All Posts in "Month: July 2026"

Nigeria Customs disowns fake recruitment advert, warns applicants

The Nigeria Customs Service has debunked a social media recruitment advert and warned criminals to desist from scamming individuals through dubious means.

It also advised members of the public to disregard the fake recruitment advert on social media platforms in the name of the Nigeria Customs Service.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Service urged members of the public to rely only on information released through its official communication channels for authentic updates on its activities, including recruitment.

“Recruitment scams have become a recurring challenge in Nigeria, with fraudsters often exploiting public interest in government jobs by circulating fake advertisements and soliciting money from unsuspecting applicants,” the statement said.

According to the statement, security agencies and government institutions have repeatedly warned citizens against engaging with unofficial recruitment notices, just as it advised Nigerians to verify information through its official platforms before sharing or acting on it.

It added, “Members of the public are advised to disregard the publication and rely only on information disseminated through the official communication channels of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

admin by — July 23, 2026 in News 0
FRSC begins special intervention to reduce fatalities on Abia roads, targets offenders

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC,  Abia State Sector Command, has commenced a special intervention patrol codenamed “Operation KWUSI IHE MBEREDE OKPOROUZO, as directed by its  zonal Command Headquarters in Enugu.

The operation, according to the FRSC, is part of  strategic efforts towards achieving its 2026 corporate goal of reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries by at least 10 percent through intensified enforcement, public enlightenment, and stakeholder collaboration.

Speaking on the commencement of the exercise, the Sector Commander, CC Ngozi I. Ezeoma, stated that the operation was designed to promote safer road use, reduce preventable crashes, and ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations across Abia State.

According to the Sector Commander, the Command has deployed Regular Marshals and Special Marshals, supported by patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, and other operational logistics to ensure the success of the exercise.

The three-day operation, which will be conducted every month from 0700hrs to 1300hrs, will focus on enforcing compliance with critical traffic regulations, particularly offences relating to overloading and mixed loading of vehicles;

She said that vehicles  without  valid driver’s licence, non-compliance with speed limiting device regulations and  use of mobile phone while driving, among others offenses, would be targeted in the exercise.

She also dismissed every suggestion that the operation was introduced to punish motorists.

“This operation is not intended to punish motorists but to save lives by discouraging risky driving behaviours that are responsible for the majority of road traffic crashes,” the Sector Commander said.

admin by — July 23, 2026 in News 0
Cybercrime trial: Sowore moves to subpoena Onanuga, DSS DG

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja for time to obtain subpoenas compelling the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, to testify in his ongoing cybercrime and criminal defamation trial.

The request was made during Wednesday’s proceedings after a prosecution witness, DSS official Uwem Davies, told the court that he acted on the directive of the agency’s Director-General when he wrote a letter directing Sowore to remove social media posts concerning President Bola Tinubu.

Counsel to the defendant, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), argued that the witness was unable to answer key questions during cross-examination, making it necessary for the court to hear directly from the DSS Director-General.

“We intend to apply for a subpoena to compel the Director-General of the DSS to appear before this Honourable Court, following issues raised during the witness’s testimony,” Olumide-Fusika told the court.

The defence also informed the court that an earlier attempt to subpoena presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga was unsuccessful after court bailiffs were unable to serve him with the necessary court processes.

While testifying under subpoena, Davies confirmed that he authored a letter dated January 22 directing Sowore to delete certain social media posts.

“I wrote the letter on the instruction of the Director-General because the publications were considered capable of creating tension,” the DSS official told the court.

However, Davies denied authoring another letter dated September 7, 2025, addressed to Meta, insisting that it was written by retired DSS officer B. Bamigboye.

Following the proceedings, the court adjourned the matter until July 28 for the continuation of the defence’s case.

admin by — July 23, 2026 in News 0
Wema Bank’s assets surge 13-fold to N5.23tn in decade

Wema bankWema Bank has reported measurable growth over the last decade, growing its assets 13-fold over the period.

According to The PUNCH’s findings, the size of the lender’s assets have jumped 1,185 per cent to N5.23tn between the first quarter (Q1) of 2016 and the corresponding period of 2026.

The monetary value of Wema Bank’s asset size rose from N407bn in 2016 to N5.23tn in 2023.

The sharp increase in asset size over the 10-year period means Wema Bank now manages more than 13 times the resources it held a decade ago, significantly strengthening its financial capacity.

The expansion has important implications for the lender’s operations and the broader economy.

A larger asset base gives Wema Bank greater capacity to extend credit to households and businesses, finance infrastructure and corporate projects, absorb economic shocks, and comply with tighter regulatory capital requirements. It also enhances the bank’s competitiveness against larger rivals, improves its ability to attract investors, and provides a stronger platform for future expansion.

