Nigeria

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a public notice announcing a nationwide crackdown on unregistered Point of Sale (PoS) operators, with enforcement set to begin on 1 January 2026.

According to the statement, the Commission observed a rapid rise in PoS agents operating without proper registration—an act that violates the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 as well as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Agent Banking Regulations. The CAC described the trend as a reckless practice that exposes Nigeria’s financial system and citizens’ investments to significant risks, allegedly aided by some fintech companies.

From the effective date, no PoS operator will be allowed to run without CAC certification. Security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance, including seizing or shutting down unregistered PoS terminals. Fintech companies found enabling such illegal operations will be placed on a watchlist and reported to the CBN.

The Commission urged all PoS operators to regularize their business registrations immediately, stressing that compliance is mandatory. The notice was signed by CAC Management on 6 December 2025.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A pregnant woman identified as Aisha Najamu has died at the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital in Katsina State after a health worker allegedly refused to accept a bank transfer for oxygen, insisting on cash payment.

The incident reportedly happened on Monday. The woman was said to have been rushed to the hospital in a life-threatening condition and required oxygen immediately.

A popular Nigerian TV station reported on Friday that an eyewitness claimed the cashier on duty declined to process the payment because the patient did not have cash.

The witness said the cashier told them that “the hospital’s internal rule” did not allow bank transfers.

A man who attempted to intervene allegedly begged the cashier to take a transfer since the woman needed urgent help.

According to the report, the cashier insisted that “hospital policy strictly forbade bank transfers and that staff must abide by the directive.”

The eyewitness added that he offered to add extra money out of sympathy. He later presented a $100 note to settle the bill, yet the cashier still refused to accept the payment. He described the moment as heartbreaking and said the woman cried for help until she passed away around 11:30 p.m.

Hospital authorities, when reached for comment, said they had not received a formal complaint from the public about the matter.

The hospital’s representative, Cashier Aminu Kofar-Bai, extended condolences to the family and stated that management would reach out to them.

He also promised an investigation into the conduct of any staff member who might be responsible.However, hospital officials defended their payment system.

They maintained that the Katsina State Government’s TSA guidelines prevent staff from accepting bank transfers into personal accounts. They also explained that the hospital lacks POS machines and operates strictly on cash transactions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has renewed calls for a stronger embrace of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the country’s education system.

Prof. Shehu made the appeal during the AI in-Practice Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025.

He thanked the organizers and participants, saying the gathering showed a shared national resolve to upgrade teaching and learning through new technological tools.

He explained that NERDC has made notable progress in introducing AI-related skills and concepts into the updated Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum.

He restated the Council’s commitment to expanding innovation driven by AI within the school system.

According to him, the revised curriculum now features vital digital knowledge areas such as coding, programming, artificial intelligence and robotics, among others.

He said these additions are aimed at preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in a fast-changing digital era.

Prof. Shehu also commended the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for its steady partnership with NERDC in producing the Digital Literacy Curriculum for Basic Education.

He praised NITDA for helping shape the country’s digital learning framework and stressed the need to strengthen this cooperation.

He appealed to NITDA to widen its collaboration with NERDC, especially as the Digital Literacy Curriculum and the Digital Technologies Curriculum move into the implementation phase.

He pointed out that developing a curriculum is a major step, but effective delivery calls for continuous teamwork, capacity enhancement, infrastructure and coordinated support at national level.

The Executive Secretary attended the forum with his Special Assistant (Technical), Dr. Garba Gandu, and the Head of the Policy and Programmes Unit, Dr. Oladiran Famade. Both officials were acknowledged for playing key roles in NERDC’s digital advancement efforts.

The AI in-Practice Forum brought together specialists, government representatives, educators and technology stakeholders.

The event focused on practical measures for expanding AI use in Nigerian schools and added to ongoing efforts to prepare learners for the demands of the future.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru earlier this week.

The former Jigawa State governor stepped down amid worsening security challenges across the country.

Upon accepting his resignation, President Tinubu promptly nominated General Musa and sent his name to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.

General Musa appeared before the Senate on Wednesday, where he was extensively questioned by lawmakers on security matters before being cleared and confirmed.

At a brief but solemn ceremony, President Tinubu urged the new minister to leverage his extensive operational experience, strategic depth, and institutional knowledge of the Armed Forces to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture.

He emphasised that the ministry must prioritise synergy among the services, accelerate reforms, and sustain momentum in ongoing joint operations.

The President also highlighted the need for transparency in procurement, improved welfare for personnel, and deeper inter-agency cooperation.

General Musa, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Chief of Defence Staff until June, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced officers of his generation.

He commanded counterterrorism operations in the North-East and provided strategic oversight for nationwide military engagements.

He pledged total commitment to the President’s vision for a safer and more stable Nigeria, promising to work tirelessly to enhance operational efficiency, modernise defence capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with regional and international allies.

