Sources within government disclosed that the proposed funding is expected to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy, advancing fiscal reforms, improving the business environment, and boosting employment opportunities.

If the deal receives approval, it would become one of the biggest loans obtained by the present government, coming after major economic measures such as the removal of fuel subsidies and reforms in the foreign exchange market.

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The Commission said the initiative is aimed at enhancing responsiveness, reducing delays, and expanding access to real-time support without the need for physical visits to its offices.

The new Live Chat feature is available on the NIMC website, while the official WhatsApp support line can be reached via +234 701 566 6971.

According to the Commission, the development aligns with ongoing digital transformation reforms under the leadership of its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who has driven initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency and citizen-centered service delivery.

The initiative also supports the broader government digital agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at strengthening public sector efficiency and expanding access to government services through technology-driven solutions.

NIMC stated that the new platforms are designed to provide prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and improved customer interaction, while also reducing reliance on in-person visits.

The Commission urged members of the public to make use of only its official communication channels for verified information and support, warning against engaging unofficial platforms to avoid misinformation and fraud.

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In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, which was issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana,l the appointment underscores the commitment of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening internal security coordination, enhancing intelligence-driven operations, and deepening inter-agency collaboration in addressing emerging security threats across the country.

Major General Famadewa(Rtd) is a highly decorated retired General with over three decades of distinguished military and intelligence service spanning national security strategy, intelligence fusion, counter-terrorism operations, and international security diplomacy. His career reflects a rare blend of operational excellence, strategic foresight, and institutional leadership in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interests.

As Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2015 to 2021, he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s modern intelligence coordination framework. He spearheaded the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC) at ONSA, creating an integrated multi-agency intelligence platform that brought together the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces to improve national threat assessment and strategic response coordination.

Following his retirement from active military service, Major General Famadewa(Rtd) served as Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, where he continued to provide strategic thought leadership on policing, civil-security cooperation, and national security reform. His scholarly contributions include the widely acclaimed monograph titled “Policing and National Security in Nigeria,” which offers practical frameworks for strengthening civil-security collaboration.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that the appointment of Major General Famadewa(Rtd) will further enhance the administration’s efforts toward achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through improved coordination of homeland security initiatives, intelligence integration, and proactive risk management.

He also urged him to deploy his wealth of experience, professionalism, and strategic insight in advancing national security objectives and supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Adopting the NBA President’s report, NEC noted with concern public statements attributed to the Minister threatening that any faction of the PDP operating a separate secretariat or opening bank accounts outside the recognised structure would have such premises sealed.

The Council emphasized that while political parties may experience internal disputes, the resolution of such disputes must occur strictly within the framework of the law and through constitutionally recognised institutions and procedures.

NEC stated unequivocally that no public office holder possesses unilateral authority to seal private premises, organisations, or institutions except pursuant to lawful procedures, judicial authorisation, and clearly established statutory powers.

The Council warned that public pronouncements capable of conveying threats of extra-legal action or executive overreach undermine constitutional governance and risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.

NEC therefore called on the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and all public office holders to exercise restraint in both conduct and public communication, and to remain guided at all times by the Constitution, the rule of law, and the principles of democratic accountability.

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NEC expressed grave concern over reports of harassment, violence, destruction of businesses, and threats to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians residing in South Africa.

The Council described xenophobic violence as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and inconsistent with the principles of human dignity, African unity, and mutual respect among nations.

NEC stated that the targeting of individuals based on nationality is unacceptable and must not be tolerated in any society governed by the rule of law.

The Council called on the Government of South Africa to take urgent and concrete measures to end xenophobic attacks, ensure the protection of all persons within its jurisdiction, and hold perpetrators accountable.

NEC also urged the Nigerian Government to take proactive diplomatic and consular measures to safeguard the rights, safety, and welfare of Nigerians residing in South Africa.

The Council further resolved that a formal letter be transmitted to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to immediately take concrete diplomatic and humanitarian steps to ensure the safety, protection, and where necessary, the safe evacuation and return of Nigerians affected by the attacks.

NEC emphasized that no Nigerian citizen living abroad should be abandoned in the face of violence, intimidation, or targeted attacks, and stressed that the protection of citizens remains a fundamental responsibility of every government.

