Author

Nelson Ugwuagbo

VP Shettima
Headlines

VP Shettima leads Armed Forces Remembrance Day tribute in Abuja

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday attended the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier in Eagle Square, Abuja, representing President Bola Tinubu.

President Tinubu is currently in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

The annual AFCRD, organised by the Ministry of Defence, is held to honour fallen Nigerian service personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. The event pays tribute to officers and men who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, various peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations, including the ongoing fight against terrorism.

The ceremony also recognises living veterans and serves as a platform to mobilise financial and moral support for wounded service members, as well as the families of fallen heroes.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces and urged individuals, organisations and the private sector to continue supporting service personnel, particularly injured veterans and bereaved families, during the remembrance period and beyond.

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Refinery
Business

FG Petroleum Imports Crashes 54% to $6.7bn After Improved Local Refining

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nigeria’s spending on the importation of petroleum products has fallen sharply by 54 per cent over the past two years, dropping from $14.58bn in the first nine months of 2023 to $6.71bn in the corresponding period of 2025, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

A review of the CBN’s Balance of Payments reports for 2023, 2024 and the third quarter of 2025 shows a steady year-on-year decline in fuel import bills, reflecting reduced foreign exchange outflows linked to petroleum product imports.

The figures indicate that fuel import costs declined from $14.58bn between January and September 2023 to $11.38bn in the same period of 2024, representing a reduction of $3.20bn or 21.9 per cent. The downward trend intensified in 2025, with imports falling further by $4.67bn, or 41 per cent, to $6.71bn within the first nine months of the year.

Overall, Nigeria spent $7.87bn less on refined petroleum product imports in the first nine months of 2025 compared with the corresponding period of 2023, highlighting a significant easing of pressure on foreign exchange outflows.

CBN data also showed a 41 per cent year-on-year decline in refined fuel imports by the third quarter of 2025, signaling early signs of import substitution as new and rehabilitated refineries begin to scale up operations.

The reduction in foreign exchange spending comes amid broader structural reforms and market adjustments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s external reserves and stabilizing the naira.

For decades, Nigeria depended heavily on imports, particularly refined petroleum products due to limited domestic refining capacity, weak industrial output and underinvestment in critical infrastructure. This reliance made fuel imports one of the largest drains on the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

The removal of petrol subsidies in 2023 marked a major turning point, as higher pump prices reduced consumption and curtailed arbitrage-driven demand. Combined with tighter foreign exchange management by the CBN, the policy shift helped moderate import volumes and speculative FX demand linked to fuel imports.

Analysts also attribute the decline to the gradual expansion of domestic refining capacity in the downstream oil sector. Industry experts note that increased competition, particularly from the $20bn Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, has intensified pressure on fuel importers and reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined products.

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Chimamanda Adiche
Headlines

Lagos Government Suspends Doctor as Probe Begins Into Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Lagos State Government has suspended the anaesthesiologist involved in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, the son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, following the child’s death at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos.

The toddler died on January 7, 2026, after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest during routine medical procedures carried out a day earlier. These included sedation for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line.

Announcing the suspension, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said the action would remain in force pending the outcome of a comprehensive and independent investigation into allegations of medical negligence. She reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on any lapses in patient care, particularly in paediatric cases.

According to the family, Nkanu was stable prior to the procedures and was scheduled for medical evacuation to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States the following day. They have alleged that excessive administration of the sedative propofol, poor patient monitoring, and delayed resuscitation efforts contributed to the child’s death.

In response, solicitors representing Adichie and Dr. Esege issued a legal notice to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital on January 10, demanding the preservation and release of all relevant medical records, including drug administration logs and patient monitoring data.

Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has confirmed that it has commenced an internal review of the incident and is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities.

Meanwhile, investigations by the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria are ongoing.

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Tinubu and Senate
Headlines

Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of 21 Nominees for NUPRC, NMDPRA Boards

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded letters to the Senate seeking confirmation of 21 nominees for the boards of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In one of the letters, Tinubu nominated former senator Magnus Abe as chairman of the NUPRC board. Abe, who represented Rivers South-East in the Senate for two terms, previously served on the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and currently chairs the National Agency for the Great Green Wall.

Also nominated as non-executive commissioners for the NUPRC board are Engineer Paul Yaro Jezhi, a former chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Kaduna State, and Mr Sunday Adebayo Babalola, a former deputy director at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

The President further proposed a list of executive commissioners, including Muhammed Sabo Lamido (Finance), Edu Inyang (Exploration and Acreage), Justin Ezeala (Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning), Henry Darlington Oki (Development and Production), Indabawa Bashari Alka (Corporate Services and Administration), and Mahmood Tijani (Health, Safety and Environment).

Ms Olayemi Adeboyejo was also nominated to serve as Secretary and Legal Adviser to the commission.

According to the Presidency, some of the nominees, including Lamido and Adeboyejo, were initially appointed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, while Alka was appointed by President Tinubu in 2023. Others on the list are fresh nominees by the current administration.

The nominations are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

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Ruben Amorim
Sports

Manchester United Sack Head Coach Ruben Amorim

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Manchester United have dismissed head coach Ruben Amorim, the club confirmed on Monday, January 5, 2026.

The Portuguese tactician, who was appointed in November 2024, was relieved of his duties following mounting dissatisfaction over the team’s performances, as well as recent public comments that reportedly strained relations within the club.

At the time of his dismissal, United were sixth in the Premier League standings.

