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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on his 60th birthday celebration.

In his congratulatory message released on the 1st of October, the President described Abbas as a worthy partner in government and in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

While affirming that the House under Abbas has passed many impactful pieces of legislation, the President commended the Speaker’s deep knowledge, wisdom, and openness.

‘Speaker Abbas has displayed uncommon capacity as a leader of equals. His drive for integrity, excellence and selfless service has proved helpful in maintaining stability in the House. I rejoice with the family, friends and associates of this fine lawmaker and leader of men on this milestone. I also congratulate the people of Zaria Federal Constituency in Kaduna State for picking Abbas to represent them in the House of Representatives since 2011,’ he stated.

President Tinubu also prayed for many more years and good health for Speaker Abbas.

The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro on Tuesday unveiling sweeping reforms in the state’s criminal justice system that have prioritised efficiency, transparency, and restorative justice.

Addressing journalists in Ikeja as part of his second-year review, Pedro highlighted figures that he said demonstrated how far-reaching changes have reshaped the administration of justice in Lagos.

From digitisation of case management to prison decongestion and restorative sentencing, the Attorney General insisted that Lagos is setting new benchmarks for justice delivery in Nigeria.

In two years, he said the Ministry of Justice processed 361 plea bargain applications, saying of these, 314 were approved and only 37 declined, with the approved cases expediting justice while easing the strain on already congested courts.

The Attorney General explained that the adoption of the plea bargain process not only reduced trial delays but also directly impacted correctional facilities by lowering the population of awaiting-trial inmates.

‘This mechanism is saving valuable judicial time,’ Pedro said. ‘It has given us a faster route to justice while ensuring fairness.’

To further decongest correctional facilities, Pedro said the state has exercised the Governor’s constitutional power of Prerogative of Mercy and that since 2023, 263 inmates deemed deserving by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy were granted release.

‘These are individuals who had spent long years in prison, shown remorse, and were recommended for a second chance,’ Pedro explained, adding that ‘Their reintegration into society speaks to the humane side of our justice system.’

Pedro disclosed that the Lagos Restorative Justice Unit, established to give victims and offenders the opportunity for reconciliation and restitution, recorded 348 cases in two years.

He said of these, 192 cases were successfully resolved through agreements, while 45 are ongoing, saying that another 111 cases were referred back to the courts for full trial.

Pedro said the figures show the growing relevance of restorative justice in reducing adversarial litigation and fostering community healing.

The Attorney General also reported progress in non-custodial sentencing, disclosing that within two years, 4,800 offenders served community service sentences in Lagos, which ranged from public sanitation duties to repairs and other forms of labour that serve the public good.

Although the Community Service Unit had initially faced operational challenges, Pedro said it had been revitalised.

The Attorney General said one of the most striking figures came from the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), a digital databank that now serves as the state’s comprehensive record of criminal cases.

‘From September 2023 to September 2025 alone, the system captured 25,822 new cases. Overall, the database now holds 78,982 cases, including those filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

‘The LCIS contains biometric data, photographs, and offence details of all defendants across Lagos State’s Magistrate and High Courts,’ he said.

According to Pedro, this level of digitisation enhances transparency, strengthens case management, and allows policymakers to use reliable data for long-term criminal justice reforms.

‘Data is the new oil. With almost 80,000 cases captured, Lagos now has the most comprehensive criminal justice databank in Nigeria,’ he added.

To ease mobility challenges in correctional facilities, Pedro said the state government procured two purpose-built coaster buses supplied through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

The Lagos State Government has unveiled sweeping legal reforms designed to ease rental disputes, formalise marriage registration, and reduce delays in civil litigation.

The reforms, officials say, will strengthen justice delivery and boost investor confidence in Africa’s largest city economy.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced the measures during a press briefing on Tuesday to mark his second year in office.

He explained that three key Bills-the Tenancy Law reform, the Registration of Marriages and Dissolution Bill, and the Administration of Civil Justice Bill, have been forwarded to the Lagos State House of Assembly for consideration.

On tenancy, Pedro disclosed that a new law is being proposed to repeal and re-enact the existing Tenancy Law of Lagos State.

The Bill, which has already undergone public hearing, introduces measures such as compulsory registration of agents, a limit of three months’ rent advance for monthly tenants, automatic termination of tenancies after three months of arrears, and a simplified procedure for recovery of premises in court.

According to him, these changes are expected to strike a fair balance between landlords and tenants while encouraging private developers to invest in rental housing for the benefit of ordinary Lagosians.

Turning to family law, the Attorney General revealed that Lagos is set to become the first state in Nigeria to provide official registration and certification of customary, Islamic, and Christian marriages.

The proposed legislation, he noted, would give Lagosians the opportunity to obtain documentary proof of their marriages and provide greater legal certainty in family relations, particularly in cases of dissolution.

