Author: James Obasi

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has suspended its indefinite strike after 30 days of industrial action. Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD-FCTA, announced the development on Monday, stating that the suspension follows the approval of their demands by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. The strike, which began on November 1, 2025, was initially launched to demand better working conditions, improved welfare, fair remuneration, and other reforms for doctors across 14 district and general hospitals, including the FCTA’s Department of Public Health. Dr. Ebong warned, however, that the association may resume industrial action if the approved demands are not implemented within four weeks. “ARD-FCTA has suspended its strike for four weeks with the expectation that the approvals from the Minister will be implemented,” he said. The industrial action had disrupted medical services across the FCT, causing delays in patient care and increasing pressure on the remaining healthcare staff.

French energy company TotalEnergies announced on Monday that it is selling a 40% stake in its Nigerian offshore exploration licences to Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited, a subsidiary of U.S. oil major Chevron. According to the company, an agreement has already been signed for the transfer of interests in two offshore blocks spanning about 2,000 square kilometres in the West Delta basin, pending necessary regulatory approval. The firm noted that the partnership strengthens its ongoing global offshore exploration relationship with Chevron, following its recent investment in U.S. offshore leases. TotalEnergies’ Senior Vice-President for Exploration, Nicola Mavilla, said the collaboration is intended to reduce risk and unlock new prospects in Nigeria, supporting the country’s development goals. TotalEnergies will remain the operator of the licences, keeping a 40% share, while South Atlantic Petroleum maintains its 20% stake in the joint venture.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently standing trial on multiple corruption charges, announced Sunday that he has formally requested a presidential pardon, arguing that the years-long legal battle is deepening national divisions. Netanyahu’s move comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter earlier this month urging Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon the prime minister. Netanyahu has consistently denied any wrongdoing. “The trial in my case has been ongoing for nearly six years and is expected to continue for many more,” Netanyahu said in a video message. While insisting he wanted to see the process through to acquittal, he said the “national interest” now required a different path as Israel faces “enormous challenges.” He warned that the proceedings were “tearing us apart from within” and worsening the country’s internal rifts. The corruption cases have long polarized Israeli society. Netanyahu’s supporters argue the charges are politically motivated, while critics see them as evidence of deep-seated misconduct. Prosecutors accuse Netanyahu and his wife Sara of receiving over $260,000 in luxury gifts including cigars, champagne and jewelry from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favours. He is also accused of seeking favourable media coverage in separate cases. Netanyahu said the recent demand that he testify three times per week was the “breaking point,” calling the requirement “impossible.” Ending the trial, he argued, would help reduce political tensions and encourage national reconciliation. President Herzog’s office confirmed it had received the request, calling it “extraordinary” and noting that the president would review all legal opinions before making a decision. Herzog previously signaled he might consider clemency, saying the case “weighs heavily on Israeli society.” Netanyahu, 76, is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, having held office for more than 18 years across three terms. His current tenure began in late 2022, during which he pushed sweeping judicial overhauls that sparked months of mass protests until the Gaza war erupted in October 2023. He has said he intends to run again in elections due by the end of 2026. Opposition: A Pardon Requires an Admission of Guilt Opposition leaders sharply condemned the request. Yair Lapid urged Herzog not to grant clemency unless Netanyahu admits wrongdoing, expresses remorse and leaves political life altogether. Yair Golan of The Democrats echoed the sentiment, writing that “only the guilty seek pardon” and insisting that Netanyahu must accept responsibility and exit politics to “free the people and the state.” Coalition figures, however, rallied behind Netanyahu. Defense Minister Israel Katz called on Herzog to grant the pardon to heal a “deep rift” in society. Amid speculation that Netanyahu might soften judicial reforms in exchange for a deal, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich insisted his far-right Religious Zionism party would continue to pursue changes to the judiciary regardless of Netanyahu’s legal situation. Smotrich repeated his view that Netanyahu has been persecuted by a “corrupt judicial system.” AFP

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) is driving a new initiative to boost climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria through index-based insurance solutions and blended finance. In a statement issued on Friday, NADF said the effort will support the AGRA-backed project titled “Building Farmers’ Resilience through Innovative Insurance Models and Financial Instruments.” NADF Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, explained that the organisation’s partnership with Leadway Assurance and Verdure Climate is designed to equip smallholder farmers with financial tools that safeguard them from climate risks, expand access to credit, and strengthen resilience across major crop value chains. “As climate change intensifies, bringing unpredictable weather and limiting farmers’ access to finance, innovative solutions like index-based agricultural insurance and blended finance have become indispensable,” Ibrahim said. He added that the rollout of index-based and Pay-at-Harvest insurance products would significantly boost investor confidence. According to NADF, the collaboration will integrate insurance with agricultural loans, scale credit-linked insurance for rice, soybean, and maize farmers in priority states, and embed climate-smart practices into NADF loan offerings. It also aims to deploy digital climate advisory services and build the capacity of business development service providers. Leadway Assurance described the partnership as a major step toward strengthening climate preparedness in the agricultural sector. Its Head of Agriculture Risk Solutions, Fatona Paul, commended NADF for providing “the policy anchor that initiatives like ours can build upon.” The initiative is part of AGRA 3.0, which seeks to expand access to finance, improve market linkages, introduce innovative insurance products, and build resilience for thousands of farmers between 2025 and 2027.

