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Sustained Collaboration Critical To Rivers Economic Security, Fubara Tells Naval Chief

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Sustained Collaboration Critical To Rivers Economic Security, Fubara Tells Naval Chief

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says sustained collaboration between the State Government and the Nigerian Navy remains crucial to protecting national assets and ensuring safe waterways.

The governor made the remark on Thursday while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.

Governor Fubara said the State’s support for the Navy is essential because it lacks the specialised technology and expertise needed to secure its vast maritime environment.

“I don’t have the technology or expertise to do it. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

“And to make that responsibility effective, we must collaborate and provide support where needed.”

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara presenting a gift to Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff at Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Governor Fubara pointed to the strategic position Rivers State occupies as the country’s main crude oil hub, with major distribution lines running through coastal and waterway areas.

He said effective naval operations will help save lives and prevent environmental damage, which directly benefits the State.

“You know how strategic Rivers State is. Most major distribution lines originate here, and they are in the waterways,” he said.

“When anything goes wrong, lives are lost and the ecosystem is destroyed. You are helping us prevent that. So, thank you.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the Navy.

“My promise hasn’t changed. We need to work together to succeed,” he said. “We will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure you succeed.”

In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas emphasised Rivers State’s importance to the nation, noting that it hosts several critical energy assets and key naval training institutions.

He said part of his responsibility is ensuring the safety of these national assets, which Nigeria relies heavily on.

The Chief of Naval Staff, who assumed office on October 30, 2025, explained that his visit was an operational tour to assess the readiness of naval formations.

He expressed appreciation for the State Government’s support, including the recent donation of six gunboats and a school building.

“These will greatly improve our operational capabilities,” he said.

Vice Admiral Abbas appealed for continued support from the State Government to strengthen naval operations in the region.

Appeal Court Affirms Judgment Restraining VIO From Stopping, Impounding Vehicles

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Appeal Court Affirms Judgment Restraining VIO From Stopping, Impounding Vehicles

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, affirmed a lower court judgment barring the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), also known as VIO, from further stopping, impounding or confiscating vehicles on the roads and imposing fines on motorists.

A three-member panel of justices of the appellate court held that the appeal filed by the DRTS was unmeritorious.

The panel, therefore, resolved the three issues identified for determination, against the appellant (DRTS).

Justice Evylen Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Oct. 2, 2024, barred the VIO from further stopping, impounding or confiscating vehicles on the roads and imposing fines on motorists.

Marshal Abubakar, an Abuja-based lawyer, had filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, claiming that some DRTS officials confiscated his Honda car without affording him fair hearing.

Abubakar sued the DRTS, the Director of Road Transport; the Area Commander, Jabi, and the Team Leader, Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In the Oct. 2, 2024 judgment, Justice Maha upheld Abubakar’s case and granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.

Justice Maha agreed with the plaintiff that no law empowers the respondents to stop, impound, confiscate and seize vehicles or impose fine on motorists.

The judge held that the first to the fourth respondents, who are under the control of the fifth respondent (FCT minister) are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists.

She issued an order restraining the 1st to the 5th respondents either through their agents, servants and or assigns from impounding, confiscating the vehicles of motorists and or imposing fines on any motorist.

Justice Maha held that doing so is wrongful, oppressive and unlawful.

The judge also issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on behalf of the first respondent from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.

She proceeded to award a cost of N2.5million against the defendants.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the DRTS appealed the judgment and asked the appellate court to upturn the judgment.

Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, who read the lead judgment, held that the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1243/2024, filed by the DRTS was without merit.

Justice Oyewumi awarded a cost of N1 million against the appellant (DRTS) and in favour of the respondent (Abubakar).

Tinubu Increases Ambassadors Nominees to 65, Seeks Senate Confirmation

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Tinubu Increases Ambassadors Nominees to 65, Seeks Senate Confirmation

President Bola Tinubu has increased the number of ambassador-nominees to 65 and forwarded their names to the Senate for confirmation.

The president’s request, read in plenary Thursday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, consists of 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners as well as 31 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.

The presidency had last week released the names of 32 ambassador-nominees, featuring names of some prominent Nigerians.