“We will not relent. We will sustain the pressure on the enemies of the state and ensure that peace returns to every community,” he said, stressing the importance of troop morale, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with local communities.

Following the induction, senior government officials, including the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and members of the Federal Executive Council, congratulated the new minister, expressing confidence that his appointment signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s security management.

General Musa is expected to hold inaugural briefings with service chiefs and top ministry officials in the coming days as he begins reshaping Nigeria’s defence priorities for the years ahead.

By Uzair Adam

The governor of Zamfara State has intensified efforts to secure major political concessions from the federal government as part of conditions for his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with the development said the governor is seeking full control of the APC structure in Zamfara ahead of his anticipated move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

He was said to have held a strategic meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Paris, France, alongside the governors of Enugu and Taraba states.

At the meeting, he reportedly expressed willingness to join the APC if his demands were met.

The Paris meeting, held months ago at the Peninsula Hotel, was described as a turning point, prompting the governor to return home and tighten his conditions for defection.

Insiders alleged that he has consistently pressed the Presidency to remove the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and hand over the APC structure in Zamfara to him as part of the deal.

The resignation of Mohammed Badaru as Minister of Defence was said to have renewed the governor’s push, with reports suggesting he urged the Presidency to act swiftly in easing Matawalle out of the cabinet.

Political analysts say the governor’s demands reflect his desire to secure full influence within the APC if he eventually joins the party.

There are also claims that the governor is receiving backing from certain security quarters to facilitate reports capable of weakening Matawalle’s standing in government.

Sources alleged that once the minister is removed, the governor plans to mobilise his PDP structure and loyalists into the APC to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.

Observers note that the governor sees Matawalle as a major obstacle to his political ambition, especially within the northwest.

Matawalle has recently gained recognition for key security interventions, including the rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and efforts to restore peace in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara.

The unfolding power struggle now signals a potentially significant realignment in Zamfara and the wider northwest as both figures compete for control, influence, and relevance ahead of future elections.

By Uzair Adam

Former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has refuted claims suggesting he left the President Bola Tinubu administration because of alleged cooperation between Nigeria and the Donald Trump–led US government regarding accusations of genocide against Christians in the country.

He dismissed the reports in an electronically signed statement titled, “Rejoinder: Categorical Denial Of Malicious Publication Regarding My Resignation As Minister of Defence.”

According to him, a circulating online publication falsely alleged he stepped down because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.”

He described the claim as malicious and baseless, insisting it neither originated from him nor from anyone authorised to speak on his behalf.

He said the motive behind the fabricated story was to damage his reputation, create unnecessary tension between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and distract from ongoing governance efforts.

The former minister noted that the genuine reasons for his resignation were formally communicated to the President and subsequently made public through conventional and social media.

He added that any attempts to suggest an inflammatory motive were the work of mischief makers.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, the APC leadership, and Nigerians, maintaining his commitment to national peace and stability as well as the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also restated his support for the ruling party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

By Dr Salisu Uba FCIPS

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) has approved a new membership fee structure for Nigeria, allowing procurement professionals to pay in Naira from 1 December 2025. The decision includes a reduction in fees, marking a significant shift for one of the largest professional communities within the institute.

The change follows years of rising financial pressure linked to foreign currency payments, which many practitioners said had limited access to professional qualifications and continuous development.

Local Currency Move Seen as Major Relief

Nigerian members have long argued that payment in foreign currency placed an unnecessary strain on practitioners working in an economy affected by inflation and exchange rate volatility. The shift to Naira is expected to broaden access to certification and support career progression for early and mid-level professionals.

The announcement was delivered by the CIPS Nigeria Country Director, Chukwudi Uche, at the institute’s Port Harcourt symposium in late November. The event brought together industry leaders to discuss supply chain collaboration and tax policy.

A Step with Wider Professional Consequences

CIPS, regarded as the global benchmark for procurement standards, plays a central role in shaping skills, ethics, and governance across the profession. Its qualifications are commonly required for senior roles across the public and private sectors, and its code of conduct is widely used to guide responsible practice.

In Nigeria, CIPS has been instrumental in supporting capacity building, improving transparency, and raising the overall standard of procurement governance. The institute has worked with government agencies, private sector organisations, and development partners to improve processes and strengthen accountability.

Industry experts say the latest decision could encourage greater participation in formal training programmes and increase the number of qualified professionals available to organisations that rely on strong procurement governance.

Procurement’s Role in National Development

Procurement plays a direct role in national development by shaping how public funds are spent and how essential goods and services are delivered. Poor procurement decisions can delay infrastructure, inflate project costs, and weaken accountability. Strong procurement systems support industrial growth, improve public services, and help build competitive local supply chains.

A more accessible professional pathway through CIPS is expected to expand the pool of trained experts who can support national development goals. This includes improved contract management, better risk control, and more effective engagement with local suppliers.

