NIGERIA NEWS
Tinubu Meets Labour Leaders Over Planned Nationwide Protest
President Bola Tinubu has held a crucial closed-door meeting with leaders of organised labour as tensions rise over a planned nationwide protest by workers.
The engagement took place late Tuesday night at the State House in Abuja, amid growing concerns over unresolved labour demands and economic pressure on Nigerians.
The meeting comes at a critical moment, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threatening mass protests across the country.
Labour leaders have accused the Federal Government of failing to fully honour earlier agreements on workers’ welfare, wage-related issues, and measures to ease the rising cost of living.
In a statement released Tuesday night, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that top government officials and governors were part of the discussions.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the leadership of the NLC, along with the chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo and Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris and the Minister of State Labour, Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha,” the statement partly read.
According to the statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress was represented by its national leadership at the high-level meeting.
“The chairman of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, led the labour leaders to the meeting on Tuesday night at the State House, Abuja,” it added.
The engagement followed days of heightened rhetoric from organised labour. The NLC had warned that it would mobilise workers for nationwide protests if the government failed to act on key demands.
These include concrete relief measures to cushion the impact of recent economic reforms, improved wages, and urgent intervention to address the worsening socio-economic conditions faced by workers and their families.
Labour leaders have repeatedly expressed frustration over what they describe as delays in implementing agreements reached during previous negotiations with the Federal Government.
They warned that continued inaction could lead to widespread industrial action and street protests in major cities across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, details of the discussions remain unclear. Neither the Federal Government nor the NLC leadership has issued an official statement on the outcome of the meeting or whether it has altered plans for the proposed protest.
Former President Mohammadu Buhari was not supportive of Osinbajo’s presidential ambition in 2023 because Tinubu was in the contest, according to a new book.
The revelation is contained in “From Soldier to Statesman: The legacy of Muhammad Buhari”, written by Dr Charles Omole.
According to Omole, Buhari found it strange that Osinbajo could contest against Tinubu in that manner.
Omole quoted Buhari as saying, “I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere, I met him only through Tinubu”.
He wrote that Tinubu’s selection was perceived as a reward for his role as a political godfather and financier of the All Progressives Congress.
According to Omole, there was an anti-Tinubu consensus among the cabal, but “ironically, Buhari’s strict enforcement of the rules may have indirectly aided Tinubu, as Buhari’s fastidiousness repeatedly thwarted the cabal’s plans to impose another candidate.”
He wrote, “Sources also said that Buhari was not impressed that Osinbajo did not ‘consult’ him or seek his advice. Instead, Osinbajo simply ‘informed’ him.
“The president was quoted as having wondered how his Vice President could go against his benefactor in such an open way.”
Omole added that A’isha Buhari’s support for Tinubu ahead of the 2023 election attracted the ore of powerful cabal under Buhari, but he said the First Lady was unperturbed.
He added, “Aisha Buhari’s enthusiastic support for Tinubu’s candidacy challenged the powerful cabal. However, she remained unconcerned. Seeing her exuberance, Tinubu visited Aisha and asked for her assistance in organising the women’s campaign with his wife, Sen. Remi Tinubu. She agreed, and the APC Women’s Campaign Council was established.”
On Consensus Omole said, “There was an anti-Tinubu consensus among the cabal. Ironically, Buhari’s strict enforcement of the rules may have indirectly aided Tinubu, as Buhari’s fastidiousness repeatedly thwarted the cabal’s plans to impose another candidate. His insistence on a free and fair process indirectly benefited Tinubu.
“The cabal aimed to impose a candidate at the APC primary, a plan that was halted by Buhari himself.”
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Four people are currently receiving medical care after a plane accident occurred in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
The affected aircraft, a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express, was involved in an incident that caused it to somersault at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri.
Providing confirmation of the incident on Tuesday, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) revealed that the aircraft, registered as 5N-ASR, had departed Kaduna International Airport en route to Port Harcourt International Airport before the flight crew declared an emergency midair and redirected the plane to Owerri.
