By Tony Ubani, Patrick Omorodion, Jacob Ajom, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Emma Jemegah

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football to overcome repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments, following the resignation of Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau as president of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. 

Read Also: NFF Crisis: Tinubu orders comprehensive reform of Nigerian Football

Vanguard had exclusively reported on Thursday, of the resignation the NFF board. Read it HERE.

President Tinubu said: “The reform must respond to a long-standing need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football.”

The President noted that while other sports had recorded meaningful progress since reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, football has continued to struggle because of structural weaknesses within the system.

“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that Nigerian football must begin to match the country’s exceptional talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance.

President Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration and facilitate a broad, consultative reform process.

The process will include appropriate engagement with Federation of International Football Associations, FIFA, and Confederation of African Football, CAF, while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.

The President called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.

Gusau officially announced his resignation at a press conference in Abuja yesterday.

Meanwhile former coach of Enyimba International of Aba, Kadiri Ikhana has called for the prosecution of  Alhaji Gusau and his board members just as former Green Eagles star, Chief Felix Owolabi lamented the destruction of Nigeria’s football under the former board.

Their teammate and former captain, Chief Segun Odegbami who was in the forefront of those calling for the resignation of Gusau said his resignation now provides the opportunity for Nigeria to clean up the rot at the NFF, while former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, who equally served as one time Chairman, Sokoto State Football Association, Dr. Danladi Bako, warned that those who served with Gusau must not be recycled.

Shockingly, the search for who heads the Normalisation Committee to steer the NFF before a new election is conducted has however, split the leadership of the supervisory body, the National Sports Commission, it was also gathered.

I stepped down for love of country — Gusau

“After consultation with family, friends and stakeholders, I just want to tell you that I have decided to resign from my position,” Gusau said while briefing the media yesterday.

“As Nigerians, nobody is greater than this country. We all love our country and its progress. And as people who have been in football and managing football, we need to look at ourselves and ask, ‘What next?’ So we made a lot of consultations.”

Gusau added that he also advised members of the NFF board to follow his footsteps, clarifying however, that he cannot say whether they would heed his advice but Vanguard gathered that the entire board has resigned.

A few minutes after Gusau’s announcement, the NFF said on its X page that Dr. Mohammed Sanusi had also stepped down as the federation’s General Secretary.

The mass resignation comes a few weeks after the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the women’s World Cup for the first time since the competition’s inception in 1991 and this disappointment triggered backlash for the NFF board members.

Vanguard understands that the NFF leadership was pressured to step down after intervention from top brass of the federal government, from the National Sports Commission, NSC, to the presidency.

Gusau was elected NFF president in 2022 and his tenure was supposed to end next month, with an elective congress scheduled for September 27.

The fate of the congress is uncertain as a Normalisation Committee will be set up to oversee the federation’s affairs until further notice.

Under Gusau’s leadership, the Super Eagles, like the Falcons, also failed to qualify for the men’s 2026 World Cup, despite Africa getting 10 slots for the first time. The failure also extended to age-grade football, with the men’s U-17 and U-20 teams missing out on their World Cups.

My scorecard

Reflecting on his tenure, Gusau said: “These three years and 11 months did not just come like that. At least, we have something that we can tell Nigerians and the world that we have achieved for the little opportunity we had during this period.”

Gusau highlighted the revival of coaching education as one of the major achievements of his administration. He said all categories of coaching courses had been conducted, with the long-delayed CAF A Licence course scheduled to commence on September 16.

He also pointed to improved stability in the domestic leagues, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, saying his administration had restored greater certainty to the football calendar and made the competition more organised and competitive.

On refereeing, Gusau said Nigerian officials had regained prominence in continental competitions, citing the selection of Nigerian referees for semi-final matches at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

He further disclosed that the NFF’s facility project, initiated in March 2024, was progressing as scheduled, with one phase already completed and the entire project expected to be delivered by March next year.

His resignation now leaves Nigerian football facing a fresh leadership transition, with attention expected to shift to the NFF’s statutory succession process and the future of the remaining members of the Executive Committee.

A few minutes after Gusau’s announcement, the NFF said on its X page that Dr. Sanusi had also stepped down as the federation’s General Secretary.

Gusau was elected NFF president in 2022, and his tenure was supposed to end next month, with an elective congress scheduled for September 27.

The fate of the congress is uncertain as reports claim that a normalisation committee will be set up to oversee the federation’s affairs until further notice.

General Secretary also quits

Meanwhile, NFF General Secretary Dr. Sanusi, has confirmed that he has resigned, amid a major leadership shake-up at the country’s football governing body.

Sanusi’s resignation was confirmed, yesterday, by the former NFF chief scribe himself, according to reports. He reportedly stated that the resignation of both himself and NFF President Gusau was true.

The development comes amid growing pressure on the NFF leadership following a difficult period for Nigerian football, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ historic failure to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Sanusi assumed office on March 20, 2015 and spent 11 years, four months and 28 days before his resignation.

His tenure eclipsed that of his closest rival, Sani Toro who served from December 21, 1993 to May 3, 1999 which was five years and six months.

Only third mass resignation in history

The latest development adds a new chapter to the history of football development in Nigeria.

The resignation of the Gusau-led board is only the third occasion on which the entire board of the football governing body had resigned in one fell swoop.

The first time, in recorded history was the board led by then Director of Prisons, Francis Giwa-Osagie. His board was constituted on January 20, 1964 and resigned on June 5, 1967.

That board was succeeded by another headed by Justice Chuba Ikpeazu, a Lagos High Court Judge. 

The latest mass resignation, therefore, places the Gusau board in company of two previous boards that exited collectively, pointing to the extraordinary nature of the current crisis.

The wholesale departure of the Gusau-led administration now opens another uncertain chapter of Nigerian football which has been in comatose for over a decade.

Gusau, others should be probed – Ikhana, Owolabi

Former coach Enyimba International of Aba, Kadiri Ikhana, has called for the prosecution of former NFF, President, Alhaji Gusau and his board members.

Reacting to the resignation of Gusau, Ikhana, a member of the Green Eagles 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winning team, said the board headed by Gusau committed lots of atrocities and should account for the misdeeds.

“It’s not enough to just allow them to resign. What happens to the huge amount of money squandered in their tenure? What of the maladministration that happened that made us lose two World Cups? 

“Nigerians deserve to know and the only way is to send either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC or Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC after them. They should be made to account for every money advanced to them,” the former CAF Coach of the Year said.

However, another former Green Eagles star, Chief Felix Owolabi, lamented the destruction of Nigeria’s football under the former board.

Chief Owolabi described as”shameful” the level of backwardness of Nigerian football,  praying for another composition that will right the wrong of the Gusau-led board.

His resignation provides opportunity for thorough clean up  – Odegbami

On his part, another former Nigeria international and Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami said: “His (Gusau’s) resignation removes the whole issue of FIFA ban, and now provides the opportunity for us to clean up whatever it is that we are complaining about.”

Odegbami says Gusau’s resignation could open the door for a major change in Nigerian football.

Bako points way forward, warns against recycling their mentors

Danladi Bako, on the way forward, said: “For those conversant with sports in general and football in particular, the events of the last 24 hours signalling the resignation of the NFF President, Gusau certainly comes as a welcome development and timely response to public opinion characterised by very intense pressure. 

“It is not only gratifying but highly responsible on the part of all functionaries within the football fraternity that prosecuted this push for change.

“All the elders within the public sphere and sympathisers within and outside government who encouraged Alhaji Gusau must also be commended. The general opinion that  Alhaji Gusau and the Executive board needed to go was clearly overwhelming, and the authorities heeded to the voice of the people by fashioning out an exit strategy.

“Permit me to also commend the immediate past President Alhaji Gusau for the courage to read public opinion and accept the feelings of Nigerians by stepping aside. That action alone will ensure the nation or his state better utilizes him in some other capacity someday.

“The way forward is for the dissolution of the Executive board properly following the relevant articles of the statutes giving way for the establishment of a Normalisation Committee to prepare the stage for fresh elections after restructuring the composition of the Executive Board and the Congress. This should be done in three months. It must also take a close look at the judgment of Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court in 2010 nullifying the nomenclature “Federation” in its usage as against “Association” as it was at inception. It has to seek the advice and consequential  position of the Attorney-General of the Federation on which legal route to follow.

“It is my wish that the National Sports Commission, NSC management will not recycle some of their mentors that served with them in the Football Federation in the past as members of the Normalisation Committee. We can’t go back to install people who ruined the last twelve years of our football into a reform committee.

“For once, there is Renewed Hope on the horizon for Nigerian Football, at least if  Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie will not be at the next FIFA World Cups, the younger Eagles and Falconets are primed to qualify in the immediate future.”

Sports commission splits over choice of Normalisation C’ttee Chair

Following the resignation of Gusau, and other board members, the National Sports Commission, NSC chieftains at the commission are at loggerheads over who to name as Chairman of the Normalisation Committee.

It was gathered that the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, disagreed over who should head the Normalisation Committee.

Sources said both of them had agreed to force the NFF board to step aside but were in disagreement over who to choose as Chairman of the Normalisation Committee.

According to a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, while Mallam Dikko prefers Musa Ahmadu, Olopade prefers Amaju Pinnick.

“We’ve seen this movie before. When administrators fight, players suffer, sponsors run, and Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, starts asking questions,” the source added.

The ‘Normalisation Committee’ being suggested will take charge of the NFF for a period of three months.

The terms of reference for the committee will include the conduct of fresh elections for a new executive of the NFF.

This will, no doubt, affect the original schedule for the election which was originally fixed for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Recall that Vanguard reported how the NFF board quit following intense pressure after poor management of Nigerian football and funds.

As a matter of fact, the Department of State Services, DSS, joined other security operatives in investigating the NFF over utilisation of the N17billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Federation for players’ wages and bonuses. 

NFF statutory rules on resignation

The resignation of the NFF president is the most trending news in Nigeria today.

This action followed the cry of Nigerians over the failure of the Super Eagles and Super Falcons, among other national teams to qualify for the 2026 and 2027 World Cups respectively. 

