Category: Breaking News

Shettima Opens Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Says Tinubu’s Reforms Are Built To Last

CSNewsLeave a Comment on Shettima Opens Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Says Tinubu’s Reforms Are Built To Last

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms are designed to improve the quality of life of Nigerians through sustainable investments in healthcare, education and human capital development. Shettima spoke on Friday during the commissioning of the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital and two schools in Maiduguri, Borno State, commending Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for prioritising healthcare and education in a state recovering from insurgency. The Vice President said the teaching hospital would bring specialised medical services closer to residents, reduce the need for patients to travel outside the state for treatment, and strengthen medical education and research. He also stressed the importance of rebuilding schools in communities affected by insecurity, noting that education provides opportunities for children and supports long term development, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Borno’s reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts. Shettima, however, cautioned that the success of the newly commissioned facilities would depend on their ability to deliver quality healthcare and education to the people. Governor Zulum described the hospital as a major milestone in efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Borno and the wider North East, saying it would serve as a clinical training centre for medical students and other health professionals at Kashim Ibrahim University, and pledging continued investment in personnel, equipment and infrastructure. The Pro Chancellor of the university, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, and the hospital’s Governing Board Chairman, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, welcomed the project, while Chief Medical Director Professor Ibrahim Musa Kida said the hospital’s success would depend on the quality and dedication of its personnel. The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Professor Fatima Kyari, pledged support for the accreditation of relevant medical courses at the new facility. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Continue Reading

FG Ends Edo NLC Standoff, Governor Agrees To Recognise Caretaker Committee

CSNewsLeave a Comment on FG Ends Edo NLC Standoff, Governor Agrees To Recognise Caretaker Committee

The long running dispute between the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Edo State Government over the non recognition of the NLC’s caretaker committee in the state has finally been brought to an end. The breakthrough came at a meeting brokered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, between the Edo State Government, represented by the Governor, and the NLC, represented by its President, Joe Ajaero, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the Minister of Labour and Employment also in attendance. In a statement by the NLC Head of Information and Publicity, Benson Upah, the Governor agreed to recognise and work with the caretaker committee as the lawful representative of the NLC in Edo State, and to ensure that check off dues are remitted through appropriate channels to the Congress. The NLC Secretariat in Edo State, which had been locked up by persons who presented themselves as acting on behalf of the Governor, even as the Governor denied knowledge of or acquiescence in their actions, is to be reopened immediately. The regular statutory relationship between the state government and the NLC is to resume with immediate effect. The dispute had earlier travelled beyond Nigeria’s borders, with the NLC lodging a complaint against the Edo State Government at the 2026 International Labour Organisation conference, alleging interference, intimidation and bullying, a matter the Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, promised to resolve. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Continue Reading

Federal Government Rejects Subsidy Return, Proposes N1,350 Price Ceiling and NNPC Discount

CSNewsLeave a Comment on Federal Government Rejects Subsidy Return, Proposes N1,350 Price Ceiling and NNPC Discount

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has addressed the nation regarding the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit, firmly ruling out a return to broad fuel subsidies while unveiling key targeted relief measures. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Oyedele acknowledged the severe financial strain on Nigerian households, commuters, and businesses due to elevated pump prices averaging N1,400 per liter nationwide. The Finance Minister attributed the current price surge directly to external global shocks, specifically an ongoing eight-month conflict in the Gulf that has restricted oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to 13 percent of normal levels. With Brent crude trading above $100 per barrel and global middle-distillate exports down sharply, Oyedele emphasized that petroleum product inflation is a worldwide crisis affecting both developed and developing economies. Addressing calls from political figures and civil society groups to reinstate fuel subsidies, Oyedele presented data demonstrating that returning to a consumption subsidy would bankrupt public finances and collapse the economy. He revealed that restoring petrol prices to pre-reform levels would cost over N20 trillion annually, an amount exceeding the entire Federation Account allocation shared among all three tiers of government in 2025. Oyedele warned that artificial price suppression would force massive foreign exchange subsidization, weakening the naira toward N3,000 to the dollar and ultimately driving pump prices above N2,000 per liter. He added that legacy crude commitments from the previous subsidy era continue to absorb significant fiscal gains, reinforcing why the government must protect its newly earned economic stability and sovereign credit ratings. To cushion the immediate burden on vulnerable citizens, the Federal Government announced a temporary 30-day price discount on petrol dispensed across all NNPC Limited retail stations nationwide, with priority access granted to commercial public transporters. The minister clarified that the temporary discount operates as a cost-price mechanism rather than a restored blanket subsidy. Concurrently, the government introduced a price modulation framework aimed at smoothing market volatility, establishing a proposed ex-gantry and landing cost ceiling of N1,350 per liter. Under this arrangement, refiners and importers will absorb short-term cost spikes above the ceiling and recover them during market dips, preventing frequent, disruptive price spikes at local pumps. The minister highlighted existing government interventions, including full tax and duty waivers on fuel that save consumers between N400 and N600 per liter, alongside the naira-for-crude sale agreement with domestic refiners. He noted that Nigeria’s current foreign exchange reserves stand at an eighteen-year high of $55 billion, providing critical structural stability for the national currency. Looking ahead, the Federal Government outlined additional measures, including increased cash transfers for low-income households, accelerated CNG vehicle rollouts, the establishment of a National Strategic Fuel Reserve, and the potential implementation of an excess profit tax on predatory energy operators. Oyedele reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to driving long-term fiscal stability and lowering inflation without jeopardizing national growth. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Continue Reading

