Category Archives: News

Defence Minister backs officer Yerima over clash with Wike, says “he did well”

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Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has thrown his support behind Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who confronted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a recent altercation over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.

A viral video of the incident showed a heated exchange between Wike and the officer, sparking widespread public reactions across the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at a ministerial press briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration in Abuja, Badaru commended Yerima’s conduct, describing his actions as professional and within the bounds of his duty.

Read Also: Wike, military officer trade words over alleged land grabbing in Abuja

“We will always protect our officer. He has done well. We won’t allow anything to happen to him,” the minister said, according to TVC News.

Badaru further disclosed that the government has launched an investigation into the incident, assuring that no harm will come to any officer performing legitimate duties.

“At the Ministry, and indeed within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. We are looking into this issue, and I assure you that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected,” he added.

Senate approves Tinubu’s N1.15trn domestic borrowing request

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Senate on Wednesday at plenary approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for N1.15 trillion loan from the domestic debt market to finance deficit in the 2025 budget.

The approval followed adoption of report of Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.

The report was presented by the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Manu Haruna (APC -Taraba).

Tinubu had on Tuesday, Nov. 4 in a letter urged the senate to approve the domestic loan request to finance the deficit in the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Senate upon receipt of the request mandated its committee on local and foreign debts to expeditiously ensure further legislative inputs on the request and report back to plenary.

Presenting the committee ‘s report,  Haruna  said that a budget of N59.99 trillion was passed in the 2025 Appropriation Act, showing an increase of 5.25 trillion from the 54.74 trillion budget earlier proposed by the executive.

He said that the increase created a budget deficit of N14.10 trillion, saying that the proposed borrowing approval in the budget was N12.95 trillion, which occasioned an unfunded deficit of N1.147 trillion.

He said it was, therefore, necessary to increase the domestic limit in the 2025 budget by N1.147 to close the gap.

Haruna urged the Senate to approve President Tinubu’s borrowing request from the domestic market to close the unfunded deficit gap created by the increase in the budget size.

Sen. Abdul Ningi (APC – Bauchi) said there was need to act on the committee’s recommendations, advising that Committee on Appropriation should, as a matter of exigency, liaise with both the Debt Management Office and the Budget Office to ensure adequate appropriation to service the budget.

“We call on the appropriation committee to give this senate an analysis and development on the borrowing.

“So from oversight, implementation and utilisation of proceeds from the borrowing, receiving quarterly reports, monitoring compliance,” he said.

Sen. Adeola Solomon (APC-Ogun) commended the committee for the report on, describing it as a beautiful report.

Adeola said, he agreed 100 per cent with the findings of the committee, saying it was a true reflection of what transpired during the budget process.

Read Also: APC hails Tinubu for neutrality in Anambra election

He said to fill the borrowing gap, there was need to come up with the plan on how the money would be sourced within the shortest possible time.

This, he said would enable continuous funding of the 2025 Appropriation Act, especially implementation of the capital components of the budget via project execution.

Senate after approval of the loan request urged Federal Ministry of Finance and Debt Management Office to undertake the borrowing strictly within approved fiscal parameters, ensuring that all terms and conditions are favourable, transparent and sustainable.

It also mandated Committee on Local and Foreign Debt to oversee implementation and utilisation of proceeds from the approved borrowing.

It urged the committee to receive quarterly reports from the Ministry of Finance and Debt Management Office on the status, utilisation and repayment plans, monitor compliance with debts, sustainability, threshold and fiscal responsibility.

It also urged the committee to review the implementation and utilisation of proceeds from the approved fiscal parameters

It further mandated committee on appropriation to ensure that the borrowing was actually used for the purpose for which it is required to fund the deficit in 2025 appropriation bill

Deputy President of Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), who presided over plenary commended the committee on local and foreign debts for a job well done.

“The report is precise, direct to the point and very clear. On behalf of the Senate, I commend the committee and thank the chairman, deputy chairman and members for their diligent work in a very short time,’’ Jibrin said.

(NAN)

COP30: Development Banks pledge innovative climate financing for adaptation

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At the opening of the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, multilateral development banks (MDBs) reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up climate finance, pledging new and innovative funding mechanisms to strengthen global adaptation and resilience efforts.