Angry football fans as well as stakeholders were united in their call for the Gusau-led board to throw in the towel, so that a new lease of life could be breathed into football administration to revive the fortunes of the national teams as well as put a long lasting structure in place to engender real development of the country’s football.

According to the Statutes which the NFF operates with, an officer or Executive Committee member, including the President, may voluntarily tender a resignation from office, following a personal or committee decisions and must be submitted to the NFF Secretariat or Congress. 

The resignation tendered to the NFF Secretariat is placed before an emergency or ordinary session of the NFF Congress for official ratification and administrative next steps.

In order not to allow a vacuum, the Statutes makes provision for Interim and Replacement Provisions.

When a vacancy arises due to resignation or permanent disability of an officer, the NFF Statutes provides for specific succession protocols, often empowering the remaining Executive Committee members or convening a congress to arrange for a replacement or a time-bound administrative framework in line with FIFA and Confederation of African Football, CAF, regulations, pending an election.

What the Statutes say about Normalisation Committee

The NFF Statutes doesn’t make any room for a Normalisation Committee, which is a temporal governance intervention adopted by FIFA.

Under FIFA principles, a normalisation committee is an ad-hoc interim body appointed directly by FIFA (in consultation with CAF) as a measure of last resort when the normal democratic or administrative functioning of a member association breaks down.

The duties of this Normalisation Committee include the running the daily administrative affairs of the federation, reviewing and reforming existing statutes to align with global standards, and organising fresh, credible elections.

Former Secretary-General of the defunct NFA, Alhaji Sani Toro, however, said that since the tenure of the Gusau board expires September 28, 2026, the Normalisation Committee was necessary but it must be constituted in consultation with CAF which stands for FIFA.

Vanguard News

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By Henry Umoru

ABUJA- AHEAD of January 16, 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, the national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called on party members to unite and work as one indivisble body for the success of their candidates at all levels.

The advise by the former Bayelsa State governor was sequel to his two days of talks with the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Dickson who made this known on his verified Facebook page, disclosed that he met with the party’s Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside the National Chairman and other party leaders, in continuation of consultations and deliberations on issues concerning the party and the nation.

According to him, the party had met two days ago and met again yesterday (Thursday) to further deliberate and finalise decisions, particularly as preparations continue for the unveiling of the party’s Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Senator Dickson appealed to all stakeholders, aspirants and members of the party to close ranks, adding: “At this critical stage, I call on all stakeholders, aspirants and members of our great Party to unite, close ranks and work collectively for the success of our candidates at all levels, from top to bottom.”

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By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

MAIDUGURI — Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, have killed more than 20 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and destroyed their camp in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Several other terrorists reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds following the joint raid on a terrorist camp around the Kopre Mountain general area of the local government.

The operation, conducted between the early hours of August 26 and 27, 2026, also led to the recovery of several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Troops also destroyed several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), believed to have been used for terrorist logistics and mobility.

The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to him, the operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the area.

He said the joint force comprised the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State, under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu.

Goni said the troops conducted a stealth insertion into the area despite the difficult and rugged terrain before launching a precision strike on the terrorist camp in the early hours of August 27.

He said the operation was part of sustained efforts to locate and rescue victims being held by terrorist elements, including persons abducted from Mussa community in May and the Lassa schoolchildren kidnapped in June.

“During the operation, troops successfully closed in on the terrorist camp and engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters. Following fierce engagements, over 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.

Goni said the joint force subsequently took control of the area, dismantled the entire terrorist camp and destroyed associated logistics infrastructure.

He said the action further degraded the terrorists’ operational capability in the area.

During the exploitation of the location, troops destroyed several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing PMS, which were believed to have supported the terrorists’ logistics and mobility.

The troops also recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

According to Goni, the operation demonstrated the joint force’s tactical proficiency, intelligence exploitation capability and combat effectiveness, particularly its ability to operate in difficult terrain.

He said the Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and OPHK troops for their gallantry, professionalism, resilience and coordination during the operation.

Goni added that Operation Hadin Kai remained committed to intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing abducted persons, dismantling terrorist strongholds and degrading their logistics and fighting capabilities.

He assured that the operations would continue until all abducted persons were located and rescued, while efforts were sustained towards restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.

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By Joseph Erunke, ABUJA

Eighteen-year-old Emmanuel is determined to study Law at the university. But his dream of pursuing the five-year course is hanging in the balance after two consecutive attempts to obtain a credit pass in English Language.

Read Also: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others: Big promises, bigger questions ahead of 2027

The Akwa Ibom indigene also has a deficiency in Government, another subject required for his proposed course of study. He sat for the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, examination in 2023 and the National Examinations Council, NECO, examination in 2024, but failed to obtain the required grades to pursue his ambition.

Ahead of the forthcoming WAEC External examination, Emmanuel says he is leaving nothing to chance. In addition to enrolling for extra-mural classes, he has begun making arrangements to register with what he described as a “miracle centre” where, he believes, he is guaranteed to pass all his deficient subjects in one sitting.

Emmanuel is not alone. Across Nigeria, thousands of young people desperate to secure admission into universities and other tertiary institutions are increasingly being drawn towards examination centres where operators allegedly promise candidates guaranteed results.

Emeka, a 22-year-old native of Anambra State who lives with his parents in Nyanya, Abuja, gave a similar account while speaking with Vanguard at an extra-mural centre in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday.

“I would do anything to get my papers this time because I have written WAEC two times before. I couldn’t register for NECO because I believed I would pass at credit level once. But I was disappointed, not just once, but twice. I can’t go through that again,” he said, adding that he would register at a centre where he believed he could secure all the required grades.

For 19-year-old Aliyu, a student of one of the public schools in Zone 4, Abuja, the stakes are even higher. Aliyu told Vanguard that he wants to study Medicine and Surgery but is worried about his poor results. He said he plans to rewrite his deficient subjects and is considering a “miracle centre” in the hope of obtaining the grades required to pursue his dream course.

The desperation among young Nigerians to secure admission into their preferred courses through examination centres that allegedly guarantee good WAEC and NECO results is becoming a major concern across the country.

Huge industry

From the North-West to the South-South, North-Central to South-West and South-East to the North-East, the story is increasingly the same: candidates struggling with difficult subjects are being lured by operators promising quick and guaranteed solutions.

Despite sustained efforts by government and examination bodies to curb the menace, examination malpractice remains a persistent threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.

What was once largely regarded as isolated cheating by individual candidates has developed into a sophisticated ecosystem involving candidates, parents, teachers, school proprietors, tutorial centre operators and, in some cases, corrupt examination officials.

When candidates who have not acquired the required knowledge obtain certificates through malpractice, the integrity of those certificates is compromised. Genuine students are placed at a disadvantage, while universities, employers and professional institutions are left with the difficult task of determining whether qualifications presented to them genuinely reflect candidates’ abilities.

At the centre of the crisis is the intense pressure to secure admission. For many Nigerian youths, failure to obtain the required grades in WAEC, NECO or other qualifying examinations is perceived as a major setback, particularly when their desired university course requires specific credits.

The pressure can become unbearable when candidates have written examinations repeatedly without success. This desperation provides a ready market for operators of illegal examination centres.

But behind that promise may be a network of organised examination malpractice involving impersonation, collusion, unauthorised electronic devices, leakage of examination materials and other fraudulent practices.

The situation becomes even more troubling when parents knowingly or unknowingly finance the process because they are more interested in seeing their children obtain certificates than in ensuring that they genuinely acquire the knowledge those certificates are supposed to represent.

How “miracle centres” can be eliminated in Nigeria

Parents must stop financing fraud

One of the first battles Nigeria must fight is at the family level. Parents must stop treating examination failure as a catastrophe capable of destroying a child’s future.

The pressure placed on young people to produce outstanding grades at all costs can push vulnerable candidates into the hands of miracle centre operators.

Instead of financing examination malpractice, parents should invest in genuine academic preparation, including extra lessons, textbooks, digital learning resources and conducive study environments.

More importantly, parents must understand that failure in one examination does not mean failure in life. A candidate can rewrite an examination, change a course of study, acquire vocational skills or pursue alternative educational pathways. What should not become an option is cheating.

Schools must teach, not manufacture results

The school system also has a major role to play. Schools that place excessive emphasis on examination results rather than actual learning can inadvertently create an environment in which malpractice thrives.

In an increasingly competitive education market, impressive examination results can be used by schools as advertisements to attract parents and new students.

This can create pressure on teachers and students to produce results by any means. Government must therefore strengthen inspection and monitoring of schools, particularly institutions with suspiciously high pass rates or repeated cases of examination malpractice.

Schools should be evaluated not merely by the number of distinctions recorded but by the quality of teaching, students’ ability to demonstrate understanding, critical-thinking skills, attendance, infrastructure and compliance with examination regulations.

Continuous assessment needs strengthening

Nigeria must also examine its overdependence on high-stakes final examinations. Where a candidate’s future appears to depend almost entirely on one examination, the temptation to cheat becomes stronger.

A credible and properly monitored continuous-assessment system can reduce the pressure associated with a single final examination. However, continuous assessment must be protected against manipulation.

It should not become another mechanism through which schools manufacture grades for students.

Technology versus examination fraud

Technology provides another important weapon. WAEC, NECO, JAMB and other examination bodies must continue to strengthen biometric verification, candidate identification, computer-based examinations, secure question delivery, electronic surveillance and other technology-driven measures.

Artificial Intelligence-assisted monitoring could also help identify suspicious behaviour and patterns during examinations.

But technology alone cannot solve the problem. It must be supported by reliable electricity, internet connectivity, trained personnel, cybersecurity systems and strict enforcement.

As examination fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, examination bodies must stay ahead of the criminals developing new methods of compromising examinations.

Go after the masterminds
Perhaps one of the biggest weaknesses in Nigeria’s response to examination malpractice is the disproportionate focus on students.

A candidate caught with a prohibited device may have his or her result cancelled, but the individual or organisation that supplied the device or coordinated the cheating operation may escape serious consequences. This must change.

Law enforcement agencies and examination bodies should investigate the networks behind miracle centres and identify the people making money from organised examination fraud.

Operators, who deliberately establish businesses around examination malpractice, should face prosecution, closure of their centres and other lawful sanctions.

Teachers, school proprietors and examination officials who compromise the integrity of examinations must equally be held accountable.

