LEGENDINFO

The removal of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list would enhance investors’ confidence and inflows of investments into the economy. Commendations continued to trail the weekend removal of the country from the grey list, with experts describing the achievement as a reflection of improvements in the country’s financial and economic regulatory systems. The naira yesterday recorded significant gains, appreciating by N10 per dollar and closing the day at  N1,486 per dollar at the parallel markets. Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama said the removal was a clear reflection of the country’s renewed policy direction and commitment to transparency. He said the development would significantly enhance investor confidence and attract more foreign investments.

The Lagos State Police Command says it has deployed officers across strategic locations to forestall any disruption of public peace following intelligence reports of a planned protest on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area. In a statement released in the early hours of Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the police assured residents that robust security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order throughout the state. “The Command is aware of information circulating regarding a planned disruption on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area,” the statement read. According to Adebisi, officers have been fully mobilised to safeguard road users, prevent obstruction of vehicular movement, and ensure the safety of lives and property.

At least five teenage girls lost their lives following a boat mishap in Nafada town, Gombe State. DAILY POST reports that the victims were identified as Najib Ibrahim, 18; Hauwa’u Dogal, 15; Ummati Baraya, 16; Umaira Gidado, 16; and Amina Jaliya, 15. The state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, through his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli. on Sunday expressed deep sadness over the incident in a condolence message to the bereaved families. He described the incident as painful and heart-wrenching, especially given the tender ages of the victims and the grief caused to their families. “This tragic incident has cut short the lives of promising young people,” the governor said, sympathising with their parents and the entire Nafada community.

  The  House of Representatives  on Wednesday, resolved to investigate the $460m Chinese loan secured by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to procure and install Closed-Circuit Televisions in strategic locations within the Federal Capital Territory to enhance security in the nation’s capital. The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State,  Amobi Ogah during Wednesday’s plenary. Titled, “Need to investigate the rising insecurity and loss of several lives in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, despite the CCTV project secured with a Chinese loan of $460m,” Ogah said the spate of insecurity in the nation’s capital has made it imperative to revisit the project. In 2010, the Federal Government took a loan of $460m to install CCTV cameras in the FCT, but the project was not executed.

A support group rooting for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, under the banner of the Anambra Patriots for Soludo (APS), has reaffirmed its readiness to deliver an overwhelming victory for the governor in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. The Chairman of the group, Chief Damian Ejiamatu, gave the assurance during a meeting in Nise, Awka South Local Government Area, where residents from the two wards in the community unanimously pledged their support for Soludo’s re-election bid. Ejiamatu, visibly impressed by the large turnout, donated N2 million to mobilize grassroots support and promised an additional N2 million to further strengthen campaign activities for the governor He also assured members of other political parties operating under the Renewed Hope coalition that they would be fully integrated into the group’s structure and activities. According to Ejiamatu, the decision by some political groups to align with Soludo was influenced by h...

  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Anambra State,  John Nwosu , has called for the criminalization of vote buying and the prosecution of any government officials, individuals, or groups found engaging in the practice during the upcoming November 8 governorship election in the state. Speaking with reporters in Onitsha, Nwosu described vote trading as a heinous crime and “one of the greatest assaults on Nigeria’s democracy”. He added, “We call on government agencies responsible for ensuring credible elections to criminalize and prosecute any government officials, individuals, or groups found engaging in vote buying or selling at polling units.” Nwosu further stated that any government involved in vote buying demonstrates incompetence and corruption, questioning the source of funds used for such illegal activities.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress , APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Sunday said Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has united the state. Yilwatda said Sani has given the people of the state voice by removing the problems of tribalism and religion. Speaking in Kaduna on Sunday, the APC chairman said mosques and churches are now the same under Sani’s administration. He said: “Your Excellency, I want to thank you for doing something different in Kaduna State, Kaduna State was known for insecurity; the story has changed. “Thank you for valuing the lives of people and uniting Kaduna State. You have removed the problems of religion and tribalism, giving everyone a voice.

  Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased to 18.02 per cent in September compared to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, indicating the sixth consecutive month of deceleration in inflation. This was disclosed by the  National Bureau of Statistics  in the latest Consumer Price Index published on Wednesday. This also marked the first time in three years that inflation had fallen below the 20 per cent threshold. The rebasing of the CPI has been a driver of the decline in inflation this year, which has resulted in the first rate cut by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria in years. The sustained dip in inflation supports the projection by economists that the MPC may still cut the benchmark rate. According to NBS, the September 2025 headline inflation rate decreased by 2.1 per cent compared to the previous month. On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 14.68 per cent lower than the rate recorded in September 2024 (32.70 per cent), marking a ...

The Lagos State Government has denied involvement in the recent demolition of structures on the Sixth Avenue, FESTAC Town. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, said this on Tuesday in Alausa. Olumide said that the state government had no hand in the demolitions and followed a clear process before bringing down any structure. He said that such process included giving all necessary notices and engaging with people who may be affected. The commissioner urged all agencies, including federal ones, to always consult and get clearance from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development before carrying out any demolition. “We want to assure residents that the Lagos State Government is committed to fairness, due process and protection of property rights.

Ondo Governor   Lucky Aiyedatiwa  has cleared a total of N1.4 billion backlog of unpaid gratuities to retired local government workers and primary school teachers who exited service in 2014. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akure on Monday, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the gesture as a continuation of the bulk gratuity payment initiative he introduced while serving as Deputy Governor – aimed at clearing outstanding entitlements and restoring confidence among retirees. “I started this even when I was Deputy Governor. I presented the case to the then governor, who approved it, and we began saving money periodically. Whenever we had a favourable allocation, we set aside funds to settle retirees’ gratuities. This will continue now that we are fully in charge,” Aiyedatiwa said. He added that the bulk payments for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 sets under his administration were unprecedented in the history of the state.

  Rivers  Governor   Siminalayi Fubara   has inaugurated a new Secretary to State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabraba to replace Dr Tammy Danagogo. It was gathered the replacement of Danagogo was in line with the new peace agreement that ended the political crisis in the state. Danagogo was an SSG during the second term of former Governor, Nyesom Wike and retained the position in Fubara’s administration till the declaration of emergency rule in the state. Fubara, while inaugurating Anabraba at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, identified him as a former Minority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly and one of his former commissioners. Addressing Anabraba, the Governor said: “Within the period we worked together, you did well as a very dedicated person. So, this opportunity is not to display power or a show of the size of office, but a call to duty. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue South Senatorial District received a major boost on Saturday, October 11, 2025, as prominent politicians from various parties, including the NNPP, APC, ADC, and LP, defected to the PDP in Ogoli-Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area. Leading the decampees was Chief Barr. Isaac Oduh, former Senatorial candidate of the NNPP, who declared alongside hundreds of supporters their decision to join the PDP, citing the visionary and inclusive leadership of Senator Dr. Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader and representative of Benue South. Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Chief Oduh said their decision was driven by the need to align with a leader who genuinely cares for the people and delivers results. “Senator Moro’s leadership has shown that politics is about service, not self-interest,” Oduh said.

  The  Department of State Services, DSS , has cautioned the public against dealing with one Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, a dismissed officer allegedly using the agency’s name to defraud unsuspecting individuals. In a statement issued on Monday, the DSS said Godwin was sacked from the Service but has continued to parade himself as a serving officer while engaging in fraudulent activities. According to the statement, the former staff has been using the name of the DSS to extort money from members of the public under various pretences. “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby alerts members of the public of the activities of one Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, a dismissed staff. He is reportedly engaging in unscrupulous activities, including using the name of the Service to defraud unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement read.

  The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command of the  Nigeria Police Force,  on Wednesday said the enforcement of the vehicle tinted glass permit has been suspended. Spokesperson for the FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, said the suspension followed a court order halting the exercise. In an interview on AIT, Adeh said the decision came after the police officially received the court order. “Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict,” Adeh said. She explained that the directive to suspend enforcement would remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process.

