A former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Lucky Irabor, on Thursday emphasised the need for Nigeria to urgently shift from a largely reactive security architecture to one driven by data, prediction and technology. Irabor spoke as guest lecturer at the 2026 Annual Lecture of the Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan College of Arts and Social Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, highlighting urgent security reforms. The former defence chief warned that Nigeria risks falling behind rapidly evolving threats if it fails to embrace artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies shaping modern security operations and global defence strategies. Delivering a broad…
Author: Editor
Nigeria’s Central Bank has signalled a tougher regulatory stance on lenders following the completion of a sweeping recapitalisation exercise, as it moves to reinforce corporate governance, restore investor confidence and safeguard financial system stability. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria’s induction ceremony in Lagos on Thursday, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), represented by Olubukola Akinwunmi, director of Banking Supervision, said the focus has now shifted from raising capital to enforcing discipline across bank boards and management. He described the recapitalisation as a “strategic imperative” rather than a routine regulatory requirement, aimed at strengthening…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power. The nomination was disclosed in a statement issued on April 30, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and is subject to confirmation by the Senate. According to the presidency, the move follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue elective office. The nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions. “His nomination is expected to further strengthen ongoing efforts to reform the power sector, enhance…
Nigeria’s palm oil import costs are climbing as tightening global supply—largely driven by developments in Indonesia—pushes prices above earlier 2026 projections. Crude Palm Oil (CPO) futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange are currently trading between $1,135 and $1,160 per metric ton, reflecting sustained upward pressure. The price rally is being fuelled by a mix of environmental constraints and policy shifts in key producing countries. Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, has confirmed plans to raise its palm oil-to-biodiesel blending mandate to 50 percent (B50) in 2026. President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is also maintaining elevated export taxes—recently adjusted to…
The Attorney Genera of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi has backed a suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over alleged constitutional violations. The Attorney General’s position is contained in a notice filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026. Defendants in the case include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the AGF, ADC, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord (A), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Fagbemi described his office as “the custodian and protector of the Constitution,” stressing its duty to support actions that enforce constitutional provisions.…
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has warned that immunization exercises must not be overlooked as he emphasised that it is a vital public health duty. He said that immunization exercises are more than a ceremonial event declaring it as a decisive step toward safeguarding children and communities. The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, stated this at the official launch of the 2026 World and African Immunisation Week held at the Primary Health Care Centre in Tunga area of Minna. He noted that every vaccine administered contributes to saving lives and securing…
Nigeria’s foreign-exchange reserves are on track to climb toward $51 billion this year, underscoring a steady recovery in external buffers even as global shocks and domestic political risks test the durability of recent reforms. At $48.44 billion as of April 23, the country’s reserves cover more than 12 months of imports, according to analyst estimates, reinforcing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) view that its year-end target of $51.04 billion remains achievable despite headwinds from the Middle East crisis. The build-up reflects a mix of improved FX inflows, stronger oil receipts, rising diaspora remittances through formal channels, and renewed foreign…
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Lamido Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), describing him as well-suited for the role. The confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, presented by its Chairman, Tokunbo Abiru. Abiru told lawmakers that Yuguda possesses the requisite experience and expertise for the position, in line with Section 8(1) of the CBN Act. He noted that the nominee demonstrated strong knowledge of financial and monetary policy during his screening and added that no petitions were received against his…
In the early hours of a typical market day in Owo or the quiet evenings in Akoko communities of Ondo state, political conversations are already shifting—long before campaign posters appear or party primaries begin. Across Ondo North, people are asking familiar but urgent questions: Who truly understands our struggles? Who will speak for us where it matters? In these conversations, one name is beginning to surface more frequently—Michael Abayomi Adeyanju. While the 2027 elections are still some distance away, his growing visibility is not accidental. It reflects a combination of factors that are slowly shaping public perception across the district.…
Indigenous Peoples and feminist movements have called for a rights-based and inclusive approach to the global energy transition, warning that current efforts risk deepening existing inequalities if not properly structured. The groups made the call in a joint position presented at the First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels held in Santa Marta, Colombia, where global leaders are meeting to deliberate on pathways to phase out fossil fuels. Drawing from global consultations and frontline experiences, Indigenous leaders reaffirmed their status as rights-holders and custodians of lands, waters, and biodiversity. They stressed that meaningful climate and economic…