Nigeria

FIFA appoints normalisation committee to run Nigeria Football Federation until May 2027

FIFA and CAF have approved a joint normalisation committee to manage the Nigeria Football Federation after the mass resignation of its leadership, with the body expected to hand over to elected officials by the end of May 2027.

LAS News Desk · 23 Oct 2026, 01:45 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria’s U‑23 squad named for DR Congo qualifiers

Coach Eric Chelle has called up 31 home‑based players for the Olympic Eagles’ U‑23 camp ahead of a two‑leg tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo in November, with the first match at TP Mazembe Stadium and the return at Remo Stars Stadium.

LAS News Desk · 23 Oct 2026, 01:15 WAT · 3 sources

Four new transmission substations commissioned in Kano, adding 544MW to the power grid

The Federal Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria have commissioned four substations in Kano State, increasing transmission capacity by 544 megawatts to support industrial, commercial and residential users.

LAS News Desk · 23 Oct 2026, 00:15 WAT · 3 sources

AAC candidate Sowore seeks Aso Rock venue for campaign council inauguration

Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential hopeful, has asked President Bola Tinubu to allow his party to use the Presidential Villa for its 2027 Campaign Council launch, arguing that opposition parties should have the same access as the ruling APC.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 23:45 WAT · 10 sources

Nigeria’s NEC backs 90‑day plan to curb living costs and boost food affordability

The National Economic Council approved a three‑month economic action plan aimed at lowering the cost of living, improving food prices and speeding up key projects, while launching a dashboard for transparency.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 23:45 WAT · 7 sources

INTERPOL’s Operation Serengeti III secures two arrests in Nigeria and recovers $105 million across Africa

INTERPOL announced the detention of two Nigerian suspects linked to phishing and investment‑fraud schemes, part of a wider multinational crackdown that saw 1,462 arrests and the recovery of more than $105 million.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 19:15 WAT · 4 sources

Former Vice President Atiku urges INEC to release voters register before 2027 election

Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission to publish the preliminary voters register of over 103 million people, arguing that public access is essential for transparency ahead of the 2027 polls.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 18:45 WAT · 3 sources

Edo inmate Osita Thomas escapes during court hearing, authorities call for public help

An awaiting‑trial inmate, 28‑year‑old Osita Thomas, fled from the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Edo State while being escorted to a court hearing for conspiracy and stealing. The escape has prompted a call for public assistance and highlighted staffing shortages in the correctional service.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 17:16 WAT · 2 sources

Tinubu inaugurates final stretch of Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway

President Bola Tinubu opened Section III of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, a long‑awaited link across Kaduna and Kano states, aiming to improve road safety and reduce accidents.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 15:46 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria places 46 Ebola contacts on 21‑day no‑fly list

The aviation ministry has barred 46 people linked to a confirmed Ebola case from air travel for 21 days, while airports increase health screenings to prevent spread.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 12:45 WAT · 8 sources

Edo Police Recover 350 Ammunition Rounds from Commercial Bus, Arrest Suspects

Police in Edo State seized 350 rounds of ammunition from a bus on the Benin‑Lagos Road and detained two transport company officials, while also arresting suspects in separate murder, robbery and cultism cases.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 11:46 WAT · 2 sources

EFCC arraigns six individuals in separate fraud and theft cases worth over N160 million

On 22 October 2026 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission brought six suspects before court over alleged land, insurance and cyber‑theft offences totalling more than N160 million, highlighting intensified anti‑corruption efforts.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 11:45 WAT · 2 sources

Nigerian army frees four kidnapping victims in Zamfara and Kebbi

The army’s Operation Fansan Yamma rescued two civilians in Zamfara and two in Kebbi on 21 October, underscoring intensified security efforts in north‑west Nigeria.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 11:15 WAT · 3 sources

Nigeria's cash outside banks rises to N4.92tn in September as money supply expands

The Central Bank of Nigeria reported that cash held outside the banking system increased to N4.92 trillion in September 2026, a rise of about 1% from August and 10% year‑on‑year, amid a broader expansion of the money supply and a major interest‑rate cut.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 10:45 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria confirms first Ebola case in diplomat’s wife after Uganda holiday

A 42‑year‑old diplomat’s wife who returned to Abuja from a two‑week stay in Kampala has been confirmed as Nigeria’s first Ebola patient, prompting contact tracing of 44 individuals across several countries.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 08:45 WAT · 8 sources

