Category: Cityscope

APC promises Nigerians unstoppable progress, tangible results

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Southeast Nigeria, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is delivering not only quality governance but also a system designed to guarantee Nigeria’s progress on a sustainable path.

Speaking after the PGF meeting in Lagos, held alongside the Forum’s Sallah homage visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Uzodimma emphasised the governors’ commitment to translating national reforms into visible improvements in citizens’ lives.

He said the PGF welcomed President Tinubu’s recent diplomatic engagement in the United Kingdom, describing it as part of a broader security and development strategy. The governors praised his assurance of continued collaboration with international partners to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges and advance key development priorities.

Uzodimma noted that the Forum also deliberated on the forthcoming APC National Convention, stressing the need to sustain peace and harmony within the party while ensuring that governance remains focused on delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

March 23, 2026
LaGuardia Airport shut after Air Canada jet collides with fire truck

NORTH AMERICA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — New York’s LaGuardia Airport was closed temporarily after an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck while landing late Sunday night, killing the pilot and co-pilot and injuring several others, according to officials.

The crash, which has intensified scrutiny amid ongoing concerns about aviation safety in the United States, occurred on the runway as the aircraft was touching down and the emergency vehicle was reportedly moving toward another plane.

Authorities confirmed that there were 72 passengers and four crew members onboard. Of these, 41 people were hospitalized with varying degrees of injury, while others were treated at the scene.

The incident has prompted investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, as officials seek to determine how a rescue vehicle came into conflict with a landing aircraft at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

March 23, 2026
Edo IRS warns taxpayers to file returns before March 31

BENIN CITY, NIGERIA (News Agency) — March 23, 2026 — The Edo Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has urged taxpayers to file their annual returns before March 31 or face penalties.

In a statement issued Sunday in Benin, Executive Chairman John Odior described tax filing as a compulsory legal obligation for eligible residents. “Filing your tax returns is a non-optional, statutory, legal and civic obligation,” he said.

Odior explained that the directive applies to employees, business owners, professionals, online traders, and those in the informal sector. He noted that the agency has introduced an electronic filing system to simplify the process. “With the e-filing platform, taxpayers can complete their obligations from the comfort of their homes or offices,” he added.

The requirement, he said, is backed by Section 24(f) of the 1999 Constitution and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025. Odior warned that defaulters would face sanctions. “Failure to comply, refusal to file, or submission of incomplete or inaccurate information will attract administrative penalties,” he stated.

According to him, tax payment is vital to development. “Tax filing is not just a legal requirement; it contributes to Edo’s growth and development,” he emphasised.

The service advised taxpayers to use its official portal and seek assistance from its offices where necessary.

March 23, 2026
Fuel hike in Nigeria triggers soaring food prices, citizens want FG intervention

ABUJA, NIGERIA (News Agency) — March 23, 2026 — Prices of food items, goods, and services have sharply increased across markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas, according to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The NAN study in Abuja on Sunday revealed that the surge in prices is linked to the recent hike in petroleum product pump prices, driven by the ongoing Middle East crisis. The development has strained traders, business owners, and households, with many citizens reporting higher spending on feeding and basic necessities.

Business owners, traders, and consumers alike lamented the impact of the fuel hike on their livelihoods and called for urgent government intervention to cushion the effects.

At the Orange Market along the Abuja-Keffi road, a big basket of tomatoes that sold for N9,000–N10,000 in February now costs N30,000–N35,000. A big bag of onions, previously N15,000–N25,000, now sells for N40,000–N45,000. Similar spikes were recorded in Lugbe, Orozo, Karu, Wuse, Utako, Garki, Nyanya, and Apo markets, with yams, beans, peppers, sweet potatoes, and onions all experiencing steep increases.

The price of sachet water and ice blocks has also risen due to poor electricity supply and reliance on diesel. Distributors now sell a bag of sachet water for N450–N500, up from N300–N350, while ice blocks have jumped from N500 to N800. Small businesses report dwindling profits as they spend heavily on fuel and diesel to power generators.

