NiDCOM applauds Nigerian Center for U.S. Department of Justice Accreditation

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has congratulated the Nigerian Center for achieving recognition and accreditation by the United States Department of Justice under the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Recognition and Accreditation Programme. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, described the recognition as a testament to the Nigerian Center’s dedication, credibility, and unwavering commitment to supporting immigrant communities across the United States. She emphasized that the accreditation will allow the Center to expand its immigration legal services, providing guidance and representation to immigrants, particularly those from low-income and…

Ministry of Interior launches capacity-building programme to strengthen Inter-Agency security collaboration

The Ministry of Interior has officially commenced a two-day capacity-building programme designed to deepen collaboration among agencies under its supervision and enhance Nigeria’s internal security framework. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Maina Tamuna, highlighted that the programme brings together key stakeholders to foster a more coordinated and effective approach to safeguarding national stability and unity. He described the initiative as a strategic effort to reinforce institutional cooperation in tackling emerging security challenges. Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed gratitude…

Nigeria engages stakeholders on raw shea nut export policy, affirms data-driven decision approach

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has convened a major Stakeholders’ Validation Session on the raw shea nut export ban, bringing together representatives from across Nigeria’s shea value chain. The session, held on 19th February 2026 and chaired by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive consultation, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking. Minister Oduwole thanked participants, including processors, exporters, aggregators, and rural women, for their detailed contributions, noting that prior submissions were carefully reviewed to ensure shared understanding.…

Defence Minister vows stronger support for Operation FANSAN YAMMA against criminal threats

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), on Wednesday reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security operations in the North-West during his maiden visit to Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA (HQ JTF OPFY). On arrival, General Musa was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General WB Idris, alongside the General Officer Commanding 8 Division/Commander Sector 2 OPFY, the Commander 1 Brigade, and the Commander of the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Group (NAF QRG). The visit coincided with the commissioning of newly procured Armoured…

₦58.19TRN BUDGET : Senate grills Finance Minister over revenue shortfalls, debt risks

Tensions ran high in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers launched a rigorous interrogation of the Federal Government’s economic team over the proposed ₦58.19 trillion 2026 budget, questioning its revenue assumptions, rising debt, and the fallout from last year’s fiscal underperformance. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Yayi, set a combative tone, declared the era of rubber-stamp budgets over. He summoned the President’s economic team to account for both the execution of the 2025 budget and the assumptions underpinning the 2026 proposal. “This is not routine oversight;…

Interior Ministry honours retired officers for meritorious service

The Federal Ministry of Interior has honoured a number of its retired officers in recognition of their years of dedicated and meritorious service to the Federal Government, describing them as key contributors to the institution’s growth and stability. The Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, gave the commendation during a send-forth ceremony held in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Minister praised the retirees for their commitment, professionalism and sacrifices over the years, noted that their contributions strengthened the Ministry’s operations…

Senate Committee seeks increased funding as Environment Ministry defends ₦65.96bn 2026 Budget

The Senate Committee on Environment has commenced the budget defence of the Federal Ministry of Environment as part of legislative scrutiny of the 2026 Appropriation Bill currently before the Nigerian Senate, with lawmakers called for enhanced funding to tackle growing environmental challenges across the country. Speaking during the session, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, underscored the critical role of environmental management in safeguarding national health, economic stability and security, stressing that sustainability remains central to Nigeria’s long-term development agenda. Fadeyi expressed concern over persistent underfunding of the Ministry…

AEO programme drives ₦362.79bn revenue growth as Customs hails compliance, suspends defaulting firm

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a major revenue and trade facilitation milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, recording a revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion among certified companies. In a statement issued on Thursday by Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada,National Public Relations Officer, the Service disclosed that revenue generated by 51 AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification as of October 27, 2025, representing a 29.68 per cent increase. The Programme also accounted for 21.77 per cent of the NCS’s total revenue collection…

Nigeria, Kenya move to revive Joint Commission as bilateral ties gain fresh momentum

Nigeria and Kenya have taken steps to deepen diplomatic and economic cooperation following a high-level meeting between the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Isaac Keen Parashina, in Abuja. The meeting, held on Wednesday at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored renewed commitment by both countries to strengthen bilateral relations and reinvigorate structured cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Nigeria–Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), which has not convened for more than a decade. Welcoming the Kenyan envoy, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for…

Nigeria, Spain deepen strategic partnership as Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu hosts Spanish Ambassador

Nigeria and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following a high-level diplomatic engagement between the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Spain’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Félix Costales Artieda, in Abuja. The meeting, held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, focused on advancing cooperation across key sectors including security, migration management, economic investment, legal collaboration, and cultural exchange, as both countries seek to deepen longstanding diplomatic ties. Welcoming the Spanish envoy and his delegation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the historic relationship between Nigeria and Spain, noting that…