Retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme have vowed to resume their protests on October 14 at the National Assembly, despite recent interventions by the Inspector General of Police and President Bola Tinubu.

The retirees have for years demanded their removal from the CPS and the creation of a dedicated Police Pension Board, similar to those enjoyed by the military and the Department of State Services.

In response to their protest in July, the IG, who decried the humiliating conditions of retirees under the scheme, said the police leadership had initiated efforts to augment the pension of retired officers and had presented its position to the National Assembly during the public hearing of the bill seeking to exempt the police from the scheme.

Also, on August 7, the president ordered the immediate implementation of overdue pension increases and the rollout of free healthcare access for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He also ordered PenCom to resolve the issue surrounding police pension.

Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the leader of the aggrieved officers, CSP Mannir Lawal (retd.), said the retirees had grown frustrated over the continued delay in exiting the scheme, which he described as exploitative and unfair to members of the Nigeria Police Force.

“We are coming out en masse again on October 14 at the National Assembly. An order was given by the President, but they are trying to moderate the CPS to attract our attention. But we have told them that no matter the adjustments, we don’t want to remain under it. We want a total exit and the establishment of the Nigerian Police Pension Board.”

He disclosed that the leadership of the National Pension Commission had met with the group, but the retirees insisted on their position.

“The PenCom boss met with us, and we made it clear that we don’t want to remain under the CPS. The Army, the DSS, and the NIA have all exited the scheme. Why are the police being treated differently? Did we commit a crime by serving as police officers?”

Lawal expressed frustration that many Nigerians were unaware of the difficulties facing retired officers under the scheme, describing it as a “scam.”

“People outside don’t know what is happening, but we inside know. The CPS is a scam—a real scam. We have been on this for over 15 years. We have written to Mr. President several times, but there has been no concrete response. We have been pushed to the wall.”

Lawal said the October 14 protest would continue until the government grants their demand for a full exit from the CPS and the creation of a dedicated Nigerian Police Pension Board.

The legal team of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), yesterday, has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the discontinuation of terrorism charges against the Biafran agitator.

Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara said Tinubu should discontinue Kanu’s trial so that he can continue with his Biafra agitation.

Opara disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Abuja Federal High Court on Wednesday.

According to Opara: “Now to the President, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, please, as a matter of urgency, direct the Attorney General to discontinue this one with charges.

“This charge is embarrassing Nigeria before the world, and the more they keep applying for adjournment, I know that they must have advised you, telling you that they don’t have a case.

“So in order to protect the integrity of Nigeria, please allow the judges to discontinue this particular charge.

“And so that Kanu can continue with this agitation, address all those issues that gave rise to the agitation, it will be able to come down, anything short of that, Nnamdi Kanu is expected to continue with the agitation.”

Opara warned Tinubu that those around his administration giving him ill-advice are making his government unpopular.

He said the Attorney General of the Federation will never tell Tinubu the truth.

“And all those people that are surrounding you, praising you, they are deceiving you, they are making your government unpopular.

“We are the people that are helping your government to tell you the truth. The Attorney General will not tell you the truth, of course. We are the people that will tell you the truth,” he said.

The House of Representatives, through its Ad-hoc Committee on illegal mining, has promised to recover the $9 billion lost annually to illicit mining activities across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee yedterday, the Chairman, Sanni Abdulraheem, said illegal mining not only constitutes an economic drain pipe to the nation.

To arrest the scourge, the federal government launched the mining marshals in 2024.

Their activities have culminated in the arrest of over 300 illegal miners in 10 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.

Additionally, 98 illegal mining sites spread across the country have been shut down.

“It is estimated that Nigeria loses approximately $9 billion annually due to illegal mining activities. This theft of our resources that should be enriching our nation has gone on for far too long, and it is time to put an end to it,” Abdulraheem said.

According to him, the Committee is charged with blocking revenue leakages, enforcing transparency, and ensuring that the nation’s mineral wealth contributes fully to economic development.

“As we move forward, one of the core objectives of this Committee is to block the revenue leakages caused by illegal mining and its associated activities, which not only steal from our national treasury but also hinder the growth of legitimate mining operations that could contribute substantially to our national Internally Generated Revenue.

“Through structured oversight, we will strengthen revenue tracking mechanisms and ensure that the full benefits of Nigeria’s mining sector flow directly into government coffers, rather than being siphoned off through illegal mining activities.

“Equally important is the issue of criminality and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. These activities not only fuel insecurity, but they also lead to the pollution of our waterways, the degradation of our forests, and the displacement of vulnerable communities. This is a matter of national urgency to tackle these issues head-on,” he added.

