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Sanwo-Olu Happy As Ex-IGP Smith Turns 80

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith (rtd), on his 80th birthday, describing him as a visionary and respected elder statesman.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the former IGP, who clocks 80 on Friday, April 29, as an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public service.

The Governor commended Alhaji Smith’s contribution to the security of lives and properties across the country during his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police of Nigeria.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate the former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. It is with great delight that I join Alhaji Smith’s family, friends and associates to celebrate his 80th birthday.

“Alhaji Smith is worthy ambassador, a patriots and an extraordinary Nigerian who deserves to be celebrate as he reaches the advanced age of 80 for the impactful and purposeful life that he has lived.

“As Inspector-General of Police, he discharged his duties with the utmost professionalism, competence and dedication, leaving the Nigerian Police with impeccable track records. He is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public service.

“As Alhaji Musiliu Smith joins the Octogenarian Club, it is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bestow on him good health, wisdom and knowledge. He will witness many more fruitful years to render continuous service to humanity, Lagos and our dear country, Nigeria.”

by admin — April 18, 2026 in News 0

Awujale stool: Again, police summon kingmakers over bribery allegations

Nine Ijebu Ode kingmakers have again been invited to appear at the Ogun State Police Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, next week Monday and Tuesday over allegations of bribery and financial inducement during the selection process of the new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.

Recall that the Ogun State government in January through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, halted the selection process of the new Awujale due to petitions received from security agencies and other stakeholders

The kingmakers were earlier invited by the Ogun State Police Command in February over accusations of cash inducement in the selection of the new Awujale.

It was learnt that after some superior authorities intervened, the probe was eventually dropped.

However the kingmakers have been re-invited via a letter dated April 17th, 2026, signed by Gbenga Adeoye, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department.

One of the kingmakers, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, Chief Abimbola Okenla, confirmed the police invite, saying four of them are to appear on Monday while the other five are scheduled for Tuesday.

The kingmaker described the frequent invitations as a distraction, noting that the allegations were unfounded.

“It’s true that the Ogun State Police Command has invited the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta. Four of us are to be there on Monday while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday.

“None of us is happy with this frequent invite by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebu land are equally not happy about it because it is more of distraction,” the monarch said.

He appealed Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers do their job in picking the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any further delay.

“We are only pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any further delay,” he said.

Parts of the latest police invitation letter read: “In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are kindly requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday 21 April, 2026 at 1000hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department.

“This is a fact finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by the combined provisions of Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020.

“Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of Criminal Justice delivery and fairness. Should you require any clarification kindly contact 08038455857. Please take note that you are at liberty to come along with your lawyer”

by admin — April 18, 2026 in News 0

Fuel price hike: Marketers manipulating Nigerians – Ukachukwu

The Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Africa, Toni Ukachukwu has said that there is a manipulation going on in the Nigerian petroleum industry.

Speaking on Arise News, Ukachukwu said that Nigerian should not suffer the adverse effects of the US-Iran war, as currently the case.

He noted that the country refines and produces crude locally, admitting that the disruptions could have effects, but not up to 300%.

DAILY POST reported that domestic and foreign airlines operating in Nigeria may begin shutting down services from April 20 as the cost of aviation fuel, JetA1, increased to about N3,000 per liter.

Reacting, Ukachukwu said, “I think by and large, there is some kind of manipulation going on with the marketers.

“Ordinarily, Nigeria should be insulated from whatever has happened from the issues of the Iran US war, because we have a refinery…Dangote refinery locally.

“We refine locally and produce crude locally. But having said that, I mean, we are part of the geopolitics.

“The disruption should have had some effect on the Nigerian market, but not to 300%, so it’s not acceptable.

“And I think there are some manipulations going on.”

by admin — April 18, 2026 in News 0

JAMB releases 632,788 UTME results for 2026 candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced the release of results for candidates who participated in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, held on Thursday, April 16, with a total of 632,788 results now accessible.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the Board directed candidates to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number registered for the examination.

JAMB explained that, for now, candidates can only view their results, noting that the option to print result slips will be made available at a later stage.

