FG Halts Helicopter Landing Fee Enforcement for Two Months

FG Halts Helicopter Landing Fee Enforcement for Two Months

The recent announcement by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, marks a significant pause in the enforcement of helicopter landing fees across the country.

In a statement released on March 10, 2026, Keyamo confirmed that the Federal Government has suspended the collection of these fees for two months, following extensive consultations with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.

The decision emerged from a high-level meeting in Abuja between Keyamo and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), alongside a delegation from the oil industry.

FCTA PHOTO NEWS: VISIT BY FCT AREA COUNCIL CHAIRMEN

FCTA PHOTO NEWS: VISIT BY FCT AREA COUNCIL CHAIRMEN

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, received the newly elected and re-elected Chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT in his office at Area 11, Garki.

The new Chairmen were in the Minister's office to present him with their certificate of return following their victory in the recently concluded Area Councils elections.

FCT MINISTER COMMENDS GWAGWALADA RESIDENTS FOR PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF COUNCIL ELECTIONS

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike addressing residents of Gwagwalada during his thank you visit to the Council on Wednesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER COMMENDS GWAGWALADA RESIDENTS FOR PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF COUNCIL ELECTIONS

…APPROVES NEW CHIEFTAINCY TITLE AND IMMEDIATE WATER INTERVENTION FOR ZUBA SATELITE TOWN

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has lauded the residents of Gwagwalada Area Council for their peaceful conduct and democratic choices during the recent council elections.

Barr. Wike made the remarks during a thank-you visit to Gwagwalada on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to convey the appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the residents of the area for their support during the just concluded elections.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister formally recognized the victory of the Chairman-elect, Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying it reflected the genuine voice and will of the people of Gwagwalada. He also described Kasim as a hardworking leader and expressed the FCT Administration's readiness to partner with him.

Makinde-backed PDP BoT constitutes reconciliation committee ‘to end all disputes’ ahead of 2027

Makinde-backed PDP BoT Constitutes Reconciliation Committee Ahead of 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), under the leadership of Adolphus Wabara and with the backing of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has announced the formation of a reconciliation committee aimed at resolving lingering disputes within the party.

This move comes in the wake of a contentious legal battle over the validity of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan on November 15–16, 2025, where Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emerged as national chairman.

The Court of Appeal recently upheld a ruling by the Federal High Court that restrained the PDP from conducting the convention, citing failure to properly notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reps amend Electoral Act, prescribe N10m fine, jail term for dual party membership

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Reps Amend Electoral Act, Prescribe N10m Fine, Jail Term for Dual Party Membership

On March 11, 2026, the Nigerian House of Representatives took a decisive step in reshaping the country’s political landscape by amending the Electoral Act.

The amendment introduces strict penalties for individuals found guilty of holding dual membership in political parties. Under the new provision, offenders will face a fine of ₦10 million, a maximum prison sentence of two years, or both.

The amendment was passed during a plenary session of the lower legislative chamber, reflecting lawmakers’ determination to strengthen party discipline and ensure transparency in Nigeria’s political system.

Ondo imposes night ban on okada to combat rising insecurity

Ondo State Imposes Night Ban on Okada to Combat Rising Insecurity

Introduction

On March 11, 2026, the Ondo State Government announced a decisive measure aimed at curbing rising insecurity across the state. The government has imposed a ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. This restriction is part of a broader security strategy designed to address the increasing use of motorcycles in criminal activities such as kidnappings, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.

Rationale Behind the Ban

Security reports revealed that motorcycles have become a common tool for criminals, enabling swift mobility and escape during unlawful operations. In response, the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, emphasized that the ban is necessary to checkmate the nefarious activities of criminal elements. He noted that while similar restrictions had been enforced in the past, the current situation demanded reinforcement and stricter compliance.

Emmanuel AddehDangote Leads Africa Again As Rabiu’s Wealth Doubles On Forbes 2026 Rich List

Aliko Dangote has once again retained his crown as Africa’s richest man in the Forbes 2026 Rich List, with a net worth of about $28.6 billion, while fellow Nigerian Abdulsamad Rabiu stunned observers by doubling his fortune to $11.2 billion, marking one of the most dramatic wealth surges on the continent.

