Nigeria’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) database grew to 68.6 million in March 2026 as more Nigerians registered to link their bank accounts. This is according to newly released data by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). The figure, however, shows a slowdown in the rate of new registrations for the number compared with previous years, just as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced new rules last month. As of December 31, 2025, the BVN database stood at 67.8 million. The latest NIBSS data shows that the database grew by 754,128 between January and March this year. Throughout 2025, a…
Author: Newsdesk
Iranian authorities on Monday said that the Strait of Hormuz was never going to return to normal for Israel and the United States as the 48-hour deadline set by US President Donald Trump nears its end. Trump had threatened severe consequences for Iran, saying the US would attack Iranian power plants and bridges if the strait is not opened. Iranian armed forces have said they will respond to each attack with an equal response if any of its infrastructure is targeted by the US. A senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader has now issued a stern warning over global energy…
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group has announced $20 million financing for local champion SONOCO Group to help develop Guinea’s poultry sector, in a move aimed at strengthening food security, supporting local agriculture, and creating jobs. Agriculture accounts for 32 percent of Guinea’s gross domestic product (GDP), yet poultry production remains largely artisanal and small-scale. This has forced the country to import around 85 percent of the chicken it consumes. With domestic demand rising by 10 percent over the past five years, expanding competitive local production capable of delivering affordable, high-quality protein has become…
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has facilitated the return of three Nigerians who were stranded in South Africa, following a social media post by one of the travelers that drew the attention of South African authorities. The development was disclosed in a post on NIDCOM’s official X account on Sunday. The incident comes after claims by Just_Yemi (@YemiFirstson), who alleged that he and three other Nigerians were unlawfully detained at Johannesburg airport despite having valid visas and complete documentation. NIDCOM confirmed that the three Nigerians have now been cleared and are expected to arrive in Lagos on Monday. While welcoming their safe return, the commission expressed concern…
Police Command in Ondo says it has arrested a 23-year-old man, Emmanuel Usman, for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl at Ijebu-Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who made this known in a statement on Monday in Akure, said the case was reported on March 29 by the victim. “The victim alleged that Usman (suspect) forcefully dragged her into his employer’s office located along Ijebu Owo, where he had unlawful carnal knowledge of her without her consent. “She further alleged that the suspect threatened her with dire consequences should she disclose the incident…
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to investigate allegations of systemic efforts to undermine local barge operators at the nation’s seaports. The directive was made through a statement signed by Special Adviser to the Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola, on Monday. In the statement, representatives of barge operators alleged that “there is a coordinated and deliberate attempt by certain foreign interests to edge them out of business.” They warned that “these actions, if left unchecked, could significantly weaken local capacity and disrupt the balance of competition…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to stop all arrangements and publicity for the planned voter revalidation exercise. themomentng reports that the directive was contained in a letter addressed to RECs, dated April 4, 2026, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. All RECs were ordered to pause their activities and await further instructions from the electoral commission. The notice said the meeting of the commission with RECs, scheduled for April 9 at 11am, will now be held via Zoom. The development comes amid concerns from stakeholders, including political scientists and the opposition, about the exercise.…
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy says it has budgeted N12 billion to support research in digital economy in universities and research institutions The Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Mr Isime Esene, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja. Esene said that the government would, thus, host a three-day virtual open day to guide universities and research institutions on the National Digital Economy Research Clusters initiative. He said that event, organised through the Project BRIDGE Implementation Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, would commence virtually on April 7. He…
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed shock and outrage over a violent remark allegedly made by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, against Channels Television’s Seun Okinbaloye. The union, in a statement by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi on Saturday, described the Minister’s statement — “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him” — as reckless and dangerous, warning that it amounts to an attempt to intimidate and silence the media, and a direct assault on press freedom and democratic principles in Nigeria. According to the NUJ, it initially withheld…
The Amalgamation of Muslim Rights Concern (AMURIC) has described the recent wave of killings in Jos, Plateau State, as grievous and unacceptable, strongly condemning the tragic incident in Angwa Rukuba, which culminated in the brutal murder of innocent Nigerians, including a corps member, Haruna, on the eve of his Passing-Out Parade. AMURIC, in a statement signed by Ibrahim Agunbiade, noted that the circumstances surrounding the killing reflect the dangerous consequences of unchecked incitement, rising tension, and the spread of divisive and misleading narratives within affected communities. The organisation lamented that the victim was reportedly singled out and killed based on…