80 Militants Surrender Arms, Embrace Amnesty in Cross River……. No fewer than 80 militants operating in the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered their weapons and embraced the state government’s amnesty and reintegration programme. The surrender took place at Atimbo Rear Area under Operation OKWOK, within the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade area. Security sources said the breakthrough followed months of sustained military pressure and discreet dialogue involving community leaders and officials. Two camps led by ThankGod Ebikontei (Ayibanuagha) and John Isaac (Akpokolo) disbanded, with more fighters expected to report, marking a major boost against coastal militancy.#Fintternews

Nigeria and UAE Sign CEPA to Boost Bilateral Trade Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries. The agreement is expected to increase market access, facilitate investment flows, and enhance economic collaboration, particularly in sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. Officials from both nations hailed the pact as a milestone in bilateral relations, positioning Nigeria and the UAE for deeper economic integration and sustainable growth.

BURNA BOY, VERYDARKMAN VISIT KIRIKIRI MAXIMUM SECURITY CUSTODIAL CENTRE Popular Nigerian music star, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, *alongside* social commentator Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, has visited the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Lagos. A statement by Osho Onimisi Joseph - Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command explains that the visit was to obtain first-hand information on the legal and administrative procedures for releasing inmates eligible for discharge through the payment of fines. Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Sanni Richard, who received the delegation explained the processes guiding fine payments, eligibility, and the legal safeguards ensuring transparency and compliance with court orders. The statement clarifies that the payment of fines for eligible inmates is strictly guided by court judgments and correctional regulations, stressing that no inmate is released without due process and proper authorization. The Nigerian Correctional Service assures the public that inmates are held in safe, secure, and humane conditions, in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and international best practices. The Service also commends lawful initiatives aimed at promoting access to justice, custodial decongestion, and humane treatment of inmates, while reaffirming its commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration.

Trump Offers $3,000 Incentive for Illegal Immigrants to Leave the US Offer Details: President Donald Trump’s administration has tripled its previous offer, giving illegal immigrants $3,000 plus a free flight to return to their home countries if they voluntarily self-deport by the end of 2025. Official Statement: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem urged migrants to take the offer, warning that those who refuse could face arrest and permanent ban from returning. Background: Earlier estimates suggested it costs about $17,000 per person to arrest, detain, and deport illegal migrants, making the voluntary program more cost-effective. Self-Deportation App: The administration rebranded the app CBP Home (formerly CBP One) to facilitate voluntary departures. Previous Deportations: Migrants, including children, have been deported to Central American countries, like Costa Rica, with a maximum 30-day stay before returning to their home nations. Nigeria’s Response: The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has prepared to receive deported Nigerians and set up an inter-agency committee to handle their reintegration. Takeaway: This initiative is part of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, encouraging voluntary departure while highlighting potential legal and logistical consequences for noncompliance.

Sunday Igboho Appeals to President Tinubu as Fulani Herdsmen Kill Three Farmers in His Oyo Hometown Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has raised alarm over a recent attack by alleged Fulani herdsmen in his hometown of Igboho, Oyo State. The assailants reportedly killed three farmers—Ojeniyi Ojebayo, Aderoju Mukaila, and Olawuwo Saka—after they resisted grazing cattle destroying their farms. Igboho called on President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to urgently address growing insecurity in rural southwest communities, warning that inaction could trigger wider conflict. He also expressed frustration over restrictions on his freedom and past threats to his life, while seeking support from local traditional authorities for protection and reintegration.

