Broader Context: President Tinubu’s Directive and Its Impact on Nigeria’s Political Climate

Symbolic Photo

Broader Context: President Tinubu’s Directive and Its Impact on Nigeria’s Political Climate

President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 elections must resign by March 31 has introduced a new dynamic into Nigeria’s political landscape.

This instruction, aligned with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for party primaries, is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with electoral laws.

It also seeks to prevent conflicts of interest by requiring appointees to step down from government positions before actively pursuing political ambitions.

Tuggar resigns as Foreign Affairs Minister

Tuggar Resigns as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister

Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has officially resigned as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, stepping down to pursue his ambition of becoming the governor of Bauchi State in the 2027 general elections.

His resignation follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that all ministers and political appointees seeking elective office must vacate their positions by March 31, 2026.

Yusuf Tuggar, a seasoned diplomat and politician, was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs by President Bola Tinubu in 2023. His tenure was marked by efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy, strengthen bilateral relations, and advocate for Nigeria’s role in global diplomacy.

Palm Sunday: Pope sues for global peace as CAN seeks relief for Nigerians

Pope Leo XIV

Symbolic Photo

Palm Sunday: Pope Sues for Global Peace as CAN Seeks Relief for Nigerians

Palm Sunday this year was marked by two powerful appeals, one from the Vatican and another from Nigeria. At St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV delivered a homily centered on peace, denouncing the misuse of religion to justify violence.

He emphasized that Jesus is the “King of Peace” who rejects war and does not listen to the prayers of those who wage it. His words came against the backdrop of escalating conflicts: the U.S.-Israeli-Iran war entering its second month and Russia’s ongoing campaign in Ukraine.

The Pope prayed especially for Christians in the Middle East, who continue to suffer displacement and persecution.  

In Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) used the occasion to highlight the plight of citizens grappling with economic hardship. CAN leaders appealed to the government to provide relief measures for Nigerians facing inflation, insecurity, and poverty.

Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Gambit and Nigeria’s Oil Future

Symbolic Photo

Editorial: Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Gambit and Nigeria’s Oil Future

Iran’s decision to restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz to a select group of nations, China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iraq, Bangladesh, and reportedly Malaysia, while considering a US$2 million transit fee per vessel, is a bold assertion of sovereignty over one of the world’s most vital maritime arteries.

For Nigeria, a major oil exporter reliant on global shipping routes and price stability, this maneuver carries profound implications.  

The Strait of Hormuz is not Nigeria’s direct export channel, yet its influence on global oil markets is undeniable. Nearly a fifth of the world’s crude passes through this narrow waterway, and any disruption or added cost reverberates across the energy sector.

Is the Nigerian State Losing Monopoly of Violence?

Symbolic Photo

The Nigerian state is seemingly and increasingly losing its monopoly of violence, as non-state actors, bandits, insurgents, and ethnic militias, challenge its authority, eroding the state’s ability to enforce law and order. This trend threatens Nigeria’s sovereignty and risks pushing the country closer to failed statehood.

Is the Nigerian State Losing Monopoly of Violence?

The concept of the monopoly of violence originates from Max Weber’s definition of the modern state: the entity that successfully claims the legitimate use of physical force within its territory.

In Nigeria today, this principle is under severe strain. The state’s inability to control violence across its territory has allowed non-state actors to emerge as competing centers of coercive power.

Insurgency in the Northeast, Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to operate, despite years of military campaigns. Their ability to tax communities, enforce rules, and conduct attacks shows they wield coercive power rivaling the state.

Electricity Generation and Stability in a Nation Is Key to Humanity

Symbolic Photo

Electricity Generation and Stability in a Nation Is Key to Humanity

Electricity is the lifeblood of modern civilization. It powers homes, industries, hospitals, schools, and the digital networks that connect humanity. Without it, the rhythm of contemporary life collapses into silence.

The stability of electricity generation within a nation is not merely a technical matter, it is a fundamental pillar of human progress, social equity, and global sustainability.

A nation’s ability to generate and distribute electricity reliably determines the strength of its economy. Factories cannot operate without consistent power, businesses cannot thrive in darkness, and innovation stalls when energy is scarce.

Nations with unstable electricity grids often face stunted industrial growth, reduced foreign investment, and a widening gap between the rich and poor.

Conversely, countries that secure stable electricity generation create fertile ground for entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and economic resilience.

‘Please do something’: Concerns raised about LaGuardia safety before fatal runway collision

Special Report: “Please Do Something” – Safety Concerns at LaGuardia Before Fatal Runway Collision

A tragic runway collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport has reignited longstanding concerns about safety lapses, miscommunication, and air traffic control errors. Pilots had repeatedly warned of hazards before the fatal incident involving an Air Canada Express jet and a fire truck, which killed two crew members and injured passengers.

