Author: Ifunanya Okafor

As Muslims across Nigeria mark the end of Ramadan and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside the Grand Sheikh of the Caring and Sharing Sufi Centre, Dr. Rasheed Akinbile, have called on citizens to embrace unity, discipline, and shared responsibility for national development. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda extended Eid greetings to President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, the party’s National Working Committee, and Muslim faithful nationwide. He described Ramadan as a sacred period marked by reflection, sacrifice, compassion, and renewed devotion to God, urging Nigerians to carry its lessons into their everyday lives. Yilwatda stressed the importance of unity, kindness, and fairness, particularly as the country navigates complex challenges. He also commended the President’s leadership, noting ongoing efforts to promote economic stability, sustainable growth, and national cohesion, while encouraging continued public support. Similarly, Akinbile emphasised the need for Muslims to sustain the discipline cultivated during Ramadan beyond the fasting period, especially in the lead-up to future elections. He noted that the conclusion of Ramadan should signal the beginning of a life rooted in continuous devotion and God-consciousness. The cleric urged adherence to the values of kindness, unity, and mutual respect, highlighting that patience and restraint developed during Ramadan are vital for peaceful political participation and national progress. He added that maintaining harmony and togetherness in daily interactions is key to achieving prosperity, not only for Nigeria but for the global community. Both leaders underscored the importance of sustaining the virtues of faith, sacrifice, and unity beyond Ramadan, describing them as essential to building a more peaceful and prosperous nation.

NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo) has issued a strong advisory to investors, cautioning against speculative trading and encouraging market participants to make decisions based on company fundamentals rather than rumours or unverified information. In a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos, the independent regulatory subsidiary of the Nigerian Exchange Group addressed the recent price swings recorded in the shares of some listed companies during recent trading sessions. The regulator explained that the advisory forms part of its routine market surveillance efforts aimed at maintaining a fair, orderly, and transparent marketplace. Speaking in the statement, the Chief Executive Officer of NGX Regulation Limited, Olufemi Shobanjo, said the organisation’s core mandate is to uphold a level playing field where investors can trade confidently, supported by timely and accurate disclosures. He noted that the communication serves as a reminder that sustainable investment outcomes are driven by sound fundamentals rather than short-term speculation, reaffirming the regulator’s commitment to protecting market integrity and stability. NGX RegCo urged investors to adopt disciplined and informed investment strategies by relying on publicly available data, including a thorough review of company fundamentals, financial performance, and risk exposure. The regulator also advised market participants to avoid acting on rumours or unverified tips, recommending that investors seek guidance from licensed intermediaries such as stockbrokers or investment advisers when necessary. While acknowledging recent volatility in certain stocks, NGX RegCo reassured stakeholders that the broader market remains stable, resilient, and well-regulated. It emphasised that robust oversight and transparent operations continue to support investor confidence. The advisory underscores the importance of focusing on long-term value creation rather than reacting to short-term price movements. In recent weeks, share prices of several tier-one and tier-two Nigerian banks have experienced notable gains, driven largely by year-end positioning, attractive valuations, and dividend expectations. NGX RegCo further explained that it employs advanced technology to monitor trading activities in real time. When a stock records price movements beyond established statistical thresholds such as a 10 or 20 per cent change without any corresponding corporate disclosure an alert is automatically triggered for review.

