ActionAid Nigeria calls for immediate govt action as global conflict fuels crisis, deepens hardship

ActionAid Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has been escalating for over one month, and its far-reaching implications for global economic stability and human security in Nigeria.
The group said the effects of the crisis are now fully unfolding, with Nigerians already bearing the weight of rising fuel costs and worsening economic hardship.
Speaking in Abuja, the Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, on Sunday, lamented that despite the sustained impact of this global crisis, there has been no clear or coordinated response from the Federal Government of Nigeria to cushion its effects on citizens.
He said apart from a limited intervention by the Oyo State Government, which announced a ₦10,000 wage support initiative, there has been little visible action across federal and state levels.
“This inaction, one month into the crisis, is deeply concerning.
At current price levels, Nigeria is earning significantly more per barrel than before the crisis. Before the escalation of the conflict, global crude oil prices averaged approximately 75 to 80 dollars per barrel.
“Since the crisis intensified, prices have risen to about 100 dollars per barrel due to supply disruptions in the Middle East. Nigeria’s crude oil production currently averages between 1.3 and 1.5 million barrels per day.
“This increase in global prices translates into higher potential national earnings and a portion of these windfall revenues should have been transparently redirected toward cushioning the effects of rising fuel prices on Nigerians. However, these gains have not been reflected in any form of relief for citizens.”
He disclosed that rapid community engagements conducted by ActionAid Nigeria across several states confirmed that the impact cuts across all segments of society.
“As of today, Petrol prices are currently selling between ₦1,200 and ₦1,400 per litre across many parts of the country, while diesel prices remain persistently high. Nigerians have been grappling with these increases for weeks. Transport fares have surged, food prices continue to rise, and the cost of basic goods and services has escalated beyond affordability.
“With stagnant incomes and high inflation, millions are being pushed deeper into poverty. Workers, transport operators, farmers, students, and small business owners are all experiencing severe strain. Small and medium enterprises are scaling down or shutting operations due to rising diesel and logistics costs.
“Informal workers are facing declining incomes, while farmers and food distributors are struggling with increased transportation costs, worsening food insecurity.
“Across communities, households are adopting distress coping mechanisms. Families are skipping meals, children are missing school due to transport costs, and many are resorting to borrowing to survive.”
He also highlighted a rise in unsafe transport alternatives and informal fuel markets which are clear indicators of widespread economic stress.
 “It is unacceptable that Nigerians continue to suffer the consequences of global oil price increases while the country fails to translate its oil wealth into protection for its people.
“The current crisis is not only a result of global tensions but also a reflection of longstanding policy failures, weak regulation, and the absence of adequate social protection systems. Authority.

Nigeria’s Samson Adamu appointed acting CAF General Secretary

 

Nigeria has recorded another major milestone in continental football administration with the appointment of Samson Adamu as Acting General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football. Soccer

Sports Village Square reports that Adamu, whose father, Dr Amos Adamu, was also a seasoned football administrator, has become the eighth person to hold the seat at the confederation, which clocked 69 on February 8 last year.

Top sources within CAF confirmed on Sunday that Adamu’s appointment takes immediate effect following the exit of Véron Mosengo-Omba, who stepped down from the position after mounting pressure and internal transition discussions.

Mosengo-Omba, a Congolese lawyer, had been appointed in March 2021, succeeding Abdelmounaim Bah, and brought with him experience from FIFA, where he served as Chief Member Associations Officer.

Adamu’s elevation is widely seen as a recognition of his growing influence and performance within CAF since joining the organisation in 2018 as Director of Competitions.

In that role, he replaced Mosengo-Omba and quickly established himself as a key figure in the organisation of major continental tournaments.

For Nigeria, his appointment represents a significant boost in representation at the highest administrative level of African football, reinforcing the country’s longstanding contribution to the development of the game on the continent.

Before his move to CAF, Adamu had built a strong reputation as an innovator in sports management, notably as the initiator and Chief Executive Officer of the internationally acclaimed Copa Lagos Futsal tournament, which attracted global attention and participation.

Since arriving at CAF, he has earned commendation for his efficiency and visibility, playing central roles in competition management and strategic coordination. His consistent performance reportedly made him a natural choice when discussions began over a replacement for Mosengo-Omba. Sportsvillagesquare.

Phone snatchers kill middle-aged man in Kaduna

Tragedy struck in Kaduna as suspected phone snatchers killed an unidentified middle-aged man at Kawo Bridge in Kaduna North Local Government Area.

The incident reportedly occurred around 8 pm on Saturday when the victim was said to be rushing to board a commercial tricycle, popularly known as keke Napep, before he was accosted by a group of youths.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the assailants demanded the victim’s mobile phone.

However, in the process of complying, one of the attackers allegedly stabbed him in the chest.

“Some youths accosted him to surrender his phone. We were watching from a distance. We don’t know what he told them. As he tried to hand over the phone, one of them suddenly stabbed him, and he slumped,” a source recounted.