Residents expressed frustration at the rising costs of everyday services. Haircuts for children that cost N1,400 weeks ago now cost N3,000, while bakers complain of soaring prices for baking materials. Traders noted that transportation fares for bringing goods from other states have tripled, further driving up market prices.

Citizens appealed to the Federal Government to urgently address electricity challenges, stabilize fuel supply, and support businesses to ease the burden. Many warned that without intervention, even basic commodities like water could soon become unaffordable for ordinary Nigerians.

March 23, 2026
Tinubu vows to tackle insecurity, urges governors’ support after UK visit

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed not to let insecurity overshadow his administration’s efforts to support the vulnerable. He pledged on Sunday in Lagos while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 APC governors and Borno’s Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, who paid him Sallah homage after his state visit to England.

According to a Statehouse release by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said he had advanced discussions on modern security interventions with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Tinubu thanked the governors: “Your presence here today shows sincerity, commitment, and value for friendship. The next phase of our struggle is insecurity. I am making all efforts to ensure we share the joy of victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development and prosperity.” He added that talks in the UK focused on equipment and support, and that France and other nations were collaborating with Nigeria.

The President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, returned Friday from a three-day visit to the UK, where they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and met Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“We should care more for the vulnerable. The Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect purchasing power. Labour unions will ask for more support due to its impact,” Tinubu noted. He urged governors to remain steadfast in implementing policies that directly improve citizens’ lives and to cushion inflationary effects on energy and transport.

Tinubu also commended Vice President Shettima for his condolence visit to Borno, assuring stronger protection through new technology.

In his remarks, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, thanked Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda and congratulated him on the UK visit, the first in 37 years. He said: “Together, we must end insecurity. Discussions on state police are ongoing, and the NGF will take proposals to the National Assembly.”

Governors present included Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Alex Otti (Abia), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

March 22, 2026
Shettima, APC governors pay Sallah homage to Tinubu, laud gains of England visit

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Nigeria’s southeastern state of Imo, on Sunday, joined Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, in leading his colleagues from the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) on a Sallah homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence.

According to a statement by the governor, now in his second term in office and a prominent leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), on March 22, the visit provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Eid in a spirit of unity, reflection, and renewed commitment to national progress.

He noted that the APC governors shared constructive thoughts with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on key national issues and commended him on his recent State Visit to England, which strengthened strategic alignment between both nations for greater mutual benefit. The governor emphasised that the visit not only deepened bilateral ties but also opened fresh avenues for collaboration in trade, education, and security cooperation, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.

Beyond diplomatic goodwill, the England visit yielded tangible gains, including renewed commitments for increased foreign direct investment, expanded scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students, and enhanced cooperation in technology transfer. These outcomes, according to Uzodimma, are expected to accelerate Nigeria’s drive toward industrialisation, improve human capital development, and bolster national security frameworks.

“I am optimistic that our dear Imo State stands well-positioned to harness the opportunities emerging from these engagements for sustainable growth, investment, and improved outcomes for our people,” Uzodimma stated.

March 22, 2026
50 Years On, Dr Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA boss honoured for inspiring next generation

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA), has been celebrated by his alma mater, St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan, with an Award of Recognition for his mentorship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to youth development.

The honour was conferred during the school’s 64th Founders’ Day, a landmark event where Mobereola joined fellow alumni, dignitaries, and stakeholders to mark the institution’s enduring legacy of excellence and service.

NIMASA, in a statement by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, on March 22, 2026, quoted the Director General expressing his deep gratitude for the honour while reflecting on his formative years: “Fifty years after walking through those gates, I remain deeply grateful for the friendships, guidance, and bonds that shaped me. I do not take this honour for granted,” he said.

Mobereola reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to mentoring young people, urging students to stay focused, disciplined, and driven by excellence. He emphasised the power of mentorship and positive role models in shaping future success, stressing that today’s youth must embrace resilience and vision to achieve greatness.

March 22, 2026
Governor Radda Hosts 17 ambassadors, envoys at Katsina Sallah celebrations

KATSINA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on March 21 hosted seventeen ambassadors and diplomatic envoys during the Sallah celebrations in Katsina. The governor described culture as a powerful bridge for peace, unity, and sustainable development, fostering mutual understanding, strengthening social cohesion, and serving as a foundation for inclusive growth and global collaboration.