Nigeria’s Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue rose to N2.28 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, representing a 10.66 per cent increase from the N2.06 trillion recorded in Q2 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The figures were contained in the Sectorial Distribution of VAT Q3 2025 report published on the bureau’s website on Tuesday. On a year-on-year basis, VAT collections grew by 28.10 per cent compared to Q3 2024, reflecting improved revenue performance across key sectors of the economy. A breakdown of the report shows that local VAT payments accounted for the largest share at N1.12 trillion. Foreign VAT payments contributed N680.23 billion, while import VAT added N479.79 billion during the period. “Value Added Tax (VAT) in Q3 2025 was N2.28 trillion, showing an increase of 10.66% on a quarter-on-quarter basis from N2.06 trillion in Q2 2025. Local payments stood at N1.12 trillion, foreign VAT payments were N680.23 billion, while import VAT contributed N479.79 billion in Q3 2025,” the report stated. In terms of growth performance, administrative and support service activities recorded the highest quarter-on-quarter increase at 89.28 per cent. This was followed by arts, entertainment and recreation at 82.49 per cent, and human health and social work activities at 32.40 per cent. Conversely, real estate activities posted the sharpest decline at -51.33 per cent. Activities of households as employers, as well as undifferentiated goods and services-producing activities of households for own use, fell by -36.22 per cent, while other service activities declined by –20.30 per cent. By sectoral contribution, manufacturing led with 25.89 per cent of total VAT in Q3 2025. Information and communication followed with 18.77 per cent, while mining and quarrying accounted for 14.85 per cent. At the lower end, activities of households as employers and undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use recorded the smallest share at 0.003 per cent. Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies, as well as water supply, sewerage and waste management, contributed 0.03 per cent each.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has issued traffic advisories ahead of planned road reconstruction along the Super-Ilepo axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and Oba Ogunji Road in the Berger area. The statements, signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, were released on Sunday. Reconstruction on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway will affect the main carriageway from Super Bus Stop to Ilepo Bus Stop between March 7 and May 30, 2026, and the section will be closed to traffic during this period. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes: From Abeokuta/Sango Tollgate heading to Lagos/Oshodi, traffic will be diverted into the BRT corridor at Super Bus Stop, exiting at Pleasure Bus Stop (Ilepo). Another option is via Ekoro Road to Old Ota Road through Alira Street, connecting to Abeokuta Street and rejoining the main corridor at Pleasure Bus Stop. Alternatively, drivers may use the Abule Egba Underbridge to reach Agege and onward destinations. In a separate advisory, Osiyemi said the government has finalised plans to upgrade the nine-kilometre dual-carriage corridor between Ojodu Berger Bus Stop and Mobil Filling Station Junction. The road will be closed from March 6, 2026, to January 6, 2028, for reconstruction. Alternative routes include: Motorists from Ijaye/Agege via Ogunnusi Road (Ojodu-Berger) will move on a contraflow along the Ojodu-Berger-bound carriageway for about one kilometre before regaining the main road. Drivers can also use Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo Way to Otunba Jobifele Way, then Obafemi Awolowo Way, linking to Lateef Jakande Road to reach their destinations. Articulated vehicles and trucks from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway heading to Agege are advised to go through Ojota/Maryland to access Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Kodesoh Street, Oba Akran Avenue to Guinness Roundabout, Ogba Road to Pen Cinema, and continue onward. Motorists travelling from Ijaye/Agege towards Ojodu-Berger will experience through traffic but will be diverted into a contraflow for approximately one kilometre near the construction zone before regaining full access to the main road. The commissioner assured that measures will be in place to manage vehicle breakdowns and urged road users to cooperate with traffic management officials during the reconstruction period.

The United States Government has issued updated security guidance for American travellers across the Middle East following recent military actions involving U.S. and Israeli forces at sites in Iran, including the capital, Tehran. In response to the heightened security situation, the United States Department of State introduced a three-tier travel advisory covering 13 Middle Eastern and South Asian countries. The guidance urges Americans currently in the region to remain vigilant, restrict movement, or depart where feasible. The advisory categories were compiled from a review of the International Travel website conducted on Monday morning by our correspondent. According to the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, the system is designed to provide destination-specific safety information to help U.S. citizens make informed travel decisions. The military operation, announced by Donald Trump, was described by U.S. officials as an effort to neutralize imminent threats connected to Iran’s missile and military programmes. Trump said the action marked the beginning of major combat operations aimed at crippling Iran’s missile production facilities and naval capabilities. The development followed months of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. In a significant escalation, Trump claimed that Iran’s supreme leader had been killed during the operation. Iranian state media later confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei, though it did not comment on reports of an assault on his residence. Authorities subsequently announced a 40-day mourning period and declared seven days of public holidays. US Issues Updated Security Guidance for Americans in the Middle East. The U.S. government has placed affected countries into advisory tiers: Level 4 – Do Not Travel Iran – No U.S. embassy; shelter in place Iraq – Exercise extreme caution; limit movement Lebanon – Depart immediately using commercial options Israel – Shelter in place Kuwait – Shelter in place Pakistan – Avoid large gatherings; some regions at Level 4 Qatar – Shelter in place Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution Egypt – Exercise caution Jordan – Avoid U.S. Embassy area Oman – Shelter in place in Duqm and areas near Salalah Saudi Arabia – Shelter in place in Dhahran United Arab Emirates – Shelter in place Americans requiring consular assistance have been advised to contact U.S. authorities through the 24-hour emergency lines listed in the advisory. Earlier on Saturday, the State Department directed American personnel in several Middle Eastern countries to remain indoors after coordinated U.S.-Israeli operations in Iran triggered explosions and visible smoke over Tehran. The guidance applies to Americans in countries including Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel, with embassy officials urging citizens to stay indoors until further notice. Officials said the advisories are part of broader efforts to safeguard U.S. citizens abroad as regional tensions remain elevated

