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An explosion on Friday occurred inside a CCTV camera dealer’s shop along Kodesho Street around Computer village, Ikeja, Lagos.
The scene of the explosion and adjoining areas were immediately taken over and cordoned off by operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of the Lagos state police Command.
Spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
He said operatives of the Mobile Police and Conventional Police Teams have been dispatched, while the scene has been swept by the EOD Experts to ensure the safety of residents and facilitate a comprehensive investigation to determine the actual cause of the Explosion.
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The state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, also visited the scene of the explosion and assured the public that the Command was fully on top of the situation.
Urging Lagos residents to remain calm, Jimoh said investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion and other factors that might have caused the incident,
He stated that “the scene of the explosion and the adjoining area have been rendered safe and secured.”
Meanwhile, five persons inside and around the shop who sustained various degrees of injury have been rescued and swiftly recovered to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for medical treatment.
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The scene of the explosion and adjoining areas were immediately taken over and cordoned off by operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of the Lagos state police Command.
Spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
He said operatives of the Mobile Police and Conventional Police Teams have been dispatched, while the scene has been swept by the EOD Experts to ensure the safety of residents and facilitate a comprehensive investigation to determine the actual cause of the Explosion.
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The much-anticipated political rally by The NEW Associates, earlier scheduled for Saturday, April 12 in Yenagoa, has been postponed to April 26, 2025.
The event, widely seen by political observers as a pro-Wike mobilization, was expected to draw significant attention amid rising political undercurrents in Bayelsa State.
The convener of the rally and leader of the Bayelsa State Chapter of The NEW Associates, George Turnah, MON, announced the change of date while addressing a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday.
According to Turnah, the decision to postpone the rally was made in deference to ongoing consultations with respected leaders of the Ijaw nation and in recognition of planned events by rival political interest groups scheduled for the same day and venue.
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Turnah emphasised the group’s peaceful orientation and national unity focus, reiterating their support for President Tinubu as “a pathway to national progress.”
“We believe that President Tinubu’s success is Nigeria’s success,” he said. “Our movement is about development, peace, and empowerment—not division.”
He also used the opportunity to thank stakeholders, patrons, and members of The NEW Associates for their continued support, urging them to remain mobilized ahead of the rescheduled date.
“We urge our members and the good people of Bayelsa to keep the momentum alive as we work towards a successful and peaceful rally on April 26,” he added.
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The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the nation’s security and economy sectors.
He made this call on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Daily where he also faulted the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich Rivers State.
“Let the President forget about everything and concentrate on three things – security, welfare of citizens and economy,” he stated.
“His attention should go there as number 1, then he should create a state of emergency in those areas.”
Describing himself as a democrat, he said Tinubu’s declaration of emergency in rule in Rivers was surprising.
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The Niger State Government has taken custody of 17 kidnapped victims rescued in Kaduna State by the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The victims, who were abducted on March 3, 2025, from Kango and wuloto villages in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, were handed over during a formal ceremony held at the Police Command Headquarters in Minna.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts that led to the safe rescue of the victims. He highlighted that Munya and Shiroro Local Government Areas have long been plagued by banditry and kidnapping but noted that such incidents have seen a notable decline in the past two years due to intensified government intervention and security partnerships.
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Of the 17 rescued victims, 15 are reported to be from the same extended family, making the operation particularly emotional for their relatives who had been anxiously awaiting their return.
The handover ceremony was attended by top government officials, security personnel, and family members of the victims, many of whom expressed gratitude and relief.
The rescue has been hailed as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and banditry in Niger State, reinforcing public confidence in the capacity of security forces to protect lives and property.
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In a statement hours after the fire broke out, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adekunle Ajisebutu, explained that firefighters raced to the scene as soon as the incident was reported.
He added that the command, on its part, deployed a team of police operatives from Area ‘F’ Command, Ikeja Division, and neighbouring divisions to the area to protect the firefighters and others involved in the effort to quench the fire, as well as prevent looting.
“The fire has been put out successfully. No life was lost in the incident. However, valuable properties which estimates are not yet known were destroyed,” said Ajisebutu.
A shop owner at Computer Village told Channels Television that the affected building houses shops where mobile phones and laptops are sold.
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“During interrogation, the defendant willingly admitted his wrongdoing and added that he had been molesting her several times on different occasions, which led to her pregnancy for three months, according to an examination report obtained from a medical practitioner,” Wakil said.
According to the police, further details obtained from the victim also confirmed the incident, where she corroborated the suspect’s statements, providing details about what transpired.
