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Tag: FG

Federal Government Reopens 47 Unity Schools After Security Upgrades

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The Federal Government has reopened the 47 unity schools it closed in November, reaffirming its commitment to the safety of students and the continuity of education across Nigeria. Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, said in a Thursday statement that academic activities have fully resumed following the reinforcement of security arrangements within and around the affected schools. “After the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools, academic activities have fully resumed,” the statement read. Students have returned safely, with many completing their December academic programs while others have finished examinations. The ministry assured parents, guardians, and the public that the welfare and protection of students remain a top priority. The government emphasized that it will continue collaborating with security agencies to maintain stability and restore normalcy in school environments nationwide. “The Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and uphold their right to education in a safe and secure environment,” the statement added. The schools were initially closed after a series of security incidents, including two mass abductions of students in Kebbi and Niger states. Experts said the shutdown reflected the government’s acknowledgment of security challenges and the need for precautionary measures to protect students in vulnerable areas.

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FG Imposes Immediate Nationwide Ban On Export Of Wood And Allied Products

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The Federal Government has announced an immediate nationwide ban on the export of wood and related products, revoking all existing licences and permits. The directive was made public on Wednesday by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, during the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment held in Katsina State. Lawal explained that the move, contained in the Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025, aims to tackle illegal logging and deforestation across Nigeria. “Nigeria’s forests are vital for environmental sustainability, providing clean air and water, supporting livelihoods, conserving biodiversity, and helping mitigate climate change,” the minister said. He added that continued wood exports threaten these benefits and the long-term health of the environment. The policy mandates security agencies and relevant ministries to enforce a strict nationwide crackdown on illegal logging activities.

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FG Sends High-Level Delegation To Burkina Faso Over Detained Nigerian Air Force Pilots

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The Federal Government has dispatched a senior delegation to Burkina Faso to engage the authorities over the continued detention of Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew members. The team is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and is made up of top officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters. Officials familiar with the mission said the delegation has arrived in Ouagadougou and has begun discussions with Burkinabè officials in what were described as calm and constructive engagements. A meeting with Burkina Faso’s leader, President Ibrahim Traoré, is also expected to take place. According to a senior government source, the visit is aimed at reducing tensions, improving mutual understanding and securing the release of the NAF personnel, who have now been in detention for nine days. The source added that Nigeria is also using the opportunity to restate its dedication to regional security collaboration, dialogue and adherence to international aviation and military regulations. “The mission underscores Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It is a confidence-building visit intended to strengthen mutual trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in addressing the complex security challenges facing the Sahel.” It was further explained that Nigeria and Burkina Faso, alongside other members of the Alliance of Sahel States, have a long history of cooperation in security operations, training and regional stabilisation efforts, particularly in combating terrorism and violent extremism. During the talks, the Nigerian delegation is expected to emphasise the importance of sustained dialogue, respect for international standards and regional solidarity as key pillars for peace and stability in West Africa. Those involved in the diplomatic effort expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to a peaceful outcome, deepen bilateral relations and enhance joint initiatives to improve security across the region.

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FG Bans Student Transfers Into SS3 Nationwide From 2026/2027 Session

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The education ministry has announced a ban on the transfer of students into SS3 in both public and private secondary schools nationwide. The policy, outlined in a statement released on Sunday, will come into force from the 2026/2027 academic session. According to the ministry, the decision is aimed at addressing the “increasing incidence of examination malpractice” that has continued to weaken the credibility of Nigeria’s education system. Boriowo Folasade, director of press and public relations, explained that the move was prompted by rising concerns over the use of “so-called special centres” during external examinations. Under the new directive, student admissions and transfers will only be permitted into SS1 and SS2 from the 2026/2027 session. The ministry said this is intended to “discourage last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages.” Folasade noted that the policy would also improve academic supervision, ensure continuity in teaching and learning, and allow schools to properly track students’ progress. School owners, principals and administrators across the country have been instructed to fully adhere to the directive. The ministry cautioned that any breach of the policy would attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.

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All Taxable Nigerians Must Have TIN To Operate Bank Accounts From January 2026, Says FG

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The federal government has announced that all taxable Nigerians will be required to have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to operate bank accounts, as part of new tax reforms set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, shared the update in a post on his X account on Thursday. He explained that Section 4 of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which comes into force in 2026, mandates that all taxable persons must register for a tax ID. However, Oyedele clarified that students and dependents are exempt from this requirement. He also noted that while the policy has been in place since the Finance Act of 2020, the NTAA now provides a legal framework for its full implementation. Individuals and businesses that already have TINs will not need to obtain a new one. “Yes, but with some exemptions. A section of the NTAA requires a taxable person to register and obtain a tax ID. A taxable person is anyone who earns income through trade, business, or any economic activity. Banks must therefore request a tax ID from taxable persons. Individuals who do not earn income, such as students and dependents, do not need a tax ID. Any taxable entity without a tax ID may face challenges operating their bank account in the near future,” Oyedele stated.

