New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • LASG Commends JOHESU for Suspending Strike, Appreciates Residents’ Patience

    LASG Commends JOHESU for Suspending Strike, Appreciates Residents’ Patience

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): The Lagos State Government has welcomed the decision of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to suspend their recent strike, which had disrupted healthcare services across state-owned hospitals. Officials described the move as “a demonstration of goodwill and shared responsibility toward safeguarding public healthcare in Nigeria’s commercial capital.”

    The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, speaking after a meeting between government representatives and union executives, commended JOHESU for embracing dialogue and constructive engagement. He noted that both parties agreed to sustain discussions while the union convenes its congress to formally communicate resolutions and restore normalcy in public healthcare facilities.

    Ayantayo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing JOHESU’s demands for improved welfare benefits within established regulations and agreed timelines. He stressed that the administration remains dedicated to equitable treatment, better working conditions, and sustainable welfare programs for health sector employees.

    The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their roles in facilitating the resolution. He extended appreciation to residents for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during the strike, assuring the public of uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services going forward.

    JOHESU in Lagos had joined a nationwide strike earlier in 2026, which lasted about 84 days. The industrial action severely affected public hospitals, leading to disrupted services, increased workload on doctors, patient suffering and delays, heightened public health concerns, and economic strain as families turned to costly private healthcare while public hospitals lost revenue. The strike also strained trust between health workers and government authorities.

  • Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigerian media organisation Newpost Africa Media Publishing® (Newpost Africa) has announced its return following a successful restructuring process. The relaunch underscores the company’s renewed commitment to delivering journalism of the highest standards—anchored in integrity, balance, and diversity.

    Positioning itself as “Nigeria’s independent, world-class media organisation”, Newpost Africa emphasized its founding principles of strict editorial neutrality, an uncompromising stance against propaganda, and reporting that informs without bias or distortion. The organisation stressed that credible journalism is indispensable to democratic societies and informed citizenship.

    In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, Newpost Africa encouraged stakeholders and readers to actively engage with its mission. “By sharing perspectives and experiences, you contribute to a platform that values truth, dialogue, and collective responsibility in shaping the public record,” the statement read.

    Driven by a team of seasoned professionals and supported by a global network of journalists and writers, Newpost Africa said it is well-positioned to deliver timely coverage of rapidly evolving stories with speed, clarity, and analytical depth—while maintaining accuracy and editorial discipline.

    Its editorial focus remains firmly on Nigeria and the African continent, ensuring accountability from policymakers, institutions, and power brokers. At the same time, the organisation pledged to continue reporting on international developments that shape Africa’s place in the global context.

    The relaunch, according to the statement, is not merely a return but a reaffirmation of purpose and a strategic commitment to excellence in journalism. “This relaunch is a reaffirmation of our mission to uphold the highest standards of journalism and to serve as a trusted voice in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” the organisation noted.

  • Section One of Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Set for May Commissioning

    Section One of Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Set for May Commissioning

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that the first section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be commissioned in May 2026.

    Umahi made the disclosure on Saturday, February 21, 2026, during an inspection of the project, which is designed to connect Lagos in the southwest to the South-South and South-East regions.

    Engineering Challenges and Progress

    According to a statement by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works (Media), Umahi highlighted the administration’s determination under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver transformative infrastructure despite difficult terrain and environmental challenges. He noted that deep soil conditions, with pits reaching over 20 metres, had tested engineering limits but were being successfully managed.

    The minister praised HITECH Construction Company for its resilience, explaining that unexpected soil discoveries were being addressed at the contractor’s cost without any upward review of the project sum. “No other contractor can bear this kind of risk. You have proven that you are not working for money, but for the success of the country,” Umahi said.

    Road Opening Timeline

    Umahi disclosed that the 3-kilometre stretch currently under inspection is nearing completion, with sub-filling expected to be concluded within days. Once opened, motorists will be able to drive seamlessly from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki, with access extending toward the Dangote Refinery axis as work progresses on Section Two.

    Nigeria Calabar Coastal Highway.
    Credit: Facebook / Francis Nwaze

    Security and Public Conduct

    The minister condemned acts of vandalism along the corridor, including the cutting of metal fences and dumping of refuse into manholes, warning that such behaviour endangers lives and infrastructure. He commended security agencies for their vigilance and assured that offenders would be prosecuted.

