FG fixes new civil servants’ allowance structure

The Federal Government has announced October 1, 2026, as the implementation date for a new allowance structure for civil servants on Grade Levels 01 to 17.

The revised package covers duty tour allowances, estacode, training, travel, resettlement, and other work-related benefits under the Public Service Rules 2021.

This was contained in a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and signed by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ekpo U.O. Nta.

The circular was reportedly forwarded to key government institutions, including ministries, departments and agencies, as well as senior officials in the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government.

Under the new structure, officers on Grade Levels 16 to 17 will receive ₦109,000 as duty tour allowance for official trips, while workers on Grade Levels 01 to 04 will get ₦30,000.

The government also reviewed kilometre allowances for official movement, with permanent secretaries expected to earn ₦664 per kilometre, while officers on Grade Levels 01 to 04 will receive ₦174 per kilometre.

For foreign trips, permanent secretaries will now receive $1,040 as estacode, while officers on Grade Levels 15 to 17 will get $737. Workers on Grade Levels 01 to 06 are expected to receive $357.

Civil servants undergoing long-term training programmes lasting one year or more will receive ₦150,000 for books and project support, while those on shorter courses will get ₦125,000.

For local training programmes, officers on Grade Levels 16 to 17 will receive ₦33,877.5 per day, while workers on Grade Levels 01 to 04 will get ₦9,034.1 daily.

The new structure also introduced annual allowances for workers in the education sector, with science and mathematics teachers on Grade Level 14 expected to earn up to ₦480,000 yearly.

Laboratory attendants on the same grade level will receive ₦216,000 annually.

In addition, eligible workers will receive resettlement allowances pegged at 10 per cent of their annual consolidated salary, while qualified government drivers will receive a non-accident bonus of ₦150,000 yearly.

The commission stated that allowances already listed in the Public Service Rules without fixed amounts would continue to be guided by existing provisions, while other unresolved payments would be addressed through subsequent circulars.

According to the government, the period before the October implementation date is intended to allow ministries, departments and agencies to make necessary adjustments to their budgets and payroll systems.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has reacted to the development, saying the increase in allowances does not reflect the current economic realities facing workers.

The Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, said the review falls short of addressing the growing cost of living and called for stronger measures to improve workers’ welfare across the country. Starnews.

Obi Media Office raises the alarm over clandestine move to suppress him

The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has raised the alarm over moves to truncate the 2027 presidential ambition of the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement on Monday, the Media Office said the plan was to limit the freedom of the former Governor of Anambra State and deny him access to the Nigerian people.

It said the Office “ wishes to alert members of the public and indeed international democratic watchers of various surreptitious schemes to limit his freedom and deny him access to the Nigerian people.

“The Media office is privy to the various schemes being put in place clandestinely to limit Obi’s freedom.

“Already there have been recent and recurring reports of Peter Obi being prevented from speaking at public institutions, specifically focusing on the recent cancellation of his lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and similar incidents at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other public institutions.”

Describing the plot as “worrisome”, it insisted that the development “is not an isolated administrative hiccup; but a symptom of a deepening democratic malaise.

“This incident follows a disturbing pattern occurring over 10 times in recent months—where public institutions, including his alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have revoked platforms for the presidential aspirant at the eleventh hour.

“It’s a well-established fact that Universities are, by definition, the “marketplace of ideas.” Intended to be sanctuaries for critical thinking, rigorous debate, and the free exchange of perspectives, but in an attempt to suppress our principal’s, public institutions are succumbing to external political pressures and intimidation.

“In the words of Obi himself, “such occurrences now point to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians”.

“POMR would want to reiterate that Universities and other public institutions of learning must remain platforms where ideas can be shared freely without restriction.”

“The irony is stark that while Mr Obi has been welcomed to speak freely at notable global centres of excellence—including Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and Yale—within his own country, the doors of public learning are increasingly being bolted.

“This disparity raises a critical question: What is the state of a nation that fears the dialogue of its own citizens within its own halls of learning?

“We like to therefore call upon the administrative heads of public institutions and the relevant governing bodies to resist political intimidation and uphold the sanctity of academic freedom.

“A country that silences its thinkers and its leaders within its ivory towers is a country that risks intellectual and social stagnation.

“We stand for an open Nigeria where the “force of argument” always supersedes the “argument of force”, the statement concluded.

Nigerian Navy flags off Exercise Obangame Express 2026, reinforces maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea

The Nigerian Navy on Sunday formally flagged off Exercise Obangame Express 2026 (OE 26), a multinational maritime exercise aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and improving collective capacity to combat maritime threats within the Gulf of Guinea.

This is contained in a statement from the Service on Sunday and signed by Abiodun Folorunsho (Navy Captain) who is the Director of Naval Information.