The Nigeria Police Force has assured citizens of continued safety and public order amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In a statement released on Sunday via X, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police have stepped up intelligence-driven operations nationwide to prevent any attempt to exploit the global situation to cause unrest. Acting IG Orders Heightened Surveillance The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen security measures, particularly around worship centres and public locations. According to the statement, police commands have been instructed to intensify surveillance, boost intelligence gathering, and work closely with traditional and religious leaders to maintain peace and prevent any form of sectarian tension. The directive places special focus on the North West, North East, and North Central regions, with increased visibility policing and rapid response to any threats. Police Warn Against Importing Foreign Conflicts The police emphasized that Nigeria will not be used as a platform for foreign-related conflicts, warning that any attempt to introduce external ideological or religious tensions will be dealt with decisively under the law. IGP Disu also urged community leaders to continue promoting peace and called on citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station. Advisory Follows Escalating Regional Crisis The security measures come amid escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have triggered retaliatory attacks and heightened tensions across the Gulf region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also advised Nigerians in affected countries to exercise caution, while calling for restraint and de-escalation among all parties involved. The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its readiness and commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.

Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a Bilateral Agreement on Technical Aeronautical Search and Rescue Operations, aimed at improving aviation safety and coordination across their shared airspace. The agreement was formally signed on Friday in Yaoundé after high-level discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest NgalNgallé Bibehe. Keyamo disclosed the development on Saturday via his official X account, stating that the agreement will enhance airspace safety by allowing faster, more coordinated responses to aviation emergencies along both countries’ borders. Strengthening Emergency Response and Cooperation The Nigerian delegation included senior aviation officials such as the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, alongside key directors from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. According to Keyamo, the presence of top aviation authorities was intentional to ensure a unified and effective implementation of the agreement from the start. The pact establishes a formal framework for technical collaboration between both countries, enabling joint search and rescue operations in the event of aircraft emergencies occurring near or within their shared border regions. Agreement Follows Recent Regional Aviation Incident The signing comes months after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso due to a technical fault mid-flight. The aircraft’s crew and passengers, totaling 11 military personnel, were detained for nine days by Burkinabe authorities over allegations of unauthorized airspace entry. They were later released following diplomatic intervention by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, acting on the directive of President Bola Tinubu. The new agreement is expected to reduce such incidents in the future by improving coordination, communication, and emergency response between both nations’ aviation authorities.

China has removed 19 officials, including nine military leaders, from its list of lawmakers ahead of next week’s major political gathering. The announcements were made by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the country’s top legislative authority. No official reason was provided for the removals, which come weeks after President Xi Jinping dismissed Zhang Youxia, a top general and close military ally, from his position. Since taking office, Xi has carried out multiple anti-corruption campaigns, describing corruption as “the biggest threat” to the Communist Party, though critics argue these drives have also been used to sideline political rivals. State media reports identified some of those removed, including Li Qiaoming, commander of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force, and Shen Jinlong, a former PLA Navy commander. Several other military officers and provincial officials, such as Sun Shaochong, former party chief of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, were also on the list. Zhang’s dismissal followed accusations of “serious violations of discipline and law,” a phrase often used to indicate corruption. The move is part of a broader trend of high-profile purges in the military, including a crackdown in October 2025 that saw nine senior generals removed. Authorities have consistently framed these actions as anti-corruption measures. Xi has made fighting corruption a cornerstone of his leadership, launching the “tigers and flies” campaign shortly after assuming power in 2013, targeting both high- and low-level officials. He has recently described the battle against corruption as “grave and complex.” Thousands of delegates are expected in Beijing next week for the Two Sessions, China’s annual political meetings. These include the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, where the government will present its five-year plan and annual economic targets.

An Indian court on Friday acquitted the former chief minister of Delhi in a long-running corruption case that he had described as politically motivated by the ruling party. Opposition Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal served as Delhi’s chief minister until he lost the 2025 elections while the case was still underway. Kejriwal, 57, had spent several months in custody after his arrest in March 2024 over allegations that his administration accepted kickbacks linked to the allocation of liquor licenses. He became emotional as he exited the courtroom following the verdict. “Truth has prevailed,” Kejriwal said after the ruling, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had pursued the case for political reasons. The Delhi court dismissed all charges against Kejriwal, his former deputy Manish Sisodia, and 21 other defendants. A prominent critic of Modi, Kejriwal has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In February 2025, Rekha Gupta of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party was elected chief minister of Delhi, a megacity with a population exceeding 30 million. Kejriwal began his professional life as a tax official before leaving public service to lead an anti-corruption movement that brought him national recognition. In recent years, several opposition figures critical of Modi have faced criminal investigations or trials, including two sitting state chief ministers. In August 2025, the government introduced legislation allowing the removal of politicians who are arrested and detained for 30 days, a proposal critics said could undermine constitutional protections.