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Category: Breaking News

  • World Bank Approves Fresh $1.25bn Loan for Nigeria Despite Rising Debt Concerns

    The World Bank has approved a fresh $1.25 billion loan for Nigeria under its Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration (NAIJA) programme, despite growing concerns over the country’s rising debt burden.

    The approval was announced on Wednesday alongside the launch of the World Bank’s new Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering 2026 to 2032, which is designed to promote private sector-led growth and create more jobs.

    Loan to Fund Key Reforms

    According to the World Bank, the financing will support reforms aimed at deepening capital markets, modernising the digital economy, expanding electricity access, strengthening agriculture, improving revenue generation and reducing trade barriers under the ECOWAS and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) frameworks.

    The programme also targets electricity access for 32 million Nigerians, broadband connectivity for 58 million people, improved health and nutrition services for 40 million citizens, and support for 9.5 million farmers.

    World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said the initiative is intended to ensure that recent economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

    “The recent macroeconomic gains have been critical to help stabilise the economy. Translating improved macroeconomic conditions into better living standards will require addressing the structural constraints to spur private sector investment and job creation,” he said.

    Debt Concerns Persist

    The approval comes as concerns continue to grow over Nigeria’s increasing reliance on external borrowing, with many Nigerians questioning why rising debt levels have not resulted in significant improvements in living standards.

    According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), Nigeria’s debt to the World Bank rose from $17.81 billion at the end of 2024 to $19.89 billion by December 2025, representing an increase of $2.08 billion.

    The World Bank now accounts for 38.36 per cent of Nigeria’s total external debt of $51.86 billion.

    The latest facility is the second-largest World Bank loan secured under President Bola Tinubu’s administration after the $1.5 billion economic reform financing approved in June 2024.

     

  • Ex-Science Minister Uche Nnaji Arrested Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

    Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been arrested over allegations of certificate forgery after weeks of being declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

    According to reports, Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday after arriving from Enugu and is expected to be handed over to the ICPC for interrogation as investigations into the allegations continue.

    Court Had Earlier Ordered His Arrest

    The arrest follows a ruling by the Federal High Court, which granted the ICPC permission to arrest Nnaji and declare him wanted after the commission alleged that he repeatedly failed to honour invitations for questioning.

    The court also authorised the anti-graft agency to publish his wanted status in newspapers, social media and other public platforms pending his arrest.

    ICPC Investigation

    The ICPC is investigating allegations that the former minister submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during his appointment process.

    According to the commission, repeated efforts to secure his appearance for investigative activities were unsuccessful, prompting it to seek judicial approval for his arrest.

    Nnaji had previously denied the allegations and challenged the court order, maintaining that he was not under investigation before filing an appeal against the arrest order.

    The ICPC is yet to issue an official statement on Wednesday’s arrest, while Nnaji’s legal team has not publicly reacted to the latest development.

     

  • Cooking Gas Prices Drop Across Nigeria as Retail Cost Falls to ₦1,100 per Kg

    Retail prices of cooking gas have dropped across Nigeria following improved supply and lower depot prices recorded in late June, offering relief to households after months of sharp increases.

    Prices fall across major cities

    According to industry marketers, the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) now ranges between ₦1,100 and ₦1,650 per kilogram, depending on location.

    In Lagos, Ibadan and Abeokuta, consumers now pay between ₦1,100 and ₦1,350 per kg. In Benin City, Port Harcourt and Warri, prices range from ₦1,150 to ₦1,400 per kg.

    Residents of Onitsha and Enugu are buying cooking gas at between ₦1,200 and ₦1,450 per kg, while prices in Abuja currently range from ₦1,250 to ₦1,500 per kg.

    In Kano and Kaduna, retail prices stand between ₦1,300 and ₦1,550 per kg, while Maiduguri and parts of the North-East continue to record the highest prices of ₦1,350 to ₦1,650 per kg, largely due to transportation costs.

    Marketers cite improved supply

    The National President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Edu Inyang, attributed the price reduction to improved product availability and declining depot prices.

    The latest figures represent a significant drop from the ₦2,000 to ₦2,500 per kilogram recorded in several parts of the country between May and early June.

    Some areas have reportedly recorded even lower prices, although marketers noted that retail rates still vary depending on distribution costs and individual dealers.

    Further reductions expected

    Industry operators said wholesale depot prices have also declined in recent weeks, helping to reduce retail costs nationwide.

    They expressed optimism that cooking gas prices could fall further in the coming months if supply remains stable and distribution continues to improve.

