Month: December 2025

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani has formally signed the 2026 appropriation bill of ₦985.9 billion into law, marking a significant commitment to infrastructure and grassroots development in Kaduna State.

The budget, titled “Consolidation of Transformation for Inclusive Development,” strongly prioritizes capital projects. A substantial ₦698.9 billion representing 70.9% of the total is allocated for capital expenditure aimed at infrastructure, economic expansion, and improved public services.

Recurrent expenditure, set at ₦287 billion (29.1% of the budget), will cover essential government operations and services.

A standout feature is the direct allocation of ₦100 million to each of the state’s wards for community driven projects, a move designed to ensure development reaches the grassroots level.

Governor Sani emphasized that the budget reflects his administration’s focus on inclusive growth and tangible improvements in the lives of Kaduna’s residents.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe has announced an increment of $3m to the winner of the African Cup of Nationa that is currently being hosted by Morocco.

The winner’s prize of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been raised to $10 million from $7 million that was initially given to the winner of 2023 edition, following an increase approved by the Confederation of African Football.

This marks a significant boost aimed at rewarding excellence and further elevating the prestige of the tournament.

The 2025 tournament kicked off yesterday with a thrilling opening match between the host, Morocco, versus Comoros, in which the Moroccan team defeated Comoros with two goals to nil.

By Maryam Ahmad

El Salvador’s attorney-general has announced what he described as “exemplary sentences” against 248 members of the MS-13 criminal gang, following a major trial linked to dozens of violent crimes.

The convictions covered a range of offences, including 43 homicides. One defendant was sentenced to 1,335 years in prison, while ten others were each sentenced to several hundred years.

Authorities said the case marks one of the most significant legal blows against organised crime in the country. The mass sentencing forms part of President Nayib Bukele’s ongoing crackdown on gangs, a campaign that has dramatically reshaped El Salvador’s security policies and drawn both domestic support and international scrutiny.

Government officials argue that the harsh penalties are intended to dismantle gang structures and deter future violence, as the administration continues its hardline approach to public security.

By Anas Abbas

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, in partnership with MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, has commenced nationwide sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at a pump price of 739 per litre.

The initiative is aimed at easing the cost of fuel for consumers and supporting stability in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market.

The new price is being implemented across all MRS filling stations nationwide, covering over 2,000 outlets. The companies said the rollout is designed to ensure that the benefits of locally refined petrol are directly passed on to motorists and other fuel users.

Dangote Refinery commended marketers that have already complied with the new pricing regime, describing their action as a positive contribution to national economic recovery. It also encouraged other fuel marketers to align with the N739 per litre price to ensure uniformity and fairness in the market.

The price adjustment comes at a period of increased fuel demand, driven by seasonal travel and commercial activities. To address this, the refinery assured Nigerians of steady supply, stating that it is capable of delivering up to 50 million litres of petrol daily to meet national demand.

The refinery also raised concerns about possible attempts by some operators to create artificial scarcity or frustrate the price reduction. It urged regulatory authorities to closely monitor fuel distribution and take action against any practices that could undermine the initiative.

Consumers were advised not to patronise filling stations selling petrol above the approved price when cheaper alternatives are available. Dangote Refinery disclosed that mechanisms have been put in place for the public to report any MRS outlet found violating the pricing directive.

Reiterating its commitment to Nigeria’s energy security, the refinery said its pricing decision reflects a long-term vision focused on affordability, consistent supply and reduced dependence on fuel imports, rather than short-term profit considerations.

By Anas Abbas

Nicki Minaj has explained why she chose to publicly speak about the situation of Christians in Nigeria, saying her decision was driven by personal ties to the country and deep concern over reports of violence linked to religion.

The American rapper made the remarks during a public appearance where she was asked about her recent comments on Nigeria. She said the country is close to her heart, noting that she has long-standing relationships with Nigerians, including her pastor and many supporters.

Minaj said she was disturbed by accounts of kidnappings and attacks allegedly carried out against people because of their faith. According to her, such reports compelled her to use her global platform to draw attention to what she described as a moral issue that should not be ignored.