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that it will review the immigration status of all permanent residents, or “Green Card” holders, from Afghanistan and 18 other countries following the attack on National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. U.S. officials identified the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting as a 29-year-old Afghan national who had previously worked alongside American forces in Afghanistan. According to AfghanEvac, an organisation supporting Afghans resettled in the U.S. after the Taliban takeover in 2021, the individual was granted asylum earlier this year, not permanent residency. “I have directed a full-scale, rigorous review of every Green Card issued to nationals from every country of concern,” said Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), on X. The review follows a June executive order from President Trump that classified 19 countries as “of Identified Concern.” The executive order previously restricted entry for nearly all nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan. The full list of these countries is: Afghanistan Myanmar Chad Congo-Brazzaville Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen A partial travel ban also applies to seven additional countries, though certain temporary work visas remain allowed. These countries are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos has declared that the Federal Government, the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory are legally bound to provide free, compulsory, and universal basic education to every Nigerian child at the primary and junior secondary levels. The decision, delivered on October 9, 2025, followed a suit instituted by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and Hauwa Mustapha, filed in their personal capacity and on behalf of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond. The Federal Government, the states, and the FCT were listed as respondents. According to the certified judgment, Justice Osiagor held that Section 11(2) of the Universal Basic Education Act places a statutory duty on the respondents to ensure access to free and compulsory basic education within their respective jurisdictions. He noted that any state opting into the scheme must contribute 50 per cent counterpart funding before accessing the Universal Basic Education Fund. However, he clarified that failure to draw from the federal grant does not constitute an offence, describing Section 11(2) as directory and conditional rather than mandatory. The court also considered whether the applicants had the legal standing to file the action. Justice Osiagor adopted a broad interpretation, ruling that public interest matters relating to fundamental social rights do not require strict proof of personal harm. He noted that the applicants raised genuine concerns over children’s educational rights and provided evidence of unused federal education funds. On this basis, he affirmed that they had sufficient interest and legal standing to sue. On the enforceability of the right to free and compulsory basic education, the court dismissed the respondents’ position that such rights are non-justiciable under Chapter II of the Constitution. Justice Osiagor held that the Universal Basic Education Act transformed the right from a directive principle to an enforceable statutory entitlement. He emphasized that once legislation imposes obligations, those obligations become actionable under the law, referencing comparative legal principles and Nigeria’s constitutional history. In conclusion, the court held that Sections 2(1) and 11(2) of the UBE Act impose legally binding duties on the Federal Government, state governments, and the FCT to guarantee free basic education for Nigerian children. While it ruled that states cannot be forced to access the N68bn Universal Basic Education Fund or pay the required 50 per cent counterpart contribution, it affirmed that they remain obligated to provide basic education. The first and second issues were decided in favour of the applicants, while the court held on the third issue that failure to access the fund does not amount to illegality.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has revealed that suspected Boko Haram members and other criminal elements were previously identified on the recruitment lists of the Nigerian Army and police. He made the disclosure on Wednesday during a special plenary session focused on the state of national security. Wase, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker representing Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State, warned that the infiltration of security agencies by criminally-minded individuals poses a serious threat to the country’s safety. He added that his claim can be corroborated by Muktar Betara, former Chairman of the House Committee on Defence and now Chairman of the Committee on the Federal Capital Territory. “My brother and friend, Honourable Betara, can attest to this. There were recruitment exercises where names of known Boko Haram members appeared on the shortlist. Armed robbers and other criminals were also among those cleared for the Army and police,” Wase said. The lawmaker urged caution in endorsing candidates for military and police recruitment, emphasizing that only credible and trustworthy