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The Federal Government has revised its list of restricted imports, adding cement, fertiliser, soaps and several other products, increasing the total number of affected categories to 17.


This update was contained in a circular from the Federal Ministry of Finance, endorsed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, following presidential approval of the 2026 fiscal policy framework.


Titled “Approval for the Implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments,” the circular indicated that the new policy took effect on April 1, 2026, in line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff.


According to the document, “This is to confirm that His Excellency, Mr President, has approved the implementatiAon of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures made up of Supplementary Protection Measures (SPM)… with effect from 1st April 2026.”


The ministry noted that the import restrictions target goods coming from countries outside the ECOWAS bloc, forming part of efforts to strengthen trade protection.


“The approved SPM, in line with the provision of the ECOWAS CET, comprises… Import Prohibition list (Trade), applicable only to certain goods originating from non-ECOWAS Member States. It consists of 17 items,” the circular stated.


Annex III of the document lists the affected goods, which include poultry (live, frozen or processed), pork, beef and other meat products such as carcasses and offal; eggs except those meant for breeding or research; refined vegetable oils (excluding linseed, castor and olive oil); packaged sugar; cocoa products; tomatoes in all forms; and non-alcoholic beverages with sweeteners.


Other items on the list are bagged cement, various medicaments and pharmaceutical waste, fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, soaps and detergents, paper and carton materials, large glass bottles, certain steel products, as well as ballpoint pens and related parts.


Additionally, the circular introduced an Import Adjustment Tax covering 192 tariff lines, with a plan for gradual removal in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area.


It stated, “With effect from January 2027, all Import Adjustment Taxes except for products on the African Continental Free Trade Area 3 per cent list, shall be gradually reduced on an annual basis until full elimination to 0 per cent by 2036.”


The government also disclosed that new excise duties, including a green tax, will commence on July 1, 2026, with a 90-day grace period granted for compliance.


“A grace period of ninety (90) days commencing from the date of this circular is hereby granted to all importers, manufacturers, and service providers before the implementation of the new excise duty rates,” it added.


It further clarified that goods backed by valid import documentation before April 1, 2026, could be cleared under the previous rules within the grace period, while transactions initiated after that date would be subject to the new regime.


“However, any new import transaction entered from the 1st of April 2026 shall be subjected to the new import duty regime,” the circular stated.


The updated measures replace the 2023 fiscal policy framework and are expected to be formally gazetted as part of efforts to support local industries and cut import dependence.


Meanwhile, the World Bank has consistently advised Nigeria to reconsider its import restriction policies to enhance competitiveness. In its Nigeria Development Update: May 2025, the institution projected that removing import bans and tariff distortions could raise customs revenue by 66 per cent.


It also warned that restrictive trade policies often encourage evasion and weaken revenue collection. “The government should consider seizing the opportunity created by the market-reflective, competitive exchange rate to reorient trade policy for growth and jobs.


“Nigeria maintains higher-than-average tariffs on many products, bans the imports of others, and imposes many non-tariff barriers. The average tariff rate in the country is twice as high as the sub-Saharan average,” the report read.


In its April 2026 edition of the Nigeria Development Update, the World Bank reiterated concerns, cautioning that broad import bans could undermine efforts to control inflation and stimulate growth.


The report urged authorities to relax certain trade restrictions, particularly on food and industrial inputs, to improve supply and ease price pressures.


Specifically, it stated that policymakers should “reduce import tariffs and lift import bans for selected products, particularly food and key intermediate inputs,” noting that such reforms would help ease supply constraints and moderate inflationary pressures.


The bank added that stringent import restrictions, including bans and surcharges, have driven up production costs and consumer prices, especially in sectors dependent on imported raw materials such as agriculture and manufacturing.


(PUNCH)


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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has conceded that his side’s chances of retaining the Premier League crown could effectively end if they suffer defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.


The highly anticipated clash between the top two teams is set to take place at Etihad Stadium, in a fixture widely seen as pivotal to the outcome of the title race.


City head into the encounter trailing the league leaders by six points, although they still have a game in hand.


“Arsenal will be champions if they manage to get a win at the Etihad. If we lose, it’s over,” Guardiola said.


Guardiola acknowledged Arsenal’s all-round quality, highlighting their strength across different aspects of the game.


“They are so strong in all departments — duels, physicality. If you allow them to build up without being aggressive, they will punish you. [David] Raya is extraordinary, and their set-pieces are also very good.


“That’s why they are where they are — top of the Premier League all season. I’m proud to be there challenging them.”


A victory for City would reduce the gap to three points, and they could move to the summit if they secure another win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday.


