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  • NITT begins training for 100 Ebonyi youths in heavy equipment operations

    NITT begins training for 100 Ebonyi youths in heavy equipment operations

    ZARIA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, has commenced training for 100 Ebonyi State youths in articulated vehicle driving, heavy equipment operations, maintenance and safety.

    The programme, flagged off on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, is an initiative of the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration to equip young people with technical skills, promote self-reliance and address skills gaps in the state.

    Welcoming the Ebonyi delegation, NITT Director-General and Chief Executive, Dr Bayero Salih Farah, commended Nwifuru for his foresight, confidence in the institute’s expertise and commitment to human capital development.

    Farah said Ebonyi was the first state to sponsor such a large number of participants for the training, expressing confidence that the programme would equip them with practical skills to establish their own businesses in the future.

    He urged the trainees to demonstrate responsibility and participate actively throughout the programme.

    According to a statement issued by NITT’s Press and Public Relations Unit and republished by Leo Okene Oketa, Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on New Media, the initiative is expected to strengthen the technical capacity of the participants and expand their employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

    Speaking at the event, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Skills Development and Job Creation, Prof. Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, praised Nwifuru for prioritising human capital development.

    Obasi also commended the Ebonyi Outreach Learning Centre Liaison Officer, Engr. Nnamdi Anyanwu, for his commitment to ensuring the success of the programme, as well as Farah for his leadership.

    Describing NITT as an internationally recognised institution with a record of excellence in infrastructure, teaching and research, the commissioner expressed the state government’s readiness to establish a lasting partnership with the institute.

    “We have come to establish a long-lasting partnership with the institute,” Obasi said, assuring that a second phase of the training would take place in due course.

    Also speaking, the Director of NITT’s Transport Technology Centre, Dr Joshua Odeleye, said the programme reflected the institute’s recognised contribution to human capital development.

    In his closing remarks, NITT Registrar, Dr Maina W. A. Tarfa, thanked the Ebonyi State Government for the confidence it had placed in the institute, assuring the state that NITT would deliver on its commitment.

    The training forms part of the state government’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting economic activity, improving employability and creating opportunities for young people in Ebonyi State.

  • Zulum secures NNPCL commitment to resume oil exploration in Borno

    Zulum secures NNPCL commitment to resume oil exploration in Borno

    MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has secured a commitment from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to resume oil exploration activities in the state, while expressing concern over delays in upgrading the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant.

    The commitment was made on Wednesday when Zulum received a delegation of NNPCL management officials, led by the chairman of the board, Ahmadu Musa Kida, in Maiduguri to discuss energy development and the resumption of exploration in the state.

    According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum emphasised the strategic importance of resuming exploration in Borno, noting that the state had significant commercial potential and shared borders with three countries.

    He expressed optimism that renewed exploration efforts by the national oil company would help unlock the state’s hydrocarbon resources and stimulate economic development.

    However, the governor raised concerns over the slow pace of work on the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a critical infrastructure project expected to improve electricity supply in the state.

    Zulum said he was concerned that the upgrade remained incomplete despite the necessary materials having been on site for about two years.

    He urged the NNPCL management to intervene and ensure the project was completed without further delay, stressing that the plant was vital to the socioeconomic well-being of residents of Maiduguri and surrounding communities.

    In response, Kida assured the governor of the company’s readiness to accelerate efforts to resume oil exploration in the Borno Basin and address the challenges delaying completion of the emergency power plant.

    He also commended Zulum for his continued support and for creating an environment conducive to investment in the state.

    The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur; Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe; and other senior government officials.

    Members of the NNPCL delegation included Executive Vice-President for Upstream, Udy Ntia, and Executive Vice-President for Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekon Ogunleye, among others.

    The engagement comes as the Borno State Government seeks to advance energy development, improve electricity supply and attract investment through the resumption of oil exploration activities.

  • Tinubu departs for Saudi Arabia for Umrah, prays for Nigeria

    Tinubu departs for Saudi Arabia for Umrah, prays for Nigeria

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage involving religious rites and prayers at the holy city.

    According to a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit will provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.