Speaking at a side event hosted by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) on Monday, MDB leaders emphasized that “financing climate resilience is not a cost, but an investment.” The session, titled “Accelerating Large-Scale Climate Change Adaptation,” featured representatives from major institutions including the African Development Bank (AfDB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and European Investment Bank (EIB).

MDBs scale up climate resilience funding

Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, announced that MDBs plan to triple resilience financing to reach $42 billion by 2030, underscoring that “resilience is essential for development today.”

Tanja Faller of the Council of Europe Development Bank noted that climate change “amplifies existing inequalities,” warning that vulnerable communities are often the hardest hit and slowest to recover.

Read Also: COP 30: African stakeholders issue seven-point call  

Representatives from the Islamic Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the New Development Bank also shared examples of successful adaptation investments and resource mobilization strategies.

African Development Bank leads regional action

Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth, highlighted the Bank’s leadership through the Climate Action Window—a dedicated financing mechanism under the African Development Fund for low-income countries.

“The African Development Bank is the only multilateral development bank with a portfolio of adaptation projects ready for investment through the Climate Action Window,” Kariuki said, adding that Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland are key partners.

He also cited the Bank’s YouthADAPT programme, which has invested $5.4 million in 41 youth-led green enterprises across 20 African countries, creating over 10,000 jobs, 61% of them led by women.

Global leaders call for urgent action

The session followed COP30’s official opening, where Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made a passionate call for greater global investment in climate action to avert “a tragedy for humanity.” He urged countries to honor their Paris Agreement commitments and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels and deforestation.

Outgoing COP President Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology, reminded delegates of the need to fulfill promises made at the Baku Conference, including mobilizing $300 billion in climate finance. He handed over the COP presidency to André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil’s lead diplomat for climate negotiations.

COP30, running from 10–21 November, is expected to focus on accelerating climate adaptation, strengthening international partnerships, and mobilizing financing to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

NAFDAC deploys tech strategy to curb fake drugs

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has empowered stakeholders with technology-driven strategies to identify and combat substandard and falsified medical products across Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Prof. Moji Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, made this known during a two-day sensitisation and awareness workshop on the Greenbook, Traceability Project, and Paediatric Policy, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Adeyeye, represented by her Special Assistant, Dr Gbenga Fajemirokun, described fake and substandard medicines as a growing menace that threatens human life, public health, and the nation’s overall dignity.

According to her, in spite of various strategies already deployed to curb these threats, counterfeit drugs persist nationwide, hence the adoption of modern technologies and innovative regulatory approaches to stay ahead.

“This workshop is designed to sensitise stakeholders and provide hands-on training on the NAFDAC Greenbook, Pharmaceutical Products Traceability Regulations 2024, and the NAFDAC Paediatric Policy,” she stated.

She explained that the NAFDAC Greenbook served as an online verification platform enabling users to confirm the registration status and authenticity of medical products approved for sale within Nigeria.

Adeyeye added that the Pharmaceutical Products Traceability Regulations 2024 establish a legal framework for tracking medicines and related items throughout the supply chain using globally recognised unique identifiers.

Read Also: Unmasking Nigeria’s Food Safety Crisis: A Dual Pathway to Public Health and Global Competitiveness

She further stated that the Paediatric Regulation 2024 focused on addressing the unique healthcare and safety needs of children through improved access to quality and age-appropriate medical products.

“Combating substandard and falsified medical products is a collective responsibility.

“I call on all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to fully support these innovative initiatives.

“Together, we can ensure every medicine in Nigeria is safe, effective, and traceable, thereby safeguarding public health and promoting confidence in the nation’s pharmaceutical system,” she added.

Mr Jama Medan, Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, emphasised the critical role nurses and midwives play in healthcare service delivery.

“Our understanding of traceability, environmental health, and child-focused policies directly affects the quality of care we deliver to patients across communities.

“The knowledge gained here will enhance professional capacity, improve transparency and accountability, and lead to better health outcomes for the people we serve,” he further noted.

Mrs Wosilat Abdulhameed, Deputy Director, Narcotics and Drug Abuse Division, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, stressed the need for strict sanctions against perpetrators of counterfeit products.

