The first woman and first African to run the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been reappointed to the role.

She was reappointed for a second term, the global trade body said Friday.

“WTO members today agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as director-general of the WTO,” the organisation said in a statement.

Her next four-year term will begin on September 1, 2025.

A Nigerian national alongside eight others has been accused of running a multi-state money laundering organization that handled $20 million from internet fraud.

The US Department of Justice announced this in a statement on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

“An indictment was unsealed yesterday in Nashville, Tennessee, charging nine members of a multi-state money laundering organization responsible for laundering millions of dollars derived from internet fraud, including business email compromise schemes,” the statement read.

The nine defendants were arrested in a takedown coordinated across three jurisdictions.

According to court documents, Samson A. Omoniyi, 43 of Houston; Misha L. Cooper, 50 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Robert A. Cooper, 66 of Murfreesboro; Carlesha L. Perry, 36 of Houston; Whitney D. Bardley, 30 of Florissant, Missouri; Lauren O. Guidry, 32 of Houston; Caira Y. Osby, 44 of Houston; Dazai S. Harris, 34 of Murfreesboro; and Edward D. Peebles, 35, of Murfreesboro, were charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering.

As alleged in the indictment, the defendants were members of a long-running money laundering organization operating since approximately November 2016 in and around Tennessee, Texas, and across the country.

The conspirators allegedly structured the organization so that recruiters or “herders” recruited and directed participants or “money mules” to launder money obtained from internet frauds that targeted businesses and individuals in the United States and abroad.

The defendants allegedly used sham and front companies to conceal the fraud proceeds and enrich the members of the conspiracy. The conspiracy is alleged to have agreed to launder more than $20 million in fraud proceeds.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee; and Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.

The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Nashville Field Office and Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency are investigating the case. FBI’s Forensic Accountant Support Team provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

Trial Attorneys Kenneth Kaplan and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced that petrol from the Port Harcourt refinery will be sold at ₦1,030 per litre, confirming that the refinery is operational as declared by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

In a statement released on Thursday night, PETROAN spokesman, Joseph Obele noted that the NNPCL informed the association that the price for a litre of premium motor spirit at the refurbished refinery is N1,030.

Obele stated, “NNPC Retail Ltd has officially announced the PMS price at the Port Harcourt refinery as N1,030 per litre.

“It was also communicated to PETROAN that the product request portal was open for booking/request.”

He added that PETROAN’s strategic pricing team is currently analyzing the most favorable pricing for its members, saying, “we are open to patronizing all the refineries in Nigeria.”

The association also urged NNPCL to consider further price reductions to ensure a joyful Yuletide celebration for Nigerians.

This announcement follows weeks of speculation regarding the petrol price from the refinery.

Recall that the Port Harcourt Refinery commenced operations and truckout of petroleum products on Tuesday.

French President, Emmanuel Macron has sparked conversations online after welcoming Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to France in a tweet written in Pidgin English.

In the tweet posted on Thursday evening, Macron described Tinubu’s state visit as a “big honour for France,” emphasising the strong partnership and friendship between the two nations.

“Na big honour for France, dear President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT, to welcome you for dis state visit as one big partner and friend of today and tomorrow,” the French president wrote.

The French leader, who interned at the French Embassy in Nigeria earlier in his career, also reflected on his connection to Nigeria, saying, “E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time.”

Macron’s use of Pidgin — a widely spoken language in Nigeria — has drawn praise from Nigerians online, with many commending him for his effort to connect culturally.

The post, which included a photo of the two presidents shaking hands in front of their countries’ flags, quickly went viral, garnering thousands of interactions.

“Macron dey write for Pidgin. It is high time we make Pidgin our official language,” wrote Twitter user Daviid.O.

Others lauded Macron’s approach.

“Wow. This is absolutely incredible! Nice one, Macron!” tweeted Talba na Kashim.

Muhammadu Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, stated on Thursday that Nigerians should not expect his ministry to provide jobs, as this is not part of its mandate.

He made this statement during the annual conference of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abuja.

Dingyadi acknowledged the country’s large youth population and the importance of ensuring their engagement in productive activities. However, he stressed that the ministry’s primary role is to create an enabling environment for job opportunities rather than directly providing employment.

“You will agree with me that the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is not to offer jobs directly. Instead, it focuses on fostering job creation, promoting inclusive investment, and enhancing productivity for improved service delivery as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Dingyadi explained.

