Category: Top News

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

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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

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New Commandant Takes The Wheel At Army War College As Alkali Bows Out

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The Army War College Nigeria has witnessed a formal change of command, with the outgoing Commandant, Major General Umar Alkali, handing over leadership to his successor, Major General Aminu Mohammed Umar, at a ceremony held at the College Faculty Building in Asokoro, Abuja, on October 23, 2026. In his farewell remarks, Major General Alkali thanked God for a successful tour of duty and expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging the contributions of his predecessors, whose foundation he said made his achievements possible. He commended the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Brigadier General MC Akin Ojo, the faculty and the entire College community for their support, urging them to extend the same cooperation to the new Commandant, and expressing confidence in his successor’s capacity to take the institution to greater heights. The incoming Commandant, the eighth to lead the College, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for finding him worthy of leading the Nigerian Army’s apex institution for professional military education, pledging to build on the achievements of his predecessor and to foster a cordial and productive working relationship with the College community. Before his appointment, Major General Umar served as Deputy Chief of Civil Military Affairs at Army Headquarters, with extensive instructional experience at institutions including the Depot Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Warrant Officers Academy, where he served as Commandant, and previous roles as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Guards Brigade in Abuja. Highlights of the ceremony included the decoration of the new Commandant with the College insignia and lanyard, the signing of handing and taking over notes, the lowering of the outgoing Commandant’s flag and the hoisting of the new Commandant’s flag. The change of command marks another milestone for the institution, reaffirming its commitment to continuity in professional military education and the development of strategic level leadership within the Nigerian Army. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Ebola In Abuja: Genetic Clue Links Nigeria’s Case To Kenya, But Pate Says Questions Remain

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The Federal Government has provided an update on the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory, reporting that genomic analysis shows the virus identified in Nigeria is genetically related to the virus found in a case in Kenya. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the findings provide important scientific information, but stressed that further investigation is required to establish whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked, noting that there is no evidence so far that the Kenyan index case travelled to Nigeria. The genomic analysis was carried out by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute of Genomics and Global Health at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, led by Professor Christian Happi, with Pate commending both institutions for their speed and scientific rigour. Pate reiterated that Nigeria still has only one confirmed case, adding that the patient is showing signs of recovery, while identified contacts remain under active monitoring, with some having tested negative and results for others still pending. He said the government is strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication and infection prevention and control, while healthcare facilities have been reminded to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health authorities. The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, announced that the agency will begin issuing short daily updates to the public from October 24, 2026, to keep Nigerians informed as the situation evolves. Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, follow recommended safety precautions and avoid spreading unverified reports, explaining that Ebola is not transmitted through the air but through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person. He advised the public to get updates only from recognised health authorities, including the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak, protecting healthcare workers and preventing further transmission, while calling for continued cooperation from the public and all stakeholders. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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NNPC Opens Doors To China’s NORINCO For Talks On Oil, Gas And Energy Infrastructure

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NNPC Limited on Friday hosted a delegation from China North Industries Group Corporation, known as NORINCO Group, for talks on cooperation in energy infrastructure, crude oil production, gas commercialisation and trading, technology and investment. The delegation, led by Mr Zuxi Huang, Vice President of China Zhenhua Oil Company Limited, a subsidiary of NORINCO Group, was received by the Group Chief Financial Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr Dapo Segun, and the Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, with other members of the company’s leadership joining virtually. Both parties exchanged views on their respective business interests and explored how a prospective partnership could add value to NNPC Limited’s operations, drive growth in crude oil and gas production and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security. The engagement comes at a time when international investor interest is turning to Africa’s energy sector, as countries across the continent seek to expand gas utilisation, close electricity gaps and meet rising energy demand. With Africa’s largest proven natural gas reserves, Nigeria remains a major destination for energy investment, and NNPC Limited continues to engage international partners with the technical expertise and capital needed to expand the country’s energy infrastructure. The company has previously worked with Chinese firms in this space, including the Abuja Independent Power Plant project, which involved China Machinery Engineering Corporation and GE Vernova. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Federal Government Mandates Business Friendly Regulatory Framework for MDAs

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The Federal Government has launched a new phase of institutional reforms aimed at making Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) more efficient, predictable, and responsive to commercial investors. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed the policy direction in Abuja during a strategic engagement with agency heads at the ministry headquarters. Addressing senior government officials, Oyedele stated that Nigeria’s economic reforms must move beyond macroeconomic stabilization to improve the daily operational experience of private businesses. He directed all regulatory bodies to operate strictly within their statutory mandates while immediately eliminating overlapping application fees, redundant documentation, and conflicting regulatory requirements. Under the emerging framework, public institutions are required to adopt a “One Government” operational strategy, coordinating directly among themselves rather than shifting administrative burdens onto business applicants. Where regulatory mandates overlap across multiple agencies, the government will enforce a single lead agency, one streamlined application process, and a unified fee structure. The minister instructed agencies to conduct thorough economic impact assessments before introducing new regulations or policy shifts, while ensuring adequate public consultation with affected private sector stakeholders. He emphasized that reasonable notice periods must precede the implementation of major regulatory changes to maintain market predictability and investor confidence. On public finance management, Oyedele stressed that all legally due revenues must be remitted fully and promptly into the Consolidated Revenue Fund in strict compliance with statutory guidelines. He added that operating surpluses and audited financial accounts must be submitted regularly, warning that default will attract administrative sanctions. Going forward, public agency performance will be measured by service delivery speed, strict adherence to published processing timelines, and measurable reductions in the cost of doing business. The Ministry of Finance will review agency submissions within four to six weeks, providing specific feedback before finalizing binding, measurable commitments for periodic progress reviews. Oyedele confirmed that the reform framework applies equally to the Federal Ministry of Finance, pledging to dismantle internal bottlenecks including delayed fund releases, slow approval cycles, and outdated administrative rules. He noted that eliminating institutional bureaucracy remains essential for attracting private investment, expanding industrial capacity, and generating sustainable employment nationwide. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Advocates Complete End to Child Marriage