“The incident happened when her mother travelled to visit her parents at Burra village via Ningi LGA, Bauchi state, which her father took advantage of and was having sexual intercourse with her. Thereafter, on the return of her mother, she observed the victim was pregnant and questioned her who was responsible for that and the victim disclosed that it was her biological father,” he stated.
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Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have arrested 27 suspects for drug peddling in Lagos.
The spokesman of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
He said naval operatives conducted a coordinated raid and dislodged identified criminal safe haven in Gidan Drama, located at Malu Road, Apapa.
During the process, 27 suspects were apprehended, comprising three females and 24 males. According to Ibrahim, the arrest was in response to intelligence received by operatives of the Nigerian Navy.
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The Niger State Police Command has recorded several breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to curb crime across the state.
This is according to a statement by the Niger Police Command Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on behalf of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman.
Two suspects, Mohammed Usman (18) and Mohammed Abdullahi (22), were arrested for conspiracy and motorcycle theft. Usman tricked a commercial motorcyclist in Minna, stole his bike, and took it to Abdullahi in Paiko for sale. Police recovered two motorcycles, and both suspects confessed to the crime.
A stolen Toyota Corolla (Reg. No. EPE 94 FT), earlier taken from Kubwa, Abuja, was recovered along Dikko-Maje Road by the Maje Division patrol after being tracked.
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A suspected soldier, Sadiq Sani of 2 Div Garrison, was arrested for assaulting a shoe seller, Abdulrahman Salisu, in Minna, cutting off three of his fingers with a cutlass during a dispute. He was handed over to military authorities after arrest.
Six miscreants were arrested in a sting operation at the Kwangila/Keteren-Gwari areas of Minna. One was found with a cable used to attack innocent citizens. All suspects are under investigation.
The Niger police command reiterated its commitment to tackling criminality and ensuring public safety across the state.
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“Eyes on Democracy believes that it is no coincidence that these arrests and intimidation of Bauchi State Government officials are happening at a time when Governor Bala Mohammed has remained vocal in challenging the excesses of the presidency and standing firm in defense of the interests of the Nigerian people. His bold stance has made him a target for persecution, and the EFCC is being weaponized as an instrument of political oppression rather than a true anti-corruption agency,” the group said.
The spokesperson of the group, Munir Aska, claimed that the arrest was not based on any substantial evidence but a politically motivated witch-hunt designed to intimidate Governor Mohammed and a desperate move to silence a courageous leader who has consistently spoken truth to power.
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Chairman of the Air Peace Group, Allen Onyema, has promised to bring back underage girls trafficked to the Ivory Coast free of charge.
In a statement on the company’s X handle, Onyema called for collective efforts to discourage trafficking, emphasising its inhumane and ungodly nature.
He expressed deep concern and condemnation over the recent discovery of Nigerian underage girls trafficked to the Ivory Coast.
In his words, “We should discourage trafficking of any kind. It is inhumane and callous. It is ungodly and a good example of man’s inhumanity to man. We, in Air Peace, are ready to bring our fellow citizens back home free of charge.
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The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman noted that the country has recorded a drop in the performance of female students in examination.
Mamman gave the expression at the end of a technical and vocational education training camp for girls in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital.
Although he did not state the reason for the decrease in performance, however, the minister further noted that the camp would trigger female students’ interest in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
Mamman urged female students to show commitment to their studies.
According to him, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was determined to produce students with both certificates and skills.
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The exercise according to a press statement by the state commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, is being coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in conjunction with the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board (OGSTVEB).
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The statement further noted that those from other disciplines, different from education must possess a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from reputable universities, adding that applicants to be considered for Technical Colleges will be expected to hold a B.Sc. in Technical Education/B.Sc. in Engineering/B.Eng./HND in Engineering Fields.
It directed interested applicants to apply through the Ogun State Job Portal via www.teach.ogunstate.gov.ng between Wednesday, October 16, and Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
According to the statement, successful applicants, known as TEACh Interns, shall be deployed to Local Government Areas in dire need of their services and will receive a stipend every month for two years, after which they will be assessed on parameters ranging from expertise, commitment to duty, punctuality, respect for constituted authority, and willingness to work wherever they are posted.
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Nigerian gospel artists Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo and Moses Bliss have written their names in gold on the global music scene, ranking among the most-streamed Nigerian acts on YouTube Music for the first quarter of 2025.
Data compiled by Debut Hub, Nathaniel Bassey secured 52.8 million streams, Mercy Chinwo followed closely with 46.4 million, and Moses Bliss 41.5 million.
