Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said responsible and sustainable mining will play a major role in shaping the country’s economic future as efforts intensify to reduce dependence on oil revenue. Alake made the remarks while endorsing the maiden edition of the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA 2026) held at the Abuja Continental Hotel. Describing the awards as a strategic initiative aligned with Nigeria’s mining reform and economic diversification agenda, the minister said the solid minerals sector is becoming increasingly important to national development. “Our past is a story already told. Our future shall be written in…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
A Fulani socio-cultural group, The Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has questioned what it described as inconsistencies in the United States’ narrative on insecurity in Nigeria, particularly concerning allegations linking Fulani communities to widespread violence across the country. The group, in a rejoinder signed by Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado and made available to journalists on Thursday, accused the United States of adopting a “shifting posture” on Nigeria’s security crisis, warning that conflicting international narratives could deepen ethnic tensions. The group said earlier assessments allegedly linked to the US government had cautioned against portraying Fulani people as the sole drivers of insecurity…
A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Democratic Congress (ADC), Hawwah Abdullahi Gambo, has petitioned the party’s leadership and election tribunal over alleged irregularities during the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency primary election held on May 25, 2026 in Kaduna. In the petition dated May 27, 2026, and addressed to the ADC National Chairman, Director of Political Matters, National Women Leader, and the party’s Elections Petitions Tribunal, Gambo alleged that the exercise was marred by manipulation, voter intimidation, vote-buying, and procedural violations. The female aspirant, who said she was the only woman among four contenders for the Chikun/Kajuru…
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has deployed 2,150 officers and men across the state to provide security and prevent vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The deployment follows the Federal Government’s declaration of Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration. Speaking on the security arrangements, the Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, said the proactive deployment was necessary due to the expected influx of visitors, travellers, and residents moving within and into Lagos during the festive period. According to…
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that Nigeria is currently facing a high risk of importing the Ebola virus disease (EVD) due to ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. According to the agency, although no confirmed case has been recorded in Nigeria, the worsening situation in affected neighbouring countries, combined with increased international travel and cross-border movement, has significantly raised the risk of importation. The NCDC explained that the Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda have heightened regional transmission concerns, prompting Nigeria to strengthen its preparedness and surveillance systems.…
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to enable Muslim faithful across the country to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha. The announcement was made on Monday in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. According to the minister, the declaration underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of the spiritual importance of Eid-ul-Adha and its respect for the millions of Muslims in Nigeria observing the sacred festival. “This declaration affirms the Federal Government’s profound respect for the faith…
Nigeria’s economy expanded by 3.89 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The growth rate represents an improvement from the 3.13 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, reflecting continued resilience across key sectors of the economy despite lingering macroeconomic challenges. ALSO READ Nigeria tops fastest African economies to $100bn GDP in 34 years NBS data showed a broad-based, though uneven, recovery, with the agricultural sector posting one of the strongest improvements during the quarter. Agriculture grew by 3.15…
The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has dismissed a video currently circulating on social media that purports to show a protest outside the Sultan’s Palace, saying the footage is outdated and being recirculated to create a false impression of unrest. In a statement, the palace said the clip — which shows individuals gathered in front of the palace brandishing leaves — dates back to 2024, when nationwide demonstrations took place over rising food costs and worsening economic conditions. The team described the recent spread of the video as deliberate and politically motivated, aimed at undermining the peaceful relationship…
The Sokoto State Water Board has completed emergency repairs on a major water pipeline that burst earlier this week, flooding part of the city and disrupting water supply. In a statement issued on Saturday, the General Manager of the Board, Engr. Aminu Haruna Mika’ilu, said the incident occurred when a high-pressure surge from the main pumping station caused the pipeline to rupture, turning the affected area into what appeared to be a river.According to the statement, water was gushing several metres into the air from the damaged section of the pipeline. “We give thanks to Allah for granting us the…
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to hold all key monetary policy parameters at the 305th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting has far-reaching implications for investors, fixed-income traders, equity market participants and the broader financial system. With the Monetary Policy Rate held at 26.5%, the Cash Reserve Ratio retained at 45% for deposit money banks, and the asymmetric corridor left unchanged, the CBN has effectively signalled that the current rate environment is not about to shift dramatically in either direction — at least not yet. For every category of market participants, that signal carries distinct and crucial meaning even if the headline decision appears, on the surface, to be a…