Category: Africa

ADC to host National Support Groups Summit in Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 9, 2026 — The African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties, has announced plans to convene its All National Support Groups Summit on March 10, 2026, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Summit Committee Chairman, Comrade Inetianbor. The statement confirmed that the event will be organised through the office of the party’s National Youth Leader (Female).

The ADC has positioned the summit as part of its broader strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party has outlined its vision to build a strong ideological base, empower marginalised groups—including women, youths, persons with disabilities, and diaspora communities—while promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

According to the party, its mission is to reengineer Nigeria’s political system by reducing the dominance of elites, “money bags,” and political godfathers. It also aims to consolidate democracy beyond flawed elections and rhetoric, with the long-term goal of building a resilient economy supported by strong institutions.

If successful in 2027, the ADC pledges to pursue inclusive governance, grassroots empowerment, and economic diversification through agriculture, renewable energy, and technology. Analysts note, however, that the party’s ability to achieve these ambitions will depend on maintaining its ideological independence while navigating Nigeria’s coalition-driven political landscape.

March 9, 2026
Kenya to launch first home-grown creative digital platform

INTERNATIONAL (Agency Report) — March 9, 2026 — The Kenyan government is set to unveil its first locally developed creative digital platform within the next two months, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s creative industry and reducing dependence on foreign-owned social media.

John Tanui, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy, announced that several initiatives are underway to support home-grown platforms for content creators. He noted that the Ministry of ICT is collaborating with United Nations agencies under the “DigiKen” programme, which focuses on promoting the development of locally built digital platforms.

Tanui highlighted that while thousands of young Kenyans earn income through international platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, the sector remains vulnerable to policy changes or market exits by these global players. He urged innovators, universities, and researchers to prioritize the creation of local platforms for advertising, content creation, and digital marketing, stressing the importance of resilience and sustainability in Kenya’s digital economy.

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, chair of the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, commended ongoing legislative reforms that support digital innovation. He pointed to the rollout of 47 Digital Hubs and expanded fibre connectivity as key steps in empowering youth and widening access to online opportunities.

Kiarie also reminded content creators to use digital tools responsibly, noting that while the growing digital space offers immense opportunities, it also carries responsibilities and risks if misused.

March 9, 2026
BREAKING: Tinubu resolves OPL 245 dispute, ending Nigeria’s longest-running oil block battle

Abuja, Nigeria — March 8, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought closure to Nigeria’s longest-running and most controversial oil block ownership dispute, announcing a landmark settlement over Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 with ENI and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL).

In a statement issued Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the resolution was described as a turning point that will reposition Nigeria’s economy and strengthen its fiscal capacity.

Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, praised President Tinubu’s leadership, calling the agreement “a milestone in repositioning Nigeria’s economic landscape.”

“The agreement marks a turning point for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector after more than two decades of legal battles and international arbitration,” Fagbemi said. “The clear vision and deep commitment of President Tinubu provided the political will required to bring closure to this protracted dispute. The agreement demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.”

According to the Attorney-General, the settlement will culminate in a Consent Arbitral Award, resolving a complex international dispute and restoring Nigeria’s credibility as a responsible global business partner.

Fagbemi emphasized that the deal will pave the way for large-scale investments, stimulate job creation, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leading energy producer in Africa. He noted that projected revenues from OPL 245 can now be factored into Nigeria’s medium-term fiscal framework, supporting budget stability, long-term planning, and debt sustainability.

He further highlighted that resolving the matter through negotiation rather than prolonged arbitration underscores Nigeria’s commitment to alternative dispute resolution and enhances its standing in international commercial and arbitration circles.

“This settlement sends a clear signal to the global community that Nigeria is open for business and committed to fairness and respect for contractual obligations,” Fagbemi said, commending the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and international partners including ENI and Shell for their roles in achieving the resolution.

“With this agreement, Nigeria can now move forward with confidence, ensuring that the development of OPL 245 becomes a source of prosperity for the nation and future generations,” he added.

Background on OPL 245

OPL 245 is a deepwater oil block located offshore Nigeria, widely regarded as one of the country’s most valuable reserves. It was originally awarded in 1998 to Malabu Oil and Gas, a company linked to former Petroleum Minister Dan Etete.

Over the years, disputes over ownership, licensing rights, and allegations of bribery involving multinational oil companies ENI (Italy) and Shell (UK/Netherlands) led to decades of litigation in Nigeria and abroad. Former officials, including ex-Attorney General Mohammed Adoke, faced prosecution but maintained their actions were lawful. Adoke recently demanded an apology from the government, claiming he was persecuted despite efforts to resolve the matter.

The prolonged controversy stalled development of the block, preventing Nigeria from exploiting its estimated billions of barrels of crude oil.

