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  • Shettima Inaugurates Board of Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation

    Shettima Inaugurates Board of Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Thursday inaugurated the Board of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in Abuja, underscoring its importance to the country’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

    Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima highlighted the administration’s vision for CREDICORP, noting that the institution was established to build a trusted credit infrastructure, provide catalytic capital to reduce borrowing costs, and help Nigerians overcome long-standing cultural resistance to credit.

    “The quality of life of Nigerians cannot improve without closing the gap between access to capital and human dignity,” Shettima said. He emphasized that ordinary citizens should not have to wait years to afford basic assets. “A civil servant who earns honestly does not have to chase sudden wealth just to buy a vehicle, or save for ten years to buy one. A young professional should not remain in darkness simply because solar power must be paid for all at once.”

    The newly inaugurated Board of CREDICORP is tasked with driving Nigeria’s consumer credit revolution. Its key functions include:

    • Policy Oversight: Guiding the corporation’s strategic direction.
    • Credit Infrastructure Development: Building systems that foster trust between lenders and borrowers.
    • Catalytic Capital Provision: Ensuring affordable financing options for working Nigerians.
    • Democratization of Credit Access: Expanding credit opportunities nationwide.
    • Cultural Shift Management: Promoting financial literacy and responsible borrowing.
    • Performance Monitoring: Tracking disbursement levels and impact on citizens.
    • Broader Economic Impact: Supporting financial inclusion and boosting consumer-driven growth.

    The inauguration marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to expand access to consumer credit, strengthen financial inclusion, and stimulate economic growth.

  • United States and Congo Announce $1.2 Billion Health Partnership

    United States and Congo Announce $1.2 Billion Health Partnership

    KINSHASA, CONGO (NPA) — The governments of the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a new $1.2 billion agreement aimed at strengthening health systems and tackling major diseases.

    Under the partnership, Washington will provide up to $900 million over the next five years to support programs addressing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and other infectious diseases. Congo has pledged to increase its domestic health spending by $300 million during the same period.

    The deal is part of a broader U.S. initiative to establish bilateral health agreements across Africa. According to the State Department, 19 such partnerships have been signed to date. Officials say the new framework is designed to promote self-sufficiency and streamline funding, replacing older arrangements previously managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

    The announcement comes amid wider debate over U.S. global health policy. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised concerns about provisions in some agreements that require countries to share sensitive pathogen data with Washington as a condition for funding. On Wednesday, negotiations with Zimbabwe collapsed after its government rejected such requirements.

    It remains unclear whether similar data-sharing clauses are included in the Congo agreement.

  • BREAKING: INEC Revises 2027 Election Timetable; Presidential Poll Set for January 16

    BREAKING: INEC Revises 2027 Election Timetable; Presidential Poll Set for January 16

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a revised timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

    In a statement issued Thursday night, the commission explained that the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities. INEC said the schedule was realigned to ensure full compliance with the updated legal framework.

    Under the new timetable:

    • Presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
    • Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

    Political parties are required to conduct their primaries — including the resolution of disputes — between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.

    INEC emphasized that all political parties must adhere strictly to the revised timetable and noted that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.

  • US Igbo Veterans Wants America to Create a Safe Zone for Judeo-Christians, Call for Nigeria’s Restructuring

    US Igbo Veterans Wants America to Create a Safe Zone for Judeo-Christians, Call for Nigeria’s Restructuring

    FLORIDA, U.S. (NPA) — The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a U.S.-based non-profit military organization composed of men and women of Igbo heritage who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, has urged Washington to establish a sovereign safe zone for Judeo-Christians and to support the restructuring of Nigeria.

    In a letter dated February 25, 2026, and signed by AVID President Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, the group argued that such a measure would enable persecuted Christians to live and worship freely, shielded from extremist violence. “This initiative aligns with America’s commitment to self-determination, religious liberty, and protecting vulnerable populations, representing a significant step toward addressing the ongoing genocide,” the letter stated.

    The appeal was addressed to Representative Riley McGowan Moore, a member of a U.S. congressional committee tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate violence against Christians in Nigeria. AVID expressed gratitude for the committee’s findings, particularly its conclusion that “Nigeria is the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.”

