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Rescue 79 held captive in Borno as you did in Oyo – Ndume tells military

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has appealed to the Nigerian military and other security agencies to sustain ongoing rescue operations in Southern Borno, urging them to focus on securing the release of dozens of people still being held captive by kidnappers.

Speaking to Channels TV on Friday, after the rescue of abducted victims from Oyo State, Senator Ndume said he had expected more details from the military about the operation but understood that some information relating to military operations and equipment could not be made public.

The senator said 42 people from Mussa in Borno South Senatorial District remain in captivity, alongside about 37 people from Lassa who were recently abducted. He added that several victims from Moushi and travellers kidnapped along the Buratai route were also yet to be rescued.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the military to keep their attention on my senatorial district and help us get these people back. The parents are traumatized, especially those from Mussa because there are small children among them,” Ndume said.

According to him, those still in captivity include children, students from Lassa who were preparing for their NECO examinations, and other adults abducted in separate incidents.

Despite the security challenges, the senator expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“I have confidence in the Nigerian security agencies. All they need is encouragement, training, equipment, aviation and motivation,” he said.

Ndume commended the security forces for the recent rescue operation, saying about eight suspected kidnappers were neutralized, while others were arrested, leading to the safe rescue of the abducted children.

“The children are back safely. Those responsible for the abduction lost about eight of their members during the operation, while some were captured. I believe this will provide useful intelligence on their operations and help address the security challenge,” he said.

The senator called on the military to build on the success of the operation by intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives in Mussa, Lassa, Muoshi and along the Buratai axis.

admin by — July 11, 2026 in News 0
BOA targets 10,000 hectares with Katsina input programme

BOA targets 10,000 hectares with Katsina input programmeThe Bank of Agriculture has launched the 2026 wet season input disbursement under the Smallholder Farmer Input Support Programme in Katsina State, with plans to support cultivation across about 10,000 hectares through more than 1,000 farmer cooperatives.

The programme, implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is aimed at expanding smallholder farmers’ access to affordable agricultural inputs while modernising agricultural delivery systems.

According to a statement signed by the BOA and issued on Friday, participating farmers will each receive four bags of NPK fertiliser and two bags of urea, while about 150 farmers attended the Katsina flag-off as representative beneficiaries ahead of the nationwide disbursement.

The statement said the intervention would be delivered through the bank’s agricultural delivery framework in collaboration with the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, the umbrella body for the Farmer Aggregation Companies.

It added that the bank would leverage grassroots farmer data and field intelligence to deploy input loans, supported by a verification framework that includes farmer profiling, Bank Verification Number and Know Your Customer verification, GPS farm mapping and field-level validation.

Speaking on behalf of the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, the Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof. Abdulhamid Mani, said the initiative would strengthen agricultural productivity and food security.

He said, “Agriculture remains the backbone of Katsina State’s economy and the livelihood of thousands of our people. This intervention reflects the power of collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Bank of Agriculture and organised farmer groups to ensure critical inputs reach farmers when they need them most.

“By supporting cultivation across 10,000 hectares through a coordinated network of Farmer Aggregation Companies and farmer cooperatives, we are laying the foundation for improved productivity, stronger rural livelihoods and greater food security for our state and the nation.”

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, described the initiative as a more effective approach to implementing government-backed agricultural interventions.

He said, “This programme is more than the distribution of fertiliser—it demonstrates a smarter way of delivering agricultural interventions. By working closely with the National Agro Inputs Dealers/Buyers Group and Farmer Aggregation Companies, and leveraging verified farmer data and field intelligence, we are ensuring government support reaches genuine farmers quickly, transparently and at scale. That is how we build confidence in public interventions and deliver measurable impact where it matters most—on the farm.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Katsina State Chapter, Yau Gojo Gojo, welcomed the intervention, saying it would improve farmers’ productivity during the planting season.

He said, “For our farmers, timely access to fertiliser is essential to a successful planting season. This support will enable more farmers to cultivate their land with confidence, improve yields, and strengthen household incomes. We commend the Bank of Agriculture and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for working with organised farmer structures to ensure these inputs reach genuine producers at the right time.”

The bank added that disbursement to participating Farmer Aggregation Companies and their farmer cooperative networks had commenced and would continue across beneficiary communities in line with the wet season planting calendar to ensure farmers receive the inputs during the peak planting period.

