Month: May 2026

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force has started disciplinary proceedings against a police officer, Newton Isokpehi, after a video surfaced online in which he threatened members of the public who record officers on duty.

In the viral clip, the officer also warned that he could shoot passengers inside a vehicle if anyone attempted to film him while carrying out his duties.

Isokpehi, who claimed to have spent twenty-six years in the police force, complained about the welfare and working conditions of officers during the video.

“Any day I’m on duty as an officer while holding my rifle, let someone video me,” he warned.

“That oga who gave the order that police officers should be filmed, he will do your burial. I will kill anyone who films me on duty.”

Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the officer had been invited for questioning and disciplinary action.

In a statement released on Thursday, police spokesperson Anthony Placid said the command does not support threats, intimidation or abuse of office by any personnel.

Placid stated that citizens have the right to record police officers while carrying out lawful duties, provided such actions do not obstruct operations or compromise security.

“The force wishes to state unequivocally that the conduct and utterances exhibited in the video are unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the ethics, standards, and code of conduct of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement reads.

“Such actions run contrary to the ongoing reform initiatives of the Force aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has consistently maintained that members of the public have the right to lawfully record police officers carrying out their duties, provided such recording does not obstruct operations, compromise safety, or interfere with lawful police activities.

“In line with this position, the officer involved has since been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Command Headquarters where immediate disciplinary procedures have commenced.

“A formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures taken against the officer will be communicated in due course.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have apprehended a woman suspected of collaborating with Boko Haram/ISWAP in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources quoted by counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that the suspect, identified as Kellu Abba, was arrested on Wednesday morning at a military checkpoint.

“The sources said the suspect, a Kanuri woman residing in Lawanti area of Baga town, was intercepted while allegedly conveying supplies to her son, identified as Modu Mustapha, a suspected terrorist operating within the Dumba general area,” Makama said.

The fifty-year-old suspect was reportedly stopped around eight o’clock in the morning during a security operation in the area.

“According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect included four ready-to-use supplementary food packs, two hijabs and one wristwatch.

“The military said the suspect was currently in the custody of the 196 Amphibious Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.”

The report added that security operatives have continued their operations across the theatre despite the unpredictable nature of the security situation in the region. Troops were also said to be maintaining strong morale and operational effectiveness.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has announced that he will leave the club at the end of his spell at the Etihad Stadium.

The Spanish coach made the announcement in a statement released on Friday, which brought an end to speculation surrounding his future at the Premier League side.

“And what a time we have had together,” Guardiola said.

“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving.

“There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time.”

Guardiola will depart Manchester City after spending 10 years with the club, despite still having one year remaining on his current contract.

The 55-year-old ended his final season with a domestic cup double. However, City failed to retain the Premier League title after they played a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

Since arriving at Manchester City, Guardiola has enjoyed one of the most successful managerial spells in English football. He won 20 trophies during his time at the club, including six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League crown.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

Lately, I have found myself unlearning and relearning everything about being a woman. Having been groomed to be nice, kind, and responsive to all situations with a smile, tolerant, and to “be the bigger person”, new knowledge suggests there is more to being a woman, especially for young ones like myself.

While I am utterly grateful for the virtues of kindness learned over the course of my life, I have realised there is a thin line between character-building and the restrictive way women are often conditioned.

There is a persistent narrative, a “myth of silence”, that suggests a woman who is quiet, who tolerates everything, and who refuses to stand up for herself or others is the “good” woman. Conversely, the woman who knows her worth, identifies wrongs, and refuses to stay silent is labelled “bad” or “difficult.”

Many cultures across the globe have deemed it normal for women to be silent spectators: unproblematic, quiet, and devoid of independent values. But what does “unproblematic” actually mean in this context? Too often, it refers to a woman who remains silent in the face of injustice, one who endures whatever is thrown at her without a word of complaint.

