NATIONAL GRID
-SEB EDITORIAL-
A Nation in the Dark | The September 10 Grid
Collapse and Nigeria’s Power Paradox
On the
morning of September 10, 2025, at about 11:23 a.m., Nigeria’s national
electricity grid suffered yet another catastrophic collapse, plunging vast
swathes of the country into darkness.
From the bustling streets of Lagos to the administrative corridors of Abuja, the blackout was swift, sweeping, and disturbingly familiar.
Passport Fee Hike: Federal Government Defends 100% Increase Amid Reforms
In a move
that has stirred widespread debate across Nigeria, the Federal Government has
announced a 100% increase in the cost of obtaining international passports,
citing the need for reform, improved service delivery, and the elimination of
corruption as key motivations.
Effective September 1, 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) revised the fees for passport applications made within Nigeria. The cost of a 32-page passport with five-year validity has risen from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, while the 64-page passport with ten-year validity now costs ₦200,000.
Nigeria’s Federal Government Unveils New Curriculum for Basic and Senior Secondary Schools
In a
landmark move aimed at reforming Nigeria’s education system, the Federal
Government has officially released the approved list of subjects for Basic and
Senior Secondary Education.
This announcement, made by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), comes as part of the National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI), which seeks to streamline learning, reduce curriculum overload, and enhance skill acquisition across the country.
South-West Fulani Council Enforces Ban on Night Grazing and Firearms Possession by Herders
In a
decisive move aimed at curbing insecurity and fostering peaceful coexistence,
the Council of Fulani Chiefs in South-West Nigeria has announced a sweeping ban
on night grazing, underage herding, and the possession of firearms by Fulani
herders.
This resolution was made public during a press briefing held in Lagos, led by Mohammed Bambado, the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and chairman of the council.
INEC Raises Concerns Over Premature Campaigns Ahead of 2027 Elections; Officially Recognises David Mark-Led ADC Leadership
As
Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) has voiced its growing concern over the surge of
early political campaigns by various parties and candidates.
Despite clear stipulations in the Electoral Act regarding the timeline for electioneering, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu revealed that the commission is legally constrained from taking punitive action against politicians who have already begun campaigning. This legal limitation has sparked debate among stakeholders about the need for reform and stricter enforcement mechanisms to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
-SEB EDITORIAL-
Nigeria’s
Tax Reform: A New Dawn or Another Mirage?
The
official gazetting of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws marks a pivotal moment in
the country’s economic narrative.
For decades, Nigeria has grappled with a convoluted tax system, a narrow revenue base, and a tax-to-GDP ratio that lags behind continental peers. Now, with the publication of four consolidated laws, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, the Tinubu administration is signaling its intent to rewrite the fiscal playbook.
Nancy Sabanti Nathan, Ag. Head of Service, FCTA
Nancy Sabanti Nathan Appointed Acting Head of Service for FCTA
In a
swift administrative response to an unexpected vacancy, the Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appointed Mrs. Nancy Sabanti
Nathan as the Acting Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory
Administration (FCTA).
This appointment follows the passing of the former Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, who died last week, leaving a critical leadership gap in the FCTA.
Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu Orders Military Overhaul Following Borno Massacre
In the
wake of a devastating terrorist attack in Borno State, Nigeria’s President Bola
Tinubu has ordered a sweeping review of military operations across the country.
The directive follows the tragic events in Darajamal community, Bama Local Government Area, where Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly assault that claimed the lives of both civilians and soldiers.
Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Nigeria's New Tax Reform Laws: A Bold Step Toward Fiscal Transformation
In a
landmark move to overhaul its fiscal framework, Nigeria has officially
published its new tax reform laws in the government gazette, marking a
significant milestone in the country’s economic restructuring efforts.
Signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 26, 2025, the reforms consolidate four major legislations: the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (NRSEA), and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act (JRBEA). These laws aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, enhance transparency, and stimulate economic growth by creating a more business-friendly environment.
Qatar Bars Nigerian Men from Solo Travel Amid Visa Policy Overhaul
In a
sweeping change to its visa regulations, the Qatari Ministry of Interior has
announced that Nigerian men traveling alone will no longer be eligible for
tourist or transit visas.
This policy, which took effect on September 5, 2025, applies to both new and pending visa applications and marks a significant shift in Qatar’s approach to managing entry from Nigeria.
Darkness Descends: Nigeria’s National Grid Collapses
On
September 10, 2025, Nigeria experienced yet another collapse of its national
electricity grid, plunging large swathes of the country into darkness and
reigniting concerns over the fragility of its power infrastructure.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m., with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) confirming a sudden loss of supply from the grid. This disruption affected electricity distribution across multiple states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, Port Harcourt, Jos, and others.
-SEB EDITORIAL-
A Century of Grace: The Cherubim and Seraphim Church Marks 100 Years
with a Grand Thanksgiving
In a
momentous celebration that blended spiritual fervor with cultural pride, the
Cherubim and Seraphim Church commemorated its centenary with a resplendent
thanksgiving service, drawing worshippers, dignitaries, and well-wishers from
across Nigeria and beyond.
Held in Ogun State and streamed live to a global audience, the event marked 100 years since the founding of the first indigenous church in Nigeria by Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase in 1925.