    While in Makkah, the President is expected to perform the rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.

    Before departing Abuja, Tinubu will commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

    The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the pilgrimage.

    The visit comes as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, in which Tinubu is seeking re-election. Potential opposition contenders include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

  • JUST IN: Utomi decries Nigeria’s power crisis, rising business costs ahead of 2027 elections

    JUST IN: Utomi decries Nigeria’s power crisis, rising business costs ahead of 2027 elections

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Professor Pat Utomi, a political economist, management expert, entrepreneur and public intellectual, has criticised Nigeria’s poor electricity supply and rising business costs, blaming the administration of President Bola Tinubu for worsening economic hardship.

    Utomi made his position known in a statement on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in which he contrasted Nigeria’s recurring power grid collapses with the electricity supply in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    He said Nigeria’s latest grid collapse, which he claimed left less than 900 megawatts of electricity available to a population of about 250 million people, highlighted the country’s persistent infrastructure challenges.

    Utomi also criticised spokespersons for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council for dismissing expectations that Nigeria should achieve electricity supply comparable to that of Ethiopia.

    “The Nigerian condition forces us to struggle so often to make sense of nonsense,” he said, describing the contrast between Addis Ababa’s brightly lit high-rise buildings and Nigeria’s electricity challenges as evidence of deeper governance problems.

    He argued that poverty and political patronage had undermined public discourse, alleging that some educated Nigerians defended the government in exchange for political benefits.

    Utomi also announced the unveiling of a group of rapid-response spokespersons for candidates backed by the Big Tent political platform.

    According to him, the team comprises Comrade Tony Akeni, Magnus Oraka, David Adenekan, who coordinates the Big Tent Diaspora, and Nasser Sidi Ali.

    He said the spokespersons would respond to statements by political opponents and verify claims they considered misleading.

    Utomi urged the team to respond forcefully but maintain integrity in its engagements.

    In a separate statement, the political economist also raised concerns about the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria, particularly the impact of petrol prices on business owners.

    “I know many business owners who have had to shut down because they can no longer keep up with the rising cost of petrol in Nigeria. The APC government is making life increasingly difficult for Nigerians. Idris is right,” he said.

    Utomi’s comments come amid growing political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, when voters are expected to elect a president, members of the National Assembly, state governors and members of state assemblies.

  • Tinubu praises Dangote Group’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth

    Tinubu praises Dangote Group’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth

    ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — President Bola Tinubu has commended the Dangote Group for its contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth, saying its strategic investments across key sectors are boosting domestic production, creating jobs and strengthening the country’s industrial capacity.

    Tinubu also said the conglomerate’s investments were helping to reduce dependence on imports, conserve foreign exchange and expand Nigeria’s productive capacity.

    The President gave the commendation on Monday during a visit to the Dangote Group pavilion at the ongoing 32nd Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja. He was represented at the event by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

    Tinubu praised the group’s performance across its business operations, highlighting the role of private-sector investment in stimulating economic activity, expanding production and supporting national development.

    The Dangote Group has investments spanning cement manufacturing, fertiliser production, sugar refining, salt processing and petroleum refining.

    The investments contribute to local value addition, employment generation and the development of domestic supply chains, while supporting efforts to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported products.

    Tinubu said his administration was working to create an environment that would enable both the public and private sectors to invest, expand operations and generate productive employment.

    The Dangote Group is also one of Nigeria’s largest private-sector employers, although the claim that it is the country’s second-largest employer after the Federal Government was not independently verified in the supplied report.

    The 2026 Nigeria Economic Summit, themed “Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity,” was declared open by the President.

    Tinubu used the occasion to defend the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms and emphasise the importance of industrial harmony and private-sector-led growth.

    He said Nigeria had underperformed relative to its economic potential for too long, adding that sustainable development required deliberate and consistent efforts.

    “We came to rewrite the story of a nation that has performed below its potentials for far too long,” he said.

    The President also stressed that “there is no shortcut for economic development”.

    The summit brings together policymakers, business leaders, investors and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for accelerating economic growth, improving productivity, generating employment and ensuring that the benefits of economic expansion reach more Nigerians.

