Category: The Nation – Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate reduction in the 2026 Hajj fare to reflect the recent appreciation of the naira against the dollar, a major determinant of pilgrimage costs.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the President’s directive on Monday during a meeting with the management and board members of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, gave the commission two days to produce a new, affordable fare structure.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the directive was necessary to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims benefit directly from the positive effects of the ongoing economic reforms, particularly the strengthened value of the naira.

Shettima called for closer collaboration among NAHCON, state governments, and other relevant agencies to harmonise the revised fares and ensure smooth coordination of the 2026 pilgrimage.

He also emphasised the need for prompt payments and remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a seamless Hajj operation.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the meeting was convened to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj and review the cost structure in light of the improved exchange rate.

‘Rates have continued to improve steadily with the appreciation of the naira, based on the effects of government reforms. If pilgrims paid ?8.5 million to ?8.6 million last year due to a weaker exchange rate, the improvement in the economy should now reflect in the new fares. The Vice President made it clear that the benefits of the stronger naira must be passed on to the pilgrims’, Hadeija explained.

In his remarks, the Secretary of NAHCON, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the President’s directive, saying it would make the spiritual journey more accessible to Nigerian Muslims.

‘It is a welcome development. The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. As directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce the cost to the barest minimum and make it affordable for every Muslim,’ he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of Pilgrims Boards, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, commended the President and Vice President for their intervention.

‘We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have done, which will bring down the cost of Hajj fare. We are delighted’, Yaro said.

Seychelles has emerged as Africa’s most powerful passport in 2025, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks countries based on global travel access without prior visa requirements.

With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 destinations, Seychelles maintains its lead on the continent. It is followed by Mauritius with 149 destinations, while South Africa comes third with access to 103 destinations.

Botswana ranks fourth with 85 destinations, and Namibia follows closely at 79. Lesotho (76) and Eswatini (74) also feature prominently among Southern African countries with relatively strong passports.

In East and West Africa, Malawi and Morocco tie with access to 73 destinations, while Kenya and The Gambia share the tenth spot, granting holders entry to 71 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index 2025 provides an annual global ranking of passports based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), offering insights into travel freedom worldwide.

1. Seychelles – 156 destinations

2. Mauritius – 149

3. South Africa – 103

4. Botswana – 85

5. Namibia – 79

6. Lesotho – 76

7. ESwatini – 74

8. Malawi, Morocco – 73

10. Kenya/Gambia – 71

A wanted terror kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, and 34 others, have met their waterloo during a series of coordinated operations by security forces.

The operations, which involved the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Service (DSS), the Police and Highbreed Forces, were conducted between September 29 and October 4.

The operations also led to the arrest of 32 criminals, rescue of 22 kidnap victims, and recovery of a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and logistics supplies.

A source, who confirmed Maidawa’s death, stated that the kingpin and 11 of his foot soldiers were killed in Kogi State.

According to the source, during the onslaught that eliminated Maidawa and his cohort, troops under Operation Egwu Eke Atite III, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, DSS, Police and Hybrid Forces, thwarted Maidawa’s planned attack at Isanlu, in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

‘During the fierce firefight, troops overpowered the extremists, neutralising over 12 terrorists, including the dreaded Kachalla Maidawa, who had long terrorised communities across Kogi East and Kwara State.

‘Items recovered after the operation include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of mixed ammunition, four motorcycles, three dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones and other sundry items,’ the source added.

Union Bank of Nigeria has underscored the importance of healthy body and workplace as the bank staged the inaugural edition of its ‘Stay Recharged Health Walk’.

The walk, which kicked off at the Stallion Plaza, Union Bank’s head office in Marina, passed through 7.5 kilometres of several vibrant Lagos streets to terminate at the bank’s sports complex, The Stable, on Bode Thomas Street, Surulere.

Chief Talent Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, Omayuli Wale-Ajayi, said the dynamic event affirmed the bank’s steadfast commitment to employee well-being and sustainable workplace development.

According to her, the overwhelming participation and enthusiasm from employees from diverse departments and locations made it a celebration of physical fitness, mental health, and the power of community spirit.

She explained that ‘Stay Recharged’ was a featured event drawn from a cornerstone of Union Bank’s employee value proposition of employee wellness, thoughtfully crafted to foster a culture where health, happiness, and productivity flourish.

She noted that the initiative responded directly to the urgent need for purposeful wellness programmes that nurture both physical and mental health at work, adding that the programme reflected the bank’s recognition that employee wellbeing is fundamental to sustained productivity, engagement, and organisational excellence.

She said: ‘At Union Bank, well-being is not an afterthought; it is part of how we work. Our inaugural Stay Recharged Health Walk reflects our commitment to building a culture where our people are energised, supported, and thriving. When we take care of ourselves, we build stronger teams and stronger institutions.

