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The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny has successfully deactivated an illegal refining site at Peterside Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, resulted in the impounding of approximately 19,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
According to Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, Base Operations Officer of FOB Bonny, the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence reports received by the Base.
Acting on the intel, the anti-crude oil theft team, comprising armed personnel, was deployed on an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission to validate the intel and subsequently deactivate any illegal refinery site sighted.
During the operation, the team discovered an active illegal refining site behind the community, equipped with cooking tanks, storage tanks, plastic tanks, and a dug-out pit.
He explained that further assessment revealed that one storage tank was laden with about 5,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil, the plastic tanks were laden with about 1,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil, while the dug-out pit contained about 1,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
Additionally, a large wooden boat carefully concealed at the entrance of the community was discovered, laden with about 2,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
He stated that the boat was confiscated in line with extant regulations.
In a related development, operatives of the FOB Bonny stationed at the Oputumbi general area, acting on received credible intelligence, intercepted a wooden boat conveying suspected stolen crude oil and promptly confiscated both the boat and its cargo.
The wooden boat was found to be laden with about 10,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally stolen crude oil.
The Base Operations Officer reiterated the determination of the Nigerian Navy to sustain its bullish aggression against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities, warning perpetrators to consider alternative business options.
He reassured stakeholders in the maritime sector of the commitment of the Navy to ensure safe waters for both maritime commuters and businesses within the nation’s maritime domain.
The FOB Bonny confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the operators of the site.
The Nigerian Navy’s continued efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities have been commended by stakeholders, who appreciate the Navy’s commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime domain.
Nigerians have condemned the short notice given to candidates who will be retaking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) due to errors recorded in some areas.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has rescheduled the exam for 379,997 candidates in five states in the South East and Lagos, with the new exam dates starting from Friday, May 16, 2025.
Many candidates and stakeholders have condemned the short notice, citing concerns about the candidates’ ability to adequately prepare for the exam.
Some have suggested that the exam should have been pushed to after the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to give candidates more time to prepare.
“I don’t understand why JAMB couldn’t push the exam to after WAEC,” one candidate asked on social media. “These students are not running away. Give them ample time to prepare,” X User, Gospel, stated.
General Pushkin on X also asked, “Aren’t these students the same ones writing WASSCE and NECO? Why complicate their situation? JAMB is an objective CBT. JAMB should have less trouble dealing with this in shorter time frames than WAEC. Students who wish to resit can do so after the WAEC. It should be optional.”
Others have expressed concerns about the economic hardship in Nigeria and the emotional trauma that candidates have gone through.
“You know the economic hardship in Nigeria,” one commenter wrote. “Why not give them more time to recover and plan to write the exam?”
“The emotional trauma these kids went through has to heal. They are not in the right frame of mind to resit in such a short time. Haba!,” Ka-sha-mi added.
Also, one of the affected candidates, John Felix, a biology teacher, confirmed receiving a text message from JAMB informing him of the rescheduled date and time for the examination.
Felix expressed concern about the new schedule conflicting with another exam he has on the same day.
Some Nigerians have suggested that JAMB should have opted to remark the examination instead of re-administering the entire exam.
However, Alex Onyia, the Chief Executive Officer of Educare, believed that the decision to reschedule the exam was necessary to ensure fairness and accuracy.
Onyia, who was amongst the stakeholders to review the UTME, urged candidates affected by the error to remain calm and focused as they prepare for the rescheduled exam.
According to Onyia, JAMB worked tirelessly to navigate a scheduling nightmare, complicated by ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) exams and the looming National Examinations Council (NECO) timeline.
“When all internal attempts failed, they reached out to WAEC for support, and thankfully, WAEC responded with tremendous cooperation,” Onyia posted on the X platform.
While acknowledging that the new dates are close, Onyia emphasised that JAMB is working within a tight window to fix a complex mess.
He urged candidates to “dig deep and push forward with renewed resolve,” adding that the opportunity to retake the exam is a chance to prove that their initial scores did not reflect their true performance.
Onyia also noted that the vendor responsible for the error has been officially dropped and will not be given a second chance.
He expressed confidence in the resilience and brilliance of Nigerian youth, believing that their performance in the rescheduled exam will speak volumes.