    The group highlighted documentation of mass killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of churches and schools, stressing the urgency of decisive international action. It welcomed the committee’s recommendation for the repeal of Sharia codes and criminal anti-blasphemy laws in Nigeria, describing them as essential steps toward safeguarding religious freedom and human rights.

    Read the group’s letter below:

  • Peter Obi Condemns Edo Violence, Calls for Collective Action

    Peter Obi Condemns Edo Violence, Calls for Collective Action

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Former Labour Party presidential candidate and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the international community following an attack by suspected political hoodlums in Benin City, Edo State, on February 24, 2026.

    In a statement issued on February 25, Obi paid tribute to former Edo State governors Chief John Oyegun and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, describing them as leaders who “served Nigeria honourably in various capacities.” He noted that their support reinforced his faith in shared humanity and the collective hope for a better Nigeria.

    Reflecting on the incident, Obi recalled his own experience with political violence during his tenure as governor of Anambra State. He said such challenges had strengthened his resolve to pursue leadership positions, emphasizing that governance must restore order, security, and public trust.

    Calling on citizens not to be intimidated, Obi stated: “The growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward—not in fear but with a sense of responsibility. As Plato reminded us, the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people. This moment urges Nigerians to be even more resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion—leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power.”

    Obi reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. With political alliances forming ahead of the polls—where incumbent President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to seek a second term—the dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape remain uncertain as the election season approaches.

  • BREAKING: Peter Obi, ADC Leaders Escape Assassination Attempt in Edo State

    BREAKING: Peter Obi, ADC Leaders Escape Assassination Attempt in Edo State

    BENIN CITY, NIGERIA (NPA): The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, alongside senior figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), narrowly escaped an attack by armed hoodlums in Edo State, southern Nigeria.

    The incident occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC. According to Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, the assailants trailed party leaders to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where they opened fire at the gate and vandalized several vehicles.

    Dr. Tanko described the incident as a “survived assassination attempt,” warning that “democracy is in danger.”

    As of press time, neither the Edo State Police Command nor the state government has issued an official statement. Attempts by our correspondent to reach the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Nkereuwem Ikoedem, were unsuccessful.

  • US Congressional Committee Calls for Disarmament of Fulani Militias to Address Religious Violence in Nigeria, Other Measures

    US Congressional Committee Calls for Disarmament of Fulani Militias to Address Religious Violence in Nigeria, Other Measures

    WASHINGTON, U.S. (NPA): A United States congressional committee tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate allegations of widespread violence against Christians in Nigeria has submitted its recommendations to the White House.

    In a report released Monday by Congressman Riley Moore, the committee endorsed the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing what it described as systematic attacks on Christian communities.

    The committee, which included Chairman Tom Cole and members of the House Appropriations Committee, stated: “Nigeria is the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian. Christians face ongoing violent attacks from well-armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, the destruction of churches and schools, and widespread kidnappings. Blasphemy laws in northern states are used to silence dissent, target minorities, and justify convictions without due process.”

    Key Recommendations

    The report outlined several measures aimed at curbing violence and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the United States and Nigeria:

    • Bilateral Agreement: Establish a binding accord to protect vulnerable Christian communities, counter jihadist activity, expand economic cooperation, and address regional influence from China and Russia.
    • Humanitarian Assistance: Co-fund donor-supported aid programs, including faith-based initiatives, prioritizing internally displaced persons (IDPs) and underserved communities.
    • Security in the Middle Belt: Deploy capable security forces to prevent attacks and kidnappings, ensure rapid response, and hold negligent officials accountable.
    • Land and Resettlement: Expel armed groups from confiscated farmland, enable displaced communities to return, and rebuild infrastructure to reduce reliance on aid and boost agricultural productivity.
    • Disarmament of Militias: Implement measures to reduce and eliminate violence by armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs to curb illicit weapons while safeguarding legitimate self-defense for farmers.
    • Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Expand joint operations to combat foreign terrorist organizations, including the provision of defense equipment and intelligence-sharing.
    • Economic Safeguards: Address destabilizing practices such as illegal mining operations allegedly linked to foreign actors funding militias.
    • Visa Restrictions & Legal Reform: Maintain visa bans on perpetrators of religious violence, repeal blasphemy laws, and review sharia-based criminal codes in northern Nigeria.
    • Trade Measures: Consider restrictions on cattle exports to regional markets as leverage to compel disarmament of armed herdsmen.
  • ‘If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable’—Atiku Abubakar

    ‘If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable’—Atiku Abubakar

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed grave concern over the reported deteriorating health of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

    El-Rufai has been in detention since Monday, February 16, 2026, after reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Atiku, a presidential aspirant, urged the Federal Government to clarify which agency is holding El-Rufai, citing uncertainty over whether he is in the custody of the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or another security body.

