The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the use of cash transactions for Nigerian pilgrims undertaking the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. This decision comes after Vice President Kashim Shettima intervened, urging President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the previously proposed mandatory use of debit cards for the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA). His appeal was relayed through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which had raised concerns that…

The Governing Council of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has officially dismissed a senior lecturer, Dr Usman Aliyu, following allegations of sexual harassment involving a married postgraduate student, Mrs Kamila Aliyu. The decision was revealed in the university’s official newsletter, ATBU Herald (Vol. 39 No. 5, 22 April), following the institution’s 96th regular council meeting, which was held on 11 April 2025. According to the publication, which was obtained…

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will soon begin. Edun made this known during the Nigerian Investor Forum, held alongside the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC. He stated that the recent changes in NNPCL’s leadership were part of wider efforts by the Federal Government to examine and reform…

Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently presiding over the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. In an unexpected turn of events, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Eke Ibas, was spotted in attendance an appearance that has drawn notable attention. Adding to the political intrigue, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All…

Air Peace has announced the suspension of all flight operations nationwide in response to the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

President Bola Tinubu has called on world leaders to show unity, courage, and consistent commitment in tackling the escalating global climate crisis. Speaking yesterday during a high-level virtual dialogue on climate and the just transition, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to driving a new approach in which climate action and economic growth progress hand in hand, rather than in conflict. “The globital climate emergency demands our collective, courageous, and sustained leadership.…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has signalled its readiness to permit eligible Nigerians without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote in the 2027 general elections. However, it maintains that such a change must be supported by amendments to existing electoral laws. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, said on Wednesday that the commission is keen on leveraging technology to expand voter access. Nonetheless, he emphasised that…

The Nigeria Customs Service has revealed that rice was the most frequently seized commodity in the first quarter of 2025, with 159 cases involving 135,474 bags valued at ₦939 million. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja on the service’s first-quarter activities. His remarks were contained in a speech shared with our correspondent. “Rice remained the most prevalent seized commodity, with 159 cases involving…

More than 72 hours after the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has entered the Novemdiales—a traditional nine-day period of mourning. The Pope’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, giving the faithful an opportunity to pay their final respects and start the process of electing a new pope. The pope Francis funeral, expected between the fourth and sixth day after his passing, will draw dignitaries, religious…

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate overhaul of Nigeria’s national security strategy, following a wave of violent attacks in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states. He gave the directive during a high-level security meeting with service chiefs at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday. Speaking during the over two-hour closed-door session, Tinubu condemned the continued killing of innocent Nigerians, describing the situation as intolerable. “Enough is enough,”…

Delta State witnessed a major political shake-up on Wednesday as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, parted ways with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The development, which followed a high-level meeting at the Government House in Asaba, was confirmed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon. In a related move, Senator James Manager announced Okowa’s defection, revealing that…

In a bid to revive dwindling enrolment and safeguard the future of teacher training institutions, the Federal Government has announced that all 18 Federal Colleges of Education (COEs) will begin the concurrent running of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and bachelor’s degree programmes starting from the 2025/2026 academic session. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Tuesday during a follow-up meeting in Abuja, reviewing outcomes from the…