Researchers warn that overfishing and environmental change are eroding the biological foundations of many fisheries. A new analysis reveals a global decline in fish growth over the last century. Scientists from Australia’s James Cook University (JCU) analyzed nearly 7,700 growth records covering 1,479 marine species from 1908 to 2021. The study found that growth performance has declined since around 1908, with the greatest reductions among commercially valuable species, according to a recent university statement. Helen Yan, who led the study as part of her PhD program at JCU, said human-driven pressures are causing large-scale changes in the ecologies and life…
Author: Newsdesk
As of 2024, HPV vaccines have prevented nearly one million cervical cancer deaths in 29 African countries, while the malaria vaccine—now used in 25 countries—is already reducing severe illness and hospitalisations. This assessment comes from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the WHO Africa Region, released ahead of African Vaccination Week (April 24–30) and World Malaria Day (April 25). Since 2000, routine immunisation schedules in Africa have expanded from eight to 13 vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines such as HPV and malaria are now providing critical protection for children, young girls, and women. Recent HPV campaigns in Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Angola reached…
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to exercise his constitutional powers under Section 174 by terminating what he described as an “illegal charge” against 36 alleged coup plotters currently before a General Court Martial. In a statement made available to journalists, Falana argued that the Attorney-General should discontinue the proceedings before the military court and instead arraign the accused officers before the Federal High Court. “I am compelled to call on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to exercise his powers under…
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has revised its timetable for the 2027 general elections, rescheduling the party’s presidential primary to May 23. The adjustment was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, following the 186th NWC meeting. Meseko said the presidential primary, initially slated for May 15, will now be held on Saturday, May 23, alongside other updated dates in the party’s election calendar. ALSO READ PDP unveils 2027 election timetable, form fees He confirmed that the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms remains open…
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for increased participation of girls in the digital space. The Executive Director of CITAD, Mr. Yunusa Zakari-Ya’u, made the call on Thursday in Kano while commemorating International Girls in ICT Day 2026. Zakari-Ya’u, represented by Mr. John Otaro, CITAD’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, said the event aimed to empower young girls with digital knowledge and skills. He stressed the need for inclusiveness in technology, noting that girls must seize opportunities in the digital world. “Technology is for everyone. We encourage young girls to actively participate, build confidence, ask questions, and…
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says telecom operators will upgrade 12,000 base stations in 2026 and begin compensating subscribers for poor service. The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the announcement during a breakfast meeting with the media on Thursday in Lagos. Maida said the planned infrastructure expansion is a major step in addressing persistent network quality and capacity challenges across the country. He noted that the industry made limited progress in 2025, with just over 300 base station upgrades, contributing to service pressure amid rising data demand. According to him, the sector has already recorded improved momentum…
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has intensified efforts to tackle the growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste), particularly from off-grid renewable energy systems. The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, said this during a strategic meeting with the E-waste Producers Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (EPRON) and the agency’s Sustainability Unit. Ajayi shared the update on his verified X account on Thursday in Lagos. He said the engagement focused on strengthening data systems, enforcement mechanisms, and capacity building across the e-waste value chain. “Consistent data gathering and sharing are critical to driving investment and informed decision-making in the…
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s impressive 91.45% aviation safety rating by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This was stated in a press release issued by Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga on Thursday in Abuja. ICAO is the United Nations agency responsible for setting standards and coordinating principles for international air navigation and air transport safety. Through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, the organization assesses countries’ ability to manage aviation safety risks effectively. According to the Presidency, Nigeria scored 91.45% in Effective Implementation during a recent audit debriefing at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. The…
The Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) says the nation’s economic reforms must now move decisively from stabilisation to policies that attract investment, boost productivity, and deliver inclusive growth. Its Chairman, Mr. Yusuf Olaniyi, made the remarks at the launch of the 2026 Private Sector Outlook Report, titled “The Productivity Imperative for Nigerian Businesses”, on Thursday in Lagos. Olaniyi said Nigeria had entered a “critical transition phase” in its reform journey, where macroeconomic gains must translate into tangible outcomes for businesses and households. He noted that while recent policy measures improved key indicators, including growth and exchange rate performance, they had…
The Nigerian Naira has maintained relative stability against the Euro, trading at about N1,582 per €1, as contrasting domestic reforms in Nigeria and economic headwinds in Europe continue to shape global currency dynamics. The exchange rate reflects a period of consolidation for the Naira following the extreme volatility recorded in 2024 and 2025. Market data indicate that the local currency has now established a firmer trading range, supported by ongoing policy adjustments and improved foreign exchange liquidity. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reportedly sustained interventions through FX auctions, contributing to a narrowing gap between official and parallel market…