Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The House of Representatives has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to stop collecting the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) levy by June 30, 2025, declaring the charge illegal and unsupported by any existing law. The directive was issued by Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, during the NCS’s 2024 budget performance review and 2025 budget defense session in Abuja. He insisted that the only lawful revenue collection for the Service is the 4% Free-On-Board (FOB) charge, as outlined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. “The CISS levy is not backed…

By Atoyebi Nike Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil led a rally in New York City following his release from U.S. immigration detention, vowing to intensify protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the United States’ role in supporting it. Speaking to a crowd of demonstrators, Khalil condemned what he described as Israel’s “genocide in Gaza” and called for global solidarity with Palestinians. His arrest had drawn widespread attention from human rights groups and pro-Palestinian advocates, many of whom claimed it was politically motivated. “We will not be silenced. We will not stop,” Khalil said during…

By Atoyebi Nike The recent approval of Yeztugo, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, has sparked global concern over affordability, with experts warning that high pricing could exclude millions of vulnerable people. Approved by the U.S. FDA, the injectable form of Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, has shown near-total efficacy in preventing HIV infections when taken every six months. The drug’s long-acting nature offers a significant improvement over existing daily oral PrEP options. However, Gilead’s U.S. list price of $28,218 per person annually has triggered backlash from public health experts and HIV advocates. A Lancet HIV study estimates the drug…

By Atoyebi Nike Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, has stated that under Tinubu’s leadership, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is undergoing a strategic transformation, returning to its foundational goal of regional integration. Speaking during an interview on Sunday, Dare described Tinubu’s two-term tenure as ECOWAS Chairman as a turning point for the bloc. He said President Tinubu has revived momentum and credibility within the sub-region, replacing symbolic summits with concrete steps toward unity, economic growth, and development. He cited the recent West African Economic Summit hosted in Nigeria as evidence of the shift, noting…

By Atoyebi Nike The acting Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, ACE I Michael Wetkas, has called for deeper collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) to enhance the fight against financial and economic crimes. Wetkas made this known during a courtesy visit to the Federal Capital Territory Command of the DSS, where he highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, especially in intelligence sharing and joint operations. He explained that following his posting to the Abuja Zonal Directorate in March 2025, it became crucial to reinforce partnerships with other key security agencies. Drawing…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has unveiled a major agricultural investment package totaling N1.7 trillion, including N1.5 trillion to recapitalize the Bank of Agriculture and N200 billion for direct intervention programs, aimed at transforming the nation’s food systems and improving farmers’ access to credit. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed the funding during a visit by a high-level Gambian delegation to the ministry in Abuja. He noted that 2.15 million bags of fertilizer have already been distributed nationwide as part of the support scheme. Kyari emphasized that the recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture will enhance…

By Atoyebi Nike Iran has threatened a strong military response after U.S. airstrikes hit key nuclear facilities in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. The strikes, confirmed by former President Donald Trump, used bunker-busting bombs and came as the Iran-Israel conflict entered its 11th day. The Israeli military said it also targeted missile bases and airfields across Iran, claiming to have destroyed fighter jets and helicopters. Iran’s military warned the U.S. of “serious and unpredictable” consequences, calling the strikes an escalation. Oil prices surged over 4% on Monday as global markets reacted. China and Oman called for restraint, while European powers urged…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a national weather forecast warning of varied conditions across the country from Monday to Wednesday, including sunny intervals, cloud cover, thunderstorms, and rainfall. In its three-day outlook released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said much of the northern region would experience predominantly sunny mornings with scattered cloud formations. However, isolated thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are anticipated in the afternoons and evenings across several northern states including Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kaduna. The central region is expected to start with partly sunny skies and light clouds in…

By Ibrahim Babangida Lawal The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), FCT Area Unit, has issued a passionate call for immediate action and structural reforms following the tragic killing of 12 students from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on June 20, 2025. The students, en route to Qua’an Pan LGA for a wedding ceremony, were reportedly ambushed and killed due to a wrong turn, an event that MSSN has described as both heartbreaking and indicative of the ongoing failures in Nigeria’s security and governance systems. “This was not a case of mistaken…

By Ibrahim Babangida Lawal A distressing scene unfolded in Kwali Area Council on Saturday evening, 21st June 2025 as the Personal Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Datu Daniel, was reportedly the victim of a violent attack in what many suspect to be a politically motivated incident. This unsettling development has triggered widespread condemnation and reignited conversations about the deteriorating ethics of political engagement in Nigeria’s grassroots governance. In the wake of the incident, several citizens have drawn attention to the words of Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, who famously defined politics as “war without bloodshed.” The implication, according to…