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BREAKING: FG Secures Release Of 100 Schoolchildren Abducted In Niger State

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The Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State. The school came under attack by bandits on 21 November 2025, when gunmen on motorbikes stormed the dormitories around 2:00 a.m., holding the campus for three hours. A total of 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers—were abducted during the raid. In the aftermath, 50 pupils managed to escape on the first day and were quickly reunited with their families, while 265 individuals, including 253 students and all 12 teachers, remained in captivity. Security forces, alongside community hunters, were deployed to comb nearby forests for the abducted students and staff. The Federal Government also imposed a 24-hour security cordon and launched aerial surveillance across parts of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States. President Bola Tinubu cancelled planned international engagements to oversee the response, and authorities ordered the indefinite closure of all schools in Niger State, along with several federal institutions in high-risk regions.

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EFCC Strikes Out Claims That Jude And Paul Okoye Withdrew $800,000

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EFCC has told a Lagos High Court in Ikeja that it has no evidence to back claims that Jude and Paul Okoye of P-Square fraudulently withdrew $800,000, contrary to allegations by their brother, Peter Okoye. Peter had petitioned the EFCC in 2024, accusing Jude and Paul of diverting P-Square funds, operating 47 undeclared bank accounts, and manipulating the shareholding structure of Northside Entertainment Ltd, a company they jointly own. Following the petition, the EFCC filed charges against Jude over alleged financial misconduct in the management of the P-Square brand. During cross-examination, EFCC counsel M.K. Bashir told Justice Rahman Oshodi that the commission could not substantiate Peter’s claim. “We do not have it. It is his evidence. Let him prove it. I can’t give what I don’t have,” he said. Peter had testified on May 23, 2025, claiming he obtained new evidence showing Jude and Paul allegedly withdrew and shared more than $800,000 between March 2023 and October 2024. When confronted with inconsistencies by defence counsel Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, he adjusted his statement, saying the withdrawal actually occurred between 2013 and 2014. The defence also challenged Peter’s assertion that Jude operated 47 bank accounts. Peter insisted the EFCC held the records, but Bashir denied it: “I do not have 47 bank accounts. It is one of the witness’s claims, but I do not have such a copy.” Onwuenwunor asked the court to compel Peter and the EFCC to produce the alleged accounts. Justice Oshodi rejected the request, ruling that the defence must apply formally since the documents were neither before the court nor part of admitted evidence. Peter was further questioned on his claim that Jude owned 80 per cent of Northside Entertainment. He maintained he had proof, but the defence presented CAC records that contradicted his assertion. Peter also said he only became aware of Northside Music in 2024, when Cynthia Morgan sent him her contract on Northside Entertainment letterhead. He added that although the contract was signed with Northside Music, her albums were credited to Northside Inc. The trial was adjourned to December 12, 2025, for continuation.

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Federal Government Offers 40% Salary Increase As ASUU Resumes Fresh Negotiations

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The Federal Government has moved to ease the growing tension in public universities by presenting a fresh proposal to increase the salaries of Academic Staff Union of Universities members by 40 per cent, according to officials familiar with the talks in Abuja. The offer surfaced just as ASUU prepares for another round of negotiations with the government committee chaired by Yayale Ahmed. The decision to return to the table followed lengthy deliberations at the union’s National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, where branch leaders were mandated to brief their members before discussions continue. A NEC participant, who avoided being named due to restrictions on speaking during bargaining, confirmed that talks would resume next week. The official said the government “made a proposal of a 40% salary increment. Branch leaders will go back and update members on the situation. As it stands, negotiations continue with the government next week.” The union’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired last Saturday, raising fears of a major shutdown in public universities nationwide. In response, federal officials quickly summoned ASUU to a meeting that stretched from Monday into Tuesday, but both sides kept the outcome under wraps because of the confidential nature of the process. ASUU has warned that a full strike remains on the table if government agencies continue what the union describes as a “nonchalant” approach to long-standing issues. Central to the dispute are the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and the release of funds for university revitalisation. While the tension grows, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa—currently outside the country—has insisted that the administration has addressed the union’s concerns. He recently told State House correspondents that President Bola Tinubu had made it clear he wanted stability in public universities. According to him, “the President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school. The last strike they went on for about six days was not really needed. We’ve met literally all their requirements and are back at the negotiation table. We will resolve this.” The Nigeria Labour Congress has also entered the picture, backing ASUU and warning that it will step in if the government fails to meet the lecturers’ demands.

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