Despite that possibility, Guardiola warned that even triumph over Arsenal would not necessarily guarantee success in the title race, citing a demanding run of fixtures before the end of the campaign.


“Our calendar is terrible — Everton away, Bournemouth away, and Aston Villa at home,” he said.


“We still have Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brentford at home, and games in Europe as well. There are still many things to do.”


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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on the national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Abduraham Mohammed, to begin reconciliation efforts by reaching out to former members and persuading them to return.


The minister made the appeal on Friday during a visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.


The faction of the PDP aligned with Wike had taken over the party’s headquarters on April 10, several months after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) shut the premises amid a leadership crisis that escalated into violence.


Wike expressed optimism that the internal dispute is nearing resolution, noting that his faction has recorded favourable judgments at both the federal high court and the court of appeal, while awaiting a final decision from the supreme court.


“Yes, we had a crisis, and we have almost come out of the crisis. It is not going to be easy. It requires a lot of hard work. It requires a lot of sacrifice to move the party forward,” Wike told the NWC members.


“I also want to urge you to do what you can to bring back our members who have defected. Make sure you attract them back into the fold.


“Talk to them, and send a powerful team to interact with them. Most of them are uncertain about securing tickets when they return. You know what to do. I am sure that Nigerians will prefer this party to all of those making noise.”


He dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could be regarded as the country’s leading opposition, arguing that such recognition must be earned through electoral success.


In his response, Mohammed assured that the party would reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.


“The PDP has come to stay, and under my leadership, we will make ourselves available to our teeming aspirants and those who will emerge as candidates, to ensure that we win elective positions in the 2027 general election,” he said.


The supreme court is expected to hear appeals filed by the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction against Wike’s group on April 22.


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The Naira wrapped up the trading week on a modest decline at the official market, closing at N1,343.63 against the United States dollar.


Figures published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday showed the local currency shed N1.33, representing a 0.09 per cent drop from Thursday’s closing rate of N1,342.30.


The week’s performance marked a reversal from a two-week streak of gains, as the naira weakened at the close of trading on Friday.


Earlier in the week, the currency opened at N1,356.18 on Monday before strengthening to N1,343.76 on Tuesday. It remained relatively stable midweek, closing at N1,343.74 on Wednesday.


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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed deep grief following the death of U.S.-based Nigerian physician, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani, who was in the state on a humanitarian medical outreach.


In a condolence message he personally signed and released on Friday in Umuahia, Otti said he received news of her death with shock, describing the late doctor as a committed and compassionate professional.


The outreach, organised by the Abia State Government in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, was a five-day programme held from April 13 to April 17.


Otti noted that Nwaubani, a member of ANPA, had travelled to Nigeria alongside her husband and daughter—who is a final-year medical student in the United States—to offer free healthcare services to residents of the state.


He explained that during the outreach, she suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to a hospital for urgent attention.


According to him, both ANPA members and local medical professionals collaborated intensively to stabilise her condition.


“Despite the gallant efforts of the highly skilled medical team to resuscitate her, she could not make it,” Otti said.


The governor extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, loved ones, and members of ANPA, noting that the state government had already established contact with both her family and the association’s leadership.


He assured that the government would provide necessary support to them during the mourning period.


Otti also praised the late doctor’s family and ANPA for allowing the outreach programme to continue despite the loss.


He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and safeguarding the well-being of both residents and visitors in the state.


The governor further prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for strength for her family to bear the loss.

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Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, who serves as Director-General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), has approved the appointment of senior officials to oversee critical divisions within the organisation.


In a statement issued by Mr Tunde Rahman, Director of Media and Publicity for the RHA, Uzodinma explained that the appointments were aimed at “strengthen the structure and improve the operational effectiveness of the RHA” ahead of the 2027 general elections.


PlatinumPost reports that the RHA, set up in November 2025, functions as a strategic platform for promoting the programmes, policies, and achievements of the Tinubu-led administration nationwide.


Under the new arrangement, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has been designated as Deputy Director-General, while Gov. Mohammed Yahaya of Gombe will serve as Secretary, alongside Mr James Faleke as Deputy Secretary.


The organisational framework also includes six zonal coordinators, 37 state coordinators, and 774 local government coordinators.


Among the newly named directors, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), will lead the Youth Directorate, while Chief Olisa Metuh heads Organisation and Mobilisation.


Rahman will continue as Director of Media and Publicity, with Sunday Dare taking charge of Digital and New Media.


Other appointments include Mr Mele Geidam (Finance); Mr Muiz Banire (Monitoring, Compliance and Legal); and Mrs Bisoye Coker-Odusote (Technology and Data).


