Category: News

In a major boost to Nigeria’s aviation sector, President Bola Tinubu has approved a 30 per cent reduction in statutory debts owed by domestic airlines, a move aimed at easing financial strain and sustaining operations amid rising fuel costs.

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON today officially launched the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative in Kano, declaring it a bold national movement to convert Nigeria’s vast innovation potential into tangible economic prosperity.

Expressing her delight at returning to Kano—a city she fondly recalled from her National Youth Service days and described as a land of vast opportunities—the First Lady applauded the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN for conceptualising ECoN.

She urged sustained collaboration between the Ministry and North-West Governors to ensure long-term impact, noting that despite prevailing challenges, Nigerian innovations continue to stand tall globally. She emphasized the urgent need to create an enabling environment for innovation to thrive and compete internationally.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, described ECoN as a strategic intervention to break the long-standing disconnect between research, innovation, and the marketplace. He noted that the initiative will ensure that ideas generated in universities, research institutions, and innovation hubs are no longer abandoned on shelves but transformed into viable market products.

The Governor added that the presence of the First Lady is a powerful affirmation of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to transform Nigeria from a nation of ideas into a nation of industries.

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN in his address, described ECoN as a transformative national platform designed to bridge the long-standing gap between research and real economic value. He stated that for decades, Nigeria’s innovations remained largely confined to laboratories, with limited access to markets and financing. ECoN, he explained, is the government’s decisive response—engineered to move ideas from concept to capital, and from prototype to prosperity.

Udeh further revealed that ECoN will be deployed across all geopolitical zones as an integrated national ecosystem, fostering inter-state collaboration, healthy competition, and shared ownership of innovation outcomes. The programme features investor-ready pitching sessions, real-time deal rooms for innovators and investors, and a forthcoming National Deal Room that will connect Nigeria’s best innovations to global capital.

Highlighting early traction, the Minister disclosed that over 1,000 innovation entries have already been received within weeks, with promising investment commitments underway—signaling strong momentum toward job creation, industrial growth, and Nigeria’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR.

Also speaking, the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, on behalf of the North-West Governors’ Forum, commended the Minister’s bold initiative, describing ECoN as a strategic pathway to unlock economic growth, drive job creation, and strengthen Nigeria’s innovation-driven economy.

FMIST reaffirmed that ECoN will be backed by a digital commercialisation platform and a proposed National Research and Innovation Fund to ensure sustainability, transparency, and global competitiveness.

The event marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s development trajectory—signaling a decisive shift from innovation potential to innovation prosperity.

The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in collaboration with the World Investment Summit have concluded plans to attract no fewer than 127 heads of state and government leaders across the world to Abuja for a two-day business economic summit to actualise President Bola Tinubu’s ambition to build a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.

The organisers, involving the National Chairman of the ruling party, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Abiola Tooki, and the Director-General/Convener-General, World Investment Summit, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, made the disclosure in Abuja while unveiling the programme.

Global Leaders to Storm Abuja

They revealed that they are expecting heads of state and government from the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, China, 96 ministers and deputy ministers, 157 high-level representatives of international and regional organizations, and 700 private sector executives for the event scheduled for June 24-26, 2026.

Speaking at the unveiling, Adeniyi, the Director-General/Convener-General, stated: “In furtherance of President Tinubu’s determined global drive to aggressively attract foreign direct investment into Nigeria, the World Investment Summit, in collaboration with the Nigerian Exchange Group and the Securities and Exchange Commission, plans a strategic international investment engagement.”

Summit to Fill Global Governance Gap

He further explained: “The Summit strives to fill a gap in the global economic governance architecture by establishing a global platform for engaging policymakers, the private sector, and other stakeholders at the highest level on investment issues.

“It offers participants a unique opportunity to influence investment-related policy making, shape the global investment environment, and network with global leaders in business and politics.

“It is recognized by governments and business leaders as the preeminent event for the international investment community. The WIS 2026 will attract 8,000 participants, including 1,000 speakers, 34 percent being women and over 60 percent across the global.

“Attendees will include 127 heads of State and government leaders from United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, China, Bangladesh, the Republic of Fiji, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the Republic of Togo, the UAE, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan: 96 ministers and deputy ministers, 157 high-level representatives of international and regional organizations, and 700 private sector executives,” he revealed.

Why Nigeria? Why Now?

Explaining the motive for the summit further, Adeniyi said: “The Summit seeks to fill a critical gap in the global economic governance architecture by providing a premier platform for sustained engagement between policymakers, the private sector, and other stakeholders on investment issues at the highest level.

