News

By Muhsin Ibrahim

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has rejected allegations from a viral video suggesting that its fuel products are substandard. NNPC called the claims false and based on unverified amateur research.

The company stressed that its fuel is formulated for optimal performance and that a significant portion of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold in Lagos is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, which meets strict quality standards.

NNPC described the video’s spreading as a tactic by “economic saboteurs” to misinform the public and harm its reputation.

The company plans to take legal action against those disseminating false information and urges Nigerians to rely on verified sources for accurate updates.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian government has issued a strong statement dismissing recent accusations made by Tigran Gambaryan, an American official at Binance, following his trial in Nigeria for financial crimes.

The government describes Gambaryan’s claims as outrageous, defamatory, and misleading, urging the public to disregard his statements.

In a press release, the Federal Government clarified that Gambaryan and his colleagues visited Nigeria voluntarily, with no official involvement from the government.

However, when an alleged bribery demand surfaced during the visit, the Nigerian authorities swiftly launched an investigation, despite the absence of a formal complaint.

Gambaryan’s second trip to Nigeria, according to the government, was part of a broader investigation into criminal activities related to the manipulation of the Nigerian currency through platforms like Binance.

The statement alleges that Gambaryan and his team used tactics to obstruct the investigation, which frustrated Nigerian officials.

In October 2024, Gambaryan was released from custody on humanitarian grounds following high-level diplomatic intervention, which the Nigerian government claims resulted in tangible benefits for the country.

The statement revealed that Nigeria rejected a $5 million offer from Binance for Gambaryan’s release, instead choosing a more advantageous agreement with the U.S. government.

The government categorically denied Gambaryan’s retaliatory accusations against Nigerian officials, stating that his claims are baseless and motivated by a desire to discredit those who ensured he faced legal consequences.

They also expressed confidence that both Nigerian and American courts would provide Gambaryan with a fair chance to present evidence supporting his claims.

Until then, the Nigerian government urged the public to exercise caution and dismiss the unsubstantiated allegations made by Gambaryan.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning the continued detention and possible execution of Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu on blasphemy charges. The resolution, adopted on Thursday, urges the Nigerian government to immediately release Sharif-Aminu and abolish blasphemy laws that violate human rights.

Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by an Upper Sharia Court in Kano State on August 10, 2020, for allegedly composing a song with lyrics deemed derogatory to the Prophet Muhammad. His trial was conducted without legal representation, and his family has reportedly faced harassment and persecution since his arrest. 

Although the Kano State High Court ordered a retrial in January 2021 and later upheld by the Court of Appeal in August 2022, the constitutionality of Sharia-based blasphemy laws was affirmed, raising fears that the death sentence might still be enforced. His appeal to the Supreme Court, filed in November 2022, remains pending.

The European Parliament highlighted that Sharif-Aminu’s health is deteriorating due to inadequate access to food, clothing, and medical care while in detention. The resolution calls for his unconditional release, guarantees for his safety, and an expedited and fair appeals process at the Supreme Court.

The Parliament further criticised Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, stating that they contravene international human rights commitments, the African Charter, and Nigeria’s own constitution, which upholds freedom of expression and religion. It also highlighted that blasphemy accusations frequently lead to mob violence and extrajudicial killings, putting religious minorities at risk.

In addition to demanding Sharif-Aminu’s release, the European Parliament urged the Nigerian government to abolish blasphemy laws, impose a nationwide moratorium on executions, and take concrete steps to prevent impunity for those inciting or perpetrating violence over alleged blasphemy cases. It also called on the European Union and its member states to raise human rights concerns with Nigerian authorities and observe future legal proceedings related to blasphemy cases.

The resolution commended the recent acquittal of Rhoda Jatau and the release of Mubarak Bala, both previously detained on blasphemy-related charges. It reaffirmed that blasphemy laws should be abolished to protect fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.

The European Parliament’s President has been instructed to forward the resolution to the European Commission, the European Council, the European External Action Service, and the Nigerian government and parliament for immediate action.

By Maryam Ahmad

A groundbreaking congressional investigation has forced lawmakers to acknowledge a long history of U.S. government involvement in financing extremist organisations, including Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, the Taliban, and ISIS.

The findings, revealed in a classified report leaked to the press, outline decades of covert operations, indirect funding, and intelligence blunders that have inadvertently empowered terrorist groups worldwide.

The report details how U.S. aid, weapons, and financial resources intended for allied forces or opposition groups often ended up in the hands of militants.

It cites instances where American-made arms supplied to anti-Soviet fighters in the 1980s ultimately bolstered the Taliban and where funding to Syrian opposition forces found its way to ISIS affiliates.

Lawmakers from both parties have responded with shock and calls for greater oversight. “This is a sobering moment,” said Senator James Holloway (R-TX). “We must rethink our foreign policy strategy to ensure that American resources are never again used to fuel extremism.”

The White House has yet to issue a formal response, but officials insist that past mistakes should not overshadow ongoing counterterrorism efforts. Meanwhile, critics argue that these revelations confirm long-held suspicions about U.S. interventionist policies and their unintended consequences.

The investigation’s full findings are expected to be declassified in the coming months, raising further questions about accountability and the future of American foreign aid.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Nnamdi Azikwe University has expelled the female student that allegedly assaulted a lecturer from department of Theatre an Film Studies, which was found to be a gross misconduct and violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations.

The acting Vice Chancellor of the varsity approved the recommendation of the Students Disciplinary Committee that recommends the expulsion of Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious of Department of History and International Studies who brazenly assaulted the lecturer for being passing on her front when she was making Tiktok video and this caused the video disrupted.

The announcement of her expulsion comes from the office of the acting Registrar of the university and it says the expulsion takes immediate effect.

