News Agency of Nigeria
FG sues Sowore, Facebook, X, for allegedly cyberbullying President Tinubu
Judiciary

FG sues Sowore, Facebook, X, for allegedly cyberbullying President Tinubu

Suit
By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal Government, on Tuesday, sued a politician, Omoyele Sowore, for allegedly cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.
The FG, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025 also joined Mata (Facebook) Incorp. and X Incorp. as defendants at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The criminal charge dated Sept. 16, was filed by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the five-count charge, Sowore, the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, was alleged to have made a false claim against the person of the President by referring to him as “a criminal.”
The charge was filed few days after an earlier request by the Department of State Services (DSS) for the pulling down of the post on Facebook and X, the former Twitter, allegedly used by Sowore for the defamatory message.
Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019 and 2023, in the charge is accused of contravening the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count one of the charge alleged that Sowore, on or about Aug. 25, did use his official X handle page, @Yele Sowore, to send out a message/tweet.
The message is said to be, “THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!,”
The message, which he knew to be false, was posted “for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order in the country, especially among individuals, who hold divergent views on the personality of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).”
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, among other counts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG frees 1,600 women from obstetric fistula burden, says NHIA
Health

FG frees 1,600 women from obstetric fistula burden, says NHIA

Women
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

No fewer than 1,600 women suffering from obstetric fistula have undergone free surgeries under the Federal Government’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Fistula-Free Programme (FFP).

Dr Saka Agboola, Head of the Standards and Quality Assurance Unit at NHIA, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Monday.

He explained that the government initiative aims to provide free surgeries, rehabilitation, and health insurance coverage for women affected by obstetric fistula.

“The government recognized that the number of fistula treatment centres in the country was very limited, which is why we have increased the number to 18 centres nationwide. Through this initiative, over 1,600 fistula cases have been successfully treated,” he said.

Agboola also noted that Nigeria is committed to improving the health outcomes of the estimated 400,000 women living with obstetric fistula by reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.

NAN reports that fistula is an abnormal opening that connects two organs or vessels that should normally be separate.

Obstetric fistula, specifically, occurs between the vagina and the bladder (vesicovaginal fistula) or the vagina and rectum (rectovaginal fistula), often resulting from prolonged labor without access to proper medical care.

Agboola said that developing countries bear the highest burden of obstetric fistula, with approximately 1 million cases globally.

He added that through this programme, patients are not only saved from physical and emotional pain but are also supported financially with coverage for feeding, transportation, and stipends.

(NAN)
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Bayo Sekoni

FG distributes agricultural inputs to farmers in Niger
Agriculture

FG distributes agricultural inputs to farmers in Niger

By Rita Iliya
The Federal Government has inaugurated the distribution of agricultural inputs to small-scale farmers in Niger as part of efforts to boost food production and security in the country.

Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture, disclosed this during the inauguration of the inputs distribution to farmers in Minna on Friday.

He said that the initiative was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which prioritises food security.

“We have declared food security as a national state of emergency and we are committed to transforming the agriculture sector to make food available, accessible and affordable to all Nigerians,” he said.

Abdullahi disclosed that the inputs being distributed includes, herbicides, cocoa fertilizer, fungicide, knapsack sprayer, growth enhancers and tomato seeds.

Others were power tiller and water pumps, which would be given to farmers through commodity associations, cooperative groups, farmers with special needs and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He said the ministry had rolled out programmes and projects to address challenges facing farmers and make food available, accessible and affordable.

According to him, the ministry was committed to ensuring that all sectoral programmes and initiatives are aligned towards actualising the presidential priority of food security.

The minister expressed optimism that the initiative would improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security and contribute to poverty reduction.

In his remarks, Dr Marcus Olaniyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the Tinubu-led administration has promised to use all available mechanisms to make food available at an affordable price.

He disclosed that at least 35 per cent of the inputs were targeted at women farmers in line with the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger commended the federal ministry of agriculture for choosing Niger as a pilot state to launch its all-around agricultural initiative.

He said that the initiative would support small-scale farmers and promote self-sustenance and self-reliance.