CAS Sunday Aneke Leads Recovery Efforts at Ondo Air Crash Site

CSNewsLeave a Comment on CAS Sunday Aneke Leads Recovery Efforts at Ondo Air Crash Site

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, led senior Nigerian Air Force officers to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to oversee search, recovery, and technical investigation operations. The high level site visit followed Monday’s fatal aviation accident involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931. Arriving at the crash site, Air Marshal Aneke extended profound condolences to the families of all victims, honoring their selfless service, sacrifice, and dedication to national duty. He assured the bereaved relatives that the Air Force community stands fully united behind them during this deeply painful period of national grief. The Air Force chief reaffirmed the military command’s resolve to carry out search and recovery operations according to global aviation standards, maintaining total operational transparency and administrative diligence. He emphasized that every technical detail would be examined to establish the precise cause of the accident. Air Marshal Aneke commended the operational coordination exhibited by the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency, and the Ondo State Government. He further acknowledged the civil defense corps, Amotekun Corps, Hi Tech Construction Company, community leaders, and local volunteers for their joint response efforts. Extending gratitude for executive support, the CAS appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing guidance and leadership throughout the crisis. He assured the commander in chief and the public that all retrieved evidence would be secured, documented, preserved, and subjected to forensic evaluation by aviation crash experts. Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, confirmed that recovery operations are progressing smoothly across the crash area in close coordination with emergency agencies. AVM Ebiowe verified that the crash perimeter remains secured by armed personnel to preserve physical wreckage and flight recordings. The investigation leadership added that all recovered items, flight instruments, and personal effects are being cataloged according to standard crash site protocols. The Nigerian Air Force remains focused on completing ground recovery operations while extending comprehensive psychosocial support to the families of the victims. The military command urged the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified speculation regarding the operational cause of the crash. Air Marshal Aneke requested patience as technical investigators work to produce a conclusive, fact-based report on the incident. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Continue Reading

Contract Breach: Bendel Insurance FC Formally Declares Goalkeeper Joshua Baba AWOL

CSNewsLeave a Comment on Contract Breach: Bendel Insurance FC Formally Declares Goalkeeper Joshua Baba AWOL

Management at Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) outfit Bendel Insurance Football Club has officially declared goalkeeper Joshua Baba Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL). The decisive action follows the player’s total failure to report back to duty upon the completion of an authorized medical recovery leave granted by the club. Baba was last involved in team activities shortly after the start of the 2026/27 NPFL season on August 30, 2026. During the club’s fixture against Warri Wolves in Benin City, the shot-stopper sustained a physical knock, prompting medical personnel to recommend a temporary layoff to facilitate recovery. Following medical evaluation, club officials granted the goalkeeper a two-week recovery leave. Baba subsequently traveled home to Plateau State to spend time with family while completing his recuperation process. He was formally scheduled to return to the team’s training facilities in Benin City by mid-September 2026 to resume full duty. Despite the official expiration of his authorized leave period, Baba has refused to return to camp or communicate his whereabouts to management. The club verified that the player failed to seek or receive any official administrative extension regarding his absence. The club’s management, alongside the Head Coach and Team Manager, confirmed that exhaustive attempts were made to establish direct communication with the player. However, all private outreach efforts have yielded no positive response, leaving the club leadership with no alternative option but to enforce internal regulatory sanctions. Bendel Insurance FC clarified that Joshua Baba remains bound to the club under a legally valid employment contract running until the end of 2027. Consequently, his continued refusal to perform contractual duties constitutes a severe breach of professional rules governing professional football in Nigeria. Expressing deep disappointment over the incident, club leadership labeled the goalkeeper’s actions unacceptable and contrary to the core values of discipline, professionalism, and accountability expected of all players representing the Benin-based side. Management reaffirmed that strict disciplinary and administrative proceedings will be launched immediately. To protect its legal interests, Bendel Insurance FC has formally submitted an official report regarding the matter to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The club requested that both governing bodies document Baba’s unauthorized absence to prevent potential regulatory conflicts or illegal transfers. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Continue Reading