individuals should be recommended. Speaking emotionally, Wase noted that he has lost a brother, cousin, and nephew to terrorist attacks. He said the North Central region bears about 52 percent of the country’s overall insecurity burden and recounted a distressing plea from a younger brother requesting relocation from their violence-affected community. Wase also called for a review of the presidential directive that withdrew police officers from VIP protection duties. While acknowledging the policy’s intent, he stressed that categories must be clearly defined to prevent unnecessary exposure of key officials to danger. Addressing the North-West Caucus, Sada Soli described the region’s insecurity as “complex and layered,” driven by criminality, environmental pressures, weak governance, and worsening economic conditions. He argued that a purely military response would not solve the crisis and called for a combined approach involving security operations, governance reforms, environmental management, and economic development. “Lasting peace depends on rebuilding trust in government, reforming land and livestock systems, and involving communities in shaping solutions,” Soli said. Speaking for the North-East Caucus, Muktar Betara described the region as the “ground zero of terrorism, insurgency, and recurring communal violence.” He recounted tragedies from the 2015 Baga massacre to recent bomb blasts that have claimed the lives of civilians and security personnel. “Our challenges are massive, but with coordinated action, commitment, and sound strategy, we can restore confidence and curb the spread of violence,” Betara said. South-South Senator Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers) accused successive governments of lacking the political will to confront insecurity. “Since 1999, leadership failure has defined the response. Governments have chosen to placate terrorists, negotiating with killers instead of enforcing the law,” he said, adding that labelling terrorism merely as banditry diminishes the gravity of the crisis. In her contribution, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on women and children, citing recent mass abductions in Papiri and Kamba. “These are not just security failures; they represent a breach of the state’s fundamental responsibility to protect lives and property,” she lamented.

Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, requesting that a mutually agreed date be fixed for him to honour the agency’s invitation regarding an alleged $14.8m fraud case. In the letter, personally signed and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, he criticised the decision to declare him wanted, insisting he had never ignored any lawful invitation from the commission. Dated November 24 and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 26, the letter stated that Sylva is currently undergoing urgent medical treatment for a “life-threatening condition.” He explained that he is consulting his medical team to determine whether his treatment can be temporarily paused to enable his appearance before the commission. He appealed for a new date to be set, subject to medical clearance, so that he could appear physically and formally. He added that he believes the invitation is for genuine investigative purposes, noting that “only the living can appropriately, fully, and responsibly respond to any allegation,” which he firmly denied. Sylva referenced recent developments that he said placed him, his family, and associates under significant pressure—beginning with what he described as an unverified allegation linking him to a plot to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He recalled that the situation escalated into a military raid on his Abuja residence, during which his drivers, security aides, and domestic staff were arrested and remain in custody. He further stated that despite these ongoing challenges, he was publicly declared wanted by the EFCC on Monday, November 10, 2025, over the alleged fraud. He maintained that he honoured an earlier EFCC invitation in December 2024 relating to the same matter, was granted administrative bail on self-recognition, and was never called back afterward. According to him, the announcement that he had been declared wanted came as “deeply surprising and profoundly unsettling.” Sylva rejected claims that he jumped bail, stating that no such incident occurred and that he never violated any bail conditions. He expressed concern that recent developments could give the public the impression of a political witch-hunt, noting that he appears to have been targeted since the current administration took office. The former minister, a member of the All Progressives Congress, has recently been associated with rumours of an aborted coup plot. His home in Abuja was raided by operatives believed to be military intelligence, after which he was declared wanted by the EFCC. During the raid, his younger brother Paga—his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs—and his driver were reportedly arrested. His media aide, Julius Bokoru, later confirmed the raid but denied Sylva had any link to a coup plot, accusing unnamed political figures of mischief borne out of fear of his political influence. Bokoru also faulted the EFCC for declaring Sylva wanted, stating that he was never invited before the public announcement was made.