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  • Nurses Condemn Killing Of Abuja Colleague, Demand Justice

    The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has condemned the killing of a 28-years-old nurse in Abuja, describing the incident as brutal, heartbreaking and a grave assault on the nursing profession.

    The association said the deceased, who was reportedly attacked by suspected “one-chance” robbers, was a dedicated healthcare worker whose life was cut short while returning from duty.

    Speaking with the sources on Tuesday in Abuja, the Chairman of (NANNM), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Mr. Daniel Akpan, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were swiftly arrested and prosecuted.

    Akpan said the killing had thrown nurses across the FCT and the country into mourning, stressing that no society could thrive when those who saves lives were unsafe.

    “This is a painful and unacceptable loss. Our colleague went out to earn an honest living and never returned. Nurses are already working under immense pressure, and now they are being killed in cold blood,” he said.

    He urged the Federal Government, the FCT Administration and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb criminal activities, particularly the menace of one-chance robberies in the nation’s capital.

    According to him, Abuja, which should be one of the safest cities in the country, has witnessed rising cases of abductions, robberies and killings, instilling fear among residents, especially health workers who often travel early or late due to shift duties.

    Akpan also called for improved public transportation safety, increased surveillance, and regular patrols in identified crime-prone areas to prevent a recurrence.

    Similarly, the National President of (NANNM), Mr. Haruna Mamman, in a statement, demanded justice for the slain nurse and appealed to authorities to treat the matter with urgency.

    Mamman said the association would not relent in engaging relevant stakeholders until concrete steps were taken to guarantee the safety of nurses and other healthcare workers nationwide.

    “The life of every Nigerian nurse matters. We demand justice for our fallen colleagues and assurance that such tragedies will not continue,” he said.

    He added that the association was considering peaceful advocacy actions to draw national attention to the growing insecurity affecting health workers.

    Some colleagues of the deceased, who spoke to Sources on condition of anonymity, described her as hardworking, compassionate and committed to patient care.

    They called on government at all levels to prioritise the safety of citizens, warning that continued insecurity could worsen the ongoing brain drain in the health sector.

    Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to track down those responsible for the killing.

    The police urged the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could aid the investigation.

  • Naira Holds Firm At Opening Of Trading Week; FX Market Watched Closely

    The Nigerian naira maintained relative stability against the United States dollar in early trading this week amid mixed signals from the foreign exchange (FX) market and ongoing investor interest in the local currency.

    Data monitored on Tuesday, 6 January, showed the naira exchanging around ₦1,431 to the dollar at the official window, reflecting a modest improvement from prior sessions and continued resilience following positive momentum from 2025.

    Analysts said that although the official market remains stable, the parallel or black market continues to quote weaker rates, with bureau de change operators in major cities reporting dollar prices between ₦1,495 and ₦1,510, underscoring a persistent spread between formal and informal market segments.

    Observers attributed the relative calm in the official FX market to sustained Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) interventions, improved dollar inflows and ongoing foreign portfolio interest following last year’s reforms.

    ECONOMIC FACTORS ON FX PRESSURE

    The naira’s performance comes against a backdrop of renewed foreign exchange demand, particularly from importers and manufacturers restocking ahead of the first quarter. Market participants noted that post-festive trading activity has contributed to modest upside pressure on the dollar across both official and informal segments.

    Despite these pressures, the naira closed 2025 with its first annual gain in over a decade, appreciating by about 7.4 per cent against the dollar, according to official Central Bank of Nigeria figures. This marked a symbolic reversal of the depreciation trend that dominated much of the past decade.

    Business confidence has also shown signs of improvement, with surveys indicating positive sentiment among domestic firms driven by expectations of stronger naira performance and enhanced operating conditions in 2026.

    INVESTOR AND POLICY WATCH

    Market strategists continue to monitor global and domestic drivers of FX volatility. Recent commentary highlighted potential external pressures from broader dollar strength in international markets, tied to macroeconomic data releases and geopolitical developments, which could influence naira performance in the short term.

    CBN policies aimed at deepening liquidity and improving price discovery in the FX market are also under scrutiny. Policymakers have reiterated commitments to maintain orderly conditions while balancing demand and supply dynamics.

    OUTLOOK

    While the outlook for the naira remains cautiously optimistic, analysts warn that the divergence between official and parallel market rates and evolving external influences could shape exchange rate trends in the coming weeks.

    Continued CBN market interventions and robust foreign exchange inflows will be key to sustaining recent gains.

