Tinubu Suspends Cashless Toll Policy at Airports Over Gridlock
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the cashless toll gate policy introduced at Nigerian airports following widespread complaints of traffic congestion and hardship for travellers. The directive was issued after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that the President directed a return to the previous system pending the development of a more efficient solution. He said the decision was driven by concerns over missed flights and gridlock, particularly in Lagos and Abuja.
IGP Disu Backs State Police, Assures Officers of Job Security
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has expressed readiness to work towards the realization of state police, assuring officers that their jobs are not under threat. He stated that decentralisation would strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework.
Disu also inaugurated an eight-member committee led by Professor Olu Ogunsakin to examine the implementation of state policing. He emphasized professionalism, accountability and improved community-based policing nationwide.
Obasanjo Denies Death Rumour, Condemns Social Media Hoax
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed a viral death notice circulating on social media, describing its authors as “never-do-well.” He spoke during his 89th birthday colloquium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo urged the public to disregard the false report, reaffirming that he remains active and committed to national discourse.
FG Suspends Pilgrimages to Israel Over Middle East Security Concerns
The Federal Government has suspended all pilgrimages to Israel due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. The announcement was made through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said the suspension takes immediate effect and is aimed at ensuring the safety of intending pilgrims.
Nigeria’s Net External Reserves Rise 50.5% to $34.8bn – Cardoso
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has disclosed that Nigeria’s Net External Reserves rose by 50.5 per cent year-on-year to $34.8 billion in 2025 from $23.11 billion in 2024.
Cardoso said the increase reflects stronger external sector fundamentals and sustained policy reforms, signaling improved macroeconomic stability.
Naira Depreciates in Parallel Market, Gains at Official Window
The naira on Wednesday depreciated to N1,380 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,376 recorded on Tuesday. However, the currency appreciated to N1,382.65 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.
The development marks the first appreciation at the official window in over two weeks, indicating mixed performance across market segments.
INEC Raises Concern Over Party Disputes Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission has lamented that recurring leadership tussles and intra-party disputes are distracting it from core election planning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the remark at a Technical Review Workshop in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, warning that such disputes contribute to voter apathy.
AGF Takes Over Prosecution of Malami, Son Over Alleged Offences
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has assumed control of the prosecution of former AGF Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, over alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.
The development was disclosed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Rumoured to Be Considering APC Defection
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State is reportedly considering a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress amid speculation of political negotiations in Abuja.
Sources suggest APC leaders may have offered the governor an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 governorship election, though no official confirmation has been made.
Super Eagles Miss 2026 World Cup Play-Offs as FIFA Confirms Final List
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA released the final list of teams qualified for the intercontinental play-offs without Nigeria’s inclusion.
The confirmed teams include Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of securing a place at the tournament.
UEFA Upholds Ban on Galatasaray Fans for Liverpool Clash
UEFA has upheld sanctions barring Galatasaray supporters from attending their Champions League last-16 second leg against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Turkish club was also fined €40,000 following crowd trouble during their play-off tie against Juventus in Turin.
Manager Dismisses Divorce Rumours Between Simi, Adekunle Gold
The manager of Nigerian singer Simi has dismissed viral claims that she and her husband, Adekunle Gold, are heading for divorce.
He described a circulating court document as fake, citing inconsistencies including incorrect suit numbers and the use of stage names.
Desola Afod Responds to Critics Over Husband’s Surname
Desola Afod, wife of Nollywood actor Kunle Afod, has pushed back against online critics questioning her use of her husband’s surname.
She warned trolls against invading her private messages and maintained that she would not tolerate disrespect, insisting she cannot be bullied into changing her identity.