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  • JUST IN: Sowore returns to Nigeria, AAC says 2027 campaign begins

    JUST IN: Sowore returns to Nigeria, AAC says 2027 campaign begins

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Action Congress (AAC) has announced the return of its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to Nigeria after a trip to the United States, where he visited his family and engaged with Nigerians in the diaspora.

    In a statement on Sunday titled “Sowore returns to Nigeria today — the #Sowore2027 campaign hits the road!”, the party said Sowore would return to Nigeria on Sept. 27, 2026, after what it described as more than 20 months of separation from his family following arrests, detentions, travel restrictions and the seizure of his international passport by Nigerian security agencies.

    The party said Sowore’s trip to the United States included engagements with Nigerians in the diaspora, participation in a solidarity march for Palestine in New York and advocacy for diaspora voting.

    AAC said Sowore believed Nigerians living abroad should have the right to vote and that a Sowore administration would seek to implement diaspora voting in 2027.

    According to the statement, Sowore was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos before proceeding to Abuja, where he would continue to face a cybercrime case instituted against him by the State Security Service (SSS) in 2025.

    The party said his return would be followed by campaign activities across the country as it seeks to take its message to Nigerians in cities and rural communities.

    It listed workers, students, women, young people, farmers, traders, professionals, the unemployed and other groups among those it intends to engage.

    AAC said the 2027 election should represent what it described as a decisive break from the “old order”, outlining its campaign message around equal rights, justice, peace, security, progress and economic prosperity.

    The party concluded by declaring that Sowore’s return marked the continuation of its campaign and movement ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • NDLEA, UAE’s NDEA sign MoU to deepen anti-narcotics cooperation

    NDLEA, UAE’s NDEA sign MoU to deepen anti-narcotics cooperation

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen cooperation against drug trafficking between the two countries.

    The agreement was signed on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, on the sidelines of the ongoing 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the agreement as the culmination of years of engagement between the two agencies.

    Marwa said the MoU would deepen intelligence sharing and joint enforcement action along the Nigeria-UAE corridor.

    According to a statement signed by NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, between 2021 and 2026, the agency intercepted about 354.7kg of illicit drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, tramadol, rohypnol, ecstasy and khat, concealed in consignments destined for the UAE.

    He said the seizures resulted in the arrest and prosecution of 47 suspects, underscoring the need for stronger cooperation between the two countries.

    Marwa also highlighted NDLEA’s nationwide record between January 2021 and July 2026, including more than 91,000 arrests, among them 243 suspected drug barons; seizure of over 15.5 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals; and 16,469 convictions.

    He added that more than 53,000 drug users had received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation, while the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign had reached nearly 5.9 million Nigerians through community and school engagements.

    The NDLEA chairman said the new partnership would build on existing cooperation, including the exchange of liaison personnel, sharing of operational information and technical collaboration.

    He added that the UAE planned to provide Nigerian travellers with a comprehensive list of prohibited items to help prevent inadvertent violations.

    The Chairman of NDEA, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to disrupt trafficking networks exploiting the strong trade, travel and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

    He described the MoU as a natural progression of an already productive relationship between the two agencies.

    Both agencies expressed confidence that the agreement would lead to stronger intelligence sharing, more effective joint operations and the dismantling of trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria-UAE corridor.

    They said the partnership was in line with the shared global responsibility to combat organised drug trafficking championed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

  • Nigeria Customs, UK HMRC move to finalise mutual assistance agreement

    Nigeria Customs, UK HMRC move to finalise mutual assistance agreement

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the UK’s His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are working to finalise a Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement (CMAA) to strengthen information sharing, compliance and trade facilitation between both countries.

    The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Strategic, Research and Policy, Nafi’u Isyaku, who represented Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a bilateral meeting with an HMRC delegation on Friday in Abuja.

    Isyaku said negotiations had been conducted virtually for about six months before both sides met physically at the NCS headquarters in Maitama to resolve outstanding issues ahead of the proposed signing in December.

    “We decided to come here in person so that we can finalise the negotiations before the final signing, which hopefully is coming up in the first week of December during the World Customs Organisation Policy Commission meeting,” he said.

