NUJ FCT Easter Retreat: Defence Chief Tasks Journalists on Truth, Unity

At the NUJ FCT Easter Retreat in Abuja, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, urged journalists to uphold truth, accuracy, and professionalism as vital tools for national unity and security. He emphasized that Nigeria’s stability depends not only on military operations but also on responsible information management by the media.

NUJ FCT Easter Retreat -  Defence Chief Tasks Journalists on Truth and Unity

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council organized its annual Easter Retreat in Abuja as a platform for reflection, renewal, and professional commitment.

The retreat coincided with the Easter season, symbolizing hope, resurrection, and national renewal. It brought together journalists, media stakeholders, and representatives of the Armed Forces to deliberate on the role of journalism in Nigeria’s democratic and security landscape.

General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, delivered a strong message highlighting the critical role of the press in national stability.

Nigeria at the Crossroads: Oil Decline, Real Estate Boom, and Global Turbulence

Symbolic Photo

Nigeria at the Crossroads: Oil Decline, Real Estate Boom, and Global Turbulence

In the unfolding narrative of Nigeria’s economic and political landscape, two contrasting realities are shaping the nation’s future.

On one hand, the country’s crude oil reserves have dropped for the third consecutive year, now standing at 37.01 billion barrels. This decline, despite billions invested in exploration, raises urgent questions about Nigeria’s long-term energy security and its reliance on oil as the backbone of its economy.

On the other hand, the real estate sector is experiencing a remarkable surge, with SFS REIT reporting a 762% profit increase in 2025. This boom signals a shift toward property investment as a new frontier of wealth creation.

Yet, beyond economics, Nigeria faces pressing social and political challenges. The revelation that over 840,000 foreigners have overstayed their visas underscores weaknesses in immigration enforcement.

Top 10 Hidden Gems for Nightlife in Abuja

Abuja’s nightlife is thriving with hidden gems that blend sophistication, culture, and electric energy. From underground clubs to chic lounges, these spots offer unique experiences beyond the mainstream, perfect for anyone seeking memorable evenings in Nigeria’s capital.

Top 10 Hidden Gems for Nightlife in Abuja

1. Moscow Underground

A premier destination for music lovers, Moscow Underground is tucked away in Wuse. Known for its eclectic DJs and vibrant dance floor, it’s the go-to for those who want to party till dawn.  

2. Magic City

Located at Discovery Mall, Magic City combines dazzling lights with Afrobeat rhythms. It’s a hidden gem for people who love immersive nightlife experiences with themed nights and energetic crowds.  

3. Avatar Hush Lounge & Nightclub

This stylish lounge offers a mix of luxury and intimacy. Avatar Hush is perfect for cocktails, smooth music, and a touch of exclusivity, making it a favorite among Abuja’s trendsetters.  

Tinubu Orders Manhunt For Plateau Attackers, Announces CCTV Deployment

Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Orders Manhunt For Plateau Attackers, Announces CCTV Deployment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong directive in response to the recent violence in Plateau State, particularly the attack on the Ungwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area.

The assault, which occurred on Sunday, left several people dead and many others injured, prompting urgent calls for decisive action. During a meeting with stakeholders in Jos, Tinubu emphasized that no amount of mourning could restore the lives lost, underscoring the need for leaders and citizens alike to prioritize peace and prosperity over actions that perpetuate violence and instability.

In his remarks, the President ordered security chiefs to immediately identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings. He stressed that such attacks must not be allowed to recur, framing his intervention as more than a gesture of condolence but as a determined effort to achieve lasting peace.

David Mark Defends ADC Coalition, Accuses Tinubu Govt

David Mark, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

David Mark Defends ADC Coalition, Accuses Tinubu Government

On April 2, 2026, David Mark, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), delivered a strongly worded press conference at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where he accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of undermining Nigeria’s democratic freedoms.

Mark warned that what he described as “an attack on democracy” would not stand, asserting that the democratic gains achieved since 1999 were now under serious threat.

