The United Nations has expressed concern over tightening political restrictions in Burkina Faso, following recent moves by the military government to extend its transition period and ban political parties.
Nearly four years after seizing power, Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, has urged citizens to reconsider their commitment to democratic governance, intensifying debate over the country’s political direction.
In a recent national address, Traoré described democracy as detrimental to African nations, arguing that it has failed to protect civilians amid persistent insecurity. His remarks come as his administration continues to consolidate authority following the 2022 military takeover that brought him to power.
Since assuming leadership, the junta has moved to dismantle key democratic institutions. The national electoral commission has been dissolved, and political parties, previously suspended after the coup, have now been formally banned. Authorities have also extended the transition to civilian rule by five years, delaying an earlier commitment to restore democratic governance by mid-2024.
Burkina Faso remains engulfed in nearly a decade of jihadist violence that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. The military government maintains that strong centralised control is necessary to address the crisis.
However, United Nations officials have called on the authorities to lift restrictions on political parties and restore civic freedoms, warning that a shrinking political space could further undermine stability.
The 330kV West African Power Pool (WAPP) North Core Interconnection Project has reached an advanced stage of completion, signalling a major step toward strengthening electricity supply and regional integration across West Africa.
The milestone was highlighted at the 9th Meeting of the Joint Supervision Committee held in Abuja, where the Chairman of the WAPP Executive Board, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, represented by Engr. Aminu Tahir said the project is nearing its final stages.
Abdulaziz, who also serves as Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, said the North Core project is designed to connect the national grids of Nigeria, Niger, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Togo.
The Chairman of the WAPP Executive Board described the initiative as “a practical demonstration of regional cooperation.”
He added that upon completion, the project is expected to improve electricity access, reduce energy costs, and enhance grid stability across participating countries.
Abdulaziz said the project would also stimulate economic activities, particularly in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
He noted that beyond its long-term benefits, the initiative is already delivering gains, including job creation and capacity development in participating countries.
The Chairman of the WAPP Executive Board, however, acknowledged that progress has faced setbacks due to security concerns and logistical constraints in parts of the region, which have affected timelines and increased costs.
He said safeguarding personnel and infrastructure remains a top priority as implementation continues.
Abdulaziz further stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and efficient use of resources as the project approaches completion.
The Secretary General of WAPP, Abdoulaye Dia, represented by Mr Kodjo Afidegnon, said the project had reached 56 per cent physical completion as of 31 December 2025.
He said 728.7 kilometres of transmission corridors have been cleared out of the planned 880 kilometres, while 5,692 affected persons have been compensated.
“Further insights from the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation team indicated that ongoing security challenges have necessitated extensions in financing agreements, underscoring the need for stronger commitment from participating countries.
“Despite these setbacks, stakeholders remain optimistic, as efforts are being intensified to improve coordination, strengthen safety protocols, and accelerate implementation across all segments of the project.
“Development partners, including the African Development Bank and the World Bank, were commended for their continued support,” he added.
The meeting brought together representatives from ministries of energy and finance across participating countries, as well as utility executives and other key stakeholders.
The WAPP North Core Project is expected to enhance regional electricity trade and reinforce West Africa’s drive toward a more reliable and interconnected power market.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that para-athletes in Nigeria receive the necessary support to thrive.
Dikko made this known at the closing ceremony of the 3rd National Para Games in Abuja, describing the event as a celebration of resilience, inclusion and national unity.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko (C).
“Our para-athletes have consistently brought honour to Nigeria on the global stage. They deserve a system that matches their dedication with the right level of support, investment and recognition,”he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the Games and congratulated participating athletes for their outstanding performances, noting that their courage, discipline and resilience have inspired the nation.
The NSC chairman emphasised that the Games were not only about winning medals, but also about promoting dignity, inclusion, visibility and the transformative power of sports.
“To those who have won medals, your success is well deserved. To those who may not be leaving with medals, your efforts, courage and participation are equally valued. You have all represented Nigeria with honour,” he added.
Dikko commended the contributions of families, coaches, technical officials and support teams, whose dedication, he said, played a critical role in the success of both the athletes and the Games.
He reiterated that the National Para Games had reinforced a clear national message that every Nigerian matters, every talent matters and no one should be left behind.
