New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Nigeria Produces 67% Global Yam Output — FG Says

    Nigeria Produces 67% Global Yam Output — FG Says

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report): The Federal Government says Nigeria accounts for 67 per cent of global yam production, producing 67.2 million metric tonnes annually.

    Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this at the National Yam Advocacy Summit on Thursday in Abuja.

    The summit, themed “Catalysing a National Agenda for Yam Value Chain Transformation and Improved Seed Technologies”, aimed to promote modernisation and increased productivity in the sector.

    Abdullahi noted that in spite of the impressive output, Nigeria meets only part of its estimated national demand of 120 million metric tonnes, leaving a shortfall of over 50 million metric tonnes.

    “This shortfall underscores both the untapped potential of the sector and the urgent need to modernise the yam value chain, increase productivity and leverage Nigeria’s leadership to capture greater domestic and international market opportunities,” he said.

    The minister commended IITA for strengthening the yam value chain, describing yam as a crop that embodies prosperity, rural enterprise and national resilience for millions of Nigerians.

    He said agricultural transformation is a national priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that President Bola Tinubu in 2023 declared a State of Emergency on Food Security, calling for data-driven and coordinated interventions.

    Abdullahi said a high-level technical team developed the programme “Ramping Up Staple Crops Production for Renewed Hope Food Security” in March 2025, leveraging mechanisation, cluster-based farming, post-harvest loss reduction, and market integration.

    “This programme adopts global best practices, leveraging verified data, realistic projections, state-level comparative advantage, mechanisation, cluster-based farming, post-harvest loss reduction and market integration.

    “A key innovation is the categorisation of staple crops into tiers based on national spread, consumption patterns, and strategic importance.

    “Yam is officially classified as a Tier-1 crop, with nationwide demand and consumption, confirming its status as a priority crop central to food security and economic growth”.

    He added that the ministry is committed to farmer training, extension services, access to finance, mechanisation, structured aggregation, and value-added processing, aiming to transform Nigeria into a major exporter of yam products.

    “Government alone cannot transform the yam sector. Success requires collaboration among MDAs, research institutions, private investors, state governments, development partners, farmer cooperatives, and youth agripreneurs,” he said.

    Abdoulaiye Tahirou, IITA Deputy Director General, said the summit seeks to utilise improved seed systems to promote development across the yam value chain, enhance livelihoods, food security, and preserve natural resources.

    “Yam is our crop, and only we can defend it and ensure it is always available for our people,” he said, calling for the scaling up of seed technologies through last-mile seed entrepreneurs.

  • Nigeria Senate Seeks Special Funding for Environment Ministry to Tackle Erosion, Flooding

    Nigeria Senate Seeks Special Funding for Environment Ministry to Tackle Erosion, Flooding

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report): The Senate has called for provision of special funding for Federal Ministry of Environment to tackle erosion, flooding and other environmental challenges across the country.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Sen. Olubiyi Fadeyi, made the call when the ministry officials appeared to defend the 2026 budget of the ministry on Thursday.

    Fadeyi said fund appropriated annually to the ministry and its agencies was ‘very inadequate’ to tackle the environmental issues.

    He listed the issues that required urgent attention to include: environmental management, erosion control, environmental health, forest protection and other forms of environmental degradation.

    Others are: pollution and drainage mitigation as well as coastal flood mitigation.

    He stressed the need for ensuring release of appropriated funds for the discharge of the mandates of the ministry.

    “We must focus on solutions that addresses oil pollution, control tools from the enforcement and clean-up technology and erosion control to protect our lands and the environment,” he said.

    The senator said that efforts should be intensified on coastal flood mitigation, shoreline protection, forestation, land reclamation processes, agriculture and land repair.

    He emphasised the importance of Nigeria meeting its environmental obligations and commitments to climate-related organisations.

    “Doing so will unlock international climate finance and strengthen our global partnerships.

    “This committee remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and impact-raising budgets so that together, we can deliver a cleaner, safer and more resilient Nigeria.

    “This committee shall discharge its constitutional mandate for oversights and ensure that all forests are protected and released to respect climate-related guidelines,” he said.

    The Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal, said that the ministry had the responsibility to care and ensure quality environment for good health and wellbeing of cities and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

    Lawal said that the structure of the 2026 budget proposal was anchored on the needs of the people, agenda of the present administration and the national development plan.

    According to him, it aligns with priority areas of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including unlocking energy for sustainable development and boosting agriculture to achieve food security, among others.