In addition, Pedro highlighted the state’s determination to reform the civil justice system, which he described as vital for protecting investments and enhancing economic growth.

The Administration of Civil Justice Bill seeks to ensure that litigation in Lagos trial courts is concluded within 18 to 24 months.

It introduces innovations such as allowing courts to decide uncontested motions in chambers, encouraging trials based on documents where appropriate, and setting strict cost penalties for unnecessary adjournments and frivolous suits.

These measures, Pedro said, would promote efficiency, deter abuse of court processes, and create a more predictable, business-friendly legal environment.

The Attorney General stressed that the reforms reflect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to entrenching efficiency, fairness, and innovation in the Lagos justice sector, while also delivering tangible benefits to citizens and investors alike.

Rivers governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday sacked all commissioners and other appointees of administration affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement which declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo unlawful.

The commissioners and appointees affected were those screened and approved for appointment by the factional Oko-Jumbo Assembly.

Fubara was reportedly working with 19 commissioners whose appointments were confirmed by Oko-Jumbo before he was suspended on 18 March following declaration of state of emergency on the state by President Bola Tinubu.

The apex court had in its judgment recognised the 27-member Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the lawful legislative body in Rivers State.

The Court also nullified passage of budgets, screening and confirmations of commissioners and other public officers holders by the 3-man Oko-Jumbo Assembly.

The sack of the commissioners and other appointees was announced by Fubara during a valedictory session he organised for his cabinet to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday at Government House, Port Harcourt, according to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi.

Fubara had also at the event appealed to all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.

He also thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years..

‘He called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,’ the statement said.

The Governor also reiterated commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

It was also gathered that the Governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.

Recall that the Rivers House of Assembly at its first legislative sitting following the lifting of the state of emergency on the state by President Tinubu asked Fubara to submit names of nominees for appointment as members of his cabinet.

The lawmakers at the session presided over by Speaker, Mr Martins Amaewhule, also resolved to invite Fubara for the presentation of 2025 Appropriation Bill without further delay.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive society where no resident is left behind, as Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary.

Speaking at the commemoration held on Tuesday at the State House, Marina, the Governor described independence as a reminder of both Nigeria’s struggles and resilience, stressing that national progress can only be achieved through collective responsibility between government and citizens.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos’ governance philosophy has been anchored on trust and partnership with the people, adding that the state’s development blueprint, the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, has now been expanded into T.H.E.M.E.S Plus to reflect deliberate focus on social inclusion, gender equity, and youth empowerment.

‘Our commitment is that no Lagosian will be left behind,’ the Governor declared, citing the expansion of the State Social Register, which now covers more than one million households across the 57 councils.

He explained that this shift was designed to balance investments in infrastructure with human capital development.

Sanwo-Olu listed ongoing interventions in healthcare delivery, food support schemes, affordable housing projects, educational scholarships, and vocational training available across 37 skill acquisition centres as proof of his administration’s determination to uplift residents, particularly the vulnerable.

He also recalled how Lagos provided a protective cushion during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent removal of fuel subsidy, insisting that his government would continue to shield citizens during tough times.

The Governor urged Nigerians to strengthen unity, stressing that social media should be deployed to promote constructive dialogue rather than deepen divisions. Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle); Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (third left); Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Kayode (right) and Youth Corp members during the 65th Independence Day Parade at the Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

‘We must resist the temptation to allow new platforms of communication to become weapons of discord. They must serve as channels of education, enlightenment, and shared responsibility,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for steering the nation through difficult but necessary reforms, pointing out that macroeconomic indicators in inflation, exchange rates, food prices, and security suggest that Nigeria is already on a recovery path.

Reiterating Lagos’ position as a secure and attractive investment hub, he acknowledged the contributions of security agencies, the legislature, the judiciary, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and especially young people in sustaining peace and harmony across the state.

Sanwo-Olu called for renewed patriotism, hard work, and mutual respect among Nigerians, noting that the next phase of the country’s journey would demand unity of purpose and unwavering dedication to the collective good.

‘History will remember us not for the challenges we faced, but for how we came together to overcome them,’ he said.

Nigerian singer Qdot has revealed a terrifying encounter with armed robbers who invaded his home in the early hours of Sunday, September 28.

The artiste, best known for hits such as Alagbe, disclosed that he and his official DJ, DJ FAYA, were attacked at about 2:00 a.m. by armed men who carted away all his valuables.

In an Instagram post, Qdot described the incident as the ‘most terrifying experience’ of his life, admitting he feared he would not survive the ordeal.

‘On the 28th of September, around 2:00 a.m., I was robbed at gunpoint in my own home, alongside my official DJ. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. At that moment, I genuinely didn’t know if I would make it out alive. But by the grace and mercy of God, I’m still here,’ he wrote.