Dangote’s Enduring Grip and Rabiu’s Meteoric Rise

The 2026 Forbes Rich List has reaffirmed Nigeria’s dominance in Africa’s billionaire class, with Aliko Dangote continuing his remarkable streak as the continent’s wealthiest individual.

For the fifteenth consecutive year, Dangote’s industrial empire, anchored by Dangote Cement, has propelled him to global prominence. His net worth, now estimated at $28.5–$28.6 billion, places him 86th among the world’s richest people.

Kano governor Abba Yusuf sacks Head of Service

Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Sacks Head of Service

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has dismissed the Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, with immediate effect, citing the need to reposition the civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery.

The move underscores Yusuf’s reformist agenda and signals a shake-up in the state’s administrative leadership.

Reform at the Heart of Governance

The announcement, made through the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Tofa, reflects the administration’s determination to overhaul the civil service. According to the statement, the decision was not merely a personnel change but part of a broader reform strategy aimed at strengthening institutional performance. By removing Musa, Yusuf is sending a clear message that complacency and inefficiency will not be tolerated in Kano’s bureaucracy.

The Benefits of Indoor Plants

Special Report: The Benefits of Indoor Plants

Indoor plants are far more than decorative accents; they are living companions that contribute to healthier, calmer, and more productive environments.

Their influence extends across physical well-being, mental health, and even social spaces, making them a valuable addition to homes, offices, and public areas.

Air Quality and Physical Health

Indoor plants act as natural air purifiers. They absorb volatile organic compounds released from furniture, paint, and cleaning products, while simultaneously releasing oxygen. This process not only improves air quality but also increases humidity, which can ease respiratory discomfort and prevent dry skin. In climates with dry seasons, such as Kaduna State, this humidity balance is particularly beneficial.

ABAJI THANK YOU VISIT: FCT MINISTER ANNOUNCES UPGRADE OF All TRADITIONAL STOOLS ACROSS THE TERRITORY

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike (2nd right) in a handshake with the Ona of Abaji, HRH Adamu Baba Yunusa (left) while the Chairman, Abaji Area Council, Abubakar Umar Abdullahi (right) and Senator Sidi Ali (middle) look on, during the Minister's thank you visit to Abaji Area Council on Tuesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

ABAJI THANK YOU VISIT: FCT MINISTER ANNOUNCES UPGRADE OF All TRADITIONAL STOOLS ACROSS THE TERRITORY

…PLEDGES COMPLETION OF UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ABAJI, OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has announced the immediate upgrading of all traditional stools in the FCT as part of a sweeping reform of the traditional leadership structure in the territory.

The Minister made the disclosure during a thank-you visit to Abaji Area council on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, where he addressed residents, stakeholders, and traditional leaders.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister declared that all Second-Class traditional rulers in the FCT have been upgraded to First-Class status, while all Third-Class chiefs have been elevated to Second-Class. He said the promotion is in recognition of the monarchs' hard work and their vital role in maintaining community peace and cultural preservation.

THE 2026 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO MEMORIAL LECTURE

THE 2026 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO MEMORIAL LECTURE

The 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture was held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Efunyela Hall in Ikenne, Ogun State, coinciding with Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s 117th posthumous birthday. The theme was “Politics as Future-Making: Awolowo and Leadership as Theory of Action”, chaired by Chief Emeka Anyaoku and delivered by Professor Wale Adebanwi.

A Legacy of Visionary Leadership

The Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture is an annual intellectual gathering organized by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation to honor the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, statesman, and visionary leader. Awolowo’s philosophy of purposeful leadership, rooted in discipline, social transformation, and ethical governance, continues to inspire debates about Africa’s political future. The 2026 edition was particularly significant, given the continent’s pressing need for leaders who can combine vision with action.

FG Knows every Terrorist by name, location - GUMI

Nigeria: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location -  Gumi

In a striking revelation, controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has claimed that the Nigerian government possesses detailed knowledge of every terrorist operating within the country, including their names and locations.

Speaking in an interview with DRTV, Gumi emphasized that his engagements with armed groups are not solitary endeavors; he is accompanied by the police, military, and other security agencies.

This assertion raises profound questions about the government’s approach to tackling insecurity, particularly in light of the persistent violence from Boko Haram, bandits, and separatist movements.

2027: Why PDP may not be on the ballot

2027: Why PDP May Not Be On The Ballot

The unfolding drama within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a critical juncture that threatens its very presence in the 2027 general elections. Once the dominant opposition force, the PDP now finds itself entangled in a web of legal setbacks, factional disputes, and procedural hurdles that could prevent it from appearing on the ballot.

