The Association of Resident Doctors, Abuja, Nigeria Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT) have begun a seven-day warning strike. The strike action was announced in a statement today, September 8, by the association’s president, Dr. George Ebong, and other executive members. The resident doctors described the FCT health system as a “long-standing systemic failure” and that it needs immediate and thorough reform. The association said that doctors in the FCT are under immense pressure, frequently covering multiple departments. More details later…
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has reiterated the Bank’s commitment to establishing macroeconomic stability, fortifying the banking sector and establishing Nigeria as a top investment destination. At a fireside chat moderated by Andreas Voss, Chief Country Representative, Deutsche Bank Nigeria, at the European Business Chamber (Eurocham Nigeria) C-Level Forum in Lagos on Saturday, September 6, Cardoso said that the recapitalisation exercise for banks is making good progress and will result in even stronger institutions that can withstand shocks and finance growth. According to him, the key drivers of renewed investor confidence were the CBN’s reforms and the stabilisation of the naira, as extolled by members of the EU Chambers. Cardoso observed that headline inflation is currently elevated, and that it is decreasing as a consequence of collective efforts. He said that the advantages of the Bank’s tightening posture will persist, adding: “We will protect the stability that has been re-established in the financial system with the utmost zeal. “Our primary objective is to maintain that stability while simultaneously addressing inflation and ensuring that the financial system is sufficiently resilient to facilitate corporate lending and investment.” About the impact of high lending rates in Nigeria on investment, the CBN Governor acknowledged the concern but linked it to inflation and stability. He said that there is a substantial potential for interest rates to decrease in the future as inflation continues to decline and as markets become more efficient in allocating capital. “That is the environment in which stronger corporate lending and higher levels of investment will naturally follow.” Cardoso observed that the CBN’s recapitalisation directive, which mandates that banks increase their minimum capital, is specifically intended to fortify the financial system and guarantee that it is capable of supporting a wider range of economic activities. He also emphasised the importance of technology-driven solutions in order to deepen access and address poverty, as well as efforts to expand financial inclusion and fortify the fintech ecosystem. He identified a positive development in the form of increased collaboration with the fiscal sector, which includes the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Budget Office. This collaboration, he said, will enable the country to maintain reforms and achieve long-term stability. Regarding Nigeria’s position in the global economy, he said: “The urgency of addressing our own affairs is underscored by the ongoing geopolitical changes.” According to the CBN Boss, Nigeria is a market that is both large and appealing in its own right, and it is also situated at the entrance to the broader continent and West Africa. “This underscores the importance of maintaining stability at home.” In his introductory remarks, Eurocham President, Yann Gilbert described the chamber as a conduit that links European businesses with Nigerian policymakers. “Our members are profoundly dedicated to this nation. “We aspire to establish enduring partnerships, generate employment opportunities, and invest.” He said that the purpose of the forum is to foster engagement, dialogue and solutions that enhance confidence and unleash opportunities between Nigeria and Europe.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has completed a six month suspension slammed on her by the Senate. The suspension came to an end on September 5, 2025. Consequently, Natasha will join her colleagues in resuming on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to begin another legislative session. The Senator’s suspension came on March 6, 2025, after being accused and found guilty of gross misconduct and violation of Senate rules. During the period of suspension, Natasha was barred from legislative activities, from entering the National Assembly complex and the use of official resources. Natasha had claimed that her ordeal stemmed from her accusing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. In July, the senator and her legal team attempted to enforce a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, which declared her suspension “excessive.” The court had faulted both the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, saying that neither specified a limit on suspensions. Since lawmakers sit for only 181 days annually, the judge ruled that a six-month suspension effectively denied her constituents representation. While the judgment affirmed the Senate’s right to sanction members, it warned against excessive punishment. It also upheld Akpabio’s authority to regulate plenary seating and speaking rights.
Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to collectively rise up to defend the democracy that is being eroded by the Federal government under the All Progressives Congress (APC). “I urge all Nigerians, both statesmen and citizens, to recognize the urgency of this moment. Defending our democracy cannot be the sole responsibility of the opposition; it is a collective national duty.” In a statement today, September 5, Atiku, who is the main opposition leader, said that the recent events in Kaduna, Katsina, and other areas have highlighted a troubling trend towards authoritarianism under the Tinubu administration. “The summons of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and leaders of the ADC in Kaduna, the brazen attack on former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms are not isolated incidents. Instead, they signify a coordinated and dangerous assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the very essence of pluralistic democracy. “It is important to emphasize that dissent is vital to democracy. “Criminalizing opposition, attacking reformist voices, and undermining peaceful civic engagement erode the foundations of our Republic. No government that resorts to intimidation and uses security agencies as weapons against perceived opponents can genuinely uphold democratic principles. “Without a doubt, Nigeria is dangerously close to slipping into authoritarian rule if these patterns of repression continue unabated. We cannot afford to return to an era marked by fear, silence, and impunity.” Atiku stressed that power is transient, and that history will harshly judge those who wield it against the people instead of in their service. He made it clear that Nigeria belongs to all and not just the ruling party or any single individual. “We must not allow the principles of liberty, justice, and the rule of law to be undermined by partisan desperation.”
The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) have identified values which Nigerians, especially Muslims, needs for it to attain true unity. Such values, the Guild explained, are truthfulness and honesty, compassion and mercy as well as justice and fairness. In a message today, September 5, commemorating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the Deputy Chairman of GIMP-Nigeria, Muyiwa Akintunde encouraged Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to resolve conflicts wherever they might exist. He said: “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was renowned for his sincerity and trustworthiness, even among non-Muslims. “He was a symbol of mercy, not only towards humans but also animals and the environment, which explains why the Quran describes Him as ‘a mercy to the world’. These are values that our society requires now more than ever to enable good and equitable living, and progress for our nation.” According to him, the Prophet was renowned for forgiveness and forbearance, even as he recommended such attitude to Nigerians, asking them to develop the spirit of letting-go of prejudice and biases that had held the nation back in its developmental strides. “Prophet Muhammad lived a modest life, and was known for his kindness to slaves and family members. In every corner of our society, there are the less privileged who we must show kindness and help to lift out of their unfortunate situations.” The Guild is dedicated to promotion of peace, tolerance, harmony and acceptance of religious plurality in Nigeria.
As Security operatives in Kaduna rose to seal off the state secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), located at No. 4 Ali Akilu Road, the party has gone to court, challenging the Inspector General of Police over violation of rights. Police sealed the secretariat hours before the North-West leadership of the party was due to visit the Kaduna chapter to sympathize with members recently attacked by suspected political thugs. Witnesses reported the heavy deployment of police patrol vans around the building, effectively preventing access to the party’s office. A senior party member confirmed that the visit was meant to console members injured during last week’s attack at a coalition meeting between the ADC and Social Democratic Party (SDP). The meeting, held at the NUT Endwell Conference Hall in Magadishu Layout, was violently disrupted by hoodlums who damaged vehicles, smashed windows, and left several participants wounded. That incident, which occurred in the presence of armed policemen deployed to stop the gathering, has been linked by opposition figures to escalating political hostilities between former governor Nasir El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani. This is just as an ADC chieftain, Yusuf Shehu Bello, dragged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to the Federal High Court over alleged restrictions on political meetings. Through his lawyer, Farouk Dikko, Bello filed an interlocutory injunction seeking to restrain the police from suspending or interfering with lawful gatherings in the state.
He said that the Kaduna command’s recent directive requiring political parties to obtain clearance before holding meetings in public places or hotels was unconstitutional. Bello said: “we are in court to protect our democratic rights. The police have no powers to halt political activities. Their duty is to ensure security and maintain peace, not to suppress free association.” Analysts are saying that the clampdown on ADC secretariat signals the likelihood of a turbulent political season in Kaduna as rival camps within the ruling elite test their strength ahead of 2027. Opposition leaders have warned that the crackdown on party activities undermines democracy and sets the stage for further unrest.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun his 2025 annual leave today, September 4. In a 3-paragraph statement, his chief spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga said that the President would immediately depart Abuja today, to commence a working vacation in Europe. “The vacation will last 10 working days. “President Tinubu will spend the period between France and the UK and then return to the country.”
