Regional News
135 journalists attacked in 2024 – CJID – Daily Trust
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has revealed that 135 journalists suffered physical attacks while carrying out their work in 2024. CJID made the revelation while presenting updates of its Press Attack Tracker platform to journalists and civil society on Monday in Abuja. The event is tagged, “Newsrooms Engagement on Navigating Legal Challenges, Laws that Criminalise Journalism and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).”
Vote buying: Nigerians need change of attitude not legislation – Daily Trust
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Assembly to enact a law that will prevent the possession of N50,000 within the vicinity of polling stations during elections. This call was made by INEC Director of Litigation and Prosecution, Professor Tanimu Mohammed (SAN), who spoke at a consultative meeting with security operatives and the technical committee on electoral law amendments which was held recently in Abuja.
IPMAN threatens strike over N100bn unpaid bridging fee – Daily Trust
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Depot Chairmen Forum has given the federal government a seven-working-day ultimatum to clear its outstanding bridging claims, amounting to N100 billion. In a communiqué issued on Monday in Abuja, the forum’s chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Alhassan, warned that if the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fails to make the payment within the stipulated time, marketers will halt the loading and distribution of petroleum products nationwide.
13 killed in Yobe, Sokoto road crashes – Daily Trust
Thirteen people on Tuesday died in separate road crashes in Yobe and Sokoto states. While ten persons lost their lives in Yobe, three died in Sokoto. In Yobe, an auto crash along the Damaturu-Maiduguri Road claimed the lives of 10 people. The accident involved a truck loaded with cement and passengers, which lost control and somersaulted into a ditch.
Account for all missing weapons – Daily Trust
Penultimate Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Public Accounts raised concerns over alleged disappearance of 3,907 rifles and pistols from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) armoury as contained in the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF) report of 2019.
Northern leaders reaffirm commitment to address region’s challenges – Daily Trust
Northern leaders and stakeholders, led by the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, alongside Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir and the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator George Akume, have reiterated their commitment to tackling the challenges facing the region. They made the commitment at the 11th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture and Merit Awards in Bauchi on Tuesday.
Gunmen abduct Benue varsity students – Daily Trust
Gunmen have abducted four female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM), formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) in Benue State. Witnesses said that the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the North Core campus of the university when the students were going for night study.
AU, Meta, Deloitte launch AKILI AI to empower African MSMEs – Daily Trust
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), in partnership with Meta and Deloitte, has unveiled AKILI AI, an innovative AI-driven platform designed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa. The platform leverages Meta’s Llama Open Source model and other advanced AI technologies to equip MSMEs with tools to overcome critical challenges such as limited access to finance, difficulties in navigating markets, and a lack of tailored advisory support.
Nigeria to automate short stay visa approval process | Reuters
Nigeria is automating its electronic visa approval and issuance process in an effort to boost travel and business, the interior minister said. This automation aims to eliminate lengthy wait times faced by travellers upon arrival and could end a thriving industry for middlemen who work with immigration officials to help visitors jump through the hoops.
Boko Haram terrorists steal eight fishing boats in Borno town – Yerwa Express News
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have stolen eight fishing boats from fishermen in Doron Baga, a community under Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The incident occurred on Saturday evening in Kaimo village, approximately four kilometers from Doron Baga town.
Rice farmers lament low productivity amid rising demand – Yerwa Express News
The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN, has decried low production output in the sector due to inconsistencies on the part of the farmers. RIFAN Lagos State chairman, Raphael Hunsa, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.
Terrorists kidnap two, steal foodstuff in Borno – Yerwa Express News
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have kidnapped two residents of Kaleri community in Borno after an attack. Kaleri is a newly sprung neighbourhood under Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. A source from the community told our reporter that the incident occurred yesterday evening, in a place called Karshen Bangon University, the termination point of the fencing of UNIMAID.
Nigeria records 80 deaths from Lassa fever in one week
Nigeria recorded 80 deaths from Lassa fever in one week (3rd to 9th March), according to an official statement. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said in the statement that it recorded the 80 deaths from 413 confirmed Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025). The NCDC disclosed this information on its official website, noting that the case fatality rate (CFR) had risen to 19.4 per cent, up from 17.5 per cent in the same period in 2024.
Nigerian troops eliminate 82 terrorists, nab 198 others in 1 week – Yerwa Express News
The Defence Headquarters says troops have in the last one week eliminated a total of 82 terrorists, nabbed 198 others and rescued 93 kidnapped hostages. This Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known while giving an update on the operations of the military on Friday in Abuja.
Breast cancer cases to rise by 38% by 2050- Report
A new report has projected a 38 per cent increase in breast cancer cases globally by year 2050. The report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialised branch of the World Health Organisation (WHO), also projected annual deaths from the disease to rise by 68 per cent. In the report published in Nature Medicine on Monday, the agency warned that the cases would continue to rise if the current trend is not checked. It said if current trends continue, the world will see 3.2 million new breast cancer cases and 1.1 million related deaths each year by mid-century.