Onyia also praised JAMB for working tirelessly to navigate a scheduling nightmare and for acknowledging their fault and providing a way forward.
“We’ve won a major victory—not just in securing a retest but in getting JAMB to acknowledge their fault and provide a way forward,” he said.
The UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has strongly criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to establish “return hubs” in foreign countries for failed asylum seekers, describing it as a weak and ineffective alternative to the shelved Rwanda deportation scheme.
Badenoch’s remarks followed Starmer’s announcement during an official visit to Albania on Thursday, where he revealed that his government was in talks with several countries to explore the creation of return centres for individuals denied asylum in the UK.
She disclosed this in a post on X, responding to a Mail Online article about Starmer’s remarks.
“Starmer is making an effort, but this will NOT stop the boats. People will still try their luck knowing they can stay in Britain if granted asylum so it won’t get rid of asylum hotels in the UK,” she wrote.
“We left Labour a real deterrent. This is weaker than the Rwanda plan and won’t work,” she added.
The Rwanda policy announced in April 2022 by the UK government under the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was part of the Conservative Party’s immigration strategy to deter illegal crossings by sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing and potential resettlement.
However, the controversial policy was eventually derailed by legal challenges and never implemented. But Starmer’s proposal is different, as it focuses on deporting individuals only after their asylum applications have been processed and rejected.
Speaking during a press conference in Albania, Starmer defended the initiative, saying, “We are in talks with a number of countries about return hubs. I view them as a really important innovation.
“What I’d like to do is add return hubs to the record number of returns and law enforcement arrangements already in place,” he added.
However, when asked which countries the UK is speaking to, Starmer declined to provide details, saying he was not yet in a position to reveal more.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, standing alongside Starmer during the press conference, ruled out hosting such a hub, citing a prior agreement with Italy.
“When we started this process with Italy, it was a one-off because of our special relationship,” Rama said, adding that Albania had rejected similar requests from other countries to remain “loyal to the marriage with Italy”.
The Labour government is under growing pressure to tackle irregular migration, particularly the increasing number of small boat crossings across the Channel.
Over 12,500 migrants have arrived via this route so far this year, according to UK Home Office data.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has turned down invitations from three rival factions of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, each seeking to have the commission observe their primaries ahead of the July 12 local government elections in the state.
This development was announced by LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), during a stakeholders’ forum held in Ikeja on Thursday.
The event was themed “Enhancing a Credible and Inclusive Local Government Election in Lagos”.
According to Okikiolu-Ighile, each LP faction separately requested LASIEC’s presence at their primary elections.
“Three factions of the Labour Party in Lagos invited us to observe their primaries,” she said.
However, LASIEC declined all invitations, citing the internal division within the party.
“LASIEC officials did not attend their primaries today (Thursday) because of the perceived division in the party,” she explained.
Okikiolu-Ighile further noted that LASIEC is currently awaiting advice from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine how to proceed with the Labour Party’s involvement in the local polls.
“We are waiting for INEC’s advice on the next steps regarding the situation with the LP,” she added.
THE WHISTLER reports that the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State chapter of the LP deepened on Monday as a factional chairman, Mrs Dayo Ekong, refuted claims of her suspension by another faction of the party loyal to Senator Nenadi Esther Usman.
In a rebuttal, Ekong dismissed the purported suspension announced by a 24-member caretaker committee led by Rotimi Odunaike and Dorcas Omorodion, describing it as illegal and an act of impersonation.
“The so-called ‘suspensions’ announced by a group of unauthorised individuals have no legal or constitutional bearing within the Labour Party.
“The group led by one Rotimi Odunaike remains an illegitimate faction, currently in contempt of court, and has repeatedly acted outside the provisions of the party’s constitution.
“Their pronouncements carry no weight and are not recognised by the national leadership of the party under Barrister Julius Abure,” Ekong stated.
Odunaike’s group had on Sunday announced a six-month suspension of Ekong and other party officials over alleged anti-party activities, citing “gross misconduct” and violations of party rules.
The group also declared the immediate dissolution of all ward and local government executives constituted by the Ekong-led executive committee.
