking Olusi’s 90th birthday, bringing together political and religious stakeholders to recognise his decades of involvement in public life and his standing within the Lagos APC.

The World Bank Group says it plans to help attract up to $5.79 billion in private investment to Nigeria in 2026. One of its major programmes is expected to support about 850,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The funding will support key sectors, including digital infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications and small businesses.

The World Bank Group said the initiative combines financial support, business investments and economic reforms to attract private investors and boost Nigeria’s economic growth.

Digital infrastructure to attract $1.1 billion

Through its Broadband Infrastructure Development (BRIDGE) Project, the World Bank aims to provide an additional 58 million Nigerians with access to affordable internet by 2030.

The project seeks to increase broadband coverage from 92 million people in 2025 to 150 million by 2030.

The first phase is expected to attract at least $156 million in private investment, while later phases could raise the total investment to $1.1 billion by 2030.

The project also plans to connect 38,800 public schools, 16,900 health facilities and 3,400 local government offices to broadband services.

It is expected to benefit an additional 42 million young people and 15 million women.

MSME financing to support 850,000 jobs

The Financial Inclusion for Nigeria (FINCLUDE) programme is expected to attract nearly $1.89 billion in private investment and support about 850,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The programme targets more than 250,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly businesses operating in sectors that create many jobs.

It includes a $500 million financing package from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and International Development Association.

At least 30 per cent of the funding is earmarked for businesses owned by women.

The programme aims to improve access to loans and other financial services for small businesses while encouraging job creation.

Agriculture projects to support one million farmers

The Agricultural Value Chains for Growth (AGROW) Project aims to support one million smallholder farmers, including women and young people.

The project is expected to attract $220 million from agribusiness companies and another $22 million from certified seed producers.

The funding will help strengthen agricultural value chains and improve farmers’ access to quality seeds and other essential farming inputs.

Separately, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private sector investment arm, helped raise $1.02 billion for Dangote Industries and $282.5 million for Indorama Fertilizer.

The two companies have a combined production capacity of 6.8 million metric tonnes annually.

Their investments are expected to improve access to agricultural inputs and boost productivity for more than 10 million smallholder farmers.

IHS Towers attracts over $1.1 billion

The IFC also helped attract more than $1.1 billion in private investment through a $1.2 billion bond issued by IHS Towers.

The IFC acted as a major investor in the bond, helping the company attract additional funding from private investors.

The transaction highlights how the World Bank Group uses its investments to encourage private businesses to provide funding for infrastructure, including telecommunications.

World Bank links reforms to investment growth

The World Bank Group said Nigeria’s economic reforms since mid-2023 have helped create a more predictable environment for investors.

The reforms include changes to foreign exchange management, public finances and fuel subsidies.

The latest investment plans build on earlier World Bank programmes designed to improve access to finance for businesses and increase agricultural productivity.

In December 2025, the World Bank approved a $500 million financing package for the FINCLUDE programme to improve access to credit for Nigerian small businesses.

The programme particularly targets women-owned businesses and agribusinesses.

In April 2026, the World Bank also approved a $500 million credit for the AGROW Project to improve farmers’ productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains and support food security in Nigeria.

The Enugu State Government has lost one of its officials, Chief Lucky Chukwu, a Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah and elder brother of the Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District, Kelvin Chukwu.

The death has thrown the Chukwu family into mourning, forcing the senator to suspend all political activities and engagements for one week.

Senator Chukwu announced his brother’s death in a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, through his Head of Media, Ambassador Ogomegbunam Success Nwoye.

The lawmaker described the deceased, a lawyer and politician, as an astute public servant whose death had left the family traumatised.

‘Senator Chukwu, who is mourning his elder brother, has therefore cancelled all his political activities/engagements for a week,’ the statement read.

The senator also appealed to his constituents in Enugu East Senatorial District to join the family in mourning the late Chukwu, whom he described as an ‘erudite son of Nkanuland.’

The statement concluded with a prayer for the deceased.

‘May God rest the soul of Chief Lucky Chukwu,’ it added.

The family did not disclose the cause of death or provide details of the circumstances surrounding his passing.

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) until Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to publish his name as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Gombe State.

Pantami, alongside the PDP, accused the electoral commission of unlawfully omitting his name from the final list of candidates published on October 10, despite previously publishing his particulars and monitoring the court-ordered primary that produced him.

The demand was contained in a letter dated October 12, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman by the law firm Ahmed Raji and Co., acting on behalf of Pantami and the PDP.

The legal team comprised Ahmed Raji, SAN; A.T. Kehinde, SAN; Abdul Mohammed, SAN; Wale Balogun, SAN; and Chief Tunde Falola.

The lawyers questioned why INEC excluded Pantami without explanation, insisting that two Federal High Court judgments had already rejected challenges to his PDP membership.

According to the letter, Pantami registered as a PDP member at Pantami Ward in Gombe State, while an updated membership register containing his name was submitted to INEC.