Drug abuse, domestic violence on increase in North-West – Speaker – Daily Trust
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for urgent action to address the increasing prevalence of drug abuse and domestic violence in the North-West subregion. Speaking at the launch of the Northwest Zonal Sensitisation Against Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Kaduna on Monday, Abbas said the subregion has witnessed a 25% rise in drug-related cases over the past three years, with Kaduna State alone experiencing a 28% increase in drug seizures in 2023.
Benue confirms Lassa fever outbreak, records 3 deaths – Daily Trust
The Benue State government on Monday officially declared a Lassa fever outbreak following a concerning rise in cases over the past four years. State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, said at a press conference in Makurdi that this year alone, the state has recorded 40 suspected cases, with five confirmed infections and three deaths, translating to a 60 per cent Case Fatality Rate (CFR).
Katsina varsity shut after protest over student’s killing – Daily Trust
The Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has declared a one-week “mid-semester break” starting Monday. The university’s spokesman, Habib Umar Aminu, in a statement, said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, conveyed the Senate’s decision, advising students to vacate the campus by 6pm on Monday.
Red Cross alerts Plateau residents on monkeypox outbreak – Daily Trust
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has issued a warning to Plateau State residents about the potential spread of Monkeypox (Mpox) if preventive measures are not taken. During a stakeholder engagement in Jos, NRCS Plateau State Branch Chairman, Nurudeen Ishaq Magaji, said confirmed cases have been recorded in five local government areas (LGAs).
14 die in central Nigeria road crash: official
Fourteen people were killed on Saturday when a bus collided with a petrol tanker in central Nigerian Niger state, a road safety official told AFP Sunday. The passenger bus rammed into the on-coming petrol tanker as the driver tried to overtake another bus outside Kusobogi village, 80 kms from the state capital Minna, Kumar Tsukwan, head of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger state, said.
ECOWAS: 2nd phase of project for free movement in W/Africa inaugurated – Daily Trust
The ECOWAS Commission and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have inaugurated the second phase of the EU-funded project to support the free movement of persons and migration in West Africa. The event was in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
Nasarawa shuts down over 20 illegal health facilities – Daily Trust
The Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has shut down more than 20 healthcare facilities for failing to meet the required operational standards. Dr John Damina, the ministry’s permanent secretary, disclosed this during an inspection of health facilities in Karu, the headquarters of Karu Local Government Area. The routine inspection, conducted across all 13 local government areas, aims to curb illegal medical practices and uphold healthcare standards in the state.
How bandits were bombed to death in Zamfara – Daily Trust
Troops of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have reportedly killed several bandits during airstrikes in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara state. A counter-insurgency publication in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, quoted sources as saying the operation was as a result of a coordinated intelligence which revealed that bandits suspected to be relatives of notorious bandit kingpin, Ado Aliero, along with other unidentified individuals, left Tsafe LGA to rustle cattle from nearby communities.
Two Cameroonian journalists attacked while reporting on businessman praised by president
The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the Cameroonian authorities to investigate and hold accountable those who attacked Equinoxe TV journalists Joseph Abena Abena and Augustin Ndongo while they were reporting in a village in Cameroon’s South Region on February 13. “The attack on Joseph Abena Abena and Augustin Ndongo is yet another expression of the sense of impunity for those who intimidate and threaten journalists in Cameroon,” said Moussa Ngom, CPJ’s Francophone Africa representative.
Netherlands agrees to return 119 Benin statues to Nigeria \
The Netherlands has agreed to return 119 Benin bronze statues to Nigeria, the Dutch embassy in Abuja announced this week. It becomes the first European nation to do so after Germany. The majority of these 19th-century African sculptures, however, remain in France and the UK.
ANALYSIS: Examining social media claims linking USAID to terrorism, food insecurity in Nigeria
During a recent hearing of the U.S. Subcommittee on Delivering Government Efficiency, Congressman Scott Perry alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had inadvertently funded terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram (BH), in Nigeria. While these claims are currently under investigation, they have sparked widespread debate on social media. Some online discussions have linked the controversy to Nigeria’s ongoing farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt region and the broader issue of food insecurity.
Sultan asks traders to reduce food prices ahead Ramadan – Daily Trust
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims across the country to look for the 2025 (1446 AH) Ramadan moon Friday (today).
The Sultan made the call in a statement signed by NSCIA Secretary General Prof. Is-haq Oloyede on Thursday.
FG raises committee to address boat mishaps – Daily Trust
The federal government has set up a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps to address the frequent boat accidents across Nigeria’s waterways. Speaking at the committee’s inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasised the need to curb the rising number of fatal boat accidents, citing the economic and commercial significance of Nigeria’s waterways.
