Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, , has reaffirmed that the Federal Government will not reinstate the fuel subsidy, despite mounting public concern over the country’s rising cost of living.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with global investors in Paris, Taiwo Oyedele emphasized that fuel subsidies create economic “distortions” and hinder efficient market operations. He maintained that the current policy direction allows the market to self-regulate without government-imposed price controls.
The Minister’s remarks come amid continued economic adjustments following the subsidy removal announced in May 2023 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The decision marked a significant shift in Nigeria’s fiscal policy, aimed at reducing government expenditure and encouraging investment.
Since the removal, the country has experienced notable economic changes. Inflation has surged to a 19-year high, climbing from 22.41 percent in May 2023 to 34.19 percent by June 2024, intensifying pressure on households. Transportation costs have also risen sharply—by nearly 300 percent—driven by higher fuel prices and the effects of currency devaluation.
Despite these challenges, President Tinubu has assured investors that the policy has contributed to improved foreign exchange stability, signaling a more predictable economic environment for international stakeholders.
The government continues to argue that subsidy removal is necessary for long-term economic sustainability, even as citizens grapple with the immediate impact of higher living costs.
Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has raised an urgent alarm over what it described as a violent attack on its Owo Local Government Branch Chairman, Adetunji Adene, calling for immediate intervention by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and security agencies.
In a statement issued on Monday, the State President of the union, Fredrick Akinrinlola, condemned the incident, describing it as a direct threat to the safety of local government workers and the stability of the system.
Akinrinlola said the union leader was attacked last Tuesday at his residence in Owo by a group of armed men numbering about 20, shortly after returning from an official engagement in Akure.
He explained that the attackers allegedly stormed the premises with intent to cause fatal harm but were forced to flee following alarm raised by members of the victim’s household and neighbours.
He disclosed that Adene is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Owo, where he remains in critical condition.
The latest attack comes against the backdrop of a similar violent incident involving the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, who was reportedly assaulted last month on the day he resumed office at the council secretariat.
Sources indicated that the earlier attack occurred amid heightened political tension within the council, with hoodlums allegedly invading the premises, disrupting official activities and forcing a breakdown of order.
Observers say the recurrence of such incidents points to an escalating pattern of violence in the local government area, raising concerns over the safety of public officials and workers, as well as the stability of grassroots governance.
The NULGE president warned that the incident has heightened fear among workers in the local government, with many reportedly reluctant to report to duty due to safety concerns.
He described the development as a serious threat to administrative operations at the grassroots level.
Akinrinlola alleged that the attack may not be unconnected with political tensions, cautioning political actors to refrain from bringing violence into the local government system.
He stressed that workers must not be made victims of political conflicts.
He appealed directly to Governor Aiyedatiwa to take decisive steps to restore order and ensure the protection of lives and property within the Owo Local Government Secretariat, describing the situation as a “save our souls” moment for workers in the area.
The union leader also called on security agencies across the state to act swiftly by providing adequate protection for local government staff, apprehending those responsible for the attack, and ensuring they are brought to justice.
He reiterated that while the union remains committed to lawful conduct, it would not tolerate any attempt by individuals or groups to turn local government offices into zones of violence.
The Oyo State Government has scrapped its long-standing monthly environmental sanitation exercise, replacing it with a strict daily monitoring and enforcement system aimed at ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during a press briefing marking his first 100 days in office, describing the move as a decisive shift toward sustained environmental responsibility.
According to Aderinto, the new system is designed to make cleanliness a daily obligation for residents, rather than a once-a-month routine.
“We are now enforcing daily environmental sanitation. Our officers are on the field every day to ensure compliance. Cleanliness must become a daily responsibility,” he said.
The Commissioner explained that environmental health officers have been deployed across the state to carry out continuous monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance with sanitation standards.
To strengthen the initiative, the government under Governor Seyi Makinde re-engaged 930 environmental vanguards, sweepers, and waste packers, with street sweepers now operating twice daily to maintain cleaner roads and public spaces.
In a bid to boost transparency and citizen participation, the state also launched the “Oyo Soro Soke (Oyo SSS)” Environmental Whistleblower platform. The platform, accessible via mobile applications and WhatsApp, enables residents to report environmental violations and sanitation breaches in real time.
Officials say the whistleblower initiative will strengthen accountability while encouraging residents to take an active role in maintaining a cleaner environment.
Additional reforms introduced by the Ministry include a waste segregation system across government offices and plans to partner with private investors for the construction of modern public toilets.
The policy shift marks a significant step in the state’s environmental management strategy, with authorities expressing confidence that daily enforcement and community-driven reporting will lead to lasting improvements in sanitation across Oyo State.
A prominent Nigerian cleric, Primate Ayodele, has stirred fresh political conversations ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race in Oyo State, declaring that the political future of Bayo Adelabu lies within his control.
In a statement that has since attracted widespread reactions, the spiritual leader reportedly told Adelabu, a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, that “what you need to become the next Governor of Oyo State is in my hands, come and take it.”