While Mercy Chinwo’s most popular track, “Excess Love,” has garnered 133 million plays, making it one of her standout songs, Nathaniel Bassey’s best-performing songs like “Yahweh Sabaoth,” amassed 25 million plays, “TOBECHUKWU” (featuring Mercy Chinwo Blessed) reaching 39 million plays, and “Jesus Iye,” which has earned 32 million plays to date.
On the other hand, the Q1 2025 rankings saw Rema’s continued dominance, with other leading Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and Ayra Starr, also making significant appearances in the top 20 most-streamed artists.
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Gospel artiste, Laolu Gbenjo remarked that if everyone were to sing gospel music, the world would be boring.
“We have to be sincere to ourselves, if everybody sings gospel, the world will be boring. That’s the truth. If anyone is getting married, you don’t expect me to sing gospel all through, there are love songs and celebration praise. It’s just a celebration.” he said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
He added that the COVID-19 lockdown was instrumental to the start of Alujo Special, a niche that he has carved out for himself.
“I started with highlife, then I evolved from lockdown. COVID made me evolve to Alujo special. During the lockdown, there were no parties, there was no where to go, so I started Alujo Special, where people will send their pictures and we’ll just sing in the studio for them.”
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I started singing because my father was a pastor,” he said when asked about what started his passion and his musical career.
Gbenjo took a step back from music after his first album in 2008, as a result of him not getting any gigs, which meant he wasn’t getting financial satisfaction from his chosen career.
“When I did my first album I had this hope that people will start calling me for events, but there was nothing like that so I stopped singing.”
Laolu recounts that he took a leap of faith back into music in 2014, and the feedback he has gotten has propelled him to do even more.
He also mentioned that ever since his musical comeback, his career has blossomed, his albums have topped charts and he now earns from various sources of income.
“I get a lot of money from performances. If I have to depend on YouTube to do what I do that will take me forever.”
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Africa’s digital trade and trade in services landscape has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Indeed, digital trade is transforming the continent’s economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction.
This important shift has occurred as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement and its Protocols have begun to play a crucial role in increasing intra-African trade, driving economic growth and development across the continent. In particular, the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, the first of its kind in the world, and the Protocol on Trade in Services are critical game-changers at this pivotal moment, an inflection point in the continent’s journey.
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In terms of job creation, the World Bank estimates that digital technologies can create over 10 million new jobs in Africa by 2025, primarily in the services sector. In order for the continent to achieve this, the AfCFTA is expected to catalyse the creation of new job opportunities across various sectors, including services, manufacturing, and agriculture through regional trade expansion. Accordingly, providing new opportunities for small and medium size businesses and individuals to trade in services and goods across borders has been demonstrated by initial AfCFTA implementation, gradually fostering a single market of 1.4 billion people, with the services sector leading in terms of contribution to GDP for most African economies.
Today, Fintech is one of Africa’s strongest services-driven industries, with the market projected to reach $3.3 billion by 2025 (Statista, 2024). The growth of fintech in Africa is driven by the increasing adoption of mobile payments, online banking, and other digital financial services.
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Companies like Chipper Cash, valued at over $2 billion, OPay, valued at over $2 billion, and Flutterwave, valued at $1 billion, are leading examples of this growth, providing innovative payment solutions and financial services to millions of users across the continent.
Furthermore, the creative economy and e-commerce are significant services-driven industries in Africa. The continent’s music industry alone is expected to generate $1.3 billion in revenue by 2025 (PwC, 2024), 7 driven by increasing demand for African music, film, and other creative content. Africa’s e-commerce market is also growing rapidly, projected to reach $75 billion by 2025 (McKinsey, 2024). Companies like Jumia, valued at over $1 billion, are tapping into this growth, offering music and video streaming services, as well as a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, and home goods. Other leading e-commerce players in Africa include Konga.com valued at over $200 million, and PayPorte valued at over $100 million (Forbes, 2024).
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Despite the significant growth potential of Africa’s digital economy and trade in services, several challenges have hindered their development. Regulatory fragmentation and inconsistent standards across borders are major obstacles, making it difficult for digital service providers to operate seamlessly across different countries (World Bank, 2024). Limited access to financing for digital service providers, lack of digital inclusion, infrastructure and connectivity deficits, and a digital skills gap all contribute to the challenges facing digital trade and trade in services in Africa (AfDB, 2024). Furthermore, cybersecurity concerns, including increasing threats and data breaches compromise the integrity of digital trade transactions and erode trust in digital services (McKinsey, 2024).
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Nigeria is solidifying its position as Africa’s digital trade leader by working towards the ratification of the Protocol on Digital Trade to the AfCFTA Agreement. Beyond this, the country is also working to strengthen policy harmonization by aligning national regulations with AfCFTA frameworks, enhancing trade facilitation through digital customs processes and e-commerce policies, and expanding digital infrastructure by increasing broadband penetration and fostering public-private investments in connectivity.