The chairman also highlighted ongoing reforms in the sports sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the reforms include restructuring sports funding to ensure improved budgeting, timely releases and prioritisation of funding to enhance athletes’ preparation and participation.
He added that approval had also been granted for the establishment of a Sports Infrastructure Development Bond aimed at revitalising and expanding sports facilities across the country.
Dikko noted that the reforms were already yielding results, with the sports sector contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and generating over 200,000 jobs in 2025.
He stressed that para-sports remain a central component of the commission’s development strategy and assured stakeholders of sustained efforts to build a more inclusive and vibrant sports culture.
The NSC chairman also paid tribute to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her support for inclusion and the wellbeing of Nigerians, and acknowledged the presence of Nana Shettima, who represented her at the event.
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The closing ceremony of the 3rd National Para Games.
The closing ceremony of the 3rd National Para Games.
In a related development, the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, represented by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Lekan Abari, described the Games as a historic and unifying moment for the country.
He said that over the eight-day competition, athletes from the six geo-sports zones demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience and unity, underscoring the power of sports to bridge ethnic and religious divides.
Olopade noted that the National Para Games had continued to serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing talents, expressing optimism that many of the athletes would represent Nigeria at international competitions in the future.
He congratulated the overall winners and all participants, including athletes, coaches, officials and organisers, for their contributions to the success of the Games, while urging athletes to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship in both victory and defeat.
Olopade commended state governments for supporting participation despite economic challenges, noting that sports remained a key driver of economic activities, infrastructure development and community growth.
He announced that the commission had opened the bidding process for the hosting of the 4th National Para Games in 2027, inviting states and the Federal Capital Territory to submit expressions of interest.
The Director-General reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the continued development of para-sports in Nigeria and congratulated all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the 2026 Games.
Manager Arne Slot hailed the impact Mohamed Salah has had on Liverpool during his nine years at the club and is hoping the Egyptian forward will win two more trophies with them before leaving.
Salah, who has scored 255 goals for Liverpool and helped them win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and one Champions League trophy, announced last week he would depart at the end of the season.
Slot said Salah was available for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash at Manchester City.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot (L) with Mohamed Salah (R).
“He trained with us yesterday and today, and he’s available for the game tomorrow,” Slot told reporters, heaping praise on the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time.“It’s been unbelievable what he did for this club.”
“For so many years, every three days, scoring the goals he did, having the assists, having the impact that he had on this club, winning the trophies… I can only hope that he can add two extra trophies to it towards the end of the season.”
Liverpool have lost both Premier League games against City this season, but Slot said their improved performance in February’s 2-1 home defeat showed his team can be competitive against Pep Guardiola’s side.
“First half at Anfield, City dominated possession… how impressive was it that we dominated possession in the second half? Because how many teams can dominate possession against City?” Slot asked.
“Now we have to show this as well in their stadium, which is more difficult than having 60,000 people at Anfield helping you.”
Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League, 21 points below leaders Arsenal, but have reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and face Paris St Germain away on Wednesday.
Enugu State has emerged the overall winner of the just concluded 3rd National Para Games at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, securing 40 Gold, eight Silver and seven Bronze medals, for a total of 55 medals.
Bayelsa State finished in second position with 25 Gold, 30 Silver and 34 Bronze medals, amassing the highest total medal count of 89. Edo State claimed third place with 25 Gold, 14 Silver and 12 Bronze medals, totalling 51.
Rivers placed fourth with 21 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals (59 total), while Lagos State finished fifth with 20 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze medals, bringing their total to 63.
In sixth position, Abia recorded nine gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals (43 total), followed by Plateau in seventh place with eight gold, six silver and 14 bronze medals, totalling 28.
Osun came eighth with three gold, six silver and seven bronze medals (16 total), while Adamawa State secured ninth place with three gold, three silver and two bronze medals, totalling eight.
Kwara completed the top 10 with two gold, seven silver and 11 bronze medals, totalling 20. Other states that featured in the medal table include Cross River (2 gold, 5 silver, 11 bronze – 18 total), Ondo (2 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze – 13 total).