    He said that the ministry was working to address fundamental issues that affect the nation’s forests, saying that the ministry was still expecting release of funds for some of its capital projects.

  • Sahara Reporters Marks 20 Years of Bold Investigative Journalism

    Sahara Reporters Marks 20 Years of Bold Investigative Journalism

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Sahara Reporters, the Nigeria-based online news platform founded in 2006 by activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, has marked its 20th anniversary. Over two decades, the outlet has built a reputation for fearless investigative reporting, exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and political scandals across Africa.

    Known for its citizen-driven journalism, Sahara Reporters has cultivated a loyal following among Nigerians across regions. Its uncompromising style — often challenging government narratives and holding public officials accountable — has earned praise for promoting transparency, while also drawing criticism from authorities and sparking frequent legal battles.

    In a statement, Sowore reflected on the platform’s journey since its launch in New York. “What began as a bold experiment in citizen-driven investigative reporting grew into a disruptive force that challenged entrenched power, amplified unheard voices, and redefined accountability in Nigerian and African media,” he said. “It proved that journalism could be fearless, borderless, and uncompromising.”

    Sowore paid tribute to the platform’s early supporters, including citizen journalists who risked careers to provide evidence, legal experts who defended it against threats, and a support system that sustained its survival.

    Over the years, Sahara Reporters, the honey badger of the Nigeria media industry, has been credited with several landmark investigations, including:

    • The 2013 exposé on former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah’s purchase of two BMW bulletproof cars at inflated prices, which led to her removal from office.
    • Extensive coverage of the Halliburton bribery scandal, keeping international attention on accountability in Nigeria.
    • The 2014 “Ekiti Election Rigging Tapes,” publishing leaked audio of officials allegedly conspiring to manipulate gubernatorial elections.
    • Persistent reporting on police brutality and abuses by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which amplified calls for reform and fueled the #EndSARS protests.
    • Investigations into corruption in Nigeria’s oil sector, including revelations of missing billions in revenue under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    Despite its achievements, Sowore himself has faced repeated legal challenges, often appearing in court or being taken to court as a result of his activism and the platform’s uncompromising reporting.

  • Abuja Residents Head to the Polls for Area Council Elections

    Abuja Residents Head to the Polls for Area Council Elections

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — Voters in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, will head to polling stations tomorrow to elect chairmen for the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

    Unlike in Nigeria’s 36 states, where local government elections are conducted by state electoral commissions, the Abuja council polls are organized and supervised directly by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The 2026 Abuja Area Council elections will be the first overseen by the recently appointed INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan. The conduct of the polls is widely regarded as a litmus test for his leadership and a precursor to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

    Tomorrow’s exercise will cover 2,822 polling units, with approximately 1.6 million registered voters expected to participate.

    Since assuming office in October 2025, Professor Amupitan has pledged to deliver free, fair, and transparent elections, emphasizing the restoration of voter confidence by ensuring that every ballot truly counts.

    The Abuja Area Council elections also come in the wake of controversies and protests surrounding recent amendments to Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act, passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. READ HERE

  • Governor Peter Mbah Inspects Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road Dualisation Project, Commends Progress

    Governor Peter Mbah Inspects Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road Dualisation Project, Commends Progress

    ENUGU, NIGERIA – Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on Friday conducted an unscheduled inspection of the ongoing 44.1-kilometre Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway project being executed by the state government.

    Speaking to reporters after the tour, Governor Mbah expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on what he described as a critical socio-economic infrastructure project for the state. “We have paid close attention to the quality because this will serve as a major highway once completed. We are equally focused on the timeline, as we have given the contractor a strict deadline,” he said.

    Reaffirming the government’s agreement with COMAG Construction, the governor noted that the project is scheduled for completion in October 2026. He explained that his presence on site was to personally verify progress and ensure adherence to timelines and standards. “We do not want to sit back in our offices and later be disappointed. Our team is here to confirm that the project is being executed according to plan. We are satisfied with the speed, and I am confident the contractor will deliver,” Mbah added.

    The governor also highlighted additional measures agreed upon with the contractor, including quick fixes and the establishment of a forward operating base to address emerging needs. He further emphasized his administration’s proactive approach to security, noting his visits to flashpoints across the state to restore public confidence. “The primary responsibility of every government is to ensure the safety of its citizens. That is why I deemed it necessary to visit these areas and put measures in place to eliminate threats,” he said.

