Nigeria, Benin Foreign Ministers Meet in Abuja, Address Failed Coup and Regional Security Threats Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakar, met at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja to discuss the recent failed coup attempt in Benin and rising security challenges across West Africa. Both ministers emphasized the need for deeper regional cooperation, with Tuggar noting that much of Nigeria’s insecurity stems from external influences. Benin’s minister confirmed that Nigerian military support was sought to neutralize coup plotters positioned in sensitive locations, praising the swift response that helped restore order. The two nations called for a standby regional force to counter future destabilisation attempts, while authorities continue hunting the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri. #RegionalSecurity #ECOWAS #BeninCoup

Guinea-Bissau’s opposition is urging ECOWAS to intervene to protect the country’s democracy. They are calling for the same kind of involvement the bloc showed recently in Benin. Rising political tensions have sparked worries about the state of democratic institutions. Opposition leaders warn that without ECOWAS action, those institutions could be undermined. The regional organization has a record of mediating governance issues across West Africa, and supporters hope it will step in to help preserve peace and stability.

AAC Accuses Tinubu Government of Human Rights Abuses, Demands Shutdown of Imo Police Tiger Base The African Action Congress (AAC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of enabling widespread human rights abuses by security agencies, calling for the immediate closure of the Imo Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as Tiger Base. In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Rex I. Elanu, the AAC alleged that the facility has been associated with unlawful detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings—particularly targeting South-East residents. The party also condemned the reported killing of 10 women protesters by Nigerian Army personnel in Adamawa State, describing the incident as a grave violation of citizens’ rights. AAC demanded independent investigations into both the Imo and Adamawa incidents and urged Nigerians to resist what it calls systemic oppression under the Tinubu administration, insisting that a revolutionary alternative is needed to protect citizens’ dignity and safety.

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.

2027 Election: Former Lawmakers Ask Court to Deregister ADC Over Poor Electoral Performance A group of former federal lawmakers under the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The group alleged that the ADC failed to meet constitutional and Electoral Act requirements, including securing 25% of votes in any state during the last presidential election or winning any legislative seat in recent bye-elections. Citing Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, they argued that the party lacks the statutory criteria to remain registered. This development comes as the ADC reportedly plans to receive new lawmakers ahead of 2027, even as coalition members like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi continue efforts to build a united opposition against President Tinubu.

NIGERIA-BANGKOK TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL IN AFRICA-ASIA COOPERATION Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to take their bilateral relationship to a strategic level. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Bangkok today, between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow. In a statement, Yusuf Tuggar, proposed for Thailand to help bridge the regions, by fostering collaboration between the African bloc, ECOWAS, and the Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, foreseeing eventual ASEAN-ECOWAS Summit in the long-term. Both sides discussed building on Nigeria's crude oil exports and Thailand's rice and machinery exports, and extending to scholarship programmes for Nigerian students. They agreed to diversify into new areas like agro-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, and ICT. While on security, Yusuf Tuggar stressed on cooperation against transnational crimes like drug and human trafficking, proposing increased intelligence-sharing and joint training. To solidify this enhanced partnership, the Minister urged for speedy conclusion of pending bilateral agreements on trade, investment, and culture, with a view to establishing a high-level joint commission. The meeting concluded with Nigeria reaffirming Thailand as its strategic partner in Asia and extended an invitation for reciprocal high-level visits.

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.

A boy picked up his mother’s phone and said loudly: “Hello! My mummy said she’s not at home!” The mother shouted from the kitchen: “Give me that phone! Tell the person I’m in the bathroom!” The boy said: “Uncle, wait. She’s choosing which lie to tell you.” Call ended immediately. #FamilyComedy #AfricanMothers #LaughSmall #DailyHumor

Falana Warns Nigeria Risks Military Coup Without Political Pluralism, Open Civic Space Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has warned that Nigeria must urgently embrace political pluralism and expand civic freedoms to avoid the growing wave of military coups destabilising West Africa. Speaking on Channels TV, Falana said widespread poverty, insecurity, shrinking civic space, and the criminalisation of dissent are fueling public anger across the region. He criticised INEC for restricting the registration of ideological political parties and warned that Nigeria risks sliding toward a one-party state. Citing the recent failed coup in Benin Republic, Falana stressed that suppressing opposition, jailing critics, or limiting political space undermines democracy and increases instability.