On the flip side, a “problematic” woman is simply one who refuses to tolerate disrespect. She is the woman who sees a wrong and calls it out; the woman who speaks the truth regardless of who she might offend. We must confront the fact that this pressure to stay silent stems from societal expectations rather than religious teachings.

As a Muslim woman from Northern Nigeria, a region that prides itself on religiosity, I have seen this play out more times than fingers could count. A woman is expected to undergo so much and wear a mask of contentment just to be loved by everyone else, even if it means she stops loving herself.

If a husband is abusive, she is told to endure. And we must ask: who taught these men that abuse is acceptable? If her in-laws treat her poorly, she is expected to stay calm and patient until they “magically” change. If she shares her opinions or strives for self-improvement, she is suddenly seen as having “gone wild” or having too much knowledge.

Taking a microscopic look reveals why a plethora of women struggle to find themselves. They have spent so long pretending to blend in, trying to be “chosen,” and performing to fit a mould that they have forgotten who they actually are.

The truth is, there is beauty in simply being yourself. As long as you respect your boundaries and act within the framework of your faith and the law, it is okay to exist as a whole person. Since society demands “perfection” or silence, many women have perfected the art of pretence just to maintain the appearance of being “good.”

However, I recently watched a video where someone said, “The world doesn’t profit from women who are at peace; it profits from women who are constantly trying to be something else.” That resonated deeply with me. There is so much pressure on women to be more successful, prettier, or bolder. This pressure has turned life into a competition for visibility; women want to be seen, liked, and admired so badly that they lose their way.

Most women are no longer just living; they are performing. They are developing confidence, independence, and identity because the world rewards the show. A woman who is still searching for herself is easier to influence, sell to, and control. So, the societal noise gets louder, fueling more comparisons and more pressure.

In this scramble to be “seen,” many are quietly losing their spirituality. Again, this is not what Islam teaches. Women, like all human beings, should be allowed to live, to be included, and to breathe. Throughout Islamic history, women have actively participated in social, political, and economic life. They were never meant to be silent followers; multiple examples abound. 

A Muslim woman’s voice, when guided by faith, wisdom, and character, is not a threat to anyone. It is a strength, and when tapped in, the world could be a better place.

Rabi Ummi Umar is a corps member in Abuja. She can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially declared Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna the winner of its governorship primary election for the 2027 general elections, following a landslide victory in Gombe State.

Dr. Gwamna dominated the poll, amassing a staggering 247,161 votes to defeat two of the state’s most prominent political figures. His closest rival, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, finished a distant second with 12,120 votes. Former Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, came third with 11,612 votes.

The results, announced by the party’s electoral committee, confirmed that Gwamna secured over 90% of the total votes cast, cementing his position as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship race.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Presidency has dismissed a viral social media report claiming that President Bola Tinubu is planning to push through constitutional amendments to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern region.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the story as entirely false and part of a “dubious plot” by desperate politicians to create disaffection and stir political tension ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 2026.

The fake story, which cited anonymous sources, alleged that President Tinubu intended to send a bill code-named “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly by December 15, just weeks before the elections. It also claimed the bill would include other far-reaching constitutional changes.

Onanuga urged Nigerians to completely ignore the report, calling its purveyors “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”

“President Tinubu has no plan whatsoever to send any bill code-named Project True Federation to the National Assembly by December 15,” the statement read in part.

The presidential aide explained that constitutional amendments under Nigerian law are a serious legislative process requiring scrutiny, oversight, and robust debate. Any change to the constitution is not at the whim of the President or the National Assembly but requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.

Onanuga stressed that President Tinubu remains focused on entrenching and deepening the economic reforms his administration has embarked upon, as well as delivering tangible dividends to Nigerians.

He warned citizens to be wary of fake and divisive reports, especially as political campaigns gather momentum ahead of the January 2026 general elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Aina, who lectures Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, will take over from Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whose second tenure will end on July 31, 2026.

Oloyede first assumed office as JAMB registrar on August 9, 2016, under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He later secured another five-year term in August 2021.