Katsina (2 gold, 1 silver, 8 bronze – 11 total), and Kano (1 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze – 11 total). Niger recorded one gold, three silver and one bronze medal (5 total), while Bauchi State secured one gold, two silver and nine bronze medals (12 total).
Ekiti finished with one gold, two silver and five bronze medals (8 total), and Benue State recorded one gold, one silver and three bronze medals (5 total). Kaduna State did not win any gold medal but secured two silver and six bronze medals (8 total).
The host, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), finished with two silver and four bronze medals, total six. Jigawa recorded one silver and two bronze medals (3 total), while Kogi and Zamfara each finished with one silver and one bronze medal (2 total apiece).
Kebbi and Taraba recorded one bronze medal each. Meanwhile, several states failed to win any medal at the Games. These include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Gombe, Imo, Nasarawa, Ogun, Oyo, Sokoto and Yobe.
The 2026 edition of the National Para Games showcased remarkable talent and determination from athletes across the federation, further highlighting the growing development of para sports in Nigeria.
The 15 Para sports featured at the Games include; Para Athletics, Para Cycling, Para Karate, Para Taekwondo, Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton and Para Table Tennis.
Others are Amputee football, Para Volleyball, Para Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, wheelchair Tennis, Para Shooting, Para Canoeing and Para Football.
After the Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s football federation (FIGC), announced that manager Gennaro Gattuso left his role.
Italy lost Tuesday’s playoff final in Bosnia on penalties and the four-time champions have now missed out on three consecutive World Cups.
Gattuso’s departure came a day after FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned, and national team delegation head Gianluigi Buffon stepped down from his role.
“With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my time in charge of the national team to be over,” Gattuso said in a statement.
“The Azzurri shirt is the most precious asset in football, which is why it is right to facilitate future technical assessments with immediate effect.
“It has been an honour to lead the national team, and to do so with a group of lads who have shown commitment and loyalty to the shirt.”
The FIGC thanked Gattuso for his work.
“The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Gennaro Ivan Gattuso have mutually terminated the contract that bound the Calabrian coach to the helm of the Italian national football team,”the FIGC said in a statement.
“The FIGC thanks Gattuso and his entire staff for the professionalism, dedication and passion with which they have worked over the past nine months and wishes them every success in their future careers.”
Gattuso was appointed in June on a one-year contract, replacing Luciano Spalletti who was sacked following Italy’s 3-0 defeat by Norway in their opening group game, although he remained in place for the 2-0 win over Moldova the next day.
Italy won their next five group games under Gattuso, but given Norway’s far superior goal difference, they were resigned to another World Cup playoff before the final group game, which Norway won 4-1 at the San Siro.
Italy had lost at the playoff stage of the last two World Cups, but looked on course to make it this time after a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in the semi-final, before it all fell apart in Bosnia.
Gattuso’s 10-man team let slip a 1-0 lead and crumbled in the penalty shootout. After the loss in Zenica, Gattuso said it was not the time to speak about his future, but once Gravina made his decision to step away, it was a matter of when Gattuso would follow.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has welcomed the enactment of the country’s new Electoral Act, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for swiftly signing the legislation into law and describing it as a step toward strengthening democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a communiqué issued after a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Awka, Anambra State, and signed by National Publicity Secretary Ejimofor Opara, the party said the law would provide greater certainty in the electoral process and enhance preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
APGA also commended the National Assembly for the prompt passage of the bill, highlighting provisions such as reforms to political party primaries and the digitisation of party membership registers.
The party said these measures align with global best practices and would strengthen internal party democracy while urging INEC to align its 2027 election timetable with the new legal framework.
The NWC said it had reviewed its internal preparations for the polls, including approving guidelines and a timetable for its 2026 primary elections.
It also announced plans to convene stakeholder conferences across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of broader mobilisation efforts.
On party administration, APGA acknowledged challenges in its ongoing electronic membership registration and revalidation exercise but assured members that issues would be resolved promptly.
It encouraged new and existing members to participate in the process.
The committee also approved the dissolution of party structures in the Federal Capital Territory, citing “disturbing developments”, and saying a caretaker committee would be constituted in line with party rules after notifying INEC.
APGA used the meeting to congratulate Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his second-term inauguration, attributing his re-election to what it described as significant developmental progress in the state.
The party urged him to continue efforts to transform Anambra into a “livable and prosperous smart mega city.”
Addressing national security, the party expressed concern over persistent violence and loss of life in parts of the country, calling on the president to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity.
It also commended Nigeria’s security forces for their ongoing operations, particularly in the north, and paid tribute to personnel who have died in the line of duty.
In a separate political development, APGA praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers for what it described as defending constitutional order, following the defection of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from the party.
It called on the Senate to declare the seat vacant in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The party further urged its members and officials nationwide to maintain discipline and adhere strictly to party rules, warning that violations during the upcoming primaries would attract sanctions.
Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, became the hub of Africa’s energy dialogue from March 30 to 31, 2026, as Ministers, development partners, and industry leaders gathered for a high-level roundtable to advance gas cooperation across the continent.
Held under the theme “Cooperation in Advancing Gas Development with Regional Impact Across Africa,”the meeting explored practical pathways to transform Africa’s vast gas resources into improved energy access, economic growth, and better living standards.
The roundtable, hosted by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, underscored Nigeria’s growing leadership in continental energy coordination, coming shortly after his emergence as President of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial Meeting.
Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo
Co-hosted by Nigeria’s Decade of Gas programme and the World Bank, the gathering highlighted both the opportunities and challenges within Africa’s energy landscape. Despite over 600 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, more than 600 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity, while millions rely on traditional fuels for cooking.
Addressing participants, Ekpo stressed the urgency of collective action, noting that Africa’s energy future depends not on resource abundance, but on coordination, infrastructure, and regional collaboration.
“Africa’s energy future will not be determined by the abundance of our resources, but by our ability to act together,” he said.
He called for a shift from fragmented national strategies to integrated regional systems driven by transparent pricing, demand aggregation, and efficient cross-border trade.
Nigeria’s role as host reflects its strategic position in Africa’s gas sector, with an estimated 210.54 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves—the largest on the continent. Through its Decade of Gas initiative, the country aims to ‘scale production and expand domestic utilisation, particularly for power generation and clean cooking.’
The initiative also served as a platform for broader continental dialogue, with participation from countries such as Senegal. Representing his country, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Mr Birame Soulèye Diop, emphasised the importance of shared learning and cooperation.
Mr Birame Soulèye Diop
Diop said; “We need to exchange ideas, share our experiences, and learn from the mistakes we’ve made,” highlighting the need for joint efforts in addressing common energy challenges.
He also pointed to the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline as a key example of regional collaboration aimed at ‘strengthening integrated markets and shared infrastructure.’
The World Bank’s participation further underscored the importance of financing and policy support.
Country Director Mathew Verghis, represented by Justin Beleoken, reaffirmed “the institution’s commitment to supporting African countries through funding, technical expertise, and investment facilitation.”
The Bank highlighted the roles of its private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency in mobilising investment and providing risk guarantees for large-scale energy projects.
Also speaking, the Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Programme, Ed Ubong outlined key priorities including increasing gas production and expanding access to clean cooking solutions.
Mr ED Ubong
“We are beginning to ask how we can work on a regional basis to increase collaboration around gas for Africans,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure and investment, discussions also focused on inclusion. Eleanor Okubor of McKinsey & Company emphasised the need to integrate women and small businesses into the gas value chain, particularly in last-mile distribution.
By the close of the two-day meeting, participants identified priority areas for cooperation, including regulatory harmonisation, infrastructure development, and mechanisms to drive cross-border projects.
The Abuja roundtable marks a significant step toward building an integrated African gas market, with Nigeria playing a central convening role.
Stakeholders are now focused on translating dialogue into action to ensure that Africa’s gas resources drive industrialisation, expand energy access, and support sustainable development across the continent.
With this, Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative is no longer just a national ambition; it has become the scaffolding upon which Africa’s integrated energy future will be constructed.
The Nigerian Government has officially opened a completed section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in the Southeast region of the country.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, while opening the road, said it was to ease movement for the southeast people during the Easter holidays.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure across the Southeast and Nigeria in general.
While noting the importance of the road to the southeast region, the Works Minister stated that the road was an inherited project that had stalled in previous administrations.