Atiku demands audit of N10bn Ebola fund amid Abuja case concerns

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to explain the use of the N10 billion earmarked for Ebola preparedness after a confirmed case in Abuja revealed gaps in surveillance and protection for health workers. He also warned that the outbreak should not be used to curb political activity.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 08:15 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria's NBTI announces over $600m pipeline to boost innovation and clean energy

The National Board for Technology Incubation revealed an investment and development‑finance pipeline exceeding $600 million, featuring a $500 million solar partnership and a $100 million financing MoU, aimed at supporting innovators and micro‑businesses across the country.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 07:46 WAT · 4 sources

Nigeria Immigration chief warns staff of corruption, pledges sanctions after tenure extension

Comptroller‑General Kemi Nandap told officers at the Abuja headquarters that any corrupt behaviour will be met with legal action, while urging better service for Nigerians without compromising security.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 06:16 WAT · 2 sources

Major General Julius Osifo takes charge of Nigeria’s Military Pensions Board, vows faster benefit payouts

Major General Julius Ehioze Osifo was installed as chairman of the Military Pensions Board on 21 October 2026, promising to streamline pensions, gratuities and death benefits for retired soldiers and families of the fallen through technology and staff training.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 06:16 WAT · 3 sources

Kaduna Prepares to Host President Tinubu for APC 2027 Campaign Flag‑Off

Kaduna State has confirmed it is ready to welcome President Bola Tinubu for the All Progressives Congress 2027 campaign flag‑off at the Kaduna Township Stadium, with security and logistics in place and accommodation fully booked.

LAS News Desk · 22 Oct 2026, 00:45 WAT · 2 sources

United Nigeria Airlines chief calls for skill‑focused reforms in Nigerian universities

Professor Obiora Okonkwo, chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, urged Nigerian higher education institutions to shift from certificate‑centric teaching to competency‑based learning, highlighting partnerships that give students practical experience.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 23:59 WAT · 2 sources

Edo and Jigawa authorities call for calm and strict Ebola precautions after new case in Nigeria

The confirmation of an Ebola virus disease case in Nigeria has prompted Edo State officials and the National Orientation Agency in Jigawa to urge residents to stay calm, follow hygiene guidelines and report any symptoms without delay.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 23:45 WAT · 5 sources

Senate rejects NMDPRA petrol import figures, summons NNPCL and NEITI

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has rejected the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s 2022‑23 petrol import figures, citing large differences with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s records, and has ordered a joint meeting with the agencies to resolve the discrepancies.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 23:15 WAT · 2 sources

Nigerian House Committee Gives Telecom CEOs One‑Week Deadline to Address Network Failures

The House of Representatives’ ad‑hoc committee on telecommunications has ordered the CEOs of major operators to appear before it within seven days to explain persistent service problems, warning of possible arrest warrants for non‑compliance.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 22:46 WAT · 5 sources

Nigeria confirms imported Ebola case, launches containment with Uganda collaboration

The federal government has verified a single Ebola infection in the Federal Capital Territory, traced to a traveller from Uganda, and is coordinating response measures and contact tracing with Ugandan authorities to prevent further spread.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 21:45 WAT · 4 sources

Senate President Akpabio urges deeper Nigeria‑UK legislative cooperation

Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for expanded parliamentary exchanges with the United Kingdom, highlighting historic ties and the need for structured legislative collaboration during a meeting with British High Commissioner Peter Vowles.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 19:16 WAT · 2 sources

Mexico Grants Reno Omokri Agrément as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Four Latin American Nations

Mexico has formally accepted Nigerian diplomat Reno Omokri as ambassador to Mexico, with concurrent accreditation to Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, following delivery of agrément by the Mexican chargé d’affaires in Abuja.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 14:46 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria Senate urges emergency funds and mandatory screening to curb Ebola spread

The Senate has called for emergency funding and compulsory health checks at all entry points to prevent Ebola importation, citing gaps in current protocols and past outbreaks.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 14:46 WAT · 3 sources

Nigeria's House of Representatives calls for swift release of Ebola emergency funds

Following a confirmed Ebola case in Abuja, the lower chamber urged the federal government to release earmarked health emergency money and boost preventive measures, citing gaps in awareness and supplies.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 14:15 WAT · 2 sources