The message should be clear: examination malpractice is not a harmless shortcut; it is a criminal enterprise capable of destroying the credibility of the entire education system.

Tighter accreditation of examination centres

The accreditation and monitoring of examination centres must also be strengthened. Centres repeatedly linked to malpractice should not continue operating without serious scrutiny.

Authorities should develop a reliable database documenting malpractice incidents associated with examination centres. Such a system would make it easier to identify repeat offenders and deploy targeted monitoring.

Private schools, tutorial centres and other facilities involved in examination preparation should also be subjected to appropriate regulatory oversight.

Students need a new orientation

The battle cannot be won through arrests and surveillance alone. Students must be taught that education is about knowledge, competence, discipline and character, not merely the acquisition of certificates.

Academic integrity should form part of school-based moral and civic education.

Students struggling with particular subjects should be encouraged to seek academic support early instead of waiting until examinations are imminent before searching for fraudulent alternatives.

They must also understand that an examination result obtained through malpractice may open one door temporarily but leave them unprepared for the challenges beyond it.

Nigeria must reduce its certificate obsession:

The wider Nigerian society must also confront its obsession with certificates. A young person who fails an examination should not be branded a failure.

Nigeria needs to expand legitimate alternatives through technical and vocational education, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, professional training and other skills-based pathways.

If young Nigerians have multiple credible routes to build successful careers, the desperation surrounding a single examination may reduce significantly.

Government must therefore invest more aggressively in technical and vocational education and create stronger links between training, industry and employment.

WAEC, NECO, JAMB must share intelligence

The country’s examination bodies cannot afford to operate in isolation. JAMB, WAEC, NECO, the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, state ministries of education and security agencies need stronger intelligence-sharing mechanisms.

A candidate or examination centre repeatedly implicated in malpractice should not be able to exploit gaps between institutions. Information sharing can help authorities identify repeat offenders, impersonation networks, suspicious examination centres and unusual patterns in examination results.

Expose the scale of the problem:

Government and examination bodies should also publish credible periodic reports on examination malpractice.

Such reports should provide information on the number of affected candidates, cancelled results, sanctioned centres, prosecutions and emerging forms of malpractice.

Transparency would strengthen public confidence and demonstrate that the authorities are actively protecting examination integrity. However, enforcement must remain based on credible evidence and due process.

The real solution

Ultimately, Nigeria cannot arrest its way out of examination malpractice. The country must attack both the demand and supply sides of the problem.

Parents must stop financing fraudulent success. Students must reject shortcuts. Schools must return to genuine teaching. Examination bodies must strengthen technology and supervision. Government must prosecute organisers and corrupt officials. Security agencies must dismantle the networks making money from examination fraud.

Most importantly, Nigeria must restore the value of genuine education. The battle against miracle centres is not simply about preventing a candidate from carrying answers into an examination hall. It is about protecting the meaning of a Nigerian certificate.

If a certificate can be purchased through a miracle centre, the damage goes far beyond one candidate. It undermines universities, employers, professional bodies and the credibility of Nigeria’s entire education system.

The country must therefore begin treating examination malpractice as a national integrity crisis, rather than merely as student misconduct. Until the lucrative business model behind miracle centres is dismantled and genuine academic achievement is rewarded, the operators will continue to reinvent themselves, and desperate candidates like Emmanuel will continue to see them as a possible escape route to their dreams.

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— Shops for new VC for ABSU

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assured the next-of-kin of deceased pensioners that his administration will pay benefits due to their late relatives as the state begins clearing more than N60 billion in outstanding gratuity liabilities.

Otti gave the assurance on Thursday during his monthly media chat, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

Responding to questions on pension matters, the governor said provisions had been made to address the entitlements of deceased pensioners, assuring their families that his administration was committed to settling the outstanding obligations.

He said the government had recently completed payment of outstanding gratuities to retired workers who left the state service between 2001 and 2010.

According to him, attention would now shift to retirees from 2011 to date, subject to available resources.

“We are getting ready to deal with the remaining years from 2011 all the way to the present, based on available resources. So we are taking them gradually.

“Like I had reported earlier, we found that outstanding gratuities were over N60 billion. And we are undertaking to clear those gratuities gradually,” Otti said.

The governor said his administration was also putting structures in place to permanently address pension-related challenges in the state.

He disclosed that the state had recently introduced a contributory pension scheme covering more than 36,000 workers.

“Just last month, we rolled out a contributory pension scheme for over 36,000 workers in the state.

“So what that means is that the issue of pensions and even gratuity will become seamless, since the contributory pension scheme is such that between the worker and the employer, some funds are set aside on a monthly basis to take care of the pension and gratuity,” he said.

Otti to appoint new ABSU VC

The governor also announced that a new substantive Vice-Chancellor would assume office at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), on November 1, 2026.

He said the process for appointing a successor had commenced ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the institution’s Acting Vice-Chancellor at the end of October.

According to him, advertisements for the position had been published and the recruitment process was underway.

“In Abia State University, the process for leadership transition has started, given that the Acting Vice Chancellor, I believe his tenure expires end of October.

“So from first November, a substantive and new Vice Chancellor would take over. And because of that, I think the advertisements have gone out, and the recruitment process has started,” Otti said.

Otti also disclosed that his administration was undertaking major infrastructure upgrades across tertiary institutions in the state.

On basic education, he said the government had engaged an additional 4,074 teachers to address manpower shortages in public schools, following the earlier recruitment of 5,394 teachers.

He said the recruitment was targeted at locations and subject areas where teachers were most needed.

“We are intentional in this recruitment, that we are targeted at locations and then in the different disciplines where they are required.

“So the deployment is happening as we speak. We have also engaged in massive infrastructure upgrade of the tertiary institutions,” the governor said.

Otti further disclosed that the administration was reconstituting the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) to oversee the management of secondary education across the state.

Meanwhile, the governor announced that the state’s Citizens’ Engagement Centre would soon be officially opened to provide residents with a platform to directly engage the government, ask questions, make observations and contribute ideas on public policies.

He said a dedicated helpline, 0800-0000232, and an email address, contactcenter@abiastate.gov.ng, had been provided for communication with the centre.

On healthcare, Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare services to residents.

He said Abia was recently rated first in healthcare affordability and third in healthcare quality in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index in Nigeria.

The governor said the administration would sustain reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery and advancing people-centred policies across the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and other members of the State Executive Council attended the media chat.

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OSLO — Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89, the Royal Palace announced on Friday.

Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am local time on August 28, according to the palace.

His 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeds him as king. He is expected to reign as King Haakon VIII.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today,” the palace said.

Flags at the Royal Palace in Oslo were lowered to half-mast as Norway began mourning the monarch, who had reigned since 1991 and was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch.

Harald had been hospitalised in Oslo since August 17 while receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia. His condition deteriorated in his final days, with the palace describing it as “extremely serious” on Thursday.

Members of the royal family, including Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, had gathered at his bedside as his condition worsened.

Harald had experienced several health challenges in recent years, including infections and the fitting of a pacemaker. Despite his declining health and reduced official schedule, he repeatedly ruled out abdication, saying his oath as king was for life.

Turbulent period

Harald’s death comes at a difficult period for the Norwegian royal family.

In February, the king was hospitalised while on a private trip to Tenerife with Queen Sonja after suffering an infection and dehydration. Queen Sonja, also 89, was briefly hospitalised in May over heart problems.

The family has also faced scrutiny over Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s past correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which became public following the release of documents in the United States.

Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, has also faced legal troubles after being sentenced in June to four years in prison for rape and other offences. He has appealed the conviction.

Mette-Marit, 53, underwent a lung transplant in July while being treated for a serious lung disease.

Despite the controversies surrounding the royal family, Harald remained broadly popular in Norway and was widely regarded as a unifying figure.

He was born on February 21, 1937, and became king following the death of his father, King Olav V, in 1991. During more than three decades on the throne, Harald was credited with modernising the monarchy and making it more open and inclusive.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre paid tribute to the late monarch, describing Harald as a king who devoted his life to Norway and helped unite the country during moments of crisis.

The Norwegian government said it would meet with the new king at the Royal Palace following an extraordinary Council of State.

AFP

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By Soni Daniel

DAMATURU — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yobe State has denied reports that some of its members and supporters have defected en masse to the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The state chairman of the ADC, Umar Kalli Alhaji, described the report, attributed to Alhaji Abdullahi Usman Maigida, as false and mischievous.

In a rejoinder issued on Thursday, Kalli said no such defection took place in the state and challenged those behind the report to provide evidence of the alleged event.

“No such event took place in Yobe. Had it occurred, those behind this propaganda would not have hesitated to back it up with videos and pictures,” he said.

The ADC chairman also dismissed the claim that the Wike-aligned PDP faction has a political structure in Yobe, saying it has no office, structure or grassroots presence anywhere in the state.

According to him, the faction also lacks representation in most of the elective positions to be contested in the zone in the 2027 general elections.

Kalli alleged that the report was intended either to attract political attention to the FCT minister or to extort money from him.

“We therefore urge the general public, party faithful and all stakeholders to disregard the report in its entirety. It is false, mischievous and lacks any basis in fact,” he said.

The rejoinder followed a report claiming that the Wike-aligned PDP faction had received defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), ADC, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other political groups in Nangere and Fune local government areas.

The report also quoted the PDP governorship candidate, Abdullahi Usman Maigida, as saying the influx of new members had strengthened the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

It further identified Dr Ibrahim Aliyu as one of the prominent political figures who allegedly defected to the faction.

The ADC, however, did not provide specific details in its rejoinder on the individuals named in the report or address their alleged defections individually.

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— As state-owned varsities shut over agreement

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

AKURE — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMEDO), has commenced a total and indefinite strike over the Ondo State Government’s alleged failure to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement and pay arrears dating back to January 1, 2026.

The decision was reached at a congress meeting following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the university management and the state government.

In a statement signed by the union’s Chairperson, Comrade Abraham O. Oladebeye, and Secretary, Comrade Adeniran O. Akinola, ASUU-UNIMEDO said it reviewed the situation and found that the agreement had not been implemented at the university.

The union directed all members to withdraw from statutory academic functions with immediate effect from 11:25am on Thursday, effectively halting academic activities at the institution.

