Lawmakers of the ECOWAS Parliament have called for sweeping legal and policy reforms to remove longstanding barriers stifling women- and youth-led businesses, warning that West Africa risks missing out on the full benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) if inclusive trade is not prioritised. The call came at the close of deliberations preceding the Parliament’s First Extraordinary Session of 2026 in Abuja, where members debated how to reposition the sub-region to compete effectively under Africa’s single market framework. With a regional population of over 400 million people—most of them women and young persons—parliamentarians stressed that AfCFTA must…
Author: Khadijah Olowode
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for a further one year, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027. The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development, strengthening domestic value addition, and supporting the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The ban aims to deepen processing capacity within Nigeria, enhance livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the growth of Nigerian exports anchored on value-added products. To further these objectives, President Tinubu has authorised the two ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola Governors of the five South-East states Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo have resolved to inject an additional N25 billion into the 2026 budget of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to accelerate development projects across the region. The decision was disclosed on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026 by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on SEDC, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, during the submission of the commission’s 2026 budget report to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Kalu explained that the contribution, which amounts to N5 billion from each state, followed consultations with governors and key stakeholders, adding…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026, appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity nationwide. President Tinubu made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The President said that the creation of State Police has become urgent to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthen grassroots policing, and enhance states’ capacity to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions. He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and…
By Wale Joseph Preparations for the 3rd edition of the National Para-games gathered momentum after the Local Organising Committee completed a thorough assessment of competition venues in Abuja ahead of the March 26 to April 3, 2026 event. The Games will take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Complex and other designated centres within the Federal Capital Territory. The inspection team visited all approved locations to evaluate their condition, ensure accessibility standards are met, and confirm technical readiness for the multi-sport competition. Fifteen different sporting facilities were examined during the exercise. Events to be staged at the Games include…
A renowned Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdul-Akeem Abdul-Lateef, has admonished Muslims to uphold the pure oneness of Allah (Tawheed), declaring that no creature is worthy of worship, praise, supplication, or gratitude in the absolute sense except Allah. Delivering a soul-lifting lecture at the 6th Ramadan Public Lecture organised by the Unified Local Government Muslim Staff Association, Alimosho Branch, on Tuesday, 24 February, 2026, at the Multi-purpose Hall of Alimosho Local Government, the respected cleric anchored his message on the theme: ‘Be Muslim Enough: The Role of Qur’an and Sunnah…
Fresh concerns over the fragility of Nigeria’s electricity system have intensified following reports that the Presidential Villa has been disconnected from the national grid and is now powered by an independent mini-grid system within the seat of government. The development, reportedly confirmed last week by a senior state official, has triggered wider questions about the stability of the country’s power infrastructure — particularly amid multiple grid collapses recorded in 2026 alone. Energy policy advocates say the symbolism is hard to ignore. “If the Villa is disconnecting from the national grid because of repeated collapses, what does that mean for the…
The National Assembly is considering a range of legislative and policy measures to strengthen local production of solar panels and renewable energy components in Nigeria, as part of broader efforts to tackle energy poverty and reduce installation costs nationwide. The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, House of Representatives, Hon. Terseer Ugbor speaking at the Solar Power Nigeria’s National Stakeholders Engagement with theme: “Accelerating Nigeria’s Clean Energy”, said parliament is reviewing key issues affecting the sector, particularly the development of local manufacturing capacity for solar panels, batteries, and other renewable energy components. According to him, expanding domestic production is critical…
Energy policy experts have called for stronger data-driven decision making in Nigeria’s energy transition process, warning that ambitious climate targets must be balanced with economic realities, job security, and the country’s persistent energy access challenges. The call was made during a national policy dialogue where researchers presented findings on the economic, environmental, and political implications of different energy transition pathways for Nigeria. At the event, the Stakeholders Research Workshop on Supporting Just Transition in Nigeria, organized on Tuesday in Abuja by the Ministry of Environment and Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), analysts said the study was designed to help…
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public service efficiency with the reactivation and upgrade of the national ‘ReportGov’ feedback system across major international airports in Nigeria. The initiative, driven by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), was formally unveiled at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2 in Lagos, with plans to extend the system to airports in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano. Officials said the project is part of broader governance reforms aimed at improving citizen trust in public institutions while enhancing Nigeria’s business…