Bago, however, announced that Niger would launch a pilot scheme for two million women in agriculture in 2026.

He said participants would be given chickens, goats, sheep and crops to rear to support their livelihoods.

He listed Niger agricultural achievements to include the exporting of 2.2 million dollars worth of sesame seeds in 2025 through the Nigerian Women Police Cooperative in Farming and disclosed plans to set up sesame processing centres.

The governor said the state would revive the Cooperative Bank of Niger state with N2 billion, adding that it would be a microfinance bank for agriculture to ease the burden of interest rates. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

Tinubu’s reforms, bold, fruitful – D-G SEC
Defence/Security

Tinubu’s reforms, bold, fruitful – D-G SEC

Convocation

By Mohammad Tijjani

The Director-General General (D-G) of the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, says the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu will significantly stabilise and develop the Nigerian economy.

He stated this on Wednesday in Kaduna at the Nigerian Defence Academy’s (NDA) 23rd Convocation Lecture titled ‘Pathway to Economic Prosperity for a Public Server in a Deregulated Economy’.

The lecture was part of the activities lined up for the graduating Cadets of 72 Regular Course and Post-Graduate students of the military academy.

Agama said Tinubu had initiated bold and transformative reforms across key sectors in order to lay a solid foundation for inclusive growth and long-term sustainable development of the country.

Agama said, ” The government had undertaken several significant macro-fiscal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and the tightening of monetary policy.”

According  to him, through these measures, the country has made notable progress in deregulating key sectors of the economy.

“The bold decision to eliminate Nigeria’s long-standing fuel subsidy programme on May 29, 2023, was more than a fiscal adjustment.

“It marked a pivotal shift toward a deregulated economy, aimed at reducing fiscal burdens and redirecting public funds to more productive sectors.

“The move signalled the Tinubu administration’s commitment to market liberalization, allowing fuel prices to be determined by supply and demand rather than government control,” he postulated.

Agama also said the government has begun scaling back electricity subsidies by adjusting tariffs, a strategy designed to enhance efficiency and attract private investment into Nigeria’s power sector.

The  director-general said that to  address rising inflation and support the Naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had adopted a tighter monetary policy stance, notably through interest rate hikes.

“These measures are part of a broader strategy to stabilise prices, restore investor confidence, and lay the foundation for a more market-oriented and resilient Nigerian economy.

“Another significant step taken by the CBN was the unification of the country’s multiple exchange rate systems, aimed at simplifying foreign exchange transactions and enhancing transparency in the currency market,” he added.
.

The SEC boss also spoke on the investments opportunities in the capital market and the need for the cadets to invest in order to secure their future.

Agama appreciated the Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, for inviting him to deliver the convocation lecture, saying it was a great opportunity to make the cadets financially literate.

The director-general advised that while officers and men of the military battle to make the nation secure, “it is important they have a scheme behind them to sustain their families.

“I’m grateful to the commandant that we have this ability and this opportunity to make sure that retiring officers do not retire in penury.

“The reason why some retire in penury is because there is some lack of financial education and lack of financial support that could be generated from adequate knowledge of financial products in the capital market.”

Agama explained that the capital market was providing support and condition for the people to live well after retirement.

Earlier, the Commandant, NDA  Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, appreciated the SEC official for the incisive lecture.

.

Ibrahim said the NDA has been providing trainings for the Nigerian Armed Forces since 1964, with a focus on producing well-rounded commissioned officers.

According to him, the academy has adopted the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) requirements to ensure quality and competitiveness in its programmes.

He added that NDA provides intensive professional training, including physical fitness, weapons handling, and tactical manoeuvres, to prepare cadets for the national defence and security challenges.

Ibrahim said the Post-Graduate students undergo programmes in military science, defence and strategic studies, psychology, technology, and national development, aiming to develop students’ critical thinking and research skills.

He said the NDA had bilateral partnerships with foreign military academies, providing opportunities for cadets to complete the final year of their training abroad and enhancing regional defence cooperation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria targets 25% industrial growth by 2035 – Minister
Business

Nigeria targets 25% industrial growth by 2035 – Minister

 
Growth

By Desmond Ejibas

Federal Government says Nigeria has projected a significant rise in industrial contribution to GDP, targeting 25 per cent growth between 2025 and 2035 under a newly validated strategic framework.