However, Ekong fired back, warning that the public should not be misled by what she called a “well-funded” campaign of disinformation designed to destabilise the party in Lagos.
She reaffirmed her leadership, stating that her administration was the only legally recognised and duly affirmed leadership structure in Lagos, committed to due process and party discipline.
Ekong further alleged that the individuals parading themselves as party officials are either expelled or suspended members whose current actions amount to criminal impersonation.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), in collaboration with law enforcement, has carried out an enforcement operation at No. 214 Aba-Owerri Road, Aba, Abia State, where it sealed the premises of an unlawful entity operating as the Community Crime Prevention Initiative of Nigeria (CCPIN).
The FCCPC’s action followed credible intelligence that CCPIN was falsely claiming affiliation with the Commission and misleading the public by representing itself as an “Authorised Consumer Protection NGO” of the FCCPC.
The entity had issued public notices alleging joint surveillance operations with FCCPC and was soliciting consumer complaints through unauthorised telephone lines.
During the operation, the operator of the facility, Amb. Dr. Onwuka Okorie was arrested on-site and is currently in police custody at World Bank Police Station, Abayi-Aba, Abia State, pending further investigation and prosecution.
A number of exhibits bearing FCCPC’s name, logo, and false enforcement materials were recovered from the premises.
The Commission categorically disassociates itself from CCPIN and affirms that it neither authorises nor partners with CCPIN or any similarly styled organisation for enforcement or consumer protection operations and does not delegate such powers to NGOs, private entities, or individuals without formal legal authorisation.
The FCCPC said it is committed to operating with the highest level of transparency while ensuring consumer protection and market integrity.
“The public is strongly advised to disregard any announcements, sealing notices, or consumer-related campaigns issued by CCPIN or any of its representatives.
“To verify any enforcement or communication, members of the public can contact the Commission through its hotlines: 08056002020 and 08056003030,” it added.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment in a suit filed by Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024, election in Edo State.
A three-member panel of the court, led by Justice Mohamed Danjuma, after listening to final arguments by parties, reserved judgment to a date that will be communicated later.
The panel also reserved judgment on two other appeals, filed by Action Alliance (AA) and its National Chairman, Rufai Omoaje, and another filed by one Bright Enabulele and Accord Party (AP), as well as a cross-appeal filed by Okpebholo.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the governorship election in the state.
Ighodalo and the PDP, in their joint appeal, prayed the court to reverse the judgments of the Election Petitions Tribunal delivered on April 2, 2025, which affirmed Okpebholo as governor.
Specifically, counsel for the appellants, Robert Emukpoeruo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, argued that the tribunal failed to clear the issue of non-compliance in their petition.
Emukpoeruo noted that there was no record of the serial number on Form EC25B as required by Section 73(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“The Tribunal said we required evidence of polling agents or witnesses to prove how the forms were filled or not filled.
That was not our case. Our case was that the Form EC 25B did not contain the serial numbers,” he said.
The appellants’ lawyer argued that the tribunal was also wrong to claim that the documents his clients tendered at the trial were dumped on it, noting that oral evidence was not needed in their case.
Emukpoeruo said his clients did not challenge the conduct of the election, but the conflict in the results collated and announced. He argued that the results collated at the ward levels were not the results declared at the polling units.
In their own final address, the lawyers for the respondents urged the court to affirm the judgments by the tribunal and dismiss the appeals.
Okpebholo’s Counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the court to dismiss the appeal, describing it as an “academic exercise”.
Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Emmanuel Ukala and Kanu Agabi, representing the APC and INEC, respectively, also argued in a similar manner and urged the Court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the judgment of the Election Tribunal.
The court, however, reserved judgment on all appeals.
Title-winners Paris Saint-Germain still have the Champions League final to look forward to later this month but the Ligue 1 season reaches its climax on Saturday with European places still up for grabs and a quartet of clubs scrapping to avoid relegation.
PSG secured a fourth consecutive domestic title more than a month ago and will collect their trophy following Saturday’s match at home to Auxerre.
Luis Enrique’s side will then turn their thoughts to the French Cup final against Reims on May 24 and the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Munich a week later.
Behind them, Marseille and Monaco clinched podium places, and guaranteed access to next season’s Champions League, with victories last weekend combined with favourable results elsewhere.