The latest intervention follows the Bank of Agriculture’s nationwide rollout of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value Chain Fund, which commenced in late June with the distribution of fertilisers, maize seeds and crop protection products to about 500,000 smallholder farmers across more than 20 states. The programme is expected to support the cultivation of about 520,000 hectares of farmland and generate an estimated 2.6 million tonnes of additional food to boost national food security.

Earlier this week, the programme was extended to Gombe State, where 5,642 smallholder farmers benefited from the intervention. The Bank of Agriculture said the initiative is designed to ultimately reach two million farmers nationwide by providing farm inputs, financing, extension services, aggregation and structured market opportunities under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

admin by — July 11, 2026 in Business 0

FCCPC

The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate consumer complaints over airline ticket pricing, ruling that the commission’s authority to conduct investigations is distinct from its statutory power to regulate or fix prices.

The judgment is a major victory for the consumer protection agency in its legal battle with Air Peace Limited, which had challenged the commission’s authority to investigate complaints over the airline’s fare increases. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Corporate Affairs of the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu.

According to the commission, Justice B.F.M. Nyako, in a judgment delivered on June 29, dismissed Air Peace’s suit challenging the FCCPC’s authority to investigate complaints relating to alleged exploitative airfare pricing.

The ruling follows an earlier judgment delivered in April 2026 by Justice James Omotosho, who also dismissed a separate suit filed by Air Peace questioning the Commission’s powers to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.

The statement read, “The Abuja Federal High Court has affirmed the statutory authority of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate consumer complaints relating to the pricing of airline tickets. The court clarified that the commission’s investigative powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA, 2018) are distinct from the exercise of the power to regulate prices.”

The latest case stemmed from a suit instituted by Air Peace in 2025 after the FCCPC requested information from the airline in January 2025 following widespread consumer complaints over sharp increases in ticket prices on some domestic routes during the 2024 Christmas travel season.

Air Peace had argued before the court that the FCCPC lacked the legal authority to inquire into airfare pricing unless the President first activated the price regulation provisions contained in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

The airline consequently sought declarations that the Commission had no authority to investigate airfare pricing and asked the court to issue perpetual orders restraining the agency from conducting such investigations.

However, Justice Nyako rejected the airline’s arguments, holding that the FCCPC acted within the powers conferred on it under Sections 17, 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act when it requested information from the airline in response to consumer complaints.

The court ruled that the Commission’s request formed part of a lawful fact-finding exercise and did not amount to price regulation or the exercise of the statutory price control powers provided under Sections 88, 89 and 90 of the Act.

According to the judgment, the FCCPC neither directed Air Peace to reduce its fares nor prescribed a pricing formula, fixed ticket prices, or declared the airline’s pricing unlawful.

The court further held that accepting Air Peace’s interpretation of the law would effectively strip the commission of its ability to investigate complaints relating to pricing unless the President had first invoked the price regulation provisions of the Act.

Justice Nyako held that such an interpretation would undermine the commission’s statutory investigative mandate and could not have been the intention of the National Assembly when enacting the legislation.

Reacting to the judgment, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, described the decision as another significant judicial endorsement of the Commission’s responsibility to protect consumers and promote fair competition.

 

 

 

 

“The court has again affirmed an important principle under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act. Investigating consumer complaints is fundamentally different from regulating prices. The FCCPC neither sought to fix nor regulate Air Peace’s fares. It simply exercised its lawful authority to obtain information as part of an investigation into a matter of legitimate consumer concern.

“An investigation is a fact-finding process. It is neither a finding of liability nor an enforcement action. Every responsible regulator must be able to inquire into credible complaints affecting consumers and markets without those inquiries being misconstrued as findings of liability, enforcement action, or price regulation,” he said.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to exercising its statutory responsibilities fairly, transparently and strictly in accordance with the rule of law.

The FCCPC has in recent years intensified enforcement of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, investigating complaints across several sectors, including aviation, telecommunications, digital services, consumer goods and financial services.

Earlier this week, President Bola Tinubu directed the commission to investigate major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful use of content belonging to Nigerian media organisations.

The commission has maintained that its mandate is to protect consumers against exploitative and unfair market practices, promote competition, and investigate complaints where there are reasonable grounds to believe that consumers or competition may be adversely affected.

