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  • U.S. Designates Muslim Brotherhood In Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan As Terrorist Groups

    The United States government on Tuesday officially designated three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood — located in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan — as terrorist organisations, in a move described by officials as a major step in countering extremist networks in the Middle East.

    According to statements from the U.S. State Department and the Department of the Treasury, the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood was classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) — the highest level under U.S. law — while the Egyptian and Jordanian branches were listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). These classifications immediately trigger broad sanctions, including freezing of assets, banning financial transactions, and criminalising support to these groups and their members.

    U.S. authorities explained that the move followed a comprehensive review initiated by an executive order signed in November 2025, which directed agencies to assess whether Muslim Brotherhood affiliates should be formally designated as terrorist organisations.

    Reasons For Designation:

    • Officials accused the Brotherhood branches of supporting or facilitating violent attacks targeting U.S. allies in the Middle East.

    • The Egyptian and Jordanian wings were said to have provided material support to Hamas, itself a U.S.-designated terrorist organisation.

    • The Lebanese branch was alleged to have cooperated with Hezbollah in rocket attacks into Israel.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the designations reflect the U.S. commitment to prevent extremist activity and protect American interests abroad.

    International Response:

    • Egypt welcomed the U.S. move, describing it as a recognition of the Brotherhood’s extremist activities.

    • Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf countries are expected to support Washington’s action.

    • Analysts caution that the designations may strain relations with Turkey and Qatar, where the Brotherhood has political presence.

    Background On The Muslim Brotherhood:

    • Founded in 1928 in Egypt, the Brotherhood is one of the oldest Islamist movements with branches across the Middle East.

    • The organisation has historically combined social services, political activism, and religious outreach, though some branches, such as Hamas, have been involved in armed resistance.

    • The Brotherhood briefly held power in Egypt after the 2011 Arab Spring, but was ousted in 2013 and subsequently banned by the Egyptian government.

    Implications Of The Designation:

    • Any assets held by these branches in the United States are now blocked.

    • Americans and U.S.-based organisations are prohibited from providing financial or logistical support.

    • Experts view this as both a legal and symbolic move, reflecting Washington’s alignment with regional governments opposing the Brotherhood.

    • Critics warn the designation could complicate diplomatic engagement with countries where the Brotherhood remains politically active.

  • TETFund Allocates N6.452bn to 271 Tertiary Institutions for 2026

    The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved a total of N6.452 billion for 271 tertiary institutions across Nigeria for the 2026 fiscal year, aimed at improving infrastructural development, research, and staff training in the nation’s higher education sector.

    According to a statement released by the TETFund management, the allocations are part of the agency’s annual intervention programme designed to enhance the quality of education in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

    The statement highlighted that the funds would be disbursed across various intervention categories, including academic staff training and development, research and publication, library development, and teaching and learning equipment.

    TETFund also emphasized that the allocation is performance-driven, with institutions required to provide evidence of proper utilization of previous allocations to remain eligible for future funding.

    Key Points from the Allocation:

    • Total number of institutions benefiting: 271

    • Total allocation for 2026: N6.452 billion

    Focus areas: Infrastructure, research, staff training, teaching and learning resources

    • Eligibility criteria: Proper accountability of previous TETFund disbursements.

    Speaking on the allocations, TETFund Executive Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, stressed that the fund remains committed to transforming tertiary education in Nigeria. He noted that the agency continues to ensure that funds are judiciously utilized to achieve measurable improvements in academic standards.

    “This year’s allocations reflect our continued commitment to empowering institutions and ensuring that Nigerian students have access to world-class learning environments,” Dr. Mohammed said.

    The fund’s intervention has, over the years, contributed to the construction of lecture halls, laboratories, hostels, and libraries, as well as the provision of modern equipment to facilitate teaching and research in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

    Stakeholders’ Response

    University administrators and education experts have welcomed the allocations, describing them as timely and critical for addressing infrastructural deficits and promoting quality education.

    Some experts, however, urged TETFund to enhance transparency and timely release of funds to maximize the impact on academic activities.

    The 2026 allocations mark another significant milestone in TETFund’s continuous efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, ensuring that institutions can meet global educational standards.

  • JAMB Issues Strict Warnings on Biodata Changes, Double Registration Ahead of 2026 UTME

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued stern warnings to prospective candidates of the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration exercise, emphasizing strict adherence to biodata integrity, biometric capture, and identity verification.

    In a statement signed by the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Board underscored that post-registration changes to candidate biodata will not be tolerated.

    • Key Points from JAMB’s Statement:

    ° Registration Timeline:
    Registration for both Nigerian and foreign applicants begins Monday, January 26, 2026, and ends Saturday, February 28, 2026.

    • Biodata Integrity:

    ° Candidates must use biodata supplied by NIMC.