That leaves one spot in Europe’s elite club competition to be decided, with four teams — Nice, Lille, Strasbourg and Lyon — still in contention for a place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
Nice, who fell short in the Champions League play-offs in 2017, are best-placed to take the remaining spot as they come into their final match at home to Brest in fourth place and with the best goal difference.
A 1-0 win for the Ineos-owned outfit would leave Lille needing to win by six goals, or Strasbourg requiring an eight-goal margin of victory for them to go above Nice.
“I prefer to be slightly above the others in the table than slightly below them,” admitted Nice coach Franck Haise, who took Lens into the Champions League two years ago.
“To get fourth place, which would not be trivial, first of all we need to win. We know that.”
A slip-up would give a real chance to Lille, who finished fourth last season and then came through the qualifying rounds of the Champions League before going on to reach the last 16.
Strasbourg also retain hope of a first campaign in Europe’s elite competition since 1979/80, despite the frustration of seeing a 12-game unbeaten run ended in a 2-1 loss at Angers last weekend.
– Saint-Etienne to survive? –
Lille and Strasbourg are both at home to relegation-threatened opponents, in the shape of Reims and Le Havre respectively.
Lyon, meanwhile, know their chances of taking fourth are extremely slim. They must win at home to Angers and hope the three teams above them all lose, with the consequences of missing out on the huge prize money on offer in the Champions League likely very serious for them.
“First of all, we need to focus on ourselves,” said Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca. “We know it’s going to be very difficult for all the other teams to lose, but we must go out looking to win our match without thinking about the rest.”
The team finishing fifth will go into the Europa League with sixth entering the Conference League, although seventh place will be enough to qualify for Europe provided PSG win the French Cup.
At the bottom, Saint-Etienne gave themselves a lifeline last weekend in their bid to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.
A win at home to Toulouse will see them grab the lifeline of a two-legged play-off against either Dunkerque or Metz to stay in the top flight — provided Le Havre do not win.
Reims and Nantes are also not yet safe from the danger of finishing in the bottom three.
Key stats
4 – Four teams go into the last night of the season with a chance of taking France’s fourth and final qualifying spot for the Champions League
21 – PSG’s Ousmane Dembele has 21 goals and is on course to end the season as Ligue 1’s leading scorer, although Marseille’s Mason Greenwood is just two behind on 19
9- The number of PSG players named in the Ligue 1 team of the season — Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and Lyon forward Rayan Cherki were the only two from elsewhere to make the select XI
Fixtures on Saturday (kick-offs 1900 GMT)
Lens v Monaco, Lille v Reims, Lyon v Angers, Marseille v Rennes, Nantes v Montpellier, Nice v Brest, Paris Saint-Germain v Auxerre, Saint-Etienne v Toulouse, Strasbourg v Le Havre
[Guardian]
The Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold energy sector reforms.
In an interview for an upcoming State House TV documentary marking the second anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, Adesina lauded the government’s policies for improving transparency, regulatory consistency, and expanding investment opportunities.
“The most significant shift I have seen—without a doubt—has been the government’s willingness to confront the long-term inefficiencies within the petroleum sector. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s courage in removing the fuel subsidy and market distortions hasn’t been rivalled in the history of Nigeria,” he said.
In a statement by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Adesina noted that removing subsidies has created a more sustainable energy environment, enabling businesses and policymakers to plan more confidently and clearly.
“The energy sector today is stronger and more sustainable. We can now plan. The macro and micro elements are beginning to work together, and there’s strong potential for long-term benefits.”
From a business standpoint, Adesina said the reforms have unlocked access to fair competition and significantly boosted investor confidence.
“For us, it’s about the free market, open market, and transparency. Nothing beats that. When there’s no clarity or consistency, investment becomes difficult. But now, we know how to price. It’s open to everyone in the market, whether investing or buying, and you know reform is here and guiding every process.”
He commended the Tinubu administration’s progress in critical infrastructure, particularly in the gas and power sectors, where the Sahara Group is active.
“Lately, there’s been significant momentum. We’re seeing more alignment between public policy and private sector expectations. The bottlenecks we faced are giving way to commonsense decisions.