The directive covers lectures, continuous assessment tests, examinations and seminars at undergraduate, conversion and postgraduate levels.

It also includes departmental, faculty, committee and Senate meetings, whether physical or virtual.

The union further suspended the supervision of students’ research projects, industrial training (IT) and fieldwork, as well as other academic duties.

ASUU-UNIMEDO said the strike would remain in force until the 2025 agreement was fully implemented at the university and all accrued arrears from January 1, 2026, were paid.

“Congress resolved that this TOTAL, COMPREHENSIVE AND INDEFINITE STRIKE would persist and subsist, pending the FULL implementation of the Agreement with the accrued arrears from 1st January, 2026 in the University, and subsequent directive from NEC,” the statement said.

The union expressed disappointment over what it described as the state government’s failure to act despite the ultimatum.

It also directed the Branch Executive Council to engage the public and media on the matter, while activating the Branch Strike Coordinating Committee to monitor compliance.

The development comes as ASUU chapters at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, have also embarked on indefinite strikes over the same issue.

The action has further deepened the industrial crisis in Ondo State’s public universities.

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By Dayo Johnson, Akure

AKURE — The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), South-West Zone, has called on the Ondo State Government and the management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), to urgently settle outstanding allowances, salaries and other entitlements owed its members.

The union also demanded a comprehensive review of the university’s senior staff career structure, saying the existing structure had stalled the career progression of many qualified workers.

The demands were made during the 80th Regular Zonal Executive Council Meeting of SSANU South-West Zone, held at the Nelson Mandela Hall of AAUA. The meeting also featured award presentations.

Speaking at the event, the National Vice-President and South-West Zonal Chairman of SSANU, Dr Abdussobur Salaam, urged the state government to intervene in the financial challenges confronting the university and ensure the payment of outstanding workers’ entitlements.

“We noted the issues of arrears, payments, allowances and salaries being owed members of staff, not only SSANU members but also members of other unions in the university,” Salaam said.

“We therefore call on the Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene and ensure that these outstanding payments owed members of staff are settled without further delay, especially in the spirit of the progressive leadership he has given the state.”

Salaam urged SSANU members to remain committed to their duties and called on the leadership of ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAT to strengthen collaboration for the development of the university and the welfare of workers.

In his welcome address, SSANU-AAUA Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Olutayo Ogungbeni, listed several outstanding issues affecting members of the union.

They include 54 months’ arrears of the 2019 minimum wage, 11 months’ arrears of the 25/35 per cent 2023 salary adjustment, 124 months’ hazard allowance arrears and outstanding promotional and incremental arrears dating back to 2023.

He also demanded payment of excess workload allowances for 2015–2019, outstanding third-party deductions, including about 37 months owed to cooperative societies, the July 2026 salary, two tranches owed to reabsorbed staff, as well as gratuities and pension entitlements of retired workers from 2008 to date.

Ogungbeni said there was a need for a comprehensive review of the senior staff career structure to reflect current realities in Nigerian universities.

“We desire a holistic review of the Senior Staff Career Structure to reflect present realities in Nigerian universities.

“The current structure has stagnated the career progression of our members, and it is unheard of that there is no CONTISS 15 staff in this university when there are many qualified staff for such positions,” he said.

He also called for full implementation of the monetary and non-monetary provisions of the 2026 SSANU/FGN agreement, including outstanding benefits from January 2026, and urged the university management to ensure the payment of August salaries without conditions.

Ogungbeni said his administration had secured some gains for staff, including the implementation of the 65/70-year retirement age, payment of the N35,000 wage award and release of the withheld January 2017 subvention.

He added that 143 members of staff had recently benefited from a conversion exercise, while 13 Deputy Registrars and five Deputy Bursars were appointed.

The chairman also commended the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga E. Ige, and the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, for reopening the university’s main gate after it had remained closed for almost five years.

Responding, Obamuyi assured the association that the management would examine the issues raised and work towards finding lasting solutions.

Also speaking, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Ondo State Attorney-General, Adekola Olawoye Adewoye, who was honoured at the event, expressed appreciation to SSANU.

Adewoye said his role in extending the retirement age for senior staff from 60 to 65 in 2018 was carried out in his official capacity.

Chairman of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Leke Adegbite, who was also honoured, thanked the association and pledged that journalists would continue to use their profession to address societal issues.

Adegbite expressed optimism that the financial challenges confronting the university would be resolved.

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By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA

Nigeria’s leading presidential contenders have begun laying out competing answers to the country’s economic and security crisis. But there is one question their promises have not yet fully answered: how much will all this cost, and who will pay?

Read Also: 2027 Peace Accord not uhuru for credible electoral process – CSOs, lawyers

From cheaper fuel and millions of jobs to free education, more electricity, stronger healthcare and safer communities, the offers are getting bigger.

Yet, across the campaign speeches and policy documents released so far, detailed costings, funding mechanisms, implementation timelines and measurable delivery targets remain unclear.

The candidates are offering Nigerians different diagnoses of the same crisis. President Bola Tinubu (All Progressives Congress) says the country needs continuity and consolidation of painful reforms. Atiku Abubakar (African Democratic Congress) argues that some of those reforms, especially fuel subsidy removal, should be reversed. Peter Obi (Nigeria Democratic Congress) says Nigeria must move from consumption to production. Adewole Adebayo (Social Democratic Party) places full employment and decentralised production at the heart of his prescription, while Omoyele Sowore (African Action Congress) presents education and technology as the foundation for long-term transformation.

Beneath the differences, however, there is striking agreement: insecurity, electricity, jobs, education, healthcare and productive economic activity dominate the competing platforms.

The real battle, therefore, may not be over who can make the biggest promise, but who can explain how the promise becomes a result.

Tinubu: ‘Don’t stop the reforms’

For Tinubu, the 2027 election is fundamentally a referendum on continuity.

Accepting the APC presidential ticket at the party’s convention in Abuja on May 24, 2026, he argued that Nigeria must stay the course.

“Today, our task is to affirm that continuity is essential to consolidate reform, secure progress, and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria,” Tinubu declared.

The message was unmistakable. The APC presidential candidate is asking voters to look beyond the immediate pain of adjustment and judge whether the reforms initiated since 2023 can eventually deliver a stronger economy.

At the same convention, he defended the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate reforms, saying: “We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates, and weak infrastructure. Today, we are witnessing a turnaround: the naira is strengthening, foreign reserves are rising, and our economic outlook is positive…”

His campaign also points to infrastructure, including major roads, highways, airports, seaports and irrigation projects, while promising further restructuring of the electricity sector.

On power, Tinubu said: “Our strategy is focused on redesigning the power sector into a bankable, investable, and capable sector that delivers power to homes and industries.”

He cited peak generation of 6,000MW and also highlighted NELFUND, saying more than N282 billion had been disbursed to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries.

On security, he backed constitutional reform to permit state police, saying: “We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency.”

The political strength of this pitch is also its central vulnerability.

Tinubu is asking Nigerians to believe that today’s economic pain is part of a necessary transition. But the immediate experience of inflation and the cost of living can be more tangible to households than improvements in reserves, revenue or other macroeconomic indicators.

The question for the administration is therefore not simply whether the reforms are defensible. It is whether enough Nigerians will feel their benefits strongly enough to accept the argument for continuity.

Atiku: ‘Change the prescription’

Atiku has chosen a fundamentally different route.

Accepting the ADC presidential ticket in Abuja on May 28, 2026, he identified five broad priorities: “Security, education, economy, healthcare and the challenge of power-sharing among the constituent units of our country.”

But his most politically striking intervention has come on fuel subsidy.

On the campaign trail last week, Atiku said: “If I win the presidential election, I will restore fuel subsidy.”

That is more than a policy disagreement with Tinubu. It is an attempt to speak directly to Nigerians who associate subsidy removal with the sharp rise in the cost of living.

Atiku has argued that Nigerians have not benefited sufficiently from subsidy removal and has also spoken of recovering funds he alleges were stolen after its removal.

But this is where political appeal meets fiscal reality. If the subsidy is restored, what pays for it?

Atiku’s campaign chat with the BBC does not provide enough detail to answer that question. And that gap matters because Atiku is simultaneously promising to expand security recruitment and equipment, improve education and healthcare, attract investment and address electricity constraints while criticising excessive borrowing.

His security promise is similarly immediate. Atiku said his administration would take decisive action in its first 100 days through recruitment, equipment, training, improved welfare and stronger leadership across the security agencies.

The attraction is clear: offer voters immediate relief and visible action. The challenge is equally clear: demonstrate how the competing financial demands can be met without simply shifting the burden elsewhere.

Obi: ‘Produce, don’t just consume’

Peter Obi’s campaign takes a more structural approach.

Launching the 2027 presidential and National Assembly campaign in Onitsha recently, Obi asked questions designed to frame the election around household economic reality: “Are Nigerians better off than they were four years ago? Can they afford food, education, and healthcare? Can businesses produce, expand, and create jobs?”

His answer is built around production.

“With your mandate, our economic agenda will put production, investment, enterprise, and human capital at the centre of how we lead,” he said at the campaign launch.

The agenda proposes greater agricultural productivity through farm security, irrigation, rural roads, storage, finance and markets, alongside manufacturing and agro-processing to increase exports of finished goods.

Obi distilled the philosophy into another line from the same campaign address: “Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets.”

This is arguably the clearest structural economic argument among the competing platforms.

But Obi also introduces another important dimension: the federation itself.

“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit,” he declared.

His region-by-region economic blueprint assigns different productive priorities to Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

That makes the proposal more than an economic programme. It touches the deeper question of how Nigeria’s federation should work — what each region contributes, what it produces and how the benefits of national economic activity are distributed.

His emphasis on decentralised security management similarly suggests an institutional shift, while his insistence that major public investments should have measurable outcomes places implementation at the heart of his own proposition.

That creates a test for the campaign too: what are the precise targets, timelines and institutional responsibilities for turning production from a slogan into measurable economic change?

Adebayo: ‘Full employment’ as the engine

Adewole Adebayo broadens the debate by making employment the central economic objective.