    ° No post-registration biodata changes will be effected.

    ° NIMC updates will only be applied if candidates undergo a RE-QUERY process (TEMPL 007) during registration.

    • Double Registration Prohibited:

    ° Candidates cannot register more than once.

    ° Errors must be corrected through the Board; duplicate applications nullify all registrations.

    ° Multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) used for double registration, impersonation, or identity manipulation are strictly banned and subject to severe sanctions.

    • Biometric Verification:

    ° Only candidates’ ten fingers must be captured individually and correctly at CBT Centres.

    ° Successful biometric verification is mandatory to sit for UTME or Mock exams.

    • Third-Party Restrictions:

    ° Parents, guardians, or proxies are prohibited from transacting on candidates’ profiles.

    ° Candidates who share passwords or profile codes are responsible for any alterations made by others.

    • Disclosure of Prior Admissions:

    ° Candidates must declare previous UTME/DE registration and admission details.

    ° False or non-declaration will invalidate registration and previous admission.

    • Approved Registration Centres Only:

    ° Registration is allowed only at JAMB-approved centres.

    ° Centres will be monitored live from JAMB headquarters.

    ° Any registration at unmonitored centres may be invalidated and will not be compensated.

    JAMB Emphasizes:

    “Integrity, transparency, and adherence to registration rules are paramount. Candidates must comply fully to avoid disqualification.”

    The Board concluded that all centres participating in the 2026 registration exercise will be under strict supervision to ensure compliance with all guidelines.

  • Somalis Face Deportation as U.S. Ends Temporary Protected Status

    Thousands of Somali nationals living in the United States are facing possible deportation following the decision by the U.S. government to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) previously granted to citizens of Somalia.

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the special immigration protection, which allows beneficiaries to live and work legally in the country, would expire by March 17, 2026, after a review concluded that conditions in Somalia no longer met the requirements for the designation.

    Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian programme offered to nationals of countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary circumstances.

    Somalia has benefited from the status since 1991, when civil war and state collapse rendered large parts of the country unsafe for return.

    According to DHS officials, the decision to terminate the status was based on what they described as “improved security and governance conditions” in Somalia. The department stated that continuing the designation was no longer consistent with U.S. immigration laws and national interest considerations.

    An estimated 2,500 Somali nationals currently hold TPS in the United States, with several others having pending applications. Many of the beneficiaries reside in states such as Minnesota, which hosts one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the country.

    Immigration authorities warned that affected individuals must either secure an alternative legal status or prepare to leave the U.S. before the deadline, or risk being placed in removal proceedings.

    The decision has drawn strong criticism from human rights organisations, immigration advocates and Somali-American community leaders, who argue that Somalia remains plagued by insecurity, militant violence, drought and humanitarian challenges.

    Critics say the move could expose returnees to grave danger and disrupt families who have lived in the U.S. for decades, contributing economically and socially to their communities.

    Some advocacy groups have also indicated plans to challenge the decision in court, urging the U.S. administration to reconsider or extend the protection on humanitarian grounds.

    Meanwhile, DHS advised affected individuals to seek legal counsel and explore other immigration options, including asylum or family-based petitions, where applicable.

    The development marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy toward Somali nationals and adds to ongoing debates over the future of humanitarian protection programmes in the country.

  • Navy Backs FG’s 2.5mbpd Oil Projection By 2027

    The Nigerian Navy has expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s projection to raise crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) by 2027, pledging sustained maritime security operations to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.

    The assurance was given by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Adm. Suleiman Ibrahim, at the commencement of a renewed naval security operation aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta and adjoining maritime domain.

    Ibrahim said the Navy’s enhanced operational posture was aligned with the Federal Government’s renewed drive to boost crude oil output, attract investment and stabilise production levels across onshore and offshore fields.

    According to him, the restructured operation, now christened Operation Delta Sentinel, is designed to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response against criminal networks involved in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.

    He noted that the initiative would leverage improved inter-agency collaboration with other security services, regulatory bodies, state governments and host communities to ensure comprehensive protection of critical national assets.

    “The Nigerian Navy remains committed to providing a secure maritime environment that will enable the nation to achieve its oil production targets, including the Federal Government’s projection of 2.5mbpd by 2027,” Ibrahim said.

    He disclosed that sustained naval operations in recent years had contributed significantly to the reduction of crude oil losses, adding that reported daily losses had dropped drastically compared to previous years.

    The naval chief said the operation would also deploy modern maritime domain awareness tools, including aerial surveillance assets and patrol platforms, to enhance coverage of Nigeria’s vast coastal and offshore areas.

    Ibrahim emphasised that community engagement would remain central to the success of the operation, stressing that cooperation from residents of oil-producing areas was critical to eliminating sabotage and criminality.