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NAF Pilots, Crew’s Detention in Burkina Faso Resolved — FG The Federal Government has announced the resolution of the diplomatic issue surrounding the detention of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members in Burkina Faso. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement, confirming that the detained NAF personnel are expected to return to Nigeria soon. According to Tuggar, the breakthrough followed a high-level visit by a Federal Government delegation, which he led, to the Burkinabe leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. During the engagement, both countries addressed the circumstances surrounding the detention and reached a mutual understanding that led to its resolution. Beyond resolving the incident, Tuggar said discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, as well as deepening regional integration within the sub-region. The development underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts by Nigeria to protect its citizens abroad while maintaining constructive ties with neighbouring countries. #NigeriaNews #NAF #BurkinaFaso #Diplomacy

Igbos are no longer marginalized," Minister of Works Umahi declares, adding that there is no need for Biafra anymore Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, has dismissed calls for a separate Biafran State, saying the demand is no longer necessary due to the unprecedented integration of the Igbo into Nigeria's national development agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking while inspecting federal projects in the Southeast, Umahi said sentiments of marginalisation that once fuelled separatist movements have eased significantly due to massive investments in roads and other critical infrastructure. "In the past administration, our people felt very much marginalised, and that was the reason some people were agitating for Biafra. But today, we are well integrated into the mainstream of the nation, Nigeria," he stated. He listed ongoing and completed projects in the region, highlighting efforts to ensure durable infrastructure. Notable projects include the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, Section 2B of the Second Niger Bridge, and a 123-kilometre road from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Benue border, with total investments running into hundreds of billions of naira. Umahi also praised President Tinubu for prioritising the Southeast, describing the region as "comfortable" and "very happy" under his administration. He emphasised that political relevance for the Southeast should be pursued strategically rather than through rhetoric or sentiment. Concluding, Umahi framed the moment as a turning point for the region, saying, "Even those that don't want us to take our rightful position as South-East people, God has opened the time. This is our time, and this is the time that God has sent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reintegrate our people."

Works Minister Umahi Says Biafra Agitation No Longer Necessary Amid Southeast Integration Under Tinubu Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that renewed calls for a separate Biafran state are no longer justified, citing what he described as unprecedented integration of the South-East into national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal projects across the region, Umahi said long-standing feelings of marginalisation that once fuelled separatist agitation have eased due to massive investments in infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges. Umahi listed several ongoing and completed projects, including sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, the Second Niger Bridge, and major flyovers and highways in Enugu and Ebonyi states, running into hundreds of billions of naira. He praised the Tinubu government for prioritising durable concrete roads designed to last decades, arguing that such projects demonstrate genuine inclusion of the South-East in Nigeria’s development agenda. The former Ebonyi State governor said political relevance for the region should now be pursued through strategic engagement rather than “sentiment and venomous statements,” describing his support for President Tinubu and recent political realignments in the region as deliberate and pragmatic. Umahi concluded that the current moment represents a turning point for the South-East, insisting that sustained federal presence and infrastructure development have removed the basis for renewed Biafra agitation.

Aliko Dangote Named Pioneer Chair of New ECOWAS Business Council Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has been appointed the first Chairperson of the newly established ECOWAS Business Council, a regional platform created to strengthen private sector investment and deepen economic integration across West Africa. The appointment was announced by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during the 95th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in Abuja. The Business Council is expected to mobilise regional private capital, reduce dependence on foreign investment, and enhance collaboration between businesses, governments, and ECOWAS institutions. Leaders at the event—including officials from Sierra Leone and Nigeria—emphasised the need for stability, democratic governance, youth empowerment, and improved cross-border trade. Dangote’s leadership is projected to energise private sector participation at a time when ECOWAS faces political instability, security threats, and humanitarian crises in several member states.

ECOWAS Unveils Business Council, Appoints Dangote as First Chairman ECOWAS has launched the ECOWAS Business Council to strengthen private-sector participation and boost regional investment, naming Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote as its pioneer chairman. The announcement was made during the opening of the 95th ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja. ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign capital by promoting intra-regional investment and fostering collaboration between governments, private-sector leaders, and ECOWAS institutions. Dangote’s selection is based on his vast investment footprint across West Africa and his leadership of one of the region’s biggest conglomerates. The Council is expected to drive economic integration, sustainable development, and capital mobilisation across member states. #ECOWAS #Dangote #RegionalInvestment

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026. The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel. For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries. The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter. The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty. To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism. Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market. The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