At a policy unveiling in June, he said his administration would pursue full employment, with a target of 30 million jobs through agriculture, manufacturing, digital innovation and enterprise development.

His platform also proposes enrolling 20 million out-of-school children and training five million young Nigerians in environmental sustainability and green technology.

On electricity, Adebayo has proposed a long-term target of 50,000 to 75,000MW by 2050, combining gas-fired generation, solar power and rehabilitation of existing hydroelectric infrastructure.

He has also called for decentralised production and formal regulation of mining, arguing against what he describes as the ‘criminalisation of mining’.

Recently, he also argued that insecurity could not be defeated simply by reacting after attacks, calling for a security architecture that is more responsive to communities and more intelligence-led.

The ambition is substantial. But the distinction between a long-term destination and a four-year presidential programme matters.

What is the bridge between today’s electricity crisis and a 2050 target?

Adewole has not established the intermediate milestones, financing structure or institutional delivery mechanism that would answer that question.

Sowore: Education as the revolution

Sowore has chosen education as his signature battleground. Unveiling his 20-point education policy in July, he declared: “No government under a Sowore2027 administration will ever ask your child to pay WAEC, NECO, or any other public examination fee. Education will be free because knowledge is a right, not a privilege.”

His proposal goes far beyond eliminating school fees. It promises free education from early childhood through university, semester grants for students in public tertiary institutions and community colleges in every local government area.

The policy also proposes high-speed internet in schools, digital classrooms, virtual laboratories, online libraries, AI-assisted learning, coding from primary school, robotics and automation.

Sowore’s ‘Teachers first’ proposal includes better salaries, housing and research opportunities, while the blueprint calls for university autonomy and merit-based research grants.

The underlying argument is that education should not merely produce certificates. It should create the human capital required for Nigeria’s next economic phase.

But again, the biggest unanswered question is financial. What would such a nationwide system cost, and from where would the money come?

Sowore has not provided sufficient figures to establish the full national fiscal requirement.

Five candidates, one Nigerian problem

For all their ideological and political differences, the candidates are converging around the same basic reality.

Nigeria needs security. Nigeria needs reliable electricity. Nigeria needs jobs. Nigeria needs functioning schools and healthcare. And Nigeria needs to produce more, rather than remain heavily dependent on consumption and imports.

That convergence is significant because it suggests that the political conversation is shifting towards tangible outcomes.

But it also exposes a contradiction. The candidates are proposing substantial government intervention while simultaneously promising fiscal discipline, reduced waste, accountability and responsible borrowing.

Those positions are not necessarily incompatible. But they require arithmetic. And that arithmetic has not yet been sufficiently placed either on paper or before the electorate.

The manifesto Nigeria is still waiting to see

Perhaps the most important development in the campaign will therefore be what comes after the speeches.

Many of the campaigns have released policy priorities, speeches and individual proposals rather than comprehensive, costed manifestos.

That should now change. The question for every candidate should move from “What will you do?” to “Exactly how will you do it?”

How much will the programme cost? What revenue will finance it? How much borrowing is assumed? Which ministry, agency or level of government will deliver it? What laws must the National Assembly change? What will be achieved in the first 100 days, first year and by the end of four years? What measurable indicators will Nigerians use to judge success? And, perhaps, most importantly, who takes responsibility when the promised result does not arrive?

Those questions are as relevant to Tinubu’s reform consolidation as they are to Atiku’s subsidy reversal. They apply to Obi’s production agenda, Adebayo’s employment and power targets and Sowore’s education blueprint.

This is not about demanding that candidates stop dreaming big. Nigeria needs big ideas. It is about demanding that those ideas survive contact with the realities of public finance, institutions and implementation.

For the ordinary Nigerian, the distinction is crucial. A promise of electricity means little if the business owner still cannot plan a working day without a generator. Millions of jobs mean little to a young graduate if there is no credible pathway from training to employment. Cheaper fuel matters only if it translates into lower pressure on household budgets. Free education matters if schools can actually deliver quality learning.

The 2027 election should therefore be more than a competition in political ambition. The candidates have begun telling Nigerians where they want to take the country. Now they need to show the road map.

Because the most convincing manifesto in 2027 may not be the one with the biggest promises, but the one that can answer, in clear numbers and clear timelines: how much, from where, by when, and who will be accountable when the promise meets reality.

Vanguard News

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…Policy targets drink-driving, underage access, illicit market
…Nigeria loses over N428bn revenue yearly to illicit spirits, wines
By Chioma Obinna

The Federal Government has launched a new five-year national alcohol policy aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, tightening regulation and curbing the growing illicit alcohol market in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Alcohol Policy and Multisectoral Implementation Plan 2026–2030, launched yesterday in Abuja, provides a unified framework for government agencies and other stakeholders to address the health, social and economic consequences of alcohol consumption.

Under the policy, government will strengthen public education, responsible alcohol marketing, age and access controls, screening, treatment and rehabilitation, while improving safety, quality and traceability across the alcohol value chain.

Speaking at the launch, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, said alcohol-related harm could no longer be treated as the responsibility of the health sector alone.

Pate said the issue had implications for public health, economic development and good governance, requiring coordinated action across government.

He said: “Nigeria cannot address alcohol-related harm through fragmented interventions. We need coordination across sectors, clear responsibilities and accountability for results.”

The policy is built around four pillars: harm reduction and health promotion; industrial and economic development; multisectoral coordination and governance; and monitoring, evaluation and accountability.

Pate cited latest available World Health Organisation data showing that Nigeria’s total alcohol consumption stood at 3.2 litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15 and above in 2024.

He also linked alcohol-related risks to road safety, citing Federal Road Safety Corps figures which recorded 9,570 road traffic crashes and 5,421 deaths nationwide in 2024.

According to him, driving under the influence remains a recognised contributor to road traffic crashes, underscoring the need for stronger prevention and enforcement measures.

The minister also raised concern over the scale of illicit alcohol trading, citing industry estimates from the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria based on a 2024 Euromonitor survey.

He said illicit spirits and wines accounted for about 40 per cent of the market, representing an estimated annual government revenue loss of more than N428 billion.

The development adds an economic dimension to the government’s renewed push for stronger alcohol regulation, as authorities seek to protect public health while safeguarding legitimate businesses and government revenue.

In a welcome address delivered by the Director, Food and Drugs Services, Dr Olufowubi-Yusuf Adeola, the Permanent Secretary described the launch as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen alcohol governance.

She urged stakeholders to move beyond policy commitments and translate the objectives into measurable action.

The ministry also called on traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to support implementation through public education, advocacy and community engagement.

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, commended the Federal Government for providing what she described as an unambiguous policy direction on alcohol control.

Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to science-based regulation, monitoring, surveillance and stakeholder engagement.

She also restated the agency’s position on the restriction of small-volume alcohol products.
Adeyeye said NAFDAC remained committed to the ban on the sale of alcohol in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres.

The launch brought together representatives of the Federal Ministries of Finance; Industry, Trade and Investment; Nigerian Correctional Service; Nigeria Customs Service; Federal Road Safety Corps; National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and other stakeholders.
The stakeholders pledged to work together in implementing the 2026–2030 plan.

The Federal Government said the policy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and international commitments under the African Union Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goals and relevant WHO frameworks.

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said it would work with government agencies, industry and civil society to ensure that the policy moves from a national framework to concrete and measurable results.

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By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with a Special Tactical Team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), have neutralised more than 21 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State.

The troops also dismantled the terrorists’ camp and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition following the operation.

Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the operation was conducted on August 27, 2026.

He said the joint force comprised the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State, under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu.

According to him, the troops, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a stealth insertion into the area despite the difficult and rugged terrain before launching a precision strike on the terrorists’ camp in the early hours of Thursday.

Goni said the operation was part of sustained efforts to locate and rescue victims being held by terrorist elements, including persons abducted from Mussa community in May and the Lassa schoolchildren kidnapped in June.

He said the troops engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters, neutralising more than 21 of them, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The troops subsequently took control of the area, dismantled the terrorist camp and destroyed associated logistics infrastructure, further degrading the terrorists’ operational capability in the area.

During exploitation of the location, several motorcycles, bicycles and jerry cans containing Premium Motor Spirit, believed to have been used to support the terrorists’ logistics and mobility, were destroyed.

The troops also recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Goni said the operation demonstrated the joint force’s operational tempo, tactical proficiency, intelligence-gathering capability and combat effectiveness.

He added that it further demonstrated the troops’ capacity to project combat power into difficult terrain, dismantle terrorist enclaves and deny the terrorists freedom of action within the theatre.

The Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and Operation Hadin Kai troops for their gallantry, professionalism, resilience and coordination during the operation.

It reaffirmed the determination of the Armed Forces and other security stakeholders to continue pursuing and degrading terrorist elements wherever they seek refuge.

The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, also assured the public that intelligence-driven operations would continue to locate and rescue abducted persons, dismantle terrorist strongholds, destroy their logistics and deny them the freedom to operate.

The theatre command said the operations would be sustained until all abducted persons were located and rescued, while efforts continued to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.

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By Dapo Akinrefon

LAGOS — The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has described the late Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, as a beacon of integrity, professionalism and dedication to journalism.

Adams said Oladipo’s sudden death was a major loss to all who valued truthful and ethical journalism.

In a statement on Thursday, Adams expressed profound sorrow and extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, friends and colleagues, as well as the wider Nigerian journalism community.

He also sympathised with the management and staff of Eagle Online, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

Adams described Oladipo as “a rare gem” whose contributions to Nigeria’s media landscape were significant and enduring, saying his death had left a huge void in the journalism profession.

“Dotun Oladipo was more than just a journalist. We have lost a man whose work elevated the standards of reporting and publishing in Nigeria.

“He was a mentor and source of inspiration to many young journalists. His commitment to nurturing talent and promoting responsible journalism has left an indelible mark on the industry,” he said.

Adams said Oladipo distinguished himself through a combination of humility, professionalism and excellence, adding that he was not one to seek the limelight but remained committed to ensuring that the truth was reported with clarity and fairness.

He said Oladipo’s dedication was evident in the stories he published and the editorial decisions he made throughout his career.

According to him, Oladipo’s impact extended beyond the newsroom, as his leadership at Eagle Online helped shape public discourse and provided a platform for critical issues affecting the country.