The dispute with Air Peace arose after many air travellers complained of steep increases in domestic airfares during the peak travel period in December 2024, prompting the commission to seek information from the airline as part of its statutory investigation.

admin by — July 11, 2026 in Business 0
NDPHC begins rehabilitation of 225MW Gbarain power plant

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company has commenced the rehabilitation of the 225-megawatt Gbarain Power Plant in Bayelsa State, more than five years after a fire destroyed a critical component of the facility and stalled its planned commissioning.

The company formally handed over the rehabilitation project to a joint venture between TILT Energy Limited and Schneider Electric for the replacement of the plant’s burnt Power Control Module, a key component required for the operation of the gas-fired power station.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Head of Corporate Communication and External Relations of NDPHC, Nazo Agim.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the General Manager, Generation Projects, Ginsau Idris, said the replacement of the Power Control Module had become unavoidable because the original equipment was extensively damaged by fire.

He expressed optimism that the contractors would deliver the project successfully, noting that all stakeholders clearly understood their responsibilities and were committed to restoring the facility within the agreed timeline.

“The Power Control Module was extensively damaged by fire, making its replacement imperative, but we are confident in the contractors. All parties clearly understand their responsibilities and are committed to delivering the project successfully and within schedule.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Generation, Abdullahi Kassim, described the November 2020 fire as one of the biggest setbacks suffered by the project, recalling that the incident occurred only a few months before the plant was scheduled for commissioning.

He noted that despite the setback, the company remained committed to reviving the project because of its strategic importance to Nigeria’s electricity supply, with complementary infrastructure under construction to ensure the plant is fully ready for operation once the rehabilitation is completed.

“The PCM was destroyed by fire in November 2020, just months before the plant was due for commissioning,” he said, describing the incident as a major setback to the project. “Also, complementary infrastructure, including access roads and support buildings, is under construction,” he added, describing the Gbarain Power Plant as a strategic asset because of its proximity to the gas supply.

He further commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, for driving the revival of the project, saying her leadership had accelerated efforts to secure approvals and move the rehabilitation forward.

On behalf of the contractors, the Managing Director of TILT Energy Limited, Deji Awodeji, assured the NDPHC that the joint venture would deliver the project within the 12-month contract period and possibly ahead of schedule without compromising quality or safety standards.

In her remarks, the NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer said the Gbarain Power Plant was identified as one of the quickest opportunities to increase electricity generation, prompting the company to prioritise its rehabilitation.

She said, “The project was prioritised after the Gbarain Power Plant was identified as a ‘low-hanging fruit’ capable of delivering a quick boost to electricity generation.”

She explained that NDPHC secured the necessary approvals and funding in record time and expressed confidence in the contractors’ capacity to execute the project successfully.

According to her, replacing the burnt PCM will pave the way for the recommissioning of the 225MW power plant, thereby strengthening electricity supply and supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ceremony ended with the inspection of ongoing works at the project site by the NDPHC management team, contractors and other stakeholders.

The Gbarain Power Plant is one of the power generation projects developed under the National Integrated Power Projects programme, which was established to expand Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity and improve power supply across the country.

Located in Bayelsa State, the 225MW gas-fired plant is strategically situated close to the Gbarain-Ubie gas processing facilities, providing it with reliable access to natural gas.

Although the plant was substantially completed, its planned commissioning was delayed after a fire destroyed the Power Control Module in November 2020.

The rehabilitation is expected to restore the facility to operation and contribute additional generation capacity to the national grid at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with inadequate electricity supply.

admin by — July 11, 2026 in Business 0
Dangote’s East Africa refinery attracts $100m investment interest

DangoteTanzania’s richest businessman, Mohammed Dewji, has expressed his readiness to invest $100m in Aliko Dangote’s proposed $17bn refinery in East Africa, in a move that underscores growing investor confidence in the multibillion-dollar project, according to a Bloomberg report on Friday.

Dewji disclosed his interest in an interview, saying he would prefer the refinery to be located in Tanzania but remained willing to participate even if Dangote proceeds with plans to build it in neighbouring Kenya.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man, recently unveiled plans to replicate the success of his 700,000-barrels-per-day refinery in Lagos by constructing another mega refinery on Africa’s east coast.

Although Tanzania was initially considered a potential host country, Dangote has since said Kenya’s coastal town of Lamu was selected for “commercial and technical” reasons, without providing further details.

