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Ex-Spokesman Praises Nigerian Troops Bravery in Northeast Operations

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A former Army Spokesman and Public Affairs Analyst, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) has commended the gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) for their courage and decisive victory in repelling multiple Boko Haram attacks across the Northeast Nigeria.

Brigadier General Usman Kukasheka lauded the Theatre Commander, General Officers Commanding, Sector and Brigade Commanders, as well as all troops of the Armed Forces and supporting security agencies, for their renewed synergy and outstanding battlefield performance in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko.

“Your courage, foresight, and total commitment – exemplified by leading from the most perilous front lines – have inspired the troops with unshakeable confidence, boosted their morale, and reignited their fighting spirit,” he said, describing the successful operations as a reflection of visionary leadership and tactical mastery.

General Usman Kukasheka noted that the coordinated response of the ground forces, supported by the Air Component Command, crushed the terrorists’ intended assaults and led to the neutralisation of a sizable number of insurgents and the recovery of assorted weapons, ammunition, and equipment.

He further described the renewed momentum in the theatre as “a glowing reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian soldier,” urging the troops to sustain the offensive until peace and stability are fully restored.

While commending the triumphs, Brigadier General Usman also paused to honour the fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“Their bravery and devotion shall never be forgotten. They gave their all so that others may live in peace and freedom,” he said, extending prayers for the repose of their souls and quick recovery for the wounded.

He called on communities in the North East to sustain their trust and cooperation with the troops, describing such civilian confidence as essential to consolidating the ongoing gains.

“Support them wholeheartedly with information, encouragement, and prayers. These gallant sons and daughters are fighting not merely for land, but for our safety, honour, and way of life,” he appealed.

Brigadier General Usman also urged all tiers of government to continue supporting the Armed Forces through superior equipment, logistics, welfare, and other critical enablers necessary to maintain operational success.

“Our gallant troops, please be assured of the unceasing support and prayers of all patriotic Nigerians. Your victory is not just military – it is a national inspiration, a symbol of our collective resilience,” he added.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Nigeria, Germany Trade Volume Hits €3bn

 Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja

Germany has described Nigeria as the country’s second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a trade volume of three billion euros (€3bn)

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Günther, announced this in Abuja, Nigeria, at a press conference, ahead of the joint Nigerian-German binational commission scheduled for Berlin, Germany.

Ambassador Günther explained that the relationship between the two countries is built on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and practical economic cooperation.

Trade between the two countries grew by 30 percent in 2025, reflecting Nigeria’s steady economic recovery and renewed investor confidence.

Our goal is to move from cooperation to true partnership in value — partners who share responsibility on their continents and work together to shape a peaceful and prosperous world.

“Nigeria is Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with a trade volume of €3 billion.

“More than 90 German companies are active in Nigeria, indirectly creating over 17,000 jobs — and that number continues to grow, especially in the energy and pharmaceutical sectors,” she said.

Beyond trade, the German envoy stressed that Germany remained a strategic development and security partner, noting that the country would continue to support military capacity building, police reform, and humanitarian interventions across Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected regions of the North-East and North-West.

Germany has stood side by side with Nigeria in building military capacity — from officer training to technical skills like automotive mechanics. In the North-East, we are supporting the reconstruction of schools, health centres, markets, and police stations.

“The rebuilt village of Ngarannam in Borno State is one such example.

“Germany will continue to stand with Nigeria in combating terrorism. Next month, high-level military staff talks will take place in Abuja — a first in our cooperation and an important step toward even closer collaboration,” she said.

She said Germany is supporting humanitarian and development initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by conflict, food insecurity, and climate change.

Humanitarian assistance can provide short-term relief, but sustainable change must come from within. Our partnership with Nigeria focuses on building resilience — in communities, governance, and food systems — so that long-term progress can take root.”

The Ambassador highlighted two major projects that symbolize the strength of German-Nigerian economic collaboration.

Firstly, the Presidential Power Initiative, in cooperation with Siemens, is now entering its second phase.

“This will add about 7 gigawatts to Nigeria’s energy grid. Secondly, our cooperation in the gas sector aims to eliminate gas flaring and improve Nigeria’s CO₂ footprint.

“After two years of economic downturn, Germany is shifting into growth mode again. Large investments in digitization, infrastructure, education, and renewable energy will give a boost to our economy, the economy of Europe, and beyond,” she stressed.