  • Despite Rollout Of Free Meters, Discos Prioritised Paid Meters In Q3

    Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) across the country prioritised the installation of paid meters over free meters in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, despite the ongoing Federal Government–backed free metering programme aimed at reducing estimated billing, official data has shown.

    The data, obtained from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), indicated that while thousands of meters were deployed nationwide between July and September, a higher proportion were installed under paid metering schemes, including the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) initiative, compared to free meters distributed through the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

    According to the report, DisCos cited funding constraints, logistical challenges and delayed remittances under the NMMP as key reasons for the preference for paid meters during the period under review.

    The NMMP was introduced by the Federal Government to close the metering gap in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and protect consumers from arbitrary and estimated billing, particularly low-income households.

    However, the Q3 figures revealed that although free meters were rolled out in some franchise areas, the pace of deployment lagged behind paid meter installations, raising concerns among consumer rights groups and electricity customers.

    Speaking with the Sources, an energy analyst, Mr. Tunde Adebayo, said the trend underscored persistent structural issues in the power sector.

    “DisCos are businesses, and without predictable funding, they will naturally prioritise metering options that guarantee quicker cost recovery. Unfortunately, this undermines the social objective of the free metering programme,” Adebayo said.

    He noted that the delay in free meter deployment could prolong the prevalence of estimated billing, which has remained a major source of disputes between consumers and DisCos.

    Similarly, the President of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN), Mr. Kunle Olubiyo, described the situation as disappointing, calling on the Federal Government to strengthen oversight and ensure that DisCos adhere to metering targets under the NMMP.

    Olubiyo urged NERC to impose stricter sanctions on DisCos that failed to prioritise free meters for vulnerable consumers, in line with government policy.

    “We appreciate that some progress has been made, but the reality is that many Nigerians who were promised free meters are still waiting, while those who can afford to pay are being served faster,” he said.

    In its response, NERC acknowledged the disparity in metering deployment and reaffirmed its commitment to achieving full metering of electricity customers nationwide.

    The commission said it was engaging DisCos, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other stakeholders to address funding bottlenecks and accelerate the rollout of free meters under subsequent phases of the NMMP.

    NERC also warned that DisCos would continue to face regulatory penalties for non-compliance with metering regulations and customer service standards.

    The commission added that closing the metering gap remained critical to improving transparency, boosting consumer confidence and enhancing revenue assurance in the power sector.

  • One-chance Robbers Kill 28-year-old Nurse, Dump Her Corpse On Abuja Road

    Suspected one-chance robbers have killed a 28-year-old nurse, identified as Ms. Grace Onyekachi, and dumped her lifeless body by the roadside in Abuja, the Source reports.

    The incident reportedly occurred on Monday night along the Lugbe–Airport Road axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the victim was said to have boarded a commercial vehicle believed to be operated by criminal elements popularly known as “one-chance.”

    Eyewitnesses told sources that the corpse was discovered early Tuesday by passers-by, prompting a distress call to security operatives and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    A resident of the area, Mr. Sadiq Musa, said the deceased was found with visible bruises and signs of struggle, suggesting she may have been assaulted before being killed.

    “People noticed her body by the roadside this morning. From what we saw, she was beaten and probably pushed out of a moving vehicle,” Musa said.

    Further investigations revealed that the victim was a trained nurse working with a private hospital in the FCT and was returning home after her evening shift when she boarded the vehicle.

    A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident to Sources, saying the body had been evacuated to a government hospital for autopsy.

    “The case has been reported, and investigation is ongoing to track down the perpetrators. We are intensifying patrols and intelligence gathering around known one-chance flashpoints,” the source said.

    The spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, however, said an official statement would be issued after preliminary investigations were concluded.

    Meanwhile, colleagues and family members of the deceased described her as hardworking and dedicated, calling on the authorities to ensure justice.

    The killing has reignited concerns over the resurgence of one-chance robberies in Abuja, particularly along major routes such as Lugbe, Kubwa, Gwagwalada and Nyanya axes.

    Sources report that residents have repeatedly called on security agencies and the FCT Administration to strengthen surveillance, increase night patrols and regulate commercial transport operations to curb the menace.

    Some commuters also urged the government to deploy more CCTV cameras and improve street lighting to enhance public safety in the nation’s capital.

    As of the time of filing this report, security agencies were yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident.

  • Nigerian Troops Rescue Retired Colonel From Kidnappers In Plateau

    Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued a retired senior military officer, Colonel Joseph Ajanaku (rtd), from his abductors in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, ending a dramatic hostage ordeal that lasted several hours, the military and local sources said on Tuesday.