Despite losing all his prized possessions, the singer said he remains grateful for life.

‘They took everything valuable I owned, down to the last pin. But they didn’t take my life, and that alone is a blessing I don’t take for granted.’

Qdot admitted he is still traumatised but reassured fans that he is safe and surrounded by love as he begins his healing journey.

He also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support from his fans and colleagues.

‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the messages, calls, and outpouring of love. Your support means more than words can express. I love you all and I’ll be back, stronger and wiser.’

‘We suspended the action in good faith to respect government. But the moment we detect any foul play or gimmicks, we will return to the trenches immediately,’ the President of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo said on Thursday while confirming the suspension of industrial action declared by the union of alleged sack of its members by Dangote Refinery.

He added that the union will resume strike action if Dangote Group defaults on the agreement it reached with it for suspending the industrial action.

Osifo stated this during a news conference at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, on Wednesday to assess government’s intervention in the prolonged industrial dispute.

The strike was initially triggered by the reported mass sack of more than 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Limited after they voluntarily subscribed to join PENGASSAN.

Osifo described the dismissals as an attack on workers’ constitutional rights and a violation of Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions protecting freedom of association.

‘Let it be known clearly that if there is any slip or breach in implementing this agreement, we shall immediately resume our suspended nationwide industrial action,’ Osifo warned.

He said NEC decided to suspend the strike out of respect for institutions, in spite of serious concerns over loopholes in the government-brokered agreement reached with Dangote management.

‘Even with our doubts about Dangote’s sincerity, we have chosen the moral high ground. Nigerians must see PENGASSAN as patriotic, law-abiding and committed to sustaining national economic stability,’ he stated.

Osifo said the union’s main demand was full reinstatement of the affected workers, but government instead opted for redeployment within related companies owned by the Dangote Group.

‘Our position was simple: bring them back to their original jobs. Government proposed a middle ground instead, and that remains our greatest reservation with the settlement,’ Osifo explained.

He added that the union accepted the compromise reluctantly, noting that the most important thing now was to get the affected workers back to earning and feeding their families.

However, Osifo made it clear that PENGASSAN would not be misled by unfulfilled promises or prolonged delays.

‘We will not wait endlessly if nothing happens.

The Dangote/PENGASSAN Agreement

The Federal Government had in an earlier statement indicated that PENGASSAN had agreed to suspend its two days strike action against Dangote Refinery.

This followed a two-day meeting, held on Monday and Tuesday between the Federal Government, PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery.

The agreement for calling off the strike stipulates three key positions: Dangote Group would immediately start the reabsorption of sacked workers, and PENGASSAN would suspend the strike and end workers’ victimisation.

‘Reabsorption of Workers: The Dangote Group management will immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay,’ the communique read.

‘No Victimisation: Both sides agreed that ‘no worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse.’

PENGASSAN had while announcing the strike on Sunday directed its members to cut gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery.

The conflict in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has ended after the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) suspended its strike against Dangote Refinery.

The strike was called off after Dangote Refinery agreed to bring back workers who were sacked for joining the union.

The decision followed a two-day meeting between the Federal Government, PENGASSAN, and Dangote Refinery.

Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, reminded both sides that workers have the right to join unions under Nigerian law.

After the meeting, it was agreed that Dangote Group would immediately begin re-assigning the disengaged staff to other companies within the Group without loss of pay, and no worker would be punished for their role in the dispute.

PENGASSAN also confirmed it would begin the process of ending the strike.

PENGASSAN had announced the strike on Sunday, asking its members to cut gas and crude oil supply to Dangote Refinery after the company dismissed workers for joining the union.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has charged Nigerians on the need for unity and teamwork to achieve the purpose of independence.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, in a speech he delivered to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

He noted that every October 1 reminds Nigerians ‘of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought with courage and vision to give us a free nation’, adding that it is a day of pride, reflection, and, above all, renewed hope.

‘Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people,’ Okpebholo said.

Addressing the children and youths, the Governor who described them as the heartbeat of this State, charged them not to give in to despair.

‘Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you. My message today is simple: A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us,’ he concluded.

On October 1, 2025, Google celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with a special doodle on its homepage.

The design used Nigeria’s green-white-green flag colours and featured an eagle. When clicked, the doodle showed key facts and milestones about Nigeria’s history.

In his Independence Day speech, President Bola Tinubu said he is confident that Nigeria’s economy is recovering. He noted that the country’s GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter – the best in four years. Inflation has dropped to 20.12%, foreign reserves are rising, and oil production has improved.

Tinubu also announced that the government has shared ?330 billion with eight million poor households through its social investment programme. He promised more work on roads, power, and other infrastructure.

The President urged Nigerians to live in peace, tolerate one another, and work together, saying that differences are normal but should not stop progress.