March 8, 2026
International Women’s Day: women hold just 64% of legal rights afforded to men worldwide — UN Women

POLITICS (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, UN Women has raised alarm over the persistent global gap in legal rights between men and women.

In a statement on Saturday, the agency revealed that women currently hold only 64% of the legal rights afforded to men worldwide. This means that, on average, women are entitled to just two-thirds of the protections and opportunities guaranteed to men under the law.

UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, urged global leaders to confront structural barriers to justice, including discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, harmful practices, and entrenched social norms that undermine the rights of women and girls.

The agency further noted that conflict and instability exacerbate these inequalities, leaving women and girls more vulnerable to violence, exclusion, and discrimination. Reports of violations have emerged from Nigeria’s northeast, northwest, and north-central regions, where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, alongside banditry, have displaced communities and subjected women to abuse. The ongoing war in Sudan was also highlighted as a flashpoint for widespread violations of women’s rights in Africa.

In Nigeria, UN Women continues to push for gender equality by addressing violence against women, promoting women’s political participation, and supporting economic empowerment initiatives. However, progress remains slow, with women holding only 3.9% of parliamentary seats. The agency has warned that democracy itself is at risk if women remain excluded from decision-making processes.

Nigeria also faces high rates of gender-based violence, with one in three women aged 15–49 experiencing physical or sexual abuse. Harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) persist, further eroding women’s rights.

Beyond advocacy, UN Women’s programs in Nigeria include initiatives on economic empowerment, health, and social issues, with a particular focus on combating HIV/AIDS and supporting women’s access to education and vocational training.

March 8, 2026
Peter Obi officially picks up ADC membership card— Tanko

POLITICS (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Interim National Coordinator Obidient Movement World wide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has announced that former presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially picked up his membership card of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), solidifying his position within the opposition party.

In a statement on Saturday, Tanko wrote: “We must demystify this criminality.”

Referring to a recent Al Jazeera interview with presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala, Tanko noted: “The Al Jazeera interview, with the help of the international media, re-echoed our challenges as a nation. Clearly, we all know these facts. We have them on video, in documents, in audio recordings, and they are stamped in our minds.”

He continued: “So, what do we do next? Do we keep quiet and pretend that nothing happened, or do we stand up as a people who refuse to be captured? For us, we want our country back, and we shall continue the struggle for good governance and responsible leadership in Nigeria.”

Tanko described Obi’s move as inspirational: “In what seems to be an answer and inspiration, HE Peter Obi has officially picked up his membership card of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

He urged supporters to mobilise: “So let us get up, people. We can win this. We are more than them; we have the population. All we need is to populate all the 176,000 polling units.”

March 7, 2026
Boko Haram kills Lieutenant Colonel, 40 soldiers in Borno

Maiduguri, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — At least 40 Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following coordinated overnight attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on four military bases in Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and Marte, Borno State.

According to SaharaReporters, the terrorists “reportedly fired at the military facilities sporadically, causing numerous casualties. The gunmen also came in different groups and could not be counted.” A senior officer, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, commanding officer of the 222 Battalion, was among those killed.

A military source said, “We lost over 40 soldiers to those attacks. It’s so sad; we still can’t find some of our men, can’t say if they are alive or dead, but over 40 bodies have been recovered as of now.”

Another source added: “It’s so much that the Chief of Army Staff had to pay an emergency visit to Borno this morning; right now, he’s at the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maiduguri for more brief on the whole attacks.”

The militants reportedly burned armoured tanks, destroyed military vehicles, and seized ammunition during the raids. Security sources said several insurgents were also killed in the clashes.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and presidential aspirant, has condemned Thursday’s attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Ngoshe community in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

The assault, which destroyed a military base and struck an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, left at least nine Nigerian soldiers and several civilians dead, while an unspecified number of people were abducted, according to local reports.

In a statement issued Friday, Obi expressed deep concern over the tragedy: “I watched several videos of this tragedy with deep horror. Once again, we are confronted with the painful reality of the daily suffering that far too many Nigerians are forced to endure. This is unacceptable.”

He questioned the government’s response to ongoing insecurity: “How long will Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of poor leadership and mismanagement? How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents?”

March 7, 2026
Nigeria congratulates Ghana on 69th independence, reaffirms commitment to peace, prosperity, and African unity

Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Nigeria has congratulated the Republic of Ghana on the occasion of its 69th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a defining moment in Africa’s liberation movement and a testament to Ghana’s enduring contributions to democracy and regional stability.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, extended warm congratulations to Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

“This historic milestone commemorates Ghana’s independence on the 6th of March in 1957, when it became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve freedom from colonial rule,” the statement read. “Ghana’s independence represented a defining moment in Africa’s liberation movement, inspiring generations of African nations, including Nigeria, to pursue sovereignty, dignity, and self-determination.”