At 39 years old, Aina is expected to become the youngest person ever appointed to head the examination body. He will turn 40 in July.

The appointment was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who described the new registrar as “a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform”.

According to the statement, Aina studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Kent, United Kingdom, where he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He also earned an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security as well as a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.

“He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School,” Onanuga said.

The presidential aide explained that Aina’s relationship with JAMB started during his National Youth Service year.

“Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining foundational experience in national admissions and data-driven institutional processes,” the statement read.

“These insights have shaped his ongoing contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.”

Onanuga added that the professor has spent more than 15 years working in areas connected to technology, governance and institutional development.

“With over 15 years of post-graduation experience, Professor Aina operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and institutional transformation, advising federal and state governments on system design, digital transition, and operational reform,” he said.

“At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest Computer Engineering professors and will now make history as JAMB’s youngest registrar.”

The statement also noted that Aina had previously worked with examination agencies such as NECO and NABTEB, alongside several state ministries of education, especially on ICT systems and examination processes.

“He has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB, and various State Ministries of Education, providing expertise on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.”

Aina belongs to several professional associations, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The presidency expressed confidence that the new registrar would deploy his experience and technical knowledge to strengthen JAMB’s operations.

By Uzair Adam

Women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kano were on Wednesday trained on plastic waste recycling and empowered with tools and cash support as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and improve livelihoods among vulnerable groups.

The training, organised by SFC Training Academy in partnership with the Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim Foundation, Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative, and Dube Charity Foundation, focused on turning plastic waste into economic opportunities for women, widows and persons living with disabilities.

Speaking during the event, the Coordinator of SFC Training Academy, Dr. Sani Hussaini, said the initiative was designed to integrate persons with disabilities into the circular economy through practical recycling skills.

According to him, many people living with disabilities are often excluded from empowerment programmes despite their potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

“We are here today to train participants on waste-to-wealth initiatives. These participants are largely drawn from persons with disabilities because they have often been left behind in many programmes,” he said.

Dr. Hussaini explained that the organisers secured support from partners and sponsors, including the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, who sponsored participants with working tools and financial support.

“He provided weighing scales, hand gloves, face masks, reflective vests and also donated N20,000 cash support to each participant. This gesture is highly commendable and the participants are very happy,” he added.

He noted that although the organisers initially planned for about 70 beneficiaries, over 135 people turned up for the training, describing the response as encouraging.

The coordinator further revealed that the academy plans to establish a database of participants and support the best-performing beneficiaries by enrolling their children back in school.

He added that the organisers also intend to connect participants with companies such as Coca-Cola to enable them combine recycling with small-scale beverage businesses for sustainable income generation.

Dr. Hussaini said the initiative was also aimed at addressing economic hardship by providing vulnerable persons with alternative means of livelihood.

“If someone can sell just a few packs of water daily and retain the plastic bottles for recycling, they can earn a sustainable income monthly. This can significantly improve their standard of living,” he said.

He added that the academy was established to equip youths and vulnerable persons with practical skills in cleaning, recycling, pest control and waste management.

“We want to take youths off the streets by providing this kind of training. We are calling on meaningful individuals and organisations to partner with us so that we can scale up these interventions,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the founder of the Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim Foundation, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Muhammad Nazir Zakari described the initiative as timely and impactful.

He said the training was particularly important because it targeted persons with special needs drawn from different communities and equipped them with skills and empowerment support to start small businesses and sustain themselves.

“The training and empowerment will help them to start businesses and become self-reliant. This is not the first time the foundation has supported initiatives like this,” he said.

Zakari expressed excitement over the turnout of participants, noting that the gathering reflected growing awareness among persons with disabilities about opportunities for self-development and economic empowerment.

He commended Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim for his commitment to environmental sustainability, social inclusion and improving the lives of vulnerable people through consistent support for empowerment programmes.