    Cosmas Agu, Chief Executive Officer of COMAG Construction, expressed appreciation to the governor for releasing funds promptly, assuring that the company is committed to meeting the October 2026 deadline. “We have the funding, equipment, and experienced engineers on ground. As you can see, we have gone through the road with the governor today, and there is no cause for concern,” Agu stated.

    Since assuming office, Governor Mbah has pursued ambitious development projects under his “Tomorrow is Here” agenda. Enugu State has earned recognition for initiatives such as the Enugu Air project, smart schools, innovation and technology hubs, and other infrastructure designed to drive sustainable growth.

    Earlier this week, the governor commissioned a $20 million Haier Group factory in Enugu, READ MORE HERE further underscoring his administration’s commitment to industrialization and investment. Mbah’s broader vision is to transform Enugu into a leading hub for business, tourism, and quality living, with a target of increasing the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $4.4 billion to at least $30 billion within the next 4 to 8 years.

  • Leave Iran Immediately, Polish PM Donald Tusk Warns Citizens

    Leave Iran Immediately, Polish PM Donald Tusk Warns Citizens

    WARSAW, POLAND (NPA): Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged Polish nationals residing in Iran to leave the country without delay, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East.

    In a statement on Thursday, Tusk cautioned that evacuation could soon become impossible. “Leave immediately. It is possible that in a few hours there will be no option to evacuate from the country,” he said.

    The Prime Minister also advised against travelling to Iran under any circumstances, stressing that the situation could deteriorate rapidly. His warning comes amid heightened military activity in the region, with the United States deploying significant assets near Iran, fuelling fears of a confrontation.

    Iran, for its part, has vowed to retaliate against any U.S. attack and recently conducted military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.

    The developments have placed the Middle East at the centre of international attention, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported READ HERE the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States met on Tuesday in Switzerland, with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi saying the two sides had exchanged views and made progress.

  • Putin Meets Cuban Foreign Minister in Moscow, Says US Restrictions Unacceptable

    Putin Meets Cuban Foreign Minister in Moscow, Says US Restrictions Unacceptable

    Russian President Vladimir Putin met Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Wednesday in the Kremlin, where he said that new restrictions imposed on the communist-run island were “unacceptable”, Russian state news agencies reported.

    A senior Russian diplomat said last week that Moscow would provide aid to Havana, including material assistance, to help navigate a U.S. attempt to starve the island of oil.

    “Now is a special period, new sanctions. You know how we feel about this,” Putin told Rodriguez, according to the TASS news agency. “We do not accept anything like this.”

    The Kremlin chief said relations between Russia and Cuba were developing “on a positive track”, TASS reported.

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Cuban counterpart in a separate meeting on Wednesday that Moscow was urging the U.S. not to impose a full naval blockade on the island and was advocating negotiations instead.

    Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, was quoted as saying by TASS on Wednesday that Moscow did not discuss the Cuba issue with Washington. Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. concluded trilateral peace talks in Geneva earlier on Wednesday.

  • Bobi Wine Pays Tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Vows Steadfastness in Uganda’s Struggle

    Bobi Wine Pays Tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Vows Steadfastness in Uganda’s Struggle

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, has paid tribute to American civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away on 17 February 2026. Wine, the presidential candidate of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Uganda’s last election, described Jackson as a towering figure whose life embodied the universal struggle for human rights.

    In a statement issued Wednesday, Wine said Jackson “taught us that the struggle for human rights is a universal calling to humanity as a whole. He also taught us that ordinary people, when organised and courageous, can successfully confront and topple or force to reform entrenched systems of injustice.”

    Wine, who has faced persistent harassment from state operatives since President Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term in January 2026, noted that Jackson’s life was a reminder that “moral courage will always outlive oppression. Despite facing hostility and imprisonment, he never abandoned his belief in the power of the people.” He added that peaceful struggle, as Jackson embodied, can bring about meaningful change if citizens remain resolute.