Our approach to digital trade facilitation is decisive. With over 109 million internet users and a thriving mobile economy, the country has the foundation to lead Africa’s digital commerce evolution. Expanding broadband access, modernizing customs procedures for e-commerce, and ensuring interoperability of payment systems will be essential for driving inclusive growth. By deepening engagement with regional trade frameworks and harmonizing digital regulations, Nigeria is positioning itself as a continental hub for digital services exports, facilitating crossborder transactions, fostering innovation, and attracting global investment.
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Nigeria’s automotive industry is advancing rapidly fueled by government-led projects promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles (EVs). In September 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), with a target to convert 150,000 vehicles to CNG by the end of 2024 and one million by 2027, thus reducing reliance on petrol. Reinforcing its commitment to clean energy, the government has supported locally produced electric vehicles (EVs) by leading indigenous manufacturers such as Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) and JET Motor Company, marking a bold step toward sustainable mobility and industrial expansion. The country is also strengthening local vehicle production and industrial growth under the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) as indigenous companies like IVM lead the charge by manufacturing vehicles with 70% locally sourced parts, bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities.
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The AfCFTA Agreement and its Protocols on Digital Trade and Trade in Services present new hope that captures Africa’s audacious step in driving accelerated trade across borders using homegrown Africa-focused tools and solutions. The development of these innovative tools is only an initial step in the anticipated continental revolution. The test of their potency in transforming Africa from a continent of long-reputed potential to a continent buzzing with economic prosperity is dependent on a plethora of factors and pivotal pillars that sit within the purview of the Member States, 3 of which I will focus on in this piece.
The first pillar requires prioritization of the national regulatory framework for implementing the Protocols. For instance, to bring the one-of-its-kind Protocol on Digital Trade to life, the African States need to prioritize its ratification and domestication after the adoption of its 8 annexes at the upcoming 38th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia from 15-16 February 2025.
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Closely related is the establishment of horizontal coherence between the national strategies and the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade to essentially ensure that government initiatives are drawn from the same proverbial hymnbook as the strategies for implementing the Protocol. This will include paying deliberate attention to initiatives that advance the provision of public digital infrastructure, development of tools for a digital marketplace, digital inclusion for MSMEs and other underrepresented groups, as well as providing the enabling environment for digital innovation to thrive.
As with other key aspects of the AfCFTA multifaceted mandate, the second pillar requires multi-stakeholder collaboration in the implementation of both the Protocols on Digital Trade and Trade in Services. This entails leveraging on strategic partnerships including with the private sector, the AfCFTA Secretariat, regional organizations, development partners, DFIs and other transformational alliances. Honing these high-impact collaborations will help with mobilization of resources, policy harmonization and access to finance in addition to enhancing e-commerce/ digital trade platforms and generally making cross-border trade more efficient.
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The sad reality is that some African countries are still at the start of this digital race, even as the rest of the world is already adapting to various levels of artificial intelligence. There is, therefore, an imperative for the upcoming 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of the Heads of State and Government to establish a coordinated framework for championing the entrenchment and advancement of digital trade under the AfCFTA and supporting member states to strengthen their capacities to embrace and expand digital trade across the continent. In particular, the designation of a Continental Champion for the implementation of the Protocol on Digital Trade will go a long way in advocating for and ensuring support for African States and the private sector for increased digital trade.
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I am cognizant of the fact that the vision and promise that the Protocol on Digital Trade holds can only be realized through coordinated multi-stakeholder collaboration. To that end, my call to action for Governments is the prioritization of ratification and domestication of the Protocol as well as alignment of legal frameworks to support digital trade.
The role of a proposed designate AU Champion on Digital Trade is to drive resource mobilization, technical support, financing and automation of specific private sector projects for accelerated employment generation, in addition to designing programmes and leading investment promotion to foster digital transformation and inclusion in Africa. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already publicly verbalized his willingness and commitment to taking up this important responsibility if given the opportunity.
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On its part, the AfCFTA Secretariat, which has demonstrated strong commitment to implementation, should provide handheld support through awareness creation and guided regulatory alignment for African States, while providing its platform to support the Digital Trade Champion. To development partners, your technical assistance, capacity-building support and resources are essential in moving the expansion of digital trade and trade in services under the AfCFTA from vision to reality.
I have no doubt that the private sector in Africa, particularly our talented youth, will take full advantage of the platform for Digital Trade presented under the AfCFTA, with the enormous possibilities in a market of over 1.4 billion people and beyond. Indeed, some of them are already doing so!
