Month: January 2025

Police Clamp Down on Miscreants in Minna, 7 Arrested

Emporium Reporters

In a decisive effort to tackle rising criminal activities in Minna metropolis, the Niger State Police Command has arrested seven individuals involved in various criminal acts, including possession of weapons and illicit substances.   On 16th January 2025, around 6 pm, officers from the Kpakungu Division apprehended a suspect, Yusuf Yahaya, 19, from Fadikpe, found carrying a long sharp cutlass. This arrest followed ongoing operations targeting thuggery and other vices within the city.   The previous day, 15th January 2025, at about 12:50 am, the Minna Area Command arrested two…

IGP Approves Distribution of Uniforms, Kits to Police Officers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a significant move to enhance the welfare of officers, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the distribution of new uniforms and kits to personnel of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). This initiative is part of the IGP’s ongoing efforts to improve the working conditions and morale of police officers across the country.   The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday. According to the statement, this initiative aligned with the IGP’s vision of fostering professionalism and better…

NITDA,NFIU collaborate to Bolster Nigeria’s AML/CFT Framework

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a concerted effort to strengthen Nigeria’s financial system and enhance its global standing, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) have launched a collaborative initiative, Project Exit, aimed at upgrading NFIU’s Data Management System and Compliance Platform. This strategic move followed the Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) of Nigeria, which revealed critical gaps in data availability and statistical analysis, impeding the nation’s ability to effectively manage Money Laundering (ML) and Terrorism Financing (TF) risks. These deficiencies led to Nigeria being placed on the…

Dozens Feared Dead, Many Injured as Tanker Explodes Near Dikko Junction Market

Emporium Reporters

A tragic tanker explosion occurred on Saturday morning near Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, close to the popular Dikko Saturday Market along the Abuja/Kaduna Highway. The petrol tanker, which overturned and spilled its contents, erupted into flames, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries.   Eyewitnesses reported that several people, including a pregnant woman and a mother with a one-week-old baby, were burned to death while attempting to scoop fuel from the tanker. A traveler heading to Minna estimated that over 30 people lost…

NEPAD Bill: National Coordinator urges Senate to Fast-Track Passage for Enhanced Operations

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac   The National Coordinator of the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Hon. Jabiru Salisu Tsauri, has called for a collaborative effort between the legislature and the executive to ensure the timely passage of the NEPAD Bill. Tsauri emphasized that executive sponsorship of the bill would expedite its passage, enabling the agency to better deliver on its mandate. During the 2025 budget defense session before the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, led by Senator Nasiru Sani Zangon Daura, Tsauri…

Lessons from Ghana By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

Nigeria’s self-proclaimed status as the ‘Giant of Africa’ is being questioned once again, and a recent example from Ghana highlights this reality. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana conceded defeat even before the polls closed, showcasing a level of democratic maturity. This incident serves as a reminder that Nigeria’s claim to being a giant may not be entirely justified, considering factors beyond mere size or population. To begin with, a lot of what happened in Ghana was a stark and painful reminder that Nigeria is not a competitive…

Umahi Decries Inadequate Budget for Works Ministry, Urges Support for Road Infrastructure Funding

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac     Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed frustration over the inadequate budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Works, called on the Senate Committee on Works and Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plans to borrow funds for road infrastructure.   During the 2025 budget defence session at the National Assembly on Friday, Umahi highlighted the enormity of the task at hand, revealed that the Ministry inherited 2,064 projects valued at N13 trillion, which now require N18 trillion due to rising costs. He emphasized the…

IGP Egbetokun denies submitting Two Versions of 2025 Budget to National Assembly

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has refuted claims that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) submitted two different versions of its 2025 budget to the National Assembly.   The clarification contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.The controversy arose during the presentation of the NPF’s budget to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions.   Egbetokun explained that the police provided two versions of the budget documents: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version. Both versions contained identical figures and information,…

NASS hails NiDCOM’s performance,pledges increased funding and Diaspora plaza

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Joint National Assembly Committee on Diaspora Affairs has praised the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its commendable performance amidst limited resources. The committee also pledged to advocate for increased funding and the establishment of a Diaspora Plaza to bolster the Commission’s operations. The commendation came during the 2024 Budget Performance Review and the presentation of the 2025 Budget Proposal by NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja. Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs and NGOs, presided over the session, emphasizing the noticeable difference…

Local Governments to receive direct Federal Allocations starting January 2025

Emporium Reporters

The Presidency has announced that, starting from the end of January 2025, local government areas in Nigeria will begin receiving their allocations directly from the Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC). This groundbreaking move followed the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in July 2024, which declared the state control over local government funds unconstitutional.   In an interview with Arise News on Thursday night, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the Supreme Court’s judgment, ensuring local government autonomy…