‘The ‘Stay Recharged Health Walk’ aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This initiative reflects Union Bank’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee wellness, supports decent and productive work, and contributes to long-term organisational sustainability.

‘By investing in these wellness experiences, Union Bank not only strengthens its internal community but also reinforces its reputation as an employer of choice. Union Bank remains dedicated to developing innovative, health-focused programmes that inspire employees to adopt healthier lifestyles, supporting long-term growth for both individuals and the organisation’.

Super Eagles Numero Uno Stanley Nwabali was on the receiving end yesterday as Richards Bay FC thrashed Chippa United 4-1 and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout in South Africa.

The Natal Rich Boys reportedly took only five minutes to make the presence felt as Bomelo pounced on a misplaced ball in the area and beat Nwabali from close-range.

The fine start continued two minutes later when debutant Mutizwa rose on the end of a curling delivery from a corner-kick and headed in the roof of the net.

Chippa got a lifeline in the opening-quarter as Tshobeni halved the deficit with a smart finish from a tight angle after attacking a probing cross by Nga.

However, there was no comeback as the host added a third ten minutes to halftime when a turnover in midfield saw Bomelo run forward and teed-up Mutizwa to register his brace.

The Chilli Boys made a double change at the break with Thabang Malaoa on for Seun Ndlovu before Giovanni Philander stepped aside for Bandile Dlamini.

But despite spirited efforts by Chippa after the interval, it was Richards Bay that wrapped up the victory in added time when Lundi Mahala ran in-behind a through pass and finished from close-range.

Nigeria, over the weekend, reaffirmed its global maritime standing as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, declared Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining the nation’s zero-piracy record and reclaiming its seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.

Oyetola, reiterated the Deep Blue Project is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime security, which has led to 36 piracy incidents in 2020 dropping to zero since 2021. He said the country’s success in maintaining safe waters would form a strong case in its campaign to rejoin the IMO Council this November.

The minister stated this during a live anti-piracy demonstration by the Deep Blue Project officers at the Nigerian Navy Underwater Jetty, Ojo, Lagos; witnessed by the IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Domínguez, senior government officials and heads of key maritime agencies at the weekend in Lagos.

The simulation exercise showcased the coordination and firepower of the country’s integrated maritime security system-an initiative that has earned Nigeria three years of zero piracy incidents across its territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

‘The Deep Blue project is a multi-layered security architecture that has earned Nigeria zero piracy for the past three years. And it’s not enough for us to say so. It’s important for people, particularly the Secretary General, to witness the demonstration. It’s not a fluke, it’s a reality,’ Oyetola declared.

The exercise simulated a pirate attack on DB Lagos, one of the Deep Blue Project’s special mission vessels, as dignitaries watched from DB Abuja, another mission vessel. Within moments, the Maritime Security Unit (MSU) launched a swift and coordinated response, deploying two special mission helicopters, four fast interceptor boats and tactical personnel trained for both sea and aerial operations.

Acting on real-time intelligence from the project’s C4i Centre-the command and control hub-the team executed a precise counterattack. Using fast-roping ‘Komodo style’ and rafting techniques, operatives boarded the vessel from both air and sea, overpowered the attackers, rescued the crew and carried out a mock medical evacuation to demonstrate casualty recovery procedures.

The seamless coordination of assets and personnel highlighted the efficiency of Nigeria’s integrated maritime security system and as NIMASA officials noted, reflected the nation’s firm commitment to protecting its waters and ensuring safer seas for trade and national prosperity.

The exercise, which left the IMO Secretary-General visibly impressed by the precision of the demonstration, commended Nigeria’s efforts in maritime security.

‘This is one of the most impressive displays that I have seen and experienced. The fact that for the last three years, there has been not a single piracy attack in the national waters of Nigeria just demonstrates the effectiveness. And of course this also demonstrates that commerce will return and thrive,’ Domínguez said.

He encouraged the country to maintain the momentum and continue its campaign for re-election into the IMO Council, noting that the country’s leadership in the Gulf of Guinea has become a model for regional maritime safety.

‘Nigeria has been there before and I encourage you to continue your campaign. You are doing very good work and I wish you success,’ he added.

Oyetola, who led the Nigerian delegation at the event, said the demonstration reaffirmed the country’s readiness to protect its maritime domain and uphold global shipping standards even as he acknowledged funding challenges.

He said: ‘I must commend the various security agencies for their collaboration. It shows that with teamwork, there’s nothing we cannot achieve. Funding may be tough, but the Federal Government is determined to ensure our waters remain safe. This is vital for harnessing the full potential of our blue economy,’ the minister assured.

He further disclosed that the country would intensify its diplomatic engagement at the IMO headquarters in London ahead of the November 2025 Council elections.