Integrity and Expertise Seen as Priorities

With the revised fee structure now in place, I hope to see more organisations and individual practitioners in Nigeria work closely with qualified experts to protect the integrity of procurement systems. Both public and private sector projects rely heavily on competent professionals who understand governance, ethics, and value-for-money. Strengthening professional capability is essential if Nigeria is to reduce waste, improve transparency, and support long-term development.

A Community Achievement

The fee revision is the result of extensive engagement across the Nigerian membership base. The leadership of Ben Farrell and Sam Achampong has been widely acknowledged, along with the contributions of members who have advocated for reform through various channels. The CIPS Nigeria Country Office has also played a central role in pushing for the change.

More information on the revised fees is expected to be released by CIPS in the coming days.

Dr Salisu Uba is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply and the Chief Executive Officer of NatQuest, a leading technology-enabled supply chain company.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Kebbi State Police Command have arrested a 25-year-old woman allegedly kidnapping a four-years-old friend’s son, Abdulmumini Surajo, demanding a ransom of 5 million Naira from his family.

A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, has post on his X account that the boy was avowed missing 26th November, 2025.

Zagazola stated that hours after the missing of the boy, his father received a call from an unfamiliar number with a female’s voice demanding a ransom of ₦5 million.

According to the analyst, the number was traced by police detectives and found that the user’s name is Muhammad which hunted and arrested.

He wrote, “The victim, Abdulmumini Surajo, went missing on November 26, 2025. Later that day, the father received a call from an unknown female voice demanding a ransom of five million naira (N5,000,000). Police detectives traced the call and identified the caller as Maryam Muhammad, 25, a married woman from the same area.”

Makama added that after the woman was arrested, she was also reportedly confessed to the abduction.

The child was rescued unharmed by the police operatives by 6:08 pm in Mahuta of Fakai Local Government are of the state where the suspect allegedly kept him.

Confirming the incident when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafi’u Abubakar, on Monday, has said, “The suspect had a misunderstanding with the mother of the boy and decided to retaliate by kidnapping him. She is currently in our custody, and an investigation is ongoing.”

This development is coming amid the wave of security tensions in the state where female students were abducted after bandits stormed and raided a girl’s secondary school in the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani has presented a N985.9 billion budget estimate for the 2026 fiscal year to the Kaduna State House of Assembly, focusing on sustaining development across critical sectors.

Titled a budget of “renewal, resilience and long-term vision,” the proposal allocates 71% to capital expenditure and 29% to recurrent spending.

Key sectors like Education and Infrastructure each receive 25% of the total, while Health gets 15%, and Agriculture 11%.

Highlighting past achievements, Governor Sani stated that his administration has completed 64 of 140 initiated road projects, covering over 1,335 kilometers.

He also noted the introduction of Northern Nigeria’s first Bus Rapid Transit system in Kaduna, which has reportedly saved citizens over N500 million in transport costs.

In education, the government said it reopened 535 schools, returning over 300,000 children to classrooms, alongside massive construction and renovation of facilities.

The health sector is seeing upgrades to all 255 Primary Healthcare Centres and major work on 15 General Hospitals.

A significant highlight was the increase in agriculture investment from N1.4 billion in 2023 to N74.2 billion in 2025, which included the distribution of free fertilizer to farmers.

The Governor also emphasized fiscal prudence, stating that no new loans have been contracted since taking office, despite paying N114.9 billion in debt servicing.

Furthermore, the administration’s community development initiative saw N100 million allocated to each of the state’s 255 wards for participatory projects.

The 2026 budget now awaits the scrutiny and approval of the State House of Assembly.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has expressed concern over the resurgence of commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as Achaba, vowing decisive measures to protect residents and their property.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, revealed in a statement on Sunday that intelligence reports confirm the return of Achaba activities in several areas of Kano metropolis and surrounding border communities.

“Despite the longstanding ban, some individuals are now operating motorcycles as commercial operators in parts of the state, creating security challenges that cannot be ignored,” Waiya said.

He assured that the government is collaborating closely with security agencies to contain the threat, noting that all necessary support has been provided to ensure their operations are effective and professional.

“Our security agencies are fully on top of the situation. We remain committed to deploying any additional assistance required to protect the lives and property of Kano residents,” the commissioner emphasized.

Addressing public suggestions for enhanced monitoring, including surveillance at the state’s entry and exit points, Waiya said these recommendations are being reviewed as part of a comprehensive security strategy.

“We sincerely appreciate the vigilance, cooperation, and patriotism of the people of Kano. Their input strengthens our efforts to overcome security challenges,” he added.

The commissioner reiterated that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration is determined to restore peace and stability across all 44 Local Government Areas.

He also stressed the government’s commitment to working with local authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens’ groups to ensure a safe environment for all.

Residents have been urged to remain alert, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security operatives as the government intensifies efforts to curb the return of Achaba operations.