“It is widely recognised by governments and business leaders as a flagship gathering for the international investment community. The President’s steadfast ambition to build a US$1 trillion economy by 2030 is anchored on Nigeria’s immense potential, abundant resources, and the urgent need to fast-track economic development to meet the aspirations of its growing population.”

Nigeria as Africa’s Investment Hub

He added: “Hosting WIS 2026 in Nigeria is strategic as Africa’s largest economy, a key AfCFTA player, and an emerging market hub, Nigeria provides both the symbolism and practicality needed to position developing economies at the heart of global investment flows.

“Nigeria will not only unlock billions in new investments but also cement its position as Africa’s investment hub, align itself with the global SDGs agenda, and ensure sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits both current and future generations.”

A total sum of ₦2.036 trillion, being the March 2026 Federation Account Revenue, has been shared among the Federal Government, states, and local governments.

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), under the leadership of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Kano State Government and key stakeholders across the North West ahead of the official launch of the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) programme.

The initiative is championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday in Kano, the Honourable Minister described ECoN as a flagship national initiative designed to transform Nigeria’s abundant research outputs, intellectual property, and innovative ideas into commercially viable products that will drive economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation.

He noted that the partnership with Kano State to host the North West zone represents a critical step toward inclusive and regionally balanced innovation development, stressing that ECoN will bridge the long-standing gap between ideas and market value by linking innovators with industry, investors, and government support systems.

The Kano State Government, alongside key institutions including National Board Technology Incubation (NBTI), Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), and National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), will play a central role in mobilising innovators and strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem, with a focus on technology transfer, funding access, and commercialisation opportunities.

Aligned with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification and youth empowerment, the initiative is expected to boost market-ready innovations, create jobs, and strengthen value chains across priority sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, ICT, and manufacturing.

The Minister called on stakeholders across the North West to actively participate, emphasizing that ECoN is a national movement to unlock Nigeria’s innovation potential and position the country as a global hub for enterprise and technological advancement.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, will officially launch the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative, in Kano today Thursday, April 23, 2026, and the flag-off will end on April 25, 2026.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has elevated Taiwo Oyedele to the position of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy following a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council.

Political leaders from Enugu State on Tuesday pledged unalloyed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The leaders, representing the state’s seven million citizens, made this pledge when Governor Peter Mbah led them to a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The high-powered delegation included Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, former Senate President, Sen. Ken Nnamani, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, former Governors of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo.

Others on the delegation were members of the National Assembly, former ministers, traditional and religious leaders, and academics. Some of the leaders came with their spouses.

President Tinubu thanked the delegation for their support. He noted that the testimonies of growth and infrastructural development from many states further validate the impact of his administration’s economic reforms.

The President commended governors for effectively utilising resources released to sub-nationals, resulting in meaningful improvements in health, education, infrastructure, and citizens’ welfare.

He observed that the political realignment favouring the governing APC has been largely driven by the outcome of economic reforms, adding that Governor Mbah aligned with the APC following sustained federal support for Enugu State.

“You have been a transformative leader, and we genuinely appreciate what is evolving in Enugu today in a manner that we are witnessing a rapid development of the state.

“The results you are outlining, like security, infrastructure, education and health care, are not abstract. They are the evidence that reform is working, that difficult decisions are yielding real outcomes and that Nigeria is moving forward.

“I can assure you we will continue to work together, think together and build together a nation that will be a pride of place for all our citizens.

“On the matter, you’ve raised the railway line from Port-Harcourt court to Enugu, the power sector reforms and the infrastructure—this is the backbone of economic development. We will do more,’’ he said.

President Tinubu said the previous challenge of funding long-term projects with short-term funds had been overcome with the release of additional funds to states to plan and implement developmental goals.

He expressed appreciation for governors from other political parties who have acknowledged the healthy and rewarding partnership with the federal government, with many now identifying with the governing party.

“With a leader like you, who is so committed and visionary, Nigeria is on the right trajectory to becoming a very successful leading African nation.

“When you look at the instances around African growth and economic opportunity today, it is with the contributions of people like you that are making it so.

“It’s not a one-person show. It’s a collective effort at the subnational and local government levels. Please do more for the local government,’’ the President stated.

The President commended Governor Mbah for working tirelessly to tame insecurity in the state and to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

“And the declaration of support, I’ve noted, and I appreciate. It is very inspiring. You were in the other party. I don’t want to give them credit by naming them, but you are a member of the progressive family today. I am proud of that.