Sources indicate that Amorim’s exit came less than 24 hours after he openly criticised the club’s hierarchy during a post-match press conference, following a 1–1 draw with Leeds United, a move understood to have accelerated the decision to part ways.

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Yakubu Adamu
Headlines

Court Slams N500m Naira Bail on Bauchi Commissioner Over N4.6 Billion Fraud Charge

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed stringent bail conditions on the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, who is standing trial over an alleged N4.6 billion fraud charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The judge on Friday admitted Adamu to bail in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties required to stand for him.

According to the court, the sureties must own landed properties in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarinpa districts of Abuja and are to deposit the original Certificates of Occupancy of the properties with the court for the duration of the trial.

Justice Nwite further ordered the sureties to deposit their international passports with the court registrar, while the commissioner is barred from travelling outside the country without the express permission of the court.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the court ordered that Adamu be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The bail application was moved by Chief Gordy Uche, SAN, who appeared for the commissioner and a firm, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, but was opposed by EFCC counsel, Samuel Chime.

Adamu and Ayab Agro Products were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering involving N4.6 billion.

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NNPC and AK Gas
Headlines

AKK Gas Pipeline Set to Supply Power to Kano, Kaduna, Abuja – NNPCL

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bashir Ojulari, has announced that the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project is now ready to be connected to power industries in northern Nigeria.

Ojulari made the disclosure on Monday after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the project will supply gas to power and industrial facilities in key locations, including Kano, Kaduna, Ajaokuta, and Abuja.

The AKK Gas Pipeline, initiated under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is regarded as one of the most significant energy infrastructure projects in the country. The project was designed to enhance energy security, drive industrialization, and stimulate economic growth, particularly in the northern region.

President Tinubu has been commended for providing strong political backing and leadership to ensure the completion and operationalisation of the project, which is expected to play a critical role in expanding gas-to-power capacity and supporting Nigeria’s broader economic development agenda.

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Alex Otti
Headlines

Gov Otti Returns Light to 33 Abia Communities After 9 Year Blackout

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has restored electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, ending nearly nine years of power outage in the oil-producing area.

The power restoration project was carried out by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, under the supervision of the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities. The project fulfills a commitment made by the governor to the affected communities in March 2025.

Speaking at the power switch-on ceremony held on Monday at Central Primary School, Obehie, Governor Otti recalled his earlier pledge to return electricity to the area. He also confirmed that Mr Promise Onwukwe, whose case he had promised to look into, had been reinstated.

The governor arrived at the event aboard the newly launched Abia Green Shuttle electric vehicle bus, accompanied by members of his cabinet.

Otti urged residents of Ukwa West to safeguard the electricity infrastructure and prevent vandalism, stressing that the protection of public assets was a collective responsibility.

“I believe that we have a responsibility to protect what is in our community. Nobody can do it better than you,” he said, adding that acts of vandalism are often carried out by individuals within the communities themselves.

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USA and Nigeria
Africa & World

USA Intensifies Aerial Surveillance in Nigeria Over Christian Persecution

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The United States has intensified intelligence-gathering operations over Nigeria, conducting surveillance flights across large swathes of the country since late November, according to flight tracking data and US officials cited by Reuters.

In an exclusive report published on Monday, Reuters said the exact objective of the missions could not be independently verified. However, the development points to heightened security cooperation between Washington and Abuja.

The surveillance flights come in the wake of remarks by former US President Donald Trump in November, in which he threatened possible military intervention over what he described as Nigeria’s failure to curb violence against Christian communities.

Reuters also noted that the operations follow the kidnapping of a US pilot working for a missionary organization in neighboring Niger earlier this year, an incident that raised security concerns in the region.

Flight tracking data from December showed that the contractor-operated aircraft typically departed from Ghana, flew over Nigerian airspace, and returned to Accra.

The aircraft was identified as being operated by Tenax Aerospace, a Mississippi-based firm that provides specialized mission aircraft and works closely with the US military, according to information on the company’s website.

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air defense system
Africa & World

Kenya Receives Israeli SPYDER Air Defense in $26M Deal

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Kenya has taken delivery of an Israeli-made SPYDER surface-to-air missile system, significantly strengthening its air-defence capability amid growing regional security concerns.

The acquisition, reported by Kenyan media on December 15, 2025, was financed through a government-backed Israeli loan estimated at about $26 million (approximately KSh3.4 billion), according to Treasury disclosures. The funding structure indicates a formal state-to-state defence procurement rather than a goodwill or ceremonial transfer.

The missile system is expected to enhance Kenya’s ability to protect strategic assets, including military air bases, ports, and other critical infrastructure, against threats from aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Treasury records further show that the same Israeli financing facility accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the Ministry of Defence’s development budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year, while also outlining Kenya’s repayment commitments under the external loan arrangement. Although some local reports have described the system as a political “gift” following high-level diplomatic engagements, official financial documents point to a structured and repayable defence deal.

The SPYDER system, manufactured by Israeli defence firm Rafael, is equipped with two types of interceptors: the PYTHON-5 missile, which uses imaging infrared and CCD seekers for passive targeting, and the I-DERBY missile, which employs active radar homing for all-weather, fire-and-forget engagements.

Designed as a highly mobile air-defence platform, SPYDER can engage multiple targets simultaneously and provides 360-degree coverage. Depending on configuration, the system is advertised to have engagement ranges of up to 80 kilometres, along with strong resistance to electronic countermeasures.

In its all-in-one configuration, the system can be mounted on a single 8×8 vehicle carrying up to eight missile canisters, with rapid deployment capability and the ability to transition from movement to combat readiness within minutes.

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