PSC Acquires Portal to Decentralise Police Recruitment

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has introduced a new recruitment portal to decentralise police hiring and improve transparency in the process. The initiative was announced after a consultative meeting in Abuja with recruitment desk officers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Commission resolved to give state representatives a greater role in the 2025 recruitment exercise. The portal—also to be used for PSC staff recruitment—will be accessible to the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Character Commission. According to the PSC, this inclusiveness will help curb corruption and nepotism. For the first time, recruitment officers from all states will be formally engaged in planning and executing the exercise. The platform will go live once the 2025 recruitment process begins. PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Argungu, said the collaboration with state desk officers would protect the interests of all stakeholders. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a police force the nation can be proud of, while ensuring recruitment remains efficient, transparent, accountable, and equitable.

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FDI to Nigeria Plummets Amid Poor Governance and Uncoordinated Reforms

FDI to Nigeria Plummets Amid Poor Governance and Uncoordinated Reforms

Despite frequent international trips by the President, ministers, and other government officials in search of foreign direct investment (FDI), Nigeria’s weak governance continues to undermine investor confidence. Persistent shortcomings in the rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and accountability are proving that sustainable investment cannot be built on poor leadership. Latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show that FDI collapsed by nearly 70% in Q1 2025, falling to just $126.29 million from $421.8 million in the preceding quarter. Of the total $5.64 billion in capital inflows during the period, FDI accounted for only 2.24%, down sharply from 8.2% in Q4 2024. Alarmingly, around 90% of these inflows were channelled into short-term, speculative money market instruments, offering negligible benefits for industrial growth or job creation. The manufacturing sector was hit hard, with capital inflows dropping 32.1% year-on-year to $129.92 million in Q1 2025, down from $191.92 million in the same period of 2023. This decline reflects a deepening lack of trust in a government whose reforms appear reactive and disjointed. While global FDI flows dipped in 2024, Africa bucked the trend, recording a 75% surge to $97 billion. Egypt led the continent with $46.58 billion, followed by Ethiopia ($3.98 billion), Côte d’Ivoire ($3.80 billion), and Mozambique ($3.55 billion). Nigeria, despite its size and resources, managed just $1.08 billion—about 1% of Africa’s total—representing a 42% drop from 2023. The situation has worsened in 2025, with FDI plunging a further 75% between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. These figures send a clear message: without effective leadership, strong governance, and coherent economic reforms, Nigeria will continue to fall behind its peers in attracting meaningful, long-term investment.

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Crunch Time in Alaska: Trump and Putin Meet in Bid for Ukraine

Crunch Time in Alaska: Trump and Putin Meet in Bid for Ukraine Peace

US and Russian officials are gathering in Alaska ahead of a pivotal Friday meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin — their first in six years. Trump hopes the talks will deliver on his campaign promise to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, leveraging what he describes as a personal rapport with Putin to secure a ceasefire. Despite his optimism, Trump has estimated only a “25% chance” of success. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has been excluded from the talks, warning that any deal struck without Kyiv’s participation will be meaningless. Anchorage remains largely business-as-usual, aside from the influx of international media. The meeting will take place on a US military base, reflecting both heightened security and the brief nature of the talks, expected to last just a few hours. The summit comes a week after Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face new sanctions. That countdown was effectively paused after the meeting was announced, buying both sides more time. Washington’s tone over the week has swung between optimism, caution, and threats of “very severe consequences” if Putin refuses to end the war. Kyiv grew uneasy when Trump floated the idea of “territory swaps,” while the White House hinted the president might adopt a “listening” approach. Russia has remained publicly silent, reiterating only that peace is possible if it gains full control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, and if Ukraine pledges not to join NATO. For Trump, success in Alaska could reinforce his image as a global dealmaker and deliver on his promise to disengage the US from costly foreign conflicts. He claims he will know “in the first two minutes” whether a deal is possible. European leaders, also excluded from the talks, emerged cautiously hopeful after a last-minute call with Trump. Zelensky, however, has been firm: Ukraine will not cede the Donbas, calling such concessions a “pathway to further conflict.” Trump has promised to brief Zelensky after the summit and floated the idea of a quick three-way meeting. The Kremlin, however, insists a direct Putin–Zelensky encounter is premature. Analysts warn Putin’s central goal remains Ukraine’s “geopolitical neutralisation” — an objective he is unlikely to abandon. As both leaders head into the Alaska talks, the venue may offer common ground geographically, but politically, the divide appears as wide as ever.

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NLC Gives FG Seven-Day Ultimatum Over NSITF PENCOM Edo Crisis

NLC Gives FG Seven-Day Ultimatum Over NSITF PENCOM Edo Crisis

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to return allegedly diverted workers’ funds and constitute the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), warning it will not guarantee industrial peace if ignored. In a communiqué after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the NLC ratified the dissolution of its Edo State Council leadership over alleged unethical conduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional breaches. A caretaker committee will oversee the council until fresh elections are held. The CWC accused the government of diverting 40% of workers’ contributions to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) into national revenue, in violation of the law, and of making false ownership claims to the NLC headquarters. It also condemned cyber and media bullying of unions and moves to amend the NSITF Act to give the government full control. On PENCOM, the NLC decried the prolonged absence of its Governing Board, saying it undermines oversight of pension funds. It demanded that diverted NSITF funds be returned, PENCOM’s Board constituted, and a full pension fund report issued within seven working days, or face nationwide action.