Also listed are Mr Abubakar Abubakar (Support Groups); Mr Ibrahim Garba (Intelligence); Sen. Sani Musa (Special Duties); and Simon Karu (Planning).


Further appointments include Dr Halima Zakari (Welfare); Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri (Administration); Mrs Bilikisu Muhammed Kaika (Women Affairs); Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Diaspora); and Ms Hadiza Bala Usman (Research and Innovation).


According to the statement, the appointments represent a strategic move to establish a broad-based and efficient structure capable of engaging Nigerians effectively while communicating government policies across all levels.


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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of results for 632,788 candidates who participated in the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted on Thursday.


In a statement issued late Friday by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, candidates who sat for the examination were advised to proceed to check their results.


It reads: “The results of candidates who sat the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16 April 2026, have been released and are now available for viewing.


“To check their results, candidates should send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.


“At this stage, candidates may view their results only; printing is not yet available.


“Candidates are strongly cautioned against manipulating the SMS received from the official platform (55019/66019) to fabricate or alter scores with the intent to mislead others, including parents. Such actions constitute a serious criminal offence. The Board treats such misconduct with the utmost gravity. Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.


“The examination is ongoing, and results will continue to be released as they become available.”


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In a moment that has stirred excitement across Igbo communities online and beyond, respected cultural promoter Lilian Ogechi has been honoured with a prestigious Hall of Fame Award by Nma Alaigbo in recognition of her relentless efforts in promoting Igbo culture, language, values, and heritage.

The award, presented by the management of Nma Alaigbo, celebrates Lilian’s consistency and dedication through her widely followed cultural platform, Adaigbo Global, where she has built a strong community of thousands of followers committed to preserving and celebrating Igbo identity.

Visibly humbled by the recognition, Lilian Ogechi expressed deep gratitude, describing the award as more than a personal achievement but a validation of years of hard work and passion.

“I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to receive this recognition from Nma Alaigbo, one of the foremost promoters of Igbo culture and entertainment on Facebook. This award is not just a personal achievement, but a testament that every effort made in promoting our people, culture, values, and heritage is seen and appreciated,” she stated.
Known for her investigative approach to cultural storytelling, Lilian Ogechi has distinguished herself as one of the most consistent voices advocating Igbo pride. Through Adaigbo Global, she travels across communities, gathers firsthand information, conducts cultural reviews, and documents heritage stories that highlight the beauty and strength of Alaigbo.

Recently, she drew significant attention following her in-depth review of Dr. Godwin Maduka, examining his influence, philanthropy, and contributions toward community development. In pursuit of accurate reporting, she reportedly visited Umuchukwu to witness projects firsthand — a move widely praised for professionalism and commitment to factual storytelling.

Her followers also credit her for promoting initiatives that encourage Igbo unity, economic support, and cultural preservation. Many describe her work as bridging the gap between tradition and modern digital storytelling, ensuring younger generations remain connected to their roots.

With over 94,000 followers and growing influence, Adaigbo Global has evolved into a major online hub for Igbo cultural discourse, entertainment, language promotion, and heritage education.

Reacting further to the award, Lilian called on her followers to support organizations that promote cultural heritage.
“To everyone at Nma Alaigbo, thank you for this great honour. Your recognition means so much to me and will only inspire me to do even more in service of Alaigbo and our beautiful culture. May we continue to uplift, preserve, and celebrate the richness of our heritage for generations to come,” she added.

As congratulatory messages continue to pour in, many observers say the recognition is long overdue for a woman whose consistency, dedication, and passion have positioned her as one of the most influential promoters of Igbo culture on social media today.

Indeed, for Lilian Ogechi and the growing Adaigbo Global community, the mission remains clear — preserve the culture, promote the language, and celebrate the pride of Alaigbo.

Igwebuike. The movement continues.
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Nigeria has ruled out any immediate plans to seek loans from the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral institutions, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said.


He made this known on Thursday at the Finance Ministers’ press briefing during the ongoing IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C..


Edun spoke as Nigeria intensified efforts to host the African Monetary Institute, signaling renewed commitment to deeper monetary cooperation and financial integration across Africa ahead of the institute’s planned launch in September 2026.


“Nigeria has no plans at the moment, to approach the IMF or any other institution to borrow funds,” Edun said.


He expressed deep concerns over the cost of borrowing, saying the premium paid for borrowed funds remains a turn off for many African economies.


He said: “At the elevated interest rates that African countries pay, the premium that they pay for commercial debt is out of the reason and contributes to debt distress. There is also this discomfort in the first place in terms of the percentage of revenue that has to be given over to debt service, as opposed to health, education and so forth”.