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Statistics released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have revealed that Nigeria’s Letter of Credit payments dropped by 57 per cent in the first seven months of 2024.
According to the CBN’s weekly International Payments Data published on its website, the country’s Letter of Credit payments dropped to $391.91m from $912.35m within the same period in 2023.
A Letter of Credit is a mode of payment used for the importation of visible goods. It is a written undertaking given by s bank (issuing bank) at the request of its customer in which the bank promises in writing to pay the exporter a certain sum within a certain time frame in return for goods, as long as the customer provides the bank with the proper paperwork.
In the period under review, the country’s LCs payment shed about $520.44m.
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“No one should tamper with the Central Bank asking for the manipulation of interest rates or exchange rates. Do not use the Central Bank as a fiscal agent asking for the printing of naira beyond agreed Ways and Means limits as this can fuel inflation,” she added.
The former World Bank top executive said the provision of basic infrastructure should form the third element of the social contract. She said the crafting of social safety nets for the most vulnerable of society should be included in the social contract.
True independence of the judiciary should form the fourth element of the social contract, she said, while charging the NBA to hold the government accountable on all grounds.
She said a social contract will enable a strong and stable foundation for Nigeria upon which citizens and residents can thrive.
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The event with the theme, ‘Pressing Forward; A National Posture to Rebuilding Nigeria’, featured stellar personalities at home and abroad.
Former President of Ghana John Mahama and the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, were physically at the event while President Bola Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his counterpart in the lower chamber Tajudeen Abbas were also represented at the event.
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“Additionally, important arrests have been made by the security agencies and this will hopefully help in stemming the tide of this ugly situation.”
Ramnap also urged Plateau residents to exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands as the state government has deployed strategic measures to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms in collaboration with security operatives.
Also, religious, traditional, and community leaders have been urged to reinforce the message of peace, unity, and lawful engagement as the government is committed to upholding law and order and will not relent in its pursuit of justice against those who seek to destabilize the communities.
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A popular socialite and owner of a hotel in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Adesoji Adeleye, has been murdered by assassins at his hotel.
It was gathered that Adeleye was in one of the rooms in his hotel on Tuesday morning when the incident happened.
According to a source, the armed men were said to have found their way into the hotel premises and met Adeleye who was awake and ready for the day’s work.
The murderers were said to have overpowered the hotel owner and stabbed him severally before he died, leaving him in the pool of his blood.
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The Senator representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, Victor Umeh, says the Supreme Court judgement on the Labour Party (LP) leadership crisis has shut the door on Julius Abure as the party’s chairman.
Umeh, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politic Today on Thursday, said that Abure should take the admonishment of the apex court and humbly bow out.
“The door has been shut on him (Abure), and the only thing left to him is for him to reflect over the admonishment given to him by the Supreme Court that officers of a party should be humble enough to leave office when their tenure expires,” Umeh said on the programme.
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He said Abure cannot make himself chairman without going through the process to get him reelected. Senator Umeh said that Abure should have taken his wise counsel based on his experience of many years as the chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for many years.
The lawmaker said that he saw the situation coming and advised Abure but was dismissed by the embattled LP chieftain.
The Labour Party (LP) has been embroiled in leadership tussle pitching Abure and members of his cabinet against Nenadi Usman’s Caretaker Committee constituted by the party’s presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti and other elected officials of the party.
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Last week, a unanimous judgment by a five-member panel of the apex court held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to have pronounced Abure National Chairman of the LP, having earlier found that the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership.
The apex court held that the issue of leadership was an internal affair of a party over which courts lacked jurisdiction and noted that Abure’s tenure had since expired.
The court allowed the appeal filed by Senator Nenadi and one other and held that it was meritorious before subsequently proceeding to dismiss the cross-appeal filed by the Abure faction of the LP for being unmeritorious.
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In an effort to promote environmental cleanliness and safeguard public health, the Lagos State Government has sealed 13 markets across the state for persistent violations related to illegal waste disposal.
This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on his X handle on Friday.
Wahab said that the enforcement actions are in line with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017, aimed at ensuring responsible waste management and maintaining public order.
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Turnah emphasised the group’s peaceful orientation and national unity focus, reiterating their support for President Tinubu as “a pathway to national progress.”
“We believe that President Tinubu’s success is Nigeria’s success,” he said. “Our movement is about development, peace, and empowerment—not division.”
He also used the opportunity to thank stakeholders, patrons, and members of The NEW Associates for their continued support, urging them to remain mobilized ahead of the rescheduled date.
“We urge our members and the good people of Bayelsa to keep the momentum alive as we work towards a successful and peaceful rally on April 26,” he added.
