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NAFDAC Seals 18 Warehouses in Niger State Over N100M Expired Food Stock

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NAFDAC Seals 18 Warehouses in Niger State Over N100M Expired Food Stock

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed 18 warehouses across Niger State after uncovering expired food products valued at over N100 million.

The enforcement operation revealed that the warehouses were allegedly storing and distributing expired consumables to unsuspecting consumers, with some items reportedly repackaged or relabelled to conceal their expiration dates.

NAFDAC described the discovery as a serious threat to public health and confirmed that all affected warehouses have been sealed. Investigations are ongoing to identify and hold those responsible accountable.

“This operation is part of our nationwide effort to clamp down on substandard and expired products,” the agency said, warning that individuals found culpable will face strict legal consequences under existing regulations.

The agency also urged consumers to remain vigilant, check product expiry dates before purchase, and report suspicious goods to local authorities, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians.

NCDMB Reminds Oil and Gas Operators to Remit 1% Nigerian Content Development Fund Levy

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NCDMB Reminds Oil and Gas Operators to Remit 1% Nigerian Content Development Fund Levy

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has issued a reminder to all operators, contractors, and service companies in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector of their legal duty to remit one per cent of contract values into accounts officially designated by the Board under the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF).

Executive Secretary Felix Omatsola Ogbe emphasised that all covered entities must remit the levy for every upstream contract, highlighting that the NCDMB has exclusive authority over the administration and management of the fund.

The NCDF is a statutory development fund established by an Act of the National Assembly. It is ring-fenced and distinct from Federal Government revenues.

Its collection and administration are governed under Section 104 of the Nigerian Content Development Act,” Ogbe explained.

Funds generated under the NCDF are deployed to support indigenous oil and gas contractors, finance capacity building and training, provide access to affordable financing for local operators, and drive sustainable growth across the industry’s value chain.

Ogbe warned that any remittance made outside the accounts officially designated by the NCDMB will not be recognised under the law. He urged companies to ensure strict compliance and consult the Board for clarifications before making payments.

In addition, the NCDMB has made the Nigerian Content Development Fund Compliance Certificate (NCFCC) a prerequisite for accessing the Board’s regulatory services, approvals, and clearances.

Companies without a valid Compliance Certificate will be denied regulatory documentation or approvals, reinforcing the importance of meeting statutory obligations.

Ogbe reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective use of the NCDF to promote sustainable Nigerian content development.

Lagos DSVA Urges Igbooye and Odomola Residents to Report Sexual and Gender-Based Violence via Toll-Free Helpline

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Lagos DSVA Urges Igbooye and Odomola Residents to Report Sexual and Gender-Based Violence via Toll-Free Helpline

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has called on residents of Igbooye and Odomola communities in Epe to utilise its toll-free helpline, 0-8000-333-333, to report cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The appeal came during community sensitisation sessions aimed at raising awareness on the forms, consequences, and prevention of abuse.

Residents were educated on the support services available and the importance of timely reporting to ensure prompt intervention and protection for survivors.

Traditional rulers and community leaders commended the initiative, urging residents to speak out against abuse.

The engagements reinforced DSVA’s commitment to fostering grassroots collaboration and providing confidential, responsive support services for survivors.

Six chiefs and over 80 community members attended the sessions. Officers from the Family Support Unit, including the Officer in Charge, actively engaged participants, emphasizing the importance of reporting incidents via the DSVA toll-free line.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulrasaq Musa, the Orijeru of Igbooye, highlighted the dangers of bullying and encouraged students, teachers, vocational trainees, and community members to speak up against abuse, commending DSVA for bringing the sensitisation to their community.

Over 50 participants attended the Igbooye session.

At Odomola, Ms. Adetoun Odunmbo facilitated the engagement, sensitizing residents on SGBV, its impact, and available response mechanisms.

Although His Royal Majesty, Alayeiluwa Oba Engr. Sulaimon Adesina Adebowale, Ilufemiloye, Akenren II, the Omola of Odomola, could not attend, he expressed his appreciation to DSVA for the initiative.

DSVA reaffirmed that residents should promptly report all cases of sexual and gender-based violence to the toll-free line to ensure timely support and intervention.

Zulum Applauds Peaceful APC Ward Congress in Mafa, Calls for Grassroots Unity

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Zulum Applauds Peaceful APC Ward Congress in Mafa, Calls for Grassroots Unity

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited Mafa on Thursday to oversee the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in the area, describing the exercise as “seamless and orderly.”

Accompanied by APC Deputy National Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori, Senators Kaka Shehu Lawan and Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, Mohammed Jaha (Babawo), and the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Zulum expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the event. The state APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba, and other senior party officials were also in attendance.

Party members from across Mafa Ward gathered to elect new executives as part of simultaneous exercises across Borno’s 312 wards. The elections were conducted by consensus to promote unity and harmony within the party.

The Borno State Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, chaired the ward congress committee, while Salihu Muktari, the Mafa Local Government Electoral Officer from INEC, monitored the proceedings.

Speaking after the exercise, Governor Zulum praised the peaceful atmosphere and commended the national leadership for deploying a competent team to oversee the process.