Notable nominees among the non-career ambassador-nominees are: Senator Ita Enang from Akwa-Ibom, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo) and Sen. Folasade Bent (Adamawa) and Segun Ige (Edo)

Three ambassador-nominees, namely: Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa) and Ayodele Oke (Oyo), earlier forwarded to the senate, had been screened by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The new nominees have consequently been forwarded to the committee for screening within one week.

Yuletide: Police Ban Fireworks, Seize Million Naira Bangers in Delta

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Yuletide: Police Ban Fireworks, Seize Million Naira Bangers in Delta

The Delta Police Command has announced a ban on the sale or use of all forms of fireworks and pyrotechnics in the state before, during and after the Yuletide.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba and made available to newsmen on Thursday.
The ban came on the heels of the seizure of different kinds of fireworks, worth millions of naira by the command.
Edafe explained that the step was part of the command’s proactive measures to ensure a safe and peaceful Yuletide across the state.
He stated: “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, has reiterated that the ban on fireworks is still in force and that it will be enforced strictly.
“The ban includes the use, sale, and display of pyrotechnics, including fireworks and firecrackers, known variously as ‘knock-out’ and ‘banger’.
“This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce crime, as experience shows that criminally-minded persons can take advantage of this to unleash terror on law-abiding residents,” Edafe added.
He called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards to desist from buying or using the prohibited items.
He also warned retailers to desist from the sale of the fireworks.
According to the statement, anyone found wanting will be arrested and prosecuted, and their goods impounded.
It further disclosed that the CP had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, all the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical commanders to ensure strict compliance.
He added that the state police boss had also given order to the officers to address any violation of the ban within their respective areas of responsibility.
“Furthermore, the CP appreciates the cooperation of Delta people in upholding the ban.
“Residents are urged to report incidents of the use or sale of fireworks to the nearest police station,” Edafe added.

China Backs Nigeria’s Security, Economic Reforms

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China Backs Nigeria’s Security, Economic Reforms

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai, has reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria’s security efforts and ongoing economic reforms during a high-level meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar.

In a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, Yu said the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership had entered “the fast track,” driven by strong political trust and sustained collaboration.

He said the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan reflected China’s commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up and sharing development opportunities globally, including with Nigeria.

Yu noted that both countries had consistently supported each other on issues touching their core interests, stressing that China would continue to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism and improving security.

The envoy added that China remains ready to work with Nigeria to implement zero-tariff treatment for Nigerian exports and to prepare for activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, alongside the China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchanges.

“These efforts will further consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both nations,” Yu said.

Responding, Tuggar described China as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner and reaffirmed the country’s adherence to the one-China principle.

He commended China’s support for Nigeria’s economic and social development and expressed readiness to strengthen alignment of development strategies, expand cooperation in manufacturing, trade and investment, and elevate bilateral relations.

FG, Groups Partner To Mitigate Plastic Waste Pollution

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FG, Groups Partner To Mitigate Plastic Waste Pollution

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), says it will partner with the Nigeria National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), Federal Government and other stakeholders to address the impacts of plastic pollution on biodiversity.

Dr Joseph Onoja, Director General, NCF said this on Wednesday in Abuja, at the Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on Inclusive Plastic Action in Nigeria/National Validation Workshop for Assessment Report on the Impact of Plastic Pollution on Biodiversity.

The event was organised by the NCF in collaboration with the NPAP and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Onoja said that plastic waste pollution affected both the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem, adding that this inevitably also affected human health as most aquatic animals end up on tables as food.

He said that all hands must therefore be on deck to rid the environment of plastic pollution, as well as guide against further consumption of plastic waste by the citizens through aquatic foods.

He also said that the report on the assessment of the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity conducted by some experts in six states revealed that in the process of recycling plastic waste into micro plastic, the waste becomes embedded into the tissue of aquatic food like fishes.

He said that the dialogue was to address policy gaps, challenges, and opportunities to integrate biodiversity–plastic linkages into national planning and implementation.

According to him, the objective of the workshop is to validate findings on how plastic pollution affects ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots in Nigeria, align the assessment with key national policy frameworks of NPAP, Biodiversity Financing among others.

The NCF director general further said that the event was to address inclusion issues affecting informal waste workers like women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

“The dialogue is to strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration and co-design practical, context-specific solutions.