We can predict what’s happening and where the country is headed.”
Adesina further applauded implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), describing it as a game-changer for policy clarity.
“PIA is now easier to relate to—unlike before when policy inconsistencies were the order of the day. Private sector players like us want to invest with the confidence that policy won’t change after we’ve committed scarce resources.”
In the power sector, Adesina welcomed recent efforts by the government to resolve long-standing financial obligations.
“We’ve seen movement on the payment of legacy debts, especially in the power sector. Once the government clears those debts, new investors will come in, and existing ones—like us—will deepen our investments. There’s life in the business again.”
He also highlighted encouraging developments in Nigeria’s energy transition, driven by President Tinubu’s focus on natural gas and climate-conscious solutions.
“Gas-to-power is gaining ground. We love what’s happening. We’ve invested, and we’re ready to invest more. CNG is now the order of the day—the President has made that a focal point. The carbon credit scheme is also expanding.”
He said the Tinubu administration’s efforts in the last two years represent a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future. The current energy landscape is anchored on reliability, accessibility, and affordability.
“We’ve had a very complex situation, and while the road ahead won’t be easy in the short term, things will improve. The foundation has been laid. It’s being worked on and re-engineered to ensure that prosperity can truly be democratised and felt by the last man, at the last mile,” he added.
[Leadership]
As this year’s Eid al-Adha approaches, livestock dealers and buyers have expressed concern that rams and other sacrificial animals may become more expensive due to rising cases of rustling in parts of the North West and a recent livestock export ban imposed by the Niger Republic.
Earlier in May, the Nigerien government temporarily banned livestock exports to stabilise domestic prices ahead of the Eid celebrations.
The country’s Ministry of Commerce said the measure was aimed at ensuring sufficient livestock supply during the high-demand season.
In Niger, where over 90 per cent of the population is Muslim, hundreds of thousands of sheep are traditionally slaughtered during Eid al-Adha, which will take place in early June this year.
The ban affects the export of cattle, sheep, goats, and camels.
Niger’s Commerce Minister, Abdoulaye Seydou said the decision to ban the export of livestock was intended “to ensure the regular supply” of animals in local markets in preparation for the celebrations.
He also warned that security agencies have been instructed to enforce the ban strictly and that violators will face decisive action.
It would be recalled that Niger recently imposed a ban on the export of food items to neighbouring countries, including Nigeria.
The latest move is expected to affect neighbouring countries, particularly Nigeria and Ivory Coast, which depend on livestock imports from Niger, especially rams, sheep, and camels.
Nigerian dealers look to Cameroon, Chad as alternatives
Merchants in major livestock markets in Kano and Jigawa states said the ban could cause supply shortages and price hikes in Nigeria during the Eid season.
Malam Abdullahi Abdul, a 65-year-old livestock merchant at the Wudil Livestock Market in Kano who has been in the trade for over 15 years, said the ban would undoubtedly affect the supply of animals to Nigeria.
He said Niger Republic is a key supplier of rams, especially during Eid al-Adha, and the restriction would impact availability at a time when demand peaks.
He noted that, in response, many merchants have begun sourcing livestock from alternative routes, especially from countries like Cameroon and Chad.
“There is every tendency that Nigeria may face a scarcity or high cost of livestock due to the ban by the Niger Republic.
“However, if things go according to our plan, people may not experience a major shortage. We have already sent our people to Cameroon and Chad to bridge the gap.
“The supply should start arriving soon. Still, prices may rise due to foreign exchange differences,” he said.
Another livestock trader, Alhaji Bello Guri, urged the public not to panic, noting that animals have already begun arriving in Nigeria from other countries.
He added that more people now rear their animals ahead of Eid, reducing dependence on market supplies.
“There is no cause for alarm. The ban was announced early enough for merchants to respond and find alternatives. However, what cannot be ruled out is the likelihood of increased prices due to reduced supply and high demand,” he said.
We are in a dilemma – Maigatari merchants
The Maigatari International Livestock Market in Jigawa State, which typically sources animals from both Niger Republic and within Nigeria, is now facing uncertainty following the recent livestock export ban by the Nigerien government.
