Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Edo State Government has asked Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) in the 18 local governments to embark on compulsory leave.

The leave is expected to last for 30 days.

Chairman, Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Kabiru Adjoto, said the directive was to allow thorough assessment for improved administrative operation at the local government level.

He spoke while briefing reporters on the outcome of his visit to the 18 local governments.

Adjoto directed the affected HOLGA to hand over to Directors of Administrative and General Services.

The former Speaker said the commission uncovered 382 shadow files, while 132 files of retired personnel were not found.

He said: ‘The measure has become necessary to allow for thorough assessment for improved administrative operation at the local government level.

‘We want to ensure a fair and objective review of posting, staff deployment and record management practices. Our focus is to encourage transparency and restore confidence in the local government system.

‘Our task is very clear. To positively reposition the workforce of the local government in such a way that dividends of democracy trickle down to the grassroots.

‘We want to make sure things work well. Governor Okpebholo wants to ensure development trickle to the grassroots. It is our duty to take this decision.’

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger State, Alhaji Nma Kolo said the party’s presidential candidate; Bola Tinubu has the capacity to provide the needed leadership that will restore Nigeria to the path of greatness if he becomes president.

Kolo told reporters in Minna, the state capital yesterday that Tinubu had the required knowledge to move the country forward.

The APC chieftain described Tinubu as a leader who will unite and move the country forward.

According to him, the APC presidential candidate has vast experience in how to solve the problems bedevilling the country.

He noted that despite the withholding of local governments’ allocation from the Federation Account by the Federal Government during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor, he was able to manage the state’s finances and put Lagos economy on sound footing.

The Royal Danish Embassy, Abuja and Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of the Nordic Nigeria Connect, titled: ‘Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Impact’.

According to the parties, the partnership will drive AI development, digital infrastructure, and connectivity across Nigeria.

The event was attended by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Royal Danish Ambassador to Nigeria Jens Ole Bach Hansen, the visiting State Secretary for Trade and Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark Lina Gandløse Hansen and the Denmark Embassy Consular General, Ms Jette Bjerrum.

Giving background about the MoU, the Danish Ambassador and the visiting State Secretary for Trade and Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark said the event was a direct result of the Minister of Communication’s recent visit to Copenhagen, when he inaugurated the Nordic-Africa Summit.

They noted that the visit sparked a great deal of mutual interest and dialogues.

‘And true to the Danish spirit, when ideas meet enthusiasm, action follows quickly. Or in other words, when Nigeria calls for collaboration, Denmark responds. The strong shared commitment between Denmark and Nigeria in the areas of technology, digitalisation and innovation is what brings us together today. Only two months after this visit, we are ready to take the first tangible step forward by signing this MoU.

‘We are humbled to be in the country signing an MoU with you today, Honourable Minister. And after your presentation, I understand now that we rest on a very good interest and knowledge about the Nordic countries. I will assure you that we in Team Denmark will do our part to make sure that we can look forward to seeing this cooperation grow into concrete initiatives, just like we talked about in the general discussion,’ the visiting State Secretary for Trade and Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark said.

Commenting, Tijani said the event was the beginning of many ties to happen between Denmark and Nigeria.

‘I think I’m not in a position to break the news, but definitely, I think I can say again that we do have a big personality from Denmark that is also visiting Nigeria with an entire team from the investment side. So, we’re extremely blessed for the relationship that I think is beginning to blossom between our two countries.

‘And there’s nothing that we desire in Nigeria more than partners, who can truly match their words with action. Because as you can imagine, we’re a country that is blessed with millions of young people. And as you know, young people are restless.

‘They just want to see change, and they want to see it really quickly. So, for me, it’s extremely pleasing to know that just under two months, we agreed that we will sign this MOU. And here we are today, of course, in a position to sign the MOU.’

FirstBank has successfully integrated the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) into its flagship digital banking platform, the LIT app, enabling customers to make instant, secure, and local currency-based cross-border payments across Africa.

PAPSS, developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, enables instant, low-cost payments in local currencies between African countries.