-SEB Editorial-
Nigeria’s World Cup Dream on the Brink
After Bloemfontein Blow
In what was
billed as a pivotal clash in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign,
the Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana
Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The result, while not a defeat, has left Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification hanging by the thinnest of threads.
 |
| ADC Chieftain, Ibrahim Wala |
-SEB EDITORIAL-
The Press and Power: Why Accountability Must Be Non-Negotiable
In a
democracy, the media is more than a conveyor of information, it is the
conscience of the nation. This sentiment was recently echoed by a chieftain of
the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who emphasized the urgent need for the
press to hold public officials accountable.
His remarks, though not widely circulated under a single headline, align with a growing chorus of voices urging Nigerian journalists to reclaim their watchdog role in the face of political opacity and broken promises.
A Century of Faith: Cherubim and Seraphim Church Marks 100 Years with Grand Thanksgiving Service in Ogun
In a
vibrant celebration streamed live by major national television stations in
Nigeria, the Cherubim and Seraphim Church commemorated its centenary with a
deeply spiritual and culturally rich thanksgiving service held in Ogun State.
The event marked 100 years of the church’s existence, a milestone that drew worshippers, dignitaries, and religious leaders from across Nigeria and beyond.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Nigeria's Hon. Minister for Women Affairs
Tinubu’s Vision: Empowering Women Billionaires in Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Drive
In a bold
declaration of intent, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has unveiled a
sweeping vision to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape by empowering women
to become billionaire entrepreneurs and farmers.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the president’s ambitious plan to grow Nigeria’s GDP from its current estimate of $500 billion to a staggering $1 trillion within a few years.
NIWA Cracks Down on Unlicensed Boat Operations to Boost Waterway Safety
In a
decisive move to curb the alarming rise in fatal boat accidents across Nigeria,
the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has imposed a nationwide ban on
unlicensed boats and unauthorized loading points.
This sweeping directive, announced by NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji during a press briefing in Abuja, marks a significant shift in the agency’s approach to waterway safety enforcement.
Defending the Anti-Corruption Crusade: NICO’s Rallying Cry at the World Press Conference
In a
charged atmosphere of political intrigue and public scrutiny, the National
Interest Coalition (NICO) recently, convened a world press conference in Abuja
that reverberated across Nigeria’s political landscape.
The event, held as part of a solidarity march, was not merely ceremonial, it was a strategic declaration of allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and a resounding vote of confidence in the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), chaired by Olanipekun Olukoyede.
MTV VMAs 2025: A Night of Powerhouse Wins and Pop Royalty
The 2025
MTV Video Music Awards lit up the UBS Arena in New York on September 7 with a
dazzling celebration of music, visuals, and star power.
Hosted by LL Cool J for the second consecutive year, the ceremony delivered unforgettable performances and long-overdue recognition for some of the industry's biggest names.
A Shocking Revelation: Man Ends 14-Year Marriage After DNA Test Reveals None of His Children Are His
In a
story that has stunned many, a man who had spent 14 years raising three children
with his wife discovered through DNA testing that none of them were
biologically his.
The revelation came after years of unwavering commitment, financial support, and emotional investment in a family he believed was his own.
Mariah Carey Finally Claims Her First MTV VMA: “What in the Sam Hill Were You Waiting For?”
After
more than three decades of shaping pop music and dazzling fans with iconic
music videos, Mariah Carey has finally clinched her first-ever MTV Video Music
Award.
The momentous occasion unfolded at the 2025 VMAs, held at New York’s UBS Arena, where Carey was honored with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, a recognition of her enduring influence on music video artistry.
Defying Age and Altitude: 102-Year-Old Kokichi Akuzawa Sets Record on Mount Fuji
· Kokichi Akuzawa, 102, Becomes Oldest Person to Summit Mount Fuji
In a feat
that has stunned mountaineers and inspired millions, Kokichi Akuzawa, a
102-year-old Japanese man, has become the oldest person ever to summit Mount
Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most iconic peak.
His record-breaking ascent was officially recognized by Guinness World Records after he reached the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) summit on August 5, 2025.
-Special Report-
Legal Showdown Over Nigeria’s
Tinted-Glass Permit Policy
In a bold
legal move, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has filed a public interest
lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, challenging
the legality of the reintroduced tinted-glass permit policy.
The suit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 2, 2025, is titled The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025).
Expanding the Conversation on Public Finance Reform in Africa
In recent
years, the discourse surrounding public finance reform in Africa has evolved
from technical policy debates into a dynamic, multi-stakeholder movement aimed
at reshaping the continent’s fiscal future.
This transformation was vividly illustrated at the landmark Public Finance Management (PFM) Conference held in Kampala, Uganda, in February 2025.
In the
early hours of a September morning, a devastating fire tore through a home in
Chadbourn, North Carolina, claiming the lives of four young sisters, Kendall,
Kalani, Josie, and Sophia, aged just 2, 4, 6, and 7.
The blaze erupted around 2:30 a.m. while six children were inside the house, unsupervised by any adults. Two 12-year-old girls, including one identified as Winter, managed to escape and call for help, but the younger girls were tragically trapped inside.