According to Malam Dauda Babandi Gumel, the market’s local supply primarily comes from Nguru, Garin Alkali, Dapchi, and other parts of Yobe State.
He added that additional livestock is also sourced from various locations across Northern Nigeria, while Niger Republic traditionally supplies animals from areas such as Dingas, Magarya Tsira, and Matarka.
He explained that the ban has disrupted the activities of licensed Nigerian livestock traders who regularly travel to Niger to buy animals in bulk and transport them directly to the Maigatari border cattle market.
He said that with the restriction in place, these traders are now idle, raising concerns over the potential scarcity of livestock ahead of this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations.
It was also gathered that the market, which operates every Thursday and is typically bustling with livestock, has recently seen a sharp decline in activity.
Due to the Niger Republic’s export ban, the market has been a shadow of its former self, with fewer animals available for trade.
“Though there is still time before the Eid al-Adha celebration, we are hoping for a miracle to turn things around because both buyers and sellers are currently in a dilemma,” Malam Gumel said.
Buyers worry as livestock prices soar
Though livestock prices vary by size, many buyers believe they will be significantly higher this year.
Checks from major livestock markets indicate that a ram that sold for N120,000 last year is now priced between N170,000 and N200,000.
Similarly, bulls that previously sold for N600,000 are now going for between N850,000 and N1 million.
According to Abbas Idris, a resident of Kabuga in Kano, the current market indicators suggest that only a few people may be able to afford the Sallah sacrifice this year.
He said an average ram is now selling between N100,000 and N150,000.
“If prices are already this high weeks before the festival, one can only imagine what they will be like during Sallah,” he said.
Another resident, Alhaji Shehu Sharu, noted that since Islamic teachings allow for collective sacrifice, he has opted to contribute alongside friends.
“Ever since livestock prices surged three years ago, my friends and I have been pooling resources to carry out the sacrifice. At least it’s religiously permissible.
“I plan to do the same this year. Honestly, prices have gone far beyond what an average citizen can afford. A bull that used to cost N600,000 now sells for between N1.5 million and N2 million. That’s outrageous,” he said.
Similarly, Aminu Bukar, another Kano resident, said all signs indicate that livestock prices will remain high this year. He disclosed that he owns a ram currently valued at over N2 million.
“Can you imagine a single ram going for N2 million? It’s madness. The most annoying part is that people are buying.
“I doubt many people will be able to afford the sacrifice this year. We will just have to wait and see. As for me, I haven’t decided yet—I’m watching the market,” he said.
Malam Idris Isma’ila Zango, a father of six and civil servant with the Kano State Teachers Service Board, said the Sallah sacrifice is no longer a viable option for him.
Zango said he recently conducted a market survey at the Tishama Livestock Market in Kano and found that the lowest price for a sacrificial ram was N170,000.
“It’s just not realistic. How can someone earning the minimum wage of N71,000 afford a ram that costs at least N170,000? I don’t think I will be making the sacrifice this year.
“We have been told the price hike is due to Niger’s export ban, but I think it’s more than that. It’s part of a broader trend in the global economy,” he said.
Experts seek livestock transformation plan implementation
A livestock expert, Dr. Aminu Rimi noted that beyond the Niger ban, factors such as rampant animal rustling and the failure of farmers to adopt modern livestock management techniques are major contributors to the rising cost of livestock.
According to him, the full implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) is essential.
He explained that the NLTP offers a strategic framework for modernising livestock production in Nigeria.
He also stressed the need to promote livestock fattening practices as a way to accelerate production and enhance overall output.
Kano-based business analyst, Ibraheem Muazzam said the decision by the Republic of Niger is both calculated and strategic, aimed at sending a message to Nigeria and other African nations.
He explained that the country has been making deliberate economic moves since the military takeover.
He added that many of these decisions are intended to assert Niger’s importance in the region’s economic stability and survival.
[DailyTrust]
The Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has noted that Nigeria will not be the first country that practices compulsory voting.
He, however, kicked against the imposition of a six-month jail term for Nigerians who failed to vote, saying the move is draconian in every respect, and undermines the freedom to participate in the electoral process.
DAILY POST reported on Thursday that a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, jointly sponsored by Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Daniel Ago, was presented during Thursday’s plenary.