Mark alleged that the government was deliberately weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, creating conditions where Tinubu would appear as the only viable candidate despite widespread hardship and insecurity.

INEC derecognises Mark, Aregbesola ADC leadership

Symbolic Photo

INEC Derecognises Mark, Aregbesola ADC Leadership

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially derecognised Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing ongoing court disputes over the party’s leadership. This decision halts INEC’s monitoring of ADC’s conventions and congresses, throwing the party into uncertainty ahead of the 2027 elections.  

The Decision and Its Basis

INEC announced the removal of David Mark (National Chairman) and Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary) from its official portal. The commission explained that the move was necessitated by a Court of Appeal judgment (Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026), which directed the maintenance of the status quo pending resolution of the leadership crisis. In compliance, INEC declared it would cease recognition of all ADC factions until the Federal High Court delivers a substantive ruling.  

Political Fallout

The derecognition has sparked confusion and anxiety within the ADC, as the party had recently gained momentum following the defection of influential politicians. Analysts warn that this development could stall ADC’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election, undermining its credibility as a viable opposition platform. 

Nigeria’s Push for Environmental Journalism

Nigeria’s Push for Environmental Journalism

In response to mounting climate challenges, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a program to train environmental journalists.

This initiative is designed to strengthen public ecological awareness and ensure that accurate, impactful reporting reaches communities across the country.  

The training emphasizes the role of journalists as mediators between scientific knowledge and public understanding. By equipping reporters with specialized skills, the government aims to foster informed discourse on pressing issues such as deforestation, flooding, desertification, and pollution.

Environment Minister urges Media to drive environmental awareness

Nigeria's Environment Minister, Balarabe Abbas

Nigeria’s Environment Minister, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has urged the media to take a leading role in driving environmental awareness, emphasizing that responsible journalism and sustained public engagement are crucial to tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation. His call highlights the media’s power to shape public understanding and mobilize action at a time of mounting environmental challenges.

Environment Minister Urges Media to Drive Environmental Awareness

Context and Setting

On April 1, 2026, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, addressed journalists and communication professionals during a media engagement workshop in Abuja. The event was designed to strengthen collaboration between the government and the media in advancing environmental sustainability. Lawal’s remarks underscored the urgency of Nigeria’s ecological challenges and the indispensable role of the press in shaping public discourse.

Key Messages from the Minister

Lawal stressed that journalists and digital communicators are critical partners in tackling climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. He argued that the media must go beyond reporting events to actively inform, educate, and mobilize citizens toward sustainable practices. According to him, responsible reporting can help counter misinformation, raise awareness of environmental threats, and inspire collective action.

Another Sacrilege of Blood on Palm Sunday: A Cry for Justice and Protection of Life in Nigeria

CSN LOGO

Another Sacrilege of Blood on Palm Sunday: A Cry for Justice and Protection of Life in Nigeria

On March 29, 2026, while Christians in Plateau State gathered peacefully to celebrate Palm Sunday, tragedy struck. The villages of Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye, and Atakyu were transformed into sites of horror as 27 innocent lives were brutally taken. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, in a statement dated April 1, 2026, has condemned this massacre as not only a grave security failure but also a sacrilege against the sanctity of life on one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar.

The Secretariat laments the repeated failure of government to uphold its constitutional duty under Section 14(2)(b), which prioritizes the protection of life.

The recurring violence in Jos, coming so soon after the Maiduguri incident, underscores what the Church describes as an abdication of responsibility.

The image of a grieving mother holding her wounded child is invoked as a symbol of the anguish and trauma inflicted upon families and communities, and as a painful reminder of a nation where human life has become cheap and disposable.

The statement emphasizes that every Nigerian carries an inviolable dignity bestowed by God and protected by law. It warns that each time an innocent life is disregarded, the nation diminishes itself.

The true measure of humanity, it insists, lies in the value placed on every life and the determination to defend it.

In strong terms, the Secretariat calls on government and security agencies to move beyond routine condemnations and take immediate, decisive, and measurable action. It demands the identification and prosecution of perpetrators and their sponsors, a thorough inquiry into possible negligence or complicity by officials, and urgent reinforcement of intelligence and proactive security measures.