Ambassador Günther, while reaffirming  Germany’s continued investment in education and cultural exchange,  also highlighted plans to deepen cooperation with Nigeria’s film industry, describing Nollywood as “a strong international force with immense creative potential.”

The Goethe Institute now offers language classes in Abuja for the first time, and our collaboration with the Nigerian film industry will be a major focus next year.
Much can be achieved together if we realize how much we have in common and how much our interests align.

“We believe in equitable development and shared prosperity.

“A secure and prosperous Nigeria is also in Germany’s interest — because when Nigeria thrives, Africa thrives.”

Ambassador Günther stressed that the future of German-African relations would no longer be defined by donor-recipient dynamics, but by mutual respect and shared goals.

It is obvious that the relationship between Europe and Africa is no longer based on donor-recipient relations, but on common interests and respect.

“The results have to be beneficial for both sides. A prosperous and secure Nigeria is also in Germany’s interest. We all benefit if we can open sustainable trade channels,” she said.

The German Ambassador drew parallels between the two countries, describing them as federal republics that share democratic ideals.

She reaffirmed Germany’s foreign policy priorities of security, freedom, and prosperity, adding that Berlin seeks partnerships with countries that share those values.

Both Nigeria and Germany are freedom-loving, democratic nations. We want the world to be governed by the strength of the law, not the law of the strongest”, she added.

The  German-Nigerian Binational Commission, scheduled to hold in Berlin in early November, would elevate ties between the two countries.

The commission will bring together officials from both nations to discuss key areas, including trade, security, energy, education, migration, and cultural exchange.

 

 

 

Super Falcons Dispatch Benin Amazons in Style

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Reigning African champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a 2-0 win against Bénin Republic’s Amazons in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lome, Togo.

The Super Falcons started strongly with Rasheedat Ajibade’s 6th minute lob over the Amazons’ goalkeeper Ogoun, which was denied by the woodwork. Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike two minutes later was parried away by Ogoun. ‎ ‎

Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun weaved through the midfield as her pass found Chiwendu Ihezuo, who excellently put the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper in the 23rd minute to give the Super Falcons the lead.‎

Before the stroke of halftime, Nigeria doubled its lead when Abiodun picked out Esther Okoronkwo with a defence-splitting pass.

Okoronkwo slotted home to give Nigeria a commanding lead to end the half 2-0. The second half proved tough for both teams following tactical adjustments and a number of substitutions.

However, Nigeria soaked the pressure better, containing the pace of the Amazon wingers who stepped up with high intensity in their search for goals. ‎ ‎

An in-swinger in the 90th minute unsettled the Nigerian defence, leaving Sadikou with a chance to head into the net but her effort was denied by goalkeeper Nnadozie.‎

‎The scoreline gives Nigeria the advantage ahead of the return leg billed for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State Southwest Nigeria’ on Tuesday.

Customs Command Records ₦350.3bn in Nine Months

The Customs Area Controller of the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, Comptroller Joe Anani has announced that the Command generated ₦350.3 billion between January and September 2025.

He restated the Command’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling enforcement.

Comptroller Anani made this known during his maiden press conference held at the Command’s headquarters in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, on October 24, 2025.

He noted that “the Command remains resolute in sustaining its operational tempo through efficient service delivery, enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, and strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) guidelines and extant laws governing international trade.”

Comptroller Anani stated that PTML has sustained a strong performance under his six-week leadership, building on what he described as a “well-organised structure.”

According to him, “between July and September 2025, the Command generated ₦116,243,603,670.58 (one hundred and sixteen billion, two hundred and forty-three million, six hundred and three thousand, six hundred and seventy naira, fifty-eight kobo).”

This represents a 34.3 per cent increase compared to the ₦86,584,012,733.43 (eighty-six billion, five hundred and eighty-four million, twelve thousand, seven hundred and thirty-three naira, forty-three kobo) collected during the third quarter of 2024.”

Comptroller Anani explained that from January to September 2025, the Command recorded a cumulative collection of ₦350,347,173,787.92, noting that “three months to the end of 2025, we have made 96.64% — almost equating the total collection recorded in 2024.”

For ease of reference and comparison, this command collected ₦362,521,085,250.98 (three hundred and sixty-two billion, five hundred and twenty-one million, eighty-five thousand, two hundred and fifty naira, ninety kobo) as total revenue for last year — January to December 2024,” he said.