Speaking on his investment plans, Dewji said he had not yet discussed the proposal with Dangote but intended to do so.

“I would lean more toward Tanzania than Kenya,” he said, adding that he had not ruled out investing if the refinery is eventually developed in East Africa’s largest economy. I will definitely reach out to him, and we can chat about it,” he added.

The report said the proposed refinery has continued to attract strong investor interest ahead of construction. His comments come amid increasing interest from regional and international investors seeking to participate in the multibillion-dollar project.

According to the report, a senior Dangote executive confirmed that several prospective investors had approached the company regarding participation in the project. “So many potential investors have been approaching us,” the executive said.

The proposed refinery is expected to cost about $17bn and, when completed, will rank as the second-largest refinery in Africa after the 700,000-barrels-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos.

Kenyan President William Ruto has previously expressed optimism that construction of the refinery will commence this year.

The Dangote refinery in Lagos, commissioned in phases beginning in 2024, has significantly altered Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector by reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products and supplying petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other products to Nigeria and several African countries.

Building on that success, Dangote Industries has unveiled plans to establish a second mega refinery in East Africa to strengthen regional energy security, reduce Africa’s reliance on imported fuels and deepen intra-African trade in refined petroleum products.

Tanzania and Kenya have both been considered potential host countries, although Dangote has indicated that Kenya’s coastal town of Lamu currently offers the most favourable commercial and technical conditions for the project.

The proposed East African refinery forms part of Dangote Industries’ broader strategy to expand refining capacity across the continent, strengthen regional energy security and reduce Africa’s reliance on imported fuels.

admin by — July 11, 2026 in Business 0
Kano ADC faction petitions police over leadership dispute

A fresh leadership crisis has emerged in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State after a faction of the party asked the police to investigate what it described as illegal actions that could cause unrest.

The Kano State Transition Committee, led by Hon. Musa Shu’aibu Ungogo, submitted a petition to the Kano State Police Command on July 8.

The committee accused Hajiya Najaatu Muhammed of trying to split the party by announcing a caretaker committee for the state chapter.

The petition came after Najaatu, who identified herself as the ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-West), announced on Monday that the Kano State executive committee had been dissolved and replaced with a caretaker committee led by Alhaji Umar Bala.

However, the Kano faction rejected the decision, saying it violated the party’s constitution and was not approved by the party’s authorised leadership.

In the petition signed by Ungogo and the party’s Administrative Secretary, Dr Bala M. I. Takai, the group argued that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) or the National Working Committee (NWC) has the authority to appoint a caretaker committee.

The petition stated, “The power to constitute Caretaker Committees rests exclusively with the National Executive Committee (NEC) or the National Working Committee (NWC) via proper directives. No individual official possesses such authority.”

The faction also questioned Najaatu’s claim to the position of Deputy National Chairman (North-West), saying the office was removed during amendments to the party’s constitution at its April 2026 national convention.

It further alleged that her actions could create tension among party members and supporters if left unresolved.

The petition claimed that: “Hajiya Najaatu Muhammed, aided by a few inexperienced cronies, has engaged in anti-party activities to create a faction and sow confusion.”

They urged the police to investigate the matter and take steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The dispute has deepened the leadership crisis within the ADC in Kano, with both factions claiming to be the legitimate leadership.

While Najaatu’s camp says the caretaker committee was set up to restore stability, the existing state executive insists it remains the recognised leadership of the party.

The Kano State Police Command had not responded to the petition as at press time.

admin by — July 10, 2026 in News 0
2027: Atiku, ADC giving Tinubu sleepless nights – Tambuwal

Former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has hinted that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his party are giving President Bola Tinubu sleepless nights.

Tambuwal claimed that Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress have been scheming against the ADC but God has been frustrating their plans.

He spoke while welcoming the former Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, Isa Salihu Bashir Kalanjeni, into the ADC after he resigned from the APC, where he described Tinubu as an outgoing president.

Tambuwal said: “President Bola Tinubu, who is leaving office, has been staying up late because of the ADC. Everywhere he turns, he sees Atiku Abubakar.

“They have kept trying to stop the ADC from being made public, but God has prevented those plans from working.”

He said the federal government hasn’t done enough to deal with the unsafe situation and other problems the country is facing.

Tambuwal said that many politicians didn’t want to join the ADC because they were worried about the pressure of leaving the ruling party.

“Most politicians who leave the ruling APC join other political parties instead of joining the ADC.

