World Bank Urges Nigeria to Translate Reforms Into Better Living Standards
The World Bank has called on Nigeria to ensure that the benefits of its recent macroeconomic reforms improve citizens’ living standards, as new estimates reveal that about 139 million Nigerians live in poverty.
Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, made the call on Wednesday.
Troops Rescue 37 Hostages, Kill Nine Terrorists in Joint Operation
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 37 kidnapped victims in coordinated land and air operations against terrorism, kidnapping, and organised crime.
Military sources said nine terrorists were killed, eight suspects arrested, and a cache of weapons recovered.
Naira Appreciates to ₦1,490 Per Dollar in Parallel Market
The Naira on Wednesday appreciated to ₦1,490 per dollar in the parallel market from ₦1,495 the previous day.
In the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), it also strengthened to ₦1,469 per dollar.
Senate Leaders Clash Over Defections to APC
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Minority Leader Abba Moro clashed on Wednesday over the frequent defection of opposition senators to the All Progressives Congress.
Akpabio blamed the opposition’s lack of organisation, while Moro insisted they remain strong despite the defections.
Orji Kalu Says Tinubu Cannot Be Defeated in 2027
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will win re-election in 2027, dismissing the chances of Atiku Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan, or Peter Obi.
He stated this during an interview on Channels TV.
Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order
The Nigeria Police Force has suspended enforcement of the tinted glass permit nationwide following a court order.
FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the suspension, stating the directive will remain in effect pending legal proceedings.
INTERPOL Confirms Arrest of Nigerian Fugitive in Argentina
The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has confirmed the arrest of a Nigerian fugitive, Ikechukwu N., by Argentine authorities.
INTERPOL said he was wanted for allegedly orchestrating multiple romance scams involving thousands of women.
Wike Warns Against Arbitrary Street Naming in Abuja
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has warned the Abuja Municipal Area Council Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, against unauthorised naming of streets and roads constructed by the FCT Administration.
He frowned at arbitrary street naming during a briefing on Wednesday.
EFCC Digital Evidence Ruling Deferred to October 9
An Ikeja Special Offences Court has adjourned until October 9 to rule on the admissibility of digital evidence presented by the EFCC.
Justice Rahman Oshodi reserved the ruling after both sides argued over the authenticity of documents linked to a former aide of Godwin Emefiele.
Court Extends Deadline for Medical Panel on Kanu’s Health
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a one-week extension to the Nigerian Medical Association panel assessing the health of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The extension followed the panel’s inability to conclude within the earlier eight-day deadline.
FG Urges ASUU to Shelve Planned Strike
The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned strike.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa said President Tinubu had directed that efforts be made to keep students in school, adding that negotiations with ASUU would resume Thursday.
CAN Demands Government Action Against Attacks on Christians
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to act decisively to end attacks on Christian communities.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, warned that the loss of Christian lives should not be reduced to statistics.
PDP Accuses APC of Coercing Defections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of coercing opposition politicians into defection.
PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba alleged defections were driven by intimidation and inducement, insisting the party remained strong.
Ajaero Warns Shettima Against Shielding Dangote From Labour Laws
NLC President Joe Ajaero has cautioned Vice President Kashim Shettima against portraying Dangote Refinery as above the law.
He accused the refinery of infringing on workers’ rights and warned that privileging the company could undermine labour protections.
Cooking Gas Scarcity Will End By Weekend – Marketers
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers has assured that the ongoing cooking gas scarcity will end by the weekend.
President Oladapo Olatunbosun said the disruption was caused by refinery maintenance, union strikes, and middlemen, but distribution has now resumed.
Slimcase Criticises Afrobeats Artists Over Frequent Releases
Nigerian singer Slimcase has criticised Afrobeats artists for releasing too many songs and albums, warning that it is making the sound “boring.”
In an Instagram post, he urged artists to slow down and focus on quality.
Tems Reveals Struggles at Start of Her Career
Grammy-winning artist Tems has opened up about early struggles in her career, saying it was “really hard to get people to take me seriously.”
In a CNN interview, she said she now uses her platform, “The Leading Vibe,” to create opportunities for women in the music industry.
Salah Fires Egypt to 2026 FIFA World Cup
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah scored twice as Egypt beat Djibouti 3-0 on Wednesday to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Salah now has nine goals in the qualifiers, helping Egypt secure an unassailable lead in Group A.
Eight Super Eagles Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers
Eight Nigerian Super Eagles players risk missing the clash against Benin Republic if booked again in Friday’s qualifier against Lesotho.
Those at risk include Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, and Ademola Lookman. FIFA rules mandate suspension after two yellow cards.