Also speaking, the Director of Persons with Special Needs at the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Binta Bala, described the programme as a laudable initiative capable of reducing hardship and promoting inclusion.

“To be sincere, this is a very good initiative. If properly utilised, it will reduce hardship, create jobs and strengthen inclusion of persons with disabilities in society,” she said.

Dr. Bala stated that economic empowerment helps reduce discrimination against persons with disabilities by enabling them to participate actively in community life.

“When your economy is balanced, you can freely mingle with anyone. Nobody will stigmatise or discriminate against you,” she added.

She noted that the Kano State Government had introduced several laws and policies to support the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, including empowerment and advocacy programmes.

The director recalled that the ministry recently collaborated with a development partner to train 169 women on recycling and waste-to-wealth initiatives, including 26 women with disabilities who were supported with starter packs and financial inclusion services.

In his remarks, Mustapha Usman, a coordinator with the Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative and member of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, expressed appreciation to the organisers.

“This is something very tangible that we have rarely seen in our community. It is an empowerment that can make people with special needs self-reliant and successful,” he said.

He prayed for continued support for organisations and individuals working to uplift vulnerable persons in society.

By Salmanu Isah Darazo

The decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria to retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 per cent reflects a carefully calibrated policy direction aimed at balancing inflation control, exchange rate stability and economic growth amid mounting global uncertainties.

At the end of its 305th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on May 19 and 20, 2026, the apex bank chose to maintain all key monetary parameters, signaling a continuation of its tight monetary policy stance despite moderating inflation indicators and improving macroeconomic fundamentals.

The decision comes at a time when Nigeria’s economy is navigating both domestic recovery and external shocks arising from geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has triggered increases in global energy prices and logistics costs.

For policymakers at the Central Bank of Nigeria, the challenge is not merely reducing inflation, but ensuring that the gains achieved through recent economic reforms are not reversed by premature policy loosening.

Inflation Still the Primary Concern

Although headline inflation rose marginally from 15.38 per cent in March to 15.69 per cent in April 2026, the MPC viewed the increase as temporary and largely imported. Food inflation climbed to 16.06 per cent due to rising transportation and logistics costs, while core inflation moderated to 15.86 per cent.

More significantly, month-on-month inflation slowed sharply to 2.13 per cent from 4.18 per cent, while the 12-month average inflation rate declined for the sixth consecutive month.

These indicators suggest that the aggressive monetary tightening pursued by the Central Bank of Nigeria over the past two years is gradually yielding results.

However, the MPC’s decision to hold rates rather than begin easing indicates that the apex bank remains cautious about declaring victory over inflation too early. Monetary authorities appear concerned that loosening rates prematurely could reignite inflationary pressures, weaken investor confidence and place renewed strain on the foreign exchange market.

By retaining the benchmark rate, the Central Bank of Nigeria is attempting to anchor inflation expectations while preserving confidence in the broader macroeconomic framework.

Reform Gains Influencing Monetary Confidence

A key message from the MPC meeting is that Nigeria’s recent policy reforms are beginning to strengthen economic resilience.

The committee repeatedly referenced exchange rate stability, stronger external reserves, improved monetary policy transmission and fiscal consolidation as evidence that the economy is better positioned to withstand external shocks than in previous years.

Gross external reserves increased to $49.49 billion as of mid-May 2026, enough to cover more than nine months of imports. This represents a major buffer against exchange rate volatility and external market pressures.

The committee also highlighted the successful completion of the banking recapitalisation exercise, which produced 33 stronger and better-capitalised banks capable of supporting economic growth and financial stability.

Taken together, these developments appear to have reinforced the confidence of the Central Bank of Nigeria in maintaining a steady policy stance rather than resorting to emergency tightening measures.

Growth Versus Tight Monetary Policy

One of the recurring criticisms of high interest rates is their impact on private sector borrowing, investment and overall economic growth.

At 26.5 per cent, Nigeria’s benchmark interest rate remains one of the highest in Africa, raising concerns among manufacturers and businesses about the cost of credit.