The Blood of Innocents and the Silence of Power

The Blood of Innocents and the Silence of Power

Palm Sunday is meant to be a day of peace, reverence, and hope. Yet in Plateau State, the faithful who gathered with palms in hand were met not with celebration but with carnage. The villages of Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye, and Atakyu became slaughterhouses, where 27 lives were brutally cut short on March 29, 2026.

This was not merely a breach of security; it was a desecration of life itself, a sacrilege committed on one of Christianity’s holiest days.

The Constitution of Nigeria, in Section 14(2)(b), makes clear that the primary duty of the State is the protection of life. But what does it mean when the cries of citizens are met with indifference?

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.

‘I’m committed To My Present Assignment,’ Power Minister Adelabu Denies Resignation Reports

Nigeria's Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu 

“I’m Committed To My Present Assignment,” Power Minister Adelabu Denies Resignation Reports

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has publicly dismissed circulating reports suggesting that he had resigned from his position. The speculation, which spread widely on social media, was fueled by a purported resignation letter.

Adelabu clarified in an interview with Channels Television that the letter was fake and that he had not authored any such document. He emphasized that he remains dedicated to his current role in the federal government.

CBN Concludes Recapitalisation As Banks Raise ₦4.65tn

CBN, Corporate Headquarters

CBN Concludes Recapitalisation As Banks Raise ₦4.65tn

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially concluded its banking sector recapitalisation programme, a landmark exercise that saw Nigerian banks collectively raise ₦4.65 trillion.

This initiative, which spanned 24 months beginning in March 2024, was designed to strengthen the resilience of the financial system and ensure banks are better positioned to support economic growth while withstanding both domestic and external shocks.

FCT MINISTER WIKE INSPECTS KEY PROJECTS, TARGETS MAY COMPLETION FOR COMMISSIONING BY PRESIDENT TINUBU

L-R) The Executive Director, CBC Global Nigeria limited, Mr. Umar Yahaya, Deputy Managing Director, CBC, Engr. Liao Chuaun, the FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike, the Executive Secretary, FCDA , Engr Richard Yunana Dauda and the Director Engineering Services, FCDA, Engr Emmanuel Chukwuma during the Minister's inspection of the N16 dual carriage road linking Jahi and Gwarimpa on Wednesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER WIKE INSPECTS KEY PROJECTS, TARGETS MAY COMPLETION FOR COMMISSIONING BY PRESIDENT TINUBU

…CALLS OUT BAUCHI GOVERNOR OVER ALLEGATIONS OF SABOTAGING THE PDP

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, April 01, 2026, inspected key road infrastructural projects in the FCT, reaffirming the administration's commitment to quality delivery and timely completion.

The projects inspected, including the N16 dual carriageway connecting Jahi and Gwarimpa handled by Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited (CBC), the Airport Road–Kuje junction stretch by Arab Contractors, and the first section of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road by Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited, are expected to be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May as part of his third anniversary celebrations.

Barr. Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, describing the performance of the contractors as “very impressive”, while maintaining that monitoring will be a continuous exercise to sustain the momentum. He emphasized that the FCT Administration will maintain pressure on contractors while providing necessary support to ensure delivery timelines are met, noting that governance must translate into visible impact for residents.

Violence Erupts In South Africa Over Igbo King’s Coronation, Shops, Houses Razed

Violence has erupted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province following the controversial coronation of Solomon Eziko as an Igbo king, sparking protests that escalated into the burning of vehicles, looting of shops, and destruction of property. The unrest, led by ActionSA and local traditional leaders, reflects deep tensions over sovereignty and traditional authority in the region.

Violence Erupts in South Africa Over Igbo King’s Coronation

The coronation of Solomon Eziko as the traditional leader of the Igbo community in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, has ignited fierce protests and violent clashes.