    HMRC Senior Policy Adviser, Syed Moinuddin, said the meeting provided an opportunity for both customs administrations to strengthen cooperation and establish a framework reflecting their mutual interests.

    Louisa Bentley, HMRC Head of Bilateral Relations and Agreements, said the two-day negotiations were successful and that both sides were close to finalising the agreement.

    She said the agreement would improve compliance and information sharing between the two administrations while supporting trade facilitation and expanding opportunities for both countries in global trade.

    Bentley also commended NCS reforms after touring key facilities at its headquarters, including the Trade Modernisation Project Limited office, Pre-Arrival Assessment Report office and Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network station.

    “We have seen significant developments in technology and personnel training,” she said, adding that the reforms would support more modern and efficient trade processes.

    The bilateral meeting, held from Thursday to Friday, ended with a tour of key NCS departments and units to showcase ongoing reforms and operational developments.

  • LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles in crackdown on one-way driving, illegal garages

    LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles in crackdown on one-way driving, illegal garages

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has intensified enforcement operations across identified traffic flashpoints in the state, impounding 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic violations during a weekend crackdown in Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.

    The enforcement exercise was aimed at restoring order and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations, particularly along corridors where persistent violations by motorists and commercial bus operators have continued to affect road safety and the free flow of traffic.

    In a statement on Sunday, LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, said the agency was particularly concerned about the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.

    He described the practice as dangerous, saying motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge could have little or no warning that a commercial vehicle was unlawfully reversing against the prescribed direction of traffic.

    According to LASTMA, such manoeuvres could result in serious collisions, injuries and fatalities.

    The enforcement operation, however, encountered resistance from some individuals, with LASTMA personnel reportedly assaulted and injured while carrying out their duties.

    The agency said some individuals who attacked its personnel and damaged operational vehicles were apprehended.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the enforcement as a necessary intervention to curb what he called a growing culture of impunity among some road users and restore discipline along critical traffic corridors.

    Bakare-Oki reiterated that the agency had repeatedly warned transport operators, commercial bus drivers and other road users against using under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and unauthorised locations as illegal garages.

    He said such practices obstruct effective traffic management and pose risks to public safety.

    The general manager said the sustained enforcement campaign was aimed at ensuring compliance with traffic regulations, deterring hazardous driving practices and protecting the lives and property of motorists, commuters, pedestrians and other road users.

    He stressed that no individual or group would be allowed to appropriate public roads, bridges or under-bridge spaces for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs or garage operations.

    LASTMA consequently urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other stakeholders to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the occupation of unauthorised garages or under-bridge locations.

    The agency warned that further violations would attract appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with Lagos State traffic laws.

    Members of the public were also urged to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists and other traffic-related violations through the LASTMA toll-free short code 3367, to enable the agency to respond promptly and prevent avoidable incidents across the state’s road network.

  • BREAKING: SERAP gives CBN seven days to account for alleged $6.23m election funds, ₦1.63trn others

    BREAKING: SERAP gives CBN seven days to account for alleged $6.23m election funds, ₦1.63trn others

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Olayemi Cardoso, and the apex bank seven days to account for $6.23 million in allegedly diverted or unaccounted-for election funds and more than ₦1.63 trillion in other public funds, or face legal action.

    The organisation made the demand in a letter dated Sept. 26, 2026, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare.

    According to SERAP, the allegations are documented in Volume II of the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 Annual Report, published on Aug. 7, 2026. The organisation said the findings variously covered the period from January to December 2023.

    SERAP said the funds include more than ₦1.25 trillion in unrecovered CBN intervention loans to state governments; ₦116.18 billion in unrecovered loans to distressed and liquidated banks; ₦262.86 billion disbursed under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme; and $6.23 million in payments linked to an alleged fraudulent election-funding request purportedly made by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    SERAP urged Cardoso and the CBN to disclose details of the beneficiaries of the intervention loans, amounts disbursed and measures taken to recover the funds.