He further shared an anecdote: “The former minister of youths and sports once requested that I provide jobs, and I had to clarify that we only create the environment for employment opportunities; we do not provide jobs ourselves.”

Dingyadi highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic recovery and transformation, citing initiatives such as negotiating a new Minimum Wage for workers and strategic investments in human capital, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.

John Adetola, a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed before the Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Thursday, November 28, how he delivered $400,000 to the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Adetola, who served as an executive assistant to the ex-CBN governor, testified before Justice Rahman Oshodi, shedding light on the transaction.

Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are currently on trial, facing 26 charges related to alleged abuse of office and financial fraud involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.

During his testimony as the seventh prosecution witness, Adetola, led by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), disclosed that he was summoned from his new posting in Ekiti State.

He recounted: “In 2018, I can’t remember the date, Mr. Eric Odoh sent me a message on WhatsApp that I should go and collect the sum of $400,000 from John Ayoh and give it to the former CBN Governor when he came to Lagos.

“I went to the house of John Ayoh at Lekki in Lagos. He gave me an envelope and I came back to the office, and I gave it to the former CBN Governor.”

Adetola elaborated on his role as Emefiele’s executive assistant, detailing his responsibilities, including managing office correspondence, attending to visitors, and handling assignments from his boss.

He explained that he joined the CBN in June 2014 after starting his career with Veritas Registrars (formerly Zenith Registrars) in 2007. Adetola also mentioned that he had known Emefiele as the Managing Director of Zenith Bank before transitioning to the CBN.

Regarding his communication with Emefiele, Adetola stated, “I communicate with the former CBN Governor through telephone, office line, email, and verbal communication.”

When asked to identify some of Emefiele’s family members, he said, “I know Mr. George, I know Mr. Okanta. They are Mr. Emefiele’s brothers. I know his wife, Mrs. Margaret Emefiele. I know the second defendant, Henry Omoile.”

Adetola also described his encounter with the EFCC, stating, “In February 2023, I received an invitation from the EFCC to come to their office. They interviewed me. I travelled to the EFCC office in Lagos and made voluntary statements.”

When questioned about his interactions with John Ayoh during his tenure at the CBN, Adetola confirmed, “Yes, we work together; John Ayoh was the former Director of the ICT.”

He further noted that his phone had been examined by the EFCC, and he was questioned about certain office documents printed from it.

“In 2018, I can’t remember the date, Mr. Eric sent me a message on WhatsApp that I should go collect $400,000 from John Ayoh and give it to the former CBN Governor when he comes to Lagos.

“I went to the house of John Ayoh at Lekki in Lagos State; he gave me an envelope, and I came back to the office; I gave it to the former CBN Governor,” Adetola reiterated.

The prosecution attempted to tender documents as exhibits, but the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), opposed the move.

However, Justice Oshodi dismissed their objection and admitted the documents, which included “a combination of official communication between the witness and Emefiele via WhatsApp, between the witness and John Ogah and Eric Odoh,” as evidence.

The court adjourned the case for further hearing.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed optimism that Rivers State people, especially civil servants, will look back someday and realize how much difference his administration made in their lives.

Fubara stated this while reaffirming his government’s dedication to meeting its responsibilities to the citizens, safeguarding the state against those who aim to undermine governance, and promoting peace and stability within the region.

Naija News reports that these statements were made by Governor Fubara on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the Emblem Appeal Fund, in anticipation of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day scheduled for January 15, 2025.

Fubara, who noted that his government is characterized by its focus on people-centric policies and initiatives, underscored significant advancements, including the recruitment of 2,000 professionals in the healthcare sector and the authorization of 1,000 new positions for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) and Post-Primary Schools Boards.

He also noted that the previously intended 10,000 civil service appointments have been put on hold to prioritize more strategic hiring for specialized roles.

“We have employed over 2,000 medical doctors, and we have also approved 1,000 teaching positions for UBE and Post-Primary Schools. We are focusing on professional cadre employment for the state’s growth,” Fubara stated.

The governor also discussed the state’s scholarship programs, highlighting that although the state government has not yet established its scholarship board, students at PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University have already received scholarships.

“Rivers State Government has not yet started its scholarship program, but we have offered scholarships at PAMO and Wigwe Universities. When our internal scholarship board is activated, we will expand the opportunities for students,” the Rivers State Governor noted.

Governor Fubara further emphasized the government’s success in improving the welfare of civil servants in the state. He pointed to the increase in salaries, with civil servants now earning between N120,000 and N140,000, a significant improvement from the previous N70,000.