“His editorial vision was characterised by a commitment to truth, fairness and the pursuit of justice, qualities that earned him respect across the media spectrum,” Adams said.

He urged Nigerians to remember and celebrate Oladipo’s life, while calling on media practitioners to emulate his dedication and ethical standards.

“In mourning his loss, we must also renew our commitment to the principles he stood for. His legacy is a challenge to all of us to strive for excellence and integrity in our work,” he said.

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By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA — Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has identified environmental degradation and flooding as the state’s number one existential threat, saying about 98 per cent of the problem is caused by human activities.

Speaking during a media engagement to mark Anambra’s 35th anniversary, Soludo said more than 30 per cent of the state’s landmass had been compromised, reinforcing its status as the gully erosion capital of Africa.

He said the situation had been worsened by blocked drainage systems, unauthorised construction on waterways and reckless excavation activities, which have significantly altered the state’s natural soil porosity.

According to him, the severity of gully erosion is progressively reducing Anambra’s land area at a scale that exceeds the financial capacity of government to address alone.

The governor, therefore, called for a shift from the traditional reactive, government-centred approach to environmental management to a community-driven model involving local institutions, churches and other stakeholders.

He urged residents to consider the environmental legacy they would leave for future generations, asking what condition they would hand the state over to their children.

Soludo also unveiled the Anambra Clean and Green Initiative, a comprehensive environmental programme built around four pillars: Green, Clean, Planned and Sustainable.

Emphasising that environmental protection was a collective responsibility, rather than the sole responsibility of government, the governor urged residents to embrace tree planting as part of efforts to restore the ecosystem and improve air quality.

“The scale of this crisis is more than what government alone can solve; we must collectivise the responsibility,” Soludo said, as he formally launched the state-wide green initiative.

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By Gabriel Ewepu

With five months to the 2027 general elections, the National Peace Committee, NPC, chaired by former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, in partnership with The Kukah Centre on August 18, 2026 brought together presidential candidates and national chairpersons of political parties participating in the elections at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. There, they signed a National Peace Accord with the aim of promoting and sustaining peace before, during and after the elections.

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The agreement was signed by President Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, also signed the accord; the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi; the African Action Congress, AAC, candidate, Omoyele Sowore; and the Social Democratic Party, SDP, candidate, Adewole Adebayo.

They also agreed to base their campaigns on real issues affecting Nigerians and not to instigate or sponsor violence, including other things that undermine the electoral process.

Speaking with Vanguard, Nigerians said the National Peace Accord is welcomed, but most times the same politicians fail to adhere to the terms of the agreement they have signed. They asserted that the signing of 2027 National Peace Accord is not the midas touch for a transparent and credible electoral process, but recommended how the process can be strengthened.

2027 Peace Accord signing won’t be different, prosecution needed – Rights lawyer

A human rights lawyer and Principal Partner, Idris Faro and CO, Idris Faro, said 2027 signing of the National Peace Accord by candidates of political parties would not be different from other ones signed.

Faro said, “Though a good idea, it is a fanciful yearly routine heralding the general elections.

“Politicians have often failed to adhere strictly to the terms of the accord as there is always violence by some of their supporters. They have a responsibility to rein in their supporters.

“Not until politicians are jailed for political violence, it will continue recurring.

“The prosecution of electoral offences and other violent conducts is far better than signing the Peace Accord.

“The Accord isn’t provided for in the Electoral Act and not backed by statute. However, the Electoral Act and other federal and state legislations prohibit unlawful conducts and acts of violence which are crimes under these laws.

“The snatching of ballot boxes, assaulting of voters and presiding officers, tampering with election materials, unlawful possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons are all offences under the law.

“You don’t need an accord to warn people against them. They are already provided for in the laws. The Accord only reminds them about these offences.

“The Accord hasn’t really made the electoral process entirely credible and acceptable to Nigerians because many still believe that their votes don’t count. Everyone, including the voters and party supporters have a role to play in the conduct of elections.

“They have a duty to conduct themselves peacefully at the polling unit.

“The Electoral Offences Commission is welcome. Punishment is what is needed to change our behaviour in this country. Law breakers deserve proportionate punishment for the offences committed.”

Nat’l Peace Accord needs to include voters – BOOT Party

The National Chairman, Because Of Our Tomorrow, BOOT, Party, Sonny Adenuga, in his reaction said, “I did not attend because it is the same issues that have been since the Peace Accord was initiated. The Peace Accord should not be ceremonial but should go beyond political parties and their candidates but everybody in the electoral process.

“The Peace Accord is not meeting the aims and objectives, because the people talking about the peace accord do not understand it.

“Even the candidates don’t abide by their political parties as far as their names are with INEC as candidates to contest.

“The electorate needs to be sensitized on not being used by politicians and the Peace Accord should be a continuous exercise.”

Politicians must keep to terms of Accord document – Public Affairs Analyst

In his response, a public affairs analyst, Dr Ebriku John Friday, said the National Peace Accord is now a working document and binding, therefore, politicians are to keep its term in the nest interest of Nigerians and the electoral process.

Friday said: “There’s no practical difference because it is part of the activities by INEC and all political parties participating in the fifth coming general election and it helps in a great way to douse tension in the country.

“Talking about whether politicians will keep to the terms of the peace accord, it’s a matter of a must because the signed document is now a working document. And over the years parties have tried not to go out of the accord despite some recorded disturbances during elections.

“It is hoped that the coming elections will be peaceful and Nigerians will elect their choices in a peaceful and safe environment.

“The peace accord document is very relevant to the peaceful process to the general elections, before, during and after the elections. You know all civilised nations like the US do the same.

“The exercise is necessary to get actors to commit to upholding the Constitution, the Electoral acts and others for a credible process.”

He also argued that, “Today there’s increased participation because political parties and actors believe in the process. So I think to a large extent it gives credibility to the process. And I believe we will continue to get better with the growing awareness and participation across the country today.

“I am sure Nigerians are carried along especially in this era of active social media usage. And with leaders and representatives from political parties being involved the information must have trickled down to Nigerians at the grassroots. And by doing so they are being carried along and get their buy in.”

Speaking on an alternative to the National Peace Accord by establishing the Electoral Offences Commission, he said, “For me signing the peace accord does not foreclose the idea of establishing the Electoral Offences Commission.

“They all help to strengthen the Electoral process, give credence to it and serve as a means of reducing electoral offences to the barest minimum, and possibly them eradicating completely in the long run.”

Peace Accord could positively impact – IPC

The Executive Director, International Press Centre, IPC, Lanre Arogundade, expressed optimism that the National Peace Accord could make a positive impact. He cited the action of former President Goodluck Jonathan on the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.

He said, “The Accord commits parties and candidates in the 2027 general elections to issue-focused campaigns devoid of hate speech, incitement, and disinformation. It can be used to hold politicians accountable for the promises, which requires civil society and media oversight.

“It is pursuant to the Electoral Act. It is difficult to say, but the conduct of President Goodluck Jonathan in ensuring a peaceful transition of power in 2015 has been cited as a product.”

However, the IPC boss called for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, saying, “The Electoral Offences Commission would be better because it will be in a position to deal with all types of electoral misconduct. It will have its own internal mechanisms for investigating, arresting and prosecuting alleged perpetrators.”

National Peace Accord still relevant – Public Affairs commentator

Meanwhile, in his reaction, a public affairs commentator, Henry Bassey, stated that the signing of the National Peace Accord is relevant in Nigeria’s electoral process.

According to Bassey, “The Peace Accord is becoming more organised, but the real test is what happens when someone breaks it.
“Some will, some may not. People take agreements more seriously when there are consequences for breaking them.”

He also said the democratic process demands signing a Peace Accord as “it helps to promote peaceful elections. But the Peace Accord itself is more of a promise; the Electoral Law is what can punish offenders.

“It has helped to reduce tension and violence, but it has not by itself made our elections fully credible or acceptable to everyone.”

However, he said, no offender of the agreement has been punished, which he described as “one of its major weaknesses.”

Meanwhile, speaking on an alternative to the National Peace Accord, he said, “We need both. The Peace Accord says, ‘Please don’t break the rules’; an Electoral Offences Commission says, ‘If you break the law, you will face the consequences’.”

2027 Peace Accord relevant for our democratic transition – NDYC

In another reaction, the National Coordinator, Niger Delta Youth Congress, NDYC, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, stated that the 2027 National Peace is relevant for the smooth democratic transition.

“The 2027 Peace Accord is significant because it represents an evolution of an initiative that began in response to the very serious political tensions surrounding the 2015 general elections. The National Peace Committee itself says it was conceptualised in 2014 and has since served as a platform for dialogue, mediation and confidence-building among political actors.

“What is particularly noteworthy about the 2027 process is the attempt to move beyond simply asking politicians to avoid violence and to place greater emphasis on issue-based campaigns, responsible political communication, misinformation and disinformation, social-media conduct, protection of vulnerable groups, and respect for the Constitution and electoral laws.

“The 2027 Accord therefore comes at a time when electoral violence is no longer the only major threat to democratic stability. Hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, online incitement, intimidation and the deliberate erosion of public confidence in electoral institutions have become equally important.

“I therefore see this year as an opportunity to make the Peace Accord more than a ceremonial event. The real test will be whether there is continuous monitoring, public reporting and consequences for breaches throughout the electoral cycle.

“The fact that INEC itself has engaged the National Peace Committee ahead of 2027 and described rebuilding public trust as an important electoral priority, shows that the initiative has become part of the broader ecosystem supporting peaceful elections.

“However, I would not dismiss the Accord as meaningless. It creates a public record of commitment and gives civil society, the media, voters and the National Peace Committee a basis upon which to hold political actors accountable.

“The 2023 Accord, for example, expressly committed parties and candidates to being held accountable for breaches and recognised that consequences could arise under the Constitution and applicable laws.

“My position is simple: the Accord must move from a culture of signing to a culture of compliance.

“If a candidate signs the Accord on Monday and violates its principles on Tuesday, there should be an immediate public response, documentation of the breach and, where the conduct constitutes an offence under Nigerian law, investigation and prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

“As the National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Congress, my position is that the Peace Accord should not become another ceremonial ritual where politicians sign documents, shake hands and return to politics as usual.