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and elements of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) launched a highly coordinated intelligence‑led rescue mission after Colonel Ajanaku was abducted at about 12:45 a.m. on Sunday from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road in Jos.

    Swift Military Response

    Military sources said the retired officer was whisked away by armed gunmen shortly after they invaded his home in the early hours of Sunday, sparking immediate distress calls from residents. Within minutes, troops were mobilised and trailed the kidnappers through wildlife park terrains, caves and rocky hideouts known to be used by criminal elements in the area.

    According to security insiders, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of N200 million and threatening to kill the colonel if any attempt was made to rescue him by force. Despite the threats, military authorities elected to sustain pressure through covert tracking and intelligence support rather than capitulate to the ransom demand.

    By early evening, troops located the hostage near the Rafiki axis of Bassa LGA and successfully freed him without reported casualties among security personnel or civilians. The colonel was promptly taken to a military medical facility for a comprehensive check‑up, authorities said.

    Eyewitness Accounts

    Residents of Rafiki and adjoining communities commended the swift intervention of the military. Mrs. Grace Dabo, a trader in the area, said she heard intensified helicopter and vehicular movement in the afternoon. “We began to see soldiers moving in groups around the highlands.

    By evening, we heard news that the colonel had been rescued,” she said. “People here are relieved because kidnappings have become a worry for everyone.”

    Another resident, Mr. Timothy Akau, described hearing sporadic gunshots as troops engaged in the final phase of the operation. “It was frightening but we were hopeful troops would bring him back alive,” he added.

    Security Analysis: Growing Kidnapping Trends

    Security analysts say kidnapping for ransom has grown into a multi‑dimensional threat across Nigeria, especially in volatile areas such as the North‑West, North‑Central and parts of the
    Middle Belt, including Plateau State.

    National statistics show households, travellers, clerics, schoolchildren and security personnel have been targets of abductions by criminal gangs and bandits over recent years.

    Analysts note that although nationwide data suggested a reduction in reported kidnapping cases in 2024, the crime remains pervasive, with mass abductions, highway attacks and ransom‑driven kidnappings continuing to pose major challenges to national security.

    Plateau has recorded multiple kidnapping and rescue incidents, with security operations yielding arrests of suspected kidnappers and the recovery of arms in the state in recent months. Authorities have also neutralised suspected operatives during counter‑kidnapping missions.

    Background: Kidnapping in Plateau and Beyond

    Kidnapping in Plateau has entrenched itself as part of the broader insecurity landscape in North‑Central Nigeria, where criminal syndicates exploit rugged terrain and porous borders with neighbouring states.

    In recent years, law enforcement agencies, including military and police, have stepped up patrols, intelligence sharing and community engagement to disrupt such networks.

    Security experts argue that addressing the root causes of kidnapping involves not just force but also socioeconomic interventions, enhanced intelligence capabilities and robust cooperation with local communities to reduce the incidence of abductions.

    The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Plateau State and across the country, urging residents to continue providing actionable information to security agencies.

  • Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Stabilizes Near ₦1,470; Market Watches Currency Movements

    The exchange rate of the United States Dollar (USD) to the Nigerian Naira (NGN) remained relatively stable on Tuesday, with the mid-market rate hovering around ₦1,470 to the dollar in major currency markets.

    Data from foreign exchange tracking platforms show that 1 USD was exchanging at approximately ₦1,470.24, reflecting minimal change compared with recent sessions and pointing to modest market activity ahead of key economic data releases this week.

    According to currency conversion services, the average USD/NGN rate over the past week moved in a narrow range, with a high near ₦1,470.24 and a low around ₦1,460.11, indicating subdued volatility in the foreign exchange market in the opening days of the new year.

    Market Dynamics & Context

    The Naira’s rate against the Dollar has seen relatively moderate fluctuations since late December, with year-end data showing trading levels that ranged broadly in the mid-₦1,400s to low ₦1,500s in 2025.

    Analysts attribute the steady performance to a combination of foreign exchange inflows, improved liquidity on the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), and ongoing policy signals from the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed at stabilising the currency.

    Official Versus Market Rates

    It is important to note that the mid-market rate — typically used by banks and international money transfer services — may differ from retail or bureau de change rates available to consumers and businesses.

    Official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) rates are published daily by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and these often serve as benchmarks for policy and large institutional transactions.