While leading the debate, Ago explained that the legislation aims to boost citizens’ participation in elections, arguing that it could help reduce voter apathy if it successfully passes all legislative stages.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Itodo said, “Nigeria will not be the first country that practices compulsory voting.
“Australia practices compulsory voting, but here is my take. I understand the rationale behind that proposed bill, which is to encourage massive turnout at elections, because Nigeria has the lowest turnout in elections in the whole of Africa even though we have the highest number of registered voters in our voters register but we have the lowest turnout, 25% in the last election is abysmally poor.
“I understand irrational, but I think compelling and also imposing six-month jail term is draconian in every respect, and it undermines the freedom to participate in the electoral process.
“I think that Bill totally amounts to legislative overkill. I don’t think that it will pass. We cannot compel participation because not participating is also another form of political participation, and we need to recognize that.
“If the National Assembly, in its wisdom, is seeking ways, you know, to enforce and ensure turnout in an election, then they will need to ensure that votes count. Because if people trust that their vote will count at elections, they will show up.
“Secondly, people who are elected in an in elections should deliver good governance, so that when people reconcile the state of their livelihood and their participation in elections, they will turn up to cast their vote subsequently.
“But when people stand in long queues, they vote for people into office, and when people get into office, they don’t solve problems that their voters ask them to solve.
“They are only interested in primitive accumulation of wealth. When that happens, people feel that voting is a waste of their time because leaders don’t solve the problems that they vote them into power to solve or when they are giving power in trust for the people, they abuse that power and use that same power to oppress the people. When that happens, people will have no reason why they should.”
[DailyPost]
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Grammy-nominated singer Davido has revealed that if he hadn’t ventured into music, he would have likely become a journalist.
In a recent interview, the award-winning artist explained that his love for engaging conversations and passion for marketing fuel his promotional efforts.
Davido, who studied marketing and business management, said he enjoys interacting with people, gathering information, and selling his brand.
He attributed his massive following and success to a strong work ethic and consistent self-promotion.
Davido said, “I like promo, I like conversations. A lot of people don’t know that I studied marketing apart from business management. I like to market myself, I love to talk. If I had a podcast, I talk for like three to four days.
“I just feel like it’s part of being an artist. A lot of big artists don’t do press but I do because I can talk. But some people just don’t want to talk. When people meet me, I like to have conversations, I like to know things, I like information. Even at home, I’m also researching. If I wasn’t doing music, I will definitely be in journalism.
“A lot of people in my position would just sit down and let everything work for them. People be asking me why I got the most followers, it’s because I’m working”.
He admires the dedication of successful artists like Beyoncé, noting that they continue to work hard even after achieving great success.
“I know how hard Beyonce will work with all the money she got”, he added.
[TheNation]
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo swiftly ended Boko Haram’s activities when the group first emerged during their administration.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during a visit by stakeholders from Kogi East Senatorial District, led by former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba, Atiku attributed the early success against the insurgents to strong political will.
Atiku, in a video shared on his Facebook page from the meeting, said Boko Haram first appeared in Yobe State in 2002, prompting Obasanjo to consult him on how to respond.
Atiku said, “You remember when the Boko Haram started in Yobe? It was actually in 2002. We were in the office. The president sent for me. ‘VP, what do we do about this?’ Then I said, ‘Mr President, let’s call the Service Chiefs and give them a deadline. If they can’t put it down, then they should put down their uniform and go away. We will get some other people.
“And he called the Service Chiefs; I was there, and gave them marching orders, and within a few weeks, they put down the insurgency in Yobe. It never came up again until we left office.”
Atiku blamed the group’s later resurgence on the failure of successive leaders to act decisively.
“So, I will say there’s a lack of political will on the leaders. When they’re killing your citizens, how can you even eat? They’re killing your citizens and you don’t give a damn; that is the greatest irresponsibility by any political leader, anywhere.
“So I hold our leadership responsible for all the insecurity that is going on all over the place,” he added.
Atiku served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, during the Fourth Republic, following the end of military rule.