The flag-off ceremony, according to the statement, held onboard NNS IKENNE and was conducted by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas who was represented by the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah.

Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026, conducted with support from the United States Africa Command, the Service said is a multinational initiative involving over 30 participating nations.

“The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability among navies and maritime security agencies across West and Central Africa, while addressing transnational maritime crimes such as piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, and trafficking.

“The 5-day exercise, scheduled from 26 to 30 April 2026, features the deployment of 9 Nigerian Navy ships, 2 helicopters, maritime domain awareness assets, and Special Boat Service (SBS) elements.

“It also includes active participation from key national agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), thereby reinforcing inter-agency synergy,” the statement also said.

The CNS in his speech described the exercise as a critical platform for fostering unity of effort, improving information sharing, and enhancing maritime awareness across the region.

He emphasized that the essence of OE 26 lies in building trust, strengthening interoperability, and developing the operational capacity of participating forces to respond effectively to evolving maritime threats.

The CNS further noted that the exercise is deliberately structured to sharpen operational readiness, enhance interdiction capabilities, and test response mechanisms through realistic, scenario-based engagements, including counter-piracy operations, anti-trafficking drills, illegal fishing interdictions, search and rescue missions, and visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) procedures.

Highlighting Nigeria’s progress in maritime security, Vice Admiral Abbas referenced the country’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone countries in 2022, attributing the achievement to sustained collaboration with regional and international partners, as well as initiatives such as OBANGAME EXPRESS.

He also underscored the strategic importance of securing the Gulf of Guinea, noting that the region remains vital to global trade, energy security, and economic stability.

Additionally, the CNS highlighted that Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026 coincides with the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, reflecting seven decades of dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and contributing to regional peace and security.

The CNS expressed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy, and commended all participating personnel and agencies for their professionalism and commitment.

Gov Idris of Kebbi becomes first Nigerian Sardauna of Dosso, Niger Rep

The Sultan of Dosso in the neighbouring Republic of Niger, Djermakoye Ahmadou Sounna Saidu has joined other prominent Nigerian Traditional rulers in conferment of the prestigious traditional title of Sardauna Dosso on Comrade Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.
The conferment was announced and presented by the Sultan accompanied by other traditional rulers from his domain, led by the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera at the presidential lounge, Birnin Kebbi.

This was contained in a statement signed by Abdullahi Idris Saudakin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi Governor.
According to the statement, while presenting the plague of the conferment of the title, the Sultan disclosed that Comrade Governor Nasir Idris is the first Nigerian to be honoured with the prestigious traditional title of the first Sardauna of Dosso Sultanate.
Giving further details of the honour, Sultan Ahmadou said it was considered for Comrade Governor Nasir Idris based on his demonstrated commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the traditional institutions and governmental agencies in the neighbouring countries.

According to him, the efforts have not only promoted beneficial business transactions but also boasts the harmonious cultural and social interactions among the people of Nigeria and Niger, citing the Annual Argungu International fishing and Cultural Festival as an example.
In a brief remarks, the visibly excited Comrade Governor Idris expressed gratitude to the Dosso Sultanate and indeed the people of the kingdom for the honour and pledged to not only sustain but explore more avenues of strengthening the cultural heritage and profitable business transactions among the neighbouring communities.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera jointly with the Sultan, presented the letter and plague of the conferment of the title to Governor Idris.
Comrade Governor Nasir Idris also holds the traditional titles of Kauran Gwandu, Gwarzon Daular Usmaniya, Kauran Kanem Borno, Kauran Nupe Kingdom, Jigon Kabi, Gamjin Yauri and Garkuwan Zuru.

Assassination attempt: Why people want me dead – Trump reveals

United States President, Donald Trump, has shared his thoughts on why he has faced repeated assassination threats.

Newspotng reports that he spoke while reacting to a shooting incident that disrupted a media event in Washington.

The incident happened on April 25, 2026, during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held at the Washington Hilton. A gunman caused panic at the gathering, forcing security to act quickly and bringing the event to an abrupt halt.

Speaking after the situation was brought under control, Trump said he believes people who make great changes often become targets.

He linked the attack to his time in office, saying his actions and decisions have affected the country in ways that not everyone supports. He also compared such situations to past events involving well-known leaders who were attacked because of their influence.

The president referred to his past experience, including surviving an earlier assassination attempt at a campaign rally in 2024. He said, despite the risks attached to his position, he continues to live his life without fear and does not see himself as someone shaken by such threats.

He said, “I’ve studied assassinations. I must tell you the most impactful people, the people that do the most… they’re the ones that they go after. I hate to say I’m honoured by that, but I’ve done a lot. We’ve changed this country, and there are a lot of people that are not happy about that. I lead a pretty normal life, considering, you know, it’s a dangerous life. To be honest, I’m not a basket case. A tremendous amount of love and coming together. I was ready to give the most inappropriate speech ever made.” Newspot.