    He reiterated the Navy’s resolve to protect legitimate economic activities, ensure safety of navigation and support national efforts to stabilise and grow the economy through improved oil production.

    The FOC assured stakeholders that the Navy would continue to adapt its strategies to emerging threats, while maintaining professionalism and respect for human rights in the conduct of its operations.

  • NiMet Approves Revised Conditions Of Service For Staff

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has approved a revised Conditions of Service (CoS) for its staff, in a move aimed at improving welfare, boosting morale and enhancing productivity across the agency.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by NiMet’s Management, following the conclusion of consultations with relevant stakeholders, including organised labour unions within the agency.

    According to the statement, the revised Conditions of Service were approved by the NiMet Governing Board after a comprehensive review process that considered prevailing economic realities, staff welfare concerns and the need to align the agency’s operations with global best practices in meteorological services.

    The new CoS is expected to address key areas such as career progression, promotions, training and capacity building, disciplinary procedures, staff benefits and general working conditions.

    Management noted that the approval of the revised document underscores the agency’s commitment to improving staff welfare and creating a conducive working environment that will enable personnel to deliver accurate and timely weather and climate information in support of national development.

    “The revised Conditions of Service reflect our resolve to prioritise staff welfare while strengthening institutional efficiency and professionalism in the discharge of NiMet’s statutory responsibilities,” the statement said.

    It added that the review process was inclusive, transparent and guided by extant public service rules, as well as applicable regulations governing agencies under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

    NiMet management also commended staff members for their patience, cooperation and dedication throughout the review period, assuring them that the implementation of the revised CoS would commence immediately in line with approved guidelines.

    The statement further urged staff to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the new Conditions of Service and continue to discharge their duties diligently in support of the agency’s mandate of providing reliable meteorological services for aviation safety, agriculture, disaster risk reduction and socio-economic planning.

    NiMet is Nigeria’s official weather and climate service provider, responsible for monitoring atmospheric conditions and issuing forecasts and early warnings to safeguard lives, property and the nation’s economy.

  • Customs Seizes 1,800 Petrol Cans Worth N58m In Anti-Smuggling Operation In Adamawa

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted and seized no fewer than 1,800 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, valued at about N58 million, while being smuggled out of the country to Cameroon.

    The seizure was made by operatives of the Operation Whirlwind, a special anti-smuggling task force of the Customs, during a coordinated operation along identified smuggling routes in Adamawa State.

    Speaking while displaying the seized petroleum products to journalists on Tuesday, the Comptroller of Customs, in charge of the operation, said the action was part of sustained efforts by the Service to curb the illegal exportation of subsidised petroleum products through Nigeria’s porous borders.

    According to him, the smugglers had attempted to evade security checks by transporting the petrol in 1,800 25-litre jerry cans, concealed in remote border communities and bush paths linking Nigeria to neighbouring Cameroon.

    “Our officers, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the consignment before it could cross the border. The total value of the seized PMS is estimated at N58 million,” he said.

    The comptroller noted that the illegal smuggling of petrol not only undermines Nigeria’s economy but also worsens fuel scarcity and drives up prices within the country.

    He warned smugglers and their collaborators to desist from such activities, stressing that the NCS would not relent in enforcing existing laws against economic sabotage.

    “Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious economic crime. We will continue to intensify patrols and surveillance along border corridors to ensure that offenders are apprehended and brought to justice,” he added.

    The Customs boss commended officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism, urging them to sustain the tempo in line with the Service’s mandate.

    He also called on border communities to support security agencies with timely information, assuring that informants’ identities would be protected.

    The seized petroleum products are to be disposed of in line with existing government regulations, while investigations are ongoing to track and arrest those behind the smuggling attempt.

    The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to secure Nigeria’s borders and protect national economic interests.

  • Nutritionists Urge Parents To Cut Children’s Consumption Of Processed Foods

    Leading nutritionists in Nigeria have called on parents and guardians to limit the consumption of processed foods among children, citing rising concerns over childhood obesity and related health complications.

    Speaking during a health seminar organised by the Nigerian Nutrition Society (NNS) in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Evelyn Okafor, a senior dietitian at the National Hospital, stressed that processed foods, including sugary snacks, packaged snacks, and fast food items, contribute significantly to poor dietary habits in children.

    “Parents must take responsibility for the nutritional choices of their children. Excessive consumption of processed foods can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other long-term health problems. We encourage the inclusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in children’s diets,” Dr. Okafor said.

    Dr. Okafor further highlighted that children exposed to high levels of sodium, sugar, and artificial additives are more likely to develop cardiovascular and metabolic disorders later in life.

