The United Kingdom government is ramping up efforts to tackle illegal working, unveiling stricter enforcement measures and warning businesses that they could face unlimited fines if found employing undocumented workers. The renewed crackdown forms part of a broader push to strengthen immigration control and reduce unlawful employment across key sectors of the economy. Authorities say the move is designed not only to curb illegal migration but also to protect legitimate businesses and workers from unfair competition. Under the updated enforcement approach, companies found guilty of hiring individuals without the legal right to work in the UK could face significantly harsher…
Author: Temitope Nlewemchi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed fake, expired, and substandard drugs valued at over N939 million in Anambra State, in a major crackdown aimed at safeguarding public health and eliminating harmful products from circulation. The destruction exercise was carried out in Awka at a designated dumpsite, where officials disposed of seized pharmaceutical and related products recovered from across the South-East region. The operation formed part of the agency’s ongoing enforcement efforts to rid the market of unsafe and falsified goods. According to the agency, the destroyed items included a wide range of products such…
Lagos State has been ranked the best state for doing business in Nigeria, according to a recent subnational assessment of business environments across the country. The ranking further reinforces the state’s long-standing reputation as the nation’s commercial nerve centre and a preferred destination for investors. The report, unveiled at a high-level policy and diplomatic gathering in Abuja, evaluated all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory using a wide range of economic and regulatory indicators. Lagos emerged at the top due to its strong performance across critical areas such as infrastructure, regulatory efficiency, access to electricity, and institutional transparency. Analysts…
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has commissioned an upgraded 5MVA power plant at Abia State University, alongside several infrastructure projects aimed at improving electricity supply, student welfare, and overall learning conditions within the institution. The commissioning ceremony took place at the university’s main campus in Uturu as part of activities marking its combined convocation ceremony. The newly upgraded power facility, which was increased from an initial capacity of 2.5MVA to 5MVA, is expected to significantly enhance electricity supply across the campus. Speaking at the event, Otti described the project as a fulfilment of his administration’s commitment to addressing longstanding infrastructure…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised concerns over the rapid rise in cryptocurrency-related crimes, revealing that illicit transactions involving digital currencies surged to more than $160 billion globally in 2025. The disclosure was made by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede during the inauguration of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime country programme for Nigeria (2026–2030) in Abuja. According to him, the scale of financial crimes linked to cryptocurrencies has grown significantly, posing new challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Olukoyede noted that the increasing adoption of digital currencies has created new opportunities for criminal networks to move…
A fire outbreak has ravaged facilities at the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, destroying vaccines and property estimated to be worth millions of naira, in a development that has raised concerns about public health and emergency preparedness in the state. The incident, which occurred at the headquarters of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health in Abakaliki, reportedly broke out in the early hours of the day, catching staff and security personnel off guard. Although no casualties were recorded, the extent of damage to critical medical supplies has sparked fears about potential disruptions to healthcare services. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a Lagos-based fabrics merchant accused of orchestrating a cross-border drug trafficking network linking Nigeria and Ghana, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit narcotics distribution in West Africa. According to officials, the suspect—whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed—was apprehended during a coordinated operation carried out by NDLEA operatives in Lagos. Investigations revealed that the merchant, who operated a legitimate textiles business as a cover, allegedly played a central role in the movement of illegal drugs between Nigeria and neighbouring Ghana. The agency said the…
Funke Akindele’s latest film Behind the Scenes has taken the Nigerian box office by storm, grossing an impressive N1.1 billion in just 17 days since its release. The milestone marks another major success for Akindele, one of Nollywood’s most influential filmmakers and actors. Released nationwide earlier this month, Behind the Scenes has drawn large audiences across cinemas, driven by strong word of mouth and social media buzz. The film’s compelling storyline, high production values, and a star-studded cast have been widely credited for its commercial performance, helping it join the ranks of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films. Industry analysts say the movie’s…
The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops have neutralised more than 80 terrorists and rescued 34 kidnap victims in coordinated military operations carried out across several parts of the country. The operations, conducted over recent days, were aimed at dismantling terrorist cells, bandit groups, and other criminal networks responsible for violence, kidnappings, and attacks on communities. According to military authorities, the successes were recorded through a combination of ground offensives, intelligence-led raids, and aerial support. Troops engaged terrorists in multiple theatres, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and banditry. During these encounters, several terrorists were neutralised following intense firefights,…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a new intra-African air cargo corridor aimed at boosting trade and export opportunities across the continent. The initiative, unveiled in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Uganda Airlines, offers Nigerian exporters a significant 50% discount on air freight charges to key East and Southern African markets. This move is expected to lower logistics costs substantially, making Nigerian goods more competitive in regional markets while advancing Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The air cargo corridor facilitates easier and more affordable transportation of goods from Nigeria to…
