Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed the reasons behind his decision to revoke land allocations belonging to the Abuja Technology Village and the University of Abuja. Wike cited prolonged underutilization and failure to meet development terms as key factors for the revocation. He emphasized that the move is part of broader efforts to recover idle lands and ensure responsible land use in the capital territory.

Constituents of Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, have initiated a recall process over his alleged threat to a traditional ruler. The move follows widespread outrage in his constituency, where community leaders and residents accuse the Speaker of disrespecting the monarchy. The development has sparked political tension in the state, as calls grow for accountability and respect for traditional institutions.

Economic and legal experts have called for the strengthening of Nigeria’s legal framework to create a more conducive environment for trade and investment. Speaking at a recent forum, stakeholders emphasized the need for clearer regulations, investor protection laws, and judicial reforms to attract both local and foreign capital. They argued that without a stable and predictable legal environment, Nigeria risks losing out on critical economic opportunities in an increasingly competitive global market.

A minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet has dismissed the political alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi, stating it poses no threat to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Northern Nigeria. The minister argued that the APC maintains a strong grassroots presence and voter loyalty across the region, insisting that the party’s development track record and political structure will keep it firmly in control ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Federal Government has awarded a special licence to the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in recognition of its groundbreaking invention of a novel anti-tick vaccine. The vaccine, developed by researchers at the university, marks a significant milestone in veterinary medicine and livestock protection in Nigeria. Officials say the licence will facilitate commercial production and wider application of the vaccine, with potential to boost the agricultural sector by reducing tick-borne diseases in livestock.

The Federal Government has approved the promotion of 30 senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to the rank of Assistant Controller-General. The elevation, announced by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, follows a rigorous assessment and is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening leadership and operational efficiency within the service. The promoted officers are expected to play key roles in advancing the NCoS’s mandate of effective correctional administration and rehabilitation.

The Director-General of the Budget Office has revealed that the Northern region of Nigeria received more than 50% of the capital project allocations for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. The disclosure highlights a regional disparity in the distribution of federal projects, sparking renewed debate over equitable resource allocation. The Budget Office explained that the figures are based on submitted projects and urged other regions to engage more proactively in the budgeting process.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has initiated steps to recover N101 billion from the Nigeria Customs Service after a recent audit report uncovered discrepancies in remittances. The audit, conducted by government financial oversight bodies, revealed shortfalls in revenue payments due to the Federation Account. FAAC says it is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure full recovery and accountability, as part of broader efforts to enhance transparency in public revenue management.

In a bid to reduce visa overstays, the United States has rolled out a new policy requiring certain visitors to pay a refundable $15,000 visa bond. The move targets nationals from countries with high overstay rates and is part of broader efforts to strengthen immigration compliance. According to U.S. authorities, the initiative aims to encourage timely departures and promote accountability in the visa system.

As the world marks Breastfeeding Week, health advocates are calling on governments and stakeholders to invest in stronger health systems and create supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers. Emphasising the long-term health and economic benefits of breastfeeding, experts stress the need for policies that protect maternal rights, ensure access to quality healthcare, and promote breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and communities.