    The organisation also demanded an account of the ₦262.86 billion disbursed under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, including the names and number of beneficiaries and participating “Anchors”, amounts disbursed, utilisation, monitoring arrangements and recovery measures.

    On the alleged election-funding payment, SERAP asked the CBN to account for the $6.23 million reportedly spent following a purported request for election funding by Buhari and publish the findings of any internal investigation into the alleged fraud.

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

    The organisation said the scale and nature of the findings required “urgent, independent and transparent action”, raising questions about the custody, expenditure, accounting, safeguarding and recovery of public resources.

    According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s findings raise concerns about the management and accountability of public resources and potential violations of the 1999 Constitution, national anti-corruption laws and Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption.

    SERAP called for credible investigations capable of establishing the facts, identifying those responsible and securing recovery where public funds were unlawfully lost.

    It also urged the CBN to refer suspected criminal conduct to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other competent authorities where necessary.

    The organisation called for an independent forensic reconciliation of the sums identified by the Auditor-General, involving relevant oversight and law-enforcement institutions where necessary, and urged the preservation of records relating to the transactions and investigations.

    SERAP said the CBN’s institutional independence should not be interpreted as immunity from constitutional audit, statutory accounting requirements, public financial oversight or investigation of credible allegations of financial misconduct.

    According to the organisation, the Auditor-General reportedly found that the CBN failed to recover ₦1.252 trillion in intervention loans granted to various states in 2023.

    SERAP said the Auditor-General expressed concern that the funds might have been diverted to private purposes and recommended their recovery and remittance to the treasury.

    The organisation also cited an alleged failure by the CBN to recover ₦116.18 billion in loans granted to distressed and liquidated banks and to provide audited or draft financial statements and schedules of recoveries and outstanding balances for audit scrutiny.

    On the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, SERAP said the Auditor-General reported that ₦262.86 billion had been spent to support farmers but that some of the funds remained with participating “Anchors”, potentially undermining the programme’s food-security objectives.

    The organisation further said the CBN had failed to provide the list and number of beneficiaries and the programme’s impact for audit assessment or recover the outstanding funds.

    SERAP also cited an alleged failure by the CBN to investigate a reported fraud involving ₦6.23 million at its Abuja Branch.

    According to the organisation, the CBN’s internal audit reportedly found that the money was spent based on a request for election funding purportedly made by Buhari. SERAP said the Auditor-General reported that the CBN did not provide its investigation report for scrutiny and feared that the funds could have been lost or fraudulently paid.

    The organisation also highlighted other findings attributed to the Auditor-General, including the alleged failure to account for seven boxes of Awaiting Examination (A/E) currency notes, as well as concerns over unserviceable vehicles abandoned at the CBN’s Lagos and Abeokuta branch offices.

    SERAP said the Auditor-General warned that the issues could affect branch operations and recommended sanctions or evidence of disposal and replacement of the affected vehicles.

    The organisation cited constitutional provisions requiring the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power, as well as provisions of the CBN Act 2007 concerning the bank’s accounts, assets, financial reporting, management and audit.

    SERAP also cited Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption, particularly provisions relating to anti-corruption policies and the proper management of public affairs and public funds.

    The organisation said identifying those responsible, ensuring that suspected perpetrators are brought to justice and recovering missing or unaccounted-for public funds would serve the public interest.

    It added that Nigerians had a right to know the whereabouts and status of public funds identified in the Auditor-General’s report.

  • Zulum receives 2026 Quintessence Pan-African Top Leadership Award

    Zulum receives 2026 Quintessence Pan-African Top Leadership Award

    MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has received the 2026 Quintessence Pan-African Top Leadership Award, dedicating the honour to the resilient people of Borno and Nigerians working to restore dignity and opportunity in their communities.

    According to a statement by Dauda Iliya, Spokesperson and Media Adviser to the governor, the Quintessence Award is presented annually to one African leader and one African-American leader for distinguished accomplishments in their fields and outstanding contributions to African history and heritage.

    This year’s edition was chaired by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Among those who attended the ceremony were Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sanusi II; Nigeria’s ambassador to Ethiopia; the Consul General of Nigeria in Atlanta; and former Minister of Finance, Dr Mansur Mukhtar.