  After a break of more than two months, the National Assembly resumed plenary yesterday with a promise to do more for Nigerians. Members of the bicameral legislative chambers told the citizens that although the ongoing reforms by  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  were yielding positive results, Nigerians still faced challenges. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and  House of Representatives  Speaker Abbas Tajudeen gave the assurances in their welcome address to the returnee federal lawmakers. They listed floods, insecurity, high cost of living, and erratic power supply as some of the challenges facing Nigerians but assured that the National Assembly would legislate with boldness and collaborate with the Executive to tackle the challenges. Akpabio said: “Our people do not look to us for lamentations; they look to us for action. The banners of terrorism and banditry still threaten the countryside.

The price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, also known as cooking gas, has increased to N25,000 this week from N17,500 the previous week. Checks by Vanguard confirmed that the price of 1kg currently retails at between N1, 500 and N2, 000, depending on the location. Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, NALPGAM, Mr. Bassey Essien, told Vanguard on phone yesterday that the distribution of the product was disrupted by the recent industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN. He said: “Dangote Petroleum Refinery is currently the highest local supplier of cooking gas in Nigeria. The crisis involving PENGASSAN scuttled distribution. Many dealers could not replenish their stocks during the period. ‘’What we are witnessing is a function of demand and supply. In practice, the demand for cooking gas is higher than supply. But supply would likely stabilise in the comi...

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that any agent found engaging in non-permissible activities under its newly revised Agent Banking Guidelines will face a minimum penalty of N5 million for the offence and N100,000 for each day the default continues, in addition to forfeiting any profit made from such activities. According to the revised guidelines, “Operating without a valid Super Agent licence attracts a fine of not less than N10 million and N200,000 for each day the default persists. Engaging in non-permissible agent banking activities attracts a fine of not less than N5 million and N100,000 for each day of the default. In addition, the entity shall forfeit the estimated profit.” The CBN further stated that failure to obtain its approval or a ‘No Objection’ as stipulated in the guidelines attracts a fine of N2 million for the financial institution (FI) and for each director or senior management staff responsible for the infraction. Similarly, failure to maintain p...

  Despite receiving petrol at N820 per litre with no logistics costs, partners of the Dangote Refinery have yet to reduce pump prices at their filling stations. Findings by  The PUNCH  on Sunday revealed that Heyden, AP, MRS and other major partners continued to sell petrol at N865 per litre. Apart from a few MRS outlets in Lagos that adjusted their prices to N841 per litre, most stations maintained the previous rates. The MRS station at Alapere experienced long queues as motorists rushed to buy petrol at N841, while others along the same axis sold for N865 per litre. However, at the MRS station in Olowotedo, along the Mowe–Ibafo axis of Ogun State, petrol sold for as high as N875 per litre. Heyden offered N863, while Ardova and others retained prices between N865 and N870 per litre. Recall that marketers, including Conoil, Eterna, Golden Super, Nepal Energies, Kifayat Global Energy, and Riquest and Gas, had partnered with the Dangote Refinery under its logistics-free fue...

  The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria  (PENGASSAN)  has suspended its strike against Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals following a new agreement brokered by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the decision was taken out of respect for the federal government. He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the agreement, noting that it did not address the union’s primary demand, the immediate reinstatement of over 800 Nigerian workers allegedly sacked by the refinery. Osifo warned that the union would not hesitate to resume the strike without notice if the Dangote management fails to honour its commitments under the agreement. Osifo said, “We are not happy with the terms of the agreement because it did not capture our main demand of recalling the 800 sacked Nigerians. But out of respect for government institutions, for t...

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigerians will soon start experiencing prosperity under his administration. He spoke in Owerri, the Imo State Capital on Tuesday, where he urged Nigerians to be patient. Tinubu said, “Nigeria’s economy just turned a corner and you will receive prosperity, those talking negative of this country should stop saying so. “Just be patient as all Nigerians will feel the prosperity in due time, don’t be corrupt.” He made the assertion during the coronation of Oba Rasheed Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. The President said Nigeria’s economy has started witnessing  growth and prosperity.