The remark is being interpreted in political and religious circles as a mix of spiritual endorsement and advisory intervention, a pattern not uncommon in Nigeria’s political landscape where religious figures often wield considerable influence.
Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a past governorship candidate, has remained a strong contender in Oyo politics, especially within the APC ranks. His recent political engagements and mobilization efforts across the state have fueled speculations about another possible governorship bid.
Observers note that Primate Ayodele’s comment could signal an attempt to shape political alignments ahead of party primaries. However, it remains unclear what specific “support” or “conditions” the cleric may be referring to.
Political analysts argue that while endorsements from religious leaders can energize grassroots support, electoral success in Oyo State will ultimately depend on party unity, voter perception, and strategic alliances.
As of the time of filing this report, Adelabu has not publicly responded to the cleric’s statement.
The development adds a new dimension to the evolving political dynamics in Oyo State, as aspirants begin subtle moves toward the next election cycle.
Crisis is brewing within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as aspirant Samuel Ajose has refused to step down for the party’s preferred candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, despite pressure from the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Lagos Reporters earlier reported that former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Olajide Adediran (Jandor), stepped down for Hamzat following the alleged endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, Ajose, an aspirant from the Badagry division, has rejected the development, insisting he will not withdraw from the race. He expressed doubt over the reported presidential endorsement, stating that he does not believe Tinubu has publicly backed Hamzat.
Ajose accused the GAC of attempting to coerce aspirants into stepping down for a preferred candidate, warning that such actions reflect the same internal issues that contributed to the APC’s struggles in Lagos during the last presidential election.
“I will not step down. Let the primaries hold,” Ajose said, maintaining his resolve to test his popularity at the polls.
Responding to the controversy, the Chairman of the GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, denied allegations of imposition. He maintained that the council is not forcing any aspirant to withdraw and assured that a transparent primary election would be conducted.
Olusi added that all aspirants would be given a fair opportunity to contest, emphasizing the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
The standoff highlights growing tension within the Lagos APC and raises concerns about unity within the party ahead of its primaries, with political observers warning that unresolved disputes could have wider implications.
Funke Akindele, the Nigerian movie producer, has revealed why she no longer attends church physically.
In a video shared on her Snapchat story, the actress said she lost interest in attending church because the attention often shifted to her rather than the service.
“Anytime I go to church, I’m always the one they take pictures of. So I would join online,” she said.
The filmmaker had previously spoken about her faith. In 2022, she said she would not hide her identity as a member of the Celestial Church of Christ.
Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has drawn fresh attention to the sacrifices that birthed Nigeria’s democracy, warning that current political developments in the country demand renewed vigilance from citizens and leaders alike.
In a reflective statement titled “Reminiscence: The Price of Our Democracy,” Hashim recalled his detention during the late 1980s and the global solidarity that followed, noting that Nigeria’s democratic freedoms were earned through “incarceration, tears, blood, and, for many, the ultimate price.”
His remarks come at a time of heightened national debate over governance, democratic accountability, and the direction of political leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Hashim revealed that two historical artifacts recently resurfaced, offering a vivid reminder of that era. The first, a December 1989 publication by the International Union of Students, documented an international campaign calling for his release alongside South Korean student activist Rim Suyong.
In the absence of an official photograph, the publication used an illustrative image to represent him.
The second, he said, was a handmade protest poster demanding the release of himself and his colleague, Gbenga Komolafe, who later joined him in detention, highlighting the grassroots and international dimensions of the pro-democracy movement.
Reflecting on the present, Hashim cautioned that while Nigeria has made significant progress since the return to civil rule, the ideals that fueled the struggle, freedom, justice, and accountable governance, must not be taken for granted.
“Our generation stood at the forefront of a global pro-democracy movement that swept across Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia,” he stated, adding that the responsibility to protect and deepen democracy now rests with all Nigerians.
His comments resonate amid ongoing conversations about political reforms, electoral integrity, and citizen participation, with analysts noting that the country’s democratic institutions continue to face tests that require both leadership commitment and active civic engagement
As the world marks World Press Freedom Day under the theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” senatorial aspirant for Òyó Central in the 2027 elections, Hon. Wale Ajani, has called on media practitioners across Òyó State to remain committed to truth, accuracy, and responsible journalism, while also urging political actors to respect and honour journalists as vital partners in democracy.
In a statement issued on the occasion, Ajani said a peaceful and credible democratic future cannot be achieved without a free, independent, and responsible press.
He noted that press freedom remains central to peace, accountability, economic recovery, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights, stressing that access to reliable information helps build trust between citizens and institutions.
Ajani referenced concerns raised in UNESCO’s World Trends Report 2022–2025, which indicates that global press freedom has recorded one of its sharpest declines in recent times, driven by misinformation, intimidation, economic pressure on independent media, and the growing manipulation of information, including through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
According to him, the danger posed by falsehood, propaganda, and media intimidation becomes even more serious as the nation gradually approaches another election cycle.
