Author: Adeniyi Daniel

The Federal Government has introduced mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all applicants seeking positions in the public service, as part of efforts to curb the rising incidence of substance abuse and its impact on national security and workplace productivity. The directive was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in a statement released on Monday and signed by its Director of Information, Segun Imohiosen. According to the statement, permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as extra-ministerial departments and parastatals, have been directed to incorporate drug screening as…

The Federal Government has dismissed the authenticity of documents circulating in the media alleging discrepancies in recently passed tax reform laws, insisting that there is currently no basis for such comparisons. The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, said the officially harmonised versions of the bills passed by the National Assembly have not been made public, making any claims of differences premature. Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, Oyedele stressed that the documents in circulation were not authentic and did not represent the certified versions transmitted to the President. “Before anyone can say there…

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets across the country to ensure a safe, peaceful and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebration. The directive, issued from the Force Headquarters in Abuja on December 22, 2025, is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season. In a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and State Command Commissioners of Police to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and confidence-building engagements…

The Lagos State Government has moved to douse public anxiety over waste pile-ups, unveiling a combination of emergency LAWMA intervention, logistics upgrades and stricter enforcement to address refuse accumulation in parts of the metropolis. In a statement shared via the official social media handle of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the government explained that the situation was largely caused by ongoing changes in waste disposal logistics following the decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill. According to Wahab, refuse previously evacuated to Olusosun is now being redirected to alternative facilities in Epe and Badagry, a development that…

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark the Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations. It also announced Thursday, January 1, 2026, as a public holiday to usher in the New Year. The declaration was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. According to the statement, the minister called on Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice symbolised by the birth of Jesus Christ. Tunji-Ojo…

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI). Mr. Ajayi was honoured with a commendation award at the Annual Conference of the IPI, held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja, in recognition of his commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists since assuming office. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu welcomed the award and…

No fewer than 21 terrorists were killed by troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai during a fierce encounter in Sojiri and Kayamla villages along the Damboa–Maiduguri Road in Borno State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Sunday that the operation was carried out in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). A credible military source disclosed that the encounter followed actionable intelligence indicating a large gathering of terrorists along the axis, suspected to be finalising plans for coordinated attacks on nearby communities. According to the source, troops swiftly mobilised after receiving the…

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rolled out a comprehensive traffic management plan aimed at easing congestion and ensuring smooth vehicular movement across the metropolis during the yuletide festivities. The initiative, according to the agency, is in response to the anticipated surge in traffic occasioned by concerts, carnivals, end-of-year celebrations, religious gatherings and other recreational activities associated with the festive season. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA said it had “operationalised an expansive, intelligence-led traffic control architecture purposefully designed to safeguard seamless vehicular movement and enhance public…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited billionaire Aliko Dangote to appear before it on Monday in Abuja, following a petition he submitted against Ahmed Farouk, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over alleged corruption. A source close to the commission, which confirmed this to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, stated that ICPC had set up a panel of crack investigators to handle the probe. ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), has instructed investigators to focus on Aliko Dangote’s petition, with the billionaire expected…

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed delight over the release of the remaining 130 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri community in Niger State, who were previously held in captivity by kidnappers. The governor described the development as a clear indication that evil forces will not triumph over Nigeria, noting that the latest release brings the total number of freed students from the school to 230, following the earlier release of 100 students earlier in the month. In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, Abiodun said the safe release…