In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Mark Chieshe, Dangiwa described his tenure as a privilege and a call to national service, noting that he is honoured to have been entrusted with responsibility for reforms in the housing and urban development sector.

He stated that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the ministry recorded notable progress in repositioning the housing sector as a key pillar for economic growth, employment generation, and social inclusion.

According to him, major achievements during his tenure include the rollout of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, expanded public-private partnerships in housing delivery, and reforms in land administration and housing finance.

Dangiwa also thanked members of the Federal Executive Council, his colleagues in government, heads of relevant agencies, development partners, and staff of the ministry for their support and cooperation throughout his service.

While acknowledging the directive to complete handover arrangements in line with the President’s decision, he assured of a smooth and orderly transition, reaffirming his commitment to the continued success of the ministry and the broader Renewed Hope Agenda.

He further wished the incoming leadership success, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms would be sustained and accelerated for greater impact in the housing sector.

The post Dangiwa Appreciates President Tinubu for Opportunity to Serve Nigeria appeared first on Business Today NG.

He gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from British Airways at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The team was led by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, alongside British Airways’ Commercial Officer, Mr. Colm Lacy.

President Tinubu described the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom as valuable and productive, noting that Nigeria places high importance on its strategic partnership with Britain.

Reflecting on his recent visit to the United Kingdom, the President said he was warmly received by the British Royal Family, adding that he deeply cherishes the experience.

He assured the delegation that both countries would continue to strengthen cooperation aimed at expanding investment opportunities, economic growth, and shared prosperity.

“It is a great pleasure to engage with you this afternoon. The transformation and strengthening of our relationship over the past 90 years is worth celebrating,” Tinubu said.

“I still cherish my recent visit to Great Britain and the warm reception from His Majesty King Charles III. I will always remember that moment.

“We also value our relationship with His Majesty and his commitment to sustainability and the Commonwealth. Our cooperation must continue in line with our national priorities.”

The President commended British Airways for its long-standing role in connecting Nigeria to the global economy, adding that ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s aviation sector are aimed at meeting international standards.

“Nigeria is undergoing reforms across the aviation sector and the wider economy. We must align with global standards while encouraging stronger people-to-people and trade relations,” he said.

Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the British government for its sustained investment and business support in Nigeria over the years, noting that British Airways is celebrating 90 years of operations in the country.

He further disclosed that his administration had resolved outstanding financial obligations owed to international airlines, a move aimed at restoring confidence in the sector.

“Since I assumed office, we have addressed outstanding liabilities affecting airlines through the Central Bank of Nigeria, and we will continue to strengthen this progress,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr. Colm Lacy said British Airways has maintained a strong presence in Nigeria since 1936, describing the country as one of its most important markets globally.

“Nigeria is not just a destination for us; it is a valued partner with whom we share deep business, cultural, and educational ties,” he said.

He added that the airline’s operations continue to support Nigerian businesses, students, families, and tourists, facilitating trade and investment between both countries.

Lacy also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, as well as aviation agencies for reforms that have improved safety and efficiency in the sector. He further praised the Central Bank of Nigeria for efforts to resolve foreign exchange issues affecting foreign airlines.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, noted that British Airways now operates modern aircraft on the London–Nigeria route and has complied with government policies supporting local catering services on outbound international flights.

The British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, also expressed satisfaction with the 90-year partnership between Nigeria and British Airways, thanking President Tinubu for his recent visit to the UK.

He said the visit resulted in major investment agreements, including plans to support the rehabilitation of Lagos ports with UK financing and participation.

The post Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Nigeria–UK Economic, Aviation Ties appeared first on Business Today NG.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that Edun formally tendered his resignation before the President announced a replacement on Tuesday.

Similarly, the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also stepped down from his position, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

Mr. Edun, who marked his 70th birthday on Monday and has recently experienced health challenges, submitted his resignation on the same day. In his letter, he thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation.

“It has been an honour to be part of your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he wrote.

“Under your leadership, Nigeria has become stronger, more stable, and more respected internationally.

“I wish you continued success in the years ahead.”