Federal High Court Dismisses Wisdom Party Registration Suit

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a lawsuit that sought to force the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the Wisdom Party as a political party. The case, brought by Chief Mrs Chinasa Nwekeke, was dismissed as lacking merit.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 13:45 WAT · 2 sources

PANDEF urges federal government to restore original Lagos‑Calabar coastal highway plan

The youth wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum demanded on Tuesday that the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway be returned to its initial coastal alignment, condemning the federal government's decision to divert the route inland via the East‑West Road.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 13:15 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria confirms imported Ebola case while Uganda denies domestic outbreak

Nigeria has confirmed a single Ebola infection in Abuja linked to a woman who travelled from Uganda, prompting contact tracing and heightened alerts. Uganda’s health ministry says it has no active cases and is investigating the source of the infection.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 12:45 WAT · 9 sources

Uganda confirms no active Ebola cases amid Nigerian infection report

Uganda’s health ministry says there are no confirmed Ebola cases after Nigeria confirmed a case in a woman who travelled through Uganda. Authorities are investigating her exposure and tightening entry screening.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 12:15 WAT · 3 sources

Finance Minister Oyedele denies plans to tax petrol, calls reports fake news

Nigeria’s finance minister says there is no intention to impose a fuel tax, dismissing online reports and clarifying that the government would not raise petrol prices after subsidy removal.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 11:16 WAT · 4 sources

NELFUND stresses student loans are optional for Nigerian tertiary students

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund clarified on 21 October that its interest‑free loan scheme is voluntary, urging students to apply only when they need financial assistance and reminding them of repayment obligations under the Student Loans Act.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 11:15 WAT · 5 sources

Nigeria records first Ebola case as virus spreads from DRC via Uganda

Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola infection in a woman who arrived from Uganda, prompting nationwide health alerts while the outbreak continues to expand across Central and West Africa.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 10:45 WAT · 10 sources

Court of Appeal upholds order for fresh APC primary in Zamfara North

Nigeria’s Court of Appeal in Sokoto confirmed a Federal High Court ruling that the APC’s Zamfara North senatorial primary was invalid, directing the party to conduct a new primary within two weeks.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 05:15 WAT · 2 sources

JPMorgan deposits N50bn to secure Nigerian merchant banking licence

The U.S. bank has placed N50 billion with the Central Bank of Nigeria, satisfying a key capital requirement for a merchant banking licence that could be granted by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 04:45 WAT · 2 sources

PRP chairman Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed condemns Tinubu’s record and warns of northern resistance ahead of 2027 election

In an interview on Channels Television, PRP leader Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed accused President Bola Tinubu of self‑funding his 2023 campaign, labelled his administration a failure and cautioned that northern voters will reject any vote‑buying ahead of the 2027 polls.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 04:15 WAT · 4 sources

Nigerian stock market rebounds, adding N411bn in market capitalisation as buying interest lifts key stocks

The NGX All‑Share Index rose 0.26% to 245,911 points on Tuesday, expanding market capitalisation by roughly N411 billion as investors renewed demand for HBM Nigeria and other large‑cap shares.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 02:15 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria U-17 women secure 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in Morocco

Nigeria's U-17 women's team, the Flamingos, defeated Puerto Rico 2-0 in their Group B match in Rabat, strengthening their position in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and setting up a decisive encounter with DPR Korea.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 01:00 WAT · 5 sources

Nigeria confirms imported Ebola case in Abuja, activates containment measures

Nigeria has confirmed a single imported Bundibugyo ebolavirus case in the Federal Capital Territory, with 44 contacts traced and emergency response activated.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 19:45 WAT · 8 sources

Nigeria police detain anti‑Tinubu activists and restrict protest venue in the north

Police in Borno arrested five men for wearing shirts demanding President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, charging them with conspiracy and public disorder, while authorities in Kano later barred a related meeting, sparking debate over dissent limits.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 18:16 WAT · 1 source

Five Nigerian state assemblies endorse constitutional amendment for state police

On 20 October 2026, the legislatures of Taraba, Kwara, Delta, Plateau and Enugu voted to approve a constitutional amendment that would permit the creation of state police forces, moving the reform closer to national implementation.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 17:45 WAT · 5 sources