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) has Commissioned a Flight Data Centre in Abuja, in the pursuit of global aviation safety standards. The facility, located at the Authority’s headquarters, was officially unveiled during a one-day training workshop for frontline managers who will oversee its operations. Speaking at the occasion, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, described the Flight Data Centre as more than an infrastructure project. According to him, the center symbolizes Nigeria’s renewed focus on proactive safety management. He said that its commissioning by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, underscores its national importance. “This initiative is not just about technology; it is about safeguarding lives and securing the future of Nigerian aviation. “We are investing in your competence because this is more than a training programme—it is an investment in our collective future and a statement of our commitment to excellence.” The DGCA explained that the centre will enable the NCAA to collect and analyse flight data in real time, thereby identifying potential safety deficiencies before they escalate into incidents or accidents. He said that the authority would aspire to evolve from a compliance-based oversight model to a performance-based, predictive system that prevents risks rather than merely responding to them. Najomo acknowledged the contributions of his team, commending the Director of Special Duties, Horatius Egua for his dedication in ensuring the project’s completion. Egua recalled that the project had been stalled since 2016, but was revived under Najomo’s leadership. He added that the facility would play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s Safety Management System while providing hands-on training for managers tasked with overseeing its operations. Among the benefits of the centre are improved safety oversight, better regulatory compliance, enhanced incident investigation, risk management and trend analysis. The facility will also foster stakeholder collaboration, reduce operational costs and enhance Nigeria’s credibility in the global aviation community. Dignitaries at the event included the Executive Director of the Banjul Accord Group Safety Oversight Organisation, representatives from the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, APS facilitators and other key industry stakeholders. With the Flight Data Centre now operational, industry experts believe Nigeria has taken a major step toward aligning its aviation standards with global best practices, while ensuring that safety remains at the heart of its operations.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has sworn that he could wipe out banditry, Boko Haram and other criminal elements from the state within two months if he has full control over security agencies operating in the state. Speaking in a viral video clip that has gone viral, Governor Dauda Lawal said that his greatest obstacle in the fight against insecurity is the fact that security chiefs in the state take instructions solely from Abuja, leaving the state government helpless in decisive moments. “I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandit leader is located within Zamfara State, I know it. If he moves out, I also know. With my mobile phone, I can show you their exact locations today. “But because I don’t have the power to give direct orders to security agencies, nothing can be done immediately.” According to him, Zamfara state has invested heavily in surveillance and intelligence-gathering technologies. “We have dozens of tracking facilities fixed across the state, which can pinpoint bandits’ movements. “Sadly, the information often goes to waste because security operatives insist they must get clearance from Abuja before taking action.” Governor Lawal recalled a particularly painful incident in Shinkafi Local Government Area where bandits struck while security personnel stationed nearby refused to intervene because they had not received approval from higher authorities. “That day, I shed tears for my people. I saw the problem clearly, but I was powerless.” The Governor said that despite the lack of direct control, his administration has been unwavering in its support to security outfits. He said that about two months ago, his government distributed 150 patrol vehicles among the police, army, DSS, and civil defense corps to boost their operations. He said that his government recruited thousands into the Community Protection Guards (CPG) and engaged over 2,000 local hunters from Borno and Yobe States to complement conventional security forces. “I am doing all these despite not having authority over security agencies. As chief security officer of Zamfara, I cannot fold my arms when lives are at risk.” Governor Lawal stressed his willingness to address some of the grievances that may be fueling the conflict. “If the bandits lack water, I will provide it. If they lack schools, I will build them. If they lack healthcare, I will give it. Whatever they need to live in peace, I am ready to provide.” The Governor condemned the politicisation of insecurity in the state, saying that those undermining his administration’s efforts are only endangering the state’s survival. “This fight is not about Dauda Lawal, it is about Zamfara. Politicising banditry is destroying the state.” He drew attention to the recent bye-election in six wards, during which massive numbers of soldiers and sophisticated war equipment were deployed, wondering why the same level of commitment could not be applied in the fight against terrorists terrorising rural communities. Governor Lawal appealed to residents of the state to remain patient and cooperative while the government continues to push for lasting peace. “I will not relent. Though the obstacles are many, we are determined. Ultimately, God will rescue us.”
Nigeria’s Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, as a public holiday to mark the Muslim Eid-el-Maulud, the birth of the Holy Prophet, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, extended felicitations to Muslims Umah in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion Tunji-Ojo enjoined the Muslim faithful to reflect on the virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance and compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stressing that these values remain essential in building a united, prosperous and progressive nation. He called on Nigerians, regardless of religious beliefs, to use the occasion to pray for peace, security, and stability of the country, and to suppor the government’s efforts in fostering national harmony and sustainable development. “The celebration of Eid-el-Maulud offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity.” The Minister urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security conscious, and supportive of government policies aimed at ensuring the collective well-being of all Nigerians, even as he wished all Muslims a joyous and peaceful celebration.
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