[Punch]
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday night dismissed the viral video circulation on social media media handled purporting to show terrorists overrunning a military base in Marte, Borno State and killing some soldiers
The Defence Headquarters described the video as a disinformation campaign, saying it is footage from an occurrence at a different location which was first posted on 7 December 2020.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director, Defence Media Operation, said the video was subjected to a thorough forensic analysis and was discovered to be fake.
He said, “The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media, falsely presented as footage from the recent attack on troops in Marte, Borno State.
“Following a thorough analysis by relevant authorities, it has been confirmed that the video is not related to the Marte incident in any form.
“The visual content, terrain, and operational context clearly indicate that the footage is from an occurrence at a different location which was first posted on 7 December 2020.
“The video clip is being deliberately recycled and manipulated by criminal elements and sympathisers of terrorist groups to mislead the public and sow seed of fear, while aiming at dissuading the public from the gains being recorded by troops of the AFN in the ongoing operations across the country.
“For the avoidance of doubt, troops of AFN in Marte came under attack on Monday 12 May 2025 at about 0300hrs (3 am).
“However, the troops were able to repel the terrorists after fierce gun battle with a large number of terrorists neutralized while others escaped with bullet wounds.
“Following this, the terrorist resulted in sharing an old clip as propaganda to mislead gullible members of the public.
“This act of misinformation is not only malicious but also a failed attempt to demoralize our gallant troops and undermine the confidence of Nigerians in the Armed Forces.
“The AFN condemns in the strongest terms this reckless dissemination of fake content and warns that those behind such disinformation campaigns will be identified and held accountable in accordance with the law.
“The Nigerian military remains fully committed and unwavering in its efforts at defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.
“Our troops in the North East and across all theatres of operations remain resolute and are making significant progress in dismantling terrorist networks.
“We urge the general public to disregard the fake video and rely only on official sources for verified information on military operations.
“The support and cooperation of all Nigerians remain vital in the collective fight against terrorism and all forms of insecurity.”
[Vanguard]
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has revised its procurement thresholds for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) as part of reforms to streamline processes and improve budget execution.
In a statement on Thursday, Zira Nagga, head of public relations at the BPP, said the review, approved by President Bola Tinubu, responds to rising inflation, shifting market dynamics, and the need to reduce bureaucratic delays in project delivery.
Nagga said under the new thresholds, only contracts valued at N5 billion and above for goods and consultancy services, and N10 billion and above for works, will require federal executive council (FEC) approval.
He said projects below the said values will be handled at the ministerial or parastatal level.
“With these adjustments, more procurement responsibilities will now be delegated to ministerial and parastatal tenders boards and accounting officers—thus decongesting the FEC of routine procurement matters and allowing it to focus on broader national policy issues,” the statement reads.
The bureau said the president also approved new thresholds for procurement methods.
Under the revised guidelines, according to the statement, international or national competitive bidding will now be required for goods worth N1 billion and above, and works worth N5 billion and above.
“For smaller procurements, requests for quotations are allowed for goods and non-consultant services below N30 million, and works below N50 million,” the BPP said.
“The threshold for prequalification has been pegged at N500 million for goods and services, and N1 billion for works.”
‘REFORMS WILL SUPPORT ECONOMIC GROWTH ‘
Speaking on the development, Adebowale Adedokun, BPP director-general (DG), said the reforms aim to improve efficiency, support economic growth, and facilitate the ease of doing business.
“These reforms reflect Mr President’s commitment to strengthening institutions, reducing wastage, and ensuring value for money in public expenditure,” Adedokun said.
The BPP DG said the new thresholds apply across the executive, legislature, judiciary, and defence and intelligence communities, in line with the Finance Act of 2020.
“The rules will also cover projects funded through internally generated revenue (IGR), donations, and grants,” he added.
Adedokun said the BPP will soon issue guidelines for community-based and preferential procurements to support small businesses, women, and persons with disabilities, as well as measures to prioritise local content and Nigerian-made goods in all government purchases.
He noted that the thresholds take immediate effect and will be subject to periodic review depending on economic realities.
“With the approval of these revised thresholds, the bureau is now positioned to focus on other critical regulatory functions such as procurement audits, surveillance, and professionalisation of the procurement cadre,” the DG said.
He added that the BPP will collaborate with anti-corruption agencies nationwide to strengthen procurement oversight.
[TheCable]