Comptroller Anani attributed the Command’s success to the efficient deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), popularly known as B’Odogwu, describing PTML as the “cradle” of the home-grown platform.

Despite initial challenges, the platform has enhanced trade processing and transparency,” he said, while appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his guidance and leadership.

Anti-Smuggling Drive

Comptroller Anani reiterated that “PTML’s anti-smuggling operations remain uncompromised. During the quarter, the Command intercepted several prohibited items, including a Taiwan-made Airsoft pistol, 12 rounds of live ammunition, and two containers of falsely declared pharmaceutical products, with a duty paid value of ₦200 million.”

We will not compromise national security on the altar of trade facilitation,” he stressed.

The seizures were made in close collaboration with sister agencies, particularly the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which has since taken custody of the confiscated containers for further investigation.

Stakeholder Collaboration

In line with the Comptroller-General’s directive on community engagement, Comptroller Anani said; “PTML has strengthened collaboration with other government agencies and private-sector stakeholders through enhanced intelligence sharing, inter-agency visits, and regular consultations.”

He urged importers and agents to embrace compliance, noting that “obedience to trade laws saves time, saves money, and builds business reputation towards attaining the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.”

Comptroller Anani also thanked the media for their continued support, pledging transparency and partnership in his administration’s efforts to improve customs operations.

NAFDAC Commends Customs

While receiving the seized drugs from the Customs Area Controller, the Director of Port Inspection Directorate at NAFDAC, Dr Olakunle Olaniran, commended the Service under the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as well as the PTML Command under Comptroller Anani, for ensuring that substandard products do not enter the Nigerian market.

According to him, if the fake drugs had been released into circulation, they could have caused unimaginable damages including death.”

The products displayed here are products that are fast-moving in the market. High blood pressure control medicines are here, the antibiotics are here. When you see the packaging, you will not be able to differentiate this bad medicine from the good ones,” Dr Olaniran said.

He further urged Nigerians to always patronize registered pharmaceutical outlets when purchasing medicines.

 

 

Victoria Ibanga

State Governors Commend CBN’s Economic Stabilization Efforts

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By Chioma Eche Abuja

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the successful implementation of policies aimed at restoring price stability and strengthening confidence in the economy.

The commendation was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s fifth meeting, held in Abuja, the nation’s capital and signed by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, the Governor of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that the meeting deliberated on ongoing economic stabilization efforts, national security coordination, and legislative initiatives designed to enhance gender representation in governance.

According to him, the Forum received a presentation from the CBN Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, who briefed members on the Bank’s stabilization measures to curb inflation, unify exchange rate windows, and recapitalize banks.

Governors commended the CBN’s coordinated approach with fiscal authorities and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to safeguard growth and state fiscal sustainability,” the communiqué stated.

Security Coordination and Emerging Threats

The Forum also received a briefing from the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on emerging security threats and intelligence-led strategies to strengthen subnational coordination.

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that discussions focused on countering violent extremism, managing inter-communal tensions, and addressing security risks linked to economic hardship and political transition.

Governors expressed appreciation to the DSS for its proactive engagement and reiterated their commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability across the states,” he added.

Push for Gender Representation in Governance

The Forum also discussed ongoing efforts in the national Constitution Review, particularly the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349), which is scheduled for voting between November 4 and 6, 2025.

The Bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create special constituencies exclusively contested by women in both the National and State Assemblies as a temporary measure to enhance gender representation.

Governors were urged to engage their Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and State Assemblies to support the Bill’s passage and affirm Nigeria’s commitment to equity and inclusive governance,” the communiqué read.

Commitment to Stability and Inclusive Growth

The meeting, which was attended by several Governors and Deputy Governors, concluded with a reaffirmation of the Forum’s collective resolve to promote macroeconomic stability, national security, and inclusive democratic governance through continuous collaboration with federal institutions and development partners.

Victoria Ibanga

Vice President Shettima Tasks Governors On Performance

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on state governments in Nigeria to translate the optimism of the streets into real prosperity in homes and communities.

In his opening address at the meeting of the National Economic Council, the Vice President reminded state Governors that the measure of governance lies in the tangible improvement of citizens’ lives rather than rhetoric.

