Tinubu Nominates Taiwo Oyedele As Minister Of State For Finance
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, replacing Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite. The President conveyed the nomination to the Senate for confirmation in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Uzoka-Anite has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as Minister of State, marking her third portfolio under the administration. Until his nomination, Oyedele served as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Brent Crude Surges Above $84 Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Global oil prices climbed sharply on Tuesday, with Brent crude rising above $84 per barrel as escalating tensions in the Middle East heightened fears of prolonged conflict and supply disruptions.
As of 7:00 a.m. ET, the international benchmark, Brent Crude, gained 8.36 per cent to trade at $84.24 per barrel, reflecting growing concerns over the stability of energy exports from the region.
DSS Arrests Security Operatives Over El-Rufai Airport Incident
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested some security operatives in connection with the failed attempt to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on February 12.
The secret police had reportedly sought to apprehend El-Rufai upon his return from Egypt but were unsuccessful. The DSS is investigating alleged security breaches linked to the incident.
Lassa Fever Cases Rise As Health Workers Contract Virus
Nigeria is grappling with a worsening Lassa fever outbreak, with fresh fatalities recorded in Taraba, Benue, Plateau and Edo states, among others, according to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
Health authorities have expressed concern over the impact on frontline workers, as several doctors and nurses have contracted the virus while treating infected patients.
Naira Depreciates In Parallel, Official Markets
The naira depreciated to N1,376 per dollar in the parallel market on Tuesday from N1,370 per dollar on Monday, reflecting sustained pressure on the local currency.
Similarly, the currency weakened for the second time this week in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), closing at N1,390 per dollar.
Rivers Assembly Receives Fubara’s Commissioner-Nominees
The Rivers State House of Assembly has confirmed receipt of a list of commissioner-nominees forwarded by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and invited nine of them for screening and confirmation.
The submission comes about three weeks after the governor sacked eight commissioners not affected by the Supreme Court judgment recognising Martin Amaewhule as Speaker of the Assembly.
INEC Promotes 2,339 Staff In 2025 Exercise
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the promotion of 2,339 personnel in its 2025 Senior Staff Promotion Exercise.
The decision was taken at the commission’s meeting held on February 26, 2026, according to a statement issued in Abuja by Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, underscoring the commission’s commitment to career progression and institutional stability.
NAPTIP Secures 14-Year Jail Term For Couple Over Baby Factory
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured a 14-year jail term for Abiodun Ogundeji and Happiness Ogundeji for operating a baby factory in Ilutitun, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Lagos Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs Comfort Agboko, disclosed this during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja, stating that the conviction reinforces efforts to combat human trafficking.
Trump Says ‘Too Late’ For Talks With Iran
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said it was too late for negotiations with Iran despite indications that Tehran was seeking talks.
“Their air defense, Air Force, Navy, and Leadership is gone. They want to talk. I said ‘Too Late!’” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, amid ongoing joint Israeli-US bombardment of Iran.
FG Bans Cash Tax Collection, Roadblocks For Revenue Enforcement
The Federal Government has prohibited the cash collection of taxes and banned the mounting of roadblocks for revenue enforcement as part of new regulations to implement the country’s tax laws nationwide.
The Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr Olusegun Adesokan, announced this during the signing of the Presumptive Tax Regulations and Guidelines in Abuja, saying the measures aim to enhance transparency and compliance.
FG Suspends Christian Pilgrimage To Israel Over Security Concerns
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has announced the immediate suspension of Christian pilgrimages to Israel due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Stephen Adegbite, disclosed this in Lagos after about 500 pilgrims returned from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage, noting that over 4,000 Nigerians participated in the exercise without incident.
No Northerner Should Contest Presidency In 2027 – Fintiri
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has declared that no Northerner should contest Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, insisting it is the South’s turn to lead.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Fintiri said, “Nobody in the North has business to contest for the presidency at the moment. It is the South’s turn; they should complete their eight years if we are really serious about this country and leadership.”
Fubara Forwards Nine Commissioner Nominees To Rivers Assembly
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has forwarded the names of nine commissioner nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as members of the State Executive Council.
In a special government announcement signed by the Clerk of the House, Dr Emeka Amadi, the nominees were directed to submit required documents, including forty copies of their Curriculum Vitae and proof of tax compliance.
DSS Arrests Officials Over Alleged Bribery In El-Rufai Case
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested police and immigration officials over alleged bribery linked to the failed arrest of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The agency said some operatives allegedly accepted bribes to obstruct the arrest attempt at the Abuja airport, adding that those found culpable would be sanctioned in line with established procedures.
ADC Rejects 2027 Election Timetable, Alleges Bias
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the reviewed 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that it favours the ruling party.
Speaking during an interview, the party’s Assistant National Chairman, Usani Usani, claimed that the timetable was designed to give undue advantage to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and accused key institutions of collusion.
Super Falcons Beat Cameroon 3-1 In Yaounde Friendly
Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses 3-1 in Yaounde to level their two-match friendly series.
After conceding early, Chinwendu Ihezuo equalised in the 32nd minute before Rinsola Babajide scored to give Nigeria the lead before halftime, as the nine-time African champions secured a morale-boosting victory.
Galatasaray Denies Owing Osimhen Unpaid Wages
Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek has dismissed reports alleging that Victor Osimhen and other players were owed up to three months’ salaries.
The claims surfaced after the Nigerian striker kept his celebrations subdued in recent matches, but the club insisted that all players have been paid in full.
Annie Macaulay Says She Focuses On Raising Children With Peace
Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay Idibia has described herself as a single woman raising her two children, emphasising personal peace and stability.
Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, she rejected stereotypes associated with single motherhood, stating that her focus is on creating a positive environment where her children can thrive.
Carter Efe Says Sidney Talker’s Advice Changed His Church Attendance
Skit maker Carter Efe has said that advice from colleague Sidney Talker influenced his decision to stop attending church.
During an interview on “The Honest Bunch” podcast, Carter Efe alleged that Sidney advised him to quit streaming and claimed that singer Portable had ‘juju,’ adding that the experience altered his perception of religious expectations.