“Only people who care about the country’s interests, not their own, will join the ADC,” he said.

admin by — July 10, 2026 in News 0
Police impound vehicles over registration, tinted glass violations amid security concerns

The Yobe State Police Command has raised concerns over the increasing use of unregistered vehicles, obscured number plates, and unauthorized tinted glass, which criminal elements often exploit to commit crimes, including drug trafficking.

The Command, in response, intensified enforcement and has so far impounded 67 vehicles found to be in violation of traffic and security regulations across the state.

A statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, indicated that the operation targets vehicles operating without valid registration, those with covered, faded, or obscured number plates, and vehicles with tinted glass operating without permits.

“Such violations pose serious security threats, as unregistered vehicles and concealed identities are frequently used to aid criminal activities,” the Command said.

It also warned all vehicle owners and motorists to ensure proper registration, display clearly visible and authentic number plates, and obtain the necessary permits before using tinted glass.

“Any vehicle found in violation will be impounded, while offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” it warned.

The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kamfani Jibrin, also directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to sustain the enforcement exercise, stressing that officers must maintain professionalism, respect citizens’ rights, and ensure zero tolerance for extortion during the operation.

The CP urged residents to comply with all vehicle registration and traffic regulations, stating that the exercise is aimed at enhancing public safety and preventing crime.

admin by — July 10, 2026 in News 0
Five NYSC members get automatic employment, nine to repeat service in Anambra

Nine National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members in Anambra State will repeat their service year for absconding from the mandatory exercise.

Coordinator of the NYSC in Anambra, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, disclosed this while issuing Certificates of National Service, CNS, to the successful corps members at Ihiala Local Government Council Secretariat on Thursday.

Ojisua said two corps members got extension on disciplinary grounds.

The coordinator, however, said that five of them were retained by their various employers.

She disclosed that 933 corps members of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I, were formally discharged from the corps after successfully completing the one-year mandatory national service.

The certificate issuance ceremony was held simultaneously across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

Ojisua congratulated the outgone corps members on the successful completion of their service year and charged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the NYSC Scheme and Nigeria.

She urged them to embrace self-reliance by putting the entrepreneurial and vocational skills acquired during the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme into practice, rather than waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs.

The Coordinator encouraged the corps members to remain productive by engaging in meaningful ventures capable of creating sustainable livelihoods and contributing to national development.

“I advise you to join the NYSC Foundation to sustain their relationship with the scheme and continue supporting its objectives.

“I wish you a journey of mercies and God’s protection as you return to your various destinations to begin a new phase of your lives,” he said.

admin by — July 10, 2026 in News 0
‘End insecurity, protect lives, properties – Plateau CAN tasks govt

Plateau State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on the state government and other relevant agencies to take bold and decisive steps to restore peace to the state and foster positive development and prosperity for the people.

The Christian organization, which made the call during its maiden leadership retreat held from July 7 to 9, 2026, at the Miango Rest Home in Jos, noted that only an end to insecurity and the protection of lives and property across the state can guarantee prosperity.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat by the State Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, CAN said it was a shame that a state famous for its peace and tranquility could experience decades of unrest, violence, and killings without the government taking steps to put a stop to them.

The retreat, which had the theme “Strategically Positioning CAN on the Plateau for the Future in the Face of Contemporary Challenges,” brought together church leaders, women and youth leaders, coordinators from the 17 local government areas, and other stakeholders.

Expressing concerns that despite efforts by government and security agencies, insecurity had continued to take different dimensions, leaving many communities under constant threat, CAN said it has resolved that the rising spate of attacks in our rural and urban communities must stop, and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.

It also encouraged communities to embrace community policing and the setting up of vigilante groups, while calling on the government to provide vulnerable communities with the security support needed to defend themselves.

It further demanded the prompt arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of attacks while emphasizing that the enforcement of existing laws regulating the activities of hawkers, scrap metal scavengers, motorcycle and tricycle operators.

Also speaking on internally displaced persons, CAN condemned attempts to forcefully seize community lands and tasked the government to recover such lands and ensure the rebuilding and resettlement of affected communities.

“The church has always been one and will continue to speak with one voice on issues that concern the state and the church,” the body stated and pledged to continue working with the government and people of other faiths to promote peaceful coexistence and good governance.

admin by — July 10, 2026 in News 0