     

  • Court Grants Sowore ₦200m Bail in Cybercrime Case, Orders Passport Surrender

    Omoyele Sowore has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja in his ongoing cybercrime trial after spending more than a week at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

    Justice Mohammed Umar, who delivered the ruling on Tuesday, admitted the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate to bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties. The court also ordered Sowore to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar pending the determination of the case.

    Strict Bail Conditions

    Although the court approved his bail application, Sowore will remain in custody until all the bail conditions are fulfilled.

    The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting the activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters over alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation linked to social media posts made in August 2025, in which he reportedly described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”

    How the Case Reached This Stage

    The court revoked Sowore’s earlier bail on June 16 after he failed to appear for trial and subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

    He was later remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while his legal team filed an application asking the court to set aside the warrant and restore his bail.

    After hearing arguments from both parties on June 24, Justice Umar reserved ruling until June 30.

    Supporters React

    The case has continued to attract public attention, with Sowore’s supporters staging protests outside the Federal High Court on several hearing dates, demanding his release and describing the prosecution as politically motivated.

    Following Tuesday’s ruling, reactions remained mixed. While many welcomed the decision to grant bail, others argued that the conditions imposed by the court were too stringent.

    The trial is expected to continue after Sowore meets the bail requirements.

  • Lagos Floods Leave Homes, Roads Underwater as Heavy Rain Disrupts Movement Across City

    Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across several parts of Lagos State, leaving major roads, homes and businesses submerged as residents grapple with another round of disruptions during the rainy season.

    The flooding, which followed intense downpours in late June 2026, affected communities including Lekki, Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, while sections of major highways also became impassable.

    Roads and homes submerged

    Several motorists were stranded as floodwaters overtook key roads, forcing commuters to abandon their vehicles or trek through flooded streets. In Ajiran, Lekki, floodwaters entered residential buildings, leaving many families counting their losses.

    Residents also reported business disruptions as shops remained inaccessible in some of the affected communities.

    Watch one of the scenes from the flooding here:

     

    Why Lagos keeps flooding

    Lagos has continued to experience seasonal flooding because of its low-lying coastal location, rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage infrastructure and blocked waterways.

    Environmental experts have also linked the situation to increasing rainfall intensity driven by changing climate patterns, while illegal developments on floodplains have worsened water flow in several parts of the state.

    Officials noted that rainfall recorded so far this year has already reached between 700mm and 900mm, with forecasts suggesting even heavier rains before the end of the rainy season.

    Government urges residents to remain cautious

    The Lagos State Government has repeatedly appealed to residents to avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels and to stay away from flood-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall.

    Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has previously said the government is carrying out continuous drainage desilting and investing in flood control infrastructure, although many residents insist more needs to be done.

    Despite ongoing interventions, the latest flooding has renewed concerns over the city’s preparedness as more rainfall is expected in the coming weeks.

    Another video showing the flooding can be viewed here:

     

  • Remi Tinubu Defends Empowerment Programme, Says It Supports More Than Akara Sellers

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her empowerment programme, saying it is not limited to akara sellers but also supports thousands of petty traders across the country.

    Her remarks come amid public debate over the initiative, with critics questioning whether the programme is sufficient to address the country’s economic challenges.

    ‘It Is Not Only Akara Sellers’

    Speaking about the programme, the First Lady said the intervention was designed to benefit different categories of small-scale traders whose livelihoods depend on daily business activities.

    “It is not only akara sellers. We are also supporting tomato sellers, bole, maize sellers, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders,” she said.

    She explained that the initiative was created to provide financial support to small business owners and help improve their businesses.

    First Lady Dismisses Criticism

    Responding to criticism surrounding the programme, Remi Tinubu said the beneficiaries appreciate the support they receive and insisted the initiative would continue.

    “I know the beneficiaries appreciate it, and we’re not intimidated by the wrong reports,” she added.

    She maintained that the programme remains focused on empowering vulnerable traders across different communities.

    Programme Sparks Debate

    The First Lady’s comments have generated fresh reactions on social media, with Nigerians expressing mixed opinions about the scope and impact of the empowerment initiative.

    While some welcomed the clarification, others argued that broader economic policies are needed to improve the living conditions of small business owners and other Nigerians.

     

  • Pastor Adeboye Says God Revealed Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren Will Be Freed “Dramatically”

    Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has said God revealed to him that the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State will be released in a dramatic manner.

    The cleric made the statement during a church programme, saying the revelation renewed his confidence that the victims would regain their freedom.

    ‘God Told Me Their Release Will Be Dramatic’

    According to Adeboye, God spoke to him about the incident but did not disclose when or how the victims would be released.