‘I’m proud that the Secretary-General has witnessed this display. I’ll go back to London to convince the international community that Nigeria deserves a seat on the IMO Council,’ Oyetola affirmed.

The demonstration concluded with an aerial salute from two Deep Blue helicopters, symbolising Nigeria’s vigilance and unity in maritime protection.

The Deep Blue Project, formally launched by former President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2021, represents Nigeria’s most comprehensive maritime security initiative. Jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), it is designed to secure Nigerian waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea through a blend of land, sea, and air assets.

The Deep Blue Project is a fully integrated maritime security system combining land, sea, and air capabilities to protect Nigeria’s waters. On land, it features a state-of-the-art C4i Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence Centre, supported by 16 armoured coastal patrol vehicles and 600 specially trained Maritime Security Unit (MSU) officers. Its sea component comprises two special mission vessels and 17 fast interceptor boats designed for rapid response to threats. In the air, the project operates two surveillance aircraft, three special mission helicopters, and four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance, search, and rescue missions-together forming a seamless network for maritime safety and enforcement.

The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, has surged sharply across Lagos and other parts of the country, forcing households and small businesses to adjust their budgets and consumption patterns.

Checks by The Nation showed that the retail price of LPG has risen from about N1,000 per kilogram to N1,500 in the last few days following the industrial action embarked upon by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against Dangote Refinery.

At several gas plants visited across Lagos, including Ajuwon, Magodo, and Iju-Ishaga, long queues of anxious consumers were seen waiting under the sun to refill their cylinders.

Many lamented that the sudden jump in price had worsened the cost-of-living pressure already weighing heavily on households.

At the Amego gas retail plant along Ajuwon-Akute road, Mrs. Grace Ajayi, who came to refill her 3-kilogram cylinder, expressed frustration.

‘This small cylinder that I used to fill for N3,000 is now N4,500. I am a trader, and I cook twice a day for my children. If this continues, I will go back to charcoal. It is stressful but at least it is cheaper,’ she said, clutching her cylinder.

Beside her, another resident, Anthony Igwe, who uses a 5-kilogram cylinder, said the hike has forced him to ration cooking time.

‘I am now calculating everything I put on the fire. I told my wife we can’t boil water to bathe anymore to save gas.’

At the Second Coming Gas Plant in Magodo, The Nation observed a wave of panic buying.

Residents were seen rushing to fill multiple cylinders at once, with some loading two or more 12.5-kilogram cylinders in their car boots.

The attendant on duty said the rush started two days ago when news spread that depot prices had jumped sharply due to supply disruption.

Operators in the LPG market confirmed that the industrial action has disrupted supply lines from the refinery, forcing marketers to depend on limited stock and imports at higher rates.

A Lagos gas dealer, Mr. Kola Ogunleye, said the sudden shortage and panic buying have further driven up prices.

‘The strike affected loading and distribution for some days, and by the time supply resumed, depot prices had already gone up.

‘Everyone down the chain is adjusting, and that’s what consumers are seeing now,’ he explained.

Consumer protection advocates warn that the situation could worsen unless the federal government intervenes to stabilise supply and enforce fair pricing. Economists note that the hike in cooking gas prices could heighten inflationary pressure, as food vendors and households depend heavily on LPG for daily cooking.

In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has unveiled APC Lagos State Chairman’s Cup.

He said it was meant for community development across the state and to showcase grassroots talent.

The programme was done amid enthusiasm at the APC Lagos State chapter secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja.

Ojelabi said: ‘Today marks a unique and historic moment in sports history of Lagos State. All hands must be on deck for social development and democratic values in the state.”

The event was witnessed by Lagos State stakeholders, including Lagos State Conference 57 executives. Speaking on behalf of the executives, Abdullahi Olowa, Lagos State Conference 57 chairman, who is also APC Lagos State Chairman’s Cup L.O.C. chairman, said youth engagement was paramount to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

”Our party, APC, will continue to demonstrate good leadership at the grassroots and mobilise young people into its fold.”

The Secretary of the ruling party in Lagos State, Dr. Adeola Jokomba, said the project was more than just a sporting event that would take place in the 57 councils.

”It is a platform that will engage five million Lagosians, ensuring PVC registration, inclusiveness and youth empowerment across Lagos State, with the promise of identifying future stars from the grassroots and engaging them for future elections,” he said.

Nigeria’s online gambling market has expanded quickly, with licensed local operators and numerous offshore platforms competing for attention. Many players believe that opening accounts on several sites can unlock extra bonuses, more games, and better chances to win. This strategy, known as multi-platform play, does offer variety and some potential benefits. Yet it also brings added complexity, requiring players to weigh whether the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.