The Board also cautioned candidates against tampering with or falsifying result messages obtained through the official channels, emphasising that such acts are criminal offences.

“Candidates are strongly cautioned against manipulating the SMS received from the official platform (55019/66019) to fabricate or alter scores with the intent to mislead others, including parents. Such actions constitute a serious criminal offence,” the statement read.

It further disclosed that enforcement actions are already underway, revealing that some individuals have been apprehended.

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law,” the Board added.

JAMB assured the public that the examination exercise is still in progress, stating that additional results will be released in phases as processing continues.

by admin — April 18, 2026 in News 0

Govt urges airlines to halt shutdown over fuel crisis

The Federal Government has appealed to domestic airlines to suspend plans to halt flight operations and reconsider any increase in airfares following the sharp rise in the price of Jet A1 fuel.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the appeal in a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria on Thursday. The move comes amid growing concerns over threats by airlines to suspend operations next week due to the rising cost of aviation fuel.

In the letter, the minister stated, “I write in reference to your correspondence dated April 14, 2026, concerning the operational challenges currently confronting your member airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per litre as at February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per litre as at today, representing a 300 oer cent increase.”

He commended the resilience of airline operators despite the challenging operating environment. The letter read, “At the outset, I wish to commend the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions.”

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the aviation sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister emphasised the strategic importance of the industry.

He said, “Let me reiterate that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance. In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.”

“You will also acknowledge that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators.”

Keyamo urged the airlines to exercise restraint in adjusting ticket prices despite mounting operational costs.

He stated, “First, I urge your members to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time. While the prevailing cost pressures on your operations are fully acknowledged, any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the travelling public, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for a broad segment of Nigerians.”

The minister also appealed to operators to reconsider any plans to suspend flights, warning of wider economic consequences.

He added, “Secondly, I appeal for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector.”

He assured stakeholders that the Federal Government was already taking steps to address the situation. According to him, “I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues.”

The minister further disclosed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting had been convened to find a lasting solution.

He said, “Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution. The venue and time will be communicated in due course.”

Airlines have recently raised concerns over the soaring cost of Jet A1 fuel, warning that the situation could force them to suspend operations if urgent intervention is not provided.

The development follows earlier warnings by the Airline Operators of Nigeria that domestic carriers may be forced to shut down operations from April 20 if the rising cost of aviation fuel is not urgently addressed. In a letter dated April 14, 2026, the operators said the price of Jet A1 had surged from N900 per litre as at February 28 to N3,300 per litre, representing an increase of over 300 per cent, which they described as “astronomical and artificial.”

The operators noted that airlines had continued to operate for weeks despite mounting losses, stressing that the situation had become unsustainable as revenues could no longer cover even the cost of fuel alone. They warned that the trend posed an existential threat to the aviation industry and could force multiple airlines to suspend operations if no intervention is made.

They further cautioned that a shutdown of flight operations would have far-reaching consequences on the economy, including job losses, disruption to financial institutions, and increased insecurity, while also noting that any attempt to pass the cost to passengers through higher fares could significantly reduce demand for air travel.

by admin — April 18, 2026 in Business 0

MAN rejects petrol import proposal

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to reject policy recommendations suggesting the reinstatement of petrol import licences, describing the proposal as flawed and harmful to Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.

The position follows the now-retracted recommendation by the World Bank in its April 2026 Nigeria Development Update. In a statement on Friday, Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the idea of reopening the country to petrol imports as a long-term solution to inflation was misguided.

“It is not, and should not be considered as an option. Suggesting that Nigeria should open its borders to imported Premium Motor Spirit to solve an inflationary crisis is structurally flawed, counterproductive, and highly detrimental to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

He warned that such a move would worsen Nigeria’s economic structure, noting that “in the long run, it will perpetually constrain Nigeria into the circle of exporting jobs and wealth, and importing poverty.”

MAN faulted the World Bank’s earlier position that suspending import licences reduced competition and contributed to rising fuel prices, arguing that the analysis ignored key macroeconomic realities.