Sen. John Owan, Minister of State for Industry, made the remark during a panel session at the ongoing Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Milan, Italy.

The session was themed “Powering Growth and Prosperity in High Potential Economies Through Widened Access to Affordable, Reliable and Flexible Energy.”

Owan said the framework marked a turning point in Nigeria’s industrial policy, describing it as one of the most profound achievements of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“For the first time in decades, Nigeria has a strategic industrial framework. We are determined to grow our economy,” he said.

He explained that the country’s current industrial contribution to GDP stood at about 10 per cent, with plans to raise it to 25 per cent by 2035.

The policy, he added, signaled Nigeria’s shift from a resource-based economy to a productive, competitive and innovative one.

Owan noted that President Bola Tinubu had been a strong advocate of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a tool for powering industries and driving economic growth.

He said that Nigeria’s large population and vibrant youth base positioned it as a key player in Africa’s industrial future.

“Nigeria is ready. Africa is the new frontier, and we are reforming to meet global expectations,” he said.

The minister praised President Tinubu’s reform-minded leadership, citing decisive actions taken on his first day in office, including the removal of petrol subsidy and harmonisation of exchange rates.

He said those bold steps had helped stabilise the economy, with businesses able to access foreign exchange through official channels.

According to him, Tinubu has also been promoting Nigeria as an investment destination during his global engagements.

“There is no better time in our history than now. Nigeria is open and ready for business.

“The global community should engage with Nigeria and Africa due to the continent’s readiness for transformation,” Owan said.

He further described Nigeria as ‘more of a gas-based country than an oil country,’ stressing that energy policy is grounded in available resources and long-term development goals.

He noted, however, that infrastructure gaps had led to significant gas flaring, urging international partnerships to help the country achieve energy sufficiency.

On his part, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy at NNPC Limited, emphasised that gas was central to Nigeria’s economic strategy.

He said that the Tinubu administration had been leveraging gas to deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians.

“Nigeria has over 210.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. We must optimise its development,” he said.

Ogunleye said NNPC was revising the gas master plan to position Nigeria as a sustainable global supplier, noting that projects such as the Train 7 LNG expansion would boost output by 30 per cent.

He added that clarity was being provided on gas sources for potential Train 8 and Train 9 expansions.

The NNPCL executive further highlighted the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project which, he said, was being developed in partnership with Morocco to connect 16 African economies and strengthen Nigeria’s role as a dependable gas supplier.

Domestically, Ogunleye said NNPC had begun supporting gas-based industries to generate jobs and meet investor needs, citing renewed interest from global firms in deep-water gas developments.

“Companies like Petrol Brass, returning as fiscal incentives, have created a competitive landscape.

“This is the best time to invest in Nigeria because the opportunities are vast and the environment is ready,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Gastech conference is one of the world’s largest gatherings, drawing global leaders and investors to discuss sustainable solutions and strategic partnerships. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

FG: Nigeria on path to sustainable power sector
Business

FG: Nigeria on path to sustainable power sector

Power
By Constance Athekame
The Federal Government says Nigeria is on the path to achieving a sustainable power sector and ensuring reliable electricity supply for its citizens.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating a two-storey building comprising five training workshops and a 104-room hostel at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).

Adelabu, who congratulated NAPTIN and the power sector said that the country was moving in the right direction, and would soon attain sustainability in the sector.

The minister noted that the Tinubu-led government was not only committed to the development of the sector but was also converting vision into action.

According to him, Nigerians are already reaping the fruits yielding from the sector adding that: “this administration has witnessed the highest generation of power ever in the history of this country.

“We have seen the highest transmission, stable transmission infrastructure and we have seen improvements in our distribution infrastructure.

“In no time we are going to witness a country where there is 24-7 uninterrupted power supply; this is possible as we have seen the signs,’’ he said.