The appeal of multi-platform play often lies in variety. Each site offers its own mix of games, promotions, and payment options, giving players more freedom to choose what suits them best. In Australia, for example, players sometimes turn to sites such as Coin Poker Australia to explore crypto-based poker. Sites that offer them tend to come with other modern features like instant payments and even anonymous play, since payments can be made using crypto. Meanwhile, in Kenya, mobile money integration strongly influences platform choice. On the other hand, Brazilian players often prioritise sites that support PIX payments.

Nigerian players face similar decisions when they look abroad for features not always available locally. The benefit is flexibility, but the trade-off is navigating multiple regulatory systems, each with its own rules on licensing, consumer protection, and dispute resolution.

For Nigerian players, this search for variety across foreign platforms means navigating multiple international regulatory systems where licensing and consumer protection standards differ significantly from those developed under Nigerian authorities. While the National Lottery Regulatory Commission works to establish clearer frameworks for local operators, international platforms operate under jurisdictions ranging from Malta and Curacao to the UK and Gibraltar, each with distinct rules governing player protection, dispute resolution, and data privacy.

One clear advantage of opening multiple accounts is access to a broader set of welcome bonuses and loyalty programs. A player can test different offers and enjoy fresh incentives across platforms. The downside is that funds get scattered. When money is split across several sites, it becomes harder to build a meaningful bankroll on any single platform. Meeting minimum stakes or clearing wagering requirements can be more difficult, as requirements multiply. For example, depositing ?10,000 across three platforms with 30x wagering means a player must stake ?900,000 in total before bonuses unlock.

Playing across several platforms can open doors to international sites licensed in Curacao, Malta, or Gibraltar, giving Nigerian players access to global games and payment options. The trade-off is that protections vary by jurisdiction. Locally licensed operators must follow Nigerian gaming laws, with disputes handled through Nigerian authorities. Offshore platforms follow their own regulators, which may mean different standards for data privacy or withdrawals. For players, the advantage is access to a global variety; the cost is losing the simplicity of one clear legal framework.

Responsible play tools, such as deposit caps, time limits, and self-exclusion, are built into most regulated platforms. On a single site, these tools can provide useful guardrails. Across multiple platforms, however, the safeguards don’t transfer, meaning players need to track limits themselves.

For instance, setting a ?50,000 monthly cap on one site won’t automatically apply to another. This creates flexibility, since players can set different limits per site, but it also places greater responsibility on the individual to keep a clear overview of their total play. Recent initiatives, such as the SafePlay self-exclusion portal launched in Lagos State, aim to make cross-platform tools easier to manage, but these are still evolving.

Multi-platform play offers variety, flexibility, and the chance to explore different promotions. But many players may find that consolidating activity with one or two reputable, locally licensed operators makes management easier. A single bankroll is simpler to track, loyalty rewards build faster, and responsible play tools work more effectively. If issues arise, disputes are resolved under Nigerian law, providing a clear framework for resolution.

The final day of Dominion City’s transformative ‘The Next Level Conference’ culminated in an extraordinary display of faith and unity, as acclaimed worship leader Sunmisola Agbebi and her husband, Yinka Okeleye, took the stage together to usher in a celestial worship experience.

Their powerful joint ministration served as a profound finale to a conference featuring impactful sessions from esteemed global leaders, including Lead Pastor Dr. David Ogbueli, Bishop Titus Masika, Apostle Ben Ndobe, and David Sseppuuya.

The atmosphere, already charged with spiritual anticipation, reached new heights the moment the anointed husband-and-wife duo began to minister. Sunmisola Agbebi, known for her deeply soulful and penetrating vocals, soared through the venue, while her husband, Yinka Okeleye, provided a steady, profound, and complementary presence.

‘There is an undeniable, unique power in witnessing a husband and wife ministering together,’ a representative for the event noted. ‘Sunmisola and Yinka are a vivid testament to this. Their unity on stage is palpable-a beautiful, seamless flow of two spirits joined in a single, divine purpose.’

Their performance was characterized by more than just musical harmony; it was a demonstration of deep marital and ministerial partnership. Their non-verbal cues, shared glances, and the way their voices intertwine illustrate a profound connection that transcends their music, creating a unified sound that amplifies the anointing and impacts the congregation. Together, they crafted an experience that was simultaneously deeply intimate and corporately powerful.

The ministry of Sunmisola Agbebi and Yinka Okeleye served as the perfect final impartation, sealing the teachings, prophetic words, and transformations that occurred throughout the week-long conference. It was a fitting, glorious end to a transformative gathering.

For those who experienced their powerful union or are eager to witness their joint ministry, the duo will be ministering together again soon. Sunmisola Agbebi and Yinka Okeleye are scheduled to appear at The Gathering with Warehouse Worship in Manchester, UK, promising another unforgettable encounter in the power of unified worship.