Before his exit was officially announced by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Edun paid a farewell visit to President Tinubu at the State House on Tuesday. He later left following a private meeting that lasted about an hour, indicating his intention to focus on personal engagements.

Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, a professional architect, previously served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank from 2015 to 2022 and as Secretary to the Katsina State Government before his appointment as minister in August 2023.

Edun, an economist and investment banker, served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.

He earlier worked at Chase Merchant Bank in Lagos from 1980 to 1986 before joining the World Bank under its Young Professionals Programme, where he contributed to economic and financial projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 1989, he co-founded Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited (now Stanbic IBTC) and later established Denham Management Limited in 1994, which evolved into the Chapelhill Denham Group. He served as chairman of the company from 2008 to 2021.

President Tinubu has commended both Edun and Dangiwa for their service and contributions to the administration’s economic reform agenda, and wished them success in their future endeavours.

The President has also directed the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen the administration’s fiscal and economic policies with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

In addition, President Tinubu is expected to forward the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina State, to the Senate for confirmation as Minister of Housing.

The post Edun, Dangiwa Resign from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Not Sacked appeared first on Business Today NG.

This update was outlined in a schedule endorsed by the party’s National Organising Secretary from one faction, Umar Bature.

The notice states that the presidential nomination form is priced at ₦51 million, while the governorship form costs ₦21 million. It also indicates that the party will forward its membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 21, 2026, and inform the commission of its primaries a day later.

According to the outlined plan, the expression-of-interest form for every position is pegged at ₦1 million, though the nomination charges differ by office. Candidates aiming for State Houses of Assembly are to pay ₦2 million; House of Representatives aspirants ₦3 million; Senate hopefuls ₦5 million; governorship contenders ₦20 million; and those seeking the presidency ₦50 million.

The sale of these forms is set to commence on April 27 and end on May 4, while completed documents must be submitted by May 9. Screening for State Assembly, National Assembly, and governorship aspirants is slated for May 11, with presidential screening following on May 12.

The presidential primary election is scheduled for May 18, while governorship primaries will take place on May 27. House of Representatives primaries are fixed for May 21, Senate contests for May 23, and State Assembly primaries will run from May 21 to May 24. All appeals are expected to be resolved by May 30, 2026.

Bature noted that female aspirants are only required to pay the expression-of-interest fee for the offices they seek. The primaries will be supervised by INEC, which has officially acknowledged the leadership aligned with Nyesom Wike.

The party continues to face internal disagreements, with a faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, backed by Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, seeking a court ruling to validate the 2025 Ibadan convention.

Earlier reports indicated that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in an appeal brought by the Turaki-led group, contesting the nullification of the convention.

On Wednesday, a five-member panel headed by Lawal Garba said the date for the ruling would be communicated after counsel for all sides adopted their final written submissions.

The faction is asking the apex court to overturn the March 9 decision of the Court of Appeal, which upheld earlier rulings voiding the party’s convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025. At the Supreme Court, the group maintained that the matter concerns internal party issues and should not be subject to judicial review, insisting that proper procedures were followed in organising the gathering.

The post PDP Pegs Governorship Form at ₦21m, Releases 2027 Timetable appeared first on Business Today NG.

This was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa. The ministry stated that Lele passed away in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, following a long-term illness. He was described as a committed public servant who represented the nation with excellence.

The statement read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets to announce, with deep sadness and a heavy sense of loss, the death of Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele, which occurred in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye.”

Until his passing, Ambassador Lele served as Director overseeing the Middle East and Gulf Division of the ministry. The statement further noted that he was a career diplomat who had recently been named ambassador-designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after his nomination was approved by the Nigerian Senate.

Born in 1976 in Gamawa, located in Bauchi State, he earned a degree in Economics from Bayero University, Kano, and joined Nigeria’s Foreign Service in 2001. Over the course of his career, he was recognized as a diligent, thorough, and outstanding diplomat who served with unwavering dedication. He also held postings in Nigerian missions in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.

The ministry highlighted his sharp intellect, strong strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.