    Broader Reform Agenda

    Umahi linked the project’s success to the broader reform agenda of the Tinubu administration, stressing that it represents national development rather than the efforts of a single institution. He pointed to recent macroeconomic indicators—including naira stability, foreign reserves at $49 billion, and inflation reduced to about 15%—as evidence of progress.

    “These are not magical. They are evidence of the hand of God upon the president,” Umahi said, urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms and infrastructure initiatives. He called for responsible public engagement, emphasizing that the project transcends personalities and institutions.

  • INEC Disassociates From Fraudulent Online Recruitment, Warns Citizens

    INEC Disassociates From Fraudulent Online Recruitment, Warns Citizens

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from an online recruitment scheme falsely attributed to the commission.

    A fake website, https://tinyurl.com/INEC-Ad-hoc-Staff-Recruitment, had circulated claims of an ongoing recruitment exercise. In a statement issued on Saturday, INEC clarified that the site is “fake, misleading, and not authorized by the Commission.”

    “The Commission did not approve or originate the link currently circulating as ‘INEC Ad-hoc Staff Recruitment 2026,’” the statement read. INEC urged citizens not to submit personal information through the fraudulent platform, stressing that all official recruitment announcements are made exclusively via its verified website and official communication channels.

    The commission advised the public to disregard the link and remain vigilant against online scams. For further enquiries, INEC provided official contact numbers: 09050858629, 09050858675, and 09050858649.

    Fraudulent recruitment schemes are common in Nigeria, fueled by high unemployment rates. Such scams often exploit the names of government institutions and established brands to deceive unsuspecting individuals into parting with money or exposing personal data.

  • ADC Condemns Wike’s Presence at FCT Polling Units, Raises Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement

    ADC Condemns Wike’s Presence at FCT Polling Units, Raises Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the presence of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike at polling units during Saturday’s elections for chairmen of the six Area Councils, including the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

    In a statement issued by party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described Wike’s movements under the guise of “monitoring” as interference in the electoral process. The party argued that Wike, who is not a registered voter in the FCT, has no constitutional role in the exercise. “His presence during active voting is not only vexatious and meddlesome, but also risks intimidating voters and officials,” the statement read.

    Earlier, in its situation report, the ADC alleged emerging irregularities in parts of the FCT, claiming several voters reported that their names were missing from the register at multiple polling units. In a video circulating online, affected citizens alleged that names of individuals who voted for the Labour Party in the last election had been removed from the system in about 12 polling units. “These voters insist they are duly registered and participated in the previous election, yet they are now unable to find their details on the register. This development, if verified, raises serious concerns about voter disenfranchisement and the integrity of the electoral process. We call on INEC to urgently investigate these complaints, clarify the situation, and ensure that no eligible voter is denied their constitutional right to vote. Democracy must be protected. Every valid vote must count,” the party stated.

    The ADC also expressed concern over reports of voter suppression and intimidation in parts of the FCT, alleging collaboration between APC agents and some security personnel.

    On the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the party pointed to disruptions on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which it said remained inaccessible even as results were being collated. “We find this a curious coincidence and call on INEC to urgently restore full IReV functionality, with a clear public explanation of the disruption,” Abdullahi added.

    The party urged its agents and supporters to remain calm but vigilant, and to document any irregularities observed during the process.

  • Peter Mbah Commends Peaceful APC Local Government Congresses in Nkanu East and West

    Peter Mbah Commends Peaceful APC Local Government Congresses in Nkanu East and West

    ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA): Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has expressed satisfaction with the smooth and peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congresses in Nkanu East and Nkanu West.

    In a statement on Saturday, Mbah described the exercise as “democracy at its most peaceful and purposeful,” noting that the congresses were marked by unity rather than division. “Party faithful came together, spoke with one voice, and affirmed consensus—a reminder that true leadership begins with harmony and shared vision,” he said.

    The governor emphasized that what distinguished the congresses was not only the orderly process but also the spirit of collective responsibility. “When people put the common good above personal ambition, institutions grow stronger and governance becomes more meaningful,” he added.