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on Tuesday formally inducted 349 foreign-trained doctors and dentists into the country’s healthcare system in Abuja. Having successfully passed the MDCN assessment examinations, the inductees received certificates allowing them to practise medicine and dentistry in Nigeria, contributing to the expansion and strengthening of the nation’s healthcare workforce. Among them, 340 are medical doctors and nine are dentists. The induction aligns with MDCN’s mandate to regulate medical and dental practice, uphold professional ethics, and ensure that healthcare delivery in Nigeria meets the highest standards. By integrating qualified foreign-trained professionals into the system, the council seeks to safeguard patient care while boosting the national healthcare workforce. Speaking at the ceremony, MDCN Registrar Dr. Fatima Kyari urged the new doctors to maintain the highest ethical standards in their practice and emphasised the importance of housemanship as a critical foundation for professional development under consultant supervision. “Parents, please ensure your children complete their housemanship. This year is a crucial period where they gain practical experience, serving as the first line of care under consultant guidance. The lessons learned will remain a foundation for their entire careers,” Kyari said. She encouraged the inductees to serve patients with dignity, embrace the responsibilities of their profession, and contribute positively to their communities. She also reminded them that Nigerian doctors are highly sought after globally due to their resilience and adaptability, but stressed the importance of keeping talent within the country. Kyari warned that any breach of professional or ethical standards would attract strict disciplinary measures, ranging from warnings and suspensions to total erasure of practising certificates. “Medicine demands dedication and carries great responsibility, but it is also rewarding. Being a doctor is about respect, service, and stepping out of your comfort zone to care for patients with dignity and knowledge,” she added. The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Bala Audu, echoed these sentiments, stressing that doctors must uphold high ethical standards in both professional and personal conduct. He highlighted the importance of balancing leadership and trainee roles, working effectively in teams, recognising limitations, and seeking help when necessary. “From your undergraduate training, you know that medicine requires adherence to high ethical standards in patient care and personal life. Society has high expectations, and you must be both leaders and team players. Recognise your limits and seek support when needed. Much has been invested in your training, and therefore, much more is expected of you,” Bala said.  

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Agricultural Development Authority, has called for strengthened agricultural research as a key step toward tackling food insecurity and addressing challenges faced by farmers. This position was highlighted at the meeting of the South-West Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage Systems steering committee, organised by the authority. The session brought together major stakeholders from all six states in the South-West—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti—alongside experts from research institutes, Agricultural Development Programmes, universities, and policy bodies. Speaking at the two-day gathering held at the Lagos State Agriculture Cooperative, Oko-Oba, Agege, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, explained that the meeting focused on reviewing progress made in 2025 and assessing ongoing research and extension activities across the region. Olusanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Emmanuel Audu, emphasised that knowledge and research remain central to policy development, programme execution, and overall advancement. She noted that the Lagos Agricultural Development Authority continues to play a vital role in bridging the gap between research and farmers through effective extension services. According to her, the goal is not only to ensure that innovation reaches farmers but that it does so promptly, enabling research outcomes to translate into practical solutions, efficient input usage, and timely guidance. She added that extension efforts must be supported with sustained, localised, and adaptable research, particularly as farmers contend with issues such as climate change, shifting weather patterns, and soil degradation. Programme Manager of LSADA, Toju-Tubi Aderonke, reaffirmed the importance of the platform as a link between research institutions, extension officers, and farmers. “We are a community of farmers, and we continue to support them by providing relevant resources and assistance across the zone. Over time, REFILS Steering Committee meetings have helped us assess previous activities, identify gaps, and design new interventions that push agricultural development forward,” she said. Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin, stated that the meeting was aimed at intensifying efforts to make research outcomes more practical, relevant, and adaptable to farmers’ evolving needs.