She also spoke more broadly about the importance of religious freedom, stressing that many people take for granted the ability to worship freely and safely. She urged the public to remember those who face fear and danger simply for practicing their religion.

Her comments followed her reaction to a statement by the U.S. President Donald Trump on the treatment of Christians in Nigeria. Minaj said her position was rooted in the belief that the right to worship should be protected everywhere.

The intervention has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming the international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges, while others argue that the issue is complex and should be handled with careful local context.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The controversy surrounding the reported alteration of newly signed tax reform laws has continued to draw sharp reactions across the country, as civil society groups, political figures and regional organisations demand clarity and accountability.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and several northern groups have called for an investigation into alleged illegal changes made to the tax laws, which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. President Bola Tinubu recently signed the laws.

Concerns emerged after some lawmakers, led by Sokoto lawmaker Abdussamad Dasuki, claimed that the versions of the tax bills gazetted differed from the harmonised copies passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In response to the allegations, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, set up a seven-member committee chaired by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Mukhtar Betara, to examine the claims.

Prominent political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last election, Peter Obi, have urged the Federal Government to suspend implementation of the reforms until the matter is resolved.

The Presidency, however, dismissed the allegations and maintained that the reforms would proceed as planned.

In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to release certified true copies of the tax bills received from the National Assembly, the versions signed into law, and those eventually gazetted.

The organisation listed the affected legislations as the National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act; and the Nigeria Tax Act.

SERAP also asked the President to instruct the Attorney General to clarify whether the bills forwarded by the National Assembly were identical to the versions assented to and gazetted. It further called for the immediate constitution of an independent panel of inquiry to investigate claims of material differences between the bills passed by lawmakers and the laws published by the Federal Government.

In a Freedom of Information request dated December 20, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said the panel should determine how the alleged alterations occurred and identify those responsible.

According to SERAP, the panel should be chaired by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal, with its findings made public. It added that those found culpable should face prosecution.

“The panel should have the mandate to establish the facts of what exactly occurred and identify those suspected to be responsible for the alleged alterations.

‘’The proposed panel should be headed by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria or the Court of Appeal. The findings of the panel should be made public. Anyone responsible for the alleged alterations must face prosecution, as appropriate.

”The organisation stated that publishing certified true copies of the bills and laws would allow Nigerians to compare them with the gazetted versions.

“Widely publishing a certified true copy of the version of the tax bills received from the National Assembly and a certified true copy of the tax laws signed by you would allow Nigerians to scrutinise the laws and compare them with the version of the tax laws ultimately gazetted,’’ it added.

SERAP warned that any unlawful changes would breach the 1999 Constitution (as amended), international human rights law, and the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Air Force has paid compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike that occurred on December 25, 2024, in Sokoto State.

Those affected are residents of Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

Speaking during the compensation exercise, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, thanked the Sokoto State Government for sustaining cordial relations between the Air Force and local communities.

He praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his inclusive development approach and security initiatives under the 9-Point Smart Agenda, with specific reference to the creation of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps.

According to him, the governor’s community-based security efforts have strengthened federal operations against terrorism and banditry, improved safety in parts of the state and underscored the value of effective civil-military cooperation.

Aneke explained that the airstrike was carried out under Operation Fasan Yamma following intelligence reports that suspected armed terrorists were moving through the affected areas.

He said the operation followed several intelligence checks, but a petition submitted in April 2025 later raised concerns about civilian casualties.

“A thorough fact-finding investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed and eight others sustained various degrees of injuries.

“The findings deeply saddened the Service and necessitated urgent steps to make amends,” he said.

The air chief stated that since he assumed office on October 24, the prevention of civilian harm has remained central to his leadership philosophy.

He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force exists to protect lives and property, adding that no professional military intentionally targets the people it is mandated to defend.

According to him, the compensation exercise was designed to console the affected families, promote transparency and accountability, ease tensions and bring closure, while also allowing the service to draw lessons to reduce the chances of similar incidents in the future.