What began as a demonstration against what protesters described as a violation of South Africa’s constitutional order and traditional governance structures quickly spiraled into chaos. Vehicles were torched, shops, particularly those owned by foreign nationals, were looted, and houses were razed, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

At the heart of the unrest lies a dispute over legitimacy and sovereignty. ActionSA, a South African political party, spearheaded the protests, arguing that Eziko’s coronation undermines the province’s recognized traditional authority systems.

Tinubu’s Cabinet Resignations and the Road to 2027

Tinubu’s Cabinet Resignations and the Road to 2027

President Bola Tinubu’s directive that cabinet members and political appointees with ambitions for elective office in 2027 must resign by March 31, 2026 has begun to reshape the political landscape.

The order, designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that governance remains focused, has already claimed its first casualties within the federal cabinet.  

Two ministers have stepped down in compliance with the directive. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, both tendered their resignations to pursue political ambitions in the forthcoming general elections.

FCTA TO EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP WITH FINLAND ON SMART CITY, CLEAN ENERGY

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike (right) presenting a gift to the Finland Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Sanna Selin when the ambassador paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA on Tuesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCTA TO EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP WITH FINLAND ON SMART CITY, CLEAN ENERGY

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed the FCT Administration's readiness to partner with the Republic of Finland to advance Abuja’s transition into a modern, sustainable smart city.

The Minister made this commitment on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, when he received the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Sanna Selin, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

During the visit, Barr. Wike highlighted infrastructure and agriculture as key areas where the FCT seeks international cooperation and specifically welcomed Finland’s expertise in green technology and digital services. He noted that such collaborations are essential as Abuja continues its rapid expansion.

Editorial Analysis: Kwankwaso’s ADC Gambit and the Opposition’s Balancing Act

Symbolic Photo

Kwankwaso’s ADC Gambit and the Opposition’s Balancing Act

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s defection from the NNPP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections is more than a personal political maneuver, it is a calculated attempt to reshape Nigeria’s opposition dynamics.

The ADC, long perceived as a fringe party with limited national reach, suddenly finds itself thrust into the spotlight, buoyed by Kwankwaso’s stature as a northern heavyweight and former presidential contender.  

The comparative strength of the ADC, NNPP, and PDP reveals the scale of the challenge. The NNPP, despite Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano and parts of the North-West, struggled to build a truly national structure in 2023.

Its performance was respectable but regionally confined, leaving it vulnerable to fragmentation once Kwankwaso departed. The PDP, by contrast, remains Nigeria’s most established opposition party, with deep roots across the federation and a legacy of governance.

Yet, internal divisions and repeated presidential losses have eroded its dominance, creating space for new alignments.  

Against this backdrop, Kwankwaso’s entry into ADC could serve as a catalyst for coalition-building. The ADC’s organizational machinery is modest compared to PDP’s entrenched networks, but it offers a neutral platform less burdened by factional baggage.

If Kwankwaso succeeds in rallying northern supporters while simultaneously attracting disillusioned PDP and NNPP members, the ADC could evolve into a credible alternative. The presence of figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi at Kwankwaso’s registration ceremony hints at a broader opposition convergence, one that could challenge the ruling party more effectively than fragmented efforts ever could.  

Still, the road ahead is steep. The PDP retains the advantage of name recognition and institutional depth, while the NNPP, even weakened, continues to hold sway in Kano and parts of the North.

For ADC to rise beyond symbolism, it must translate Kwankwaso’s charisma into nationwide structures, grassroots mobilization, and strategic alliances. The 2027 elections will not be won by rhetoric alone but by the ability to consolidate disparate opposition forces into a coherent front.  

Kwankwaso’s gamble is therefore both audacious and precarious. It signals a desire to break free from the limitations of NNPP and to craft a new political identity within ADC.

Whether this move reshapes Nigeria’s opposition or merely fragments it further will depend on how effectively Kwankwaso and his allies can bridge regional divides and present a unified challenge to the ruling establishment.

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.