Higher Education Reforms: Federal Government Releases CONTA Allowance for Non Academic Staff

CSNewsLeave a Comment on Higher Education Reforms: Federal Government Releases CONTA Allowance for Non Academic Staff

The Federal Government has officially approved and released the Consolidated Non Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance for non academic personnel serving across all federal tertiary institutions nationwide. Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, confirmed the major financial disbursement, noting that the payment covers the operational period spanning January to August 2026. Dr. Alausa emphasized that the prompt release of the CONTA funds underscores the determination of the current administration to improve overall worker welfare and recognize the invaluable contributions of non teaching staff. He noted that maintaining financial commitments to campus workers is essential for fostering industrial peace and preventing disruptive industrial actions within public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The minister pointed out that the welfare, sustained motivation, and daily dedication of both academic and non academic personnel remain vital to the smooth administrative functioning of higher institutions. He stressed that a stable tertiary education environment serves as the ultimate catalyst for producing the highly skilled workforce needed to power national socio economic development. This financial release follows the commencement of the Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance disbursements to academic staff earlier in the week. By meeting its statutory financial obligations to both teaching and non teaching unions, the federal government has demonstrated a balanced approach toward resolving historical wage claims within the public education sector. Dr. Alausa reassured union executives and institutional managers that the Ministry of Education will sustain open channels of dialogue to address remaining operational concerns amicably. He commended university administrators, trade union leaders, and campus staff for their patient engagement and continued cooperation with federal mediators throughout recent negotiations. The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its broader policy mandate under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places human capital development and institutional stability at the forefront of national growth. The government emphasized that systemic reforms will continue to focus on modernizing learning infrastructure, strengthening institutional governance, and enhancing academic standards across all federal campuses. Reassuring all stakeholders across the tertiary education ecosystem, the ministry promised that legitimate outstanding claims will be evaluated and settled systematically as budget allocations allow. Executive leaders maintained that creating a world class learning environment requires total industrial harmony, requiring sustained cooperation between union executives and government representatives. Educational experts and union representatives have received the payment news positively, noting that the timely release of eight months’ worth of allowances will boost staff morale substantially. The development is expected to clear long standing administrative tensions, paving the way for uninterrupted academic calendars across federal universities and colleges nationwide. The ministry concluded its formal release by calling on institutional governing councils and university vice chancellors to ensure the immediate, accurate, and transparent distribution of the funds to eligible workers without administrative delay, ensuring the financial relief reaches all target non academic personnel across the country. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Continue Reading

Ten NYSC Members Rescued After Gunmen Attack Buses On Owerri Onitsha Road

CSNewsLeave a Comment on Ten NYSC Members Rescued After Gunmen Attack Buses On Owerri Onitsha Road

The Imo State Police Command and sister security agencies have intensified search and rescue operations following an attack on two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers along the Owerri Onitsha Road near Umunoha. A statement by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, said the incident occurred on October 1, 2026, with the buses travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State when they were attacked by suspected armed men. Police and other security agencies responded swiftly to the scene, recovering both buses and rescuing 10 victims, with the rescued persons confirmed safe and receiving necessary attention following the incident. The Command disclosed that the exact number of persons still missing is being verified, with intelligence led efforts ongoing to locate the abducted persons and arrest the suspected attackers. Personnel of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working alongside the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, launched a coordinated operation to track the kidnappers and rescue remaining victims. The Nigerian Army confirmed that troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued the 10 NYSC members abducted in the attack, which occurred at about 6:30 am in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. Authorities say the coordinated response across multiple security agencies reflects the seriousness with which the attack is being treated, given the targeting of young corps members travelling to their places of primary assignment. The Police Command appealed for calm and urged members of the public with credible information to contact the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency lines to assist ongoing efforts. Security agencies say operations to locate the remaining victims and apprehend the attackers will continue until all those affected are accounted for and brought to safety. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Continue Reading