    The President’s commendation highlights the role of sustained cooperation between government and the private sector in building a more productive, competitive and resilient Nigerian economy.

    Through its diversified operations, the Dangote Group has established a substantial presence in sectors that support construction, agriculture, manufacturing, energy and other productive activities.

    Among its major investments is the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Lagos, which is expected to expand domestic refining capacity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

    (NAN)

  • Canadian High Commission in Nigeria closes offices for thanksgiving

    Canadian High Commission in Nigeria closes offices for thanksgiving

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria has announced the closure of its offices on Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of Thanksgiving Day.

    In a statement issued on Monday, the mission said the closure was to mark the Canadian celebration, while expressing appreciation for the partnerships and connections that strengthen relations between Canada and Nigeria.

    “We’re grateful for the partnerships and connections that strengthen Canada–Nigeria ties,” the statement said.

    “Our offices are closed today, October 12,” the mission added.

    The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria is also accredited to Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu responds to commuters, highlights efforts to reduce transport costs

    JUST IN: Tinubu responds to commuters, highlights efforts to reduce transport costs

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) —  President Bola Tinubu has responded to Nigerians who praised his administration’s efforts to reduce transportation costs, citing lower fares on some routes and the expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric transport services.

    In a statement on Sunday, Tinubu addressed commuters Blessing, Ada and Abigail, as well as taxi driver Kabir and Emmanuel, who called for more buses to serve communities.

    The president said he watched Blessing’s video explaining that her journey from Masaka to Berger in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) now costs ₦500, down from ₦1,500.

    “That is ₦1,000 saved every trip. I know what that means when you have a family to feed, bills to pay and other responsibilities waiting at home,” he said.

    Tinubu also cited the experiences of Ada and Abigail, who reportedly now pay ₦1,600 instead of ₦4,000 to travel from Enugu to Nsukka, saving ₦2,400 per journey.

    He said Kabir, a taxi driver, reported that ₦10,000 worth of CNG enabled him to make three more return trips than drivers using petrol.

    The president added that he had received encouraging feedback from Borno State, where some commuters reportedly pay as little as ₦50 per trip on CNG-powered and electric vehicles.

    Tinubu said the accounts demonstrated the intended benefits of investing in alternative-fuel transportation, arguing that lower operating costs for drivers should translate into more affordable fares for passengers.

    He acknowledged that removing the petrol subsidy had created difficulties for many households, adding that the decision came with a responsibility to provide practical alternatives to ease transportation costs.

    Tinubu Lists Buses Deployed Across States

    Responding to Emmanuel’s request for more buses, Tinubu said the Federal Government was working with state governments, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and private investors to expand affordable transportation under the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme.

    According to the president, Ekiti State had received 15 buses in recent weeks, Lagos 20, while Akwa Ibom had 50 buses ready for service.

    He also said Katsina had introduced 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles, while Kano had received 30 CNG buses and five electric buses. Another rollout was planned for Edo State.

    Tinubu further stated that Kaduna’s 100 CNG buses had transported more than three million passengers.

    Beyond the bus deployments, he said more than 400 certified conversion centres had converted over 120,000 vehicles to CNG. He added that the government was expanding refuelling infrastructure to improve access to alternative fuel.

    Government Announces Measures to Ease Fuel Costs

    The president also acknowledged the pressure of rising petrol prices on households and businesses, outlining measures he said were intended to cushion the impact.

    He said the government had waived more than ₦3.3 trillion in fuel taxes and duties, while NNPC Retail was foregoing its profit margin for 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators.

    Tinubu added that the government was working towards a ceiling of ₦1,350 per litre on wholesale petrol supply costs to reduce price volatility.

    He said the measures were designed to ease immediate financial pressure while the government continued expanding affordable transportation alternatives.

  • Amnesty International condemns police blocking of ‘Tinubu Must Go’ protest in Kano

    Amnesty International condemns police blocking of ‘Tinubu Must Go’ protest in Kano

    KANO, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the reported blocking of a “Tinubu Must Go” protest in Kano, accusing the police of violating the rights to peaceful assembly and political association.

