1. INEC Begins Ekiti Election Collation as Oyebanji Takes Early Lead

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the formal collation of results from the Ekiti State governorship election following the conclusion of voting across the state. Electoral officials gathered at the State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti to receive and verify results from the 16 local government areas, while the commission reported that more than 97 per cent of polling unit results had already been uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

Early results from several local government areas indicate that incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji has established a strong lead over his closest challengers. In Ekiti South West Local Government Area, one of the state’s politically significant constituencies, official figures showed the ruling party maintaining a clear advantage. INEC says the final declaration will be made after all results are collated, verified, and certified at the state headquarters.

2. IMF Calls for Deeper Electricity Tariff Reforms

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Federal Government to accelerate reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector, warning that current pricing structures continue to create financial pressures that threaten fiscal sustainability. In its latest Article IV Consultation Report, the IMF noted that electricity tariffs in several categories remain below cost-recovery levels, resulting in substantial subsidy burdens and limiting investment in the sector.

According to the Fund, recent adjustments have improved revenue generation, but deeper reforms are required to build a commercially viable power industry. The IMF recommended a gradual transition toward cost-reflective tariffs while introducing targeted support measures for low-income households. Analysts believe the recommendations could influence future government decisions as authorities seek to improve electricity supply without worsening the cost-of-living burden on consumers.

3. Nigeria, Cameroon Sign New Security Agreement

Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a comprehensive defence cooperation agreement aimed at tackling insurgency, arms trafficking, kidnapping, and other cross-border crimes. The pact establishes new frameworks for intelligence sharing, coordinated border surveillance, joint military training, and operational cooperation along both countries’ shared boundaries.

Security officials say the agreement is particularly important for the Lake Chad Basin region, where insurgent groups often exploit border gaps to evade security forces. The partnership also extends to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, where both nations plan to strengthen collaboration against piracy, oil theft, and smuggling activities that continue to threaten regional economic stability.

4. Tinubu Extends Customs CG Adeniyi’s Tenure

President Bola Tinubu has approved a six-month extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, allowing him to remain in office until February 2027. The Presidency said the extension is intended to ensure continuity in ongoing customs reforms, including digital modernization projects and efforts to improve trade facilitation at Nigeria’s ports and border posts.

The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded significant growth in revenue generation under Adeniyi’s leadership while also intensifying anti-smuggling operations across the country. Maritime stakeholders and industry operators believe the extension will provide policy stability for businesses as customs authorities continue implementing reforms designed to boost efficiency and improve government revenue collections.

5. Data Protection Commission Investigates Alleged INEC Data Leak

The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched a formal investigation into the Independent National Electoral Commission following reports that sensitive voter information belonging to prominent Nigerians was exposed online. The commission said the inquiry is aimed at determining whether there were breaches of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and whether existing safeguards were adequate.

Investigators are reportedly reviewing INEC’s internal systems, access controls, and data management procedures to establish how the information became public. The development has renewed concerns about cybersecurity within government institutions and triggered calls from civil society groups for stronger protections around citizens’ personal and biometric information.

6. Diezani Speaks Out After UK Court Acquittal

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has accused British authorities of damaging her reputation following her acquittal on corruption-related charges in the United Kingdom. In a statement released after the verdict, she maintained that the allegations against her were built on claims that ultimately failed to stand up in court.

The case attracted international attention due to its links to Nigeria’s oil sector and long-running asset recovery efforts. Legal analysts say the acquittal could influence ongoing discussions surrounding anti-corruption enforcement, international investigations, and related civil proceedings connected to assets previously associated with the former minister.

7. AFN Delays Commonwealth Games Trials

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has postponed the start of the country’s Commonwealth Games trials by 24 hours following severe weather disruptions in the United States that affected travel plans for several foreign-based athletes. The federation said numerous competitors experienced flight delays and cancellations, making it difficult for them to arrive before the scheduled start date.

Officials explained that the postponement was necessary to ensure fairness and allow all qualified athletes an opportunity to compete. The trials remain a crucial stage in selecting Nigeria’s team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with sports administrators hoping the additional time will enable all participants to complete registration and medical requirements.

8. Kano School Crisis Leaves Hundreds Out of Class

Hundreds of pupils have reportedly dropped out of Kauyan Mai Unguwa Primary School in Danbatta Local Government Area of Kano State following severe damage to classrooms caused by heavy rainfall. Community leaders said collapsed structures, damaged fences, and unsafe learning conditions have made it difficult for children to continue attending school.

Education advocates warn that the situation reflects wider challenges facing rural schools across northern Nigeria, where infrastructure deficits continue to contribute to the out-of-school children crisis. Residents have appealed to authorities for urgent intervention, stressing that further delays could permanently disrupt the education of many children in the affected communities.

9. Community Youths Help Rescue Kidnap Victims in Abia

A joint rescue operation involving community youths and security operatives has led to the successful recovery of two kidnap victims in Ohuhu community, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. The operation was launched after local intelligence identified the suspected location of the abductors inside a forest area.

Police authorities said the coordinated action forced the kidnappers to abandon their hideout and flee before they could be apprehended. Security officials have praised the role played by local residents, describing community participation and intelligence sharing as critical tools in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime across rural communities.

10. Obasanjo, Dabiri-Erewa Push for Stronger Diaspora Investment

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, have called for stronger collaboration between Nigerians at home and abroad to accelerate economic growth and investment opportunities. Speaking at the Afretrade Entrepreneurs’ Festival in Lagos, both leaders stressed the importance of leveraging diaspora networks to support local industries and innovation.

The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond to explore new trade and investment opportunities. Participants highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and concluded discussions with several partnership agreements aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and expanding access to capital.