At the heart of the crisis is a Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the national convention which produced the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, while simultaneously upholding the suspension of key party officials such as Samuel Anyanwu.

FCT MINISTER UPGRADES ETSU-KWALI TO FIRST CLASS CHIEF

(L-R) FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, incumbent Chairman, Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya and the Chairman-elect of the Council Nuhu Kwali during the Minister's commissioning of the remodeled Kwali Town Hall on Monday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER UPGRADES ETSU-KWALI TO FIRST CLASS CHIEF

…PLEDGES TO CONSTRUCT NEW BEFITTING PALACE

The Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has announced the elevation of the traditional ruler of Kwali, Etsu Kwali, His Royal Highness, Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, to the status of a First-Class Chief.

The FCT Minister made this known on Monday, March 9, 2026 during his thank-you visit to Kwali Area Council .

Addressing a jubilant crowd in Kwali, Barr. Wike explained that the decision to upgrade the status of the monarch was in recognition of his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as his significant contributions to the promotion of peace, unity, and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the Gbagyi people.

Pope warns of regional spillover from Israel-Iran war

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning that the escalating Israel-Iran war risks spreading across the Middle East, potentially leading to a “tragedy of enormous proportions.” He urged all parties, including the United States, Israel, and Iran, to halt hostilities immediately and embrace dialogue instead of violence.

The Pope’s Warning on Regional Spillover from the Israel-Iran War

The Middle East stands at a perilous crossroads, as the recent intensification of conflict between Israel and Iran, compounded by U.S. involvement, has prompted Pope Leo XIV to raise his voice in urgent appeal.

Speaking during the Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the Pope emphasized that peace cannot be built on “mutual threats or death-dealing arms” but only through “authentic and responsible dialogue.” His words resonate not only with Catholics but with all who fear the widening of violence in a region already scarred by decades of instability.

Wike confirms appointment of 1,659 FCTA Workers

Nyesom Wike, F.C.T. Minister

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has officially confirmed the appointment of 1,659 workers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA, Abuja). The confirmation followed a rigorous examination process conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission, with suspicions raised about ghost workers after 224 invited candidates failed to appear.

Wike Confirms Appointment of 1,659 FCTA Workers

Background

On February 28, 2026, the FCT Civil Service Commission conducted a confirmation examination for staff awaiting formal appointment. A total of 2,512 candidates were invited, but only 2,281 appeared. Out of these, 1,659 workers successfully had their appointments confirmed. The exercise covered staff employed in different phases, including those recruited as far back as 2016 and 2019. 

NOSDRA Director General On Ramadan Visit To Environment Minister, Balarabe Lawal

The Director General of NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, recently paid a Ramadan-time condolence visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in Zaria, Kaduna State, following the passing of the Minister’s mother. The visit underscored solidarity, compassion, and respect during the holy month of Ramadan.

NOSDRA Director General’s Ramadan Visit to Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal 

Background

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) plays a critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s environment against oil pollution. Its Director General, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, has consistently emphasized collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. Against this backdrop, his recent visit to the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, carried both personal and symbolic significance.

Iran names slain Khamenei’s son supreme leader as economic fallout deepens

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been named Iran’s new Supreme Leader amid escalating conflict with Israel and mounting economic turmoil. His appointment signals continuity of hardline policies but has already triggered sharp financial instability, with oil prices surging and markets across Asia tumbling.

Iran’s Succession Crisis and Economic Fallout

The Islamic Republic of Iran now faces its gravest crisis in nearly half a century. Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli strike, the Assembly of Experts moved swiftly to appoint his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as Supreme Leader.

This decision, announced on state television, underscores both the urgency of maintaining continuity and the fragility of Iran’s political system. Mojtaba, long seen as a hardliner with close ties to the Revolutionary Guard, inherits a nation at war externally and fractured internally.

Pope Prays ‘Roar Of The Bombs’ In Middle East Will Cease

Pope Leo XIV has called for an urgent end to the escalating violence in the Middle East, praying that the “roar of bombs” will cease as the conflict triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day. His appeal, delivered during the Angelus prayer in Vatican City on March 8, 2026, reflects growing global concern over the spread of instability across the region. 