Details of the incident were made public in a statement signed by the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji.
The bureau stated that all four occupants were on board at the time of the accident and that no loss of life was recorded.
“Airport emergency response services were immediately activated and arrived at the scene promptly.
“Officials confirmed that there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remained active with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident,” Oladeji said.
She added that arrangements were underway to retrieve and relocate the damaged aircraft from the crash site to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the wreckage.
In a related development, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., confirmed that the agency had initiated its investigative processes in line with its mandate.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are relieved that no fatalities have been reported so far. The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site,” he said.
Captain Badeh Jr. further stated that more updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device on Sunday morning at a military checkpoint in Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing five soldiers and residents.
The explosion, which occurred as troops were manning the checkpoint, has stirred fresh concerns about the lingering threat posed by extremist groups in the region.
According to a security source who spoke with Daily Trust, the attacker was a suspected member of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) who had been hiding in the Mandara Mountains.
The source said, “Some people revealed that he passed the night close to the military checkpoint, planning the heinous act.
“In the morning, when the road was opened for passersby, he pretended to be one of them and detonated the bomb in their midst. Five soldiers lost their lives instantly.”
Another resident said Sunday’s blast was the first suicide attack recorded in the area in over a year, adding that the incident underscored the need for a fresh security approach.
“For over a year now, this is the only suicide attack that has been recorded here, and it calls for a new approach by security operatives to avert a recurrence,” he said.
The latest incident has revived painful memories of previous suicide bombings in Gwoza and other parts of Borno State.
On June 30, 2024, two female suicide bombers detonated explosives during a wedding ceremony in Gwoza town, killing 18 celebrants, including children and a pregnant woman.
Similarly, on June 21, 2025, at least 11 civilians were killed and several others injured when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at a viewing centre in Konduga Local Government Area.
NIGERIA NEWS
“I Thought They Wanted to Give Us Something” – Corps Members Sent Away from PPA Without Warning
- A female NYSC corps member has sparked online debate after revealing that she and several colleagues were abruptly dismissed from their Primary Place of Assignment.
- Expecting a possible end-of-year gesture, the corps members were instead told to submit their PPA letters, which were marked “rejected” and stamped, raising questions about whether such actions comply with NYSC regulations.
A female corps member has taken to social media to express shock after she and several colleagues were suddenly dismissed from their Primary Place of Assignment (PPA).
The lady, identified on X as @barokahoyin, revealed that the organization asked them to report to the office with their PPA letters. Expecting a festive gesture, she was stunned when they were all rejected instead.
“I Thought They Wanted to Give Us Something”
Recounting the confusing experience, she wrote:
“They actually just sacked all of us in my ppa, I didn’t know corp members usually get sacked. I hope we remain sacked till January ending tho. They asked us to come with our ppa letter this morning, I was thinking maybe they wanted to give us something for December oh, only for them to write rejected on all of our letters, and stamped it,”.
The sudden mass “rejection” has sparked a debate online, with many questioning if such a move aligns with NYSC regulations, while others shared similar stories of unexpected dismissals during their service year.
In other news…. Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has revealed plans to take legal action against Pastor Chris Okafor, alleging that he broke a promise to marry her and instead wed another woman.
Ogala shared her claims during a live interview with media personality Daddy Freeze, where she discussed her past relationship with the pastor and the circumstances that led to their separation.
The actress explained that her decision to pursue legal action stems from the promise of marriage she says Pastor Okafor made to her.
During the interview, she also addressed questions about her conduct while married to her former husband. Ogala admitted to having a phone-based relationship with Pastor Okafor at that time, describing it as a mistake she regrets. She clarified that their interactions did not involve any physical contact.
When asked if she could substantiate her claims, Ogala stated that she possesses chat logs, screen recordings, and a video showing the date and phone number of the recipient.
Daddy Freeze cautioned her against publicly sharing these materials, noting that doing so could breach privacy laws.