Speaking on the integration, the Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, Chuma Ezirim, said, ‘The integration of PAPSS into the LIT app is a testament to FirstBank’s commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions that simplify and enhance financial transactions. This milestone aligns with the Bank’s strategic goal of deepening digital capabilities and expanding access to seamless cross-border payment services across Africa.’

Mike Ogbalu, CEO of PAPSS said, ‘Every time an individual, an SME or a Company sends money instantly within Africa in their own currency, we are not just moving funds, we are connecting ambitions, supporting livelihoods, and bridging dreams across borders.

This collaboration with FirstBank and their LIT app brings us a step closer to making African borders invisible to movement of money, so that the continent’s entrepreneurs and families can focus on what matters most: building their future, not battling payment barriers.’

The LIT App, FirstBank’s innovative digital banking platform, offers a wide range of features including virtual cards, scheduled payments, and multiple transfers in one go, designed to meet the dynamic needs of customers. The addition of PAPSS expands its capabilities to support cross-border commerce, especially for individuals and SMEs engaged in pan-African business.

With PAPSS now live on the LIT App, FirstBank is breaking down barriers to payments, trade and financial inclusion across Africa. Customers can now send funds conveniently to other countries in Naira, without needing US dollar, GBP or Euro conversions. This landmark integration enables real-time cross-border payments in local African currencies, reduces transaction costs, and improves settlement efficiency. It also expands access to digital banking services, promotes financial inclusion, supports SMEs and fosters growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This integration of PAPSS to the LIT app reinforces FirstBank’s leadership in digital banking innovation and supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda by simplifying intra-African transactions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to ensure elections remain free, fair and credible, stressing that electoral integrity is the foundation of democracy and public trust.

Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu declared that the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system must be ‘beyond reproach,’ noting that constant improvements are necessary to address past challenges and adapt to new realities.

‘It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must continue improving our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today,’ the President said.

He emphasised that protecting the sanctity of the ballot was essential to the people’s right to choose their leaders and shape their collective destiny.

According to him, transparency, non-violence, and credibility must define every phase of the electoral process – from voter registration to campaigning, voting, and counting of ballots.

President Tinubu said that while no electoral system is flawless, continuous reforms and institutional strengthening are vital to sustaining democracy.

‘To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected,’ he said, urging INEC to ensure that its operations remain resilient and safeguarded against ‘artificial setbacks.’

Congratulating Professor Amupitan on his Senate-confirmed appointment, Tinubu described it as a ‘testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government.’

He reminded the new INEC chairman that his tenure begins with a critical test – the November 2025 governorship election in Anambra State – which would serve as a benchmark for public confidence in his leadership.

‘I therefore charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment, to preserve the integrity of our elections and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC,’ the President said.

Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, noting that the country had made significant progress through innovations, reforms, and institutional strengthening over 25 years.

‘Our democracy has come a long way,’ he said, adding that sustaining its gains requires an unrelenting commitment to the principles that underpin democratic governance in a complex, multifaceted society.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his swearing-in, Professor Amupitan pledged to uphold the Constitution and deliver on the President’s directive for credible polls.

‘I will reaffirm what I have just taken, that I’m going to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as they relate to the electoral system.

‘Like the President said, I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair and free elections. I will ensure that is done. I’m also going to engage all stakeholders, because no matter how high you set the bar, you still need the cooperation of all stakeholders to succeed’, he said.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Kuture has addressed backlash over his controversial humorous nature that may not resonate with everyone.

In a post on X, Kuture expressed awareness of the criticism he receives, stating that he is human and prone to making mistakes.

However, he emphasised his commitment to learning from these errors and growing as a person.

Kuture wrote: ‘I’m not perfect, I’m human. We make mistakes to take corrections and at times I joke a lot but I see that its don’t sit well with some people. Its a new phase of life so I will try as much as I can not to make you guys hate me more than you already do. Good morning and have a nice day ahead. Peace and love’.

Kuture’s comments come as he embarks on a new phase of life, and he has pledged to be more mindful of his actions in order to minimise criticism and improve his relationships with his audience.

Germany-Nigeria trade volume is in the region of pound 3 billion, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, said.

The 30% increase, Ambassador Gunther said, was attributed to Nigeria’s economic recovery.

The envoy spoke with reporters ahead of the joint Nigerian-German binational commission scheduled for Berlin, in German.