    Similarly, Mr. Chinedu Nwosu, a nutrition expert with the Ministry of Health, advised schools to regulate the types of snacks available to pupils. “Schools have a crucial role to play. By limiting processed foods in cafeterias and encouraging healthier alternatives, we can instil good eating habits from an early age,” he noted.

    The nutritionists also urged the government to implement nationwide campaigns promoting healthy eating and to regulate advertising of processed foods targeted at children.

    Parents, experts say, should actively involve children in meal planning and preparation, ensuring balanced diets that support proper growth and development.

    Background: Recent studies by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research indicate that over 20 per cent of Nigerian children aged 6–12 years are overweight or obese, a figure that has doubled in the last decade due to changing dietary patterns and increased consumption of processed foods.

  • Three Bank Mergers Loom Ahead Of Recapitalisation Deadline – Report

    No fewer than three bank mergers are expected in Nigeria in the coming months as some financial institutions intensify efforts to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalisation deadline, a new industry report has revealed.

    The report, which reviewed the outlook of Nigeria’s banking sector ahead of the deadline, indicated that while top-tier banks have largely made significant progress in meeting the new capital requirements, several mid-tier and smaller banks are under pressure to shore up their capital base.

    According to the findings, mergers and acquisitions have emerged as a viable option for banks that may be unable to raise fresh capital through rights issues, public offers or private placements before the regulatory deadline.

    The CBN had earlier announced a new recapitalisation programme aimed at strengthening the financial system, improving banks’ capacity to absorb shocks, and positioning the sector to support Nigeria’s long-term economic growth objectives.

    Under the new framework, banks are required to meet revised minimum capital thresholds depending on their licence category, with failure to comply likely to attract regulatory sanctions, including forced mergers, acquisitions or licence downgrades.

    The report noted that the recapitalisation exercise has triggered heightened activities within the banking industry, with institutions exploring strategic partnerships, consolidation talks and other balance-sheet strengthening measures.

    It added that consolidation could lead to a reduction in the number of operating banks in the country but would ultimately result in stronger institutions with enhanced capital buffers and improved ability to finance large-scale projects.

    Analysts cited in the report warned, however, that mergers often come with challenges such as integration of systems, alignment of corporate cultures and management restructuring, especially within a limited timeframe.

    Stakeholders in the financial sector have urged banks to act swiftly to avoid last-minute regulatory pressure, stressing that early compliance would boost investor confidence and ensure stability in the industry.

    The report further projected that merger and acquisition activities in the banking sector could intensify as the recapitalisation deadline draws closer, with regulatory authorities expected to closely monitor compliance levels.

    The recapitalisation exercise is part of broader reforms by the CBN to strengthen financial intermediation, promote economic resilience and safeguard the Nigerian banking system against domestic and global shocks.

  • FG, KPMG Officials Hold High-Level Talks On Concerns Over New Tax Laws

    The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja held a high-level meeting with senior officials of KPMG Nigeria to address concerns raised over the implementation of newly enacted tax laws, amid intense public and private sector debate on the reforms’ implications.

    The discussions, attended by representatives of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), focused on clarifying technical issues arising from a recent KPMG report which highlighted what the professional services firm described as “errors, inconsistencies, gaps, omissions and lacunae” in major provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act and related reforms.

    Clarifying Grey Areas

    According to an official statement by the NRS, the delegation from KPMG explained that some earlier public interpretations of their analysis had been misconstrued and expressed regret for any misunderstanding. The team used the meeting to seek further clarity on specific provisions of the new tax laws, particularly regarding the taxation of shares, treatment of dividends, non-resident tax obligations and foreign exchange deductions.

    While acknowledging the professional firm’s technical concerns, the NRS said KPMG representatives commended Dr. Zacch A. Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the NRS, for his leadership and the prompt implementation of the new tax framework. The delegates described the reforms as “necessary and timely” and pledged continued engagement to support effective tax administration and national economic growth.

    Government Stance on Tax Reform

    The meeting follows public responses from the Federal Government, including a statement by the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who has defended the tax laws and insisted that some of KPMG’s criticisms stemmed from a misunderstanding of the policy intent behind the reforms.

    Government officials have maintained that the new tax regime, which took effect from January 1, 2026, is designed to simplify the tax system, broaden the tax base, reduce the cost of doing business and stimulate investment across key sectors of the economy. They argue that these reforms, although ambitious and comprehensive, are necessary to restructure the nation’s fiscal architecture.

    Call for Sustained Dialogue

    Both the Federal Government and KPMG agreed that ongoing engagement and structured dialogue with stakeholders, including professional firms and business leaders, are essential to resolve emerging issues and ensure clarity for taxpayers nationwide.The two sides underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing practical challenges during the early stages of implementation.

    Observers note that the outcome of these discussions could significantly influence corporate confidence, investor sentiment and compliance levels as Nigeria transitions to the new tax regime.

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