“We will do everything to ensure that the Nigerian dream is realised. The hope you enunciated in your remarks is not a pipe dream. It’s real and achievable, and we’ll achieve it together.

“Democracy will survive despite all intimidation. Ignore the naysayers. Stay focused. When you succeed, and they are angry, let them be. I do not lose sleep over criticism because we are committed to building a nation of bright hope for our children,” President Tinubu said.

“These are leaders who had privatised electricity, which is not working. They gave us darkness, and we are trying to get through it. To build a nation of bright hope and joyful people and leave our children with a life worthy of pride,’’ President Tinubu said.

In his remarks, the governor said the delegation was at the State House to express their solidarity and support for the President’s vision to build a solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

“This visit is symbolic because it speaks to our shared future and a commitment to progress. We have come to express our deepest gratitude for your engagement and investment in the people of Enugu State.

“We do not take all these for granted. If it were possible, just as the former Senate President alluded to, Your Excellency, the entire Enugu State population would have converged here at the villa to express our gratitude.

“The delegation here represents the excited and grateful voices of over 7 million sons and daughters of Enugu. We state boldly and without ambiguity that this relationship has earned our trust and support. On that basis, Your Excellency, we will stand proudly with you on election day in January 2027,” he said.

Mbah listed some landmark projects inaugurated by the President during his January visit to the state, saying they helped boost the state’s socio-economic development.

He also appreciated the President for his magnanimity and fatherly disposition.

“Mr President, you are a true friend of Enugu State. This was evident in your January 4, 2025, visit to Enugu. You broke a long-standing political distance between this region and the federal government, crossing party lines, at a time when the Enugu electorate did not favour your party.

“Yet you choose to invest in our state because you recognised what we were building. I remember very clearly. You and I stood side by side at the ceremonial ribbon cutting of several projects,’’ he noted.

In his remarks, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, said the Enugu leaders were in the Presidential Villa to thank the President for his support for the State, and the South East, with many interventions in infrastructure like roads, railways, aviation,

“We have a leader in Enugu State. We have a leader, and we have confidence in him. He is leading us right.

“We have come to say thank you. The great achievements under his leadership would not have been possible without your support. He is making excellent use of your support.

“The entire population of Enugu State, of more than seven million people, would have loved to come here to say a big thank you, Mr President. You will benefit tremendously from the support,’’ the former Senate President added.

Nnamani affirmed that Enugu State will support President Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

Diaspora Nigerians and the youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday joined in the call for the resignation of the INEC Chairman following the circulation of alleged pro-Tinubu tweets linked to him, staging a protest in the commission’s Lagos office and the United Kingdom Parliament, respectively.

This is also as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that although the X account was created in September 2022, there’s no linkage between it and Prof. Amupitan’s yahoo or Unijos emails, with the civil society and election observers warning that the controversy could erode public confidence in the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Prof Amupitan’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, dismissed the allegation as “entirely baseless” and a “fabrication.”

Oketola, in a statement on Monday, said a comprehensive forensic investigation found no evidence linking Amupitan to any X account, stressing that “all the alleged posts, replies, or statements attributed to him on X are fraudulent, forensically unverifiable, technically impossible, and part of a coordinated disinformation.”

The statement said an independent forensic cybersecurity expert engaged to conduct a multi-layered investigation using platform data, internet archives, open-source intelligence tools, and identity forensics, found no connection between the account and Amupitan.

According to the report, one of the most critical discoveries was a timestamp inconsistency showing that the alleged reply was posted 13 minutes before the original tweet it purportedly responded to.

“No platform can receive a reply before the original post is published. This is physically impossible and the greatest proof that the post and the account were doctored using Artificial Intelligence (AI),” the statement said.

INEC also said checks on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine revealed no record of the account’s existence or activity prior to April 10, 2026. It further disclosed that the account in question was renamed to @sundayvibe00 on the same day the screenshots went viral, set to private, and labelled as a parody account.

The commission described the move as a “damage-control tactic by an impersonator seeking to eliminate a digital trail,” adding that the parody label amounted to an implicit admission that the account was not genuine.

On claims linking the account to Amupitan’s email and phone number, INEC said forensic tests using official recovery channels on the X platform showed no connection. It stated, “The X platform would have confirmed linkage had any genuine association existed. Therefore, there is no linkage between the email account and the X account.”

The commission also dismissed attempts to use bank verification and data breach records as proof, describing such conclusions as “a logical fallacy, not forensic proof.” It added that historical data breaches cited by those promoting the claim did not identify any specific X handle or establish ownership of the disputed account.

