Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a strong warning to the public over a rise in cyber scams involving fake job and auction offers falsely attributed to the agency. The alert follows a recent surge in fraudulent activities across social media platforms, where impersonators pose as senior customs officials to deceive unsuspecting citizens. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, expressed serious concern about the proliferation of fake online accounts using the names and images of top officials including the Comptroller-General, spokespersons, and even…
By Atoyebi Nike The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a public alert cautioning Nigerians against engaging with CMTRADING, an online trading platform that claims to operate in cryptocurrency and commodities markets. According to the Commission, the entity is not registered or licensed to conduct investment business or solicit funds within Nigeria’s capital market. In a statement released by the Commission, CMTRADING was accused of deploying deceptive tactics, including cloning the websites of trusted media outlets such as Punch, Vanguard, BBC, Channels TV, and Arise News, to lure unsuspecting investors. The platform also circulates fabricated videos and images of…
By Atoyebi Nike The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Jos, Professor Patrick Kwaghe, has raised concerns about the heavy reliance on synthetic inputs by Nigerian farmers, warning that such practices have led to trade restrictions from several Western nations. Speaking during the inauguration of a new organic produce market in Jos, Plateau State, Prof. Kwaghe explained that the export of Nigerian farm goods had come under scrutiny after testing abroad revealed unsafe levels of chemical residues. “Many of our products were rejected because of the high chemical content,” he said, adding that such feedback should…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched a grassroots sensitisation campaign across markets in Kwali, Abaji, and Gwagwalada in the FCT to tackle unfair trade practices and boost consumer confidence. Speaking at a forum on Tuesday, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello, represented by Bridget Etim, said the campaign is part of efforts to enforce fair market conduct in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “Markets are the heartbeat of our economy,” Bello said. “This is where consumer protection must begin.” He noted that the Commission is investigating deceptive rebagging of expired…
By Atoyebi Nike Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically on Thursday as Israel launched airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites, while Iranian missiles struck several Israeli cities, including a hospital in Beersheba. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were part of an effort to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat, vowing that Tehran would “pay the full price.” Defense Minister Israel Katz added that Israel had intensified strikes to destabilize Iran’s leadership. Israeli forces targeted the Khondab nuclear reactor near Arak and a site near Natanz, believed to house components for nuclear weapons. Iran confirmed the attacks but reported…
By Atoyebi Nike The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will only register new political parties that fully comply with constitutional and legal guidelines ahead of the 2027 elections. INEC made this clear following pressure from political groups, including former Minister Rotimi Amaechi and musician Seun Kuti, who accused the Commission of blocking new party registrations. Amaechi claimed that under current INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, APC might not have been registered in 2015. Kuti, speaking for the Movement of the People, said the political space has become too restricted. INEC denied the registration of two parties- Independent Democrats…
By Atoyebi Nike Stakeholders from across West Africa have pledged to prioritize soil health as a cornerstone of agricultural transformation, following the conclusion of a two-day strategy validation meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The meeting, themed “Catalyzing Stakeholder Collaboration for Sustainable Soil Health in the Sahel,” brought together over 40 government representatives, farmer leaders, scientists, development partners, and private sector players from six countries -Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. Co-led by AGRA and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), with support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the event aimed to validate the strategy for the…
By Atoyebi Nike The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has restated the agency’s resolve to ensure that assets recovered through its anti-corruption efforts are used to directly benefit the Nigerian people. Speaking during a visit on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Southern Kaduna, Olukoyede hailed the transformation of the institution as a symbol of justice and national progress. The university site, formerly operated as Nok University a private institution was seized following a court ruling over allegations of illicit funding. The EFCC…
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has taken into custody former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Moses Thomas Sule, alongside 14 of his colleagues, over alleged financial improprieties involving luxury vehicles allocated during their brief time in office. The arrests follow complaints lodged by members of the public accusing the former lawmakers of contravening the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and engaging in irregular procurement activities during their tenure. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the development on Thursday, stating that the suspects served in the Assembly…
By Atoyebi Nike Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, describing it as lacking compassion and failing to reflect the gravity of the tragic loss of lives. Obi, in a post on his official X handle on Thursday, expressed disappointment over the President’s conduct during the visit, saying it resembled a political rally rather than a condolence trip to a grieving community. “We pleaded that the President should show leadership and visit Benue and Niger states in the spirit of deep national mourning, to offer compassion and solidarity…