    The musician-turned-politician has endured years of confrontation with the Ugandan state:

    • 2017 – Wins Kyadondo East parliamentary seat, drawing government scrutiny.
    • 2018 – Arrested and charged with treason after protests in Arua; alleges torture in custody, sparking international condemnation.
    • 2019–2020 – Multiple concerts banned; files a case with the Uganda Human Rights Commission over restrictions on his music career.
    • 2020 – Launches the National Unity Platform (NUP); government questions its registration, but the High Court dismisses the challenge.
    • 2021 – Runs against Museveni; placed under house arrest after voting, with opposition MPs and lawyers blocked from visiting him.
    • 2022–2023 – Faces restrictions on rallies and public gatherings; civil society highlights harassment of NUP supporters.
    • 2024 – Withdraws his Human Rights Commission case over blocked concerts, citing lack of progress.
    • 2025 – Electoral Commission accuses him of escalating clashes with security forces during campaign activities.

    Wine’s disputes with the Ugandan government span political repression, restrictions on his music career, arrests, and challenges to his party’s legitimacy—reflecting the broader struggle between Uganda’s opposition and President Museveni’s long-standing administration.

  • Tinubu Signs Amendments to Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act, Emphasises Need for Continuous Reform

    Tinubu Signs Amendments to Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act, Emphasises Need for Continuous Reform

    Tinubu Signs Amendments to Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act, Emphasises Need for Continuous Reform

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law amendments to Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act, a move that has stirred debate among political parties, civil society groups, and electoral stakeholders. The signing follows weeks of protests by opposition leaders and activists over the contentious issue of compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results.

    In a statement issued Wednesday, President Tinubu stressed that the reforms were aimed at strengthening electoral processes rather than serving political interests. “These amendments are not about politics. They are about process. They are about closing gaps, strengthening procedures, and providing greater clarity to those who conduct and participate in our elections,” he said. He added, “When citizens walk into a polling unit, they must do so with confidence. When results are declared, they must be trusted. That confidence is built deliberately, and not by chance.”

    The President commended the National Assembly for what he described as its “cooperation and sense of national responsibility” in concluding the legislative process. He underscored the importance of continuous improvement in Nigeria’s electoral system to ensure that elections remain fair, credible, and reflective of the people’s will.

    The amendments, however, remain controversial. Critics argue that provisions on result transmission are vague, leaving room for manipulation. Clause 60 of the bill became a flashpoint in the Senate, with opposition lawmakers insisting that electronic transmission should be mandatory to safeguard credibility. Supporters countered that flexibility was necessary to accommodate rural areas with poor internet connectivity.

    Beyond result transmission, civil society groups have raised concerns about gaps in campaign financing regulations, inclusivity measures, and enforcement of electoral offences. They argue that the reforms do not adequately address systemic issues such as election security or the participation of women, youths, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also called for clarity in the law, warning that ambiguity could erode public trust. Former INEC officials, including Mike Igini, urged the President not to sign the bill unless it guaranteed electronic transmission, cautioning that vague provisions could weaken transparency. INEC maintains that reforms must enhance electoral integrity rather than introduce loopholes that undermine credibility.

  • Nwifuru Hosts Newly Commissioned Ebonyi Police Officers

    Nwifuru Hosts Newly Commissioned Ebonyi Police Officers

    Nwifuru Hosts Ebonyi Police Officers Commissioned from Police Academy

    Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Tuesday hosted newly commissioned Ebonyi Police Officers who graduated from the Nigerian Police Academy’s Regular Course 7. The ceremony, held at the new government house in Centenary City, Abakaliki, highlighted the state’s pride in producing officers now serving as Assistant Superintendents of Police.

    The officers, led by Commissioner of Police CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, met with Governor Nwifuru to receive his commendation. Congratulating them, the Governor praised their discipline, resilience, and consistency of character. “Their achievement is not only personal but a source of pride to Ebonyi State. They have proven themselves worthy ambassadors of our dear state,” he said.

    Governor Nwifuru urged the officers to remain focused, patient, and professional in their duties. He emphasized the importance of integrity and innovation in modern policing, encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to strengthening policing standards across Nigeria.

    Ebonyi State has often been described as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria’s southeast, a reputation attributed to effective governance and people-oriented policies. The government continues to prioritize youth empowerment and education, including an annual program that sponsors students abroad for higher studies. Most recently, another group of Ebonyi students was dispatched to the United Kingdom to pursue advanced degrees.

    This commissioning of Ebonyi Police Officers reflects the administration’s commitment to security and human capital development. By supporting citizens who excel in national institutions like the Nigerian Police Academy, the state reinforces its role in building a safer and more prosperous society.

    For related updates, see our coverage of Ebonyi State Security Initiatives and Youth Empowerment Programs. Learn more from the Ebonyi State Government Official Website ebonyistate.gov.ng and the Nigerian Police Academy.