    Speaking at the ceremony on Friday in New Jersey, Zulum said the recognition was “not for me alone”, but for everyone who had worked to turn ideas into action and improve people’s lives.

    “This recognition is not for me alone, but for the resilient people of Borno, every Nigerian and African who has worked tirelessly to turn ideas into action, and to bring dignity to the lives of our people,” Zulum said.

    The governor said his upbringing in a farming community in Mafa Local Government Area shaped his belief that leadership should create opportunities for others, particularly children whose potential might otherwise go unnoticed.

    “Leadership is not about grand titles, but about building ladders of opportunity so everyone can climb,” he said.

    Reflecting on Borno’s recovery from the Boko Haram insurgency, Zulum said his administration had focused on rebuilding homes, schools, healthcare facilities and other public infrastructure.

    According to the governor, his administration has reconstructed more than 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities since he assumed office in 2019.

    He said 326 projects were completed in the administration’s first year, including more than 6,000 houses for families affected by the conflict, adding that more than 1,000 capital projects had been delivered over the past six years.

    Zulum also urged Nigerians and other Africans in the diaspora to invest not only their money but also their skills and ideas in businesses, education and healthcare back home.

    He described Africa’s greatest asset as its young people and called for greater investment in their education, health and creativity.

    “I call on you to invest back home — not just your capital, but your skills and ideas,” he said. “Every factory you build, every school you help fund, is an investment in Africa’s greatest resource: our people.”

    The governor said remittances provide vital support to families but argued that channeling even a portion of such funds into factories, schools and clinics could generate broader economic and social benefits.

    He encouraged members of the diaspora and international partners to support start-ups, technology hubs, teacher training and stronger institutions across Africa.

    Describing leadership as service rather than status, Zulum urged teachers, healthcare workers, business owners and others to make a difference in their communities without waiting for official titles.

    “My message today is that leaders are enablers, not distant rulers,” Zulum said.

    The governor was accompanied at the event by the First Lady of Borno State, Dr Falmata Babagana Zulum; Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development, Partnership and Humanitarian Support, Dr Mairo Mandara; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Zuwaira Gambo; and Chairman, Governing Board of Kashim Ibrahim Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo.

  • ICYMI: NIMC debunks viral claims of NIN data breach

    ICYMI: NIMC debunks viral claims of NIN data breach

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed as false claims circulating on social media alleging that the National Identification Number (NIN) database had been breached.

    In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke (PhD), on Sept. 23, 2026, the commission described the claim as unfounded and a recycled report dating back to 2024.

    NIMC said the National Identity Database (NIDB) had not been breached or compromised and reaffirmed that it maintains a multi-layered security architecture to protect citizens’ identity information.

    The commission also highlighted the recent launch of NIN Authentication (NINAuth), a service designed to enable secure identity verification for government and private-sector services.

    According to NIMC, NINAuth requires the explicit consent of the NIN holder before verification can take place. It added that the commission does not store or share citizens’ financial or transaction data through the service.

    NIMC said its data protection practices comply with the NIMC Act, 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, which provide for the fair, lawful and transparent handling of citizens’ personal data.

    The commission said it would continue to work with relevant security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen its systems and public engagement efforts aimed at combating misinformation.

    NIMC urged members of the public to disregard the viral claims and obtain information about the National Identity Database and NIN services only through its official channels.

    It said members of the public with questions or concerns about their data could contact the commission through its official website.

  • NDPC highlights data protection, AI governance at CAC annual retreat

    NDPC highlights data protection, AI governance at CAC annual retreat

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has highlighted the need for strong data protection, artificial intelligence (AI) governance and cybersecurity frameworks as public institutions adopt advanced digital technologies.

    The National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, was represented by officers from the Commission’s IT and Cybersecurity Department, Mr Abubakar Bello Adamu and Mr Abubakar Mahmud, at the 2026 Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Annual Retreat.

    The retreat, themed “Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Scale: Advancing an Intelligent Corporate Registry for Efficient and Trusted Service Delivery,” examined practical approaches to integrating modern automated systems into public registries while ensuring data privacy, AI governance and cybersecurity safeguards.