Adelabu also said that federal government was lighting up universities, teaching hospitals, primary health care centres, institutions, offices, and communities.

According to him, this administration believes that without power, no critical sector can operate optimally.

“This is why the president has chosen power sector as a key driver of other critical sectors in the economy, education, health, aviation and all other sectors.

“This is why we must focus on making this power sector work,’’ he said.

The power minister listed ways to attain sustainability in the sector to include the development of local capacity, such as human capacity to operate an effective industry with less reliance on foreign expertise.

“Another thing we need to add is to develop local content in all segments of the power sector value chain, be it in generation, transmission, distribution,’’ he said.

He said: “Nigeria has what it takes to start manufacturing its own meters, cables, transformers, transmission transformers and batteries.

“We have the brains. We have the people. So, we must be self-reliant, we must be sustainable, and I believe that we are very close to achieving this,’’ he added.

Adelabu said that the inauguration of the projects underscored government’s commitment to developing a highly skilled-workforce capable of addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The Director-General of NAPTIN, Ahmed Nagode, while providing overview of the project, said that it represented the commitment to transform the power sector.

Nagode said that the building was not just an edifice, but would lay the foundation for a brighter future filled with possibilities.

Nagode commended the EU and French Government’s support through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) which provided funding and technical support for the project.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Kevin Okunzuwa

NELFUND: FG disburses N2bn to students across North-West
General News

NELFUND: FG disburses N2bn to students across North-West

FG

By Abbas Bamalli

The Federal Government says it has disbursed N2.086 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to students of higher institutions across the North-West.

Alhaji Mukhtar Lawal-Tsagem, Director, National Orientation Agency, Katsina State Directorate, disclosed this in Katsina on Tuesday, while highlighting the achievement of President Bola Tinubu.

Lawal-Tsagem, who disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation programme, said that the funds were disbursed to about 20,919 students of higher institutions across the North-West States.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise, premised on the North-West milestones, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to him, the Federal Government has made its presence felt at least in the zone at least in the areas of agriculture and security.

Lawal-Tsagem said,  “In Kebbi, wheat farmers in 12 local government areas were supported via the NAGAP programme.

”Ginger Farmers in Kaduna State received N1.6bn support.

“The N2bn Yawuri Water Scheme is one of the infrastructural projects of the Federal Government in the region.

“NELFUND programme where students of higher institutions in the country receive interest free loans that will help them pay school fees and cater for their studies needs.”

The director hinted that one of the major functions of the ministry was to keep the general public informed about the government programmes, activities and policies as well as mobilising them to support and appreciate the same.

Adamu Muhammed, a lecturer at the Department of Public Administration, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, in a paper presentation, said the region should continue to be grateful to the present administration for its laudable project.

“I want to call on them to cultivate goodwill with him and his government so that the region can continue to reap the benefits of this goodwill.

“Reaping the dividends of democracy and for them to also show competitive citizenship.

“It’s not every problem you run to the federal government, you have the local government, state assembly/National assembly members, and the states, but you cannot join your hands together and do it.

“And it is a problem. You have people representing the popular masses at the grassroots being given hundreds of millions every year and they are squandering the money doing nothing”, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

FG urges NUPENG to halt planned strike
General News

FG urges NUPENG to halt planned strike

Strike

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to suspend its planned nationwide strike scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8.

Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by Ms Patience Onuobia, Head of Press and Public Relations in the ministry.

Dingyadi urged the union to reconsider its decision, warning that shutting down the petroleum sector would severely cripple the Nigerian economy and worsen the hardship faced by citizens.

“I have intervened in this matter and invited all parties for a conciliation meeting,” he said.

The minister also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its red alert directing affiliate unions to prepare for solidarity action with petroleum workers.

“The petroleum sector is the core of our economy.

“Even a day’s strike will cause heavy revenue losses, running into billions, and bring untold hardship to Nigerians,” he added.

He assured the public that the dispute between NUPENG and the Dangote Group over unionisation rights would be resolved peacefully to avoid any disruption in the vital oil and gas industry.

“I plead with the unions to give peace a chance.