“We inherited this road under the tax credit of MTN and executed it for them by RCC, but everything was on standstill until I went to plead with President Tinubu.
“The President didn’t only accelerate the construction of this road, but he also directed that at least 50% of it must be on concrete and like that of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
“The project was awarded before the coming of President Tinubu, but no meaningful progress was made. “We reviewed it and allowed MTN to continue with their contract sum, excluding 72KM”he said.
Umahi further provided updates on the current status of the road.
“The first 50km of reinforced concrete pavement is about 97% completed, but the President directed me to come and open the road so that the people of Southeast will not suffer during the Easter period, and that is why I am here to open the first 15km of the road,” he said.
The Minister also outlined several ongoing and completed road projects across the Southeast region of Nigeria.
“The third legacy project aims to connect the South-East to Abuja in less than four hours. A 123 km section of the project is currently underway in the region at a cost of ₦455 billion and is being constructed using reinforced concrete pavement.”
“That is not enough; we have Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe, 64km, it’s being reconstructed under the Dangote tax credit, 193b; concrete work is ongoing.
“The Aba Ikot Ekpene Road, 1 carriageway, is completed; the second one is being engaged.
“Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene is 95 percent done.
“The Umuahia-Aba road being executed by Arab contractors is 99% done.
“The Owerri-Aba road, being constructed by Arab contractors, is 70% done.
CGC is currently working on the second Niger bypass, which spans 17.5 km and includes multiple bridges and flyovers, with 30% of the 174 billion naira cost already paid.
“The Enugu-Abakaliki, 183b, 30% fully paid; that project is ongoing.
“You come to multiple sections, Enugu to Portharcourt. The first section from Enugu, being done by CGC, is 60km dualised; about 70% of that project is done. We have directed that the remaining project of about 64km should be done on concrete. That is being done by CGC, and that is 100b.
You arrive at the Setraco section, which is 99% finished. You come to the Arab contractors from Umuahia to Aba, 99% finished. In fact, we need to change the last lane in Aba to concrete.
“You come to Aba to Portharcourt; it’s being done by CCECC. One full carriageway is done; the second carriageway is redesigned to be done on concrete.
“Time will fail us to say all that the President is doing in Southeast. Owerri – Onitsha, the project is ongoing and being carried out by CGC.
“You come to one of the biggest flyovers in the country at Ekeobinagu; that project is 99% done. It’s almost 1km of flyover. You all witnessed the quality and the beauty, and it’s for the President to commission it. “ Umahi said.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has presented relief materials to the Plateau State Government for onwards distribution to victims and survivors of the tragic Angwan Rukuba attack.
The intervention aims to provide immediate relief and support to affected individuals, allowing them to gradually rebuild their lives and resume normal daily activities.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, who was represented by the North Central Zonal Coordinator, Mr Adebiyi B. Razaq, made the presentation at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Mrs. Umar explained that the relief materials were approved as part of federal assistance to communities affected by the violent attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
She noted that the NEMA Operations Office in Jos conducted a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of damage and the level of support required for the survivors.
Based on the findings, the Federal Government approved the following relief items: “Rice: 25kg 1000 bags; beans: 25kg 300 bags; spaghetti 20 packets of 500g, 165 cartons of vegetable oil (4.5 litres), 100 cartons of seasoning cubes, and cartons of tomatoes paste (50 sachets) 100 bags of iodised salt (20 kg), 80 bags of detergent, 150 cartons, dignity kits (100 bags), and wax print (6 yards) 200 pieces of Guinea brocade.
Others are “200 pieces of mattresses, medicaments packaging quantity, silver sulphadiazine cream tubes 220, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 625mg, among several items”.
Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang assured that the materials would be distributed promptly and transparently to the affected persons.
The Governor expressed appreciation to NEMA for its timely intervention and commended the strong working relationship between the agency and the state government since the appointment of the Director-General.
He noted that while the state regrets the occurrence of such tragic incidents, it remains important for governments at all levels to be prepared to respond effectively to emergencies.
“It is the responsibility of government to come to the aid of the vulnerable so they can rebuild their lives. We appreciate the Director-General for this support and assure that all items provided will be judiciously managed and delivered to the rightful beneficiaries,” he stated.