Mike Tyson announces he’s boxing Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Africa in March 2026 🥊🔥

Twenty-One Economic Miracles Currently Happening Under President Tinubu One: Our foreign reserves have crossed the $45 billion mark for the first time in six years. It is now the fourth-highest on the African continent. Two: The prudent management of our foreign reserves under President Tinubu has led to a 3.93% GDP growth in the immediate past quarter and 4.23% growth in the quarter before that (Q2, 2025). Three: Nigeria, under President Tinubu, has, within two years, moved from being Africa's biggest petrol importer to becoming West Africa's largest exporter of the same product. Four: For the first time in over a decade, Nigeria has overshot its OPEC quota for three consecutive months and is set to do the same for the fourth month, producing an average of 1.71 million barrels per day. Five: President Tinubu gave Nigerian airlines direct flights to London's Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom, London's Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom, São Paulo, Brazil, Bogotá, Colombia, Entebbe, Uganda, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Algiers, Algeria, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. Six: Oil theft has been reduced to less than 10,000 barrels per day, a sixteen-year low. Seven: Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year in August, a first in our history. Eight: The Nigerian Stock Exchange rose above 130,000 All Share Index for the first time ever. Nine: Our economy expanded by $67 billion in just two years, moving Nigeria's GDP from a ₦269.29 trillion economy on May 29, 2023, when Asiwaju became President, to ₦372.8 trillion today. Ten: Between January and August 2025, non-oil tax revenue was ₦20.59 trillion, a 40.5% increase from the ₦14.6 trillion recorded in the corresponding period in 2024. Eleven: MTN Nigeria Limited hit a record valuation of ₦10 trillion, the first Nigerian company to do so. Twelve: Food prices have fallen significantly, resulting in a drop in inflation to 16.05% at present, down from 20.12% in August 2025, a 1.76% decline from July's 21.88%. Thirteen: Dangote and other retailers have crashed fuel prices below ₦1000. Fourteen: The Naira has stabilised and is now below ₦1500 to $, making it among the world's best-performing currencies, according to Fitch Ratings. Fifteen: Nigeria broke its power generation record with a peak generation of 5,801.84MW and maximum daily energyoutput of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest ever attained in the history of the electricity industry in Nigeria. Sixteen: After a record trade surplus last year, Nigeria appears set to beat its 2024 figure. Our trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 to ₦7.46 trillion, up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1. Seventeen: In a sign of an improving economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria reduced interest rates by 50 basis points to 27%, the first time since the #COVID19 pandemic. Eighteen: Fitch and S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria's economy to a Stable B. Nineteen: Two PhDs in economics, in the persons of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and incumbent Governor of Anambra, Dr Chukwuma Soludo, both confirmed that President Tinubu has "stabilised the economy". Twenty: Rail transport expanded in Nigeria by 43.08% in Q2 2025. Twenty-one: Road transport expanded by 24.50% in Q2 2025, driven by the ₦13 trillion 1,068-kilometre Illela-Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the ₦15 trillion 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, currently under construction. Bonus: Student loans were awarded to an unprecedented 500,000 students, with hundreds of thousands more awaiting their loans. Effective rebranding projects a positive image of what is happening. It is the best way to neutralise enemies of the nation who want to overwhelm the airwaves with negative information. If you are a patriot who loves Nigeria and wants your country to progress, please spread this truthful message. Reno Omokri

Northern States Governors' Forum Appoints Ezekiel Gomos as Director-General to Strengthen Regional Coordination The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), under the leadership of its Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of Mr. Ezekiel Gomos, OFR, as Director-General of the Forum’s Secretariat. The appointment is in line with the Forum’s renewed commitment to strengthening its institutional capacity and improving coordination among the 19 northern states in addressing the region’s pressing challenges. According to the Forum, creating the office of Director-General is a strategic step towards repositioning the Secretariat as a more effective hub for policy coordination, collective action and long-term development planning. Mr. Gomos, a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, is an accomplished development economist and policy expert with a distinguished career spanning public service, governance reform, private-sector development and human capital advancement. His experience includes senior roles in high-impact institutions such as the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). In addition, he has been Lead Consultant and Head of Faculty at the Jos Business School (JBS), a centre dedicated to entrepreneurship development, leadership training, and policy dialogue. For nearly two decades, Mr. Gomos has served as a resource person at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, contributing to the training of senior leaders across Nigeria in policy, strategy and national development. The new DG's academic credentials include graduate and postgraduate degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of East Anglia, UK. He is also a recipient of several prestigious international fellowships, including the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship (University of Minnesota), the British Chevening Scholarship and the UNDP Fellowship at the ILO Training Centre in Turin. Gomos has attended senior executive programmes at Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Durham University Business School. Presenting the appointment letter, Governor Inuwa Yahaya charged Mr. Gomos to apply his extensive expertise in strategic leadership, institutional development and policy management to strengthen the NSGF Secretariat into a robust platform for collective security coordination, regional economic cooperation and sustainable development across the North. The NSGF Chairman expressed confidence that the appointment will usher in a new era of deeper collaboration, improved coordination and more coherent regional responses to the North’s most critical challenges.