“The greatest joy for any government is to ensure the happiness of its people. Today, our civil servants are jubilating because their salaries have improved. They will remember this and recognize that this government made a difference in their lives,” he said.

On the Emblem Appeal Fund, Fubara reflected on the importance of honouring war veterans and their families, sharing a personal story about his late father, a military officer.

“This event is close to my heart because I am a dependent of a fallen hero. Every January, my mother would return from this event smiling, proud of the contribution my father made. We must support the survivors and families of our fallen heroes, as no amount of money can fully compensate for their sacrifice,” the Governor said.

He urged all to contribute to the cause, recognizing the sacrifices made by the nation’s military in protecting its sovereignty and unity.

The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has lamented that Nigerians no longer have confidence in the country’s lawmakers.

Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume argued that the parliament has deviated from the people’s expectations.

The former Senate Chief Whip called for the protection of the legislature.

He said, “It is not about these reforms but I am concerned, that institution is supposed to be protected.

“Out of 109 of us, only 25 of us made it back to the Senate. It means we have lost the confidence of the people. Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to come back except for few that wanted to be governors.

“Instead of sticking to what is true and right, if you deviate for whatever reason will be tantamount to the confidence given to you by the people.”

Speaking on the uproar in the senate regarding the tax reform bills, Ndume described it as an ambush.

Naija News reports that there was a disturbance in the Senate on Wednesday after Ndume protested the entry of Zacch Adedeji, chair of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), into the red chamber.

Adedeji’s briefing was not outlined in the order paper of the upper legislative chamber, and that prompted Opeyemi Bamidele, majority leader, to move a motion for the suspension of the senate rules.

In response, while citing the rules of the senate, Ndume said visitors were not allowed into the red chamber to speak if the item was not listed on the order paper.

When asked if it was listed on the day’s proceedings during the interview, he said: “That is why I raised the matter. If not, why not?”

“Zacch and Taiwo Oyedele, brilliant guys, I respect them for their intellect but not the way they are doing this thing,” he added.

The Nigerian Army has warned against the use of social media to fuel insecurity in the country.

The commander of the Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General A.A. Ayanuga, gave the warning in Lokoja during the 38th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar themed “Cultivating a Culture of Security Awareness Through Social Media.”

According to him, the reckless sharing of harmful messages, videos and voice notes through social media is jeopardising Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence.

"Social media has evolved into a powerful tool that profoundly influences the security landscape of societies worldwide. As we navigate the vast expanse of social media, we must recognise the transformative power.

“Social media has democratised information, connected us across borders, and provided unparalleled opportunities for self-expression. However, this freedom comes with immense responsibility and challenges such as misinformation and disinformation, cyberbullying, online harassment, hate speech and divisive rhetoric, impersonation and identity theft, with their effects on national security.

“It is critical to understand that misuse of social media to propagate damaging narratives has severe consequences for national security,” he said.

The Chief of Civil Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Major General N.C. Ugbo, who was represented by B.S. Keji, maintained that social media is a critical aspect of asymmetric warfare being fought in contemporary times.

He said: “The Nigerian Army recognises the importance of social media in shaping public perception and influencing national security. It presents an invaluable opportunity for those who recognise the transformative capabilities of social media to connect and collaborate.

"That is why we are here to explore ways to harness social media’s potential, counter misinformation, and promote national unity. As we delve into the world of social media, let us remember that our actions online have far-reaching consequences for national security. Therefore, we must use social media responsibly, preserving truth, respect, and national interest.”

In his address, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara, argued that, as much as social media has the potential to be a force for good, its misuse cannot be ignored.

Continuing, he said: “We must acknowledge the ever-growing role social media plays in shaping perceptions, guiding public discourse, and driving action on important issues like national security.

"The same platforms that enable the rapid spread of life-saving information can also be harnessed to propagate falsehoods, fuel divisions, and escalate tensions. This, as we all know, can have dire consequences for the stability of our communities and our nation as a whole.

"Security awareness is a collective responsibility, one that requires constant engagement, education, and collaboration across all sectors of society. We must understand that social media is not just a space for personal interactions but a global stage for conversations that influence real-world outcomes.

” This makes it imperative for us to cultivate a culture of security awareness that equips our citizens, especially the youth, with the right knowledge to distinguish between fact and fiction, to recognise credible sources, and to understand their role in maintaining peace and security within their communities.”