“It is also to Identify clear entry points for integrating biodiversity–plastic pollution considerations into national
and sub-national decision-making,” he said.

Onoja further said that the organisation was collaborating with the Global Action Partnership (GAP) to see how plastic waste pollution affected biodiversity, adding that the involvement of the NCF in the dialogue was basically to assess this.

Also speaking, Mr Aliyu Auwal, Director of Communication and Strategic Partnership, Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) called for policies that would integrate waste pickers into the formal system.

He said that having such policies would give waste pickers backing thereby improving their welfare and livelihood.

“Waste pickers will be able to move freely within the communities and benefit from health insurances.

“They will also have a cooperative model, which at the end of the day would guarantee a micro insurance scheme, and this will be beneficial at old age,” he said.

FG To Revitalise 8,000 PHCs, Expand Immunisation Programmes

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FG To Revitalise 8,000 PHCs, Expand Immunisation Programmes

The Federal Government has reaffirmed plans to expand immunisation programmes and revitalise 8,000 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under the 2024–2028 Medium-Term Framework.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health, disclosed this after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

He said the framework places strong emphasis on social welfare and healthcare delivery across the country.

“Mr President is committed to human capital development as captured in this 2024–2028 MTF,” Salako said.

He added that the ongoing upgrade of more than 4,000 primary health centres will be sustained alongside the planned 8,000 facilities.

“It means the revitalised 4,000 PHCs and the additional 8,000 on stream can be sustained,” he explained.

Salako said the commitment to sustained funding for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund will accelerate the process nationwide.

He noted that this aligns with the President’s agenda to strengthen primary healthcare as the system’s foundation.

The minister said the council’s approval ensures continuity of key immunisation programmes introduced by the administration.

“The commitment to fund immunisation from the MTF means we can scale up innovative programmes Mr President has introduced,” he said.

Salako cited the nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine, which he said has reached millions of girls.

“For example, the HPV introduction has seen over 40 million Nigerian children immunised,” he said.

He added that the combined measles–rubella vaccine programme will also expand significantly next year.

“The novel combined rubella rollout, which reached nearly 30 million children, can be scaled up next year,” he said.

Salako stressed that the administration remains focused on policies improving citizens’ wellbeing.

“It highlights Mr President’s commitment to social welfare, which touches the average Nigerian directly,” he said.

FEC Approves 4,000 Telecom Towers To Boost Rural Coverage

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FEC Approves 4,000 Telecom Towers To Boost Rural Coverage

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the deployment of 4,000 telecom towers nationwide to expand digital access in underserved communities.
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‎Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, said the approval followed a joint memo.
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He said, ‎“There is also an approval by FEC granted to the Ministry of Digital Communications and the Ministry of Finance to establish service centers for agricultural mechanization and digital economy on the deployment of towers to places that are currently underserved.”
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‎Idris said the initiative targets communities lacking basic digital connectivity and economic inclusion.
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‎He added, “Under that program, about 4,000 towers will be erected in underserved communities.

“The presentation of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy indicates that about 23 million Nigerians are currently underserved, meaning that they are unable to do anything.”
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‎Idris said limited digital access had hindered economic participation and basic communication in remote areas.
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‎He said the measure would also strengthen national security and boost commerce in rural communities.
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Idris said, ‎“Indeed, this will also help in fighting insecurity and enhancing commerce and economic activity amongst the people of Nigeria.”
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‎The minister said the council also issued new directives to intensify project prioritisation across government agencies.
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‎Idris added that FEC further approved service centres for agricultural mechanisation across the geopolitical zones to boost year-round farming.
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He said, ‎“There was also a decision taken by the Federal Executive Council to establish service centers for agricultural mechanization in the six geopolitical zones.”
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‎The minister said the decisions aligned with the medium-term expenditure framework earlier presented by the ministers of finance and budget.

Banditry: NIS Honours Slain Officers, Vows Tougher Border Security In Kebbi

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Banditry: NIS Honours Slain Officers, Vows Tougher Border Security In Kebbi

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has vowed a tougher border security control following the killing of its three officers by suspected bandits in Kebbi.

The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nandap, made this known during a condolence visit to the state government in Birnin Kebbi.

She said the service was deeply pained by the tragic loss but remained unwavering in its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders.

“It is with a deep sense of respect and sober reflection that we gather here today.