Pope Prays ‘Roar Of The Bombs’ In Middle East Will Cease

Context of the Appeal

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the traditional Angelus prayer. Against the backdrop of intensifying violence in the Middle East, the Pope expressed deep dismay at the reports of destruction and suffering emerging from Iran and neighboring countries. The conflict, sparked by US-Israeli air strikes on Iranian fuel depots, has led to widespread fires, devastation, and heightened fears of regional escalation.

The Pope’s Message

The Pope’s words carried both urgency and compassion. He prayed that “the roar of bombs might cease, that weapons might fall silent, and that a space for dialogue might open, in which the voice of the peoples may be heard.” His remarks underscored the dangers of unchecked violence, pointing to the climate of hatred and fear that now grips the region. He specifically warned that the conflict could spread to other vulnerable nations, including Lebanon, which has historically been prone to instability. 

Anthony Placid Replaces Benjamin Hundeyin As Force Spokesman

(Left To Right): PLACID, HUNDEYIN

Anthony Placid Replaces Benjamin Hundeyin as Force Spokesman

In a significant development within Nigeria’s police hierarchy, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid has been appointed as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), succeeding Benjamin Hundeyin.

The announcement was made on March 8, 2026, by outgoing spokesman Hundeyin, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force’s communications arm.

Special Report: International Women’s Day 2026

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Global Theme: Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls

The United Nations has declared the official theme for International Women’s Day 2026 as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”

This theme emphasizes dismantling discriminatory laws, strengthening legal protections, and ensuring that justice systems serve women and girls effectively. It aligns with the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which focuses on expanding access to justice worldwide. 

Alongside the UN’s declaration, the international campaign theme for 2026 is “Give to Gain.” This message highlights the importance of generosity, mentorship, and collaboration in advancing women’s empowerment.

International Women’s Day 2026

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International Women’s Day 2026

International Women’s Day 2026 is being observed today, Sunday, March 8, with the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The day highlights the urgent need to close legal and social gaps that still disadvantage women worldwide, as women currently enjoy only about 64% of the legal rights men hold.

Introduction

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 as a worldwide observance dedicated to recognizing women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality. In 2026, the day carries renewed urgency as governments, organizations, and communities confront persistent inequalities in law, justice, and opportunity.

Give to Gain: NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Champions Women’s Empowerment and Investment

GRACE IKE, NUJ-FCT Council Chair

Grace Ike, the first female Chair of the NUJ FCT Council, is championing the theme “Give to Gain” this International Women’s Day, urging Nigeria’s government, institutions, and communities to invest deliberately in women’s empowerment as a pathway to national development. Her call emphasizes mentorship, education, and dismantling systemic barriers to unlock women’s full potential.  

Give to Gain: NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Champions Women’s Empowerment and Investment

In a bold and inspiring message marking International Women’s Day 2026, Grace Ike, Chair of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council, has amplified the global theme “Give to Gain”. As the first woman to hold this position, Ike’s leadership is both symbolic and practical, reflecting the strides women continue to make in breaking barriers within male-dominated spaces. 

PRESS RELEASE: INWOAD Advocates for Inclusion of More Women in Governance

IWD: INWOAD Advocates for Inclusion of More Women in Governance

The Initiative for Women's Accelerated Development in Africa, INWOAD joins women and all stakeholders to celebrate this year's International Women's Day. 

With the theme, Give to Gain, attention is being focused on the power of reciprocity and support in achieving gender equality and sustainable development. 

In a statement issued in Abuja by the President and Founder of the Initiative for Women's Accelerated Development in Africa, INWOAD, Evelyn Onyilo, the organisation called on individuals, government and organisations to rise up to contribute their quota by creating more opportunities for women through donations, skills acquisition and training, advocacy and intergenerational mentorship.

Power Grid Reform and Its Economic Promise

 

Power Grid Reform and Its Economic Promise

President Bola Tinubu’s establishment of an 11-member committee to oversee the creation of the Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO) is more than a bureaucratic reshuffle, it is a calculated attempt to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential through energy reform.

For decades, the country’s industrial growth has been stifled by unreliable electricity supply, forcing businesses to rely on costly alternatives such as diesel generators. By focusing on stranded power assets and transmission bottlenecks, GAMCO aims to convert wasted capacity into usable megawatts, a move that could reverberate across the economy.