The attackers reportedly fled the scene immediately after the assault, leaving the victim lying in a pool of blood. Passersby who rushed to help could not apprehend the suspects.

A resident of the area, Bashir Umar, described Kawo Bridge as a known hotspot for criminal activities, urging security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols in the area.

“This is not the first time such an incident is happening here. A Navy officer was killed in the same area last year after refusing to give up his phone. Commuters are constantly at risk,” he said.

Traders operating around the bridge also expressed concern over the rising insecurity, calling for urgent intervention by authorities.

“We need more police patrols and surveillance cameras to catch these criminals,” one trader said.

As of the time of filing this report, the police authorities in Kaduna have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Authority.

North is bleeding, needs urgent, collective action -Areas Group

Nigeria’s Northern region is bleeding and needs urgent, coordinated, and decisive action to address the escalating insecurity prevalent therein, the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative has said.

Speaking on Sunday morning in Bauchi in a Press Conference, Director General of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, described the current security situation as one of the most profound and persistent challenges facing the region in its history.

He emphasized that the rising wave of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and communal clashes poses a serious threat to the safety of citizens, the stability of communities, and the future of the North.

“This is not merely a routine engagement, It is a necessary call to collective reflection and urgent action. The time for rhetoric alone has passed. What we need now is commitment, coordination, and concrete action,” he added.

The Director General highlighted the devastating humanitarian impact of the crisis, noting that thousands of families have been displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and communities plunged into poverty and food insecurity.

He further warned that the disruption of education and exposure to violence is placing an entire generation of young people at risk.

Idris identified key root causes of insecurity to include youth unemployment, poverty, weak local governance structures, the proliferation of small arms, and a growing breakdown of trust between communities and security agencies.

He stressed that security must be seen as a shared responsibility, calling on community leaders, civil society, and citizens to actively participate in peacebuilding efforts.

He underscored the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in fostering unity, intelligence gathering, and conflict resolution at the grassroots level.

The Area Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative outlined key recommendations to include strengthening security architecture which means increased deployment of trained personnel to high-risk areas, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced coordination among security agencies.

Also, community-based security approach which has to do with support and regulation of community policing structures, with stronger collaboration between local communities and formal security institutions.

Another is economic and social interventions which will translate to implementation of targeted youths employment and empowerment programs, alongside increased investment in education, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Also, justice and accountability which is ensuring swift prosecution of criminal elements and addressing impunity to restore public trust as well as humanitarian support and rehabilitation which means the provision of relief materials for displaced persons, rebuilding of affected communities, and restoration of livelihoods.” Globalupfront.

Araraume felicitates President Tinubu on 74th birthday, hails his reforms

Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday, praising the President’s leadership style and the series of reforms that have shaped the direction of the country since he assumed office.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Araraume described President Tinubu as “a courageous reformer whose decisions continue to redefine Nigeria’s economic and governance landscape.”
He noted that the President’s first year in office has been marked by bold policy choices aimed at stabilizing the economy and laying the groundwork for long term national development.
Araraume highlighted the removal of the petrol subsidy as one of the most significant economic decisions in recent decades, saying it demonstrated the President’s willingness to confront long‑standing structural challenges. According to him, the policy, though demanding, has redirected national resources toward infrastructure, social investment, and other critical sectors.
He also commended the administration’s unification of the foreign exchange market, describing it as a major step toward restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness. The senator noted that the reforms have attracted renewed interest from international partners and signaled a commitment to transparent economic management.
Beyond economic restructuring, Araraume pointed to ongoing infrastructure expansion as evidence of the administration’s focus on national development. He cited the acceleration of key road projects, renewed efforts to expand rail connectivity, and the push to improve power generation and distribution as initiatives that reflect the President’s long term vision for a more productive Nigeria.
The senator further acknowledged the government’s interventions in agriculture, including support for mechanization and targeted programs aimed at boosting food security. He said these efforts are essential to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local production.
On the diplomatic front, Araraume praised President Tinubu’s engagements across Africa and beyond, noting his role in strengthening regional cooperation within ECOWAS and advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
“As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to recognize the resilience and determination with which President Tinubu has approached the task of nation building,” Araraume said. “His commitment to reforms, economic stability, and democratic governance continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s future.”
He wished the President good health, renewed strength, and continued wisdom as he leads the country through what he described as “a defining period in Nigeria’s history.”

PDP will shock Nigerians in 2027 – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will go ahead with its national convention as planned on March 29 and 30, adding that efforts to reconcile aggrieved members will continue after the event.

Wike also expressed confidence that the party will make a strong comeback in the 2027 general elections, saying it will shock Nigerians with its performance.

He dismissed a Supreme court appeal by a group led by Tanimu Turaki, stating it would not affect the convention.