An industrialist has lauded the Dangote Refinery for its recent impact on petrol availability in Nigeria, noting that the facility has significantly eased the chronic fuel shortages that have plagued the country for years. While praising the refinery’s contribution to stabilising petrol supply, the industrialist also urged authorities and marketers to consider reducing diesel prices, highlighting the economic importance of affordable fuel for manufacturing and logistics. According to the industrialist, the Dangote Refinery, which began operations recently, has enabled over 1,000 trucks to load petrol daily, dramatically improving access and distribution across the nation. This has reportedly led to a…
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has reaffirmed its full compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and other statutory remittance requirements, dismissing concerns over alleged non-remittance of funds to the appropriate government accounts. The corporation said it operates strictly within the framework of existing financial regulations and remains committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. NDIC explained that its financial operations are guided by its enabling Act as well as relevant federal fiscal laws, including the Fiscal Responsibility Act. According to the corporation, its remittance obligations differ in structure from those of conventional revenue-generating agencies due to…
The National Insurance Commission has ruled out any extension of the deadline for the ongoing recapitalisation of insurance and reinsurance companies, insisting that operators must meet the stipulated capital requirements within the approved timeline. The regulator said the reform is critical to strengthening the insurance industry and enhancing its capacity to support Nigeria’s economy. NAICOM stressed that the recapitalisation programme is aimed at building a more resilient, credible and solvent insurance sector capable of underwriting large and complex risks. According to the commission, delaying the process would undermine the objectives of the reform and weaken public confidence in the industry.…
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has emphasised that integrated logistics systems remain essential to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential in the blue economy sector. According to him, the nation’s maritime industry cannot achieve sustainable growth or global competitiveness without seamless coordination among ports, transport infrastructure, and logistics operations. Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement session in Lagos, Oyetola said that the ministry is focused on building a holistic framework that connects all maritime value chains — from port operations to hinterland transportation — to enhance efficiency and profitability. He noted that integrated logistics would not only boost trade…
Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s largest cement producer, has announced an impressive profit of N743.3 billion for the nine-month period ending September 2025, representing one of its strongest financial performances in recent years. The company’s sustained revenue growth, operational efficiency, and strategic expansion across key African markets have positioned it as a dominant force in the continent’s construction and building materials sector. According to the firm’s unaudited financial statements released on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Dangote Cement’s profit after tax rose significantly compared to N553.4 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, showing a 34% year-on-year growth. This remarkable improvement…
The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has stated that Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms are designed to eliminate multiple levies and create a more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly tax system. He explained that the reforms aim to streamline the country’s complex tax structure, boost revenue generation, and reduce the burden on citizens and businesses. Speaking in Abuja at a policy dialogue on the state of Nigeria’s fiscal framework, Oyedele emphasised that the government’s priority is to simplify tax compliance and eliminate overlapping taxes that have stifled economic growth and discouraged investment for years. According…
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Nigeria has called on Nigerians, particularly entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers, to strengthen their capacity to fully participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. The organisation said this is crucial for Nigeria to maximise the vast opportunities presented by the continent’s single market, which aims to enhance intra-African trade, industrialisation, and sustainable economic growth. Speaking at a national sensitisation forum held in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, said the AfCFTA is a game-changer for Africa’s economic development but requires strategic readiness and capacity building…
Nigeria is currently facing a serious food security challenge that threatens the well-being of millions across the country. Rising inflation, climate change, insecurity, and structural weaknesses in agriculture have combined to create one of the most pressing crises in recent memory. In response, the Federal Government has stepped up efforts to address these challenges with a series of ambitious programs and reforms aimed at boosting food production, stabilizing prices, and safeguarding the nation’s food supply. Food insecurity in Nigeria has deepened significantly in recent years. According to recent reports, over 100 million Nigerians are classified as food insecure, with nearly…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Lagos for Europe ahead of his participation in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit, a high-level global forum focused on sustainable development, climate action, and economic transformation. The President left Lagos on Tuesday following the conclusion of official engagements in the state. According to a statement from the Presidency, Tinubu will first make a brief stop in Europe before proceeding to the United Arab Emirates for the summit, which brings together world leaders, policymakers, investors, and development experts. The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit is held annually as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it raked in a substantial N393 billion in tax revenue from Dangote Group and nine other major companies, underscoring the critical role of large corporations in sustaining government revenue streams amid mounting fiscal pressures. The disclosure comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to diversify its revenue base, reduce dependence on crude oil earnings, and address rising fiscal deficits. According to official figures, the Dangote Group emerged as one of the largest contributors to tax revenue in the country, alongside other blue-chip companies spanning the banking, telecommunications, cement, and consumer…