Ajayi-Kadir said, “Promoting PMS imports means returning to the era of fiercely competing for scarce foreign exchange to fund foreign refineries. Such depletion of FX depreciates the naira further, and a weakened naira spikes the cost of importing critical raw materials and machinery for domestic manufacturers.”

He added that an increased reliance on imports would trigger broader inflationary pressures across sectors, extending beyond fuel pricing.

The MAN DG also warned that reinstating fuel importation would reverse gains recorded in Nigeria’s energy sector.

“For decades, Nigeria exported raw crude only to import refined products; effectively exporting our wealth, jobs, and capital to subsidise the manufacturing sectorsof Europe and Asia. Reverting to importation is to succumb to economic sabotage,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

On energy security, he stressed that dependence on imported fuel would expose the country to global shocks. “Relying on imported fuel exposes Nigeria to damaging external supply shocks. True and lasting price stability can only be achieved through local production, where internal supply buffers insulate the domestic market,” he noted.

Instead of fuel importation, MAN proposed a set of alternative measures to tackle inflation and stabilise the energy market. Ajayi-Kadir called for improved implementation of the naira-for-crude policy, saying, “The Federal Government should mandate total transparency in the domestic pricing matrix and ensure that local refineries receive their full, unhindered daily crude quotas.”

He also urged the government to accelerate the adoption of alternative energy sources, particularly compressed natural gas. “The government should accelerate the Presidential CNG Initiative by heavily subsidising the conversion of commercial and industrial transport fleets. Shifting from PMS and diesel to locally sourced CNG is the ultimate inflation-buster,” he said.

The association further advocated targeted support for manufacturers, including easing trade bottlenecks and providing affordable credit. “We should not expand trade deficits through petroleum imports; we should focus on removing supply-side bottlenecks for manufacturers,” Ajayi-Kadir added.

He also emphasised the need to invest in power infrastructure to reduce dependence on costly fuels for industrial production. Ajayi-Kadir reiterated that Nigeria must prioritise local production over import dependence.

“It is not in our national interest to perpetuate avoidable dependence on imported fuel when we have domestic capacity to meet demand. We must strive to produce what we consume and consume what we produce,” he said.

He warned the government against adopting policies that could undermine local industries. “We urge the Federal Government to be wary of neo-liberal prescriptions that could jeopardise our hard-won domestic manufacturing capabilities. The path to inclusive growth and a strong naira is surer when we protect our local industries,” Ajayi-Kadir stated.

The MAN DG concluded with a strong caution: “We should therefore reject any policy recommendation that would ultimately lead to the exportation of jobs and importation of poverty.”

by admin — April 18, 2026 in Business 0

CBN And FMDA Agrees On Introduction Of NOFR As New Money Benchmark

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA), has announced the introduction of the Nigerian Overnight Financing Rate (NOFR), a standardized benchmark aimed at enhancing transparency, strengthening monetary policy transmission, and deepening Nigeria’s money market.

The NOFR was developed to align Nigeria with global best practices in short-term interest rate benchmarks. It is expected to improve price discovery and transparency while promoting consistent pricing of money market instruments. It will enhance the

effectiveness of monetary policy, support financial innovation, boost investor

confidence, and strengthen risk management across the financial system.

The introduction of NOFR positions Nigeria alongside leading global benchmarks such as SOFR (United States), SONIA (United Kingdom), €STR (Eurozone), and TONA

(Japan).

It also complements African benchmarks such as JIBAR (South Africa).

Following a stakeholder engagement session held on February 27, 2026, where

market participants formally adopted the benchmark, and subsequent regulatory

approval, NOFR is now in use, with the CBN serving as the benchmark administrator.

The Bank will ensure governance, transparency, and regular publication of the rate.

by admin — April 18, 2026 in Business 0

NGX Expands Trading Window From 9:00 A.M. To 4:00 P.M

Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) announces the expansion of its trading hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (WAT), effective Monday, 27 April 2026, in a move designed to deepen market liquidity, enhance price discovery, and broaden investor access.

Approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, the expansion shifts the market opening earlier from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and extends the close from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., marking a significant evolution in the Exchange’s market structure.