Speaking on Friday night after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, the venue of the convention, Wike stressed that resolving internal disagreements is an ongoing process.

He said, “There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.

“I have always said that in any group, there will be grievances. You cannot expect that in a family of two or three people, everyone will always be satisfied, let alone a party with millions of members. There will always be a few who are not happy. We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns, and see how we can accommodate them. What is most important is the overall interest of the party.”

On zoning, Wike confirmed that key positions have already been shared among regions to ensure balance.

“We have already zoned our positions. Every zone has its own slots. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North. We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier.

“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front, rather than the usual ‘unity list’ that often reflects internal divisions. There are no factions; everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking.”

He added that preparations for the convention are nearly complete.

“We are fully prepared. This visit is to assess final arrangements. As I said, we are about 95 percent ready, and by tomorrow, everything will be set.

“Seating arrangements for all states have been completed, and the VIP section is ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates.”

The convention is scheduled to hold in Abuja on Sunday and Monday. Newspot.

INEC extends submission date of party members register

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for  political parties to submit their members register to the commission for the 2027 general election.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by National Commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, on Friday in Abuja.

Haruna said that instead of the April 21 deadline, political parties now have until May 10, but not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.

He said that the decision was reached following the commission meeting with the political parties on Tuesday.

He said that the parties raised concerns on the timeline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members under the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.

Haruna said that the commission agreed to adjust the period for the submission of the membership register to align with the 21 days prescribed by Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Haruna added that the new actual dates was fixed by political parties themselves.

“Political parties are accordingly informed that they are free to fix the dates of their primaries within the approved period from the April 23 to May 30. It is imperative that parties adhere to this timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process.

“The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.

“This means that the final deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members is extended to May 10 , from April 21 originally contained in the revised Timetable,” he said. Newspot.

12 US troops injured in Iranian missile attack on Saudi base

 

 

As many as twelve US service members have been injured in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia after an Iranian missile struck the facility’s outer compound, reports citing US officials said on Saturday.
According to sources, “as many as 12 US troops have been injured, two of them seriously, in an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.”
Sources confirmed that the latest casualties add to the more than 3,000 US military personnel who have been wounded since the start of the war last month.
Prior to the attack, the US military informed reporters that approximately 273 to 300 wounded service members had returned to duty. The Pentagon has confirmed the killing of 13 service members in the war so far.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that the US attacks are crushing Iran and that “They’re being hit so hard anybody would be negotiating.” However, Iran has so far rejected any claims of seeking a ceasefire or talks amid efforts to prevent the conflict from turning into a global war, as experts have predicted.
“Remember this, they lied,” he said.
“They’re begging to make a deal. Turned out I was right. They were negotiating.”
The US President then claimed Iran had offered to send oil shipments in compensation for misleading the United States about their participation in negotiations. Newspot.

Nigerian working for Iran confesses spying for US, Israeli Embassies

 

 

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of three men accused of spying on United States and Israeli interests in Nigeria for contacts linked to Iran, in a case that is now raising fresh concerns about foreign intelligence activity on Nigerian soil.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request on Wednesday following an oral application by prosecuting counsel, Bello Abu, which was not opposed by the defence.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the defendants, Haruna Abbas, Ibrahim Musa and Adam Suleiman were arrested in Kano and Lagos States in 2013.

 

 

At the resumed hearing, a prosecution witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), James Simon, told the court that Abbas admitted he was recruited to spy on American and Israeli interests in Nigeria, particularly their embassies.

Simon, who testified as the first prosecution witness, said he personally recorded Abbas’ statement, in which the defendant detailed how he gathered intelligence, passed information, and recruited other Nigerians into the operation.

 

According to the witness, Abbas also revealed that he travelled to Iran, where he and others were trained by unidentified military personnel. The training, the court heard, covered surveillance, counter-surveillance, intelligence gathering, recruitment, communication, and a brief session on weapon handling.

 

 

He told the court that the nature of such training and assignments clearly points to terrorism, regardless of whether those involved are formally designated.

 

“The act of involvement of non-military personnel in surveillance, recruitment of persons and even weapon handling amounts to the act of terrorism,” the witness said.

Kwankwaso to join ADC Wednesday

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is set to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday, strong indications revealed on Tuesday.

According to reliable sources within the ADC, Kwankwaso is expected to pick up his membership card in his hometown, Kwankwaso, in Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State.

Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has recently hosted top ADC figures at his Kano residence, heightening speculation about his imminent defection.

Among his high-profile visitors was Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also held a meeting with Kwankwaso amid growing claims that he is considering aligning with the ADC.

Makinde is a key figure in a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki, SAN, which has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership tussle with a rival camp loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Reconciliation efforts between the factions have so far yielded no breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the ADC on Tuesday received the report of its constitution review committee.

The document was presented to the party’s National Legal Adviser, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, on behalf of ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark. Star news.