Ogala, however, remained firm, saying she had instructed her lawyer to pursue the case. She maintained that Pastor Okafor’s decision to marry another woman after allegedly promising to wed her provided sufficient grounds for legal action and that she is ready to present her evidence in court.
As of the time of reporting, Pastor Chris Okafor had not issued a public response to Ogala’s allegations.
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has clarified that he will not engage in public disputes with Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Refinery, over recent allegations.
In a statement issued Wednesday through NMDPRA X account, Ahmed dismissed reports claiming he had responded to Dangote’s claims, saying the purported statement “did not emanate from me.”
“My attention has been drawn to a purported response I was said to have made on the recent allegations against my person. I hereby state categorically that the so-called statement did not emanate from me,” Ahmed said.
Acknowledging the allegations and the public attention they have generated, he explained that he deliberately chose not to engage in public exchanges, citing the sensitive nature of his role as a regulator.
Ahmed noted that Dangote has submitted the matter to a formal investigative body, expressing confidence that due process will objectively examine the issues and clear his name.
“While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against me and my family and the frenzy it has generated, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, I have opted not to engage in public brickbat.
“Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution. I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distill the issues and to clear my name,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Dangote had approached the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over claims that Ahmed spent $5 million on his children’s tuition.
The ICPC confirmed receipt of the petition on Tuesday.
All Progressives Congress Chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, has accused the Senator representing Abia South senatorial district, Enyinnaya Abaribe, of sponsoring attacks in the South East.
Naija News reports that Igbokwe, in a post via his Facebook page, called Abaribe a bandit of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an ethnic bigot and a sponsor of evil.
According to Igbokwe, Abaribe has been one of the supporters of the butchers of the South East for nearly 15 years and has been silent about the killings in the South East.
He further threatened that Abaribe will not return to the Senate in 2027.
He wrote, “Please do not waste your precious gift of time on this IPOB bandit, ethnic bigot and sponsor of evil in the SE called Senator Abaribe. He is IPOB, UGM, ESN and BDF sponsor and father. He has been one of the supporters of the butchers of South East for nearly 15 years. Our people were slaughtered like goats and he kept quiet. Many towns and villages were sacked for years and Abaribe maintained a grave silence.
“He is positioning himself to return to the Senate in 2027. Not anymore. This is your last chance in the Senate after this dispensation. Just take mental notice of this. You cannot continue to go to the Senate matching on the blood of our people. The blood of the hundreds of our people killed will fight you to the end.”
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night held a meeting with leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as concerns continue to mount over a planned nationwide protest by organised labour.
The meeting, which took place at the State House, Abuja, brought together key government and labour stakeholders to discuss the issues underpinning the proposed demonstration and seek a way forward through dialogue.
Labour leaders, led by Comrade Joe Ajaero, National President of the NLC, were received by President Tinubu alongside members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and top federal officials.
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Governors in attendance included Hope Uzodimma (Chairman, PGF), Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, and Dr. Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.
The Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also featured at the meeting.
The engagement signalled an attempt by the federal government to address the grievances expressed by labour unions through constructive dialogue, rather than escalation.
While details of the discussions were not immediately disclosed, the presence of state executives and labour representatives underscores the broad consultation process underway.
Comrade Ajaero and other NLC leaders were pictured alongside President Tinubu and the delegation, reflecting the seriousness with which both sides are approaching the matter.
The meeting comes amid heightened national attention on labour relations and the role of collective action in influencing government policy.
Labour protests have in the past focused on issues such as wage adjustments, cost of living, and economic reforms, topics that continue to dominate public discourse.
The outcome of this meeting is expected to shape the final decision of labour unions on whether to proceed with their planned protest.
The presence of the PGF leadership signals a shared interest among federal and state executives in resolving tensions and ensuring that governance challenges are addressed through negotiation and mutual understanding.
President Tinubu’s meeting with NLC leaders marks a critical step in government-labour relations, as both sides explore peaceful avenues for addressing labour concerns and reinforcing national stability.
