Aeesha's Blog

Category: Breaking News

  • NELFUND To Increase Beneficiary Allowance In 2026 — Official

    The National Emergency Livelihoods Fund (NELFUND) has announced plans to raise the monthly upkeep allowance for its beneficiaries from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 in 2026, government sources confirmed on Friday.

    In a statement obtained by the source, the management of NELFUND said the proposed increase aims to cushion economic hardship and enhance the welfare of low-income participants enrolled in its livelihood support programmes.

    According to the statement, the review of the allowance was approved following consultations with relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, development partners and financial experts, to ensure that the adjustment aligns with current economic realities and cost of living pressures.

    “The increment from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 is part of our commitment to improving the standard of living of our beneficiaries and providing meaningful support to vulnerable households across the country,” the statement said.

    While details of the implementation timeline are still being finalised, NELFUND said the revised allowance is expected to take effect early in the first quarter of 2026, pending necessary budgetary and administrative approvals.

    Officials noted that the new funding structure will be incorporated into NELFUND’s 2026 operational plan, alongside strengthened monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in disbursements.

    The fund also reiterated its dedication to expanding access to economic opportunities through skills development, micro-enterprise support, and cash transfers to target groups most affected by poverty and unemployment.

    Stakeholders welcomed the proposed increment, describing it as a positive step toward alleviating economic hardship among vulnerable Nigerians, while urging swift implementation to maximise impact.

    NELFUND, established to support emergency livelihoods and social protection interventions, continues to collaborate with federal and state partners to reach underserved populations and promote sustainable economic resilience.

  • “NJC Disowns Report On 34 Judges’ Integrity Test”

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Thursday disowned a circulating report alleging that 34 lawyers failed an integrity test and were consequently dropped from consideration for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

    In a press statement dated December 31, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq., the Council described the report as inaccurate and unauthorised, stressing that it did not reflect the true position of events in the judicial appointment process.

    According to the NJC, the processes referenced in the media reports were conducted entirely by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), and no decision or action has yet been taken by the NJC in respect of the candidates concerned.

    The Council clarified that while some candidates were discontinued at the FJSC level due to adverse findings arising from petitions submitted against them, others did not progress further simply because they failed to attain the required qualifying scores to advance to the interview stage before the NJC.

    The NJC emphasised that there is no stand-alone or newly introduced integrity test whose failure automatically disqualifies candidates en masse, contrary to the impression conveyed by the viral reports.

    The statement further warned that the publication of inaccurate and speculative details could mislead the public and unjustly damage the reputations of candidates who participated in the process in good faith.

    In view of the foregoing, the Council disclosed that it has commenced internal investigations to ascertain the source of the unauthorised press statement and will take appropriate steps to safeguard the integrity and credibility of its procedures.

    The NJC reassured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency, fairness, due process and the highest standards of judicial integrity, and urged media practitioners to always seek clarification from authorised channels before reporting on sensitive institutional matters.

  • Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon

    The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has withdrawn all pending defamation suits he instituted against a cleric, following a sermon delivered by the priest which appealed for reconciliation and peace.

    Akpabio announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Eseme Eyiboh.

    According to the statement, the Senate President said the decision was taken after deep reflection and in response to the priest’s sermon, which emphasised forgiveness, humility and the need for unity.

    Akpabio noted that the withdrawal of the suits was in the interest of peace and harmony, stressing that public discourse should not degenerate into personal attacks capable of undermining national cohesion.

    He said that while he had earlier approached the courts to seek redress over statements he considered defamatory, he had now chosen the path of reconciliation in line with moral and spiritual guidance.

    “The sermon was a reminder of the core values of Christianity and humanity — forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence,” the statement quoted Akpabio as saying.

    The Senate President urged religious leaders, public office holders and citizens to exercise restraint in their utterances, especially on sensitive national issues, adding that freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly.

    He further reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, democratic principles and the protection of individual rights, noting that his action should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness but as a deliberate choice for peace.

    Akpabio also called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue as a tool for resolving disagreements, rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric.

    The defamation suits, which had been filed in different courts, arose from public comments allegedly made by the cleric during sermons and public engagements.

    The withdrawal of the cases has since drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some stakeholders commending the Senate President’s decision as a demonstration of statesmanship.

  • Nobody Will Debit Your Bank Account, Taiwo Oyedele Assures Nigerians On New Tax Laws

    Nigerians have been assured that the implementation of new tax laws will not result in automatic debits from their bank accounts, following statements by Taiwo Oyedele, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Revenue Matters.

    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Oyedele emphasized that while the government has introduced reforms aimed at improving tax compliance, citizens’ accounts would not be directly debited without due process.

    He stated, “The new tax laws are designed to streamline the collection process and enhance transparency. There is no provision under the law that allows the government to directly debit individuals’ bank accounts.

    Nigerians can continue to operate their accounts without fear of arbitrary deductions.”

    Oyedele further explained that the reforms, which include the transition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), are part of broader efforts to modernize the nation’s tax administration.

    “The NRS will provide clearer guidelines for taxpayers, ensuring that payments are made voluntarily and in accordance with the law. Our aim is to make the tax system fair, transparent, and efficient,” he added.