The Future of Nigeria’s Opposition Politics After INEC’s Recognition of Wike’s PDP Faction

Symbolic Photo

The Future of Nigeria’s Opposition Politics After INEC’s Recognition of Wike’s PDP Faction

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of the Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not merely a bureaucratic update, it is a seismic shift that could reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This moment marks a reconfiguration of power within the PDP, and its ripple effects will likely extend beyond the party itself, influencing alliances, voter sentiment, and the broader democratic landscape.  

At the heart of this transformation is the consolidation of Nyesom Wike’s influence. With Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu now officially recognised as the party’s national leaders, Wike’s faction gains control over the PDP’s internal machinery, including candidate selection, campaign strategy, and resource allocation.

Editorial: The Long Road to INEC’s Recognition of Wike’s PDP Faction

Symbolic Photo

Editorial: The Long Road to INEC’s Recognition of Wike’s PDP Faction

The recognition of the Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not occur in isolation. It is the culmination of years of internal wrangling, shifting alliances, and contested conventions that have defined the party’s turbulent trajectory.  

The roots of the crisis can be traced back to the fallout of the 2023 general elections, when disagreements over candidate selection and campaign strategy exposed deep fissures within the PDP.

Nyesom Wike, then Governor of Rivers State, emerged as a central figure in the disputes, clashing with party leaders over zoning arrangements and the presidential ticket. His eventual appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the ruling APC government further complicated his standing within the PDP, but it also gave him leverage to consolidate influence over a faction of the party. 

INEC recognises Wike-backed PDP faction, updates party leadership

INEC Recognises Wike-Backed PDP Faction, Updates Party Leadership

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, listing Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.

This move, following the party’s disputed convention in Abuja, deepens the internal crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party.  

The PDP held a national convention on March 30, 2026, at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The convention produced a new National Working Committee (NWC) through a consensus process, with Abdulrahman Mohammed emerging as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. INEC swiftly updated its official website to reflect this leadership structure, effectively granting institutional legitimacy to the Wike-backed faction. 

NCC, Telcos clash over compensation plan for poor network services

Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has ordered mobile network operators to compensate subscribers for poor network services, sparking a clash with telcos who argue the directive is burdensome. Subscribers, however, are demanding even stronger measures, including full (100%) compensation for service failures.  

NCC, Telcos Clash Over Compensation Plan for Poor Network Services

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a bold step to protect consumers by mandating telecom operators to compensate subscribers whenever service quality falls below approved standards.

This directive, announced in late March 2026, requires operators to issue airtime credits to affected users in specific locations where performance benchmarks are not met.

The move signals a shift toward stronger consumer protection in Africa’s largest telecom market, where over 182 million active telephone users have long endured dropped calls, slow data speeds, and unreliable connectivity.  

Editorial: National Police Day 2026 - A Shift Toward Service

Symbolic Photo

Editorial: National Police Day 2026 - A Shift Toward Service

The 2026 National Police Day in Abuja opened with a refreshing departure from the traditional parades and ceremonial displays that have long characterized the event.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner Ahmed Muhammad, chose instead to begin with a sanitation exercise and free medical outreach.

This decision reflects a growing recognition that policing in Nigeria must extend beyond enforcement into the realm of community service and social responsibility.  

FCT Police Kick Off 2026 National Police Day with Sanitation, Free Medical Outreach

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command officially launched the 2026 National Police Day celebrations on March 30, 2026, with a community sanitation exercise and free medical outreach in Area 1, Abuja. The initiative, led by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammad, emphasized public health, environmental hygiene, and stronger police-community relations.  

FCT Police Kick Off 2026 National Police Day with Sanitation, Free Medical Outreach

The 2026 National Police Day commenced in Abuja with a unique focus on community service.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command chose to highlight its commitment to public welfare by organizing a sanitation drive and a free medical outreach program.

These activities were designed not only to mark the annual celebration but also to reinforce the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to people-centered policing.

On Monday, March 30, 2026, officers of the FCT Police Command, alongside residents of Area 1, Abuja, participated in a coordinated clean-up exercise. The initiative involved clearing waste, improving environmental hygiene, and promoting sustainable practices.