Beyond the X platform, INEC said it uncovered a broader impersonation pattern involving multiple fake Facebook and Instagram accounts using Prof. Amupitan’s identity, suggesting “a sustained and coordinated impersonation operation.”

The commission concluded that “the forensic evidence is comprehensive, multi-sourced, and unambiguous,” adding that one of the independent investigators described the case as “a coordinated digital impersonation and disinformation campaign.”

It urged the public and media organisations to verify social media content before sharing or publishing, warning that advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier to fabricate convincing digital materials.

The commission said the forensic report had been forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further action, calling for those behind the alleged impersonation to be identified and prosecuted under relevant cybercrime laws.

Protests continue 

A civil society organisation, Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) led by Prof. Pat Utomi, Usman Bugaje, Femi Falana (SAN), Oby Ezekwesili among others, also called on Prof. Amupitan to step aside over what it described as a “crisis of credibility” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on Monday signed by its Media Coordinator, Comrade James Ezema, the MCE said the current controversy surrounding alleged digital footprints linking the INEC chairman to partisan expressions had raised serious concerns about public trust in the electoral body.

“At this crucial period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, it is evident that the hands presiding over INEC are, at best, under grave distrust and, at worst, compromised to elicit the credibility required for the conduct of the 2027 elections,” the group said.

It demanded that Amupitan “immediately step aside from his position as Chairman of INEC to allow for a truly independent, transparent, and forensic investigation into the allegations,” urging the federal government to constitute an impartial panel comprising judicial, digital forensic and civil society experts.

The group also called for an end to “all forms of intimidation, harassment, or threats against citizens raising legitimate concerns,” adding that INEC must recommit itself to neutrality through reforms that would restore public confidence.

According to the statement, “Nigeria stands at a democratic crossroads. The integrity of its electoral management body cannot be compromised without grave consequences for credible elections, national stability and legitimacy of governance.”

It added that, “Professor Amupitan must recognise that this is no longer a personal matter of denial—it’s a national question of trust. The only honourable path, consistent with both legal prudence and moral responsibility, is to step aside and submit to the cleansing light of transparent investigation.”

The group argued that recent developments had triggered “a legitimacy crisis of fundamental proportions,” noting that in the digital age, “denial is not a defence—it’s an invitation to forensic scrutiny.”

The MCE further warned that the situation could escalate into legal complications, stressing that digital and financial systems such as BVN and NIN provide traceable ownership structures that could be subjected to judicial processes.

It also expressed concern over what it described as a broader pattern of actions by INEC allegedly undermining opposition participation, including “administrative inconsistencies, selective enforcement of electoral regulations, and operational conduct that cumulatively erode the level playing field required in a multi-party democracy.”

The Enugu State Police Command has dismissed a viral video circulating online that alleged unlawful detention and killing of suspects in the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Enugu.

In a press release issued by SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, and dated 20th April 2026, the Command categorically stated that “no such incident has occurred in any of its units.”

According to the Command, preliminary findings indicate that “the video is misleading, unverified, and deliberately intended to misinform the public and undermine confidence in the Police.”

The Command further reiterated that “all suspects in custody are treated in accordance with the law and with due respect for their fundamental human rights, with no record of extrajudicial killing or unlawful detention as alleged.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, urged “the public to disregard the video and refrain from sharing unverified content capable of inciting fear or eroding trust in law enforcement,” while advising citizens to rely on official Police communication channels for accurate information.

CP Giwa further reaffirmed “the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law,” and assured residents of its continued dedication to the protection of lives and property.

Three persons have lost their lives in a tragic accident at the Polo Roundabout in Jos, Plateau State.

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the Trans-Ekulu Division, on 18th April 2026 at about 10:00 a.m., arrested a 30-year-old male suspect, Ibeabuchi Ifeanyi Collins, and recovered a stolen tricycle in his possession.

The arrest followed a report by the custodian of the tricycle, who stated that he discovered the vehicle missing around 6:00 a.m. the same day after parking it in front of his residence in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.

Upon receipt of the report, the operatives were swiftly mobilised, and the information was circulated through the Command’s control room, leading to the recovery of the tricycle along Nike Road, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, within hours of the incident.

The suspect has confessed to the crime and attributed his action to hardship. He will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, commended the operatives for their prompt response, which led to the arrest and recovery.

He reiterated his call on vehicle owners to adopt basic security measures to safeguard their property and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.