Nigeria has historically faced significant lapses in population data collection, including underreporting, poor record-keeping, and inconsistent methodologies. These gaps have hindered effective decision-making and skewed national statistics, affecting planning for housing, education, healthcare, and employment. As Dr. Aminu Yusuf officially assumes office as Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), following his swearing-in by President …
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed the second reading of a bill proposing the death penalty for kidnapping. The legislation, sponsored by all 108 senators, seeks to amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who led the debate, said the amendment would classify kidnapping, hostage-taking, and similar offences as acts …
Before the Senate confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Wednesday as Minister of Defence, the Red Chamber witnessed hours of tense exchanges and a stark preview of the hardline security doctrine Gen. Musa intends to introduce into Nigeria’s fight against terror. Musa’s confirmation came through a unanimous voice vote after more …
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a notice of appeal against a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the release of 27 houses to James Ikechukwu Okwete and Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo. In March, the EFCC obtained an interim forfeiture order for 27 properties located across different parts of Nigeria. Okwete and his …
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has cleared Ayodele Oke, Kayode Are, and Aminu Dalhatu for ambassadorial appointments following an intensive screening session at the National Assembly on Wednesday. The three nominees were part of the first batch of ambassadorial candidates submitted to the upper chamber by President Bola Tinubu. During the session, senators focused …
The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerians accused of violating religious freedom. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on X on Wednesday that the restrictions will apply to individuals who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support or carry out violations of religious freedom.” Rubio’s statement followed a roundtable in …
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Senate for promptly confirming General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence, describing the appointment as timely and critical for the country’s security. In a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, Tinubu said he had forwarded Musa’s name to the Senate for screening …
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the first phase of the physical continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise in Yobe State will end on December 10. The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Damaturu. He said the preliminary register of voters will …
Tension began shortly after Akpabio entered the chamber and took over from Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who had been presiding. Upon assuming his seat, Akpabio immediately invited Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and a few other senators to approach the chair for a brief discussion. Goje, displeased with the development, rose swiftly to raise a …
The Edo State House of Assembly has summoned the member representing Egor Constituency, Hon. Natasha Irobosa, to appear before its Ethics and Privileges Committee within one week. The invitation, announced during Wednesday’s plenary in Benin City, follows allegations of misconduct linked to a viral video involving the lawmaker. Speaker Blessing Agbebaku said the committee is …