Edun noted that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also called for a reassessment of the high premiums African countries pay on borrowed funds.


According to him, reducing the debt premium would make development financing more affordable across the continent.


He said lowering debt servicing costs would require economies to undertake key reforms, improve GDP ratios, and deploy technology, including artificial intelligence, to automate operations.


These measures, he added, would reduce dependence on costly and high-priced debt.


Edun also urged the IMF to expedite the disbursement of the proposed $50 billion financial support for economies impacted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.


He said: “I think the IMF has even talked about $50 billion loan support for economies affected by the crisis, and we all know that the funding will largely go to Africa, because those are the most vulnerable countries.


“And the reality is that what we’re asking for in this instance is that the funds and the support be released quickly and at scale in terms of domestic resource mobilization”.


He further stressed the need for African countries to adopt sound macroeconomic policies.


“And the example I will give is that in Nigeria, it began with removal of untargeted fuel subsidies that were costing up to five per cent of GDP,” Edun said.

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The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the complete automation of the authentication and evaluation process for academic credentials, describing it as a major step toward improving transparency, data management, and service delivery.


According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, on Friday, the initiative is in line with the Federal Government’s digital transformation drive and reflects efforts to leverage technology to boost efficiency, safeguard data integrity, and support evidence-based policymaking in the education sector.


“With the introduction of the new system, all applications for authentication and evaluation of academic credentials will now be processed strictly online through the Ministry’s official verification portal.


“Accordingly, applicants seeking authentication or evaluation of academic credentials are required to register and upload all relevant supporting documents via the official portal: essverify.education.gov.ng.


“Applicants are also required to contact their respective awarding institutions and request that their academic transcripts be forwarded directly from the institutions’ official email addresses to [email protected] for verification and processing,” the statement said.


The ministry stressed that physical visits to its offices for verification are no longer necessary, as the entire process has been transitioned to an electronic platform.


It added that the shift is expected to streamline procedures, cut down processing time, and reinforce the credibility of academic credential verification across Nigeria.


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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will not emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.


Wike characterised the 2023 presidential contender as a consistent opposition figure who has repeatedly lost elections, insisting that the next presidential contest is not within Atiku’s reach.


He further challenged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain to account for his performance during his tenure as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, declaring that “2027 is not available for Atiku.”


Atiku has made six attempts at the presidency, appearing on the ballot three times—in 2007, 2019, and 2023.


Wike’s remarks followed comments made by the former vice president during an interview on Arise News TV’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, where he criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it had not performed well.


“Atiku is a serial failure, there is a certain age you will reach in life, you will be able to say, look, at my level, this government has done well in this area, this government has not done well in this area. But it will be very wrong, and Nigerians would be laughing at such a person making that kind of statement that nothing has been done.


“I am sure he lives in FCT, let him compare FCT now and when he was the Vice President for eight years and now, that we are just in government for almost three years. Can he compare what is FCT today and what it was when he was VP?


“So, I don’t know who is the one that told him that this government has not achieved anything. I would be surprised if he said this government has achieved a lot. He is a serial opposition person, there’s nothing we can do about it.


“It is unfortunate for him. But let him leave this 2027, it is not available for him. I believe by 2031, he should be 82 years old. I don’t know. We would encourage him to run. Even if he doesn’t want to run, I would encourage him to run. That is my position”.


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World Athletics has declined Favour Ofili’s request to switch her sporting allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey, frustrating the sprinter’s plan to represent a new country on the international stage.


The Athletics Federation of Nigeria revealed the decision on Thursday, noting that World Athletics’ nationality review panel rejected the application after examining the circumstances surrounding the proposed transfer.


In its findings, the panel raised concerns about the approach taken by the Turkish Athletics Federation, stating that it had been actively recruiting foreign athletes and promoting swift nationality changes for what it described as largely “mercenary” reasons.


Ofili was among 11 athletes included in a bulk application submitted by Turkey seeking approval for eligibility changes.


World Athletics warned that such actions could undermine the integrity of global competitions, stressing that they may weaken national development structures and push aside locally developed athletes in favour of imported competitors.


The 23-year-old sprinter began pursuing the nationality change in 2025 after publicly accusing Nigerian officials of mismanagement and hindering her career progression.


Ofili holds the national 200m women’s record with 21.96s and a personal best of 10.78s, performances she did in 2022.


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A Nigerian couple, Luciana and Femi Akinbi, have been sentenced to prison terms in the United Kingdom after authorities uncovered a tax rebate fraud scheme that cost more than £433,000, allegedly carried out using stolen personal data belonging to Transport for London employees.