Nigeria underscored the unique and deeply rooted relationship between the two countries, founded on “common historical experiences, cultural affinity, and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and African unity.” Both nations, the statement noted, “have remained pillars of stability and democratic progress in West Africa and have consistently worked together in advancing the goals of regional cooperation within ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.”

Highlighting decades of collaboration, the ministry pointed to strong diplomatic ties characterized by “frequent high-level engagements, strategic dialogue, and cooperation in areas including trade and investment, education, energy, defence cooperation, migration management, and cultural exchange.” The free movement of people between both countries has further strengthened “people-to-people diplomacy and fostered vibrant economic and cultural connections that reflect the spirit of African brotherhood.”

As Ghana celebrates its independence under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” Nigeria commended the resilience and creativity of the Ghanaian people in advancing national development and strengthening democratic institutions. It also recognised Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the ongoing Heritage Month celebrations, which showcase “the country’s vibrant traditions, creative industries, and cultural identity.”

Reaffirming its commitment to deepening bilateral relations, Nigeria pledged to expand economic cooperation, enhance diplomatic consultation, and strengthen cultural and educational exchanges. “Nigeria remains confident that the longstanding partnership between Abuja and Accra will continue to grow, contributing to regional prosperity, economic integration, and the shared vision of a peaceful and united Africa,” the statement concluded.

March 6, 2026
Botswana court hears landmark same-sex marriage case by LGBTQ+ rights groups

Gaborone, Botswana (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — The High Court in Gaborone, Botswana, has begun hearing a landmark case challenging the legality of same-sex marriage under the country’s Marriage Act. The petition was filed by Bonolo Selelo and Tsholofelo Kumile, a same-sex couple seeking legal recognition of their union.

The case, which could redefine Botswana’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, comes amid growing calls from advocacy groups for broader recognition of same-sex unions following the 2019 decriminalisation of homosexuality. On Thursday, the court heard arguments questioning whether the Marriage Act’s definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman violates constitutional protections of equality and dignity.

The petitioners, supported by the Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), argue that excluding same-sex couples from marriage is discriminatory and inconsistent with constitutional values. They contend that the 2019 ruling decriminalising same-sex relations laid the foundation for marriage equality.

Government lawyers, however, maintain that the Marriage Act reflects Botswana’s cultural and social norms, insisting that any change should come through legislative reform rather than judicial intervention. The case has drawn significant public attention, with human rights organisations emphasising that recognition of same-sex marriage would strengthen Botswana’s reputation as a progressive democracy in Africa.

A ruling in favour of the petitioners could set a precedent for marriage equality in the region, while a rejection may reinforce existing legal barriers but intensify advocacy efforts both domestically and internationally.

March 6, 2026
WTO and EIB forge partnership to boost sustainable trade and investment

Luxembourg — March 4, 2026 (NPA) — The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Secretariat and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen sustainable trade and investment worldwide, with a particular focus on developing countries.

The agreement, signed by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and EIB Group President Nadia Calviño during the EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg, establishes the EIB-WTO Trade and Investment Facilitation Initiative. This initiative will support regulatory reforms, investment planning, and project preparation aimed at unlocking new opportunities for developing economies.

The partnership builds on the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, endorsed by 128 WTO members, which sets the first global framework to ease foreign direct investment flows. Under the MoU, the WTO and EIB will collaborate to assess countries’ needs, design reform strategies, and mobilise funding — including blended finance and private capital — to support investment projects.

In its pilot phase, the initiative will target selected African countries, focusing on critical sectors such as green and digital transitions, health, education, sustainable growth, and job creation.

“This partnership aligns policy reform efforts with catalytic financing, and thus promises to unlock private investment in strategic sectors, beginning with a pilot group of African countries,” said WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

EIB Group President Nadia Calviño emphasised Europe’s commitment to fair global trade, noting that the agreement “will help partner countries attract more and better-quality investment, while supporting reform and creating new trading opportunities for EU businesses.”

Beyond financing, the WTO and EIB will also collaborate on research and analysis of global trade and investment trends to guide policy decisions.

March 5, 2026
Boko Haram Attacks Military Base in Borno, Killing Soldiers and Civilians

Maiduguri, Nigeria (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — Suspected Boko Haram fighters launched a deadly assault on a Nigerian Army base in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of Wednesday. The attack left several soldiers and civilians dead, with many others abducted.

Eyewitnesses reported that the insurgents, armed with motorcycles and gun trucks, operated for hours.

ASP Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the incident, noting that while the military repelled the attackers, casualties remain unconfirmed. “An unknown number of civilians were killed, and some survivors were abducted toward the Mandara Mountains,” Daso said.

Local sources indicated that at least nine soldiers were killed, while residents fled to Pulka town for safety. Witnesses added that women were among those abducted during the raid.

Boko Haram, notorious for bombings, kidnappings, and massacres—including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction—continues to destabilise Nigeria’s northeast despite sustained military offensives.

March 5, 2026