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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on families, community leaders, and policymakers to intensify efforts toward protecting girl child rights, ending child marriage, and expanding educational investments. The First Lady issued the appeal in a formal message commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed under the theme End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights. Senator Tinubu emphasized that every girl deserves the fundamental right to learn, grow, and pursue her ambitions free from discrimination, violence, or harmful traditional practices. She stressed that when girls are empowered through quality education and healthcare, entire families prosper, communities strengthen, and the nation advances socially and economically. The First Lady celebrated the resilience and leadership potential of young girls across Nigeria, urging all tiers of government to enforce child protection frameworks. She reaffirmed her commitment through the Renewed Hope Initiative to advocate for policy frameworks that guarantee equal opportunities for every Nigerian child. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Ex Minister Adebayo Adelabu Denies Calling for APC Rejection

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The media office of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly debunked viral social media reports alleging that he called on Nigerians to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress. The official statement described the circulating report as completely false, mischievous, and designed to generate artificial friction between Adelabu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and APC leadership. Clarifying the origin of the viral video clip, the statement revealed that the footage was selectively extracted from an interview granted in 2022 when Adelabu contested the Oyo governorship under the Accord Party. During that period, Adelabu urged voters to evaluate candidate credibility while maintaining open support for Tinubu’s presidential candidacy. Reaffirming his unalloyed loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu, Adelabu maintained that his demand for internal party democracy and primary election transparency should never be misrepresented as disloyalty. He urged party faithful and the public to disregard the fabricated narrative and rely solely on verified communications. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Lagos Targets 3,000MW Power Supply by March 2027 to Build 24 Hour Economy

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The Lagos State Government has announced an ambitious energy master plan to expand state electricity supply to over 3,000 megawatts by March 2027, scaling up from its current operational capacity of below 1,000 megawatts. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled the target during the Fourth Lagos Business School Africa Energy Conference. Represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the governor detailed a comprehensive strategy to mobilize an additional 2,000MW through independent power projects, national grid resources, power barges, and embedded generation options. The plan incorporates a seven-point operational framework designed to optimize transmission, distribution, gas-to-power pipelines, and metering coverage. The administration highlighted notable progress in renewable energy projects, including the solarization of 42,000 streetlights and ongoing solar installations across over 270 public schools. Governor Sanwo-Olu called on private financiers and energy operators to partner with the state, emphasizing that uninterrupted power remains the cornerstone of industrial competitiveness. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Borno State Secures Nine Major Private Sector Commitments at Lagos Investment Summit

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Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration has secured nine formal letters of intent and major land allocation agreements during a two-day private sector roundtable on durable solutions held in Lagos. The high-level summit convened over 20 corporate entities alongside international development partners, including the UNHCR, IOM, and UNDP. A major highlight of the conference saw the Dangote Group allocate N366 million worth of shares directly to internally displaced persons and returnees, alongside a pledge from the Dangote Foundation to fund scholarships for 6,000 girls. Telecommunications giant Airtel secured right-of-way approvals to erect network towers, expanding digital connectivity across recovering communities. To streamline upcoming industrial projects, the Borno State Government guaranteed land title issuance within two weeks for factory developers and 24 hours for residential allocations. An Investment Facilitation Support Group was established alongside GIZ to track project implementation, conduct quarterly monitoring, and align investments with the Borno State 25-Year Development Plan. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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President Tinubu Welcomes World Bank Report Confirming Poverty Stabilization and 4.2 Percent Growth

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the World Bank’s October 2026 Nigeria Development Update, titled Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Reshaped State Priorities. The President stated that the independent report validates his administration’s economic reforms, proving that fiscal policies are placing the national economy on a firm path toward sustainable growth. The World Bank report revealed that Nigeria’s poverty rate has stabilized for the first time since 2019, with projections indicating a steady decline as economic growth outpaces population expansion. Gross Domestic Product expanded by 4.2 percent in the first half of 2026, up from 3.9 percent in the same period of 2025, with long-term growth projected to average 4.4 percent through 2028. Macroeconomic indicators showed headline inflation dropping from 27.6 percent in January 2025 to 15.2 percent by December 2025, alongside a current account surplus rising to $12.0 billion. Gross external reserves increased to $53.8 billion by August 2026, while federation revenues grew by 69 percent in real terms, enabling state governments to boost capital infrastructure spending by 151 percent. President Tinubu emphasized that key policy choices—including petrol subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, and fiscal discipline—have expanded revenue allocations across all tiers of government. He urged state governors to utilize increased revenues prudently while reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to expanding cash transfers, CNG rollouts, and agricultural productivity under the Renewed Hope Agenda 2.0. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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