Analysts say the sustained growth underscores the success of the bank’s digital-first strategy, anchored by its ALAT platform, as well as its “focus on retail banking, small and medium-sized enterprises, and prudent balance sheet management,” said a Lagos-based financial expert, Kabby Umunna.

admin by — July 23, 2026 in Business 0
NCC, African Regulators Drive Stronger Collaboration For Smarter Digital Governance

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for deeper collaboration among African Telecommunications and Communications Regulators to strengthen the use of data, evidence and market intelligence in driving more effective and responsive regulation across the continent.

Speaking at the Heads of Regulators Roundtable during the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) in Abuja, Dr. Maida said communications regulation has become increasingly central to economic growth, digital transformation, and national development across Africa.

He observed that although regulators operate within different market environments and legal frameworks, they face many common challenges, including infrastructure development, cybersecurity, affordability, satellite services, resilience of networks, and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence technologies.

The NCC Chief Executive noted that exchanges among regulators often reveal shared experiences and lessons that can help institutions address complex policy and regulatory issues more effectively. He stressed the need to make such knowledge-sharing more deliberate, systematic, and beneficial to regulatory authorities across the continent.

He noted that “Very often, the challenge one regulator is trying to solve has already been encountered, in one form or another, by a colleague elsewhere on the continent.”

The EVC described the event’s theme, “Building Africa’s Network Intelligence Ecosystem for Evidence-Based Regulation,” as both timely and highly relevant to the future of communications regulation on the continent.

“It gives us an opportunity to consider how better use of data, evidence and market intelligence can strengthen regulatory decisions, and how African regulators can learn more systematically from one another,” he explained.

While chairing the roundtable, Rimini Makama, NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, stated that, “developments such as broadband expansion, satellite services, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital public infrastructure are making communications ecosystems increasingly complex and requiring regulators to move beyond traditional regulatory approaches”.

She noted that regulators across Africa now have access to growing volumes of technical, market and consumer data, but stressed that the real challenge lies in translating this information into actionable intelligence capable of supporting better regulatory outcomes.

The Heads of Regulators Roundtable forms part of ongoing efforts by African communications regulators to promote evidence-based regulation, enhance regional cooperation and build more resilient, innovative and consumer-focused communications ecosystems across the continent.

admin by — July 23, 2026 in Business 0
GTCO Announces 16th Autism Conference And Free Consultations

The Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO”) has announced full plans for its 16th Annual Autism Conference scheduled to hold on Monday, July 27th and Tuesday, July 28th, at the Muson Centre, Lagos. Themed “Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces,” the Conference, which will be followed by one-on-one family consultations by specialists, continues the Group’s commitment to advocating for Autism through access to developmental support, professional guidance, and learning opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

Over the years, the GTCO Autism Programme has become a leading platform for Autism advocacy and inclusion across West Africa, bringing together healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, policymakers, caregivers, and families to foster greater understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Through sustained engagement and collaboration, the programme has helped advance conversations around acceptance, accessibility, and the support systems required to improve outcomes for individuals on the spectrum.

This year’s theme, “Acceptance in Action,” reflects the need to move beyond awareness towards creating environments where individuals on the Autism spectrum are supported, and empowered at home, in school, in workplace, and public spaces. The 2026 programme will feature expert-led discussions, workshops, and free consultation sessions delivered by leading local and international specialists in developmental and behavioural sciences, covering key areas such as early intervention, behavioural therapy, communication strategies, inclusive education, and caregiver support.

In Nigeria, the conference will hold on Monday, July 27th and Tuesday, July 28th at the Muson Centre, Lagos, followed by free one-on-one family consultations with medical and developmental specialists from July 29th to August 1st at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja. In Ghana, the programme will open with a workshop on August 4th at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, followed by free consultations at the same venue from August 5th to 8th.

Commenting on the 2026 GTCO Autism Programme, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, said: “Sixteen years ago, we set out to help families navigate a journey that too often felt isolating. Today, this programme stands as proof of what sustained commitment can achieve. This year’s theme, ‘Acceptance in Action,’ challenges all of us to move past good intentions and start making inclusion visible, in the way we design our schools, structure our workplaces, and welcome one another in public spaces.”