“As much as efforts are being made to address counterfeit products, effective sanctions must be instituted to deter individuals and organisations involved in such illegal activities.

“We need to review our legislation and laws to identify areas requiring amendment, ensuring stringent penalties for those engaging in counterfeiting and holding them accountable for their actions,” she stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop drew participants from diverse sectors, including pharmaceutical companies, laboratory scientists, medical doctors, nurses, and media professionals nationwide. (NAN)

FG vows to restore Kano Airport’s lost glory

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The Chairman, Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to restoring the lost glory of the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ganduje disclosed this during an inspection visit to the facility on Tuesday in Kano.

Ganduje, who led a high-powered delegation of FAAN officials, said the visit was part of efforts to assess the current state of infrastructure at the airport, including both ongoing and abandoned projects

According to the former Kano State Governor and former APC National Chairman, the move was with the view to developing a comprehensive modernisation and sustainability plan for the airport.

Ganduje described MAKIA as one of the oldest and historically significant airports in Nigeria and West Africa.

Read Also: FAAN probes airport incident involving K1

He stated that the airport once served as a major aviation hub connecting Nigeria to other parts of the world, saying,”it therefore deserves renewed investments and attention.

“We are here to see things for ourselves, the old and the new projects, so that we can chart a new course to revitalise this airport and restore its place among the best in the region.”

Ganduje emphasised that the FAAN  board was determined to improve passenger experience, ensure safety compliance, and enhance operational efficiency in line with extant international aviation standards.

He assured that the findings from the visit would form part of a strategic blueprint to reposition MAKIA as a model of modern airport management and a key driver of economic growth in the North.

The inspection team toured various sections of the airport, including the arrival and departure halls, runway, and the cargo terminal, to identify priority areas for immediate intervention.

(NAN)

EAC kicks off Rwanda-Tanzania pilot for regional instant payment network

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The East African Community (EAC) has launched a groundbreaking initiative to create a regional instant payment network, starting with a pilot linking Rwanda and Tanzania’s national payment systems. The move aims to enable real-time, low-cost cross-border money transfers for citizens and businesses across the region.

The pilot, currently in its technical implementation phase, will connect Tanzania’s Instant Payment System (TIPS) with Rwanda’s National Payment Switch (RSWITCH). Once operational, individuals and businesses will be able to transfer funds directly between bank accounts and mobile money wallets in real time, reducing transaction costs and eliminating delays.

“This preparatory work marks a pivotal milestone in our regional payment integration agenda, bringing us closer to a single, secure, and affordable instant payment ecosystem across East Africa,” said Eng. Daniel Murenzi, EAC Principal Information Technology Officer.

The initiative is part of a Proof of Concept (POC) pilot designed to demonstrate the feasibility of cross-border payment interlinking, paving the way for expansion to all EAC Partner States.

Read Also: Hurra Coalition urges family law reform across Middle East, North Africa

At the ongoing high-level meeting in Kigali, stakeholders—including representatives from Central Banks, national payment systems, AfrikaNenda, Mojaloop Foundation, and the EAC Secretariat—are discussing interoperability frameworks, operational designs, legal and regulatory alignment, governance structures, and economic models.

“As a region, we are committed to creating a robust framework that ensures efficient and inclusive cross-border payments,” said Mr. Fabian Ladislaus Kasole, Assistant Manager, Oversight and Policy, Bank of Tanzania.

The project is backed by the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), funded by the World Bank. EARDIP is supporting the implementation of the EAC Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan, including real-time payments, mobile money interoperability, and capacity building for national institutions. The project also aims to extend digital payment access to rural and remote communities, strengthen cybersecurity, and harmonize regional policies and standards.

For citizens and businesses in Rwanda and Tanzania, the integration promises to simplify cross-border transactions, enhance financial inclusion, and boost regional trade and economic growth.

The technical meeting in Kigali, running 10–14 November 2025, is expected to finalise the operational framework for the pilot, marking a significant step toward a fully integrated East African digital payments market.