“I wish this visit was under different circumstances, but we are here because of the tragic attack that claimed the lives of our very dedicated and committed officers.

“The slain personnel were brothers, fathers and sons who worked daily to secure our borders and ensure peace in Kebbi, a strategic gateway to trade, culture and travel,” she said.

Nandap noted that: “While the state’s border location enhanced national economic activities, it is also exploited by criminal elements whose actions endanger communities and threaten national security.

“Today, we are here to honour the sacrifice of our fallen officers and to reassure you that we remain firm and unwavering in our commitment to protect this state and the nation,” she said.

Nandap reaffirmed that the service would not be discouraged by the incident.

“Even in mourning, we are strong, resilient, dedicated and professional in carrying out our duties,” she revealed.

She commended the Kebbi government for its continued cooperation, particularly in strengthening community-level engagements and fostering synergy among security agencies.

“We do not take this partnership for granted.

“We appeal for your continued support, especially in community sensitisation, because curbing irregular migration requires strong border governance and active community participation,” she said.

Responding, Gov. Nasir Idris, represented by his Deputy, Abubakar Umar-Tafida, condoled with the NIS over the loss of its officers, describing them as gallant personnel who died in active service.

“They came to discharge their constitutional duties when criminal elements attacked them, leaving behind their loved ones. We deeply commiserate with you,” he said.

Idris said the incident had triggered fresh security considerations, including the need for joint checkpoints to enhance operational strength and response capacity.

“This development calls for a rethink of the number and structure of checkpoints we have.

“Joint checkpoints will provide more strength to counter criminal activities. This is one measure we want security agencies to consider,” he added.

The governor assured the NIS of government’s sustained support to all security agencies in the state and highlighted ongoing community engagement efforts with clerics of all faiths to enhance peace and security.

It will be recalled that on November 28, three officers of the NIS had been killed following a terrorist attack on their camp in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi.

Oxford Begins First Human Trial Of New Lassa Fever Vaccine

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Oxford Begins First Human Trial Of New Lassa Fever Vaccine

The global fight against Lassa fever has recorded another breakthrough as the Oxford Vaccine Group administered the first dose of a new Lassa fever vaccine to a volunteer in the United Kingdom.

The event, announced online on Thursday, took place in Oxford through the Oxford Vaccine Group, a unit of the University of Oxford’s Department of Paediatrics.

The milestone marks the start of a first-in-human clinical trial of the ChAdOx1 Lassa vaccine, funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

Thirty-one healthy adults aged 18 to 55 will take part in the trial in Oxford, while a second phase-1 trial is expected to begin in Ghana early 2026.

Prof. Ramasamy Maheshi, Chief Investigator of the trial at Oxford, described the study as a “crucial step toward protecting vulnerable communities.

“Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have in global health: they save lives, stop outbreaks, and strengthen health systems,” Maheshi said.

She noted that the vaccine was developed using the same platform as the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, estimated to have saved six million lives in its first year alone.

“CEPI had earlier supported the preclinical development of the Lassa vaccine,” she added.

Dr Katrin Ramsauer, CEPI’s Lassa Disease Programme Lead, called the launch a “transformative milestone,” adding that progress so far reflects years of scientific innovation and global collaboration.

Ramsauer said that beyond the trial, regional efforts were underway to accelerate vaccine licensure and ensure equitable access.

“The Lassa Fever Coalition, led by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) with support from CEPI and partners, is coordinating steps toward eventual rollout across affected countries,” she said.

According to Dr Virgil Lokossou, Director of Healthcare Services at WAHO, Lassa fever has affected lives in West Africa for more than half a century, impacting families, livelihoods, hospitals, and economies.

“Our region is now taking bold steps to change that story,” he said.

Public health authorities in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), continue to record seasonal outbreaks, with healthcare workers among those at risk.

If successful, the Oxford vaccine could become one of the first licensed preventive vaccines against Lassa fever, a development experts say could dramatically reduce illness, deaths, and socioeconomic disruptions in West Africa.

Lassa fever, first discovered in Nigeria in the late 1960s, remains endemic across West Africa and continues to cause recurring outbreaks with high morbidity and mortality.

The virus, spread primarily by rodents, can lead to severe complications including deafness, bleeding, and death.

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