News

By Anas Abbas

The Nigerians in Libya are grappling with a wave of arrests following escalating tensions linked to a disrupted confederation African Football match between Nigeria and Libya.

Reports indicate that individuals, including those holding valid passports and residence permits, are being detained indiscriminately in various regions, notably Tripoli and Teodora.

The Punch reported that a prominent member of the Nigerian community expressed deep concern over the emotional turmoil within the local population, suggesting that feelings of revenge may be driving the recent crackdown on Nigerians. “The situation is alarming; people are being arrested without any regard for their legal status,” he stated.

Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed the troubling reports during an official visit to the Libyan immigration office.

He emphasised that many innocent individuals are caught in the crossfire of these arrests, raising serious concerns about human rights violations in the ongoing turmoil.

The unrest appears to stem from a failed football match scheduled for October 15. The Nigerian team was rerouted away from Benghazi, leading to significant dissatisfaction among local fans and officials.

This disruption has drawn scrutiny from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), further complicating diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Libya.

As tensions rise, members of the Nigerian community are calling for urgent intervention from both Nigerian authorities and international organisations to ensure their safety and uphold their rights.

The situation remains fluid as community leaders seek to address the growing fears among expatriates living in Libya.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has voiced strong criticism against the stringent bail conditions imposed on minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement shared on his X account on Friday, Kwankwaso expressed shock at the arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force at a court in Abuja, describing the move as a violation of basic human rights and dignity.

He highlighted the minors’ apparent malnutrition and urgent need for medical care, arguing that these children should be attending school rather than facing legal proceedings.

Kwankwaso criticized the “cruel experience” these young protesters were subjected to, adding that the imposed bail conditions, which reportedly require a sum of 10 million naira and a grade 15 civil servant as surety, are “absurd” for teenagers.

He called on the government to redirect its efforts toward tackling critical issues such as banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and economic instability, rather than prosecuting minors.

Kwankwaso also referenced the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, stressing its mandate to protect children from all forms of physical, mental, and emotional harm.

By Uzair Adam The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that Nigerian troops captured Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo, a notorious terrorist leader, at Rumji Village in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

The arrest follows intensified efforts over the past week, which also led to the apprehension of seven key commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Nigeria’s South-East.

Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared in a Saturday statement that Habu Dogo was a wanted figure on watchlists in both Nigeria and Niger due to his cross-border activities.

The IPOB/ESN operatives arrested include Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha, known as “Chapet,” in Ihiala, Anambra State. In Abia State’s Umuahia South Local Government Area, authorities detained Mrs. Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr. Oyekachi Ohia, while Ifeanyi Eze, Augustine Udemba, and Onyedikachi Udemba were apprehended in Umunneochi.

Another suspect, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke, was captured in Orsu, Imo State.Major-General Buba noted that ongoing counter-terrorism operations are steadily degrading terrorist capabilities across the country.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has pledged to secure the return of minors from Kano who were arrested and face charges, including arson and treason, at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The 76 suspects, most of them minors, were detained during the August #EndBadGovernance protests, where incidents of vandalism, confrontations with police, and anti-government chants reportedly occurred.

Tensions ran high during their arraignment as some of the minors reportedly fainted while waiting in the courtroom.

Responding to the incident on his X page, Governor Yusuf stated that he has directed Kano’s attorney-general and justice commissioner to address the situation urgently.

He wrote, “My attention has been drawn to the court appearance of teenagers (some believed to be from Kano) in Abuja. The Commissioner of Justice has been instructed to act immediately on the issue. We shall do everything possible to get them back to Kano, in sha Allah.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Korean Embassy hosted a dinner for Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and his management team, strengthening bilateral relations and shared objectives. 

CGC Adeniyi praised Korea’s commitment to partnership, adding progress through collaboration. “It is due to our dedicated partnerships that the NCS is now engaged in data analytics programmes, in alignment with World Customs Organization standards.” 

Korean Ambassador Kim Pankyu commended Adeniyi’s dedication.  He said, “We are honoured by the Comptroller-General’s presence and look forward to further strengthening ties.” 

Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh thanked the Embassy for its support. 

“The Embassy’s support and willingness to partner are instrumental in driving our Service to greater heights.” 

The event affirmed Korea’s dedication to Nigeria’s customs modernisation and capacity-building efforts.

By Anwar Usman 

The Federal Government has said there is an ongoing plan to improve the welfare of minors detained over their alleged participation in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. 

This was disclosed in a statement by the Minister of Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Friday. 

Earlier today, there was uproar at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja after some of the arraigned minors fainted and a great number of them looking malnourished after being detained for three months. 

The court later ruled that they be granted bail in the sum of N10 million each, while the prosecutor asked the judge to remove the names of those who collapsed from the charge. 

While reacting to the development, Olawande said the ministry is “engaging with the ministry of interior towards finding out the facts of the situation and improving the welfare of the young people being held, not just in relation to this case but in correctional centres across the country”. 