According to PUNCH, it was gathered from a Thursday report by Kent Live that the fraudulent activity took place between September 2021 and January 2022. It was based on confidential information belonging to at least 40 TfL staff, including passport details, National Insurance numbers and banking records, which were used to submit 139 false tax refund claims.

Proceedings at Woolwich Crown Court showed that Luciana Akanbi, 38, who was employed in TfL’s human resources department, had access to personal records of about 107 workers, which were later used in the scheme.

According to prosecutors, the couple created multiple self-assessment accounts with the stolen details and filed fraudulent claims to HM Revenue and Customs, using at least 38 electronic devices from their residence and other locations.

READ ALSO:Police extradite Nigerian man to UK over alleged murder, drug trafficking

While the total claims submitted were said to be nearly £650,000, officials confirmed that the actual financial loss stood at over £433,000.

The court was told that the proceeds were swiftly channelled through a complex laundering network, making it difficult for authorities to recover the funds.

Delivering judgment, Judge David Miller described the incident as the most serious data breach ever experienced by the transport authority.

Judge Miller said, ‘TfL suffered their worst ever data breach. It meant they had to change their systems.

“It affected their morale, I am told, and staff performance. You acquired and used the personal details of 40 employees in relation to making the claims for tax rebates but accessed the details of 107 employees.

“There were 139 claims in respect of 40 employees by self-assessment accounts being set up by you and others, using 38 computer devices from your own home and others. The effect was that there were 139 claims for tax rebates totalling just under £649,000.

“The money lost to HMRC amounted to just over £433,000. That money was almost instantly dissipated in a complex money laundering scheme.”

Further evidence revealed that Luciana Akanbi, who joined TfL in 2017, used her position to obtain personal information of 107 employees, which was subsequently exploited to facilitate the fraudulent claims.

Prosecutor Andrew Evans described the operation as sophisticated, involving careful planning and numerous victims.

“The fraud was sophisticated in nature, required significant planning and involved a large number of victims,” he said.

He added that the funds obtained from the fraud were quickly transferred through an intricate laundering network.

Court documents showed that approximately £66,000 was traced to Femi Akanbi’s bank account, while £16,000 was linked to his wife, although the court determined that their total gains exceeded those figures.

The court also heard that financial difficulties played a role in the offence, with Femi reportedly battling a gambling addiction after falling ill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Miller said over £50,000 of the stolen funds had been channelled into gambling accounts.

He further noted that Luciana, a mother of three, initially attempted to shift responsibility by suggesting that a relative working in IT might have been behind the breach.

However, the judge found both defendants to be key actors in the scheme, stressing that the crime was made possible by the access Luciana had as a trusted staff member.

“You, Luciana Akanbi, had been colleagues with some of these people who were extremely badly let down.

“That is damaging – to have your credit ratings impacted, to deal with HMRC and to have to rearrange your finances. There was immense damage to third parties,” the judge said.

Judge Miller also stated that no compensation order would be issued, noting that the couple had no recoverable assets.

Following the sentencing, a representative of Transport for London said measures had been strengthened to prevent a recurrence.

“We take any cases of fraud extremely seriously and welcome the court’s sentencing of these two individuals.

“This crime meant that hundreds of thousands of pounds were unable to be reinvested elsewhere for the wider public benefit and involved working closely with HM Revenue and Customs to secure a successful prosecution,” he said.

A spokesperson for HM Revenue and Customs warned that the agency would continue to take action against individuals seeking to exploit the tax system.

The court also indicated that the couple may face deportation proceedings after completing their prison terms.

(PUNCH)
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President Bola Tinubu has declared that he is not intimidated by individuals or groups seeking to unseat him in the 2027 elections.


The President made the remark on Thursday while receiving members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The delegation was led by Hope Uzodinma.


Tinubu said he remains focused on what he described as a historic responsibility to lift Nigeria out of poverty and ignorance while strengthening democratic values.


He urged members of the group to promote unity and national development, stating, “ There’s no other path that we embrace to national greatness. Other than build one nation, one common vision for progress and the prosperity, of our people. That’s what we must do. That’s what Renew Hope is all about.”


The President also criticised opposition elements, stressing that his administration would respect the rule of law and judicial authority.


“We would not submit to disobedience of a lawful order of the court. We must embrace the judiciary. Whether it favors us or it doesn’t. We submit to this principle of democracy. Separation of power and understanding of the dynamics of it,” he said.


Apparently referring to the convention of the African Democratic Congress, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to democratic stability, dismissing opposing activities as distractions.


“Not the noise making. Not the rascality of a street convention.