Stressing that the lower chamber would leave no stone unturned, he said the committee stands firmly on the constitutional mandate entrusted to it by Nigerians.

While pledging the readiness of the parliament to deal decisively with anyone found to be involved in illegal mining, the Committee chairman urged citizens to expose criminals in their midst in the interest of the nation.

“We are committed to fulfilling our oversight responsibility as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to expose corruption in any form, curb malpractices, and ensure that our resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“It is through such diligent oversight that we will rid our nation of the cancer of illegal mining, safeguard the environment, and protect the well-being of our citizens. Through the powers granted to us, we will investigate, gather evidence, and propose actionable solutions that will restore sanity and accountability to Nigeria’s mining sector,” he added.

On the Ajaokuta Steel Company, he assured that the Tinubu-led administration has shown leadership and willingness to revive the national asset.

“For many years, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has stood as a symbol of unrealised potential. However, I am proud to say that it is now on track to fulfil its true promise. The current administration has shown unprecedented political will to rejuvenate this critical national asset.

“This is reflected in the appointment of an indigenous professional to lead its revival, a move that gives us hope for the future of Nigeria’s steel industry. With Ajaokuta poised for success, we are looking at not just an economic game-changer but a cornerstone for our industrialisation, job creation, and long-term economic growth,” he said.

Representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commander of Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, assured the committee of the Corps’ full cooperation.

Onoja disclosed that since the launch of the Mining Marshals operation in March 2024, the NSCDC has arrested over 500 illegal miners, with about 270 currently facing trial.

“I want to say very quickly that over 500 illegal miners have been arrested in the course of this operation. And this particular number that we are talking about, about 270 others are currently facing trial as we speak today.

“Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defence Corps, as an agency, is assuring this Honourable Committee of our maximum cooperation, maximum support where necessary to ensure that this all-important tax is achieved,” he stated

The World Bank has warned that around 139 million Nigerians are now living in poverty, even though the government’s recent economic reforms have shown some progress.

Speaking in Abuja during the launch of the October 2025 Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report titled “From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home,” the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy could be wasted if they do not lead to real improvements in people’s lives.

Verghis praised the bold reforms in foreign exchange management and the removal of fuel subsidies, describing them as major steps that could reshape Nigeria’s economy. He compared the current reform period to the major policy changes that transformed India’s economy in the early 1990s.

According to him, these reforms are already showing early results.

Economic growth is improving, government revenues are rising, debt conditions are better, foreign reserves are increasing, and the exchange rate market is becoming more stable. Inflation, he added, is also slowly easing.

“These are big achievements, and many countries would be glad to have them,” he said.

However, Verghis warned that most Nigerians have yet to feel the impact of these positive changes. He noted that poverty, which began rising in 2019 due to poor policies and external shocks like COVID-19, continues to grow despite the reforms.

“In 2025, we estimate that 139 million Nigerians live in poverty,” he said. This figure is up from 129 million in April 2025 and 87 million in 2023, showing how difficult living conditions have become for many households.

The World Bank report highlighted three urgent priorities for Nigeria to turn its policy gains into real benefits for citizens:

Verghis stressed that food inflation is the biggest concern, as high prices hurt everyone—especially the poor—and could weaken support for reforms.

“Persistent high food prices could slow recovery and damage confidence in reforms,” he warned.

While he commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for maintaining a tight monetary policy and the government for its fiscal discipline, Verghis said more needs to be done.

He urged the government to combine monetary and fiscal measures with structural reforms to fix long-standing problems in food production and distribution.

He also called on Nigeria to strengthen its financial management systems and expand the national safety net to protect the poorest citizens from the impact of economic adjustments.

The United Bank for Africa, (UBA), branch on Lagos Island is currently on fire.

Details surrounding the cause of the fire are still sketchy but in a video trending on social media, some of the bank’s staff were seen attempting to jump down from the storey building.

The workers were captured in the video trying to escape through the windows.

As at the time of this report, emergency responders are yet to make official statements on the incident.

But it was observed that efforts to contain the situation are ongoing.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count charge against former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, alongside social media platforms X Corp and Meta Incorporation, over posts critical of President Bola Tinubu.

The suit dated 16th September,2025, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja after Sowore allegedly refused to delete certain posts about the President.

The charges were brought on behalf of the DSS and the Federal Government by M.B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, alongside four other counsel to the DSS –M.E. Ernest, U.B. Bulla, Dr. C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor.

Confirming the development in a Facebook post yesterday , Sowore wrote, “The State Security Service, alias @OfficialDSSNG today filed a 5-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against ‘X’ (formerly Twitter Facebook, and myself. They claimed that because I called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu a criminal, I have somehow committed a set of ‘novel’ offences they invented and spread across five counts.