    Mbah commended APC leaders and members across Enugu State for demonstrating maturity, discipline, and unity, stressing that such values form the foundation for delivering the dividends of democracy to citizens.

    The APC is currently conducting local government congresses nationwide as part of its internal party processes to elect officials at various levels. These congresses aim to strengthen party structures, deepen grassroots participation, and prepare for upcoming state congresses and the national convention.

  • FG Moves to Establish Armed Forces Medical College

    FG Moves to Establish Armed Forces Medical College

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report): The Federal Government says it has advanced plans to establish the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences (AFCOM&HS) to strengthen military healthcare services.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja by Folasade Boriowo, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.

    Boriowo said the initiative would also address manpower shortages within the Armed Forces and expand Nigeria’s overall medical training capacity.

    She quoted the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, as disclosing this development at a high-level meeting with the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, and other stakeholders.

    In attendance at the meeting were the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle.

    Alausa said the proposed college aligned with the Federal Government’s reform agenda, particularly efforts to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematica and Medical Sciences Education’.

    He said the college would provide a structured and sustainable pipeline of military-trained doctors, surgeons, trauma specialists, emergency response medics and allied health professionals.

    According to him, Nigeria faces a growing shortage of medical professionals amid a population of over 240 million people.

    He said the country had a deficit of about 340,000 doctors, stressing the need for scalable and innovative training models.

    Alausa said the ministry had doubled annual medical school admissions from about 5,000 to nearly 10,000.

    He added that projections were underway to increase the figure to about 19,000 annually in the coming years.

    The minister said the new college would form a critical component of the expansion strategy.

    He said in compliance with the Federal Government’s seven-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions, the Nigerian Defence Academy would establish the college within its existing framework.

    According to him, the institution will be located in Lagos State and linked to accredited federal and military hospitals for clinical trainings.

    Alausa said trainings would be anchored at designated military medical facilities, including the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital and the 661 Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Lagos.

    He said medical cadets would undergo an eight-year programme comprising six years of academic training, one year of military training and one year of housemanship.

    The minister said the graduates would be equipped with medical expertise, discipline, leadership skills and operational readiness for military service.

    He added that a Technical Working Group had been constituted to ensure regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

    According to him, its members include representatives of the Ministries of Education and Defence, the Nigerian Defence Academy and relevant professional and regulatory bodies.

    He said the objective was to ensure that admissions commence by October or November 2026.

    Alausa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for human capital development and national security.

    He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with its defence and regulatory partners to deliver the initiative in compliance with the extant national standards and global best practices. (NAN).

  • Southeast’s City Boy Movement Holds Inaugural Strategy Session

    Southeast’s City Boy Movement Holds Inaugural Strategy Session

    ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA (NPA): The Southeast Nigeria chapter of the City Boy Movement (CBM)—a sociopolitical group supporting the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027—held its inaugural strategy session in Oba, Anambra State, on Saturday, February 20, 2026. The meeting was chaired by the Southeast Coordinator of the group, Chief Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana.

    In a statement issued by Uche Nworah, Ph.D., Director of Media and Publicity for the Southeast chapter, the session brought together zonal officers, state coordinators, and other key stakeholders aligned with the group’s mission. Addressing members, Chief Iyiegbu urged them to embrace selflessness, stressing that supporting President Tinubu also advances the cause of the Igbo people. “We must understand that what we are doing is for the development of Alaigbo. Let’s avoid divisiveness and reject the concept of ‘Igbo enwe eze’ in totality. Let us continue to respect our leaders,” he said.

    Chief Iyiegbu clarified that the City Boy Movement is not limited to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but includes members from across political parties. He emphasized that the group’s purpose in the Southeast is to champion progress and development, noting that stronger ties with the federal government would enhance representation for the region. “We will always carry our people along. I urge all members and sympathizers to use their platforms, especially within their communities, to educate and sensitize our people about the movement and why we are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. All politics is local, and our new model of all-inclusive politics provides a refreshing alternative for our people,” he added.