“You want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I went through this path before. And if I have to come back over and over and over again, I’ll do the same thing.”


He further criticised some of his opponents, pointing to what he described as their past failures in governance and policy implementation.


“None of them is without history, the head was the Chairman of the National Council on Privatization NCP, in this country, one time, they privatized the steel industry in Delta State, is it working today? No. They privatized the Ajaokuta Steel, is it working today? No.


“Go on with the list. They privatized another man’s political party. That one said no.”


The President emphasised the need for integrity and patriotism among Nigerians, insisting that national development depends on collective effort.


“There is no better place than your own country, and no one can build it, except you. We saw great things, we’ve seen skyscrapers, we wondered how the plane takes off and fly out from one destination to the other.”


“These are no magic of yesterday. It is the thinker of tomorrow and the future that can elevate life, that can reform us all. And being a transformative leader that you are, you are in good company.


Tinubu also urged his supporters not to be afraid, reflecting on the state of the economy and his succession from former President Muhammadu Buhari.


“Don’t be afraid. I have listened to you. This economy, I didn’t have to look back because the truth is, I took over from myself. The late Buhari is me, he was a partner and if I took over from him, is that not from myself? So, if something is wrong, fine. Live with it, correct it, move on.”


He described both the party primaries and the general election that brought him to power as challenging but said he overcame the hurdles.


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A motorist in Edo State reportedly rallied a group of commercial tricycle operators to assault personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) following a routine enforcement operation.


The episode unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, 11 April 2026, when a patrol team from RS5.1 Edo Sector Command stopped a vehicle for a seat belt violation.


The driver, however, sped off while an FRSC Marshal was still engaged in the enforcement process. He later returned with a group of commercial tricycle operators who attacked the officials.

 

According to a statement issued by Osondu Ohaeri, Corps Public Education Officer in Abuja on Thursday, the Marshal was pushed into a gutter and beaten, while the Team Leader also came under physical attack. The suspect fled the scene afterward.


“Upon swift collaboration with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), the offender was tracked, apprehended, and has since confessed to the crime, expressing remorse for his actions. The FRSC commends the professionalism and prompt response of the security agencies in ensuring the suspect was brought to justice,” it said.

 

The statement added that the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, has cautioned motorists and the general public against attacking its personnel, stressing the agency’s zero-tolerance policy toward such acts.


The Corps Marshal emphasizes that assault on law enforcement officers is a serious criminal offence and will be met with the full weight of the law. While acknowledging the suspect’s remorse, the Corps reiterates that due process will be followed, and appropriate legal action pursued to serve as a deterrent to others.


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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved full educational scholarships for the three children of the late Brig.-Gen. Oseni Braimah.


The approval was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Benin by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Ebojele.


Abujapress recalls that Brig.-Gen. Braimah, an indigene of Warake in Owan East Local Government Area, served as Commander of the 29 Joint Task Force Brigade.


He was killed alongside other soldiers on April 9 during a terrorist attack on a military formation in Benisheikh, Borno State.


According to Okpebholo, the scholarship package will cover the children’s education from their current level through to university.


He explained that the gesture reflects his administration’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices of fallen military personnel and providing support to their families.


“Brig.-Gen. Braimah paid the ultimate price in service to this country.

“It is only right that we stand by the family he left behind and ensure his children have uninterrupted access to education,” he said.


The governor further noted that the initiative is aimed at ensuring the children are supported throughout their academic journey and given the opportunity to build a stable future.


“No child of an Edo hero should be denied the opportunity to succeed.

“This is about responsibility, honour, and a deliberate investment in the future,” he said.

Okpebholo also called on other state governments and relevant stakeholders to adopt similar measures by offering structured support, particularly in education, to families of military personnel who died in active service.


The statement identified the beneficiaries as Farida (18), Amir (16), and Yasmeen (12), children of the late officer.


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Organisers of the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit have announced a slight adjustment to the date of the 2026 edition, following extensive consultations with stakeholders across the continent.

The event, organised by Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation, will now hold from June 26 to June 28, 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of June 19 to June 21.

In a statement on Monday, Project Director, Amb Dr Kingsley Amafibe, said the decision reflects the organisation’s responsiveness to stakeholder feedback, particularly in accommodating participants whose schedules are influenced by key religious and international engagements.

According to him, the adjustment in schedule allows for broader participation from delegates across Africa and the diaspora.
“The new dates are June 26 to 28, 2026. Delegates are expected to arrive on June 25, with a meet-and-greet session with speakers slated for June 26. The main summit and exhibition will take centre stage on June 27 at 9:00 a.m., followed by the black tie gala dinner, and awards ceremony later that day,” Amafibe stated.