In a statement on Sunday, Radda noted that Katsina holds a prominent place in the history of Northern Nigeria as a renowned centre of learning, commerce, and Islamic scholarship, with enduring legacies reflected in landmarks such as the Gobarau Minaret and the traditions of the Katsina and Daura Emirates.

“I was honored to receive a distinguished delegation of Ambassadors and diplomatic envoys, led by the Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria, His Excellency Pieter Leenknegt, who joined us to witness the 2026 Sallah Durbar Festivals,” Radda said.

The delegation included envoys from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Turkey, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Their participation in Hawan Sallah, Hawan Sarki (Hawan Bariki), and Hawan Magajiya reflected growing global recognition of Katsina’s cultural heritage.

Beyond culture, the governor showcased strides in security, agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and water supply—pillars of his administration’s development agenda. He reaffirmed Katsina’s commitment to confronting insecurity through strategic operations and community-based initiatives aimed at lasting peace.

“We do not claim perfection, nor do we ignore the challenges that remain,” Radda said, acknowledging communities still yearning for peace, families seeking relief, and young people in search of opportunity. “True leadership is not measured by how far we have come, but by our commitment to the journey ahead.”

On behalf of the people of Katsina, the governor expressed appreciation to the visiting envoys and the international community, adding: “Katsina remains open to the world—for partnership, for business, for cultural exchange, and for shared prosperity.”

March 22, 2026
President Tinubu celebrates Tony Elumelu, Africa’s Business Icon on birthday

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mr Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu, renowned economist, banker, and philanthropist, on his birthday. In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu described Elumelu as an African business icon and a leading advocate of Nigerian and African enterprise.

Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Transcorp, has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders. He is also the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has become a continental force for entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. Tinubu commended his resilience, excellence, and unwavering belief in Africapitalism—a philosophy that emphasises private sector-led development to transform Africa.

The President particularly lauded the Foundation’s entrepreneurship programme, which has trained 2.5 million young Africans across 54 countries and empowered over 24,000 entrepreneurs with non-refundable seed capital of $5,000 each. This initiative, Tinubu noted, reflects Elumelu’s deep commitment to investing in Africa’s future by equipping young people with the tools to innovate, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth.

“As Elumelu celebrates this special occasion, the President joins his family and friends to wish him good health, strength, and continued success in his pursuits,” the statement concluded.

March 22, 2026
Enugu CP urges vigilance, wants sustained close collaboration with police at lecture

ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, on Saturday delivered a lecture to members of the Anglican Diocese of Enugu Security Network on Safeguarding Church Community, Property, and Purpose.

Giwa reiterated the importance of vigilance, collective responsibility, and faith in safeguarding the church community, its property, and divine purpose. He stated this while delivering a lecture on “Safeguarding the Church Community, Property, and Purpose Through Vigilance and Faith” at the Anglican Diocese of Enugu Security Awareness Seminar held at Christ Anglican Church, Uwani, Enugu.

Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Commissioner emphasised that churches, as centres of worship and community life, must adopt both spiritual and practical security measures to remain safe and resilient. Drawing from the biblical charge in Matthew 26:41 to “watch and pray,” he noted that effective security requires a blend of faith, vigilance, and shared responsibility among members.

Addressing participants from the Diocese’s Security Network, CP Giwa highlighted critical areas requiring attention, including the protection of congregants—particularly vulnerable persons—the safeguarding of church assets, and the preservation of the Church’s core mission of worship, evangelism, and service. He stressed the need for heightened vigilance during services, proper monitoring of church facilities, and improved accountability in resource management.

He further urged participants to sustain close collaboration with the Police and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information, while also strengthening internal structures that promote safety, orderliness, and unity within congregations.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-based policing, CP Giwa called on residents to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and supportive of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and public safety in Enugu State.

The lecture timing is significant, coming as the newly confirmed Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has begun rolling out modalities for state policing—widely described as a potential solution to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the Ramadan period, also underscored that “the time for State Police is now” as part of a national strategy to tackle insecurity more effectively.

March 22, 2026