“The measure of government is not in speeches delivered; it is in the lives improved,” the Vice President said.

Highlighting one of the day’s major presentations, including the Anticipatory Action Framework for Riverine Flooding by the Office of the National Security Adviser, VP Shettima reiterated the administration’s shift from reactive crisis management to proactive planning.

“It is no longer in doubt that rivers that once sustained our farmlands and livelihoods have also been the source of recurring tragedy for many of our citizens.

 “Entire communities have watched their dreams drown in waters that could have been tamed through foresight and planning. True leadership anticipates danger and builds systems to prevent loss before it happens,” he said.

Disaster Preparedness

He commended the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for leading the charge toward disaster preparedness across the federation, noting that the framework will strengthen early warning systems, coordination mechanisms, and subnational response capacities.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, presented a NEC memorandum outlining Nigeria’s trajectory toward a $1 trillion economy by 2033, describing the target as a test of coordination and clarity.

Responding to the Minister’s presentation, the Vice President said, “This ambition requires coordination across the federation. It is our duty as a Council to interrogate the pathways, to assign responsibilities, and to ensure that our targets are realistic, time-bound, and transparent to the citizens who expect results.”

He emphasised that the roadmap aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises macroeconomic stability, job creation, food security, and subnational competitiveness as anchors of national prosperity.

Agriculture          

VP Shettima also commended the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA), a state-driven digital agriculture model designed to modernise service delivery and improve farmers’ access to data, markets, and climate information.

“Earlier this week, at the invitation of His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, I was in Katsina State. One of the progressive projects we launched is the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture, known as KASPA. It is a scalable framework for digital governance, farmer inclusion, and climate-smart productivity ready for sub-national adoption,” the Vice President said.

The platform, he noted, reflects the Council’s broader commitment to technology-enabled governance and inclusive agricultural growth that cuts across the thirty-six states and the FCT.

“The story of Nigeria’s recovery will not be written by chance but by choice—by the deliberate actions we take to protect our economy, safeguard our environment, and uphold the welfare of our citizens,” he said.

VP Shettima commended Governors, ministers, and members of the Council for sustaining the NEC as a platform of trust, cooperation, and policy innovation.

 

NSCDC Reaffirms Commitment to Protection of National Assets

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‎By Vin Oliji, Abuja

‎The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has renewed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s national and critical assets.

‎The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC in the nation’s Capital, Dr. Olusola Odumosu gave the charge during a meeting with telecom stakeholders at the FCT Command headquarters, Abuja, where he decried the non-chalant attitude of some mast owners to the security and protection of their multi million naira investment, which made them prone to vandalism.

‎The meeting was held at the instance of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to curtail the recurring incidents of vandalism of telecom masts and towers across the country.

‎Odumosu emphasised the importance of the telecom sector to the social economic growth of the country and to this end, any act of sabotage or vandalism must be condemned and should not be allowed to fester.

‎”The Corps is concerned because vandalism of these critical national assets and infrastructure would have serious consequences on the entire country, therefore, protection of this facilities must be taken seriously,” Odumosu said.

‎He hinted that many of the sites visited during the routine patrol of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) protection department were unguarded and without any security presence or CCTV cameras. He advised them to improve on it to prevent unhindered access by vandals and miscreants.

‎He insisted that the operators must engage the services of licensed private guard companies in the FCT to provide physical security at the sites, as well as share credible intelligence that would assist to apprehend vandals.

‎He directed the operators to avail the Corps relevant information about their sites and locations of their masts and towers to enable the Command conduct constant patrol and surveillance around the facilities.

‎”As the lead agency in the protection of CNAI, we are committed to providing 24 hours surveillance and patrol around your facilities.

‎”Make sure you avail us relevant information about your sites and locations to enable us protect them. We cannot protect the facilities that we don’t know exists,” he said.

‎He echoed the directive on the installation of CCTV cameras as a tool to fighting vandalism and theft, because going forward, all reports of infractions at BTS sites must be accompanied by relevant CCTV footages.

‎On their part, the stakeholders, thanked the Commandant for convening the meeting and promised to work closely with the Corps in improving security around telecom facilities in the FCT.


‎Olusola Akintonde

North Central Development Commission Debunks Recruitment Rumours

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The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has denied speculation that it has commenced any recruitment process in Nigeria, despite rumors indicating otherwise.