Severe malnutrition deepens amid ongoing conflict in Sudan – MSF

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As civilians continue fleeing atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, Sudan, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has reported alarming levels of acute malnutrition among displaced people arriving in the nearby town of Tawila — describing it as the worst case yet in Sudan’s growing hunger crisis.

According to MSF, the situation in North Darfur has reached catastrophic levels. Among children under five who fled El Fasher between October 27 and November 3, over 70% were acutely malnourished, while 35% suffered from severe acute malnutrition. Of the 1,130 adults screened by MSF, 60% were acutely malnourished, and more than one-third were severely affected. Pregnant and breastfeeding women were found to be in an even worse state.

The findings confirm fears that famine has devastated El Fasher, which had been under siege for more than 500 days, and align with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report declaring famine in El Fasher and Kadugli.

Survivors who escaped to Tawila told MSF that food became impossible to find as community kitchens shut down, humanitarian aid was blocked, and markets were destroyed by shelling. By September, seven kilograms of millet cost over SDG 500,000 (US$208), while a kilogram of sugar sold for SDG 130,000 (US$54) — forcing desperate families to eat animal feed.

“We were so hungry we began eating ambaz (animal feed),” said a displaced woman from North Darfur. “At first it was free, then we had to buy it, and the price kept rising.”

Those who tried to bring food into El Fasher were reportedly shot by RSF fighters. Many who survived managed to reach Tawila, where they are now receiving emergency treatment.

Read Also: UN genocide prevention chief warns of atrocity crimes in Sudan’s El Fasher

MSF fears that many people remain trapped in El Fasher, some allegedly held for ransom and unable to escape. The organization has called on the RSF and allied groups to halt mass atrocities and allow civilians safe passage.

Even for those who make it to Tawila, the crisis continues. Half of the 6,500 pregnant women who received prenatal care from MSF this year were acutely malnourished, putting their unborn children at risk of being underweight or severely malnourished at birth.

Across Sudan, MSF teams report a widespread deterioration in nutrition, driven by insecurity, disease outbreaks, economic collapse, and lack of access to aid. In Blue Nile State, the arrival of returnees from South Sudan has stretched already scarce resources, sparking a cholera outbreak and a surge in child deaths. Between July and September, MSF treated 1,950 severely malnourished children in Damazin Teaching Hospital — 100 of them died, many from a combination of cholera and malnutrition.

In Khartoum State, more than 700,000 people who have returned to conflict-ravaged neighborhoods since June are facing worsening hunger. Hospitals like Al-Buluk in Omdurman and Al-Banjadeed in Khartoum continue to report soaring malnutrition rates, while humanitarian assistance remains far below needs.

MSF warns that the true scale of Sudan’s hunger crisis may be far greater than current reports suggest. Without safe humanitarian access, increased funding, and coordinated global support, millions of children remain at risk of starvation.

“Across Sudan, there is still more that can be done to reduce the suffering caused by malnutrition,” said Myriam Laaroussi, MSF Emergency Coordinator. “We call on all warring parties to allow humanitarian organisations safe and unimpeded access to provide lifesaving aid.”

Cassava Technologies unveils Africa’s first AI multi-model platform

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Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader with African roots, has unveiled Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Multi-Model Exchange, known as Cassava AI Multi-Model Exchange (CAIMEx) — a pioneering platform designed to advance local AI development and accessibility across the continent.

The new platform provides mobile network operators (MNOs) with seamless access to multiple world-leading AI models and large language models (LLMs) from providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, all through a single, easy-to-use interface.

With CAIMEx, African operators can now integrate advanced AI tools without the need for complex infrastructure or costly international setups. Managed and supported locally by Cassava, the exchange simplifies access to global AI innovations while keeping costs affordable and performance optimized for African users.

Read Also: Google unveils two Gemini’s new AI-powered features

“Africa’s growing AI ecosystem has the potential to be more than just a consumer of imported technology,” said Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Cassava AI. “Through CAIMEx, we’re building a bridge between global innovation and African ambition — empowering mobile network operators to deliver world-class AI experiences to their subscribers easily and affordably.”

CAIMEx currently supports AI models including:

  • Anthropic’s Claude models
  • Google’s Gemini models
  • And other leading AI providers

The platform enables operators to select AI models that best serve their business and customer needs — whether for real-time insights, advanced reasoning, customer engagement, or operational efficiency. It combines speed, scalability, and data security to help organisations across the continent harness the full potential of AI.