    Outlook & Expert Views

    Economists say that while the Naira has shown some resilience in recent months, exchange rates remain sensitive to global dollar strength, fluctuations in crude oil prices, and Nigeria’s foreign reserve levels.

    With geopolitical tensions and international economic indicators putting intermittent pressure on the US Dollar globally, market watchers will be tracking developments closely in the coming weeks.

    Summary Figures (January 6, 2026):

    • Mid-Market USD/NGN Rate: ~₦1,470 per USD

    • Weekly Range: ~₦1,460 – ₦1,470

    The exchange rate today reflects a cautious yet broadly stable start to trading for the Nigerian currency in the new year, even as external economic conditions remain dynamic.

  • Appeal Court Upholds Death Sentence On Woman For Killing Ex-Husband

    The Court of Appeal has affirmed the death sentence imposed on a Kebbi State woman, Farida Abubakar, for the murder of her ex-husband, Chief Magistrate Attahiru Muhammad-Ibrahim.

    In a unanimous judgment on Monday in appeal No. CA/S/75C/2025, a three-member panel of the appellate court sitting in Sokoto, led by Justice Tunde Awotoye, dismissed her appeal and upheld the conviction and sentence handed down by the Kebbi State High Court on June 3, 2024.

    Delivering judgment, the court held that Abubakar’s appeal lacks merit and affirmed that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, including the trial court’s reliance on the doctrine of last seen and other evidence on record.

    At the trial, the prosecution, led by Barrister Zainab Muhammad Jabbo of the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, called 12 witnesses and tendered multiple exhibits, including Abubakar’s extra-judicial statement and circumstantial evidence linking her to the killing of her former husband.

    According to court records, the evidence showed that the victim was stabbed in the abdomen, neck and left arm with a sharp object, resulting in his death on the night of August 25, 2022.

    While the appellate court noted that Abubakar’s extra-judicial statements were not treated as confessions, it held that all essential elements of the offence were established, justifying the death sentence by hanging under Section 191(b) of the Kebbi State Penal Code.

    The court also upheld a seven-year prison term under Section 224(1) for causing grievous hurt.

    Abubakar, who was represented by A. N. Salau, Esq., has filed a further appeal at the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the appellate court’s decision.

    The case reflects the judiciary’s stance on violent crime and the rigorous application of evidential standards in serious criminal matters across Nigeria’s legal system.

  • No Plan To Hike UTME Form Price, Says JAMB

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dispelled rumours of an impending increase in the cost of application forms for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration.

    In a statement contained in its Weekly Bulletin released on Monday in Abuja, the board emphasised that the fees for UTME and DE application documents will remain unchanged, maintaining the same cost structure that has prevailed for several years.

    JAMB noted that it has not increased the price of its application documents in the last nine years, and in fact, has reduced some charges for prospective candidates within that period.

    The board attributed the stability in fees to its commitment to making access to tertiary education more affordable for Nigerian families, particularly in the face of prevailing economic challenges.

    According to the bulletin, the decision to maintain the current fee regime reflects the directive of the Federal Government to align the board’s activities with national development priorities that emphasise affordability and transparency in educational processes.

    The Board warned that fees would only be reviewed upwards if it becomes absolutely necessary to sustain the integrity and quality of the examination process.

    It urged parents, guardians and prospective candidates to plan early for the upcoming exercise as the cost implication for the 2026 UTME/DE remains largely the same as that of the previous year.

    JAMB also advised candidates to ensure that their National Identification Number (NIN) details are accurate before registration begins, noting that any discrepancies could affect the registration process.

    The board is expected to commence the sale of application documents and the registration process in the coming weeks, with strict enforcement of the registration window once it opens, it added.

  • Federal Government FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme 2026

    Including direct links, key steps, and a document checklist to help you successfully apply and join the programme.

    Official Application Portal;
    Visit the official programme portal:https://fg-skillnovation.alat.ng/

    This is the recognised site for information, application access links, mentorship and training details.

    Step-by-Step Application Instructions

    1. Prepare Before You Begin
    Ensure you have the following ready:

    • A valid Nigerian phone number

    • A working email address

    • A digital device (smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC) with internet access

    • Clear digital copies of your documents (listed later below)

    Being prepared makes the online form much faster to fill out and reduces mistakes.

    2. Open the Online Application Form
    Visit the official portal at
    https://fg-skillnovation.alat.ng/
    Click “Apply Now” on the homepage.
    This will take you to the application form or registration page.