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With a Services sector contributing over 50% to GDP, Nigeria is already a regional leader in financial technology, creative industries, professional services, and digital platforms. The country’s fintech revolution, home to 5 of Africa’s 9 unicorns, including Flutterwave, Interswitch, Moniepoint, and OPay, has driven cross-border payments, mobile money adoption, and financial inclusion, powering digital transactions across the continent. At the same time, Nigeria’s creative economy, home to Nollywood, Afrobeats, a growing gaming industry and digital content exports, highlights the strength of its creative talents. Nigeria’s creative economy also demonstrates first hand how digital platforms can turn cultural assets into globally exportable services, shaping and redefining pre-conceived perceptions about the continent.
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IT outsourcing firms are expanding into new markets, strengthening the country’s position in Africa’s knowledge economy. Initiatives such as the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment’s National Talent Export Program (NATEP) launched by Mr President in September 2023, the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) backed by the Office of the Vice President, and the Three Million Technology Talents Program (3MTT) of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy are enabling this growth, and opening up opportunities for access to high quality Nigerian talent at a global scale. In professional services, Nigerian legal, consulting, and accounting services, as well as the rise of e-health and e-learning solutions further underscores the country’s role in providing technology-driven services that address continental gaps in healthcare and education.
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Reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in innovation is digital public infrastructure. For instance, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) introduced the Contactless Passport Application System (CONPAS), streamlining passport processing for citizens and enhancing ease of travel. This initiative, alongside other digital trade advancements, including investments in port modernization and the ongoing implementation of its National Single Window Project, are streamlining trade corridors and reducing customs clearance times. These reforms enhance Nigeria’s role in handling a major share of West Africa’s cargo and passenger traffic, and reflects our broader commitment to harnessing technology for efficiency and transparency through ease of doing business.
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The Ogun State Teaching Experience Acquisition Channel is a special intervention scheme designed to fill existing vacancies in public primary, secondary, and technical colleges in the state.
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The commissioner noted that prospective applicants are expected to hold a minimum of a National Certificate in Education or a B.A. (Edu)/B.Sc. (Ed)/B.Ed. with a Second Class Lower in relevant subjects/courses.
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The Ogun State Government says it is set to recruit another batch of 1,000 Ogun TEACh interns to fill existing vacancies in public schools in the state.
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A critically acclaimed rapper and songwriter, award-winning actor and brilliant lawyer, He is a true industry icon. We at #funkeakindelenetwork will keep celebrating you! Congratulations on your forthcoming album #Thefeast dropping May 30th. My darling Jenifans, mark your calendars for May 30th and get ready to storm all music streaming platforms when #Thefeast drops
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This comes after rumours had circulated that the top actress was in an intimate relationship with Falz, especially after their scenes in Funke’s blockbuster movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa in 2024, where they both kissed passionately
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The management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria has ordered the immediate closure of Al-Ansar Indabo female students’ hostels located at Hotoro and UDB Road in the Kano metropolis over safety and disciplinary concerns.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, by the university’s Vice President, Campus Life, Dr. Hamza Garba.
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The Anambra State Police Command has rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect linked to the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the late member, representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.
It was gathered that the suspect was re-arrested in Asaba, Delta State, by a team of Police operatives led by the former Officer-in-Charge of Anambra Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ifeanyi Iburu, a Chief Superintendent of Police.
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Ossai was first arrested on February 6, the day the lifeless body of the kidnapped lawmaker, who was abducted on December 24, 2024, was found by security operatives near the Second Niger Bridge.
He reportedly escaped on February 18, alongside one of his gang members at Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, when they accompanied some police officers to arrest another suspect linked to the crime.
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In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was arrested on May 7, following a painstaking and intelligence-led operation, after he was tracked across multiple states in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
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Whether there is light at the end of the tunnel in the efforts made by Senator Saraki will be seen in the next two weeks. For now, I would say that PDP is it in the hospital? Yes. Is it in the ICU to some extent? Yes, it is. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied.”
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He added that comparing the PDP to a patient in the Intensive Care Unit means its survival chances are 50-50. If Saraki’s team fails, he warned, the party may not survive.
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Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has set June 27 to give a final judgment in the case filed by suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging her suspension from the Senate.
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Monday officially responded to public complaints about its recently released 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results.
The Board described as the complaints as “unusual complaints” while adding that it came from few states of the Federation.
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While JAMB said it acknowledges the complaints, it is currently fast forwarding its annual system review.
“In response, the Board is fast forwarding its annual system review—a comprehensive post-mortem of the examination process that is conducted each year months after the exercise,” The spokesperson of the Board, Fabian Benjamin said in a statement.