    “The government must end the secrecy surrounding his detention, which only fuels suspicion,” Atiku said. “Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and access to his family and legal representatives.”

    He condemned reports that El-Rufai has suffered nosebleeds while family members were allegedly denied access to him. “This is unacceptable in a democracy. If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay. If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable.”

    Atiku also criticized what he described as “selective prosecution,” warning that anti-corruption efforts risk losing credibility if they appear partisan. “Justice must be transparent. Accountability must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all—without fear, without favour, and without political bias,” he added.

    Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, issued a statement confirming that the former governor is unwell and bleeding in detention. He noted that the courts are scheduled to hear two matters concerning El-Rufai this week. On February 25, the FCT High Court will hear his fundamental rights case against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the DSS, in which he seeks bail. On the same date, he is also scheduled for arraignment on charges filed by the DSS.

  • Nigeria Accused of Paying Billions in Ransom to Boko Haram for Release of Schoolchildren — AFP

    Nigeria Accused of Paying Billions in Ransom to Boko Haram for Release of Schoolchildren — AFP

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Agence France-Presse (AFP) has reported that the Nigerian government allegedly paid millions of dollars in ransom to Boko Haram to secure the release of more than 230 children and staff abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November. Intelligence sources cited by AFP claim that, as part of the deal, two senior Boko Haram commanders were also freed.

    According to AFP, the ransom money was flown by helicopter to Boko Haram’s stronghold in Gwoza, Borno State, near the Cameroon border, and handed over to militant commander Ali Ngulde. Due to poor communications in the remote area, Ngulde reportedly crossed into Cameroon to confirm receipt of the funds before the first group of 100 children was released.

    The mass abduction at St. Mary’s Boarding School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21 triggered widespread outrage across Nigeria. While dozens of children managed to escape, the remaining captives were freed two weeks later following negotiations led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The Nigerian government has consistently denied paying ransom to terrorist groups, reiterating its stance after the Papiri incident.

    Boko Haram, founded in northeastern Nigeria in 2002, began as a religious movement opposing Western-style education and secular governance. Over time, it transformed into a violent insurgency responsible for mass abductions, attacks on schools, and widespread displacement. The group seeks to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, rejecting democracy and secular institutions. Though splinter factions such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have emerged, Boko Haram’s core objective remains the destabilization of Nigeria’s secular governance.

    Here’s a rewritten version of your report section, expanded to about two hundred words:

    The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the recent AFP report. However, its stance on matters of national security remains consistent and firm. Authorities continue to emphasize that ransom payments to terrorist groups are strictly against policy, reiterating that such actions only serve to embolden criminal networks and undermine broader counterterrorism efforts. Instead, the government has pledged to intensify its strategies for combating terrorism, focusing on renewed vigour in both military operations and intelligence-driven approaches.

  • Obidient Movement Rejects Abuja Council Poll Results, Urges INEC to Address Allegations

    Obidient Movement Rejects Abuja Council Poll Results, Urges INEC to Address Allegations

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): The Obidient Movement has rejected the outcome of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election held over the weekend, alleging irregularities and violence during the polls. Speaking at the group’s secretariat in Abuja on Monday, National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko described the election as “a brazen assault on the foundations of democracy,” accusing security agencies and electoral officials of failing to ensure transparency.

    Tanko claimed that party agents were harassed and intimidated, leading to the killing of one agent, Musa Abubakar, at a polling unit in Gwagwa. He alleged that ballot boxes were targeted by hoodlums and that voter apathy was worsened by poor communication from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding polling unit changes. The group, which backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Dr. Moses Paul, demanded a full review of the results and justice for the slain agent.

    The Obidient Movement praised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for mobilizing supporters, noting that his involvement boosted turnout despite challenges. Tanko insisted that the people’s mandate was “stolen in broad daylight” and urged INEC to act swiftly to restore confidence in the electoral process. In Saturday’s election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of six council chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada.