The newly appointed Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh, Commodore Chris Akokota, has declared an intensified offensive against oil theft and maritime crimes in the Niger Delta, pledging decisive action to end economic sabotage in the region. Speaking shortly after assuming command on Friday, February 13, 2026, the naval officer issued a strong warning to oil thieves and maritime criminals, stressing that the era of “business as usual” was over. He promised to adopt an “iron-fist” approach aimed at curbing illegal activities threatening Nigeria’s maritime resources and economic stability.…
Year: 2026
MURIC rejects 2027 Election Timetable, says poll dates clash with Ramadan
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the 2027 general election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the schedule as insensitive to Nigerian Muslims because it coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. In a statement issued on Saturday, February 14, 2026, MURIC’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, argued that the election dates could negatively affect Muslim participation in the polls. INEC had earlier announced that presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for March…
Troops intensify offensive, neutralise terrorists, recover weapons in North-East operations
Troops of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Operation HADIN KAI, have sustained aggressive military offensives across the North-East theatre, neutralised several terrorists and recovered arms as well as logistics supplies during recent operations. According to a press statement issued on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the successes were recorded under Operation DESERT SANITY V, a coordinated campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and disrupting their supply networks. In Sector 2, troops working alongside the Civilian Joint Task…
Tax Reforms Committee applauds CAC initiatives at 35th Anniversary Celebration
The reform initiatives of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have been described as pivotal to strengthening Nigeria’s economic growth and improving the business environment across the country. Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, made this known during a dinner held in Abuja to commemorate the Commission’s 35th anniversary. Oyedele commended the CAC for implementing reforms aimed at simplifying business registration and enhancing transparency, noted that such initiatives are essential to broadening the nation’s tax base and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He particularly…
Former DG NPC, Dr Kashim Akor Partners NPC to distribute free fertilizers in Kogi State
By Our Reporter The Former Director General, National Productivity Center,NPC ,Dr Kashim Akor NPOM, FNIM has asked the people of Kogi state and the country at large to return to full scale farming as panacea to Nigeria economic downturn. He made the remarks in Ankpa town on Saturday during the distribution of free Fertilizers in Kogi East to achieve bumper harvest, attract more attention to dry season farming and in preparation for the rainy season. According to the former Director General, the need for provision of the farm…
NASS grills Minister as zero capital release cripples Regional Development Ministry
By James Isaac, Abuja The National Assembly Joint Committee on Public Procurement on Friday expressed outrage over the non-release of capital funds to the Federal Ministry of Regional Development for the 2025 fiscal year, as the Minister, Abubakar Momoh, revealed that the ministry had not received a single kobo from the promised capital disbursement. The disclosure was made during the ministry’s 2026 budget defence session and review of its 2025 performance before lawmakers at the National Assembly. Addressing members of the committee, Momoh said assurances had earlier been…
Insecurity, economic fragility and the poverty of politics By abiodun KOMOLAFE
The title captures the interwovenness of economics and the social factors that define our well-being. It is a reality that any lender or partner must weigh when judging the true creditworthiness of a nation. This interrelationship must be laid bare; otherwise, what is fast becoming an intractable problem will never be solved with the systemic overhaul it demands. History shows us that over the last century and a half, a ‘war on poverty’ – to borrow the words of US President Lyndon Johnson in 1965 – is, when properly…
Valentine Celebrations: FRSC warns against speeding, drunk driving
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has cautioned motorists and other road users against excessive speeding, drunk driving, and reckless behaviour as Nigerians prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The warning formed part of nationwide safety measures announced by the Corps to ensure safer roads during the celebration period. In a statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC disclosed that comprehensive operational and public enlightenment strategies have been activated to minimise road traffic crashes across the country. According to the…
Nigeria Day to spotlight cross-border creativity at FInAB 2026 in Cotonou
In a move set to deepen cultural diplomacy and regional collaboration, the Empire Group has officially announced “Nigeria Day” at the 4th edition of the Festival International des Arts du Bénin (FInAB) 2026, scheduled for February 21, 2026, at Family Beach, Cotonou. The announcement was made at a high-profile press briefing on February 12, 2026, at the iconic Freedom Park, Lagos, with Victory Francis, Project Manager at Empire Events, representing the festival’s President, Ulrich Adjovi. Themed “Benin-Nigeria: Creativity, Cultural Power, and Regional Unity,” Nigeria Day will bring together Nigerian cultural…
Nigeria Customs deepens U.S. trade relations, introduces reforms to ease business processes
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened investor confidence and reinforced trade relations between Nigeria and the United States following a high-level stakeholder engagement with the American Business Council (ABC). The engagement, held on Thursday, 12 February 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together senior Customs officers, executives of American companies, and key industry stakeholders to deliberate on trade facilitation, dispute resolution, regulatory reforms, and policy strategies aimed at improving Nigeria’s investment climate. Speaking at the forum, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described stakeholder engagement…
