The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) are proposing regular joint audits of banks, telecom operators and other service providers to address persistent failures in airtime and data purchase transactions. The proposal, contained in an exposure draft dated February 5, 2026, follows rising consumer complaints over bank debits without successful service delivery. It seeks to enforce clearer accountability across financial and telecom value chains, standardise resolution timelines and strengthen consumer protection mechanisms. Under the draft, the regulators will conduct compliance audits quarterly or at intervals deemed necessary. The exercise will cover banks, mobile network operators,…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday received the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin Anderson, and his delegation at the State House, Abuja. The meeting was attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, alongside the Service Chiefs. Also present was the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Keith Heffern. Discussions centred on strengthening Nigeria–U.S. relations, particularly in the area of security cooperation and regional stability. The engagement also reviewed ongoing collaborative efforts aimed at addressing shared security challenges across the African continent. Nigeria continues to partner with the United States on intelligence…
Pope Leo XIV has condemned the recent wave of violent attacks across Nigeria, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and calling on authorities to act decisively to protect citizens. “It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria, leading to a heavy loss of life. I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism,” the pontiff wrote on his X account. He added: “I likewise hope that the competent Authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of…
After God’s Heart Incorporated (AGH) and the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMACOS), Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni (1994–1999 set), have inaugurated and handed over a solar-powered mini community library to the Abeokuta North Local Government Area. The facility, located at Baptist Primary School, Ita Iyalode, Abeokuta, was delivered through a joint intervention aimed at improving access to learning resources for students and residents. President of the AMACOS 94/99 Alumni Group, Mr Moruff Adenekan, said the project reflected collaboration between civil society and alumni networks to address gaps in education infrastructure. He said the initiative was inspired by AGH’s focus on…
Nigeria could tap into the projected $650 billion global artificial intelligence (AI) expansion by strategically developing its coal reserves, a strategic policy and national development research organisation has said. The Galadiman Ruwa Center for Strategic Leadership and Communication made the submission in an open memo to President Bola Tinubu, urging urgent policy action to position the country within emerging energy–technology value chains. Speaking on the memo on Monday in Zaria, the centre’s founder, Dr Ja’afaru Sa’ad, said competition for AI dominance was increasingly becoming an energy-driven race, as major technology firms require large-scale, stable electricity supply to power data centres…
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has condemned the wave of killings and abductions that continue to ravage the nation. Years of complaints and unfulfilled promises have failed to halt the violence, leaving communities devastated and citizens wary of empty condolences that offer no real protection. In a statement made available to ASHENEWS on Sunday, and jointly signed by CSN Secretary General Very Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo and National Director of Social Communications Very Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, the church expressed “profound outrage and sorrow at the ongoing assault on human life and dignity.” The recent spate of attacks,…
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday joined protesters at the National Assembly in Abuja under the “Occupy NASS” movement. The demonstration followed the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, through third reading, with lawmakers removing the phrase “real-time” transmission of election results. Despite Senate clarifications disputing claims that electronic transmission was rejected outright, protesters insist the legislation must explicitly mandate “real-time electronic transmission” of results. ALSO READ Electoral Act: Senate to hold emergency plenary session on Tuesday ALSO READ Senate decision on result transmission threatens electoral transparency…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, as a foremost symbol of national peace and unity. Tinubu made the remark at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), held on Saturday at the university’s main auditorium in Ekiti State, where the Sultan received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration. Represented by the Sarki Fulani of Lagos, Mohammed Abubakar Banbado II, the President said the Sultan had distinguished himself as a bridge-builder and multifaceted leader whose contributions had strengthened harmony…
The naira ended the week on a stronger note at the official foreign exchange market, appreciating to N1,363 per dollar on Friday, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). CBN trading figures show the local currency followed a broadly stable but firmer trajectory throughout the week, supported by modest accretion of external reserves, even as the divergence between official and parallel market rates persisted. The currency opened the week at N1,384.5 per dollar on Monday, strengthened to N1,367 on Tuesday and N1,359 on Wednesday, before slipping slightly to N1,368 on Thursday. It recovered on Friday to close…
The naira ended the week on a stronger note at the official foreign exchange market, appreciating to N1,363 per dollar on Friday, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). CBN trading figures show the local currency followed a broadly stable but firmer trajectory throughout the week, supported by modest external reserve accretion, even as divergence between official and parallel market rates persisted. The currency opened the week at N1,384.5 per dollar on Monday, strengthened to N1,367 on Tuesday and N1,359 on Wednesday, before slipping slightly to N1,368 on Thursday. It recovered on Friday to close at N1,363…