According to a statement issued by the Executive Director, Corporate Services
North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Mr. James Uloko, since its establishment, the Commission has been focused on defining its organisational structure and identifying its resource needs.

He explained that “the Commission is currently working with various government agencies to assess its requirements and obtain necessary approvals before initiating any recruitment activities.”

Mr. Uloko further said that in addition to the above situation, the Commission’s budget proposal is still pending approval at the National Assembly.

He warned the public to be cautious of fraudulent individuals claiming to offer employment opportunities on behalf of the Commission.

Mr. Uloko maintained that any official recruitment by the Commission would be announced publicly and conducted with utmost transparency and fairness.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Britain Urges Allies to Agree on Frozen Russian Assets

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Britain on Friday urged fellow allies of Ukraine to reach a deal to use frozen Russian assets to strengthen its hand for any future peace talks, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in London for talks with those allies.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said he would also press the “Coalition of the Willing” countries to take Russian oil and gas off the global market and give Kyiv more long-range missiles.

European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to meet Ukraine’s “pressing financial needs” for the next two years but stopped short of endorsing a plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund a giant loan to Kyiv over Belgian concerns.

Zelenskiy had asked the EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday for long-range missiles and to use the frozen assets to provide it with more weapons.

He also welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies, a dramatic U-turn after last week announcing plans for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Starmer said Putin was not serious about ending the war.

Time and again we offer Putin the chance to end his needless invasion, to stop the killing and recall his troops, but he repeatedly rejects those proposals and any chance of peace,” he said in a statement.

“We must ratchet up the pressure on Russia and build on President Trump’s decisive action.”

Moscow has promised a “painful response” if the assets are seized.

Putin also said the sanctions on oil companies were an unfriendly act, but would not significantly affect the Russian economy.

In another bid to starve Moscow of revenue, the EU approved a 19th package of sanctions, which includes a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas.

 

Reuters/Hauwa M.

Constitution Review: Deputy Speaker Urges Adherence to National Interest 

Gloria Essien Abuja

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has emphasised the need for the constitution review process to be guided by national interest, rather than individual or party interests.

He said that every article, clause, and decision made during the review process should be evaluated based on what is best for Nigeria and its over 200 million citizens.

Mr. Kalu made the submission while delivering his address at the Joint Retreat of the Senate and House Committees on the Review of the Constitution in Lagos.

The Deputy Speaker stressed that the constitution review should not also be driven by regional agendas, but by a collective desire to evolve a document that will positively impact the lives of Nigerians.

He urged the lawmakers to prioritise the nation’s interests above any other consideration to ensure that the review process delivers a constitution that truly reflects the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

“As we deliberate, let us stay anchored on three guiding principles: Unity of Purpose: Our political differences must dissolve here. On constitutional reform, Nigeria must speak with one voice. Only through joint resolve can we deliver amendments that command national legitimacy and bipartisan support.

“Legislative Discipline: Constitutional reform is no ordinary law-making process. It requires technical precision, sober judgment, and prioritization. Let us focus on practical, impactful amendments that enjoy broad public endorsement.

“National Interest: Every article, every clause, every decision we take must answer one question: Is this what is best for Nigeria? Not for our parties, regions, or political ambitions, but for the over 200 million Nigerians whose hopes our actions will shape,” Mr. Kalu said.

He noted that the collective aspiration of Nigerians is for the parliament to deliver a people-oriented Constitution that will guarantee justice, equity, progress, and generally impact the people.

“We have listened to Nigerians from every walk of life, traditional rulers, state executives, political parties, civil society, women’s groups, youth leaders, and the security community and faith based organizations. At every turn, the message has been clear: Nigeria desires a people-driven Constitution that works for all.

“Let us remember that history is watching. The Constitution we seek to refine is more than a legal instrument; it is the soul of our Republic, the expression of our common destiny.

“Let the work we do here in Lagos reflect our shared commitment to a Nigeria that works for all. Let this retreat produce a clear, achievable roadmap: one that strengthens local governance, enhances gender balance, ensures credible elections, and secures our federation against future instability.

“As the Senate and House stand united in this constitutional review process, let us leave Lagos with the resolve to transform our deliberations into enduring constitutional milestones.

“Together, we can build a Constitution that guarantees justice, equity, and progress for every Nigerian today and for generations to come”, Kalu added.