“You are expected to vacate the university premises immediately and return any university property in your possession”, the statement added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian National Assembly has approved the 2025 budget of N54.99 trillion, the largest ever in February, contrary to the usual approval time between January and December in previous years.

The budget includes additional revenue that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu announced from various sectors following the presentation of the national budget in December.

On February 5, President Bola Tinubu increased the 2025 budget presented earlier from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion, justifying the increase with the additional revenue generated by key government agencies.

The President sent a message about the budget revision in various letters directed to the Senate and the House of Representatives, which were read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in the session today.

The additional budget is a result of increased revenues, including N1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), N1.2 trillion from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), and N1.8 trillion from other government agencies.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has stated that Nigeria cannot achieve significant progress unless its tax systems are reformed.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), the Speaker noted the country’s struggles with revenue generation, adding that Nigeria ranks among the lowest in Africa in terms of tax collection.

Abbas stated that for businesses to thrive and the country to develop, there was an urgent need to overhaul the current tax system.

He explained that the House had recently passed the second reading of four tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he described as a historic move.

Abbas assured the CITN delegation that all relevant stakeholders, including the institute, would be engaged during public hearings on the proposed legislation by the end of February.

“I am one of those who believe that this country can never move forward if our tax systems remain the way they are,” Abbas said, stressing the importance of reforming the system to generate sufficient revenue.

He further pointed out that Nigeria’s tax system has not been restructured to meet the country’s development needs, particularly in terms of sectoral growth.

The Speaker also noted that the CITN’s goals align with the House’s 10th Legislative Agenda, and pledged collaboration with the institute to move Nigeria forward.

Earlier, the President of CITN, Mr. Samuel Olushola Agbeluyi, FCTI, mentioned that the institute would be celebrating its 42nd anniversary in February.

He highlighted CITN’s extensive reach, with 48 district societies worldwide, including in the U.S. and the U.K. Agbeluyi also praised the institute’s contributions to tax reforms, including the introduction of the Finance Act under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He further addressed the need for a strong attitude towards taxation, citing how the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) failed to remit adequate revenue to the Federation Account, leaving the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to intervene.

In his closing remarks, Agbeluyi stated that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the relationship between CITN and the House of Representatives, ensuring that both entities work together for the nation’s collective progress.

The CITN delegation included senior members such as Prof. Salihu Mukailu, Prof. Mohammed Okara Mainoma, and Dr. J.K. Naiyeju, a former president of the institute, along with several other council members and aides.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Bayero University, Kano, celebrated its 39th Convocation Ceremony, during which Kudirat Oyiza Abdulkarim from the Faculty of Agriculture was honoured as the Overall Best Graduating Student. 

With a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.92, Kudirat’s exemplary academic performance has made her a standout figure at the institution.

In her remarks, Kudirat shared insights into her journey, emphasising the dedication that fueled her success. “From my very first year, I was resolute in my goal to graduate with distinction. It was never an easy road, but I remained focused, dedicated, and consistent. Today, my dream has become a reality,” she stated.

Kudirat expressed heartfelt appreciation to Almighty Allah, her lecturers, and her parents, acknowledging their crucial support. “Their encouragement played a vital role in my success,” she added.

Looking ahead, Kudirat aspires to become a researcher, aiming to make significant contributions to agricultural development. She believes that Bayero University has been a life-changing institution for her and vows to represent it proudly.

Kudirat Abdulkarim inspires her peers, proving that excellence is always attainable with determination and hard work. As she embarks on her next chapter, her story serves as a motivational beacon for aspiring students everywhere.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs by major service providers, demanding an immediate reversal to the previous rates.

Earlier, the NLC and the Federal Government had established a 10-member committee tasked with reviewing the tariff hike and providing recommendations within two weeks.

However, despite this agreement, telecom companies proceeded with the price adjustments, leading the NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the tariffs are not reversed.

In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja following a Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, the union accused telecom firms of breaching trust and failing to follow due process by implementing the increase before the committee concluded its review.

The Congress also criticized the government for not taking adequate steps to protect Nigerians from corporate exploitation.

As part of its resistance to the tariff hike, the NLC has directed Nigerian workers and citizens willing to support the cause to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo every day between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from February 13 until the end of the month.

“All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens.

“We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025,” the statement read.

The NLC also instructed all its state councils to begin immediate awareness campaigns and mobilization efforts among their members and the general public.

Additionally, the Congress called on its affiliate unions to encourage their members nationwide to observe an “electronic silence” during the specified hours.

During the meeting, the union also reviewed the government’s ongoing discussions on Tax Reform Bills.

While acknowledging the necessity of fiscal policy adjustments, the NLC maintained that any new tax policies should ease the financial burden on Nigerian workers rather than worsen their economic challenges.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

Nigerian photographer Saidu Abdulrahaman has made history by earning a Guinness World Record title for the most headshot photographs taken in one hour. He successfully captured 897 portraits within 60 minutes, showcasing his exceptional skill, speed, and precision behind the camera.

Abdulrahaman, who hails from Yobe State in the Northeast, expressed immense gratitude for the support he received from fellow Nigerians, attributing his success to the encouragement of family, friends, and well-wishers. “This achievement is not just mine; it belongs to every Nigerian who believed in me,” he stated.

He emphasised that breaking a world record is no easy feat, requiring focus, endurance, and a strong support system. His accomplishment is an inspiration, proving that with determination, Nigerians can compete and excel on the global stage.

With this historic milestone, Abdulrahaman joins the ranks of Guinness World Record holders, setting a new standard in photography. He hinted that this is just the beginning, promising to continue pushing boundaries in his field.