He subsequently purchased the party’s governorship nomination forms, underwent screening and emerged victorious in the May 26, 2026, primary.

The PDP submitted his personal particulars through Form EC9 on August 8, in accordance with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC subsequently published his name on August 29 under Section 29(3) of the Act.

The lawyers maintained that the commission raised no objection to his nomination at the time.

However, the May 26 primary was challenged in two separate suits before the Federal High Court, Gombe.

The cases, FHC/GM/CS/9/2026, filed by Usman Aliyu Garry, and FHC/GM/CS/10/2026, involving Khamisu Ahmed, questioned Pantami’s eligibility and the conduct of the primary.

In its judgment on the first suit, the court rejected the challenge to Pantami’s party membership.

‘I therefore find that the Plaintiff has not established that the 3rd Defendant was legally incapable of being recognised by the 1st Defendant as its member,’ the court held.

Similarly, in the second suit, the court ruled that the absence of Pantami’s name from an earlier membership register did not conclusively establish that he was not a PDP member.

The court noted that the party recognised Pantami and had produced a membership card and register containing his name.

Although the September 24 judgments nullified the May 26 primary over issues concerning its conduct, they directed the PDP to organise a fresh exercise within 30 days, allowing all aspirants with valid screening clearance to participate.

The lawyers stressed that the orders prohibited recognition of nominations arising from the May 26 exercise, not subsequent primaries.

Consequently, the PDP conducted a fresh primary on September 29, which Pantami won with 2,054 votes, defeating Khamisu Mailantarki, who polled 389, and Garry, who secured 112 votes.

The legal team said INEC officials monitored the exercise and that their report remained in the commission’s custody.

Citing judicial authorities, including Dingyadi v. INEC and Raymond v. INEC, the lawyers argued that only a court could remove a duly nominated candidate.

‘The Commission’s role in primaries is to attend, observe, monitor and report, not to disqualify, and not to cherry-pick,’ they stated.

They demanded that INEC publish Pantami’s name with the same prominence as other candidates by October 14 and provide written confirmation of corrective action.

The letter’s heading describes the demand as a three-day ultimatum, although its operative paragraph specifies Wednesday, October 14, as the deadline.

Ms Maryam Umar, a limb difference student at Gombe State University has explained how the intervention by the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU) made her journey to attain university education a reality.

Umar, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Gombe State University after successfully completing her Level 400 course work, examinations and project.

She achieved this feat after overcoming educational and financial challenges.

In an interview, Umar recounted that she started primary education at the age of 11 at Hammadaji Primary School in Gombe metropolis, adding that she could not immediately proceed to secondary school due to challenges.

The foot-writer student later attended Government Day Secondary School, Nasarawo, Gombe, where she obtained a senior school certificate.

‘Many people doubted my ability to attend university because of physical and financial challenges.

‘Nevertheless; I sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, and passed both, but could not proceed due to lack of sponsorship.

‘Apparently, my predicament widely circulated in the national dailies attracted the attention of the ASUU,’ she said.

She said that the union visited her family home, verified her educational credentials, and subsequently offered her scholarship.

Umar said that handwriting proved to be a major obstacle because she writes with her toes during lectures, tests and examinations.

‘During my first test, I couldn’t finish within the allocated time and reported the matter to the union.

‘The ASUU chairman subsequently wrote to my Head of Department, requesting an additional time for me during tests and examinations. The department granted the request and continued to support me throughout my studies,’ she said.

Umar also commended her lecturers for their support and understanding.

She recalled that when a journalist visited the university, and inquired about her academic performances, the records rated her as being more punctual than most of the able-bodied students.

Umar also expressed joy over the successful completion of her degree programme without any academic failure.

‘I am happy that I am about to graduate. I give God the glory because I have had no problem academically.

‘Some students who I started schooling together had withdrawn or dropped out,’ she said.

While urging people living with disabilities not to allow their conditions to distract them from pursuing their dreams, Umar enjoined them to shun street begging.

‘You should not see begging as the only option. I once begged on the street, but now I am about to achieve my dream of becoming a graduate.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent warm congratulations to renowned physician and public health expert Dr Olusegun Oshin on his 70th birthday, commending his contributions to healthcare delivery, public health development, and the well-being of Nigerians.

President Tinubu, in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, said the medical practitioner has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the health and welfare of the people, recognising that healthcare is not simply a professional responsibility but a pillar of national development.

The President also commended Dr Oshin for his service in advancing education as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Olabisi Onabanjo University, where his leadership strengthened institutional governance and nurtured the next generation of leaders and professionals.

‘Your contributions in helping to shape and advance policies designed to expand access to healthcare and promote financial protection for citizens, particularly the laying of the foundations of the National Health Insurance Scheme, which has moved millions of Nigerians to affordable health care, are well appreciated. Your involvement reflects the foresight of a professional who understands that lasting changes in healthcare and national development require sound policies, effective institutions, and a genuine commitment to the common good.