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The Board’s annual review encompasses three key stages: registration, examination, and result release. During the examination phase, JAMB ensures that every candidate is afforded the opportunity to sit for the test.
Should any technical issues arise, the Board reschedules the examination for affected candidates without hesitation, the statement noted.
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However, they pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan had gone against a court order.
They accused her of disobeying the court by posting a satirical apology to the Senate President on her Facebook page on March 27 and publishing it in some newspapers.
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The plaintiff had responded to our motion,” the lawyers said, referring to the steps she took after being accused of contempt.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s other lawyer, Michael Numan, said they had received the motion accusing her of disobeying the court.
He also reminded the judge that they had filed a similar motion earlier, accusing the defendants of disobeying the court
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He said, “The alleged statement credited to the plaintiff had no connection with her,” and insisted that “the alleged contemptuous statement had no nexus with the plaintiff.”
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Further to this development, actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect is currently aiding ongoing operations. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitive and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime.
“The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of Ndi Anambra,” the statement added
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In recent times, actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, who has a reputation for minding her business in the industry, has shown continuous support for her close friends.
One such person is rapper and actor, Folarin Falana, aka Falz. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, she posted pictures of him and wrote, “Handsome men won’t distract me, but #thefeast for May 30th will.” This post was a show of her support for his upcoming sixth solo album titled, The Feast.
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A few days after, she posted a short clip of his role from her movie, Jenifa’s Diaries and tagged him her man crush Monday to further support his album. She wrote, “Our #mancrushmonday today is someone truly special
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She took the matter to court after the Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, suspended her over claims of misconduct.
She believed the action was unfair and influenced by bias.
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In her case, she included the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and Senator Neda Imasuem, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as the defendants.
The case was originally handled by Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, but he stepped down, and it was reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako.
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When the case came up on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Jibrin Okutekpa, told the court that they had submitted all the documents they planned to use, as the court had earlier directed.
Lawyers for the Senate and the Senate President, Paul Daudu and Ekwo Ejembi, also said they had filed their documents.
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The statement read: “Agbakaizu, a dedicated staff member of Ogun State Television, tragically collapsed while preparing for afternoon shift, and despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Federal Medical Centre.”
Adigun described her as a versatile and passionate journalist
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A versatile journalist and a passionate comrade, Bukola served as a former Vice Chairman of OGTV Chapel and was an invaluable member of the Wale Olanrewaju-led Executive,” he said.
“Her vibrant spirit and commitment to journalism will be sorely missed, leaving an irreplaceable void in our community.”
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Agbakaizu, aged 52, was an ex-officio of the NUJ Council until her death.
She is survived by two children, her aged mother, colleagues, and friends.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Ogun State Chapter, also expressed shock over her death.
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The police in Ekiti State have arrested four suspected criminals for armed robbery and kidnapping allegations.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, SP Sunday Abutu, made this known in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.
Abutu said that the suspects, who were arrested during a stop and search operation, “are currently undergoing thorough investigation”.
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Giving a breakdown of how the four suspects were arrested on different occasions, Abutu said, “On 10th May, 2025 at about 10:30am, the operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, during stop and search operations along Awo/Igede-Ekiti Road, intercepted and arrested one Sunday Idoko, Gabriel Sunday and Olayiwola Olajide who were reasonably suspected to be armed robbers
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The three suspects, who were intercepted in a commercial vehicle, claimed they were travelling from Ondo State to Kwara State.
“They initially tried to escape arrest by approaching the checkpoint at a high speed, but it took the bravery and professional tactics of the operatives to arrest them.”
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This rearrest followed a painstaking and intelligence-led operation. The suspect, who had previously escaped custody, was tracked across multiple states within Nigeria and even into a neighbouring West African country
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He was eventually apprehended on May 7, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to escape arrest but was swiftly subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the process
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Ikenga said the Police Command, in its continued commitment to transparency and accountability, has briefed relevant stakeholders, including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
"During the engagement, the Commissioner of Police acknowledged and expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect's earlier escape.
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“How on earth will a DG be confirmed to be substantive in the media, ignoring even the presidency and the National Assembly? This shows desperation on the part of the sponsors.
“For us to achieve the aviation that meets the global standard, it’s always key we discard personal interests and put Nigeria first.
“The safety of our people should be prioritized and should be the primary objective of all administrators as against politicization of positions.
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The Naira gained N18.85 and N20 against the dollar on a week-on-week basis, respectively, at the official and parallel foreign exchange markets.
At the official FX, FMDQ showed that the Naira ended the week under review at N1531.20 per dollar on Friday, 24th January, 2025, from the beginning of the week at N1,550.05.