The Council further emphasized that African nations must remain committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and the protection of all persons regardless of nationality

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According to the DSS, the case stemmed from allegations made by SERAP that operatives of the Service unlawfully invaded its Abuja office and harassed staff members on September 9, 2024.

The Service explained that it immediately launched an investigation into the allegations. Following the outcome of the probe, the affected operatives, believing they had been defamed, sought and obtained approval from the Director-General of the DSS to seek legal redress.

The court subsequently ruled in favour of the two operatives, awarding them N100 million in general damages. The court also directed SERAP to publish an apology on its website, in Punch and Vanguard newspapers, as well as on Arise and Channels Television. The judgment further stated that the damages awarded would attract a 10 per cent annual interest from May 5, 2026, until fully paid.

The DSS reiterated its commitment to protecting personnel who carry out their duties lawfully, while also maintaining disciplinary measures against operatives found culpable of violating Nigerian laws or internal regulations.

The Service noted that it has consistently demonstrated accountability by prosecuting erring personnel in competent courts where necessary.

While expressing satisfaction with the court’s judgment, the DSS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the rule of law.

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In a major breakthrough under Operation TIGER PAW II, troops successfully rescued the remaining kidnapped victims from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following sustained search and rescue efforts. Acting on credible intelligence and maintaining persistent operational pressure, troops of the Brigade’s Blocking Force intercepted and recovered the victims within the Agbaja Forest general area in Lokoja Local Government Area.

The rescued victims comprised five boys, two girls, and two adult females, believed to be the wives of the proprietor of the orphanage. They were promptly evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre where they received immediate medical attention and first aid. All victims are reported to be in stable condition.

In a related development on the same day, troops acting on credible intelligence on the activities of an arms and ammunition syndicate intercepted and apprehended a suspected terrorist ammunition courier along road Obajana–Lokoja in Lokoja Local Government Area. The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was found in possession of 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a key logistics courier involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorists across states within the North Central region. Further interrogation indicated that the ammunition was handed over to him at Obajana Forest and was being transported to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, for delivery to a yet-to-be-identified terrorist.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation to aid ongoing operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.

These coordinated successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and their collaborators. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts.

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Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed that the Unit, through its special anti-narcotics initiative Operation Hawk, recorded the interception of 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as ‘Ghanaian Loud’, weighing 1,540 kilograms.

“This effort is an affirmation of our commitment to the fight against drug-smuggling syndicates in the Zone. Our analysis of the trend in recent times indicates that the traffickers are devising different methods to perpetuate illicit trade; therefore, there is a need for critical security stakeholders to upscale their intelligence sharing mechanism to cut the supply chain completely”, Comptroller Aliyu said.

In another operation, Comptroller Aliyu noted that officers of the unit intercepted a Toyota Highlander along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, leading to the arrest of a 71-year-old suspect, with 6.4 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine valued at about ₦2.35 billion recovered.

Beyond drug seizures, he said the Unit recorded major interceptions of contraband, including 8,794 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 22 used Tokunbo vehicles, 485 pieces of used tyres, and other prohibited goods, with a total Duty Paid Value of over ₦5.5 billion.

He also revealed the interception of four cylinders of high-grade mercury concealed in a vehicle at the Gbaji outpost, noting that the hazardous material would be transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further action.

On revenue recovery, Aliyu said the Unit generated over ₦97.7 million through demand notices issued on improperly declared consignments during the period under review.

Reaffirming the Unit’s resolve, Aliyu said FOU Zone ‘A’ would continue to deploy advanced technology to strengthen border security, while maintaining a balance between enforcement and trade facilitation.

“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling, fraud and criminalities, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth”, he stated.

The illicit drugs and three suspects were handed over to Commander Mohammed Kabiru of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigations.

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According to statement posted via its official X account by Felix Morka, the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, that this  decision was made pursuant to the powers conferred on the NWC under Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the Constitution of APC to organise and supervise the Party’s primaries and, in special circumstances, grant waivers, in the best interest of the Party.

The NWC noted that the President @officialABAT has received overwhelming endorsement and vote of confidence from critical stakeholders of the Party, including the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the leadership and members of the National Assembly, and other organs of the Party at the APC National Summit of May 22, 2025, and other major statutory events of the Party.