2027: Opposition parties to field one presidential candidate -Ibadan Declaration

A meeting of major opposition political parties in Ibadan on Saturday has agreed to field one presidential candidate in the next presidential election.

This was one of the major decisions of the parties’ meeting which also called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan.

The declaration which was signed by all chairmen of the parties also called for the release of all politicians being detained for bailable offences.

Below is the full communique issued at the end of their meeting:

IBADAN DECLARATION

Communiqué issued at the end of Opposition Political Parties National Summit held on Saturday April 25, 2026 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Participating Opposition Parties in Nigeria, after an extensive deliberation on the collective threats that we face and the existential challenges facing our country under the stranglehold of the oppressive and anti-democratic All Progressives Congress (APC) and given the need for urgent, collective action to rescue our nation and the destiny of over 200 million compatriots, hereby resolve as follows:

That we shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country.

That despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party, the APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.

That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses.

That the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections as Nigerians across board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality to deliver free, fair, transparent and credible elections. His continuous stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering wide spread crisis in our nation.

That the National Assembly should immediately review the Electoral Act, 2026 to remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections and run counter to constitutional provisions.

That all leading politicians that are being detained or harassed on bailable offfences be released with immediate effect and allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of participation and inclusivity as Nigerians.

That we consider the recent guidelines released by the INEC as obstacles, deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on the opposition parties. We therefore demand that INEC extends the deadline for primaries till the end of July, 2026.

The Summit commends Nigerians for their resilience and readiness to work with Opposition Parties to free our nation from State capture.

The National summit of Opposition Political Parties thank the Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the epochal event.

SIGNED:

Chairmen of Participating Opposition Parties. Sunrisereporters.

FCT Minister announces imminent relocation for Apo mechanics, completion of Apo-Karshi Road

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the much-talked-about Apo-Karshi road will be completed by August this year.

The minister made the announcement on Friday during a routine inspection of major infrastructure projects in the FCT’s satellite towns.

Addressing the long-standing controversy surrounding the completion of the Apo-Karshi road, which was first awarded in 2010, the Minister acknowledged that the project, which he described as very important to residents and business people.

He also confirmed that the long-awaited relocation of Apo Mechanic traders to Wasa was firmly on track, saying, “We believe that before August, they will be moved to Wasa. This is the first time all promises made, including those inherited from previous administrations, are being fulfilled.”

Wike declared that the FCT Administration had successfully bridged the developmental gap between the city center and suburban areas through the provision of key infrastructure.

According to him the administration’s focus had transformed peripheral districts into vibrant, functional urban areas.

The minister’s inspection tour covered the Karu township roads reconstruction, the 13km Apo-Karshi road and the rehabilitation of the Gbazango/Kubwa road.

Wike noted that the FCTA was prioritizing projects that provide immediate relief and value to residents and commended the quality of work seen across the sites.

“This is the first time an administration is going outside the city. We have turned some of these satellite areas into cities. You don’t need to go and live in the city center before you can go to work. We are very happy because when the people are happy, it shows that governance is impactful,”, the Minister said.

Barrister Wike also expressed his satisfaction with the pace of development, noting that the influx of real estate interest in areas like Wasa serves as a testament to the administration’s successful urban renewal strategy.

He confirmed that several projects in the FCT satellite towns, including the Karu roads reconstruction and the Gbazango road project, are set for inauguration during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third-year anniversary celebrations.

Regarding the logistics of the commissioning ceremonies, the Minister noted that the FCTA is coordinating with the Presidency, the Vice President, and the National Assembly leadership to manage the high volume of completed projects.

In addition to infrastructure, the Minister also addressed the critical issue of sanitation in the FCT satellite towns, revealing that the administration recently had cause to cancel existing refuse disposal contracts due to poor performance and a lack of accountability regarding waste disposal sites.

He noted that the Satellite Town Development Department (STDD) has taken over operations temporarily while the administration prepares to engage more competent and reliable service providers.

“One big problem all over the world is waste evacuation. I was not comfortable with the previous contractors because they could not tell us where they were dumping the refuse. For now, the Satellite Town Development Department is managing the process directly while we finalize arrangements for new, more reliable contracts”, the Minister explained.

The Minister used the opportunity to address residents of Kubwa who had come out to welcome him during the inspection, assuring them of the administration’s commitment to continued development of the satellite towns.

One of the residents who spoke out, Prosper Onyenaucheya praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister for prioritizing projects that directly impact on the lives of the residents. National Accord.

Expedite action, Obidient Movement urges Supreme Court

By Okey Muogbo

Obidient Movement, a foremost political pressure group supporting African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential Aspirant, Peter Obi has urged the Supreme Court of Nigeria to quicken action in determining the authentic national leaders of the ADC.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, it cautioned the apex court that leaving the ADC without national leaders was a major problem for members and supporters of the ADC.