ECOWAS marathon motivates West African runners with exclusive prizes – Daily Trust
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has announced a special prize money initiative exclusively for West African runners participating in the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon. The announcement was made during a press conference yesterday by Amb. Francis Njoaguani, ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports and Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee.
Peace and Security
Insecurity: Experts meet to equip ECOWAS standby force – Daily Trust
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is at the last lap of equipping the ECOWAS Standby Force saddled with the duty of combating terrorism, banditry, violent extremism and political instability in the West African subregion with the gathering of military and government experts in Abuja to validate the Logistics Depot policies of the economic bloc. The meeting is coming ahead of the commissioning of the recently completed ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
LGAs receive training on conflict, disaster preparedness – Daily Trust
The Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) has trained selected local government areas (LGAs) in Benue State on early warning systems and response mechanisms for conflicts and disasters. OSPRE, established in 2022 under ECOWAS instruments and also known as the National Centre for the Coordination of Early Warning and Response Mechanisms, is tasked with fostering preparedness and resilience across Nigeria’s strategic institutions and communities.
US Ambassador’s plausible denial on Boko Haram – Daily Trust
Wikipedia describes ‘’Plausible deniability’’ as ‘’the ability of people, typically senior officials in a formal or informal chain of command (or authority) to deny knowledge and/or responsibility for actions committed by or on behalf of members of their organisational hierarchy’’.
Recently American Congressman Scott Perry who represents the 10th district of Pennsylvania, revealed in an address to the United States Congress that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was funding terrorist groups
N/West security strategy needs overhaul – Gen. Kukasheka – Daily Trust
Retired Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman, former Director of Army Public Relations, has urged a complete overhaul of the security strategy in Nigeria’s Northwest to tackle persistent security challenges. According to a statement from Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor, Kukasheka made this recommendation at a two-day retreat in Kaduna for Katsina State officials and security experts.
EU commits to supporting Nigeria’s democracy – Daily Trust
The European Union (EU) has restated its commitment to supporting the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy, ensuring that it serves everyone regardless of their social strata. The EU, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme, supports the strengthening of democratic institutions and groups, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Assembly, Judiciary, political parties, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), media, and women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
ANALYSIS: US Paris climate agreement exit will hit Africa hard
On his first day in office, United States (US) President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw his country from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement. This latest plunge of the US climate change rollercoaster may be the most impactful yet. The latest withdrawal will take effect in one year and continue for at least three more, depending on the 2028 US presidential election outcome.
Humanitarian
Borno gov cuts palliative aid, promotes farming – Punch Newspapers
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced a 90% reduction in the distribution of palliatives previously given to victims of the Boko Haram insurgency. This came as he distributed food palliatives including rice and grains to 250,000 flood victims across the 27 local government areas of the state.
How family screening checks malnutrition in children in Borno, others – Daily Trust
The growing rate of malnutrition in the northern states has underscored the need for initiatives that help to shore up prevention and treatment of the condition in children. One of the measures being adopted is the family screening approach. Another one is women groups across wards communities organised by community volunteers and mobilizers where mothers are taught exclusive breast feeding and other ways to ensure optimal nutrition in their children.
Ramadan: NEDC Donates Food Items to the needy – Daily Trust
The Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) has donated food items worth billions of naira to first ladies across the subregion for distribution to the less privileged ahead of the Ramadan fast. NEDC State Coordinator in Borno, Muhammed Umar, presented the items to the First Lady of Borno State, Hajia Falmata Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri at the weekend.
2 in 10 children in Bauchi suffer from malnutrition – UNICEF – Daily Trust Bauchi State has the highest prevalence of child malnutrition with approximately 54,000 cases, according to Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF in Bauchi. She revealed this during an advocacy meeting held in Jos, Plateau State, aimed at engaging Bauchi local government chairmen on increasing funding for nutrition and child welfare.
FIDA, army collaborate to combat GBV – Yerwa Express News
The Borno State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) recently conducted an advocacy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division at Maimalari Barracks. The visit aimed to strengthen military-civil relationships in the fight against terrorism and address the critical issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Jangebe students battle for education, hope
Sadiya Lawal lifted her one-year-old son, his small body squirming as he cried. She gently ignored his protests and placed him in her sister’s arms, offering a brief, apologetic glance before turning away.
She moved with deliberate steps, her pace slow and steady, as if every movement carried the weight of the past. Settling on a mat on the floor, she flipped the niqab over her head as she prepared to share her story – one that had altered the course of her life.