    In a joint presentation titled “Data Protection & AI Governance,” Adamu and Mahmud said data protection principles under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act), must extend to AI training processes.

    They stressed the importance of conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk automated decision-making and highlighted the need for a multi-layered governance framework.

    According to them, such a framework should include human-in-the-loop oversight, algorithmic auditability and transparent model controls to safeguard citizens’ rights.

    The NDPC representatives reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to continuous regulatory oversight, robust risk management and strategic inter-agency collaboration.

    They said these measures were essential to building public trust and ensuring that technology adoption across public institutions remained secure, inclusive and privacy-centric.

  • BREAKING: TCN restores power supply to Kukwaba after emergency maintenance

    BREAKING: TCN restores power supply to Kukwaba after emergency maintenance

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Electricity consumers in Kukwaba, within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), can now breathe a sigh of relief following the restoration of power supply to the area by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    TCN said the restoration followed emergency maintenance on a 60MVA power transformer at the Kukwaba 132/33kV Transmission Substation.

    According to the company, the transformer was opened and isolated at 1:35 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, to enable its maintenance crew to replace a faulty blue-phase circuit breaker pole on the 33kV L31 feeder.

    In a service restoration update issued on Friday, TCN management said the maintenance work had been successfully completed and the transformer restored to service at 8:31 p.m. on Thursday.

    “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public that it successfully restored the 60MVA power transformer at the Kukwaba 132/33kV Transmission Substation at 8:31pm yesterday, September 24, 2026, following an emergency maintenance.

    “The transformer was opened and isolated at 1:35 pm on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to enable TCN’s maintenance crew replace a faulty blue-phase circuit breaker pole on the 33kV L31 feeder.

    “The maintenance work has been successfully completed, and the transformer has been restored to service.

    “TCN appreciates the understanding of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) customers affected by the power interruption during the maintenance exercise.”

    TCN said the restoration brings an end to the power interruption experienced by affected AEDC customers during the maintenance exercise.

  • ICYMI: LAWMA to arrest, prosecute buyers patronising illegal roadside traders

    ICYMI: LAWMA to arrest, prosecute buyers patronising illegal roadside traders

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced plans to arrest and prosecute people who buy goods from traders operating illegally on roads, medians, setbacks, walkways and other unauthorised public spaces across the state.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this at the Authority’s headquarters on Tuesday, saying the measure would take effect from next week.

    According to a statement signed by Mukaila Sanusi, Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, the enforcement is part of a renewed strategy to curb illegal trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and obstruction of public infrastructure.

    Gbadegesin said enforcement would no longer target only illegal traders, as people who patronise such activities by purchasing goods from them would also be held accountable under Section 151(2) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.

    “The law does not only prohibit illegal street trading. It also makes it an offence to buy goods exposed or offered for sale in prohibited places. From next week, anyone found buying from traders operating on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks or other unauthorised spaces will be arrested, alongside the traders, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

    He added that anyone convicted of the offence could face a fine of N90,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

    Gbadegesin said illegal roadside and median markets often generate waste that ends up in drains, roads and other public spaces, obstructing drainage channels, worsening traffic conditions and creating public health risks.

    “Our objective is to stop the cycle that allows illegal trading and indiscriminate waste disposal to return after enforcement operations. Traders occupy public spaces because people continue to patronise them. Buyers must understand that their actions sustain the problem and that they are also accountable under the law,” he said.

    The LAWMA boss said the Authority was also strengthening waste collection in inner streets and communities around previously cleared dumping hotspots, adding that identified service gaps would be addressed.

    He warned that deliberate dumping, redumping and patronage of illegal markets would attract enforcement, while urging residents and businesses to patronise recognised markets and use approved waste collection channels.

    Gbadegesin said personal convenience should not come at the expense of public health, environmental sanitation, road safety and the orderly use of Lagos’ shared spaces.

    He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement, stakeholder engagement and improved waste collection services as part of efforts to eliminate open dumping and achieve a cleaner Lagos.