Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government says its Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), alongside other energy sector reforms, is designed to improve Nigeria’s entire economic ecosystem. The disclosure was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, at the 8th Value Chain Energy Magazine Annual Lecture in Abuja on Tuesday. The event’s theme was “Growth in the Energy Sector: Nexus Between Economic Development, Social Impact, and Public Perception.” Represented by the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Idris said the theme reflects President Bola Tinubu’s philosophy of balancing economic…

By Atoyebi Nike G20 leaders have welcomed the Voluntary Infrastructure Investment Action Plan to Accelerate the Deployment of Clean Cooking Solutions, according to the 2025 G20 Summit Declaration. The leaders highlighted members’ voluntary commitment to establish supportive policies and, where needed, implement reforms to encourage the development and deployment of accessible and affordable clean cooking technologies, fuels, and infrastructure, including LPG. The plan also covers investments in decentralized energy solutions, grid expansion, and enabling policy frameworks. “We acknowledge the multi-stakeholder action required to accelerate universal energy security, access, and affordability, drive sustainable development, and foster just transitions across Africa,” the…

By Atoyebi Nike The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday presented a proposed N4.237 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. Security was heightened around the Assembly complex, with police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps stationed at key entry points. Members of the state executive council, local government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries attended the session, presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Sanwo-Olu began his presentation, titled “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” at 1:25 p.m., highlighting the plan’s aim to promote inclusive development for…

By Atoyebi Nike The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has announced a new policy requiring mandatory drug testing for all recruits and serving officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Speaking at the closing session of the CGC’s 2025 Conference in Abuja, Adeniyi said the policy aims to prevent substance-dependent individuals from joining or continuing in the Service. “The Nigeria Customs Service has concluded arrangements to subject all incoming officers and men to a mandatory drug test as part of the ongoing recruitment exercise. The Service would no longer tolerate a situation where personnel make sensitive decisions while under the…

By Atoyebi Nike The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 27 percent, continuing its pause on monetary tightening. Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced the decision on Tuesday at the conclusion of the CBN’s 303rd Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja. Cardoso explained, “The Committee decided by a majority vote to maintain the monetary policy stance,” signaling that members believe current economic conditions do not yet justify further rate reductions. This decision follows a 50-basis-point cut in September 2025, the only reduction since the current tightening cycle began under CBN leadership. It also represents…

By Atoyebi Nike The United Nations expressed strong condemnation on Tuesday over the recent surge in mass kidnappings across north-central Nigeria. UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan called on Nigerian authorities to take immediate and lawful measures to stop these attacks and bring those responsible to justice. During a briefing in Geneva, Al-Kheetan highlighted that over 402 people, mostly schoolchildren, have been abducted since November 17 in states including Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, and Borno. Only 88 of those kidnapped have been reported freed or escaped, leaving hundreds still in captivity. He emphasized the urgent need for the Nigerian government to…

By Atoyebi Nike The Owa of Eruku, Oba Olanrewaju Busari, has issued a grave warning about the continued vulnerability of his community in Kwara State’s Ekiti Local Government Area. Speaking on ARISE News Night Monday, after the rescue of 38 abducted residents, the monarch highlighted the ease with which bandits operate through the dense forests connecting Eruku to neighboring states. Oba Busari explained that warning signs appeared before the last attack, including gunfire along roads and harassment of farmers. Despite efforts by local vigilantes, the scale of the recent attack was unprecedented. The monarch emphasized that the community’s large forested…

By Atoyebi Nike The diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have launched a joint initiative to combat visa fraud, highlighting the growing threat of criminal networks targeting individuals seeking to travel, study, or work abroad The #FightingVisaFraud campaign, unveiled during International Fraud Awareness Week from November 16 to 22, represents unprecedented cooperation among the three countries According to a joint statement, the initiative builds on outcomes from the Five Country Ministerial and aims to protect legitimate visa applicants while safeguarding immigration systems and borders Officials noted that fraudulent immigration facilitators continue to deceive applicants with false promises…

By Atoyebi Nike Governors of the South-West region are meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, for an emergency session to tackle increasing banditry and criminal activities affecting the zone Present at the meeting are Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is represented by his deputy Although official details were not disclosed, a government source said the meeting was convened to address rising security challenges, fast-track infrastructure development, and strengthen regional integration under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria The governors are also reviewing collaborative…

By Atoyebi Nike Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday formally joined the African Democratic Congress, ending months of speculation about his next political move Receiving his ADC membership card at Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, Atiku declared, “Now I have picked up my membership card of the ADC. Now, the real opposition has begun. We will chase the APC out of government.” He urged his supporters across the country to register with the ADC and participate in what he described as a new political front Adamawa ADC Chairman, Shehu Yohanna, said Atiku’s entry formally launches statewide registration across…