FCT Police Round Up 300 Suspects In Sweeping Raids On Crime Flashpoints

CSNewsLeave a Comment on FCT Police Round Up 300 Suspects In Sweeping Raids On Crime Flashpoints

The FCT Police Command has intensified its crackdown on crime, raiding identified flashpoints, shanties and uncompleted buildings across the territory to disrupt criminal activities and safeguard residents. The operation led to the arrest of about 300 persons for screening and profiling, with knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs recovered from suspected criminal hideouts during the exercise. The Command said suspects found to have committed offences will be charged to court, while those cleared after thorough screening will be released without further action. Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, warned residents against illicit drug abuse, describing it as a factor that can impair judgement and fuel criminal behaviour across communities. He directed officers involved in the raids to remain professional and operate strictly within the law, warning against extortion, intimidation and harassment of residents during the exercise. The Commissioner stressed that the raids were carried out with due regard for the rights of residents, even as officers moved decisively against identified criminal hideouts. Officials say the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to make the Federal Capital Territory safer for residents and visitors alike. The Command urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities to support ongoing efforts to keep the territory safe. Further raids are expected to continue as part of the Command’s sustained crackdown on crime across identified flashpoints in the territory. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Continue Reading

FG Sets Up Panel Over 37 Deaths In NSCDC Custody, Suspends 21 Officers Pending Probe

CSNewsLeave a Comment on FG Sets Up Panel Over 37 Deaths In NSCDC Custody, Suspends 21 Officers Pending Probe

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, has constituted a ten member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Niger State Command, on suspicion of illegal mining. The action follows a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 17, with the Minister also suspending all officers involved pending the committee’s findings. Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing, the Minister said the government owes affected families and the public a transparent account of events, directing the committee to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director General Jonathan Kure, includes Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma as Secretary, alongside representatives from the Minna Emirate Council, the Niger State Government and the Miners Association of Nigeria. The panel is expected to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and to recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, within a two week timeframe. The Minister directed NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the committee and preserve all evidence connected to the incident, warning that any attempt to destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses would be treated as a serious offence. Alongside the Niger State Commandant, 20 additional officers, including station guards, arresting officers and duty officers, have been named and suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The committee has been granted authority to co opt relevant experts, visit locations connected to the incident and request memoranda from members of the public as it carries out its work. The Minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Continue Reading

Nigeria Begins Local Manufacture Of Next Generation Mosquito Nets Built To Beat Resistance

CSNewsLeave a Comment on Nigeria Begins Local Manufacture Of Next Generation Mosquito Nets Built To Beat Resistance

By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Nigeria has commenced local production of next generation dual active ingredient insecticide treated mosquito nets, marking a significant step in strengthening malaria prevention and domestic manufacturing of essential health products. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the development aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and its focus on unlocking the healthcare value chain through investment, local production and stronger domestic capacity. The new facility, Health Textiles Nigeria FZE, wholly owned by Vestergaard Sàrl, is the first in Nigeria to manufacture dual active ingredient insecticide treated nets, producing PermaNet Dual, a net designed to address growing insecticide resistance and prequalified by the World Health Organisation in 2023. At full scale, the facility is expected to produce approximately 10 million nets annually and create more than 600 jobs, with about 80 employees already recruited and undergoing training in manufacturing excellence, product quality and regulatory compliance. The establishment of Health Textiles Nigeria follows a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Vestergaard and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain to strengthen local production capacity for essential health products. Pate described the commencement of production as an important step in Nigeria’s fight against malaria, stressing that the investment demonstrates what is possible when government policy, private sector investment and technology transfer come together. Vestergaard Chief Executive Officer, Amar Ali, said the company was pleased to commence production in Nigeria, noting that the facility brings the company’s manufacturing expertise together with Nigerian talent to produce the nets locally. The development comes as Nigeria continues to bear a substantial share of the global malaria burden, with the World Health Organisation estimating that malaria caused 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths globally in 2024, with the African Region accounting for the overwhelming majority. With production now underway, Health Textiles Nigeria is expected to fulfil its first commercial orders in the coming months, expanding Nigeria’s capacity to produce a critical malaria prevention commodity locally.

Continue Reading