“The real value of the 2027 Accord will be determined by what happens after the cameras are gone.

“Nigeria does not merely need politicians to promise peace. We need political actors to respect the rules of democratic competition, institutions to enforce those rules impartially, and citizens to have confidence that no politician is above the law.”

Peace Accord signing shows no credibility as politicians doubt signing – Human rights lawyer

A human rights lawyer and Principal Partner of Cornerstone Advocates, Toluwa Odheke, said the 2027 National Peace Accord signing is a commendable but a formality as politicians who signed it doubt the agreement.

Odheke pointed out that the “mechanics are familiar”. He further stated that the National Peace Committee has now “facilitated 30 Peace Accords since its inauguration on 25 January 2015”, and he said five at the national level ahead of the 2015, 2019 and 2023 general elections, and “25 at the sub-national level, including off-cycle governorship elections.”

He also stated that, “this is therefore the sixth national-level iteration of a nine-year-old initiative rather than a new invention. And the Committee itself traces its origin to a proposal by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku at the original 14 January 2015 Abuja Accord ceremony.

“Two features distinguish the 2027 iteration from earlier cycles. First is the international co-signatory dimension: the European Union joined the Committee in signing this accord and pledged continued backing for an inclusive electoral process, a more visible diplomatic attachment than earlier cycles carried.

“Second is the explicit statutory framing adopted by the organisers, who described the accord as anchored in the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines, and other relevant laws governing the electoral process, an emphasis not pressed as strongly in earlier versions.

“Working against the initiative, however, is a visible participation gap: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress was absent from the ceremony and sent no representative, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement was likewise absent, though his running mate attended in his place.

“A Peace Accord missing a leading challenger is, on its face, a weaker instrument than one signed by every serious contender.”

He expressed clear doubts about strict adherence and compliance to the Accord, which he said, “The signatories themselves have expressed open doubt. Peter Obi questioned the very need for a signed pledge, arguing that candidates seeking public office should demonstrate responsible conduct without being compelled to do so, while Omoyele Sowore dismissed the exercise as a “ritual” and called for concrete sanctions against violators, noting that previous signatories had gone on to participate in violent activities despite their commitments.

Peace Committee’s verdict on 2023 election

“This scepticism is grounded in recent experience. The Committee’s own post-election report on the 2023 general election disclosed that it came under intense pressure from unnamed persons seeking to have INEC halt or cancel the presidential election collation over an alleged violation of the Electoral Act and non-adherence to the peace accord the parties had themselves signed.

“Based on this trajectory, the realistic expectation is selective and partial compliance: genuine restraint from some actors, and continued brinkmanship from others once the contest tightens.”

On the legality the Accord lacks, he (Odheke) pointed out that, “The accord is a moral and political covenant witnessed by a civil-society and traditional-authority body, not a statute or an instrument made pursuant to one. The organisers’ claim that it is ‘anchored’ in the Constitution and the Electoral Act is a claim that its aspirations track obligations the law already imposes — for example, against incitement and hate speech — not that the accord itself creates new legal duties or a cause of action.

“If a candidate incites violence or engages in hate speech, that candidate may be prosecuted, but under the Electoral Act 2026 or the Cybercrimes Act, not under the peace accord as such. Breach of the accord, standing alone, attracts no fine, disqualification, or tribunal reference.

“Its force is reputational and political rather than judicial, and its relevance lies chiefly in the moral benchmark it sets for elite conduct, reinforced by INEC’s own framing of the contest as, in the words of its chairman, a “marketplace of ideas” rather than a “theatre of war”.

Meanwhile, he noted that, “The 2027 National Peace Accord continues a nine-year tradition that has produced genuine value in elite signaling and in occasional de-escalation, but no enforceable standard of conduct and no record of sanction for breach. Its credibility-building effect on Nigeria’s electoral process since 2015 has been real but secondary to legal and technological reforms.

“The pending Electoral Offences Commission, if finally established and properly resourced, would supply the enforcement dimension the accord structurally lacks; until then, the accord remains a valuable but voluntary instrument operating in the shadow of a still-incomplete legal architecture for electoral accountability.”

2027 elections credible demands moving beyond symbolism of signing agreements – Public Affairs Analyst

In another reaction, a public affairs analyst, Patrick Onoja, said, “I believe the major difference is that the Peace Accord has gradually evolved from being principally a high-level political commitment into a broader framework for preventive engagement, accountability and electoral risk management.

“For 2027, the important development is the Annotated Peace Accord, which agencies, political parties and civil society organisations in preparation for the Electoral Act. The National Peace Committee has also engaged INEC, security provides clearer guidance on prohibited conduct and draws on relevant provisions for elections.

“For Nigerians to have confidence in the 2027 elections, we must move beyond the symbolism of signing agreements.

“The Peace Accord must move from the conference hall to the political party structure, from national leaders to candidates and campaign agents, and ultimately to the ward level where much of the electoral contest actually takes place.

“The ultimate measure of the 2027 Peace Accord will therefore not be the number of signatures obtained at the ceremony.

“Its success will be measured by the number of political actors who kept their promises when the contest became difficult, when victory appeared uncertain, and when the temptation to deploy hate, violence, ethnic profiling or misinformation became greatest.

“That is where the real test of the Accord lies.”

Vanguard News

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The Nigerian naira strengthened further against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market, reaching a five-month high of about ₦1,338.59 per dollar on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The latest movement places the naira among the stronger-performing currencies in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market as improved dollar liquidity and rising external reserves continue to support the local currency.

For Friday, August 28, the latest available market data puts the dollar at around ₦1,341.66 per dollar, although the NFEM closing rate for the day will depend on trading activity and may differ from live indicative rates.

Recent official-market data had shown the naira at ₦1,343.59 per dollar on Wednesday, August 26, before strengthening further on Thursday. The improvement has been linked to sustained dollar liquidity and stronger external buffers.

In the parallel market, the dollar remained substantially higher than the official rate. AbokiFX-related market reports showed the greenback quoted around ₦1,400 to buy and ₦1,410 to sell on Thursday, August 27.

This means Nigerians looking to buy $1 in the parallel market would need about ₦1,410, while those selling $1 could receive around ₦1,400, depending on the dealer and location.

The gap between the official and parallel markets remains significant. Based on the latest indicative official rate of about ₦1,341.66 and a parallel-market selling rate of ₦1,410, the difference is approximately ₦68 per dollar.

The naira’s recent gains have coincided with a sharp improvement in Nigeria’s foreign-exchange reserves. It was reported that external reserves had risen to about $53.34 billion, an 18-year high, while improved dollar liquidity has helped ease pressure on the local currency.

For importers, travellers, students paying overseas tuition and businesses with dollar obligations, the exchange rate remains an important factor in determining the naira cost of foreign transactions.

However, the actual rate available to customers may differ from the NFEM benchmark or parallel-market quotation. Banks, Bureau de Change operators and other authorised dealers may apply different rates depending on the transaction, amount, location and prevailing market conditions.

Parallel-market rates are unofficial and can change several times during the day. The Central Bank of Nigeria does not recognise the parallel market as an official foreign-exchange market.

As of the morning of August 28, 2026, the dollar is therefore trading around ₦1,341.66 on the latest indicative market data, while parallel-market quotations remain around ₦1,400–₦1,410 per dollar.

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Following Thursday’s resignations of Ibrahim Gusau as President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi as General Secretary, and members of the Executive Committee, the National Sports Commission has endorsed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, until now Deputy General Secretary, to oversee the NFF Secretariat as interim General Secretary.

Dr Ademola Olajire, until now Director of Media and Communications, will serve as interim Deputy General Secretary.

All processes initiated in preparation for the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for 27 September have also been suspended.

A fresh electoral process will commence following the completion of the anticipated comprehensive reforms, to be undertaken in consultation with world football’s governing body, FIFA, and CAF.

Furthermore, the Chairmen, appointed Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One have been directed to hand over the administration of their respective leagues to their Chief Operating Officers, who are members of staff of the NFF. Where the COO are not members of staff of the NFF, the Ag. General Secretary shall deploy a new COO from the Federation.

These interim measures are intended to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian Football during the transition and pending conclusion of engagements with FIFA, CAF, Government and stakeholders to design a roadmap towards the comprehensive reforms envisaged for Nigeria football, and the next steps for activation.

These measures are intended to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian football during the transition. Further changes and directives will be communicated in due course.

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*Why Pits Collapse

*The Killings and Disasters

*A State Rich in Minerals but Rattled by Disasters and Insecurity

By Golok Nanmwa

JOS — Plateau State is richly endowed with mineral resources, with mining sites scattered across rural communities where generations have depended on the industry for their livelihoods.

Mining activities in the state are believed to have commenced in 1902, making Plateau one of Nigeria’s historic mining frontiers because of its vast deposits of tin and columbite.

But more than a century after mining began, the mineral wealth that promised prosperity is increasingly leaving behind a darker legacy: Abandoned pits, environmental degradation, illegal mining, insecurity and recurring deaths.

For miners operating in poorly regulated sites, danger can come from beneath their feet. It can also come from armed men.

Mining, once regarded as a pathway to wealth and survival, is increasingly becoming a deadly gamble, with fear and agony replacing the promise of income.

The latest tragedy occurred on Wednesday evening, August 12, 2026, when seven miners were killed after a mining pit collapsed in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The victims were mining at about 7 p.m. when the earth caved in. Residents rushed to the site, but the seven were eventually found dead.

For survivors, the tragedy unfolded with terrifying suddenness.

Nehemiah Bot, one of the survivors, said he was outside and close to the pit when the ground collapsed.

“I was outside, close to the collapsed pit, when we suddenly heard a sound and the ground caved in,” he said.

Bot said he and other miners immediately raised the alarm after realising that some of their colleagues were trapped.

“We raised an alarm immediately because we knew that people were inside the pit,” he said.

Residents and other miners joined the rescue operation, using available tools to remove soil and debris.

Another survivor, Francis Haruna, said he and others were outside when they suddenly heard the earth collapsing.

“We were outside, close to the pit, when we suddenly heard the sound. We immediately raised an alarm and called for help,” he said.