He further disclosed that a world-class venue has been secured for the event in Marrakech, underscoring the prestige associated with the annual gathering. The summit will take place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès Marrakech, located within the Mövenpick Hotel complex. 

Amafibe urged top chief executives and business leaders across Africa to take advantage of the summit’s high-level networking opportunities to forge strategic partnerships and drive continental growth.
The summit will also feature the conferment of honours on 100 distinguished individuals recognised as Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, celebrating exceptional contributions to governance, business, innovation, and community development across Africa.

Among prominent personalities listed to be honoured are Nigerian music star Wizkid and South African global sensation Tyla.

Amafibe noted that the summit remains a leading platform for fostering collaboration, promoting leadership excellence, and advancing impactful initiatives across the continent.

He added that the 2026 edition is expected to attract high-level delegates, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and peace advocates from across Africa and beyond.
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Ambassador Ekwutoziam Ashiedu Chinedu Ogwus has established herself as one of Africa’s most influential figures, with remarkable achievements spanning business, fashion, and diplomacy. Her recognition as one of the 100 Iconic Personalities of 2026 with the award “Icon award for African Economic Advancement “ at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, alongside the conferment of an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration and Management by the American Management University, California, marked a defining milestone in her career. These honors not only celebrated her personal success but also highlighted Africa’s growing presence on the global stage.  

The Lagos ceremony was a glamorous gathering of distinguished personalities, including comedian Alibaba, Dr. Kaffyat, reality star White-Money, and music producer Masterkraft, and other Celebrities icons and entrepreneurs. Their attendance underscored the significance of Ambassador Ogwus’s recognition and reflected the rising prominence of African leaders who continue to inspire and influence across diverse fields.  

Her accolades speak volumes about her impact. The 100 Iconic Personality Award recognized her leadership, innovation, and cultural contributions, while the honorary doctorate validated her entrepreneurial excellence and influence in global commerce. Together, these honors affirm her dual role as cultural ambassador and business leader, bridging African creativity with international enterprise.  
At the core of her entrepreneurial journey is Ekash Collections, the fashion brand she leads as CEO. Specializing in women’s wear, the brand has become a symbol of African fashion excellence, celebrated for its creativity, quality, and authenticity. Its international acclaim was solidified in 2025 when it won Best Women’s Wear Boutique at the Africa–UK Trade and Investment Conference in London 2025. Beyond recognition, Ekash Collections has created opportunities for women and served as a platform for cultural diplomacy, showcasing African identity on global stages.  

Ambassador Ekwutoziam influence extends beyond fashion into diplomacy and trade. She has championed international partnerships that empower African entrepreneurs, fostered cultural exchange between Africa and Europe, and mentored young female leaders. Her journey embodies inspiration and legacy—elevating African fashion globally, empowering women, and reinforcing Africa’s cultural and economic footprint. Truly, Ambassador Dr. Ekwutoziam stands as a trailblazer whose achievements resonate far beyond her own career, symbolizing the spirit of African excellence and global influence.

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Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has said the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Joash Amupitan will not get away with alleged illegalities.


Atiku, who spoke at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention, in Abuja, yesterday, alleged INEC was being used to undermine democracy in the country.


The former president noted that Federal Government should be aware that pro-democracy forces fought the military to restore democracy in the country and was ready to take on the government to achieve same purpose.


Nonetheless, Atiku, while recalling his sojourn in the All Progressives Congress (APC) appealed to members of the ADC to ensure that the country experience real change this time around.


“Every issue, every challenge, every problem confronting us as a country and as a people has been stated on this platform. What I would like to appeal to Nigerians, and particularly members of the ADC, is to make sure that this time around, we really need to change the situation in the country.


“I remember when the APC was being formed, the entire political leadership in this country came to my house. ‘If you don’t come into the APC, this is not going to be possible.’ They literally compelled me to join the APC. Only for us to enter the APC, our economy is gone, our sovereignty is gone, our security is gone, our education is gone, our infrastructure is gone. The healthcare is gone.


“Now, people like me, we must rise and make sure that there is change, genuine change, a serious change to rectify all these challenges that are happening in the country. I am in this game. We are going to win. Because of you, the young men and women, our children and our grandchildren, this country has been good to us.


“And we don’t believe that this country is being good to the current generation, to the youth, to the women, and to the future of this country. That is why we are here today.  You will see real change. Believe me, you cannot get away with corruption in the government of ADC. You cannot. You cannot get away with compromising with criminals and terrorists to make life impossible in this country. No. That is not what we intend to do. Absolutely not.