    The human rights organisation said heavily armed police officers blocked both ends of the road leading to the venue on Sunday.

    In a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, Amnesty International called on the Nigeria Police Force to stop what it described as the unlawful obstruction of peaceful political activities.

    The organisation said supporters of all political parties and candidates had the right to organise peaceful gatherings, regardless of whom they supported or opposed.

    “The duty of the police is to facilitate peaceful conduct of such political gatherings — no matter the political party or candidate being supported or opposed,” it said.

    Amnesty International stressed that freedom of association and peaceful assembly should not be exclusive to supporters of any particular political party.

    The organisation described the Kano incident as part of what it called a troubling pattern of police repression targeting opposition supporters in different parts of the country.

    It warned that repeated intimidation and obstruction could undermine the ability of opposition groups to associate freely and hold peaceful public gatherings.

    The “Tinubu Must Go” campaign and related demonstrations have also taken place in Maiduguri, Borno State, in north-eastern Nigeria, and Sokoto State in the north-west, according to the report.

    The protests come amid economic hardship and growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The demonstrations have taken place against the backdrop of public concerns over the cost of living following the removal of the petrol subsidy and other economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    The Federal Government has maintained that its reform programme is producing results, pointing to foreign exchange market liberalisation and efforts to stabilise the naira against the US dollar.

    Amnesty International urged the police to respect fundamental rights and facilitate peaceful political gatherings, irrespective of the political affiliations of participants.

  • SERAP sues CBN over alleged unaccounted $6.23m election funds, ₦1.63tn in other public funds

    SERAP sues CBN over alleged unaccounted $6.23m election funds, ₦1.63tn in other public funds

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), seeking an order compelling the apex bank to account for $6.23 million in allegedly unaccounted-for election funds and more than ₦1.63 trillion in other public funds flagged in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 report.

    The suit follows findings contained in Volume II of the Auditor-General’s 2023 Annual Report, published on August 7, 2026, covering issues recorded between January and December 2023.

    SERAP is asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the CBN to explain the whereabouts and use of the funds, disclose the beneficiaries and repayment status of affected loans, and reveal measures taken to investigate alleged financial irregularities and recover outstanding amounts.

    The organisation is also seeking the identification of officials responsible for approving and disbursing the funds, as well as details of any disciplinary or administrative action taken.

    In the suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/2450/2026 and filed last Friday, SERAP is further asking the court to order the CBN to disclose records relating to seven boxes of currency notes awaiting examination, unserviceable vehicles reportedly abandoned at its Lagos branch and a bullion van at its Abeokuta branch.

    According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report identified several areas requiring explanation, including:

    • $6.23 million: Payments linked to an election-funding request purportedly made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, which the Auditor-General said required investigation.
    • ₦1.25 trillion: Intervention loans granted to state governments that the CBN reportedly failed to recover.
    • ₦116.18 billion: Loans to distressed and liquidated banks that were reportedly not recovered.
    • ₦262.86 billion: Funds disbursed under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, for which the CBN reportedly failed to provide a complete list of beneficiaries and an assessment of the programme’s impact.

    The Auditor-General reportedly raised concerns that some of the funds could have been lost or diverted to private purposes and recommended recovery of outstanding amounts and their remittance to the treasury.

    On the alleged election-funding payments, the report said the CBN’s internal audit had disclosed that the money was spent following a request purportedly made by Buhari. However, the bank reportedly failed to provide its investigation report to the audit team for scrutiny and confirmation.

    The report also raised concerns over the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, saying some funds remained with participating “anchors”, potentially undermining the programme’s food-security objectives.

    SERAP argued that public institutions, including the CBN, must remain subject to constitutional oversight, statutory accounting requirements and public scrutiny.

    “The accountability of public institutions, including the CBN, is a crucial pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy,” the organisation said in its suit.

    It added that the allegations raised fundamental questions about the custody, expenditure, safeguarding and recovery of public resources.