    He urged Nigerians to familiarize themselves with the new provisions of the law and to consult official NRS platforms for guidance on tax obligations.

    The new tax legislation, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, has been a topic of debate across the country, with concerns about potential automatic bank debits dominating public discourse.

    Oyedele’s assurance is expected to allay fears and encourage compliance.

    Background

    The transition to the NRS represents one of the most significant overhauls of Nigeria’s tax system in recent years.

    The government has promised that the new system will enhance revenue collection while protecting citizens’ rights.

  • ‘Tinubu Has Given Ndigbo Biafra’: Umahi Declares In New Year Message

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, says President Bola Tinubu has effectively “given Ndigbo Biafra” through unprecedented infrastructural development and inclusive governance across the South-East.

    Umahi, made the assertion in his New Year message to Nigerians, particularly the people of the South-East, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to him, the long-standing agitation for Biafra stemmed largely from feelings of marginalisation, neglect and absence of federal presence in the region, which he said the Tinubu administration is decisively addressing.

    “President Bola Tinubu has given Ndigbo Biafra, not by breaking Nigeria, but by giving the South-East what it has been denied for decades – equity, inclusion and massive infrastructure,” Umahi said.

    The minister noted that for the first time since the end of the civil war, the South-East is witnessing extensive federal road projects, economic inclusion and political recognition under one administration.

    He cited ongoing construction and rehabilitation of key federal highways in the region, including the Second Niger Bridge access roads, Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, Owerri–Okigwe Road, and other strategic routes.

    Umahi said these projects were not mere promises but visible realities that demonstrate the President’s commitment to national unity and balanced development.

    “For those who say the Igbo are marginalised, I ask: which other administration has done this much for the South-East in such a short time? The truth must be told – this government has remembered Ndigbo,” he said.

    The former Ebonyi governor also pointed to the inclusion of Igbo sons and daughters in key positions within the Tinubu-led administration as further evidence of trust and integration.

    He urged youths in the region to shun violence, separatist agitation and destructive protests, stressing that dialogue and constructive engagement yield better results than confrontation.

    “Agitation without development leads nowhere. What our people truly desire is progress, security, and opportunity, and this government is providing that,” Umahi said.

    The minister called on South-East leaders, traditional rulers and opinion moulders to support the Federal Government’s development agenda and encourage peace and unity.

    He expressed optimism that 2026 would bring more dividends of democracy to the region and Nigeria at large, adding that President Tinubu remained committed to building a united, prosperous and inclusive nation.

    Umahi also appealed to Nigerians to support the President’s economic reforms, noting that while they may be challenging in the short term, they were necessary for long-term national stability and growth.

    “Let us remain patient, hopeful and united. Nigeria is on the right path,” he said.

  • 2 killed As Rice Mill Collapses In Kebbi State

    Two people have been confirmed dead following the partial collapse of a section of a private rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, police and rescue officials said on Thursday.

    The incident occurred on Tuesday at the NIA-AGRI Rice Production Facility in the Bulasa area of the city when part of the rice parboiling section of the mill gave way, trapping several workers under metal wreckage.

    A statement by the Kebbi State Police Command on Wednesday said the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, led a security and rescue assessment team to the scene as emergency responders continued efforts to free survivors.

    According to the statement, two persons who were earlier evacuated were confirmed dead by medical doctors.

    One injured victim has been treated and discharged, while four others remained trapped under debris as of the time of the police visit.

    Commissioner Sani commended the joint efforts of the police, the State and Federal Fire Services, and other relevant agencies involved in the rescue operations.

    He also assured the public that adequate security had been deployed around the affected area and that a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collapse would begin after the rescue phase.

    Reacting to the tragedy, the Kebbi State Government described the incident as painful and expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and those affected by the collapse.

    Government officials said they would continue to support rescue efforts and provide necessary assistance to the victims’ families.

    The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

  • Nasarawa Senator, Godiya Akwashiki, Dies In India

    A former Senator representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District, Sen. Godiya Akwashiki, has died in India, family sources confirmed on Thursday.

    Akwashiki reportedly passed away in the early hours of Thursday while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India. The exact cause of death was not immediately disclosed as at the time of filing this report.

    The late senator was a prominent political figure in Nasarawa State and served as a member of the Senate during the Fourth Republic.

    He was widely regarded as an influential grassroots politician who played a key role in the political development of Nasarawa North Senatorial District.

    Reacting to his death, political leaders, associates and residents of Nasarawa State have expressed deep shock and sadness, describing Akwashiki as a committed public servant who dedicated his life to the service of his people.

    Akwashiki was known for his contributions to legislative debates and his advocacy for rural development, education and improved infrastructure within his constituency during his time in the National Assembly.

    The Nasarawa State Government is expected to issue an official statement in the coming hours, while arrangements are being made for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria for burial according to family wishes and cultural rites.

    He is survived by his wife, children and other relatives.

  • JUST IN: Nigeria’s New Tax Laws Begin As FIRS Transitions To Nigeria Revenue Service, Unveils New Logo

    Nigeria’s new tax regime officially took effect Thursday as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) began its transition to the newly established Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), unveiling its institutional brand identity and logo to mark the change.