Aneke revealed that the Air Force has continued to put structures in place to prevent and address civilian harm, including the introduction of the NAF Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.

He said the framework is intended to strengthen operational planning, improve assessments and investigations, encourage continuous learning and ensure prompt response whenever civilian harm occurs.

He added that the plan applies to both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with the protection and restoration of the civilian environment recognised as a key operational priority.

The air chief reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to the precise and deliberate use of force against terrorists and criminal groups.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States has unveiled a major financial commitment to Christian faith-based healthcare providers in Nigeria following the signing of a new five-year bilateral health cooperation agreement valued at $5.1 billion.

The development was announced in a statement released on Sunday by the US Mission in Nigeria through its official X handle. The agreement, formally known as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was presented as part of broader efforts to advance Washington’s America First Global Health Strategy.

“The United States signed a five-year, $5.1B bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to advance the America First Global Health Strategy,” the statement said.

According to the US Mission, a central feature of the agreement is the provision of direct financial support to Christian faith-based health institutions operating across Nigeria.

“The MOU includes approximately $200M in dedicated support to more than 900 Christian faith-based healthcare facilities, expanding access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health services,” it said.

The Mission stressed that Christian healthcare providers play a significant role in Nigeria’s health system, especially in communities that remain difficult to access.

“Christian faith-based clinics represent about 10% of providers in Nigeria but serve more than 30% of Nigeria’s 230 million people, often in underserved areas,” it said.

The statement further explained that the funding intervention comes at a critical time, as Nigeria continues to struggle with serious public health concerns affecting women and children.

By Uzair Adam

The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Mbale Campus, has honoured the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Professor Salisu Shehu, in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of education across the African continent.

The Daily Reality reports that the honour was conferred during the institution’s 34th Graduation Ceremony, held at its Mbale Campus, attended by university officials, graduating students, and invited guests.

At the event, the Rector of the university, Associate Professor Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, presented Professor Shehu with a plaque inscribed: “Your continued support spices our corporate growth”.

Professor Gyagenda acknowledged his role in supporting the university’s academic development and institutional progress.

Professor Shehu, a seasoned educationist and academic administrator, currently heads NERDC, Nigeria’s statutory body charged with curriculum development, educational research, and the coordination of national education standards.

In this capacity, he has been involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening curriculum delivery and promoting collaboration among educational institutions within and outside Nigeria.

The recognition by the Ugandan university reflects Professor Shehu’s engagement with higher education institutions across Africa and underscores the growing importance of cross-border academic cooperation in addressing shared educational challenges on the continent.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has assured Nigerians that the Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour recently recalled in France is neither produced in Nigeria nor sold in the country.

The clarification followed widespread public concern after reports circulated online about the recall of the product by the French authority, Rappel Conso of France, over the presence of undeclared allergens, namely milk and eggs.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency confirmed that the affected product did not originate from Nigeria and is not registered for sale in the Nigerian market. It added that surveillance had been activated nationwide to ensure the product does not find its way into the country.

The statement read, “The management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is aware of the recall of Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour by the French authority (Rappel Conso of France) on account of the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which may pose significant health risks to consumers with allergies or intolerances.”

NAFDAC explained that the agency had taken precautionary steps as a regulatory body to prevent any possible entry of the recalled product into Nigeria.

“In light of this development, NAFDAC has undertaken some proactive measures as a responsive regulator by ensuring increased vigilance actions to guard against the possible entry of the recalled product into Nigeria,” the statement added.

The agency disclosed that its officers across the country had received directives to remain alert and seize the product if discovered anywhere within their jurisdictions.

“Surveillance has been directed across all zones and states, and zonal directors and state coordinators have been mandated to mop up the product if found within their jurisdictions,” it stated.

NAFDAC further stressed that the specific Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour involved in the recall is not authorised for sale in Nigeria.

“The public is hereby informed that the Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour in question is not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for sale in Nigeria,” the agency said.

It also pointed out that noodles remain on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, a factor that limits the possibility of the affected product entering the Nigerian market.