It noted further that, as the incumbent President, and leader of our great Party, having been duly screened and cleared ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries, requiring his physical appearance before a screening committee, at this time, would be redundant and unnecessary.

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Hon Justice Daniel Osiagor on Monday granted an order of interim injunction following arguments on an ex parte motion filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

The case was argued on behalf of SERAP and NGE by their lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.

The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by SERAP and NGE challenging what they described as “an arbitrary and unlawful attempt by the NBC to sanction broadcasters for allegedly expressing personal opinions as facts” , “bullying or intimidating guests,” or failing to maintain “neutrality.”

SERAP and NGE had, in the lawsuit, asked the court “to determine whether the various provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code relied upon by the NBC to threaten broadcasters are inconsistent with the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

In a joint statement on Monday, SERAP and NGE “welcome the landmark ruling, which granted an interim injunction restraining the NBC from enforcing controversial provisions of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code used to threaten broadcasters and presenters.”

SERAP and NGE said: “This is a significant victory for freedom of expression, media freedom, and the rule of law in Nigeria. The court’s decision to restrain the NBC from enforcing these vague and overly broad provisions affirms the fundamental principle that regulatory powers must be exercised within constitutional limits.”

In his ruling, Justice Osiagor ordered that the NBC, its officers, agents, or any affiliated persons be restrained from imposing sanctions, fines, or other penalties on broadcasting stations based on several contested provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The case has been adjourned to June 1, 2026 for the hearing of the motion on Notice.

In the lawsuit, SERAP and NGE are arguing that “the provisions relied upon by the NBC are inconsistent with Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information and ideas without interference.”

According to SERAP and NGE, “the right to freedom of expression includes not only factual reporting but also opinions, commentary, and analysis. Journalism without opinion is neither practical nor democratic.”

The lawsuit specifically challenges multiple provisions of the Broadcasting Code on the grounds that they are vague, overly broad, and fail to provide sufficient legal certainty.

According to SERAP and NGE, such provisions grant excessive discretion to regulators and risk transforming oversight into indirect censorship.

The organisations further warned that the NBC’s actions, if left unchecked, could have far-reaching consequences ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SERAP and NGE reiterated their commitment to pursuing the case to its conclusion and securing a final determination that strikes down the impugned provisions.

“We will continue to challenge any attempt to weaponize regulation to suppress dissent or control the media. Protecting freedom of expression and media independence is central to advancing transparency, accountability, and human rights in Nigeria,” they said.

The organisations called on the NBC to immediately comply with the court’s order and to review its regulatory framework to ensure alignment with constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards.

They also urged Nigerian authorities to foster an enabling environment for journalists and media organisations to operate freely without fear of intimidation, censorship, or reprisals.

SERAP and NGE said: “This ruling sends a clear message: freedom of expression is not a privilege to be granted or withdrawn by regulators—it is a fundamental right that must be respected, protected, and upheld at all times.”

The lawsuit, with number FHC/L/CS/854/2026 read in part: “Any blanket prohibition on the expression of ‘personal opinions’ by presenters amounts to censorship and is incompatible with constitutional and international standards.

“Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law reinforce these protections, including Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee the right to freedom of expression.

“The NBC’s reliance on vague and subjective standards such as ‘professionalism,’ ‘bullying,’ or ‘neutrality’ creates a dangerous framework for arbitrary enforcement. Laws regulating expression must be clear, precise, necessary, and proportionate. Anything less opens the door to abuse and undermines democratic accountability.

“The court’s intervention at this stage is crucial in preventing irreparable harm. Without this injunction, broadcasters would face immediate threats of sanctions simply for performing their constitutional role as watchdogs and platforms for public debate.
“A free, independent, and vibrant media is essential to credible elections. Any attempt to silence critical voices or restrict open debate undermines the public’s right to information and weakens democratic governance.

“The rule of law requires that all public authorities act within the bounds of the Constitution. Subsidiary legislation like the Broadcasting Code cannot override fundamental rights. The court’s decision reinforces the supremacy of the Constitution and the duty of institutions to respect it.”

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