“I am happy with the smooth conduct of this exercise. There was no rancour, no bitterness, and that is the spirit of the APC family. I want to commend the committee sent by the APC national headquarters for their diligence and fair play,” he said.

The governor also urged the newly elected ward executives to view their positions as a call to service rather than personal glory.

You are the closest to the people, and you must work to unite our members and strengthen our structure,” Zulum added.

Members of the APC Ward and Local Government Congresses Screening Committees, Screening Appeals Committees, and Appeals Committees, led by Prophet Jones Erue, were present to ensure transparency and fairness during the exercise.

Guinness Nigeria Rebounds to N41.2bn Profit as Revenue Soars 144% Under Tolaram

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Guinness Nigeria Rebounds to N41.2bn Profit as Revenue Soars 144% Under Tolaram

Guinness Nigeria Rebounds to N41.2bn Profit as Revenue Soars 144% Under Tolaram

Guinness Nigeria Plc has reported a remarkable financial turnaround, posting a 144 per cent surge in revenue to N730.8 billion for the period spanning July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.

The figure marks a sharp rise from the N299.5 billion recorded in the 12 months ended June 2024, underscoring a strong recovery phase for the beverage giant.

Gross profit climbed by 152 per cent to N230.5 billion, driven by improved productivity and disciplined cost management.

Operating profit also rose significantly by 251 per cent to N89.3 billion, reflecting enhanced commercial execution and operational efficiency.

Notably, the company returned to profitability with a net profit after tax of N41.2 billion, reversing the N54.7 billion loss reported in the previous financial year.

The audited results represent Guinness Nigeria’s first full reporting cycle under the ownership of Tolaram, following the transition in control.

Chairman of the Board, Fabian Ajogwu, described the performance as a testament to the company’s resilience and disciplined strategy execution during a pivotal transition period.

He noted that as the company builds on its 75-year legacy in Nigeria, the Board remains encouraged by the strengthened financial position and sustained momentum.

Chief Executive Officer Girish Sharma said the results demonstrate meaningful progress in repositioning the business for long-term sustainability.

According to him, the company’s sharpened commercial focus and operational discipline have been instrumental in restoring growth and profitability.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible business practices and delivering sustainable value to stakeholders in the years ahead.

FG to Begin Extended 2025 Budget Rollout Next Week, Implementation to Run Till November 2026

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FG to Begin Extended 2025 Budget Rollout Next Week, Implementation to Run Till November 2026

The Federal Government has announced that implementation of the extended 30 per cent component of the 2025 Capital Budget will commence by the end of next week and continue until November 30, 2026.

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholders ’ meeting in Abuja, stating that warrants have already been issued to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

According to him, Treasury House will activate the 30 per cent capital expenditure window next week, while the remaining 70 per cent has been rolled into the 2026 Capital Budget to ensure seamless execution, in line with presidential directives.

The development extends budget implementation beyond the earlier timeline indicated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had projected that multiple budget cycles would end by March 2026 to pave the way for a single January–December fiscal cycle.

Ogunjimi also confirmed that the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform has been fully restored and is now operational to support the process.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, directed MDAs to strictly comply with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act in executing the 2025/2026 Capital Budget.

She warned that no capital payment would be processed outside approved procurement procedures, stressing that all projects must be backed by cash before execution to curb waste and financial mismanagement.

Uzoka-Anite assured stakeholders that adequate funds are available to clear pending obligations and urged MDAs to update documentation promptly to facilitate payments.

In his remarks, Director of Funds, Steve Ehikhamenor, cautioned MDAs against budget overruns, advising them to adhere strictly to approved project values, return unutilised funds to the Treasury, and liaise with GIFMIS officials for technical support where necessary.

The extended implementation follows revenue shortfalls and delays that affected previous budgets. The 2023 budget was extended to December 2024, while the 2024 budget was also prolonged to December 2025 a pattern that has complicated the fiscal calendar and budget execution process.

PDP Alleges Plot to Manipulate 2027 Polls with Fake Result Sheets

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PDP Alleges Plot to Manipulate 2027 Polls with Fake Result Sheets

PDP Alleges Plot to Manipulate 2027 Polls with Fake Result Sheets

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ini Ememobong, has raised alarm over an alleged plot to manipulate the 2027 general elections through the duplication of official result sheets.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Ememobong claimed that certain individuals, allegedly in collusion with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), plan to print duplicate serial numbers on Form EC8A the official polling unit result sheet to alter outcomes.

According to him, the alleged scheme would involve obtaining accreditation figures captured by the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) at polling units and using those figures to fill out falsified result sheets outside official collation centres.

You are going to find two result sheets with the same serial number,” Ememobong alleged. “They call the person at the polling unit and ask for the total number of accreditation because BVAS captures that figure. But since voting is manual, they can manipulate the vote entries.”

He further alleged that in previous elections, some individuals had attempted to insert completed result sheets from private residences into the collation process.

The PDP spokesman also lamented low voter turnout, noting that in the last general election, only about 26 per cent of registered voters participated.