ECOWAS Declares Regional State of Emergency as Coups and Instability Surge in West Africa ECOWAS has declared a regional state of emergency following a spike in coups, attempted mutinies, and worsening insecurity across West Africa. ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray announced the decision during the 55th Mediation and Security Council meeting in Abuja, stressing the urgent need for coordinated action to protect democracy and stability. The emergency move comes amid rising political tensions and security breakdowns in several member states, with further operational directives expected after ongoing deliberations. #ECOWAS #WestAfricaCrisis #RegionalSecurity

NEWS FLASH PRESIDENT TINUBU SEEKS SENATE CONSENT ON TROOPS DEPLOYMENT TO BENIN REPUBLIC President Bola Tinubu this Tuesday transmitted to the senate a request seeking its consent to deploy Nigerian troops on peace mission to Benin Republic. In the communication the President explained that the deployment is to provide support in the country as requested by President Patrice Talon, following the recent failed coup attempt. The deployment is in line with the protocol of the regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. It is also in tandem with section 30 sub 5 of Nigeria's constitution in consultation with Nigeria Defence Council. The request has been referred to the committee of the whole for immediate consideration. Nigeria had earlier provided air intervention following the unconstitutional breach in Benin.

May Edochie Celebrates Daughter’s University Graduation With Emotional Tribute May Edochie has penned a heartfelt message to celebrate her daughter Danielle’s graduation from Pan-African University, sharing an emotional video that quickly trended online. The actress expressed deep gratitude to God for seeing her daughter through her academic journey, praising her resilience, hard work, and growth. Fans joined in the celebration, showering mother and daughter with congratulatory messages and prayers. Danielle, who earned a degree in Information Science and Media, marks a proud milestone for the Edochie family as May hints at a celebration party in her honour.

New ISIS leader Abdul Qadir Mumin ran terror operations from a cave in Somalia after preaching in UK mosques for years. Mumin, an orange-bearded and elusive terrorist, now commands ISIS forces from Puntland as the operational head of ISIS' General Directorate of the Provinces (GDP), which coordinates the activities of ISIS branches across the world. Born in Somalia in the 1950s, he fled the civil war, living in a Somali area in Gothenburg, Sweden, before moving to the UK around 2000. There, he preached at Quba Mosque in Leicester and Greenwich Mosque in London, recruiting young Britons to join Islamist terrorist groups in Somalia. He crossed paths with notorious terrorists, including infamous Jihadi John and Lee Rigby's murderer Michael Adebolajo. Mumin left the UK in 2010, abandoning his wife and three children, who remain in Slough with no contact. "We have not seen or heard from him in more than 10 years. We have nothing to do with him. The kids know who he is, but they don't have any contact with him either." After returning to Somalia, he pledged allegiance to al-Shabaab, then defected to ISIS in 2015, growing its Somalian cell from 30 to around 1,200 fighters by 2024. Somali and US forces have hunted Mumin since early 2025. Airstrikes on Puntland caves several weeks ago killed several, but Mumin remains at large. Mumin's new position has drawn criticism from other jihadists, who claim that only an Arab descendent of Prophet Muhammed from the Quraysh tribe, can take the role as leader. They argue that Mumin's African roots disqualify him from being the leader of ISIS.

BREAKING NEWS: Sahel Alliance Makes Bold Move as Goita’s Warning Becomes Reality The President of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — General Assimi Goïta — wasn’t joking when he declared to the world: “The sky of the AES countries is no longer a market, much less a corridor where g0ats pass as before.” Well… today, that statement came to life in full force as the Sahel coalition (🇳🇪 Niger, 🇲🇱 Mali, 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso) took decisive action to enforce total control over their airspace — sending a loud message that the era of foreign interference and unchecked military flights is officially over. This move is already sparking reactions globally, with many calling it a new chapter in African sovereignty, while others warn it could escalate existing tensions in the region. Whatever side you’re on… one thing is clear — the Sahel is rewriting the rules. Do you think the Sahel Alliance is making the right move by shutting down unrestricted access to their airspace, or could this create more instability? Let's talk! If It’s Loud, It’s NewsFlash! SHARE this post so others don’t miss what’s happening in West Africa. New here? Follow our page to stay updated in real time — no noise, just the loudest headlines! #Aesthetics #SahelNews #NewsFlash

AAC Inaugurates New NWC, Launches Renewed Push to ‘Rescue Nigeria’ from Bad Governance The African Action Congress (AAC) has inaugurated a new National Working Committee (NWC), unveiling a renewed revolutionary agenda aimed at rescuing Nigeria from corruption, insecurity, poverty, and failed leadership. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Rex Elanu, the party said the new NWC represents a bold, people-centered force committed to grassroots mobilization, ideological clarity, anti-poor policy resistance, and national liberation. The AAC called on workers, youths, students, professionals, and Nigerians in the diaspora to join its movement, insisting that the ruling political class has failed and that true liberation must be organised and demanded by the people. #AACNigeria #GoodGovernance #PoliticalReform

Nigeria Earns $62 Million from Airline Ticket Taxes in 2024 — IATA Newly released data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that Nigeria generated $62 million from airline ticket taxes in 2024. The country’s earnings are part of the global $60.3 billion ticket-tax revenue recorded worldwide, and of the broader $1.97 billion collected across Africa during the period.