NORTH WILL REMEMBER: Tinubu's Govt Pushes for Completion of Mubi-Maiduguri Road, a Key North-East Corridor For years, the road's poor condition hindered trade and movement, but no more! President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is racing against time to complete the crucial Mubi-Maiduguri Road Reconstruction project, initially awarded by the previous government. The project, a vital link between Adamawa and Borno states, is receiving priority attention. Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Nweze Umahi, is overseeing the project, leveraging concrete technology for durability. "The Mubi-Maiduguri Road is a game-changer for the North East," Umahi said. "We're committed to completing it swiftly, boosting trade, security, and regional integration." Completion of this 104km road will significantly improve transportation, enhance economic growth, and foster regional connectivity. The North is poised to remember this administration for transforming its infrastructure landscape.

FG Bans Cash Payments Nationwide, Orders MDAs to Adopt Full Electronic Revenue Collection The Nigerian government has announced an immediate ban on all physical cash payments for federal revenue collection, directing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to switch entirely to electronic channels. The policy, issued through four Treasury circulars from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, mandates MDAs to install POS terminals within 45 days and display “No Cash Payment” notices. The circulars also prohibit MDAs from making unauthorised deductions on revenue, introduce a mandatory national e-receipt system effective January 1, 2026, and require full integration with the new Revenue Optimisation (RevOP) platform. The measures aim to eliminate leakages, strengthen TSA compliance, improve transparency, and modernise Nigeria’s revenue collection framework.

Audit Reveals Massive Collapse in Nigeria’s Public Service as 30 MDAs Declared ‘Structurally Failing’ A new federal compliance audit has exposed a deep crisis in Nigeria’s public sector, revealing that 30 major Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are “structurally non-compliant and operationally failing.” The report, covering January–October 2025 and compiled by PEBEC, shows that over half of the institutions evaluated did not meet the minimum 50% Business Facilitation Act (BFA) compliance benchmark. Only five agencies—including the Nigerian Content Development Board, NDLEA, Customs, NCC and NPA—recorded strong performances. Meanwhile, critical institutions like NIMC, NBS, NIPOST, SEC, NUPRC, NIMASA, and NEXIM Bank ranked at the bottom, scoring below 50%, with NIMC posting a shocking 12.7%. The audit paints a grim picture of widespread governance failure marked by sluggish approvals, analog processes, opaque systems, missing service timelines, lack of digital integration, and zero accountability. Despite billions invested in digital transformation, essential services such as identity registration and passport processing remain chaotic, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of a collapsing public service infrastructure.

Future Outlook and Trends in Marine Seats Market The marine seats market is evolving rapidly, with increasing emphasis on passenger comfort, crew safety, and technological innovation. Advanced designs are transforming the way vessels are equipped, combining ergonomic features, corrosion-resistant materials, and multifunctional seating to enhance overall experience. The Marine Seats Market is witnessing growth across leisure, commercial, and defense vessels. Operators are prioritizing high-performance seating solutions to meet passenger expectations and comply with stringent safety regulations. Seats that combine durability, comfort, and functionality are becoming the standard across new builds and refurbished fleets. Market Size, Share, and Forecast The marine seats market size is expanding steadily as demand grows for ergonomic and technologically advanced seating. A market forecast indicates a continued increase in adoption across various vessel types. Seats with shock absorption, vibration-dampening capabilities, and ergonomic adjustments are gaining a significant share, particularly in cruise ships and luxury yachts. Forecasts suggest that the focus on comfort and safety will continue to fuel market expansion in the coming years. Trends Driving Marine Seating Key trends include the use of lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials and sustainable manufacturing methods. Adjustable and modular seating is becoming increasingly popular, allowing operators to optimize interior layouts and enhance passenger experience. Smart seating technologies, including posture sensors and integrated multimedia systems, are also shaping the future of marine seats. Additionally, ergonomic designs that reduce fatigue and improve safety are gaining traction among operators worldwide. Growth Opportunities Several factors provide growth opportunities in the marine seats market. Fleet modernization, increasing passenger expectations, and stricter safety regulations drive demand for advanced seating. Luxury travel and cruise tourism are pushing manufacturers to innovate with multifunctional, comfortable, and durable seating solutions. Opportunities also exist for smart, technology-enabled seats that integrate comfort, safety, and entertainment features. Applications Across Vessel Types Marine seats serve a wide range of vessels. Cruise ships focus on premium, adjustable seating for passenger comfort. Ferries benefit from modular, space-efficient seating. Luxury yachts utilize multifunctional and ergonomic designs. Defense and commercial vessels prioritize durability and shock-absorbing features. Each application requires tailored design, materials, and functionality to meet operational and safety standards. Future Outlook The future of the marine seats market is promising, with continued innovation in materials, ergonomics, and technology. Modular, adjustable, and multifunctional seating solutions will dominate, while sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing will gain importance. Passenger comfort, crew safety, and technological integration will continue to be the primary drivers of market growth. FAQs 1. What are the main features of modern marine seats? Modern marine seats offer ergonomic support, shock absorption, corrosion resistance, and optional smart technology integration. 2. Why is the marine seats market expected to grow? Growth is driven by fleet modernization, rising passenger expectations, safety regulations, and increasing adoption of premium and technology-enabled seating solutions.