    Paschal Okechukwu, popularly known as Chief Priest and the Imo State Director of the City Boy Movement, called on members to begin immediate registration and mobilization ahead of a mega empowerment rally scheduled for March 13–14, 2026. He announced that over 5,000 people across the Southeast would benefit from empowerment items, including cash grants, buses, tricycles (keke), mobile phones, and grinding machines.

    The City Boy Movement positions itself as a civic and youth advocacy platform focused on empowering Nigerians through civic engagement, responsible governance, and grassroots participation. However, critics—including members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—have dismissed the group as “opportunistic” and “out of touch,” accusing it of promoting a money-driven campaign rather than addressing pressing challenges such as youth unemployment and insecurity.

    Opponents have contrasted the City Boys with grassroots-focused initiatives like the Village Boys Movement, which prioritize empowerment, education, and voter protection. This tension underscores a broader debate in Nigerian politics: whether urban-centered, campaign-heavy movements can effectively tackle systemic issues, or whether bottom-up, community-based approaches are better suited to address the country’s socio-economic realities.

  • Ebonyi Sports Council Partners SWAN on Sports Development

    Ebonyi Sports Council Partners SWAN on Sports Development

    EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA (Agency Report): The Ebonyi sports council has pledged to collaborate with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi chapter on development in the state.

    The Ebonyi sports council has pledged to collaborate with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi chapter on development in the state.

    The acting director of sports, Alep David made the pledge on Thursday when the state leadership of SWAN paid him a visit in Abakaliki.

    Mr David said that the sporting successes recorded by the state cannot be mentioned without SWAN’s contribution as his leadership would leverage on their contributions.

    “Your contributions in promoting sporting policies and activities in Ebonyi cannot be overlooked and this attests to the attention you are presently receiving from the state government.

    “You played critical roles in the resurgence of football in Ebonyi through the Abakaliki Football Club. This club shocked the soccer world by winning silver in the President Federation Cup in its year of formation,” he said.

    He commended the association for its commitment to promote cricket which has become the sport the state has its highest comparative advantage.

    “Cricket is firmly rooted in the state, being the sport which guarantees medals during regional and national sports events.

    “Such was the guarantee hockey gave the state in the past but cricket has duly taken over. The sports council will collaborate with you to ensure a successful zonal cricket championship which you are planning to organise.,” he said.

    The chairman of SWAN in Ebonyi, Ndubuisi Nwogha, thanked the director for the warm reception, affirming that the association would collaborate with his leadership to achieve overall sporting successes.

    “We have been duly motivated to work with the sports council in effective reportage of sports in the state.

    “We appeal that you expedite action in ensuring that the office allotted to SWAN is given to us immediately,” said Mr Nwogha.

    A former chairman of SWAN, Chukwuemeka Opara, who heads the local organising committee for the zonal cricket championship, said it would commence in April.

    “We are determined to host the best cricket championship in the state and call for the collaboration of all to ensure its success,” he said.

  • EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as Terrorist Organization: What’s Next

    EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as Terrorist Organization: What’s Next

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, following a decision by the Foreign Affairs Council. The move places the IRGC under EU counterterrorism sanctions, including asset freezes and a ban on providing funds or economic resources within member states. In total, 13 individuals and 23 organizations are now subject to restrictive measures under the EU’s terrorist list. The Council emphasized that this regime, established under Common Position 2001/931/CFSP, is distinct from the EU framework implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions targeting Al-Qaida and ISIL/Da’esh. The EU also retains the ability to autonomously apply restrictive measures against groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

    The decision has drawn international reactions. The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the move and urged the United Kingdom to adopt a similar stance. Senior Vice President Adrian Cohen stated: “The Board of Deputies has welcomed the decision by the European Union to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation and has renewed its call for the UK Government to take equivalent action without further delay.”

    Strategically, the designation places the IRGC alongside Al-Qaida and ISIL, signaling that the EU views the Guard not as a legitimate state institution but as a transnational actor of repression and violence. The sanctions severely restrict the IRGC’s ability to operate economically in Europe, while also complicating EU-Iran relations.

    Analysts warn that Tehran may retaliate by limiting European business activity in Iran and reducing cooperation on regional security. The move aligns EU policy more closely with Washington, strengthening transatlantic coordination but heightening risks of further polarization in the Middle East.