FG Confirms Release of Detained Nigerian Air Force Aircraft, Personnel in Burkina Faso
The Federal Government has confirmed the release of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and 11 personnel detained in Burkina Faso after a forced landing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the development on Wednesday night. Spokesperson of the ministry, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the release in a brief response to journalists, saying: “Yes, they have been released.”
Defected Rivers Governor Fubara Makes Surprise Visit to APC National Secretariat
The newly defected Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday night paid an unscheduled visit to the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja. Fubara arrived at about 6:50 p.m. and was received by the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Welfare Secretary, Hon. Donatus Nwapa, and Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.
Tinubu Nominates New CEOs for NUPRC, NMDPRA
President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of two nominees to the Senate for confirmation as chief executives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The nominations followed the resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed and Gbenga Komolafe, former heads of the agencies, according to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Court Stops Police From Enforcing Tinted Glass Permit Policy
A Delta State High Court sitting in Orerokpe has granted an interim injunction restraining the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy scheduled for January 2, 2026. Justice Joe Egwu issued the order following a motion ex parte filed by Mr. Israel Joe and argued by a legal team led by Kunle Edun, SAN.
NLC Says Nigerian Workers No Longer Safe as Protests Spread Nationwide
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that workers are no longer safe, even within their workplaces, as protests against insecurity erupted across several states. Speaking in Calabar during a peaceful protest, Cross River NLC Chairman, Comrade Greg Olayi, said the demonstrations in states including Zamfara, Plateau and Bauchi reflected deep concerns over worsening insecurity nationwide.
Reps Member Alleges Discrepancies in Gazetted Tax Laws
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), has raised a matter of privilege, alleging discrepancies between tax laws passed by the National Assembly and versions later gazetted. Dasuki told the House that the published laws did not reflect what lawmakers debated and approved, insisting his legislative privilege had been breached.
Gunmen Kill 12, Abduct Three Miners in Plateau Community
No fewer than 12 persons have been killed and three others abducted following an attack on miners in Fan community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack reportedly occurred around 9 p.m. on Tuesday while the victims were engaged in legal mining activities. Five other miners were injured during the incident.
Naira Depreciates at Parallel Market, Official Window
The naira depreciated on Tuesday to N1,492 per dollar at the parallel market from N1,485 recorded earlier. At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the local currency also weakened to N1,458.02 per dollar, reflecting continued pressure on the exchange rate.
FG Imposes Nationwide Ban on Wood Export
The Federal Government has imposed an immediate nationwide ban on the export of wood and allied products. The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, announced the decision on Wednesday during the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment in Katsina State, revoking all previously issued licences and permits.
EFCC to Prosecute Five Herbalists Over Alleged Fake $3.4m, €280,000
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to prosecute five herbalists arrested at shrines in Lagos and Osun states. The suspects were allegedly found in possession of fake $3.4 million and €280,000. The commission said the arrests followed a complaint by one Halima Sanni, who was allegedly defrauded of N26 million.
Tinubu to Present 2026 Budget to National Assembly Friday
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Friday present the 2026 Appropriation Bill before a joint session of the National Assembly. The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, through the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien.
Petrol Prices Drop as Marketers Slash Pump Rates
Major oil marketers have reduced pump prices of petrol across parts of the country following a downward review by the Dangote Refinery. A survey in Abuja showed MRS Oil reduced its price to ₦739 per litre from ₦910, while AA Rano and Bovas Petroleum also effected cuts, with reductions ranging between ₦45 and ₦171 per litre.
Edun Reveals ₦30tn Revenue Shortfall, Contradicts Tinubu
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has disclosed that the Federal Government recorded a ₦30 trillion revenue shortfall in 2025, contradicting President Tinubu’s earlier claim that revenue targets had been met. Edun told House committees that only ₦10.7 trillion had been realised out of the projected ₦40.8 trillion.
Burkina Faso Releases 11 Detained Nigerian Air Force Personnel
Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew members detained after a forced landing, following diplomatic intervention by Nigeria. A delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar engaged Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou to secure their release through dialogue.
Juma Jux Says He Didn’t Know Priscilla Ojo Was a Celebrity
Tanzanian singer Juma Jux has said he was unaware of his wife Priscilla Ojo’s celebrity status when they met. Speaking during an interview in Lagos, the artiste said their relationship began as love at first sight and was built on communication and shared values.
Ayra Starr Hails Wizkid as ‘Leading Legend’
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has described Wizkid as a leading legend in the music industry. She spoke after her performance at the Grammy Museum, saying Wizkid taught her valuable lessons about confidence, purpose and quiet influence.
FIFA Approves Record $727m Fund for 2026 World Cup
FIFA has approved a record $727 million financial package for the 2026 World Cup. The decision was taken at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha, with $655 million allocated as prize money. The tournament winners will earn $50 million, the highest payout in World Cup history.
Ahmed Musa Announces Retirement From Super Eagles
Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has officially retired from international football after 15 years of service. The 33-year-old announced the decision on Wednesday, describing his time with the national team as a journey defined by pride, sacrifice and unforgettable moments.