Going out to vote is an expression of faith or disbelief in the system,” he said, arguing that concerns about transparency have contributed to voter apathy.

INEC has not officially responded to the allegations as of press time.

Ramadan 2026: Adron Homes Felicitates Muslims, Preaches Hope and Unity

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Ramadan 2026: Adron Homes Felicitates Muslims, Preaches Hope and Unity

Adron Homes & Properties Limited has congratulated Muslim faithful on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan

Ramadan 2026: Adron Homes Felicitates Muslims, Preaches Hope and Unity

Adron Homes & Properties Limited has congratulated Muslim faithful on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, urging Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, discipline, and compassion that define the season.

In a statement made available to journalists, the company described Ramadan as a period of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and strengthened devotion to faith and humanity.

According to management, the holy month embodies values aligned with the organisation’s commitment to integrity, resilience, and community development.

Ramadan is a time that teaches patience, generosity, and selflessness. As our Muslim customers and partners begin the fast, we pray that their sacrifices are accepted and that the season brings peace, joy, and renewed hope to their homes and the nation at large,” the statement read.

The firm reaffirmed its dedication to providing affordable and accessible housing solutions to Nigerians, noting that building homes goes beyond structures to creating environments where families can thrive.

Adron Homes further urged citizens to use the period to pray for national unity, economic stability, and sustainable growth.

It wished all Muslim faithful a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak.

Tinubu Approves Anti-Doping Agency Board, Boosts Nigeria’s Global Sports Compliance

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Tinubu Approves Anti-Doping Agency Board, Boosts Nigeria’s Global Sports Compliance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Agency, marking a major compliance breakthrough for Nigeria’s sports sector and reinforcing the country’s standing as a clean sporting nation.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, disclosed the development on Thursday after briefing the President at the State House, Abuja. He described the move as a decisive step following nearly two decades of legislative delay surrounding the Anti-Doping Bill.

According to Dikko, President Tinubu signed the long-pending bill into law last year and has now approved the constitution of the agency’s board — a critical requirement set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

WADA has been on our case. Mr. President signed the bill last year after almost 20 years in hiatus, and now he has approved the constitution of the board. Already, Nigeria has been cleared and declared a clean country in sports. We are on the right track,” Dikko said.

FIFA Petition and World Cup Fallout
Dikko also addressed Nigeria’s pending petition before FIFA over alleged breaches by the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs.

Nigeria had lost the playoff ticket on penalties in November 2025 but filed a complaint alleging the fielding of unqualified players.

He clarified that the case is before FIFA’s independent disciplinary and ethics committees and expressed confidence in a fair outcome.

However, he stressed that Nigeria has shifted focus to upcoming competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as part of broader strategic planning.

Sports as an Economic Driver
Dikko described 2025 as a turning point under the NSC’s “Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy,” aimed at repositioning sports as a key contributor to national growth.

He revealed that sports contributed about 1.2 percent to Nigeria’s GDP in the third quarter of 2025, attracted roughly N50 billion in private investment, and generated nearly 140,000 jobs across the value chain.

Sports is no longer just about medals; it is about GDP contribution, jobs created and economic value,” he said.

The NSC chairman added that infrastructure development plans are under presidential review to strengthen both elite and grassroots facilities nationwide.

He highlighted initiatives such as the introduction of “Invited Junior Athletes” at the National Sports Festival and renewed collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to revive school sports competitions, including the NUGA Games and the Principal’s Cup.

Dikko concluded by presenting a commemorative jersey to President Tinubu, citing what he described as unprecedented presidential support for timely release of sports funding.

Sports works with time. If monies are not released according to schedule, there will be problems. Mr. President has directed that once funds are due, they should be released immediately,” he said.

Senate in Mourning as Rivers Lawmaker Barinada Mpigi Dies at 64

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Senate in Mourning as Rivers Lawmaker Barinada Mpigi Dies at 64

The Nigerian Senate was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District and served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works. He was 64.

A source within the National Assembly disclosed that the lawmaker died after a brief illness.

Until his passing, Mpigi was a member of the 10th National Assembly, where he headed the influential Works Committee responsible for oversight of federal road infrastructure and related projects nationwide.

He began his legislative career in the House of Representatives after his election in 2011 and re-election in 2016. In 2019, he won a seat in the Senate under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to represent Rivers South-East.

During the 9th Assembly, he chaired a joint Senate committee tasked with investigating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta — a key assignment amid falling oil revenues and persistent pipeline vandalism.

News of his death reached the Senate chamber during Thursday’s proceedings, casting a sombre mood over lawmakers gathered for budget defence sessions.

Speaking at a session of the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Mohammed Onawo paid tribute to the late Rivers lawmaker and urged colleagues to honour his legacy. A minute’s silence was subsequently observed in his memory.

Tributes also poured in from members of the House of Representatives. The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, described Mpigi as a dear friend in a post on his official X handle.

Mpigi’s death comes barely three months after the passing of Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North in the 10th Senate.

With Mpigi’s demise, the Senate has once again been confronted with the loss of a serving member, deepening concerns over the recent string of deaths recorded in the current Assembly.

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