“It’s hard to believe there’s anyone sensible left in these offices that should be making Nigeria work. Regardless, I will be present whenever this case is assigned for trial. #RevolutionNow.”

It was earlier reported that the human rights activist and African Action Congress candidate in the 2023 election vowed not to delete the controversial tweet, despite a request from the DSS to X demanding its removal.

Restating his stance, Sowore wrote, “This morning, X (formerly Twitter) officially contacted me about the despicable threat letter they received from the lawless DSS over my Tweet on Tinubu. One option I will NOT be taking is deleting that Tweet. Thank you, @X.”

He also published the message sent to him by X, which confirmed that the platform had received a legal request from the DSS concerning his post.

The message from X read, “Hello @YeleSowore. In the interest of transparency, we are writing to inform you that X has received a request from the Department of State Services regarding your X account, @YeleSowore, that claims the following content violates the law(s) of Nigeria. @YeleSowore, we have not taken any action on the reported content at this time as a result of this request.

“As X strongly believes in defending and respecting the voice of our users, it is our policy to notify our users if we receive a legal request from an authorised entity (such as law enforcement or a government agency) to remove content from their account. We provide notice whether or not the user lives in the country where the request originated. This page provides more information

“We understand that receiving this type of notice can be an unsettling experience. While X is not able to provide legal advice, we want you to have an opportunity to evaluate the request and, if you wish, take appropriate action to protect your interests.

“This may include seeking legal counsel and challenging the request in court, contacting relevant civil society organisations, voluntarily deleting the content (if applicable), or finding some other resolution.

“For more information on legal requests X receives from governments worldwide, please refer to this article on our Help Centre and our biannual Transparency Report.”

The Tinubu National Solidarity Movement has alleged that the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG), Petroleum Tanker Drivers, (PTD), and the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), are working against the interest of Nigerians in the ongoing face-off with Dangote Refinery.

According to the group, the unions do not want Nigerians to enjoy the cheaper fuel price made available by the Dangote Refinery.

The Tinubu support group stated this in a statement by its president and secretary, Mohammed Sani Akwashiki and Solomon Ikegwuru, respectively, yesterday.

This follows the ongoing battle between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery over labour activities after the oil firm commenced a nationwide products distribution scheme with its compressed natural gas trucks.

NUPENG had accused Dangote Refinery of planning to displace members and anti-labour practices.

NUPENG equally described Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution scheme as a Greek gift.

However, Dangote Group had dismissed NUPENG’s stance, accusing the union of frustrating indigenous investors.

Reacting to the war of words between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery, TNSM urged the former to desist from sabotaging economic development under President Tinubu’s administration.

“However unscrupulous citizens and saboteurs masquerading as lovers of the citizens while exhibiting selfish and wicked tendencies. The President is trying to Open the country and make it favourable for investments that will grow and stabilise the economy. They, the unpatriotic elements, are working and putting spanners in the work.

“The latest being the current issues between Dangote and PTD and its allies. The PTD has constituted itself into law; otherwise, under which law are they given Dangote’s conditions for his truck drivers?

“PTD are more concerned about themselves as to losing jobs and livelihood. They don’t want competition; they don’t mind the benefits to Nigerians.

“PTD want to force Dangote truck drivers into their union so they can collect dues as to have money to squander.

“This is a clear case of lack of patriotism and sabotage. They are now threatening Nigerians with a nationwide strike. We are waiting for them. Enough of this nonsense; we will meet them on the streets. The NLC, the TUC and NUPEND are all involved in this sabotage,” the statement reads.

It would be recalled that on Monday, Dangote Group began a nationwide distribution scheme with an N820 ex-depot price and between N841 and N851 retail prices.

There is relief for Nigerian businesses as the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the 4 per cent Free on Board, (FOB) import charge collection by the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS), amid outrage from stakeholders.

The suspension was contained in a letter dated September 15, 2025, signed by the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) at the Ministry of Finance, O. Omachi, on behalf of the Minister, Wale Edun, to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to the minister, the suspension follows engagement with stakeholders, trade experts, and relevant government officials on the implementation of the 4 per cent FOB charge.

The Federal Government noted that it had become clear the 4 per cent FOB charge posed significant challenges to trade facilitation, the business environment, and economic stability in Nigeria.

According to the letter: “I write to direct the immediate suspension of the implementation of the collection of 4 per cent Free on Board (FOB) recently levied by the Nigeria Customs Service on all imported goods.