"Bandits Are On a Revenge Mission But They’re Ready for Peace Talks Unlike IPOB That Wants To Leave Nigeria" – Sheikh Gumi. Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has once again stirred controversy by defending armed bandit groups operating across northern Nigeria, insisting that their attacks are driven by “revenge missions” rather than unprovoked violence. Speaking in an interview on Trust TV on Friday, monitored by SaharaReporters, Gumi argued that Fulani herdsmen and bandit groups “do not attack people without cause.” He referenced a past visit by former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda to meet thousands of bandits in the forest, claiming the armed groups complained of losing family members and suffering various forms of hostility. “Yes, I know they have killed, and it’s wrong to kill anybody innocent. This is absolutely an obnoxious thing to do. We don’t support that. But if you know their psychology, they are on a revenge mission,” Gumi stated. While acknowledging the violence perpetrated by the groups, the cleric insisted they were motivated by grievances rooted in perceived injustices, stressing that Fulani herdsmen had lived peacefully with other communities for centuries. He urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration, rather than relying heavily on military offensives. “What the government needs to do is bring them together in a holistic form so that there is peace. They are ready for that. If you call them for peace, they come,” Gumi added. The cleric also sparked further debate by contrasting the bandits with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whom he accused of rejecting dialogue and pursuing secession. “It’s unlike IPOB. The government has been trying to dialogue with them; they refuse. They are secessionists. Besides being terrorists, they are secessionists. Well, these people (bandits) are not secessionists. They want peace,” he said. Gumi has repeatedly advocated for amnesty and negotiation with bandits, a position that has drawn widespread criticism amid escalating insecurity in the North.

European Union pledges support for Nigeria amid possible U.S. military action reports; signals readiness to enhance security cooperation. The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria, emphasizing respect for the country’s sovereignty and a focus on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection. EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the EU’s stance is independent and based on a long-standing partnership and shared values with Nigeria. He assured that the EU and its member states would continue to uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty while supporting victims of violence, authorities protecting citizens, and efforts to promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious communities. Mignot highlighted the EU’s readiness to boost support in security and defence, working with civil society, traditional leaders, and religious organizations. He cited ongoing programs on deradicalization, demobilisation, and reintegration of former members of non-state armed groups in the North-East. The ambassador stressed protection for minorities and religious freedom, noting that while challenges remain, Nigeria’s legal framework supports human rights. He said EU assistance is non-discriminatory, covering all victims of violence, and reinforced interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence initiatives. He added that EU-Nigeria cooperation is based on mutual interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic country, with plans for a security and defence dialogue to deepen strategic collaboration. The statement comes after US President Donald Trump threatened military action over alleged anti-Christian violence, labeling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and warning that aid could be cut if attacks on Christians continue.