NEWS

The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed three Memoranda of Understanding with the United Kingdom, focusing on migration cooperation, border security, and the expansion of business visas for UK firms operating in Nigeria. The agreements were signed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who represented Nigeria during official engagements in the UK. The deals cover a Migration Partnership framework, a Statement of Intent on tackling organised immigration crime and strengthening border security, as well as measures to ease access to business visas. Tunji-Ojo said the agreements reflect Nigeria’s commitment to building a structured, transparent, and mutually beneficial migration system. He stressed that the government is focused on delivering tangible results within ...

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned Nigerians over the circulation of counterfeit cancer medicines, including Avastin and Tecentriq, across the country. In a public alert, the agency said it is “notifying healthcare professionals and the public of confirmed counterfeit batches of Avastin 400mg/16ml (Bevacizumab) and Tecentriq 1200mg/20ml (Atezolizumab) circulating in Nigeria”. The warning followed communication from Roche Nigeria, which reported multiple complaints from healthcare professionals nationwide regarding suspected fake products. In several cases, patients reportedly presented the medicines at hospitals after purchasing them at unusually low prices, ranging between N180,000 and N350,000. “The Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) re...

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has issued a strong warning to Iran, threatening decisive action against the South Pars gas field if Tehran fails to halt attacks on energy infrastructure in Qatar. The threat comes amid rising tensions following renewed strikes on key oil and gas facilities, fueling fears of a prolonged conflict that could disrupt global energy supply. Oil prices have already surged by about five per cent as markets react to the growing instability, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude shipments. Tanker movements through the route have slowed significantly due to security concerns. Iran has reportedly launched retaliatory strikes on Gulf energy assets, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan L...

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emmanuel Odigie, has refuted claims that he alleged Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, never attended school. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Odigie clarified that his earlier statement was specifically about Okpebholo’s alleged inability to pass the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exam in 2008—not a denial of his educational background. He maintained that he stands by his comments, insisting he would not retract any statement he made, while urging critics to verify his exact words. “I never said he didn’t go to school. I said he couldn’t pass WAEC in 2008, even at a miracle centre. That’s what I said—nothing more,” he stated. Odigie described himself as someone who speaks boldly and truthfully, a...

Niger State Governor Umar Bago has said his government is ready to confront bandits and their informants. The governor made this known on Thursday in a video clip published by Gaskiya News Hausa, in which he warned bandits, informants and those harbouring them to reveal their identities to the security agencies. PUNCH Online learnt that the governor visited Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State where he had a chat with the Emir over the bandits’ disruption of schooling and farming activities. Bago disclosed that his government had received support from the federal government and foreign partners to strengthen operations against the terrorists. He stressed the impact of insecurity on education and agriculture in the state, saying banditry had disrupted schooling and...

The United States has introduced stricter immigration measures by expanding its visa bond policy, requiring travellers from 50 countries, including Nigeria, to deposit up to $15,000 before entry. The policy, announced by the U.S. Department of State, is scheduled to take effect on April 2, 2026, and will apply to applicants seeking B1/B2 visas for business and tourism purposes. Under the new arrangement, affected travellers must pay a refundable bond, which will only be returned if they comply with visa conditions, including leaving the United States before the expiration of their permitted stay. The initiative is part of Washington’s effort to tackle visa overstays, a persistent challenge in the country’s immigration system. Officials indicated that the programme has already s...

The administration of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has dismissed reports alleging plans to sell the state-owned Ibom Power Company, describing the claims as false, malicious, and entirely unfounded. In a statement issued in Uyo, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, refuted a publication by a local tabloid, insisting that the government has no intention of disposing of the power facility. He urged the public to disregard the report, labelling it a fabrication aimed at misleading residents and undermining ongoing reforms in the state’s power sector. Umanah clarified that at no point has the government approved the sale of Ibom Power Company, either as an operational asset or otherwise, stressing that such claims exist only in the imagination of mischief-makers. ...

The Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Council Manager, Bakare Olakunle Olanrewaju, has died in India following a prolonged battle with a cancer-related illness. His passing was confirmed through a condolence message shared on social media by a close associate, Duke Olabode Sakirudeen. According to Sakirudeen, the late administrator, believed to be in his late 50s, had been undergoing medical treatment in India before he passed away a few days ago. He described Bakare as a committed public servant who earned widespread respect during his career. “Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Council Manager, Mr. Bakare, has died after a prolonged illness. He passed away in India from a cancer-related condition,” he stated. Sakirudeen further paid tribute to him as a calm, intelligent, and profes...

USA Secretary of State, Marco Rubio has denied reports that the United States is pushing for the removal of Miguel Díaz-Canel. In a late-night post on X, Rubio dismissed a report by The New York Times as “fake,” accusing it of relying on “charlatans and liars claiming to be in the know.” The newspaper had reported that officials under Donald Trump urged Cuba to remove Díaz-Canel, but stopped short of calling for the overthrow of the country’s communist government. Rubio did not clarify whether he was rejecting the entire report or only parts of it. The reason so many in US media keep putting out fake stories like this one is because they continue to rely on charlatans & liars claiming to be in the know as their sources. https://t.co/mfzZbeO9UT — Marco Rubio (@m...

A Nigerian woman, Nihinlolawa Agoro and two of her children, Temiloluwa and Isaac, were k!lled in a deadly crash in Texas, United States with multiple other people rushed to the hospital for injuries. According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash on US-90A between Harlem Road and Pitts Road at about 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Officials said an SUV was driving eastbound with five people inside when a truck traveling westbound went through the median, lost control, and hit the SUV head-on.  The truck rolled over and caught fire, according to authorities. According to officials, three people inside the SUV were pronounced dead at the scene, including an 18-year-old woman, a 22-year-old woman, and a 44-year-old wom...