“Following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, trade experts, and relevant government officials, it has become clear that the implementation of the 4 per cent FOB charge poses significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facilitation environment and economic stability.

Many importers and businesses have raised concerns about the increased financial burden this levy imposes, with potential adverse effects on inflation, trade competitiveness, and the overall business climate in Nigeria.

“This suspension will provide an opportunity for comprehensive stakeholder engagement and a thorough review of the levy’s framework and its broader economic implications. The Ministry of Finance looks forward to working closely with the Service and all relevant parties to devise a more equitable and efficient revenue structure that supports both revenue generation and economic growth and stability.”

Reports had it that in February, NCS suspended the FOB charges, but they were later reintroduced without announcement.

Manufacturers in Nigeria have fumed over the return of the FOB, calling for its suspension.

The Department of the State Service, (DSS), has disputed the deteriorating health claims made by the Biafra nation agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to support and justify his new request for transfer from the custody of the Department of the State Service (DSS) to the National Hospital in Abuja.

The security agency while faulting the claims argued that the health issue of Kanu by his Medical Consultant was exaggerated and made in bad faith to send false health narrative challenges to the public.

In a 37-paragraph counter affidavit, opposing Kanu’s bid on movement to the Abuja hospital, DSS averred that it has one of the best medical facilities in the country with capable and qualified personnel that can handle the health issues of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The counter affidavit deposed to by Dr Mohammed Nasir, a Medical Officer with DSS averred that Kanu is enjoying maximum comfort in its custody, safe, secured and enjoying meals of his choice upon demands.

The agency asserted that at Kanu’s request, several medical Specialists from the National Hospital and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital were brought for him to cater for his medical care.

DSS insisted that the Biafra nation agitator is in stable health condition and dismissed the claims of suffering deteriorating sickness.

According to the counter affidavit, in July 2021, a Consultant of Heartland Cardiovascular Consultants Limited Dr Onye Achillihu was engaged for the treatment of Kanu.

While expressing shock at how Prof Martin Aghaji, a retired Professor from the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, Enugu came about the deteriorating sickness of Kanu, DSS said that the exclusions of its Medical Officers who have been managing him without hitches, cast doubt on the good faith and credibility of the report and recommendations,

DSS recalled that in 2021 when Kanu was brought into its custody, he had hypertension of five years duration with hypertensive heart disease, low serum potassium levels and recurrent nose bleedings.

The agency said that Specialists were engaged with Dr Abiodun Olugbenga of the Federal Medical Center, Abuja as medical team leader and was at Kanu’s request, replaced by Dr Onye Achillihu who in the same circumstances, was in 2025 replaced by Professor Martin Aghaji.

Upon the take over, Aghaji was alleged to have disrupted the mode of treatment of Kanu by singularly making a sweeping adjustment and attending to him at the exclusions of DSS medical officers leading to a protest that was ignored.

It further asserted that a letter was written to Prof Aghaji on the consequences of his actions that can lead to blame of DSS on any negative event but, that same was also ignored by Aghaji.

Instead, Aghaji was reported to have on August 24, 2025 unilaterally caused a letter that the continued detention of Kanu without adequate access to health care facilities was improper.

It averred that before writing the letter, Prof Aghaji has never faulted, discredited or scored low, the facilities and standard of the DSS Medical Center.

DSS averred that the claims of Aghaji was speculative, raising an unjustifiable alarm medically and a mere emotional outburst not expected from a medical expert of his caliber.

The security agency therefore, argued that there was no need to admit Kanu to a private ward in public hospital as recommended by Aghaji in his letter.

It claimed that the recommended National hospital has no security facilities, personnel and infrastructure that can guarantee the safety and security of Kanu.

The secret police insisted that the identified ailments of Kanu are exaggerated as they are those that can be handled effectively at the DSS health facilities.

DSS averred that Kanu once jumped bail and his bail conditions revoked by court adding that it would take full militarization to secure safety and well-being of Kanu if moved to the National hospital as such, would also cause inconveniences to other patients and their families.

Kanu had through his lawyers led by Kanu Godwin Agabi SAN, filed a motion on notice seeking transfer from the DSS custody to the National hospital in Abuja.

The motion on notice was predicated on a letter and recommendations by Aghaji that the detainee was suffering deteriorating health issues.

Kanu, in the motion with charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, sought an order of the court for the DSS to move him from their custody to the National Hospital.

He said that examination carried out on him, revealed issues to his health, including organs such as his pancreas and liver as well as an emerging lump underneath his armpit and dangerously low levels of potassium.

His younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu claimed on his behalf that “The doctors have recommended that he be moved to the National Hospital as an interim measure to afford him medical attention and forestall further decline.

