Author: The North Journals

In a significant move to combat the proliferation of illicit arms, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially handed over 1,599 assorted firearms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). The weapons, which were intercepted in 2018 at the Tin Can Island Port, were formally transferred in Lagos, further reinforcing the NCS’s dedication to safeguarding national security. The handover ceremony, which took place in Lagos, was attended by key security stakeholders. Customs Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to curbing arms trafficking and ensuring the safety of…

Nigeria is reinforcing its healthcare system by ramping up domestic investment and reducing dependency on foreign aid, according to Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. His statement comes in response to recent U.S. funding cuts to global health programs, a move that has sparked discussions on sustainability in healthcare financing. Acknowledging America’s decades-long support for Nigeria’s health sector, Prof. Pate emphasized the nation’s commitment to building a self-reliant and resilient healthcare infrastructure. He underscored Nigeria’s strategic shift toward sustainable financing models that leverage both public and private sector investments to strengthen health services nationwide. A significant step in…

In a significant move to enhance healthcare in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses. This initiative, announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, aims to improve medical services within correctional centres across the country. To further bolster healthcare delivery in these facilities, the federal government has secured approval for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to deploy medical doctors to correctional centres. Additionally, existing medical personnel will now have the option to extend their service beyond retirement age, ensuring continuity in healthcare provision. Meanwhile, Dr. Tunji-Ojo confirmed…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has lauded the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its forward-thinking approach in prioritizing education and green technology alongside infrastructure development. He described these initiatives as critical to shaping a prosperous future for the region. Speaking during a meeting with the NEDC management team in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that education remains the greatest equalizer, fostering social mobility and driving sustainable development. He highlighted the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP) as a transformative initiative that will create a lasting impact on future generations. “The ASSEP programme will provide young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed…

By Samuel Adejo In a significant move to modernize toll collection and improve road user convenience, the management of the Nasarawa State toll gate has introduced a new preloaded toll pass card. The initiative, with an initial load of ₦10,000, is designed to streamline operations, reduce cash transactions, and ease congestion at the toll gate. The introduction of the preloaded pass card follows deliberations between key stakeholders and the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. Lawmakers had previously advocated for a temporary suspension of toll gate operations to explore more efficient systems. After consultations on global best practices, the new toll…

The National Assembly has passed the N54.9 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill, following the adoption of the report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun). According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the approved budget includes an aggregate expenditure of N54.9 trillion, with statutory transfers amounting to N3.6 trillion and recurrent expenditure set at N13.6 trillion. Capital expenditure was allocated N23.9 trillion, while N14.3 trillion was earmarked for debt servicing. The fiscal deficit stands at N13.8 trillion, representing 1.52% of GDP. Sen. Adeola recalled that the Senate had debated the general principles of…

The Democratic Front (TDF), a prominent think tank, has expressed strong confidence that Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries will be instrumental in fast-tracking the country’s journey towards a $1 trillion economy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Reacting to the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIC), TDF hailed the decision as a transformative step towards economic diversification and rapid growth. In a statement issued by its Chairman, Malam Danjuma Muhammad, the group described CTIC as a game-changer that will unlock vast opportunities across multiple sectors. “The economic impact of this corporation cannot be overstated.…

Women and youth entrepreneurs in Nigeria will benefit from improved access to African markets following the validation of the Market Access Guide and E-Commerce Platform. An Economist with the United Nations Economic Development for Africa, Mamudou Sebego, said this at the Nigeria African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) National Strategy Validation Workshop, in Lagos. According to him, the entrepreneurs will gain visibility under the AfCFTA initiative. “This event marks the third consultative engagement between the UNECA and Nigerian businesses, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of women and youths in cross-border trade. “The platform and guide aim to simplify trade processes,…

Adamawa State marked a historic milestone with the official installation of Alhaji Ahmadu Saibaru as the first Emir of the newly created Maiha Emirate and Barrister Alheri Bulus Nyako as the first Tol Hoba of Hoba Chiefdom. The two-day event, presided over by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, underscored the government’s commitment to revitalizing traditional institutions and fostering regional development. The coronation of Alhaji Ahmadu Saibaru as the Emir of Maiha on February 13, 2025, drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and neighboring Cameroon. Speaking at the event, Governor Fintiri emphasized the significance of the newly established Maiha Emirate, describing it as…

Many people dread approaching the rock, fearing it harbors dark secrets. Some claim that escapees from ritualistic activities have come forward with spine-chilling testimonies – Aminu The first time I truly beheld Zuma Rock as a national treasure of Nigeria was not in person, but on the N100 note. Its bold depiction on our currency symbolized its cultural and historical significance. Growing up, I had heard whispers of its mysteries—tales of spirits, rituals, and inexplicable events surrounding the towering monolith. As children, my siblings and I would accompany our parents to the farmlands behind the rock, but never alone. The…