    “God is moving in Nigeria. God spoke to me concerning the release of the kidnapped Oyo schoolchildren and teachers. He told me it would be dramatic,” he said.

    He added that God instructed him not to be concerned about the timing or process of the release, assuring him that everything was under divine control.

    “Though He didn’t reveal the time or details, He asked me to leave that aspect in His hands and said He would later speak to me about what would happen after this particular incident,” he added.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Prophecy

    Adeboye’s comments have generated reactions on social media, with many Christians expressing hope that the victims would soon regain their freedom.

    Others, however, called for intensified rescue operations by security agencies, insisting that every effort should be made to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

    The statement comes as concern continues to grow over the fate of the victims, with Nigerians awaiting further developments on efforts to rescue them.

  • Federal Executive Council Approves First Major NYSC Reform in 53 Years, Replaces Military DG With Civilian

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a major reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), replacing the scheme’s military leadership with a civilian and introducing changes aimed at repositioning it for youth empowerment and national development.

    The decision marks the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since it was established 53 years ago.

    Civilian to Lead NYSC

    Under the approved reform, the operational leadership of the NYSC will now be headed by a civilian instead of a serving military officer.

    Despite the change, the Federal Government said the military will continue to provide security for corps members across the country.

    Act to Be Amended

    To implement the reforms, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations.

    The amendments will provide the legal framework required to enforce the newly approved changes.

    Focus on Skills and Economic Growth

    The Federal Government said the reforms are designed to transform the NYSC into a skill-driven, productivity-focused and youth empowerment institution.

    According to the government, the new direction aligns with its broader economic agenda of building a $1 trillion economy by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and creating more opportunities for productivity.

    The NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, following the Nigerian Civil War to promote national unity by deploying graduates to serve in states outside their regions of origin.

  • ISWAP Attacks Borno School During NECO Exam, Abducts Students, Kills Teacher

    The ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examination was disrupted in Borno State on Monday after suspected ISWAP terrorists attacked a secondary school in Lassa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, abducting an unspecified number of students and killing a teacher.

    Attack disrupts NECO examination

    The attackers reportedly stormed Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, at about 9:00 a.m. while students were writing their NECO Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

    Witnesses said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and fired several gunshots into the air, sending students, teachers and residents fleeing for safety.

    Besides the students, some women selling food around the school premises were also abducted during the attack.

    Police confirm abduction

    The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying one teacher was killed while another sustained injuries during the attack.

    Police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, said an unspecified number of students were taken away by the attackers, while some others remain unaccounted for.

    He added that security personnel immediately responded to the attack and prevented what could have been a larger abduction.

    Rescue operation underway

    Security operatives, including the military, police and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have launched a joint operation to rescue the victims.

    Authorities said at least seven abducted persons have so far been rescued, while efforts are continuing to locate those still missing.

    Security teams are combing nearby forests and surrounding communities as investigations continue.

    The attack adds to growing security concerns in Nigeria’s North-East, where insurgent groups have repeatedly targeted schools despite ongoing military operations in the region. As of the time of filing this report, neither NECO nor the Federal Ministry of Education had issued an official statement on the incident or its impact on the examination.

     

  • NELFUND Warns Schools Against Withholding Students’ Tuition Refunds, Arbitrary Fee Hikes

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has warned tertiary institutions against delaying or refusing to refund tuition fees paid by students before the disbursement of student loans, while also raising concerns over arbitrary increases in school charges.

    The agency said such practices undermine the objective of the Student Loan Scheme, which was established to remove financial barriers to higher education rather than create additional burdens for students and their families.

    NELFUND raises concern

    In a statement issued on Monday, NELFUND said it had received reports that some institutions were withholding refunds due to students whose tuition had already been paid before the loan disbursements were made.

    “The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has noted with concern reports of some tertiary institutions delaying or refusing to refund students whose tuition fees had already been paid before NELFUND disbursements, as well as arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges,” the statement said.

    Agency begins engagement with schools

    NELFUND said it had commenced engagements with the affected institutions and relevant authorities to ensure that eligible students receive their refunds without delay.

    The Fund also stressed that institutional charges must remain fair, transparent and consistent with the objectives of the student loan programme.

    According to the agency, it will not tolerate any action that places unnecessary financial pressure on beneficiaries of the scheme.

    Students advised to engage institutions

    The development follows reports that some students who paid their tuition out of pocket before receiving loan approval have struggled to recover their money after NELFUND paid the same fees directly to their institutions.

    Although the agency did not identify the institutions involved, it said targeted interventions were already underway.

    NELFUND advised affected students to continue engaging their institutions while efforts to resolve the issue continue.