He further added, “Please rest assured of the Ministry’s commitment to protecting youth’s interests and the welfare of young Nigerians, wherever they may be”. 

More details later…

By Anwar Usman 

The Federal Government has called on the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to call off their strike, which is now in its fifth day. 

This call was made by outgoing Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, who led the government delegation in discussions with the union leaders on Thursday. 

Sununu, representing new Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alaussa, stated that efforts were underway to address the issues leading to the industrial action.

Public universities across Nigeria had shut down since Monday due to the indefinite strike by NASU and SSANU, who are protesting the government’s failure to release four months of withheld salaries from 2022. 

During the negotiation, Dr. Sununu confirmed to the union leaders of the government’s commitment to resolving the matter.

He was quoted as saying, “We have reviewed the reasons for the strike and briefed them on the Federation Ministry of Education’s efforts to resolve the issues.”

He stated that discussions had reached an advanced stage and appealed for cooperation from union members to achieve a stable academic environment. 

The chairman of the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU, Comrade Hassan Makolo, expressed optimism regarding the meeting’s outcomes.

He assured that the unions would suspend the strike once their members confirm receipt of the withheld salaries.

“We had a productive discussion. By the time our members receive payment alerts, the strike will be over,” Makolo said.

He added that the unions are hopeful these commitments will prevent future disputes over similar issues.

By Anwar Usman 

The Gutenberg Prints Association of Nigeria has explained that Nigeria loses over N200 billion annually on printing books overseas. 

Mr. Adekunle Adebambo, the president of the association, said this during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja. 

According to Adebambo, Nigeria has the capacity to provide all the printing equipment needed in the country, which will in turn promote the much-celebrated industrialisation and growth of the nation. 

He called on the federal government and relevant authorities concerned to improve local production capacity and implement policies that would ensure a stronger and more vibrant printing industry in the country. 

“There is no year that Nigeria does not spend over to N200billion minimum in printing books abroad. 

“Most school authorities have made it mandatory for students in nursery, primary and secondary schools to buy books which mostly produced abroad. 

“We are appealing to relevant stakeholders involved to look into this issue. Because we cannot industrialise when we have opportunities and we are not utilising it.” 

The president called on the Ministry of Education to partner with Nigerian universities to establish bachelor and postgraduate degree programs in printing technology and management. 

He further added that “with government, stakeholders, and Nigerian’s support, GUPPAN believes that we can build an industry that not only serves our country’s needs but also enhances its standing on the global stage. 

“The time has come for concerted action to correct past missteps, uphold the standards set by Act 24, 2007, and restore integrity to the Nigerian printing industry. 

“We urge the media to support us in highlighting these issues as together we can ensure a future where the Nigerian printing industry stands as a pillar of professionalism, innovation and national pride,” he said. 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the briefing was organised with the theme” Industrialisation: The Role of Printing Business and Enhanced Printing Profession, Challenges and Solutions.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, today joined his counterparts and key national stakeholders for the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting, presided over by Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, was attended by state governors, ministers, and other essential policymakers to discuss and devise solutions for Nigeria’s pressing economic issues.

During the opening, Vice President Shettima highlighted the critical need for sustained collaboration between federal and state governments to implement policies aimed at economic recovery and sustainable growth.

The NEC meeting’s resolutions are expected to set a renewed agenda for tackling inflation, enhancing fiscal stability, and boosting economic resilience amid global and domestic pressures.

By Uzair Adam

The 2024 African Governance and Transparency Index, published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, has highlighted pressing governance challenges for Nigeria, revealing a steady decline in critical governance metrics.

Victor Okebe Agi, Public Relations Officer at the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, noted that the report placed Nigeria 33rd out of 53 African nations, with an overall score of 45.7 out of 100, down by 1.4 points since 2014.

Nigeria’s performance was particularly weak in key categories such as Security, Rule of Law (39.7), Participation, Rights and Inclusion (47.9), Foundations for Economic Opportunity (48.6), and Human Development (46.4).

Further analysis by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity’s Transparency and Integrity Index reveals systemic governance issues across federal, state, and local institutions.

These findings suggest broader institutional challenges and a declining national standing within Africa and globally.

The report warns that Nigeria’s governance issues—lack of transparency, inadequate public sector accountability, and inconsistent anti-corruption efforts—have far-reaching implications.

“The decline in Nigeria’s governance not only affects national stability but also deters foreign investment and hinders economic growth,” it states, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms.

The Centre has urged the government to address these issues by enhancing anti-corruption mechanisms, improving compliance with the Public Procurement Act, and establishing stronger protections for whistleblowers.

Moreover, bolstering judicial reforms and promoting inclusive policies are vital to restoring public trust and ensuring equal justice.

The report concludes with a call for increased investment in healthcare, education, and skills training, aiming to build human capital that can drive Nigeria’s future economic growth and competitiveness across Africa.