He added: “No single institution can build an inclusive society alone. It takes families willing to advocate, educators willing to adapt, employers willing to open doors, and policymakers willing to act. Our role is to keep bringing the right expertise and resources to the table, so that every individual on the autism spectrum has a genuine chance to participate fully and confidently in everyday life.”

admin by — July 23, 2026 in Business 0
Dangote Halts Petrol Sale In Dollar As Nigeria’s Heightens Imports

In a patriotic gesture to minimize petroleum price shock in the domestic market,

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has resumed the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol in naira, providing a measure of relief to marketers and consumers.

The Gantry price is fixed at N1,215/ litre.

Following a week of economic uncertainty owing to Dangote’s decision to load fuel in dollars, the refinery has fixed its new ex-depot (gantry) price to Naira, albeit at a higher cost.

The new price was revised to N1,215 per litre, representing an increase of N140 per litre, or 13.02 per cent, from the previous price of N1,075 per litre.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has resumed the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in naira, providing a measure of relief to marketers and consumers,” a statement released on Wednesday read

“The gantry price is fixed at N1,215/ litre,” it added”.

After notifying clients of the new conditions on Tuesday, the refinery resumed the acceptance of orders for coastal loading.

Following an extended period of uncertainty within the downstream petroleum market due to the suspension of fuel sale in naira, which compelled several independent marketers to procure supplies from private depots, the refinery has reinstated naira-denominated pricing for truck loading.

Under the dollar pricing system Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) was set to cost $1.087 per litre, while Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) was priced at $0.942 per litre. Petrol delivered via coastal deliveries was tagged at $1,044.62 per metric tonne.

At the time, the refinery notified marketers and customers that all previously issued naira-denominated Proforma Invoices and Deal Recaps for gantry and coastal transactions were no longer legitimate.

The notice, signed by the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations, read, “Following our email on the 9th of July, 2026, regarding the transition from Naira to United States Dollars, please note that all issued Naira Coastal and Gantry PFIs/Deal Recaps are now invalid, and no payments should be made against them.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s petrol imports more than tripled last month as the country’s main refinery cut domestic supply and increasingly directed output toward export markets to maximize foreign-currency earnings.

Nigeria shipped in 18.1 million liters of the fuel per day in June, compared with 5.6 million liters in May, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NUPRC) said in a monthly report.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery increasingly directs output to export markets to maximize foreign currency earnings. Selling products in naira domestically limits the U.S. dollars required to purchase international crude oil feedstock, driving the refinery to prioritize lucrative European and African exports.

According to figures in June, the refinery exported 466,000 metric tonnes of aviation fuel, overtaking the United States as Europe’s largest external supplier of jet fuel.

The facility has expanded its footprint across the continent, successfully exporting cargoes to countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, and Togo.

The plant’s domestic allocation under the local naira-for-crude agreement has significantly declined.

As a result, the refinery must source a greater share of its feedstock from the international market, which must be paid for in dollars.

Because the refinery struggles to convert naira revenue into the necessary foreign exchange to buy raw crude, it relies heavily on export markets to sustain its operations. Consequently, Nigeria’s domestic petrol imports have recently surged as the refinery reduces local supply according to Bloomberg.

admin by — July 23, 2026 in Business 0
2027: Experts weigh in as Malami, Bello cases reignite debate on candidates facing trial

A politician standing trial for corruption can contest an election, be sworn in as governor, and have the criminal case against him suspended until he leaves office, a legal practitioner, Barrister Zurkallaini Sani Tsanyawa, has said.

The lawyer was reacting to the controversy surrounding the emergence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kebbi State despite his ongoing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Malami is facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja alongside his wife and son. The trio have all pleaded not guilty.

The Kebbi State chapter of the ADC has described the prosecution as politically motivated, insisting that the case will not affect Malami’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.

In a statement signed by the party’s State Chairman, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, and Chairman of the ADC Elders Forum, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Sambawa, the party alleged that the prosecution was aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the elections.

Malami is not the only politician seeking elective office while defending corruption allegations in court.

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is also facing separate EFCC trials over alleged ₦110.4 billion fraud and ₦80.2 billion money laundering. Despite the ongoing cases, he has secured the APC ticket to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.

The two cases have renewed public debate over whether politicians facing criminal prosecution should be allowed to seek elective office.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, legal practitioner Tsanyawa said a criminal trial cannot continue against a serving governor because of the immunity granted under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

“Once he is sworn in as President, vice president, governor, or deputy governor, the trial is not terminated; it is merely put on hold until he leaves office,” Tsanyawa said.

According to him, the immunity only applies to the office holder, while the trial of any co-defendants can continue.

On the subject of the eligibility of the candidates themselves, Tsanyawa said the Constitution leaves little room for ambiguity.

“A candidate standing trial but not yet convicted is constitutionally qualified to contest and occupy the office of President, Vice President, Governor, or Deputy Governor,” he said.