Importantly, all services on CAIMEx are hosted within Cassava’s regional AI factories, ensuring that data remains in Africa. This supports data sovereignty, privacy, and regulatory compliance, while giving millions of African mobile subscribers and small businesses access to world-class AI tools — not just large corporations.

Cassava Technologies says the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to building a digitally empowered Africa by providing relevant, secure, and scalable digital solutions that drive transformation and improve lives across the continent.

Wike, military officer trade words over alleged land grabbing in Abuja

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A heated confrontation broke out on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a yet-to-be-identified military officer over an alleged case of land grabbing at Gaduwa District, Abuja.

A viral video of the altercation, obtained by News Access NG, showed an angry Wike accusing the officer of illegally taking over a parcel of land in the area.

Visibly displeased, the minister questioned why the military was claiming ownership of the land, reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike said in the video.

The officer, dressed in full military camouflage, interrupted the minister, insisting that the land acquisition was legitimate.

Read Also: FCTA to screen food handlers for hepatitis – Wike

“I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” the officer replied.

Wike, clearly angered by the interjection, ordered him to keep quiet, but the officer stood his ground, responding, “I will not shut up.”

The confrontation quickly escalated, with Wike firing back:

“You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”

Despite the exchange, the officer maintained that he was deployed to the site under official orders.

“You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see,” Wike retorted as the encounter grew more tense.

As of press time, neither the Nigerian military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had released an official statement on the incident.

Land disputes and illegal allocations remain a persistent issue in Abuja. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has intensified enforcement against unauthorised land acquisition, illegal property development, and encroachments on government-designated zones.

The minister has also supervised multiple demolition exercises, vowing to restore the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan and ensure accountability in land administration across the FCT.

NAFDAC to enforce alcohol sachet ban by 2026

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced in Abuja on Tuesday that enforcement of the total ban on sachet and small PET bottle alcohol will begin January 2026.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said this at a press conference, reaffirming the agency’s unflinching commitment to protecting public health and emphasising that its responsibility to safeguard the nation’s wellbeing remained sacrosanct.

Adeyeye said the enforcement would ensure full compliance with the total ban on production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml by December 2025.

She explained that the move aligned with the recent Senate directive and was fully supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to protect Nigerians from harmful alcohol consumption.

According to Adeyeye, the measure underscores NAFDAC’s statutory duty to safeguard public health and shield vulnerable groups, especially children and young adults, from the harmful consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.

She warned that proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers made them affordable and concealable, contributing to addiction, misuse, and reckless behaviour among minors and commercial drivers.

Adeyeye added that the menace had been linked to increased domestic violence, road crashes, school dropouts, and several social vices, which had continued to destabilise families and communities nationwide.

Read Also: Unmasking Nigeria’s Food Safety Crisis: A Dual Pathway to Public Health and Global Competitiveness

“In December 2018, NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN).

 “The agreement initially set Jan. 31, 2024, as the deadline but was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers reconfigure facilities and exhaust existing stock, Adeyeye explained.

She said the new Senate resolution aligned with that agreement and Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol, adopted in 2010.

“This ban is not punitive but protective. It aims to secure the health and future of our children and youth, based on scientific evidence and global public health standards.”

She stressed that NAFDAC could not continue to compromise Nigerians’ wellbeing for short-term economic gains, emphasising that a nation’s true wealth lied in the health of its people.

Adeyeye clarified that only spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small PET or glass bottles below 200ml were affected by the regulation to be enforced by January 2026.

She urged all stakeholders, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, to comply fully with the December 2025 phase-out deadline, warning that no further extension would be granted by the agency.

She said NAFDAC would collaborate with the Ministry of Health, FCCPC, and National Orientation Agency to intensify national sensitisation campaigns on the social and health risks linked to alcohol misuse.

Adeyeye reaffirmed that NAFDAC remained resolute in ensuring that only safe, wholesome, and properly regulated products were available to Nigerians in line with its mandate to protect public health. (NAN)