Gunther noted that Nigeria remains ‘Germany’s second biggest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with a total trade volume of 3 billion Euros. Trade volumes have increased this year by 30 % due to Nigeria’s economic recovery.’

Besides, she said more than 90 German companies are active in Nigeria, ‘indirectly creating about 17.000 jobs in Nigeria.’

She also revealed that more investments were coming, especially in the energy and the pharmaceutical sector.

On the energy sector, the envoy revealed that the Presidential Power initiative was in the second phase.

In the area of Visa and Migration, the envoy said no fewer than 7,600 visas were issued to students and short term stay.

She also disclosed that plans were already in place to increase the number.

Gunther, however, stressed the need for legal migration.

She said: ‘All the common goals and projects would not work if they were not supported by travels on all levels between our two countries, plus legal migration.

‘ Last year alone, the German Embassy here in Abuja and the German Consulate General in Lagos granted around 1400 long-term visas for purposes such as study in Germany, family reunion and employment as well as around 6200 visas for short-term stays such as business and tourism.

The envoy said: ‘This year, we are well on track to raise those numbers.

‘The German missions remain committed to furthering the bilateral relations by granting visas to properly documented applications.’

In the area of military cooperation, she said Germany will continue to stand by Nigeria.

Reality star Kiddwaya has cleared the air on the viral report that he spent $30,000 on a plate of jollof rice at Whitemoney’s restaurant.

Speaking in a recent interview with Trend Centrl on YouTube, the reality star clarified that the viral story was misunderstood, stressing that his intention was to support a friend’s business rather than splurge that much on food.

‘First of all, I was supporting a friend’s business. That’s it. Jollof rice was the concept. I follow Whitemoney on his food -his food is great. So he makes jollof rice, chicken, and all that kind of stuff. I was supporting his brand, helping him push it. The jollof rice was just the concept of it.’

He added that social media users twisted the narrative after seeing pictures of him at the restaurant.

‘You know when you post on social media, people will assume it’s that. But really, who’s spending thirty grand on one plate of jollof rice?’ he asked. ‘So I let them run with the story. I’m on Twitter, reading everything they said – I just said okay, cool. Never try to fight it.’

Kiddwaya concluded by saying his gesture was simply about showing love and support for Whitemoney’s growing food brand.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a two-year extension for the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. AbuduGaniyu Adebomehin.

His tenure will now run till January 2028.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the extension will take effect from January 5, 2026, and follows the recent transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF) to the Presidency.

The statement said the tenure extension was aimed at ensuring continuity in the ongoing reform of the nation’s geospatial data and land management systems initiated under Adebomehin’s leadership.

President Tinubu, the statement added, expects the Surveyor-General to consolidate and complete key reforms within the next two years, with a focus on national land management and administration, highways and abutting land infrastructure coordination, and reclamation and erosion control programmes.

‘These initiatives are of strategic national importance,’ the Presidency stated, noting that the reforms would help improve coordination in infrastructure development and strengthen Nigeria’s geospatial intelligence for planning and security purposes.

Adebomehin was first appointed Surveyor-General of the Federation by former President Muhammadu Buhari, effective January 5, 2022.

Speaking during the International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology organised by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) the of NUPRC, the CE of NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe said: ‘Through the NUPRC’s flare gas commercialisation initiatives, the nation is making steady progress toward the Federal Government’s goal of achieving complete flare-out by 2030.’

He was represented by the commission’s Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services and Administration, Dr Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu.

He said Nigeria’s hydrocarbon future should not merely about how many barrels of oil produced or how much gas can be monetised.

According to him, it should be on how to govern the resources in ways that build trust, attract sustainable investment, uplift our people, safeguard the environment, and secure our rightful place in the global shift toward sustainable energy.

He added that across flare sites in Nigeria, gas that once burned wastefully into the sky is now being positioned for full utilisation to power homes, drive small industries, and provide clean cooking energy for millions.

He also said despite Africa having over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and more than 620 trillion cubic feet of gas and Nigeria bestowed with.37.28 billion barrels of oil and 210.54 triion cubic feet of gas, yet more than 600 million people lack access to electricity.