“The applicant’s health is seriously deteriorating considering the nature of his confinement, thereby making more pressing, the need to bring this application and have the same heard by a vacation judge,” Agabi said.

He alleged that a letter by the doctors to the Director-General of the DSS, advising the transfer of Kanu had gone without answer.

He said the urgency of the matter had, therefore, necessitated the filing of the application as a measure to arrest further decline of Kanu’s health while spirited efforts were being made to treat him.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday, however, declined to hear the motion for transfer from the custody of DSS to National Hospital in Abuja.

The presiding judge, Justice Musa Liman, said his fiat to sit as a vacation judge had ended on Monday and therefore lacked the jurisdiction to entertain such a new matter for hearing.

President Bola Tinubu yesterday said the linkage of the National Identification Number,(NIN), with SIM cards has drastically reduced fraud and improved national security.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, spoke at the 2025 National Day of Identity organised by the National Identity Management Commission in Abuja.

“Working with the NCC, NIMC has enforced the NIN-SIM linkage, which has significantly reduced fraud and enhanced national security,” he said.

The President noted that identity is now more than a record, describing it as the foundation of citizenship, the gateway to opportunity, and the anchor for national security.

He added that the National Identification Number, supported by Public Key Infrastructure, has become central to Nigeria’s digital transformation, making transactions more secure and building citizens’ trust in government and private institutions.

“Without PKI, digital interactions remain vulnerable. Without PKI, citizens cannot fully trust that their data and transactions are secure. But with PKI, Nigeria can build an ecosystem where trust is guaranteed, fraud is reduced, services are streamlined, and every citizen can engage with government and private institutions with confidence,” Tinubu said.

Commending the leadership of NIMC under Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Tinubu said the commission had enrolled over 126 million Nigerians, cleared a backlog of 2.5 million records, deployed over 800 mobile enrolment devices nationwide, and integrated with 125 partner agencies, including the Immigration Service, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the National Population Commission.

The president also noted that the commission has boosted efficiency by training staff, providing modern tools, setting up a world-class customer care centre and an audiovisual studio, while also improving welfare through salary adjustments, promotions for over 2,800 personnel, and rehabilitating enrolment centres nationwide.

He also said that the commission has clamped down on fraud with the arrest of over 30 operators, closure of illegal centres, maintenance of ISO 27001:2022 certification, and the launch of a verification service that guarantees 99.9 per cent uptime.

According to him, the NIN has already become indispensable for services such as pension verification, educational loans, business registration, healthcare, tax records, elections, and social investment programmes. He said the number was not just an administrative tool but “the common key that unlocks opportunity, strengthens governance, and builds trust.”

While noting the progress made, Tinubu stressed that his administration was determined to enforce the Mandatory Use Regulation for NIN across all sectors, insisting that the policy was vital for securing the nation, strengthening the economy, and ensuring digital inclusion.

In his remarks, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said Nigeria is advancing steadily in building a secure identity system, describing digital identity infrastructure as essential to national security and economic sovereignty.

Tunji-Ojo said government agencies are working to integrate Public Key Infrastructure into Nigeria’s identity ecosystem.

The minister added that the Ministry of Interior would continue to modernise its services, expand secure enrolment, and ensure that identity-driven services are delivered with “dignity, protection and predictability.”

He noted that current investments in PKI and data centres would enable Nigeria to participate securely in global digital commerce and diaspora engagement.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated that identity must be treated as strategic infrastructure, adding that the newly established Bola Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex will support biometric production and secure border and passport systems.

Also speaking, the Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the National Identification Number had become a transformative tool for inclusion, economic empowerment, and national development.

She revealed that over 123 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the national identity database, noting that the Commission has partnered with more than 50 organisations across sectors, including education, healthcare, correctional services, and diaspora outreach, to deepen integration and widen access.

Coker-Odusote said the use of PKI had greatly enhanced the privacy, security, and usability of citizens’ data.

She added that enrolment waiting times had been cut nearly in half, with identity services now extended to inmates, internally displaced persons, and Nigerians living abroad.

According to her, digital identity is already transforming lives, citing examples such as over 449,000 students accessing loans worth N86.35bn through NELFUND and verified farmers receiving subsidised agricultural support.

She also addressed concerns over data security, stating that despite attempts, NIMC’s database remains uncompromised.

“By documenting each citizen and resident, we are not only ensuring precise identity verification but also enabling better planning for security, disaster response, and economic strategies. With this integrated system, tracking perpetrators of crimes becomes significantly easier, helping law enforcement agencies respond more effectively to threats, both natural and man-made,” she added.