On March 23, 2026, an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation as Flight 4686 collided with a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport.

The aircraft, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, had arrived from Montreal. Both pilots were killed instantly, while several passengers sustained injuries.

The collision occurred during a chaotic sequence in which air traffic controllers attempted to manage multiple runway operations simultaneously.

Twin priests from Co Kildare to celebrate 95th birthday

Twin brothers Fr Joe and Fr Matt Kelly from County Kildare have reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating their 95th birthdays in March 2026, alongside the platinum jubilee of their priestly ordination. Their lives reflect over seven decades of dedicated service to the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Twin Priests from Co Kildare Celebrate 95th Birthday

Fr Joe and Fr Matt Kelly were born on 31 March 1931 in Coolcarrigan, County Kildare. Their upbringing was deeply rooted in community and faith: their mother worked as a teacher at the local primary school in Timahoe, while their father ran a grocery shop in the area.

The twins attended St Mary’s, Knockbeg College in County Carlow for their secondary education, a formative period that nurtured their vocation.

The Kelly brothers were ordained in the 1950s, marking the beginning of their lifelong commitment to the priesthood. This year, they celebrate their platinum jubilee (70 years) of ordination.

Smartphones, Discipline, and the Future of Nigerian Campuses

Symbolic Photo

Smartphones, Discipline, and the Future of Nigerian Campuses

The decision by Margaret Lawrence University to ban smartphones on campus has reignited a national debate about the role of technology in education.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ernest Izevbigie’s rationale was clear: smartphones, while powerful tools, have become distractions that erode students’ focus and academic discipline.

By restricting students to basic phones, the university hopes to foster an environment where learning is prioritized over endless scrolling.

Why we banned use of smartphone on campus – VC

Margaret Lawrence University has banned the use of smartphones on campus to improve students’ academic focus, allowing only basic phones for calls and text messages. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, announced this policy during the institution’s third matriculation ceremony in Abuja, where 272 students were admitted.

Why Smartphones Were Banned on Campus - Statement by the Vice-Chancellor

Background

At the third matriculation ceremony of Margaret Lawrence University, held in Abuja on March 16, 2026, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ernest Izevbigie addressed the newly admitted students and outlined a significant policy shift. The university, which matriculated 272 students, announced a ban on smartphones within the campus environment. This decision has sparked discussions across Nigeria’s academic community, given the increasing reliance on digital technology in education.

Rationale for the Ban

Prof. Izevbigie explained that the primary motivation behind the ban was to enhance students’ academic concentration and discipline. According to him, smartphones, while useful, often serve as a major source of distraction. Social media, gaming, and constant notifications can divert students’ attention from their studies, leading to reduced productivity and weaker academic performance.

Goodwill Message on Eid-El-Fitr Celebration

Special Report: Goodwill Message on Eid-El-Fitr Celebration

Issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)  

Date: 19 March 2026.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful across the nation on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. 

In a message signed by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, President of the CBCN, the bishops commended the discipline of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving observed during the sacred month of Ramadan, describing it as a “compelling witness to faith, self-restraint, and devotion to God.”  

This year’s celebration carries a unique significance, as Christians and Muslims in Nigeria began their respective fasting seasons on the same day. The bishops noted that this providential convergence underscores the shared commitment of both faiths to sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God.

Faith Leaders and the Quest for Nigerian Unity

Symbolic Photo

Editorial: Faith Leaders and the Quest for Nigerian Unity

Religious festivals in Nigeria often transcend their spiritual boundaries, becoming moments of national reflection.

Eid al-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide, has increasingly become a platform for interfaith dialogue in Nigeria.

This year, Catholic bishops seized the occasion to call for a joint effort in building a just and peaceful nation. Their message was not simply a gesture of goodwill but a deliberate attempt to underscore the shared responsibility of Christians and Muslims in confronting Nigeria’s challenges.

ID-EL-FITR: NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, felicitates with Muslim faithful, calls for unity, compassion

Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council

Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging unity, compassion, and ethical conduct in both personal and professional life. Her message emphasized the values of sacrifice, patience, and generosity learned during Ramadan as guiding principles for society. 

Special Report: ID-EL-FITR: NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, Felicitates with Muslim Faithful, Calls for Unity, Compassion

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike, joined millions of Muslims across Nigeria in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr.

This festival, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is a time of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewal of faith. In her goodwill message, Ike highlighted the importance of unity, compassion, and integrity as values that should transcend the season and shape the conduct of individuals and communities.