The extended trading window will provide greater flexibility for investors, improve responsiveness to market-moving information, and support broader participation across the market. The development builds on the momentum of Nigeria’s recent reclassification to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell, reinforcing NGX’s global positioning and enhancing its attractiveness to a broader pool of domestic and international investors.

This reform reflects strong regulatory collaboration and underscores the Securities and Exchange Commission’s continued commitment to advancing market development initiatives. Alongside Nigeria’s Frontier Market reclassification, it signals a deliberate shift towards a more accessible, liquid, and globally competitive market.

The implementation follows extensive stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment and operational readiness ahead of the go-live date. NGX Regulation Limited will continue to provide robust oversight to support a smooth and orderly transition, while maintaining high standards of transparency and investor protection.

With this development, NGX reinforces its position as a leading multi-asset exchange, deepening liquidity, improving market access, and supporting efficient capital formation within Nigeria’s financial markets.

by admin — April 18, 2026 in Business 0

Rival factions clash over ADC congress in Zamfara

A fresh leadership dispute has emerged within the Zamfara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as two rival groups lay claim to the party’s structure following a contested congress.

One camp, led by Malam Mohammed Mainasara, maintains that it was officially authorised by the party’s national leadership to organise and supervise the congress in the state. Mainasara said he headed the committee assigned for the exercise, with Ambassador Zubairu Yalwa serving as secretary, alongside other members.

He noted that the committee carried out its assignment and facilitated the emergence of a new State Executive Committee (EXCO) through consensus backed by party stakeholders.

According to Mainasara, the exercise produced Malam Shehu Gulubba as State Chairman and Dr Ahmad Hashim as Secretary. Jafafar Aliyu was named Youth Leader, while Maryam Abdullahi emerged as Women Leader, among other positions.

But the development has been rejected by another faction led by Kabiru Garba Gusau, who insists he remains the duly recognised state chairman.

Gusau described the process that produced the new leadership as invalid, alleging that it was driven by individuals seeking to create division within the party for political purposes. He argued that any legitimate congress must involve broad consultation and agreement among all stakeholders.

He added that his faction has reported the matter to security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), and warned that it would not accept the outcome of the disputed exercise.

Gusau also announced disciplinary action against those who took part in the congress, stating that, as chairman, he retains the authority to suspend or dismiss party members.

by admin — April 17, 2026 in News 0

Osun PDP ALGON condemns APC council chairmen over protest

The Osun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party-aligned Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, has criticised a recent protest staged by council chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the PDP-backed ALGON leadership rejected allegations by the APC chairmen that the state judiciary had flouted court orders in matters concerning local government administration.

The APC council chairmen had on Wednesday organised a protest at the entrance of the Osun State High Court in Osogbo over the ongoing trial involving officials of a commercial bank linked to local government allocations.

During the demonstration, the protesters displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as “Say no to disobedience of court orders” and “Disrespect for court judgements is an invitation to anarchy.”

Speaking for the demonstrators, Ejigbo Local Council Development Authority chairman, Kolapo Olayanju, accused the state judiciary and Governor Ademola Adeleke of disregarding legal directives.

However, the PDP ALGON leadership described the protest as inappropriate and questioned the motive behind the action.

The statement, jointly signed by its chairman, Sarafa Awotunde, and secretary, Lukman Afolabi, labelled the protest “embarrassing and disgraceful.”

It alleged that the APC chairmen had remained in control of council administrations beyond their tenure.

According to the statement, “They have been occupying council offices for about 14 months after their tenure allegedly expired in October 2025 and have continued to collect funds meant for local governments.”

The PDP group also questioned the decision of the APC chairmen to protest at the court premises instead of allowing due legal processes.

“Do they want to stampede the judiciary? If they are certain of their claims, they should allow the court of law to determine the matter,” the statement read.

DAILY POST reports that the disagreement highlights the ongoing dispute between officials elected in the October 2022 local government elections and those elected in February 2025 over control of council areas in Osun State.

by admin — April 17, 2026 in News 0