Humanitarian Affairs minister calls for inclusive tax reforms for PWDs
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, has called for a more inclusive approach to tax reforms in Nigeria. Mr Yilwatda, a professor made the call at an Inclusive Tax Reform town hall meeting with leaders in the disability community on Tuesday in Abuja. The meeting was organised by The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The minister emphasised the importance of providing better support for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.
Mobilization and economic development
Customs withdraws 4% import charges – Daily Trust .
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has withdrawn the initial announcement of 4 per cent Free on Board (FOB) import charges, while urging stakeholders to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods. According to the NCS, the measure is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes.
How Nigeria improved anti-corruption fight, economy in 1 year – Olukoyede – Daily Trust
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that Nigeria made significant progress in the fight against corruption, which strengthen the economy over the past year, despite global perceptions to the contrary. The EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, said this in Abuja at the public presentation of the 25-page Report on the Review of Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (TI-CPI) Assessments for 2019-2024, organised by the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR) in Abuja.
How FG spent $8bn to support naira – Rewane – Daily Trust
The federal government has spent approximately $8 billion to stabilise the naira, the Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, has said. Rewane also serves on the Board of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group among other entities. His claim is coming amidst the celebrated stability in the foreign exchange market with a dollar exchanging for N1, 500 as against the volatility experienced in the recent past. Going by the prevailing exchange rate, it means the federal government had so far spent nearly N12 trillion to stabilise the Nigeria’s currency to be where it is today.
Foreign exchange market: A new era of transparency, accountability – Daily Trust ,
The launch of the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code (FX Code) marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards a more transparent and accountable foreign exchange market. This landmark initiative is a testament to the collective efforts of stakeholders to promote ethical conduct, fairness and efficiency in the market.
2025 crude oil target of 2.06m bpd achievable, says Lokpobiri – Yerwa Express News
Nigeria’s target of 2.06million bpd crude oil production target in 2025, is achievable, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobori has said. Mr Lokpobori said this on Thursday night in Abuja at the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Leadership Discourse, with theme: “Nigeria’s Oil Production Growth Roadmap Acceleration Imperatives’’ organised by Heirs Energies Limited.
INTERVIEW: Why Nigeria is Norway’s important trading partner – Ambassador ,
Nigeria and Norway enjoy relations that date back to the 19th century. A huge part of this relationship is the stockfish enjoyed in many Nigerian homes. The stockfish, called Okporoko by millions of Nigerians, is imported from northern Norway. In this exclusive interview, Svein Baera, Norway’s ambassador to Nigeria, tells PREMIUM TIMES how important the Nigerian market is to the Norwegian fish industry.
Again, Naira gains against dollar as CBN sustains FX reforms
The Naira appreciated further at the official market on Monday, trading at N1,497.11 against the Dollar. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) website showed that the Naira gained N3.62. This marks a 0.24 per cent increase compared to Friday, 21 February, when the local currency closed at N1,500.73 to the Dollar. The Naira has remained relatively stable against the US Dollar since December 2024, following CBN’s sustained reforms aimed at ensuring transparency in the Foreign Exchange (FX) market.
Nigeria’s GDP growth accelerates to 3.84% in fourth quarter of 2024 | Africanews
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s economy experienced a notable acceleration, marking its most robust growth in three years, primarily fueled by the services sector, according to data released on Tuesday. The gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 3.84% year-on-year, surpassing the 3.46% growth recorded in the previous quarter, as well as the 3.19% and 2.98% increases seen in the second and first quarters, respectively.
Nigeria’s new cautious monetary policy stance, a guiding light for the central bank on its road to holding rates for the first time in years last week, could be a spur for stocks in the near term. Analysts envisage that the development would trigger stronger inflows into the market at any moment starting in March. Yields on fixed-income assets had progressed on a steady growth curve in the recent past. That made 2024 a banner year for bonds and treasury bills and the Nigerian credit market a honeypot for external investors seeking promising havens for smart money.
Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target not ambitious enough – Kyari
On Tuesday, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mele Kyari, said Nigeria’s target of achieving a $1 trillion economy is not ambitious enough. Mr Kyari disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 8th edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s NNPC, Stena Bulk and Caverton launch new shipping venture | Reuters
LAGOS, Feb 25 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s state oil firm NNPC on Tuesday announced a joint venture with Swedish tanker giant Stena Bulk and Nigerian offshore logistics leader Caverton Marine to overhaul maritime transportation in West Africa. The newly formed company will streamline crude oil, refined products and LNG shipping across West Africa and cater to other oil producers and traders in the region with modern vessels. The companies did not share financial details of the deal, which was signed last week.
Nigeria signs pact with Saudi Arabia to boost $7.7trn halal economy – Daily Trust
The federal government has signed a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) to establish Nigeria as a leading player in the global halal market valued at $7.7 trillion. The agreement is expected to facilitate investment, technical cooperation and market access across key sectors, including food production, pharmaceuticals, finance and livestock.
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