He therefore charged journalists and other media professionals across Òyó State to remain steadfast in their duty to the public by reporting truthfully, verifying facts, rejecting sensationalism, and giving citizens balanced, credible, and objective information that can strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
Ajani said: “As we prepare for the 2027 elections, I urge media practitioners across Òyó State to continue to uphold the ethics of their profession by standing firmly on truth, fairness, and public responsibility. The media must not become a tool for distortion, division, or the spread of falsehood. At a time when misinformation can easily inflame tensions, journalists must remain courageous guardians of truth and democratic accountability.”
He also called on politicians, public office holders, aspirants, and party stakeholders to treat journalists with dignity and respect, rather than seeing them as adversaries.
“Politicians must learn to honour journalists and protect the civic space within which they operate. A healthy democracy depends on the ability of the press to ask questions, scrutinize power, and inform the people without fear, harassment, intimidation, or inducement. As we approach 2027, political leaders must commit themselves to issue-based engagement and reject every tendency that seeks to silence or manipulate the media,” he added.
Ajani maintained that both the political class and the media have a shared responsibility to promote peace before, during, and after elections, noting that democracy thrives best where truth is protected, public discourse is civil, and institutions are strengthened.
He called on all stakeholders in Òyó State to see World Press Freedom Day as an opportunity to renew commitment to ethical journalism, responsible politics, freedom of expression, and peaceful democratic participation.
“Press freedom is not only about the rights of journalists; it is about the right of the people to know the truth. If we truly want to shape a future at peace, then we must defend truth, encourage accountability, and promote mutual respect between the media and the political class,” the statement concluded.
A fresh wave of division has emerged within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a leading governorship aspirant, Bayo Adelabu, openly rejected moves to adopt Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Adelabu made his position known on Saturday while addressing a large gathering of party faithful at the APC meeting in Ibadan South East Local Government Area. The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria arrived at the venue alongside a massive crowd of supporters, signaling his strong grassroots backing and determination to contest the party’s ticket.
Speaking to party members, Adelabu criticized what he described as attempts by political stakeholders to impose a candidate on the party, warning that such a move could further weaken the APC’s chances in Oyo State.
He specifically accused former governor and Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja of playing a recurring role in the party’s electoral setbacks.
“Ladoja has always been the reason progressives lose in Oyo State. It happened in 2019 and 2023. He cannot impose his political son on us in APC,” Adelabu declared, drawing loud reactions from supporters at the venue.
The development underscores growing tensions within the Oyo APC, as different factions intensify consultations ahead of the next governorship race. While some party leaders are reportedly pushing for consensus to avoid internal conflict, others, like Adelabu, insist on a level playing field through a transparent primary process.
Political observers say the latest disagreement could shape the internal dynamics of the party in the coming months, especially as the APC seeks to reclaim power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
As the contest gradually takes shape, all eyes remain on how the party leadership will manage the emerging divisions and whether reconciliation efforts can prevent another round of internal crisis.
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has tasked Financial Technology Companies across the country to be vigilant and insulate their networks from manipulative antics of fraudsters.
He gave the charge in Abuja on Thursday, April 30, 2026 while addressing chief executive officers, CEOs of Fintechs at an industry engagement meeting held at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.
The EFCC’s boss, while applauding the corporate executives on their strides in opening global financial space and visual asset platforms for the entire country through measurable inclusion and innovation, cautioned them against fraudsters who are exploiting the same space to perpetrate criminal activities.
‘The opportunities you have created have also given the criminals the opportunity to perpetrate crimes and over the years, we discovered that there is a need for us to meet from time to time even in the interest of your business. We will also tell you the things that we are privy to in respect of your operations and services that we think the criminals are actually exploiting and how to block those spaces and strengthen the regulatory regime around the business you do”, he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between the EFCC and the Fintechs for a sound working relationship and intelligence sharing. He enjoined the business executives to jealously guard the integrity and reputation of their businesses, stressing that good reputation easily grows businesses.
“ It has taken some of you years to get to where you are and I tell you, one transaction mishandled can destroy what you have built for ten years, you must be conscious of your reputation, that is the most valuable thing you need to grow in a business, not even the money. Once a reputation is damaged, you can hardly get it back. We want to collaborate with you, work with you and that is one of the ways to fulfil our own mandate”, he said.
He further stated that every business player in the country should always work in synergy with others in order to strengthen the regulatory regime and build strength against threats to the economy like insecurity. He particularly cautioned Fintechs to firm up their networks against terrorism financing by complying with extant regulations regarding suspicious transaction reporting.
“We have been complaining about insecurity in Nigeria, of course we are also vested with the power to investigate terrorism financing and one of the areas we have seen that these people exploit is your space, we think it is high time we did something about that. People pay ransom and we discover that most times they collect the ransom through the POS, so what can we do to tidy up this loose end, whether by virtue of doing your KYC or coming up with other ideas?”, he said.
Discussions were held on a wide-range of operational and regulatory issues, all geared towards sanitizing the working environment of Fintechs and building sterling strength against compromises and fraudulent engagements.