Nevertheless, recent economic data suggest that growth has remained relatively resilient despite the tight monetary environment. Nigeria’s economy expanded by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by growth in agriculture, industry and services sectors.

The oil sector also recorded stronger performance due to improved refining activities.

For the MPC, these growth figures may have strengthened the argument that the economy can still withstand elevated interest rates while inflation is being brought under control.

This reflects the classic central banking dilemma: tightening monetary policy may slow borrowing and spending in the short term, but policymakers believe such measures are necessary to restore long-term macroeconomic stability.

Global Uncertainty Shaping Domestic Decisions

Another important factor behind the MPC’s cautious approach is the uncertain global economic outlook.

The committee warned that geopolitical tensions, energy market disruptions and tighter financial conditions could slow global growth and sustain inflationary pressures across many economies.

Around the world, major central banks are increasingly adopting a cautious and data-driven approach, slowing or pausing monetary easing despite signs of moderating inflation.

The Central Bank of Nigeria appears to be aligning with this global trend by prioritising stability over rapid policy adjustments.

This approach is particularly important for emerging economies like Nigeria, where investor sentiment, exchange rate movements and external financing conditions are highly sensitive to monetary policy signals.

Implications for Nigerians

For ordinary Nigerians, the decision means borrowing costs are likely to remain high in the near term. Commercial bank lending rates may continue to constrain access to affordable credit for businesses and households.

However, the MPC believes maintaining policy discipline is necessary to prevent a return to severe inflationary pressures that could further erode purchasing power and destabilise the economy.

If inflation continues to moderate and exchange rate stability persists over the coming months, the Central Bank of Nigeria may eventually consider gradual monetary easing.

For now, however, the central bank appears determined to consolidate recent macroeconomic gains before making any major policy shift.

The overall message from the MPC meeting is clear: stability remains the priority, and the Central Bank of Nigeria is unwilling to risk reversing the fragile progress achieved through recent reforms.

Salmanu Isah Darazo is a publisher and policy analyst. He can be reached via Salmanudrz@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a new digital declaration platform aimed at speeding up passenger clearance, improving transparency in duty collection and modernising operations at international airports across the country.

The platform, known as the Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System (SCADS), was unveiled on Monday at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The Service said the initiative forms part of its broader digital reform programme under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the development followed challenges encountered with the previous passenger declaration system earlier in the year.

“When the earlier platform experienced operational challenges, we chose not to see it as a setback. We saw it as an opportunity to build something better, stronger and more efficient,” Adebakin said.

According to her, the SCADS platform will enable inbound international passengers to declare baggage and dutiable goods before arriving in Nigeria. She said the process is expected to reduce delays and ease congestion at airport terminals.

Adebakin explained that the platform would automate revenue assessment by relying on the quantity, category and actual value of goods declared by passengers.

“For passengers, this system creates the opportunity for advance declaration before arrival. It means faster clearance, easier compliance and smoother movement through our airports,” she stated.

She also said the system would improve accountability in Customs revenue generation through data-based assessments.

“When we talk about revenue collection, it is not about collecting more or less. It is about collecting the right revenue. With this system, assessment will now be more objective, accurate and driven by data,” she added.

Customs Area Controller of the FCT Area Command, Comptroller Victoria Alibo, said the choice of Abuja for the pilot phase reflected confidence in the command’s operational capacity.

She explained that the new system integrates passenger baggage and e-commerce declarations into a single digital structure designed to meet international operational standards.

“SCADS is designed to simplify declarations, reduce clearance time, eliminate manual bottlenecks and align our operations with international standards,” Alibo noted.

Alibo disclosed that the pilot phase of the initiative would run from May 18 to May 22, 2026. She said the period would allow Customs officers and technical teams to test the system before its deployment across the country.

Senior Customs officers, representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), government agencies and stakeholders in the aviation sector attended the launch ceremony in Abuja.