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By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has announced public holidays for the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations, while security agencies across the country have intensified measures to ensure safety during the festive period.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday declared Thursday, December 25, 2025; Friday, December 26, 2025; and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year. The announcement was made on behalf of the Federal Government.

In a statement, the minister conveyed Christmas and New Year goodwill messages to Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, as well as to all citizens marking the close of the year and the start of a new one. He described the season as a time for reflection and national unity.

The holiday declaration came amid heightened security arrangements ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The IGP directed the nationwide deployment of police personnel and assets to maintain public safety throughout the festive season.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, all zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and state Commissioners of Police have been instructed to boost patrols, strengthen visibility policing, deepen intelligence-driven operations and expand community engagement.

“In line with the Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements throughout the period.

“Specialised units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness,” the statement read.

Hundeyin said security coverage includes places of worship, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other crowded public locations.

He added, “Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been activated to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents.

“The deployed officers have been charged to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.”

The police spokesman further stated that commands across the country have been directed to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while collaboration with other security agencies has been strengthened.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has made drug tests compulsory for anyone applying for a job in the public service.

The move aims to tackle the growing problem of drug abuse and its effects on security and work performance.

The directive came in an official circular issued today by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

It orders all Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and parastatals to include drug screening in their hiring process.

According to the circular, all MDAs must work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to carry out the tests and ensure they meet required standards.

The government said the policy is a response to the “alarming rate” of substance abuse, especially among young Nigerians.

It warned that the trend poses a serious threat to public health, the economy, workplace safety, and national security.

The statement was signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information at the OSGF.

He stated that the administration is determined to safeguard the workforce from drug-related harms.

This new rule for federal jobs follows similar recent policies that introduced mandatory drug testing in universities and other sectors.

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.