Month: March 2026

APC Zonal Congress: Haske Highlights Leadership, Party Unity as Pillars of Democratic Growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Adamawa governorship aspirant, Abdulrahman Haske, has emphasised purposeful leadership and intra-party stability as critical ingredients for sustaining democracy and driving socio-economic development in Nigeria. Haske made the remarks on the sidelines of the APC North-East Zonal Congress held in Gombe on Wednesday, where party stakeholders converged to deliberate on the future of the party in the region. According to him, the APC’s internal cohesion has strengthened its position nationwide, attributing the party’s progress to the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He…

Nigeria Customs Earns Global Praise, Deepens Anti-Corruption Partnership with WCO

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its collaboration with the World Customs Organization under its Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme, earning commendation for its commitment to transparency and institutional reforms. This followed a high-level engagement at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels on March 23, 2026, during an official visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who also chairs the WCO Council. At the meeting, the A-CIP team briefed the Customs boss on the progress of its collaboration with Nigeria, highlighting key initiatives such as integrity capacity-building…

REJOINDER: SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT: OBO MOVEMENT’S BASELESS CLAIMS, A SCHEME OF POLITICAL DESPERATION

Emporium Reporters

Our attention has been drawn to a laughable and fallacious publication credited to a faceless group parading itself as the “OBO Movement.” This group, which is nothing more than a poorly disguised front for the failed political duo of Senator Ben Ayade and Hon. Legor Idagbo – have attempted to peddle a false narrative that the Senate seat for Cross River North Senatorial District is the exclusive preserve of Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanliku Federal Constituency. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a zoning issue but a figment of…

Nigeria Hails Outgoing Mexican Envoy, Seeks Deeper Bilateral Ties

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has commended the outgoing Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, for his contributions to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between both countries. The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed the commendation through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, during a farewell audience held on Tuesday in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary praised Ortiz for his impactful service during his nearly four-year tenure, noting that Nigeria–Mexico relations had witnessed significant progress, particularly in diplomatic engagement…

Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Bilateral Ties in Abuja Talks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, on Tuesday received Sweden’s Secretary of State, Diana Janse, in Abuja, in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between both countries. The high-level meeting focused on reviewing bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and regional security. Both officials exchanged views on expanding collaboration in critical sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and digital technology. Janse reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria, describing the country as…

New FCT Police Commissioner Vows Zero Tolerance for Crime, Promises Proactive Security Strategy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP (Prof.) Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has pledged a firm crackdown on criminal activities, declared that crime will have no place under his leadership. Addressing journalists during his inaugural press briefing, Sanusi expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for entrusting him with the role. He described his appointment as a mark of confidence and assured residents of his commitment to diligent and professional service. The Commissioner stated that he has officially taken over leadership…

FG Disburses N32bn to Boost Primary Healthcare, Targets 5,000 Facility Expansion

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of over N32 billion under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) to strengthen primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across Nigeria, as part of efforts to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare. The approval was granted at the 14th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting and the first quarter 2026 session of the BHCPF, held on March 24, 2026, in Abuja. The BHCPF serves as a key financing mechanism of the Federal Government aimed at ensuring predictable funding, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and expanding access…

CDS Pushes Border Synergy, Local Defence Production at JDWC Inaugural Lecture

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has outlined a strategic shift in Nigeria’s military posture, stressing that strengthened border security and indigenous defence production are central to the nation’s future security architecture. Speaking at the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) on Tuesday, the CDS said the Armed Forces are advancing deliberate policies aimed at boosting self-reliance and deepening regional cooperation to tackle evolving security threats. He revealed that the military is prioritising local defence manufacturing through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and other…

FG, Global Partners, Private Sector Unite to Drive Education Investment, Reform

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to attract private sector and global investment into Nigeria’s education sector as part of a broader strategy to accelerate reforms and boost national productivity, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, made this known at a CEO Breakfast Roundtable on Private Sector and Philanthropy Dialogue on Education held in Lagos. The engagement was convened under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), a key plank of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The roundtable brought together…

FRSC Records Zero Crashes as ‘Operation Safe Kugbo’ Restricts Over 300 Trucks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded zero road traffic crashes involving articulated vehicles along the busy Kugbo outbound corridor in Abuja, following the enforcement of its ongoing operation tagged Operation Safe Kugbo. The initiative, which commenced on March 19, 2026, has led to the restriction of over 300 articulated vehicles and trucks from operating during peak traffic hours, significantly improving safety and traffic flow in the area. The operation was conceived by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as part of proactive measures to reduce road crashes in line…