Haruna said rescuers worked amid panic as relatives gathered, hoping for survivors. But the effort ended in grief.

For artisanal miner Peter Jerry Fulus, however, the risks remain inseparable from survival. Fulus, who said he had spent 10 years mining, told Vanguard that miners know the dangers but are compelled to continue because mining remains one of the few available sources of income.

“We are aware of the dangers, but we have to feed and survive,” he said.

Fulus said mining remained profitable and that the prospect of finding valuable minerals continued to attract youths.

Another miner, Joseph Nyam, said walking away from mining could mean losing the income needed to feed families, pay rent and support children.

“We understand the risk involved, but we believe that God would continue to protect us,” he said.

The Killings and Disasters

The Kassa tragedy is only the latest in a succession of mining-related deaths in Plateau. The incidents show that miners are caught between unstable pits, explosions, illegal operations and armed attackers.

On August 12, 2026, seven miners were killed when a mining pit collapsed at about 7 p.m. in Kassa, Barkin Ladi.

The deaths came just six weeks after three people were killed by attackers at the Nyango/Gyere mining site on June 30, 2026. Before then, five youths were killed when gunmen attacked a mining site in Gero Village, Gyel District, on June 16, 2026.

Earlier, on January 22, 2026, seven miners were shot and killed at an illegal mining site in Kuru, Jos South, leaving their families in grief.

Before that incident, no fewer than 12 miners were killed by suspected militants at Ratoso Fan in Barkin Ladi, while four people died after a mining site collapsed in Dura.

In November 2024, 13 young people were killed when an artisanal mining site collapsed on them in Bassa.

The list is long, and so are the tears left behind by each tragedy.

A State Rich in Minerals but Rattled by Disasters and Insecurity

Plateau’s mineral wealth extends far beyond tin and columbite. Other deposits include tantalite, wolfram, kaolin, granite, marble, gypsum, quartz, barite, lead, zinc, iron ore, coal, clay, pyrochlore, monazite and fluorite.

The state also has emerald, tourmaline, topaz, amethyst and zircon.

Across Bassa, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu and Wase Local Government Areas, artisanal and small-scale mining provides income for thousands, particularly youths, in communities where formal employment is limited.

However, the informal nature of many operations has created a dangerous cycle. As miners dig deeper, pits become unstable, safety regulations are ignored and government agencies struggle to monitor scattered sites.

The Rise of Illegal Night Mining

Apart from attacks by militants and poorly constructed mining sites, illegal night mining has worsened the crisis.

Miners reportedly enter abandoned ponds and old mining areas under the cover of darkness to avoid government officials and enforcement teams.

The practice has turned what was once primarily an environmental and regulatory problem into a security challenge. Isolated sites, mineral deposits, cash transactions and weak security make some locations attractive to criminal elements and armed groups.

Kassa Mining in a Troubled Community

The latest pit collapse has brought mining and insecurity into sharp focus.

Kassa and surrounding communities in Barkin Ladi have recorded security incidents in recent months.

In April 2026, resident Gyang Nuhu Choji was reportedly killed by armed men in the general Kassa area. The incident triggered anger among residents, with protesters later attacking a military checkpoint at Rapung Kassa.

The community has therefore been dealing with insecurity while also hosting mining activities.

The latest disaster has added another danger, raising questions about whether mining can continue under conditions that protect both miners and host communities.

Why Pits Collapse

Dr Kehinde Ogunmola, a lecturer in the Department of Geology, University of Jos, told Vanguard that many mine collapses in Plateau could be traced to rudimentary tools and disregard for safety standards.

He said loose, sandy or weathered soil could suddenly collapse when proper precautions were not taken.

“Many mining sites might have loose, sandy, or weathered soil, which is prone to sudden collapse,” he said.

Ogunmola identified torrential rainfall as another factor, saying it softens soil around mining pits and can trigger collapses.

He also identified unprofessional mine construction, including failure to support underground roofs and pillars, as a major cause.

He said some illegal miners engage in retreat mining, removing support pillars during excavation and thereby weakening the mine.

Mining in waterlogged or geologically fragile areas without engineering assessments further increases the danger. Night mining compounds the risks through poor visibility, fatigue and little or no professional supervision.

The Danger Left Behind

The danger does not end when miners leave.

Plateau’s long mining history has left thousands of abandoned pits and ponds across old mining areas. Many have filled with stagnant water and are located close to homes, farms, roads and schools.

Geologist Jude Ajang said abandoned mining ponds were a major threat, particularly to children.

“Bodies are often recovered days later after desperate searches by families and neighbours,” he said.

Ajang added that abandoned ponds also contribute to environmental degradation and may overflow during the rainy season, causing flooding.

Illegal Mining Also Affecting Education

A secondary school teacher in Barkin Ladi told Vanguard that the lure of quick money was contributing to school dropouts in mining communities.

Children who should be in classrooms are increasingly exposed to mining and its dangers.

The concern echoes Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s earlier findings that research by his administration showed distressingly high school dropout rates in mining communities, particularly in Bassa, Riyom, Jos South and Barkin Ladi.

Mutfwang said some classrooms were virtually empty and that cases had been uncovered in which parents in Bassa were sending children into child labour.

Mutfwang’s Three-Pronged Concern

For Mutfwang, illegal mining is no longer merely an issue of minerals and revenue. He has linked it to three dangerous trends: the destruction of education, insecurity and environmental degradation.

The lure of immediate income, he said, is drawing young people away from school and encouraging child labour.

When he signed Executive Order 001 in February 2025, temporarily suspending mining activities across Plateau, he cited banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms among the problems associated with unregulated mining and the influx of unregulated operators.

His position is that mining cannot continue as business as usual. Legitimate mining should be encouraged, but illegal operations must be dismantled and safety standards enforced.

Government’s Attempt to Reset the Sector

In February 2025, the Plateau Government suspended mining across the 17 local government areas through Executive Order 001 as part of efforts to sanitise the sector and address illegal mining, environmental degradation, child labour and security concerns.

The government subsequently set up a technical committee to examine the sector and recommend regulatory measures to guide the industry.

In May 2025, the task force announced that 159 mining companies and operators had been screened and cleared to resume operations in mining, exploration and buying centres, among others.

However, enforcing these measures has remained difficult, making it possible for night mining to continue and contribute to further tragedies.

A Sector Caught Between Wealth and Death

The Kassa tragedy has reopened the question of how Plateau can exploit its vast mineral wealth without sacrificing the lives and future of its people.

Plateau’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, told Vanguard that the Mutfwang administration remained focused on sanitising, reforming, regulating and cleaning up the mining sector.

She said the government was particularly concerned about illegal and unregulated artisanal mining because of its links to insecurity, environmental degradation, child labour, school dropouts, drug abuse and other social vices.

She said the administration remained committed to security, economic growth, infrastructure and grassroots development despite the atrocities being orchestrated by forces working against the state and its people.

For miners like Fulus and Nyam, however, the dilemma remains stark. Mining is dangerous, but for many, walking away from it is not an easy option.

Until safer mining practices, stronger regulation and improved security become realities, Plateau’s mineral wealth risks continuing to come at a devastating human cost.

The post As survivors recount ordeal: How militants, poor mining pits are driving Plateau’s recurring deaths appeared first on Vanguard News.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has dismissed claims that northern voters are turning against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, predicting that the President could secure between 70 and 80 per cent of votes cast in Kaduna State.

Sani made the prediction during an interview on Channels Television, while speaking on the political realignment and growing competition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governor said the perception of a northern backlash against Tinubu was largely based on political narratives and activities on social media rather than the realities on the ground.

He insisted that neither the North nor Kaduna State was opposed to the President, arguing that the electorate would ultimately assess the administration based on its performance and impact on their lives.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will move from 29 percent of votes to 70 to 80 percent,” Sani said.

“In Kaduna State, we don’t do politics of sentiment. I am not going to talk about any personality here. I am not here to speak about the former governor, Nasir El-Rufai. I respect him, I respect Makarfi, I respect Namadi Sambo, I respect Governor El-Rufai. They’ve done their best but in politics, I am here to fight for APC and I’m telling you what’s going to happen.”

Kaduna was among the major northern states where former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar defeated Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.

Atiku polled 554,360 votes in the state, while Tinubu secured 399,293 votes.

Sani, however, argued that the political configuration in Kaduna had changed since the last presidential election and that the factors responsible for the 2023 outcome should not be assumed to remain the same in 2027.

He pointed to the movement of several politicians who previously belonged to opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in southern Kaduna, as one of the factors that could alter the voting pattern.

The governor also cited what he described as federal government interventions in the state under Tinubu as part of the factors that could improve the President’s support.

Among the projects he mentioned were the establishment of a Federal University of Science and Technology in southern Kaduna and the development of a federal medical centre.

Sani also acknowledged the contributions of former President Muhammadu Buhari and Tinubu to the development of Kaduna, while noting that the state still required more infrastructure.

On the influence of former governor Nasir El-Rufai and his political associates, amid ongoing tensions within the APC, Sani said he would not engage in personality-based politics.

“I don’t do politics of sentiments. I’m not going to talk about any personality here. I respect him. I value him,” he said.

The governor instead said his priority was to strengthen the APC and ensure that its message reached voters across the state.

Sani also cautioned Nigerians against accepting campaign promises without questioning how politicians intend to fund them.

He said voters should demand concrete plans and explanations from politicians seeking their support ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Someone will come and sit here and tell you that when I become governor, or when I become president, I will ensure that every student is given N10 million. You allow him to walk away without asking: how would you do it?” he asked.

Asked specifically whether there was a growing political backlash against Tinubu in the North, Sani responded: “No way. It is not possible.”

He predicted that the President would perform strongly across the Northwest, Northeast and North-Central regions.

The governor also dismissed the idea that presidential elections could be won primarily through television appearances and social media campaigns.

According to him, serious political campaigns must extend to the grassroots, particularly the thousands of wards across the country.

“You don’t contest with the President by campaigning in Abuja,” Sani said, stressing that elections were “practical” and required sustained engagement with voters at the grassroots.

He maintained that the APC’s prospects in 2027 would ultimately depend on its ability to communicate its achievements and maintain a strong presence among voters across Kaduna and the wider North.

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