“The Movement wants to remind the apex court that justice delayed in this matter is effectively democracy denied.

“The current leadership vacuum in the main opposition coalition has left thousands of party faithful in a state of flux and risks disenfranchising a significant portion of the electorate who look toward the ADC and its coalition partners as a credible alternative for national governance.

”The apex court is the last refinery of justice, at a time when the political landscape requires absolute clarity, any prolonged delay in pronouncing a final verdict on the ADC leadership crisis provides room for mischief, fuels factionalism, and undermines the preparations for a robust multi-party contest in the coming elections”

The Obidient Movement notes that the legal battle between the contending factions is no longer a mere internal affair as it has become a matter of national interest which the apex court should be conscious of in its decisions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the voting public require a settled leadership to engage with, particularly as primary windows and coalition negotiations begin to take shape.

“We therefore like to make an urgent call to the Supreme Court requesting an expedited and definitive ruling on the leadership dispute currently paralysing the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“As the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, the continued ambiguity surrounding the party’s executive structure—following the court’s decision to reserve judgment on April 22—threatens not only the internal stability of the ADC but the broader viability of opposition consolidation in Nigeria.

“A swift and clear pronouncement from the Supreme Court will stabilise the political atmosphere and allow the ADC and the wider opposition movement to focus on the essential task of nation-building.

“We remain confident in the wisdom of the apex court and trust that the judiciary will remain the steadfast guardian of our democratic process,” the statement concluded. Sunrisereporters.

Defamation Suit: Court orders Natasha to pay Bello ₦1bn

A High Court sitting in Lokoja has ordered Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in damages after ruling in favour of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a long-running defamation suit.

The judgment, delivered by Justice A. S. Ibrahim and contained in a Certified True Copy dated April 23, 2026, followed proceedings in suit number HCL/16/2023. The court held that the evidence presented supported the claimant’s case on the balance of probabilities.

In his ruling, the judge found that comments made by the senator during a November 4, 2022 interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show were defamatory and injurious to Bello’s reputation. The court noted that the statements in question included allegations describing the former governor as a murderer and individual linked to violent conduct, which it said were not justified by evidence.

Justice Ibrahim further issued a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, her agents, and associates from making or repeating similar statements across any media platform, including television and radio.

Beyond the monetary award, the court emphasized that the defamatory remarks had caused reputational harm, thereby justifying the substantial damages granted in favour of the claimant.

The suit was initiated by Yahaya Bello, who alleged defamation of character. His legal team maintained that the case was properly filed and not an abuse of court process, countering arguments raised by the defence challenging jurisdiction.

Although the defence team, led by Senior Advocate Johnson J. Usman, had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction, the trial court ruled otherwise. The decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in case number CA/ABJ/CV/626/2024, which dismissed the appeal as lacking merit and confirmed the trial court’s authority to hear the matter.

With the appellate court’s affirmation, the ruling has now placed final judicial weight on the decision, bringing a major legal battle between both parties to a decisive conclusion. GWG.

Nigeria’s security system has failed – Imans

Association of Jumma’at Mosque Imams in Nigeria say the security architecture and other systems have failed, prompting calls for prayer for peace and stability in the country.

Dr Yusuf Abdullahi Yusuf, Assistant Secretary of the Association, said this on Friday during a special prayer for national peace and unity held at Jos Central Mosque.

At the prayer session which drew Jumma’at Mosques imams and other religious leaders from all parts of the State, Dr Yusuf said unless Imams on the pulpit rise to the occasion to pray and guide citizens aright, the country cannot be salvaged from its woes.

He explained that the prayer session was to remind Imams to preach messages of peace, unity and truthfulness and the significance of security in the society.

According to him: “As humans, our technology has failed. Our efforts as individuals have failed. We live in a country with a security architecture, but it has failed. The country is facing serious problems of economic crisis, ethnoreligious violence, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence.

“We have the Almighty who is willing to answer our prayers and change our condition. With prayer, Allah will guide our security personnel to do what is needed and help leaders choose the right path and make good decisions.

“The lessons of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) have to do with unity, peace, security and other virtues. We are using this session to urge Imams to make weekly congregational prayers for peace and unity mandatory. With this commitment, we hope Allah will answer your prayers.” Globalupfront.

Association of Jumma’at Mosque Imams in Nigeria say the security architecture and other systems have failed, prompting calls for prayer for peace and stability in the country.

Dr Yusuf Abdullahi Yusuf, Assistant Secretary of the Association, said this on Friday during a special prayer for national peace and unity held at Jos Central Mosque.

He explained that the prayer session was to remind Imams to preach messages of peace, unity and truthfulness and the significance of security in the society.