His death was described as a significant loss not only to his family but also to the entire diplomatic community and the country as a whole.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who was present at the international wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja alongside other senior officials to receive his remains from Türkiye, paid tribute to him as a hardworking, modest, and admirable officer whose absence will be deeply felt.

Ambassador Lele was laid to rest on April 22, 2026, in Kano State in accordance with Islamic traditions.

The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the people and government of Bauchi State, while offering prayers for his eternal rest and strength for those mourning his loss.

The post Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50 appeared first on Business Today NG.

The students’ union leaders led by their National President, Comrade Sola Oladoja, made the commitment on Tuesday 21st April 2026 when they paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja where they equally reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his re-election in 2027.

During the visit, Oladoja commended Marwa for his dynamic leadership and the Agency’s relentless successes against drug cartels. He specifically lauded his commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerian students through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative, which has been instrumental in raising awareness across tertiary institutions.

Reaffirming the association’s support for the NDLEA and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, Oladoja stated that the students’ backing of the current administration is rooted in tangible pro-youth achievements. These, he noted, include the successful implementation of student loans, the resolution of industrial strikes in tertiary institutions, and various youth empowerment schemes.

In his response, Marwa expressed his long-standing pride in the Nigerian student body, noting that his relationship with them has remained strong due to their consistent support across his various national assignments.

According to him, “As a critical sector of the Nigerian polity, what you said about your appreciation of the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and your commitment to support his re-election in 2027 gladdens my heart.”

Addressing the specific challenge of drug prevalence in schools, the NDLEA boss emphasized the need for a collaborative front to sanitize the academic environment. “We need to work with you on our efforts to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of the consequences to students’ health, their aspirations, and even their families, as well as the society at large,” Marwa added.

Speaking on the recently introduced Federal Government Drug Integrity Test Policy for students, Marwa explained that the measure is strictly protective rather than punitive. He stated that the policy is designed in the best interest of the youth, as early detection of drug use makes treatment and rehabilitation far more effective.

The visit ended with a mutual commitment to deepen the partnership between NDLEA and NANS in the ongoing crusade against substance abuse on Nigerian campuses.

The post NANS Backs drug war, President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda appeared first on Business Today NG.

After their plea, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, asked the court to order that they be held in the custody of the Department of State Services and urged that the matter be heard without delay.

However, counsel to the first accused, Mohammed Ndayako, requested guarantees that they would be allowed adequate access to their clients while they remain in detention.

In reply, the Attorney-General assured the court that the defendants’ rights would be upheld, emphasizing that there had been no previous issues concerning access.

He further noted that everyone involved agrees on the importance of a speedy trial.

A few days earlier, the Federal Government had fixed a date for the trial of those accused of plotting a coup, which investigators say involved plans for a violent takeover of government in October 2025.

Among those implicated is a former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of Petroleum Affairs, Timipre Sylva, who is currently on the run. The suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in the planned coup.

The coming days, along with witness accounts, are expected to provide greater clarity on what is considered one of the most disturbing incidents in recent times.

The post Defendants in Alleged Coup Plot Deny 13 Charges, Court Urged to Fast-Track Trial appeared first on Business Today NG.

FCCPC disclosed this in a statement posted via its official X account and signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs, that in its ruling, presiding Justice James Omotosho affirmed the Commission’s statutory authority to investigate consumer complaints involving banks and other financial institutions.

In the suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025, United Bank of Africa Plc sought to determine whether in light of Section 251 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended 2023) and Section 65(1)(a) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, the FCCPC could validly exercise jurisdiction over a commercial bank duly licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and over any of its functions, acts, financial products, or financial services.

In his judgement, Justice Omotosho considered Sections 251 (1) (d) of the Constitution and 65(1)(a) of BOFIA, which the plaintiff had relied upon to challenge the Commission’s jurisdiction, and upheld the authority of the FCCPC in competition and consumer protection matters in the financial sector.

Consequently, UBA plc was fined N2m for “bringing a frivolous and unmeritorious case against the defendant”.

