Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – In a significant development for Nigeria’s fintech sector, Flutterwave has officially secured a banking licence in Nigeria, marking a major transition from a payment processing platform to a broader financial services provider. The milestone, confirmed on April 2, positions Flutterwave to deepen its role within the country’s financial ecosystem by enabling it to manage settlement flows directly, rather than relying solely on partner banks. This effectively allows the company to operate with capabilities similar to a digital bank, offering more integrated and end-to-end financial solutions. Industry analysts say the move represents a strategic shift that could reshape…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government has rolled out measures to ease transportation pressure and ensure public safety during the Easter holiday, with increased rail services and heightened security deployments across key states. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) announced special train operations along the busy Lagos-Ibadan corridor, introducing three daily trips to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic. The move is aimed at providing a reliable and affordable alternative to road travel, which typically experiences heavy congestion during festive periods. Railway officials stated that the additional services are part of broader efforts to improve customer experience and manage demand…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government is considering the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Council as part of renewed efforts to combat the growing wave of cyber threats targeting Nigeria’s digital space. Sources within the administration indicate that the proposed council is expected to serve as a central coordinating body, bringing together key stakeholders across government institutions, security agencies, and the private sector to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity architecture. The move comes amid increasing concerns over cybercrime, data breaches, and attacks on critical national infrastructure, including financial systems and government databases. Experts in Cybersecurity have repeatedly warned that Nigeria’s expanding…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is expected to attend the closing ceremony of the 3rd National Para Games scheduled to hold today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The event marks the conclusion of days of intense sporting competition among para-athletes drawn from across the federation, showcasing resilience, talent, and the growing development of disability sports in Nigeria. The National Para Games, now in its third edition, has continued to serve as a platform for identifying and nurturing athletes for international competitions, including the Paralympics. Officials from the National Sports Commission have described this year’s…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, as public holidays to mark the Easter celebration, calling on citizens to embrace the core values associated with the season. In a statement issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the government emphasized the importance of Easter as a period for deep reflection, compassion, and national unity. He urged Nigerians to use the holiday to demonstrate selflessness, love, and tolerance in their daily interactions. The minister noted that the message of Easter, rooted in sacrifice and hope, remains critical in fostering peace and cohesion…

Manny Ita  – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received the President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for high-level diplomatic talks centered on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing regional security cooperation. The visit underscores ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen collaboration in addressing shared challenges, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin region, which has been affected by insurgency, cross-border crime, and humanitarian pressures. The leaders reportedly engaged in extensive discussions on security coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint strategies to combat terrorism and transnational threats. Nigeria and Chad share a long-standing relationship rooted…

Manny Ita  – Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the National Assembly to undertake a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s electoral litigation framework, stressing the need to ensure smoother political transitions and reduce prolonged legal disputes after elections. Jonathan made the appeal during a public policy engagement, where he expressed concern over the increasing volume and duration of election-related court cases, which he said often create uncertainty and undermine public confidence in the democratic process. He noted that while legal redress remains a fundamental right, the current system allows for drawn-out litigations that can distract elected officials from governance and…

Manny Ita  – Authorities in Anambra State have intensified their crackdown on illicit drug activities, following a major enforcement operation that led to the destruction of substances valued at approximately ₦80 million. The raid was carried out by the state’s anti-touting squad, working in collaboration with local security operatives, as part of a broader campaign to rid the state of criminal networks linked to drug distribution and abuse. The operation targeted identified hotspots known for illegal drug sales and consumption, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Officials disclosed that the seized substances included a mix of banned narcotics and controlled…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has commenced a sweeping overhaul of the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF) as part of efforts to reposition the country’s oil and gas sector for long-term growth under a new 10-year strategic roadmap. The restructuring initiative, announced during a high-level industry engagement session, is aimed at strengthening the NCCF’s role as a central platform for collaboration among operators, service companies, regulators, and other stakeholders within the petroleum industry. The forum, which serves as a key advisory and consultative body on local content implementation, is expected to be revamped to…

Manny Ita  – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to initiate early preparedness measures ahead of the 2026 flood season, following warnings of potential widespread flooding across several parts of Nigeria. The high-level meeting brought together representatives from federal and state emergency agencies, meteorological experts, environmental authorities, and humanitarian organisations to assess risks and coordinate a proactive response strategy. The move comes amid forecasts indicating above-average rainfall levels and heightened flood risks in vulnerable regions. Officials at the meeting emphasized the need for early action to avoid a repeat of previous flood disasters that…