This indicated that the Naira gained N18.85 against the dollar on a week-on-week basis.
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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed the reasons why President Bola Tinubu halted the implementation of the Oronsaye Report, which had recommended the merger of some federal government agencies and parastatals.
The report had suggested merging the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.
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Speaking on Sunday in Abuja at the 25th anniversary of NCAA, Keyamo said: “From the story of the former minister, I am sure you can see that the NCAA is a child of destiny. Despite turbulent times and several attempts to undermine it, the NCAA has survived for 25 years.
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“I am sure you know that any child born 25 years ago would, undoubtedly, have reached the age of maturity—by then, they would have graduated, completed national service, and begun working. So, 25 years marks the age of maturity.
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The President reiterated his administration’s support for the governor’s efforts, adding that Alia’s ideals align with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda —aimed at national security, uplifting lives and fostering unity.
Tinubu encouraged Governor Alia to continue guiding Benue on a path of “healing, progress, and purposeful governance”.
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A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Kwali, Abuja, will on Friday May 16 begin hearing in a N50 million debt suit against GreenArps Project Limited, linked to a business mogul, Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu.
The suit filed on behalf of a technical consortium to GreenArps Project Limited is specifically seeking an order of court directing the defendant to pay its remaining balance of N50 million as well as the interest that has accrued since 2023.
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Following the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Ogun State command, says it has destroyed a six-hectare Indian hemp farm in Alaka village in the state.
The command added that four suspects were arrested in connection with the illicit cultivation, and investigations into the case were ongoing.
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Rabe, while maintaining that the conference is focused on the agency’s 2024 performance report, added that 675 drug offenders were arrested within the year.
He stated that the command also confiscated 9.7 tons of solid drugs and 537.81 litres of liquid-based illicit substances.
He said, “Operation Closed Gates was initiated as part of our Yuletide strategy and has yielded remarkable success.
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“It targeted drug merchants and syndicates, effectively blocking access routes into the state.”
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA intensified its public awareness campaigns, conducting 128 sensitisation programmes in schools, communities, and workplaces.
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“The agency estimates that approximately 27,648 people benefited from these initiatives aimed at educating the public on the dangers of drug abuse, and 221 convictions against drug offenders were secured”, he added.
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About 67 inmates of the Sagamu, New Abeokuta and Ibara correctional centres in Ogun State have regained their freedom.
The inmates were set free after a review of their cases by the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu.
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“Let them go back into the society and find something tangible to do with their lives.”
Meanwhile, the State Controller of Corrections, Abioye Adesina expressed satisfaction over the decongestion and appealed to the state government for more operational vehicles for mobilization of inmates.
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“I use my phone to take orders and do mobile banking. Now I spend twice as much for half the access,” she said, frustration lining her voice.
“We’re being punished for being connected,” she said.
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also staged protests across major cities in March, urging the government to reverse the decision. The NCC responded by defending the hike as “inevitable for service continuity,” while hinting at possible relief packages for vulnerable users.
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Fadhila Nurudeen, a digital rights activist based in Kano, argues the decision undermines Nigeria’s digital development goals.
“The government should be promoting affordable access, not strangling it,” she said. “This hike widens the digital divide, especially between urban and rural populations.”
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The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised concerns over the increasing cost of internet data in Nigeria, warning that it further widens the country’s existing digital divide.
The centre argued that the increase in data will leave many underserved communities without access to essential online services.
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Haruna Adamu Hadeija, the Coordinator of Community Network, CITAD, revealed this while speaking at a press briefing held at the CITAD office in Kano on Monday.
He emphasized the impact of rising data costs on marginalized communities.
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According to Hadeija, the 50% tariff increase on data, calls, and SMS approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has made it increasingly difficult for communities already struggling with poor connectivity to access the internet.
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“Now that data charges have been jerked up by 50%, students and parents in underserved areas have to ‘dearly’ pay to enable their children to learn online,” Hadeija said.
“This cost hike not only widens the existing connectivity gap but also makes digital liberation nearly impossible for millions of Nigerians.”
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Hadeija noted that while Nigeria has made strides in expanding internet access, an estimated 27.91 million people in 97 underserved communities still lack internet access, according to a 2022 report by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
He highlighted how this lack of connectivity continues to disenfranchise students, youth, and women, particularly those in rural areas.
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“In regions where internet access is absent, parents must send their children far from home just to register for computer-based tests, conduct exams, and check their results. It is unfair that many communities are left behind because they cannot afford internet services,” he added.
The CITAD coordinator stressed the need for urgent policy interventions to address the widening digital divide.
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