Atiku Abubakar Criticises Tinubu Over Fuel Subsidy Removal and Security Issues

Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar has publicly rebuked President Bola Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy, citing increased hardship for Nigerians and calling for targeted support for locally refined petroleum. He also criticised Tinubu’s record on security and police welfare.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 17:16 WAT · 9 sources

INEC Chairman Urges Staff to Stay Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections

Prof. Joash Amupitan, chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, warned staff against partisan politics and announced a new salary structure to reduce inducement ahead of the 2027 elections.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 12:16 WAT · 2 sources

Joint Task Force North West frees 27 kidnapping victims and recovers motorcycle in Katsina

On 16 October 2026 troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 27 abducted residents in Sabuwa LGA, Katsina State, and later retrieved a motorcycle after terrorists fled a patrol near Kurba village.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 12:15 WAT · 3 sources

Stallion Group says court ruling does not affect wider businesses

The Federal High Court judgment involving United Bank for Africa Plc concerns only Stallion Nigeria Limited and a few other companies. Stallion Group clarified that the rest of its companies remain unaffected and fully operational.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 11:45 WAT · 3 sources

Six years after EndSARS protests, allegations of police abuse persist in Nigeria

Six years after the nationwide EndSARS demonstrations, reports from rights groups and recent incidents indicate that torture, unlawful arrests and extrajudicial killings remain concerns despite reforms introduced by the government.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 11:45 WAT · 3 sources

Gregory Ibe, founder of Gregory University and former APGA governorship candidate, dies

Professor Gregory Ibe, the founder of Gregory University and 2023 APGA candidate for Abia State, has died after a period of illness, prompting condolences from political leaders and the academic community.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 09:45 WAT · 2 sources

Tinubu approves 18‑month extensions for heads of Nigeria’s Correctional and Immigration Services

President Bola Tinubu has approved 18‑month tenure extensions for Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche and Kemi Nanna Nandap, keeping them in office until mid‑2028 to address succession gaps and consolidate reforms.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 08:06 WAT · 8 sources

Nigerian naira hovers around 1,330 per dollar as official rate steadies, parallel market remains higher

The official Nigerian foreign exchange rate stayed near ₦1,332 per US dollar on 20 October 2026, while the unofficial market continued to quote premiums above that level, reflecting ongoing pressure on the naira.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 06:46 WAT · 2 sources

President Tinubu Rejects Fuel Subsidy Reinstatement, Citing Economic Risks

President Bola Tinubu reiterated his refusal to restore Nigeria’s petrol subsidy, arguing that doing so would damage the economy and raise fuel prices, while Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele warned of capital flight and a weaker naira.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 06:15 WAT · 2 sources

NAFDAC seizes counterfeit alcohol operation in Aba valued at over N500 million

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control disrupted a suspected counterfeit whisky factory in Aba, Abia State, recovering equipment and chemicals worth more than N500 million and warning of health risks.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 05:45 WAT · 2 sources

Pat Utomi warns election rigging could spark civil conflict in Nigeria

Professor Pat Utomi cautioned that attempts to manipulate Nigeria’s 2027 presidential vote may lead to widespread unrest, even civil war, after a town‑hall discussion in Manchester highlighted public anxiety over electoral fraud.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 05:15 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria's Federal Mortgage Bank approves over N208bn in 2025 loans, funds nearly 7,000 homes

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria reported approving more than N208 billion in housing and mortgage loans for 2025, financing 6,911 affordable units and launching a diaspora mortgage product.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 04:45 WAT · 2 sources

Rivers State Assembly reinstates three pro‑Fubara legislators after appeal

The Rivers State House of Assembly voted to reverse its earlier vacancy ruling, allowing three lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resume their seats following letters of apology.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 04:15 WAT · 7 sources

Tinubu vows no return to fuel subsidy amid opposition criticism

President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria will not reinstate the fuel subsidy, comparing the decision to the biblical Exodus, while opposition parties accuse the administration of covertly subsidising fuel and warn of economic hardship.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 00:45 WAT · 3 sources

Aliko Dangote agrees to join Bae U’s YouTube interview to reach younger Nigerians

Aliko Dangote has confirmed he will appear on content creator Bae U’s YouTube programme ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’, citing the need to engage younger Nigerians interested in his business and upcoming IPO.

Photo: Anasskoko / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

LAS News Desk · 19 Oct 2026, 20:16 WAT · 3 sources