He explained that Sections 131 and 177 of the Constitution, which set out the qualifications for the offices of President and Governor, do not list a pending criminal case as a ground for disqualification.

The only criminal-related disqualification, he said, is a conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or fraud within the period prescribed by the Constitution.

He also cited Section 36(5), which guarantees the presumption of innocence. “Because the candidate has not been convicted, he is presumed innocent. INEC and the courts cannot disqualify him solely on the basis of an ongoing trial,” he added.

While agreeing that the Constitution protects the rights of accused persons, Professor Murtala Muhammad, Vice President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, said the increasing number of politicians contesting elections while facing corruption charges exposes weaknesses in both the electoral and judicial systems.

According to him, Nigeria’s constitutional democracy must balance the presumption of innocence with the need to protect the integrity of public office.

He noted that many politically exposed persons take advantage of the slow pace of criminal trials to seek fresh mandates before their cases are concluded.

“Cases involving former governors, ministers, and legislators have remained in court for years, allowing some defendants to secure new political mandates before the law reaches its logical conclusion,” he said, adding that the trend weakens public confidence in both the judiciary and the electoral process.

Muhammad also warned that many Nigerians now see public office as a shield against prosecution.

According to him, election victories often give politically exposed persons greater influence, which can delay investigations, discourage witnesses, and prolong trials through endless interlocutory appeals.

“The result is a vicious cycle where public office is increasingly viewed not only as a platform for service but also as a strategic refuge from legal accountability,” he said.

He, however, argued that the answer is not to deny anyone their constitutional rights.

Instead, he called for reforms to ensure corruption cases involving politically exposed persons are concluded within a reasonable time before elections.

Among his recommendations are “constitutional and electoral reforms to fast-track such cases, the establishment of special anti-corruption courts with strict timelines, and measures to discourage unnecessary adjournments in high-profile corruption trials.”

Murtala further revealed that countries such as Brazil and Italy have shown that timely prosecution of politically exposed persons can strengthen public trust in democratic institutions without undermining the right to a fair hearing.

admin by — July 22, 2026 in News 0
Peter Obi, Kwankwaso’s ticket dead on arrival – Ganduje

Former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje has said that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso presidential ticket under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) stands no chance of winning Kano State in the 2027 general election.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the former Kano governor said the ticket lacks the political strength and leadership record needed to win support in the state.

“I don’t think Peter Obi and Kwankwaso’s ticket will succeed in Kano. It will not succeed. In fact, it is dead on arrival,” Ganduje said.

He questioned Obi’s performance as Anambra governor, asking, “What did he do as a governor? What legacy did he leave as a governor?”

Ganduje also said Obi had not shown enough experience in governance to lead Nigeria.

Turning to Kwankwaso, he noted that the former Kano governor did not win two consecutive terms in office, unlike Ibrahim Shekarau and himself.

Ganduje added that Kwankwaso had not left a legacy that would convince Kano people or Nigerians that he could serve successfully as vice-president, insisting once again that the proposed ticket is dead on arrival.

admin by — July 22, 2026 in News 0
Lawyer faults Cross River Assembly over same-sex marriage bill

A legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has faulted the Cross River State House of Assembly over its proposed legislation to prohibit same-sex marriage.

He argued that the lawmakers lacked the constitutional powers to enact such a law.

The criticism comes barely 24 hours after the Cross River House of Assembly passed the bill through second reading, with lawmakers saying it seeks to prohibit same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state.

In a legal commentary made available to journalists, Ahiakwo said the issue was not whether same-sex marriage should be prohibited, stressing that Nigeria already has the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013.

According to him, the real constitutional question is whether a State House of Assembly can legislate on a matter already covered by an Act of the National Assembly.

He maintained that under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, read together with Item 61 of the Exclusive Legislative List, the National Assembly has exclusive authority over statutory marriages and related matters, adding that it has already exercised that power through the Marriage Act, the Matrimonial Causes Act and the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013.

The lawyer also relied on Section 4(5) of the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2014), contending that any state law inconsistent with a valid federal law would be unconstitutional and void to the extent of the inconsistency.

While acknowledging that state legislatures could make laws on matters within their constitutional competence, including certain aspects of customary law, Ahiakwo insisted that they could not legislate on a field already occupied by valid federal legislation.

He warned that proceeding with the bill without first resolving the constitutional issues surrounding it could amount to a waste of public resources and expose the state to avoidable legal challenges.

Ahiakwo urged the Cross River State House of Assembly to suspend further consideration of the bill pending a proper constitutional review of its legislative competence.

admin by — July 22, 2026 in News 0