“I will not end these remarks without indicting the chairman of INEC and INEC itself, because it is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there. Now, INEC is being used to undermine democracy in this country.


“Let the federal government know that we fought the military to bring democracy in this country, and we are going to fight them to bring democracy in this country.


“Let the chairman know we are not going to let him get away with his illegalities. We will not. And I hope we will have your support and cooperation to make sure we return to true democracy, to true development in all aspects of human endeavor.”


Similarly, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while speaking at the convention, decried the state of affairs in the country. Obi, who  said the country is collapsing stated there is need to arrest the drift.


“We need to work as a united Nigeria for the sake of Nigeria. The country is so divided; we need unity. The present government has ensured that it will remain more divided. Your unity is important. Your country is collapsing, and if you allow it to go further, it will be worse.


“If you check your indexes today, when the present government came into being, Nigeria ranking in terrorism was number eight. Today, we are number four. So in the next four years, we will be number one.  When this government came into being, if you go and check World Bank records, our poverty rate was 41.6 percent, 88 million people. Today, we are 63 percent, 140 million. So they have almost doubled that,” he stated.


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Nigeria’s maritime and energy innovation ecosystem is about to step onto the global stage in what insiders are already describing as a bold and strategic international move that could reshape the country’s economic future, as Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) officially announces a landmark global event designed to connect Nigerian innovators directly with international investors, venture capitalists, and global technology leaders.

Scheduled for April 24, 2026, the highly anticipated “NIMENA Innovation Night” will take place at The Great Room, Centennial Tower in Singapore, bringing together an elite gathering of global venture capital firms, maritime leaders, policymakers, and high-growth startups from around the world, with Nigerian innovation positioned at the center of the spotlight. 

The announcement signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s economic positioning strategy, as the country moves from its traditional reliance on natural resources toward a more innovation-driven maritime and energy economy. According to the official press brief, the event is designed to serve as a powerful global platform where Nigerian startups operating within marine engineering, offshore technologies, and energy innovation sectors will pitch their solutions directly to international investors and strategic partners. 

Beyond just a networking event, the initiative is part of a broader global acceleration programme aimed at connecting Nigerian innovators to international markets, advanced technology ecosystems, and investment pipelines capable of scaling local innovations into global solutions. The programme also seeks to foster technology transfer, encourage cross-border collaboration, and elevate Nigeria’s role in the fast-growing global blue economy. 

Speaking on the significance of the event, NIMENA National Chairman, Dr. Eferebo I. Sylvanus, described the initiative as a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors, emphasizing that the goal is to create a global bridge linking Nigerian innovation with international capital, cutting-edge technology, and new opportunities capable of transforming the country’s economic trajectory.

According to him, the event is not just about showcasing startups but about repositioning Nigeria as an innovation-driven maritime nation capable of competing at the global level, while unlocking new investment opportunities and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in international maritime development. 

The initiative also aligns closely with Nigeria’s emerging Blue Economy agenda, which has become a major priority for the federal government as it seeks to diversify revenue sources, create jobs, and promote sustainable economic growth. By leveraging global platforms like the Singapore event, NIMENA aims to attract foreign direct investment into Nigerian startups, promote indigenous technological solutions, empower youth-driven innovation, and accelerate industrial growth across the maritime and energy sectors. 

Industry observers believe the move could significantly boost Nigeria’s global reputation in marine engineering and offshore innovation, particularly as the global maritime industry increasingly looks toward emerging markets for scalable solutions and new technology breakthroughs.

The event is expected to attract participation from major government institutions and stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Nigerian High Commission in Singapore and a wide range of international investors and global partners. 

These engagements are expected to catalyze long-term partnerships capable of accelerating Nigeria’s maritime innovation ecosystem while opening doors for Nigerian startups to secure funding, expand globally, and commercialize their innovations on a larger scale.

NIMENA, widely recognized as Nigeria’s premier professional body for marine engineering and naval architecture, has increasingly positioned itself as a key driver of maritime innovation, technology advancement, and professional development within the country. The upcoming Innovation Night marks one of the institution’s most ambitious international initiatives yet, signaling Nigeria’s growing ambition to become a major player in the global maritime and energy innovation space. 

As anticipation builds ahead of the April 24 event, industry leaders say the Singapore gathering could become a turning point for Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions, potentially unlocking new investment channels, fostering international partnerships, and giving Nigerian startups the global exposure needed to scale their solutions beyond local markets.

If successful, NIMENA Innovation Night may not just be another international conference — it could mark the moment Nigerian maritime innovation finally steps into the global spotlight and begins competing for the billions flowing into the world’s blue economy.
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