“This matter will be resolved amicably, to the satisfaction of all parties involved,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG unveils genomic strategy, prepares for AMR 2026
Health

FG unveils genomic strategy, prepares for AMR 2026

By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Government says it is strengthening Nigeria’s health security system with a national genomic surveillance strategy, expanded laboratory networks, and trained health workers to better respond to public health threats.

 

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated this on his official X account, formerly known as Twitter, while briefing Nigerians and the international community on reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

Pate said the government was building a resilient and agile health system that would enable Nigeria to detect and respond to emerging and re-emerging diseases, while also contributing to global health security.

 

According to him, the launch of the National Genomic Surveillance Strategy and the Nigeria Genomics Consortium will revolutionise disease detection, monitoring and response across the country.

 

He said Nigeria had also integrated genomics into its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance system, noting that the country would host the 5th Global Ministerial High-Level Conference on AMR in Abuja in 2026.

 

He explained that, while international support was important, Nigeria was mobilising domestic resources to protect its population of over 200 million people.

 

The Minister listed several achievements by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under Tinubu’s leadership.

 

These, he said, include the inauguration of the Integrated Disease Reference Laboratory in Lagos for neglected tropical diseases, malaria and fungal infections.

 

He said the Centre had also established new diagnostic laboratories for Mpox and Lassa fever, while optimising existing laboratories in 13 states to reduce the turnaround time for outbreak confirmation.

 

According to him, the NCDC has further attained the ISO 15189 accreditation for the National Reference Laboratory, in addition to securing a five-star rating for the Central Public Health Laboratory.

 

He added that a laboratory data management system with real-time dashboards for epidemic-prone diseases had been developed to aid immediate notification and response.

 

Pate also noted the operationalisation of the Nigeria Preparedness and Readiness Alert System (NPRAS), a predictive risk-based platform which is already being used to conduct structured assessments in eight vulnerable states to inform hazard profiles and ensure donor alignment

 

He stressed that disease surveillance would not be possible without cohesion between federal and state governments, adding that the NCDC works within the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) framework of the Ministry to ensure coordination.

 

He said the framework had been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a global model for early action review.

 

On workforce strengthening, the Minister disclosed that over 325 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) focal persons from tertiary, secondary and private health facilities were undergoing training to become certified professionals.

 

He said Nigeria’s Joint External Evaluation (JEE) score had improved from 39 per cent in 2017 to 54 per cent in 2023, reflecting enhanced epidemic preparedness.

 

“These reforms represent President Tinubu’s compact with Nigerians to reform national institutions, focus on merit, and strengthen processes so that our country can safeguard its people and contribute to global health security,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria is making major progress in genomic strategy, lab networks, IPC workforce, predictive systems, while also recognising that outbreaks, AMR, and weak state systems are still are challenge.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

ASUU rejects FG’s loan scheme for lecturers, others
Education

ASUU rejects FG’s loan scheme for lecturers, others

Loan

By Polycarp Auta

University of Jos Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has rejected the Federal Government’s loan scheme for university lecturers and other workers in tertiary institutions.

Prof. Jurbe Molwus, the chairman of the union in the university, said this during a press conference on Tuesday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had about two weeks ago announced the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund.

The move, according to government, is a welfare and empowerment initiative for academic and non-academic staff in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said that the fund was a direct response to the welfare and professional growth needs of the nation’s tertiary institution workforce.

Molwus, who called on the government to implement the 2009 agreement with the union, said that the loan scheme was a “trap”.

The chairman also described the scheme as a “poisoned chalice” and urged members to stay away from it.

“Our members do not lack where to find loans; indeed, they are already deep in debt from such loans.

“What we need now is for government to sign our renegotiated agreement.

“That way our purchasing power will improve and decrease our reliance on debts from cooperative societies.

On the peaceful protest by ASUU members across the university campuses, Molwus said that the move aimed at calling on the government to address the lingering issues.

The chairman urged President Bola Tinubu to personally engage with the ASUU leadership and hear the concerns firsthand.

He added that such move would enable the president to take a decisive action toward preventing the disruption of academic activities in universities across the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

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