Author: Newsdesk

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has ruled out the possibility of granting automatic tickets to serving members of the National Assembly as preparations intensify for its 2026 primaries, reaffirming its stance on internal democracy and competitive candidate selection. According to reports by major national newspapers, the proposal—reportedly backed by some federal lawmakers seeking guaranteed renomination—failed to secure support from both the party’s national leadership and the Presidency. While proponents argued that automatic tickets would ensure legislative continuity, opposition within the party has been strong, with key stakeholders describing the idea as inconsistent with democratic principles. Recent engagements between the APC…

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Nigeria’s onion trade with Ghana faces uncertainty after exporters announced an immediate suspension of shipments, citing persistent harassment and rising tensions in Ghanaian markets. The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) made the decision following disputes involving Nigerian traders, particularly at Kotoku Market in Accra. NOPPMAN President Isa Aliyu said the suspension was necessary after repeated intimidation and what he described as the unlawful seizure of trucks carrying onions owned by Nigerian traders. “Our members have faced sustained harassment and interference in their legitimate business activities. The confiscation of onion trucks is a serious violation that…

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Experts from the British Museum and the University of Oxford visited the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Legacy Museum to explore collaboration in preserving and revitalising Nigeria’s railway heritage. Prof. Paul Bagu, an anthropologist from the University of Oxford who led the team, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos. Bagu toured key sections of the museum, including the historic Old Running Shed, which houses ageing locomotives and coaches. He expressed keen interest in their restoration and emphasised the importance of international collaboration. “The NRC Legacy Museum is a valuable repository of Nigeria’s industrial and cultural history. There is…

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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a major drug trafficking syndicate following a three-week intelligence-led operation that led to the interception of cocaine consignments hidden in tins of palm kernel extract and the arrest of the cartel’s kingpin. The agency said the illicit consignments were destined for the United Kingdom, with the syndicate employing sophisticated concealment methods to evade detection. The breakthrough began on March 11, 2026, when NDLEA officers attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command in Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 3.10 kilograms of cocaine at the export shed. The drugs were carefully…

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Nutanix is partnering with RapidFort to enhance security across the Nutanix Kubernetes Platform (NKP), enabling enterprises to deploy and manage cloud-native applications with greater confidence and speed. Through the integration, RapidFort’s automated software supply chain security capabilities and near-zero CVE container images will be embedded into NKP, helping organizations reduce vulnerabilities, streamline compliance, and secure workloads across data center, edge, and public cloud environments. The collaboration addresses a growing challenge for enterprises scaling Kubernetes: maintaining agility without increasing security and compliance risks. By extending protection into the software supply chain, customers can adopt a proactive, secure-by-design approach while accelerating development and innovation. The…

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President Bola Tinubu has approved a N3.3 trillion payment plan to settle longstanding debts in Nigeria’s power sector under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme. The approval was disclosed in a statement signed by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday. The move follows a final review of legacy debts that have plagued the sector for over a decade and is expected to stabilise electricity generation and improve service delivery. The debts, which accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, were verified before arriving at the agreed settlement figure. The statement stated that implementation has already commenced, with several stakeholders in the power value chain beginning to…

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The Nigerian Air Force has released the list of successful candidates for its Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 34/2025 and fixed April 18, 2026, as the training commencement date. The announcement was disclosed in a statement issued by the Air Commodore and Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame. The development follows the completion of the Selection Board Interview conducted at the NAF Base in Kaduna between January 12 and February 8, 2026, setting the stage for the next phase of the recruitment process. The Air Force said the names of successful candidates have been published on its official recruitment portal for…

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Residents of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos on Sunday lauded the second 50 per cent food discount programme, calling it timely relief that eases household pressures. The first edition, held on February 15, saw widespread participation and significant benefits for many residents. Introduced by council chairman Abdulganiyu Obasa, the initiative allows families to purchase essential food items at half price within the area. In partnership with T.Topps Foods, the council offered discounted staples, providing relief ahead of Ramadan and Lenten observances. Residents said the programme improved access to quality food at subsidised rates amid ongoing economic challenges and rising…

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The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reported two separate fire incidents caused by electrical surges in parts of Lagos on Sunday. The agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale, confirmed the incidents in a statement to reporters. The first incident occurred at FESTAC Town Phase 2, where a single-storey building was engulfed in flames after a conduit wire sparked on the ground floor. Olawale said the prompt response of the LASEMA Response Team and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service prevented the fire from spreading to the top floor and adjoining buildings. “Fortunately, no casualties were recorded, though…

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The wife of Kebbi Governor, Nafisa Idris, has urged residents to use insecticide-treated mosquito nets properly to curb malaria. Idris made the call on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi during her investiture as the state’s Net Ambassador, alongside wives of local government chairmen, who were inaugurated as Net Advocates. She expressed concern over the persistent threat of malaria and called for collective action to eliminate the disease in the state. She noted that the mosquito nets, provided free by the government and development partners, would only be effective if used correctly. Idris advised beneficiaries to visit designated distribution centers to collect…

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