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The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has told international investors that Nigeria remains committed to macroeconomic stability, as the country pursues economic reforms amid global financial uncertainty and persistent domestic pressures.
Mr Cardoso spoke on Monday in Washington, DC, at the US – Nigeria Executive Business Roundtable, where he engaged senior business leaders and institutional investors on Nigeria’s economic outlook.
He said Nigeria’s reform programme was anchored on rules-based economic management, transparent markets and predictable policy frameworks, which he described as critical to restoring investor confidence.
According to him, recent changes in the foreign-exchange market, the adoption of orthodox monetary policy, ongoing banking-sector reforms and the modernisation of the payments system were aimed at stabilising the economy and enabling private-sector-led growth.
The roundtable was convened by the US Chamber of Commerce’s US-Africa Business Centre. Discussions focused on macroeconomic stabilisation, regulatory clarity and opportunities to scale bankable projects across priority sectors of the Nigerian economy, as Nigeria seeks to strengthen commercial ties with the United States.
Commenting on the discussions, the President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, said investors were increasingly focused on policy credibility and consistency.
“What investors are responding to today is clarity, clear rules, credible reforms, and a seriousness of purpose. Nigeria’s message is increasingly one of discipline and opportunity, and that matters in a global economy seeking actively for stability and predictability.”
READ ALSO: CBN targets wider agricultural lending as Cardoso unveils new ACGSF board
Nigeria has implemented a series of economic reforms over the past year, including adjustments to the foreign-exchange framework, tighter monetary policy and efforts to strengthen banking supervision, as authorities seek to rein in inflation, stabilise the naira and improve capital inflows.
The engagement in Washington comes as Nigeria competes with other emerging markets for foreign investment at a time of elevated global interest rates and tighter financial conditions.
A corps member has cried out on social media after she and other corps members were suddenly sacked from their Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) during their ongoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Corps Member Shares Shocking Experience
The lady, who is currently serving under the NYSC scheme, took to X to share her experience, saying the decision came without any clear explanation.
Sudden Sack at Place of Assignment
According to her, several corps members posted to the same organisation were relieved of their duties at the same time.
She said none of them was told what led to the decision, leaving everyone confused and shocked.
Corps Member Speaks Out Online
The corps member, identified on X as @barokahoyin, revealed that she did not even know it was possible for corps members to be sacked from their PPA.
She explained that the development caught her completely off guard.
How the Incident Happened
Recounting what happened, she said they were asked to report to the office with their PPA letters.
At first, she thought it was for a positive reason, possibly a December-related gesture from the organisation.
However, things turned out differently.
“They actually just sacked all of us in my ppa, I didn’t know corp members usually get sacked. I hope we remain sacked till January ending tho. They asked us to come with our ppa letter this morning, I was thinking maybe they wanted to give us something for December oh, only for them to write rejected on all of our letters, and stamped it,” she said.
Mixed Reactions Online
The post quickly gained attention online, with many Nigerians reacting in the comment section. While some expressed sympathy, others shared similar experiences or questioned whether corps members could be dismissed in such a manner.
As of the time of this report, the reason behind the sack remains unclear, leaving many Nigerians wondering whether such actions align with NYSC rules and regulations.
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Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has vowed not to deputize any presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
There has been speculation that the former governor would deputize ex-vice president, Atiku Abubakar, who is likely emerging as the flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
But speaking at an event in Abuja, Amaechi clarified that he is too presidential to be anybody’s vice.
“I will not be vice president to anybody. There are too many reasons why I won’t be vice president to anybody.
“The first reason is that I’m too presidential to be vice”, he said.
According to Amaechi, who is also eyeing the presidential ticket of the ADC, the problem with the office of vice president is not ceremonial, it is structural.
The former governor of Rivers State claimed that in Nigeria, the office of the vice president is designed to be subordinate, often powerless, and depend entirely on the temperament of the president.
“We will quarrel, instead of that, I would rather be a minister than be a vice president”, Amaechi said.