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EFCC to Arraign 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters Arrested Near Obasanjo Library

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign 23 of the 93 suspected internet fraudsters recently arrested at a hotel located near the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The suspects are scheduled to appear before Justice D. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges including impersonation, identity theft, and other cybercrime offences. According to the EFCC, the arraignment will be conducted in batches after profiling the individuals arrested during a pool party allegedly organised to celebrate proceeds of online fraud. Investigations indicate that the party was initially planned for two other venues before being moved to the hotel close to the OOPL in an apparent bid to avoid detection. Intelligence operatives reportedly trailed the suspects to the location. The anti-graft agency clarified that the operation did not target the former president’s facility, but focused solely on the suspects, many of whom have allegedly confessed to engaging in internet fraud. The EFCC added that the remaining suspects will be arraigned once ongoing investigations and profiling are concluded.

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Rigging Fears Grip Edo, Kaduna Ahead of August 16 By-Elections

Tensions are rising in Edo and Kaduna States ahead of Saturday’s by-elections, with opposition parties and election monitors alleging prewritten results, compromised Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and recruitment of armed thugs to intimidate voters. In Edo, the Coalition of Observer Groups warned of plans to manipulate results in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency. The group alleged tactics similar to those seen in the disputed September 2024 governorship poll, including duplicate result sheets prepared before collation and police harassment of opposition agents. A senior Peoples Democratic Party figure claimed results are already being written in Government House, with controversial INEC officials from Rivers State deployed to oversee the vote. The coalition urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure a peaceful, violence-free process. In Kaduna, the African Democratic Congress and Social Democratic Party accused the ruling APC of mobilising 4,000 thugs, bribing INEC staff, and raising billions for vote buying and security compromise. They named a serving commissioner and a former senator as alleged key actors. Opposition groups in both states called on INEC to replace questionable officials, guarantee transparent collation, and secure polling centres. INEC and the police are yet to respond.

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Make Election Rigging Difficult

Obidient Movement Launches MERD Campaign to Combat Election Rigging

The Obidient Movement has unveiled a nationwide campaign themed “Get Organised – Make Election Rigging Difficult (MERD)” aimed at empowering citizens and safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, said the initiative’s primary goal is to ensure that every eligible Nigerian obtains a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) to strengthen electoral integrity. “Our mission is clear: boost civic participation nationwide,” Yunusa stated. “In every polling unit, Obidients will lead or join voting blocs of at least 100 people, targeting 100% PVC ownership. We will go door-to-door, assist with voter registration, and recruit 1,500 principled leaders to contest elections under our platform.” He further revealed that the movement will mobilize massive voter turnout, deploy one million trained vote protectors, and leverage technology for real-time election monitoring. The MERD campaign, Yunusa stressed, is designed to close the gaps that enable electoral malpractice, ensuring that the 2027 elections are transparent, credible, and truly reflect the will of the people.

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Usyk Asks for Extension on Joseph Parker Fight Due to Injury

Oleksandr Usyk has requested an extension on negotiations to fight Joseph Parker due to injury, promoter Frank Warren has told Sky Sports. Usyk was recently ordered by the WBO to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Parker after defeating Daniel Dubois to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Alternatively, Parker could face the winner of Moses Itauma against Dillian Whyte should Usyk vacate the WBO title. “He (Usyk) put a letter in yesterday stating that he’s asked him for an extension period, because he’s injured, before being ordered to do anything,” Warren told Sky Sports News. “Whatever happens the fact of life is Joseph Parker will either fight as champion if Usyk vacates or he will fight Usyk for the title. “If Moses or Dillian win, they’re in the No 1 spot and if the fight with Usyk and Parker doesn’t happen then Joe (Parker) will have to fight the official number one contender.” Duke McKenzie and Gary Logan debate whether rising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma could be the one to dethrone Oleksandr Usyk as undisputed champion. Duke McKenzie and Gary Logan debate whether rising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma could be the one to dethrone Oleksandr Usyk as undisputed champion. Usyk became a three-time undisputed champion, twice at heavyweight and once at cruiserweight, in July when he knocked out Dubois to add the Brit’s IBF belt to his collection. He had stated prior to the contest that he believed he had two more fights left in his, so far perfect, professional career, with a prospective bout against Parker seemingly representing the second. Usyk was, however, also linked to a potential trilogy fight against Tyson Fury in 2026 after the Gypsy King underlined his wish to seek revenge following back-to-back losses to the Ukrainian. “His camp have written asking for a period of time before he has to defend the title,” Warren continued. “We’ll see what happens and the WBO will put a statement out on this today or tomorrow, I’ve been informally told what the position is. The most important thing is to focus on Saturday, it’s a very important fight.” Barry Jones, Natasha Jonas and Dalton Smith discuss whether Oleksandr Usyk will vacate his WBO heavyweight title or give Joseph Parker a shot for the belt. Parker was denied a shot at the IBF title earlier this year when Dubois withdrew from his scheduled title defence due to illness during fight week. The New Zealander subsequently knocked out last-minute replacement Martin Bakole to keep his world title hopes alive. On Saturday the attention turns to another aspiring world champion when the highly-rated Itauma encounters the experience of Whyte, who is looked to derail his younger opponent’s development while also setting up another big night of his own in the latter years of his career.

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