Year: 2025

Google Launches AI Skills Training Program for Public Servants

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Google.org, a reputable international centre for AI excellence in government, has launched an Apolitical Government Artificial Intelligence (AI) Campus skills training for Nigerian public personnel. Google revealed the cooperation with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy on Thursday in Abuja. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the AI Campus will offer public officials a wide range of useful materials. Nigeria views AI as a significant driver of productivity across its main industries, according to Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani, who also underlined the vital role AI capabilities…

Tinubu Under Pressure to Drop Controversial Names from Pardon List

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CSOs Writes President Tinubu, Demands AGF Oluwatoyin’s Tenure Extension

In the midst of mounting public outrage over the inclusion of some high-profile and violent offenders among those pardoned by President Bola Tinubu, there were hints on Thursday that some names on the presidential pardon list approved by the Council of State, as presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), may be removed. The presidential pardon, which is typically granted to commemorate national occasions, was also intended to decongest prisons and foster reconciliation. The Attorney-General’s statement stated that the decision was made in accordance with recommendations…

Nigeria’s Hajj Camp Slots Reduced to 2$67,000$ by Saudi Arabia

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Ahead of the 2026 Hajj, Saudi officials have drastically reduced the number of camp seats available to Nigerian pilgrims. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has expressed concern that this cut could severely restrict participation the following year. “NAHCON, States Discuss Hajj Costing and Other Critical Issues; Ministry Briefs NAHCON on Tour Operators,” the commission said in a statement released Thursday. Only 66,910 lodging spots had been authorised on Saudi Arabia’s NUSUK Masar portal, despite Nigeria’s declared allotment of 95,000, according to the announcement, which was signed by Fatima Usara,…

Nigeria’s Economy: Assessing the Impact of Policy Easing

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SAMI TUNJI examines how the modest rate cut is symbolic and that sustained growth will depend on consistent reforms, stronger fiscal alignment, and sustained expansion of the non-oil sector. For much of its history, Nigeria’s economy has relied heavily on external conditions; oil booms often provided fiscal buffers, while global downturns exposed deep vulnerabilities. The lesson has remained consistent: while external winds can help, domestic policies ultimately determine whether the country thrives or falters. Nigeria’s economy is approaching a new phase as the Central Bank cuts interest rates for the…

Tinubu, Obasanjo Attend Governor Abiodun’s Mother’s 90th Birthday

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To commemorate the 90th birthday of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, mother of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, dignitaries from all over the nation, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, gathered on Wednesday at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele were also…

Senate to Screen New INEC Chairman Amupitan Today

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Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan will be screened by the Senate today (Thursday) for the role of Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman. Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, the Senate’s director of information, made the statement in a circular that was distributed to reporters in Abuja on Wednesday. The development occurs just twenty-four hours after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read President Bola Tinubu’s letter requesting Amupitan’s prompt confirmation on the Senate floor. Part of the circular stated: “The Office of the Secretary, Research and Information would like to inform the public and press that…

World Cup Hope: How Play-offs Offer the Super Eagles a Path to Qualification

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With a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late goal from Frank Onyeka to secure a play-off position, Nigeria defeated Benin 4-0 in Uyo, preserving their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. OLAMIDE ABE examines how the Super Eagles can secure their spot at the North American global showcase in this explainer. Nigeria’s path to the playoff Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification also hinged on the result of the match between South Africa and Rwanda in Mbombela. The Super Eagles needed Bafana Bafana to drop points, but Hugo…

National Assembly Wades In to Resolve ASUU-FG Strike

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On Tuesday, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities to immediately resume negotiations in order to settle the ongoing conflict that resulted in the union’s announcement of a two-week warning strike. Following the acceptance of a motion of urgent public significance made by Oluwaseun Whinghan, the member representing Lagos State’s Badagry Federal Constituency, during plenary, the House passed the resolution. Due to the Federal Government’s apparent inability to address long-standing issues, such as the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation…

Petrol Price Nears N1,000/litre: Marketers Blame Depots

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Petroleum marketers have started to import fuel on their own as the commodity has approached the N1,000 per litre barrier in the nation’s major cities due to increasing supply issues and rising pump costs. Marketers claimed that new pressure on the downstream oil market was brought on by production issues and supply limitations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. In a phone interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Chinedu Ukadike, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, verified the incident. In an attempt to stabilise retail…

2026 WCQ: Live updates – Nigeria 4-0 Benin Republic

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At Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic will square off in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The Eagles confirmed four changes from their previous victory over Lesotho in a post on Super Eagles X’s handle on Tuesday. Wilfred Ndidi was designated captain for the match. The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that Victor Osimhen will join Akor Adams in attack, and Moses Simon will make his 85th appearance for his country. We made four adjustments after defeating Lesotho. Tonight,…