    SERAP also argued that the CBN’s institutional independence should not exempt it from financial audits, transparency requirements or investigations into credible allegations of fraud and financial misconduct.

    The organisation cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the CBN Act 2007 and the United Nations Convention against Corruption in support of its position.

    It maintained that the bank had a legal obligation to account for the amounts identified by the Auditor-General, explain the basis for the transactions, identify the individuals or entities that received the funds and disclose steps taken to investigate and recover any money found to have been improperly paid or lost.

    Beyond the disputed funds, the Auditor-General reportedly raised concerns about seven boxes of currency notes awaiting examination, warning that the failure to account for them could lead to mismanagement and recommending sanctions for gross misconduct.

    The report also flagged unserviceable vehicles reportedly abandoned at the CBN’s Lagos branch and an unserviceable bullion van at its Abeokuta branch.

    According to the findings cited by SERAP, the condition of the vehicles could hamper branch operations and delay critical currency-related activities. The Auditor-General reportedly requested evidence of their disposal or replacement.

    SERAP said identifying those responsible for any established financial misconduct, recovering missing public funds and ensuring accountability would serve the public interest and help curb the mismanagement of public resources.

    The suit was filed on SERAP’s behalf by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, Andrew Nwankwo and Kelechi Anwu.

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the case.

    As of the time of filling this report, the CBN has not issued a statement over the allegations.

  • Nnamdi Kanu reiterates referendum demand, rules out negotiations on Biafra

    Nnamdi Kanu reiterates referendum demand, rules out negotiations on Biafra

    DULUTH, United States (NPA) — The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reiterated his demand for a referendum on Biafra, declaring that he will not negotiate his demand for self-determination.

    Kanu said his position remained unchanged despite his detention and imprisonment, insisting that a referendum was the only subject he was willing to discuss.

    “I will discuss referendum and nothing else,” he said.

    He made the declaration in an address delivered to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) at its 2026 annual convention, held from October 9 to 11 in Duluth, Georgia, United States. The address dated September 30, 2026, obtained by Newpost Africa, was delivered through IPOB’s world headquarters in Langenfeld, Germany.

    In the address, titled “Maka Odi Nma Ndi Igbo — For the Good and Benefit of the Igbo People,” personally signed by him, Kanu rejected proposals for discussions on political appointments, restructuring or further conferences, arguing that the central issue was the right of Biafrans to decide their political future through a free vote.

    He described his objective as achieving a peaceful Biafran homeland, stressing that his demand was rooted in self-determination rather than revenge or disorder.

    “I will not negotiate the existence of my people. I will not bargain our homeland into a committee,” he said.

    Kanu Praises AVID’s Support

    The IPOB leader commended AVID, its president, Dr Sylvester Onyia, and other supporters for standing by him during his detention and legal proceedings.

    He specifically praised Onyia for attending court sittings and travelling to Abuja in support of his release, describing the efforts as acts of sacrifice and commitment.

    Kanu also acknowledged the contributions of Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, urging the groups to sustain their support for his release and that of other Biafrans he described as unjustly detained.

    He further praised AVID for writing to British officials, including the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, as well as the United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria, over his detention and legal case.

    Kanu criticised the legal proceedings against him, alleging that his conviction was based on repealed laws and the reversal of an earlier acquittal.

    Rejects Compromise on Biafra

    Reaffirming his position on Biafran self-determination, Kanu said he would not accept any political arrangement that excluded a referendum.

    “Referendum. That is the conversation. That is the settlement. That is the peace,” he declared.

    He also referred to his previous arrests in Nigeria and his arrest in Kenya, describing the latter as a kidnapping and rendition.

    Kanu said his time in solitary confinement had not weakened his resolve, adding that his ultimate objective remained what he called the total freedom of Biafra.

    Addressing members of AVID, he urged them to continue advocating for self-determination through what he described as lawful and honourable means.

    He also called on supporters to remain committed to the cause rather than leave the struggle to future generations.

    “I am not available for any bargain that leaves Biafra unnamed. I am available for a referendum. I am available for the work of a free people,” he said.

    Kanu offered prayers for the memory of those who had died in the struggle.