    The transition comes under the sweeping tax and revenue reforms signed into law earlier this year, which replace the long-standing FIRS framework with the NRS, a centralised revenue authority mandated to oversee all federal government revenue collection and administration.

    At an event in Abuja, the NRS presented its new logo and brand elements, signalling the operational start of a “new revenue era” for the country. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the newly formed NRS, said the identity reflects the agency’s renewed commitment to efficiency, transparency and service excellence.

    “The unveiling of this new identity represents not an end, but the beginning of a strengthened relationship between the revenue authority and the Nigerian public—built on trust, clarity, and shared prosperity,” the statement issued by the NRS said.

    The legal foundation for the transition includes the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, 2025, signed by President Bola Tinubu in June, which repealed the 2007 FIRS Act and expanded the mandate of the revenue authority.

    Under the new laws, the NRS will harmonise tax and non-tax revenue administration, strengthen coordination with other revenue-generating agencies and streamline compliance procedures.

    The reforms are aimed at broadening Nigeria’s tax base and improving the efficiency of revenue mobilisation.

    Stakeholders have welcomed the development as a significant step toward modernising the country’s public finance management, although some critics have expressed concerns over the pace of implementation and components of the new tax legislation.

    As the NRS begins full operations from January 1, 2026, Nigerians are expected to engage with the reformed system, which also includes the launch of a central Tax Identification Number portal to simplify registration and reduce multiple taxation.

  • Peter Obi Defects To ADC Ahead Of 2027 Elections

    Former Anambra State Governor and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Obi announced his defection on Wednesday in Enugu, saying the move was part of a broader effort to reposition the country and build a credible opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The former governor said his decision to join the coalition-backed ADC was driven by the need to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges and chart a new course for national development.

    “We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026, we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said.

    He added that the coalition was committed to ensuring credible elections in 2027, pledging to resist electoral malpractice through lawful means.

    “We will resist rigging of elections by every lawful means in 2027,” he said.

    Obi also called on opposition leaders across the country to close ranks and work together as one family under the leadership of former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark.

    According to him, unity among opposition parties is critical to achieving meaningful political change and restoring public confidence in governance.

    Several prominent political figures attended the event, including former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Gilbert Nnaji, Enyinnya Abaribe and Sam Egwu.

    Others present were Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, members of the National Assembly, former governors from the South-East, as well as party leaders and stakeholders from across the country.

    Also in attendance were former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, and former Sokoto State Governor, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, alongside other dignitaries.

    Obi, a former two-term governor of Anambra State, has belonged to several political parties in the course of his political career. He governed Anambra under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before moving to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later the Labour Party, where he contested the 2023 presidential election.

    His defection to the ADC comes about one month after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined the party on Nov. 24, 2025.

    Atiku, who served as vice president between 1999 and 2007, had previously contested presidential elections on different party platforms, including the PDP and the now-defunct Action Congress, before leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) and returning to the PDP to contest the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections.

    Both Obi and Atiku are among leading political figures expected to vie for the ADC’s presidential ticket as the party positions itself to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.

  • 18 Killed, Including Children, In Jigawa Multiple-Vehicle Crash

    No fewer than 18 persons, including children, have been confirmed dead in a fatal road traffic crash along the Dutse–Kwanar Babaldu highway in Jigawa State.

    The accident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved three vehicles and left several others injured, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    Confirming the incident, the FRSC Sector Commander in Jigawa, Mr Umar Matazu, told the Source that the crash was caused by a tyre burst on a Volkswagen vehicle conveying passengers.

    Matazu said the tyre burst caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a collision with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction.

    He explained that moments after the initial impact, a truck rammed into the two vehicles, crushing them and leading to heavy casualties.

    “A fatal accident occurred along the Dutse to Kwanar Babaldu road involving three vehicles,” the sector commander said.

    “A Volkswagen carrying passengers had a tyre burst and lost control, colliding with another vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Unfortunately, a truck then ran into the two vehicles and crushed them.”

    Matazu disclosed that preliminary reports confirmed that 18 persons lost their lives in the crash.

    “So far, 18 people have been confirmed dead. The victims include male and female adults as well as children,” he added.

    He said personnel of the FRSC, other emergency responders and security agencies were immediately deployed to the scene of the accident to rescue survivors and clear the highway for vehicular movement.

    According to him, those who sustained injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were evacuated to appropriate facilities.

    The sector commander urged motorists to always ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey, stressing the need for regular checks on tyres and other vital vehicle components.

    “Drivers must regularly inspect their tyres and ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles. Many of these accidents are avoidable if road users exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations,” Matazu advised.

    He also cautioned motorists against speeding and reckless driving, noting that excessive speed remained a major contributor to road traffic crashes across the country.

    Matazu said the FRSC had commenced a full investigation into the incident to determine other possible contributing factors.

    The tragic incident adds to the growing number of fatal road accidents recorded in recent times, raising renewed concerns over road safety and compliance with traffic laws in Nigeria.

Verified by MonsterInsights