Grace Ike congratulated Muslim faithful for their discipline and devotion throughout Ramadan. She acknowledged the sacrifices made during fasting and prayers, noting that the lessons of patience, generosity, and spiritual commitment should not end with the festival but continue to guide everyday life.

PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATE MUSLIMS ON ELD- EL-FITR, URGES RENEWED PATRIOTISM..BAYO ONANUGA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging them to embrace renewed patriotism, unity, and compassion. His message, conveyed through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the need for national cohesion.

Special Report: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Urges Renewed Patriotism

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and the world as they celebrated Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. His message was delivered in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Key Highlights of Tinubu’s Message

- Congratulatory Note: Tinubu congratulated Muslims for successfully completing the Ramadan fast, describing it as a period of spiritual renewal and sacrifice.  

- Call for Patriotism: He urged Muslims to renew their commitment to Nigeria, stressing the importance of unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity.  

- Lessons of Ramadan: Tinubu highlighted the virtues of piety, empathy, perseverance, kindness, and selflessness, noting that these values should guide citizens beyond the fasting period.  

- Prayers for the Nation: He encouraged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peace, prosperity, and stability in Nigeria.  

Eid al-Fitr: Catholic bishops demand joint effort to build a just Nigeria

Catholic bishops in Nigeria, during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, called for a united national effort to build a just and peaceful society, urging Muslims and Christians alike to embrace values of compassion, unity, and collective responsibility in tackling insecurity and social vices. Their message highlights the importance of interfaith solidarity in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Special Report: Eid al-Fitr - Catholic Bishops Demand Joint Effort to Build a Just Nigeria

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is traditionally a time of joy, reflection, and renewal.

In Nigeria, the celebration has taken on added significance as Catholic bishops joined Muslim leaders in emphasizing the need for unity, justice, and peace.

Their intervention underscores the role of religious institutions in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

Catholic bishops, led by figures such as Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of the Diocese of Oyo, urged Nigerians to live peacefully and to confront social vices collectively. They emphasized that justice, fairness, and mutual respect are essential for national stability.

NUJ-FCT Concerns: Water Scarcity, Fuel Prices, and Minimum Wage Delay

NUJ-FCT Concerns: Water Scarcity, Fuel Prices, and Minimum Wage Delay

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has raised alarm over worsening living conditions in Abuja, citing persistent water scarcity, rising fuel prices, and the delayed implementation of the new minimum wage as urgent issues requiring government intervention. These concerns were formally expressed in a communiqué issued after the NUJ FCT Congress held on March 14, 2026.

On March 14, 2026, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, convened a congress to deliberate on pressing socio-economic challenges affecting residents of Abuja and Nigerians at large.

The congress culminated in a communiqué highlighting three critical issues: water scarcity, rising fuel prices, and delayed minimum wage implementation. These challenges, according to the NUJ, are compounding hardship and threatening public welfare.

The NUJ-FCT Council expressed deep concern over persistent water shortages in Abuja, which have left many communities struggling to access clean and safe water. The union warned that the scarcity poses serious public health risks, particularly in densely populated areas where residents are forced to rely on unsafe water sources.

NLC Demands Cost of Living Allowance as Gulf War Intensifies

Symbolic Photo

Nigeria’s Labour Congress (NLC) is demanding urgent cost-of-living allowances, wage awards, and tax relief as petrol prices soar to between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre, a direct consequence of the intensifying Gulf conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The union warns that without immediate government intervention, millions of Nigerians face worsening economic hardship and possible social unrest.

Nigeria: NLC Demands Cost of Living Allowance as Gulf War Intensifies

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised alarm over the sharp rise in fuel prices, linking the crisis directly to the ongoing Middle East war. The escalation of hostilities in the Gulf has disrupted global oil markets, sending shockwaves into Nigeria’s already fragile economy. For workers and ordinary citizens, the impact is immediate and devastating: transport costs have skyrocketed, food prices are climbing, and inflation is eroding wages at an unprecedented pace.

The NLC’s Demands

In a strongly worded statement titled “Save Nigerians From This Shock: An Urgent Relief Has Become Necessary”, NLC President Joe Ajaero outlined several urgent measures:

• Cost-of-living allowance (COLA) to cushion workers against inflation.
• Wage awards to offset the erosion of salaries by rising prices.
• Tax relief for low-income earners to ease financial pressure.
• Revival of public refineries to reduce dependence on imported fuel and stabilize domestic supply.

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.

Special Report: International Women’s Day 2026

Symbolic Photo

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.

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.