‘As you mark this milestone, I wish you good health, renewed strength, greater accomplishments, and many more years of fruitful service to humanity and the nation’, the President said.

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, has congratulated Chief Sunday Ogunlade, JP, a notable member of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, on his 85th birthday, describing the milestone as a celebration of a life devoted to leadership, service and societal development.

Ajadi, in his goodwill message to mark Ogunlade’s birthday on Saturday, October 10, 2026, commended the octogenarian for his contributions to political leadership and community development, while wishing him continued good health, peace, happiness and many more years of purposeful living.

The birthday celebration attracted prominent political figures, including Ambassador Ajadi, former speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and former Senator representing Oyo Central, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, as well as Hon. Ashamu Nurudeen, the APM candidate for the Oyo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general election.

Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the respect Chief Ogunlade commands among political leaders and stakeholders in Oyo State.

The APM senatorial candidate described Ogunlade’s 85th birthday as an opportunity to celebrate an elder statesman whose experience and wisdom remain valuable to the people of Oyo State, particularly those within the Oyo Central Senatorial District.

‘On behalf of my family, political associates and supporters, I heartily congratulate Chief Sunday Ogunlade, JP, on the remarkable occasion of his 85th birthday. Reaching this milestone is a blessing and a testament to a life that deserves to be celebrated with gratitude, honour and deep respect,’ Ajadi said.

He added, ‘Chief Ogunlade is one of the respected political leaders whose experience and contributions to public life deserve recognition. At 85, he represents a generation whose wealth of knowledge, understanding of our society and years of experience can continue to inspire younger leaders and contribute to the progress of our state.’

Ogunlade is a prominent political figure in the federal constituency comprising Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West Local Government Areas, which falls within Oyo Central Senatorial District. His membership of the Oyo State Elders’ Council also places him among the state’s senior figures associated with consultations on governance and political affairs.

Ajadi further prayed for God’s continued protection and blessings upon the celebrant, expressing hope that his 85th year would bring renewed strength, fulfilment and more opportunities to share his wisdom with younger generations.

‘Chief Ogunlade, as you celebrate 85 remarkable years, I pray that Almighty God grants you sound health, a peaceful heart, renewed strength and many more fruitful years. May your home remain filled with joy, and may the years ahead bring you greater happiness, honour and the satisfaction of seeing our communities and Oyo State make meaningful progress,’ he said.

He reiterated, ‘Happy 85th birthday to a respected elder and political leader. May Almighty God continue to guide, protect and bless you abundantly. We celebrate you today and wish you many more years of good health, peace and fulfilment.’

At least 22 people are feared dead after suspected bandits attacked traders travelling under the escort of Nigerian Army troops in Zamfara State.

The attack happened early on Sunday as the traders travelled from Gurusu to Gwashi in Bukkuyum Local Government Area to attend the weekly market in Gwashi.

A resident, Malam Aminu Gwashi, who confirmed the incident, said several people, including security personnel, were reportedly killed in the attack.

He added that many others were injured and taken to Bukkuyum General Hospital for treatment.

The communities of Gwashi and Bukkuyum have suffered repeated attacks by bandits in recent times. The attacks have disrupted trading and other economic activities in the area.

Efforts to get the military’s reaction were unsuccessful as the Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, did not answer calls seeking comments.

Similarly, the Information Officer of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, Major Osoba Olaniyi, did not respond to calls requesting confirmation of the incident.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Zamfara State Police Command had released an official statement on the attack.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has deployed extensive operational resources and manpower to evacuate accumulated waste along Ago Palace Way, Okota, while sealing over 25 buildings for various environmental and regulatory infractions.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, led the intervention on Sunday morning, with management staff joining operational teams in the exercise, which targeted recurrent illegal dumping on road medians and around bridge abutments.

The operation featured a massive deployment of compactor trucks, a payloader, tipper trucks and street sweepers to clear accumulated waste and restore environmental order along the affected corridor.

It also witnessed the sensitisation of the populace by the LAWMA advocacy team against indiscriminate dumping while encouraging handling of waste through the appropriate channels.

Over 25 buildings, including a Mobil filling station, were sealed for various infractions, including the development of illegal stalls on road setbacks and harbouring street traders whose activities contributed to littering and indiscriminate waste disposal.

Gbadegesin reiterated that the Authority would enforce the law against illegal street trading and those who patronise traders operating in prohibited locations, stressing that such activities undermine public order, obstruct movement and contribute to environmental degradation.

The exercise also resulted in the arrest of some cart pushers allegedly involved in illegal waste disposal, including one Shamusi Muritala, who identified himself as being from Katsina State and admitted to dumping waste on road medians, pleading for leniency.

During questioning, Muritala disclosed that he collected as much as ?5,000 from each customer to dispose of waste on the median, highlighting the commercial activities that sustain illegal dumping in the area.

The intervention received support from operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) team.

LAWMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustained waste evacuation, stronger enforcement and public engagement to curb illegal dumping, protect public infrastructure and achieve a cleaner Lagos.