With respect to receiving and investigating Consumer complaints, the Court stressed that there is no other agency in Nigeria saddled with this responsibility except the FCCPC.

“No portion of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act gives such powers to the Central Bank of Nigeria, nor does the Central Bank of Nigeria Act,” said Justice Omotosho.

“The FCCPC (Defendant) is therefore the proper agency to investigate such consumer complaints,” the judge held.

He therefore held that the FCCPC “is vested with statutory powers to inquire into Consumer Protection issues involving customers and banks.”

Justice Omotosho cited Sections 1, 2, 17(e) and 104 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA), relating to the objectives, scope, investigative powers and application of the Commission’s mandate in matters concerning competition and consumer protection.

Section 104 of the FCCPC Act states that “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law but subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in all matters relating to competition and consumer protection, the provisions of this Act shall override the provisions of any other law.”

In a swift reaction, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment, describing it as “a significant milestone in our advocacy for bank customers who have for long endured unfair treatment.”

He said the judgment provides judicial guidance on the complementary relationship between sector regulation and the consumer protection framework established under the FCCPA.

Mr. Bello stated that the decision reinforces confidence that consumers in every sector of the economy, including financial services, are entitled to accessible channels for complaint resolution and lawful redress.

He noted that the judgment is also significant for businesses, as it clarifies that regulatory accountability and consumer confidence are mutually reinforcing pillars of a healthy market environment.

According to him, the Commission will continue to engage financial institutions and other service providers professionally, fairly, and in accordance with due process, while encouraging internal complaint resolution mechanisms that address consumer concerns promptly.

The post Banks Answerable to FCCPC, Court Rules appeared first on Business Today NG.

In a release, the health authority disclosed that the affected individual has been placed in isolation and is in stable condition, receiving care in accordance with national treatment protocols.

The agency stated that containment steps such as contact identification, active monitoring, and infection control procedures have been deployed in partnership with the Cross River State Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.

Residents were encouraged to uphold good hygiene practices, stay indoors when feeling ill, and depend on information from verified health institutions.

The Cross River State Government, however acknowledged the case, assuring residents that the situation is being managed and does not warrant panic.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, identified the patient as a 53-year-old Chinese national employed by a company in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

He noted that the individual showed mild symptoms at first and was later admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where samples were taken and the infection was confirmed.

The post NCDC Confirms Isolated COVID-19 Case in Cross River, Says No Sign of Spread appeared first on Business Today NG.

The conviction was delivered by the High Court of Niger State sitting in Minna, presided over by Honourable Justice Abdullahi Mikailu, in Charge No: NSHC/ICPC/1C/2023.

Mr. Sule, who was dismissed from NECO in 2020 following the discovery of irregularities in his credentials, was found guilty on a three-count charge of dishonestly using a forged document as genuine, possession of a forged document, and making false statements.

Investigations by the ICPC revealed that the convict fraudulently used a forged Diploma certificate purportedly issued by the Federal University of Technology, Yola (now Modibbo Adama University, Yola) to secure employment with NECO in January 2009, where he remained until his dismissal in September 2020.

Further findings showed that the certificate, dated March 18, 2008, did not emanate from the institution, as confirmed by the university during verification.

The Commission also established that the convict had not completed his studies and still had outstanding courses at the time he claimed to have graduated.

In addition, Mr. Sule was found to have knowingly made false representations to NECO’s Director of Human Resource Management in August 2020, falsely claiming that he had obtained the Diploma certificate.

During ICPC’s investigation, the convict admitted that he did not complete his studies and disclosed that he paid the sum of N30,000 to procure the forged certificate from an individual.

Upon conviction, the Court sentenced him to twelve (12) years imprisonment on Count One, ten (10) years on Count Two, and two (2) years on Count Three. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will effectively spend twelve (12) years in prison.

The ICPC reiterates its commitment to sanitising public institutions and warns that individuals who engage in forgery, falsification of records, and other corrupt practices will be brought to justice.

The Commission also urges organisations to sustain regular verification of staff credentials to prevent similar occurrences and strengthen institutional integrity.

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