    3. Create Your Profile

    The application will usually require:
    • Full name

    • Email address

    • Phone number

    • State of residence

    • Category you’re applying under (choose the one that matches your profile):

    ° Job seeker

    ° Working professional

    ° Business owner / entrepreneur

    ° Aspiring business owner

    • Password creation for portal access

    This sets up your account and dashboard where you can track your application.

    4. Fill Out the Digital Application Form

    Enter your: 

    • Personal details (name, address, age, etc.)

    • Educational background (highest qualification)

    • Category selection (Jobseeker / Entrepreneur / Professional)

    • Any previous work experience or business details (if applicable)

    • Area of interest (skills you want to acquire)

    Be complete and accurate — providing good answers improves your chance to be selected.

    5. Upload Required Documents

    Upload scanned or digital copies of the following (as applicable):

    For Individuals:

    • Valid means of ID (e.g., National ID, International Passport, Driver’s Licence)

    • Recent passport photo

    • Resume/CV or profile summary (optional but recommended)

    • Academic certificates (if you have them)

    • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or local ID)
    Ensure files are clear — blurry uploads may be rejected.

    For MSME / Business Owners:

    • Valid business registration (CAC RC number)

    • Business profile / description

    • Business plan or concept note (for funding/grant consideration)

    • Recent bank statement (if applicable)

    • Any sector-specific certificates

    This strengthens your business case for grants or loans.

    6. Submit the Application

    • Double-check all entries and uploaded files before hitting “Submit.”

    • After submission, you should receive an email confirmation or SMS.

    • Your email will become the login username for your portal dashboard.

    7. Access Your Learning Dashboard (if selected)

    Selected applicants may get credentials to access the training dashboard.

    A known portal link in use for training access is:
    https://fgnalat.getfundedafrica.com/portal

    • Log in with your registered email and password.

    • First-time login may prompt you to reset your password.

    8. Follow Up & Prepare

    • After submission, save your:

    • Confirmation email

    • Application reference (if provided)

    • Monitor your email/SMS for any updates or invitations to virtual/physical training.

    Document Checklist
    Required Documents
    Category

    All Applicants;
    • Valid ID, Email, Phone Number

    • Individuals (Jobseekers /
    Professionals);

    CV/Resume, Academic certificates (optional), Proof of residence

    • Business Owners;

    CAC registration, Business profile, Bank statement, Business plan concept

    • Aspiring Entrepreneurs;

    Concept note / business idea summary

    Keep all documents ready as clear PDFs or images before beginning.

    Important Tips

    • Use Google Chrome or a modern browser for the portal.

    • Ensure file uploads are not larger than the portal limit (usually <5MB).

    • Apply early — cohorts may have rolling reviews.

    • Check spam/junk mail for portal communication.

    • Use an active email and phone —this is how you’ll receive invites for training and mentorship.

  • NNPC Reduces Petrol Price To N815/Litre Amid Market Competition

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N815 per litre, as competition intensifies in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

    The price reduction, which took effect across several NNPC retail outlets nationwide, follows similar adjustments by some independent and major oil marketers, amid increased fuel supply and evolving market dynamics.

    Findings by the Sources on Monday revealed that the new price represents a drop from the previous average of about N850 per litre, though variations still exist depending on location, transportation costs and operational expenses.

    NNPC Ltd. confirmed the adjustment in a statement, noting that the decision was influenced by prevailing market realities and its commitment to ensuring energy affordability for Nigerians.

    According to the company, the deregulated market framework allows prices to respond to supply and demand forces, adding that recent improvements in local refining capacity and import optimisation have contributed to the downward review.

    Industry analysts say the growing presence of private refiners, including output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and modular refineries, has intensified competition, forcing marketers to reconsider pricing strategies to retain market share.

    An energy expert, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, told NAN that the development was a positive signal for consumers.

    “With more players in the market and reduced dependence on imports, we are beginning to see competitive pricing. If supply remains stable, further reductions are possible,” he said.

    Motorists in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt who spoke with our correspondent welcomed the price cut, describing it as a relief amid rising living costs, though some urged the government and marketers to ensure uniform implementation nationwide.

    However, petroleum marketers cautioned that sustained price stability would depend on factors such as crude oil prices, exchange rate movements, logistics costs and policy consistency.

    NNPC Ltd. reiterated its assurance of adequate fuel supply across the country, urging Nigerians to avoid panic buying, while restating its role as a key stabiliser in the nation’s energy market.

    The petrol price reduction comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector aimed at enhancing transparency, encouraging private investment and protecting consumers under a fully deregulated regime.

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