Category: News

The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive welfare package for civil servants, approving significant increases in peculiar allowances and other benefits aimed at improving workers’ earnings and enhancing morale across the public sector.

The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, , during a press briefing where she highlighted several landmark reforms recently approved by the Federal Executive Council.

Walson-Jack explained that the revised allowance structure will benefit employees under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring that workers across various cadres and sectors are covered.

According to her, the updated peculiar allowances have been adjusted across all grade levels, guaranteeing improved earnings for both junior and senior officers in the federal civil service.

The government also approved an upward review of several critical allowances, including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance. She noted that nearly all allowances captured under the Public Service Rules have now been updated to align with current economic realities.

One of the standout features of the new package is the approval of full Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending officially approved training programmes, even when such training takes place within their duty station.

“Any civil servant attending an approved training programme is entitled to 100 per cent DTA, regardless of whether travel is involved,” Walson-Jack stated.

In another major development, the Federal Government has introduced a special exit package for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Effective January 1, 2026, retirees will receive a lump sum equivalent to their total annual emoluments, in addition to their regular pension benefits.

She described the initiative as part of efforts to guarantee financial security and dignity for workers transitioning into retirement.

The government further announced the full implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which will provide financial support to civil servants who suffer work-related injuries, disabilities, or death while in service.

The latest reforms come at a time when labour unions have intensified calls for improved worker welfare amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of living. Observers believe the measures will not only strengthen the financial well-being of public servants but also drive greater efficiency and productivity across the civil service.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced its timetable for the 2027 general elections, scheduling its presidential primary election for May 15 and 16, 2026.

According to the timetable released on Monday and signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will commence on April 25 and end on May 2, 2026, at the party’s National Secretariat. Submission of completed forms is expected to close on May 4.

The APC fixed the cost of its presidential form at ₦100 million, broken down into ₦30 million for the expression of interest and ₦70 million for the nomination form.
For other elective positions, governorship aspirants are to pay ₦50 million, while forms for Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly seats are pegged at ₦20 million, ₦10 million, and ₦6 million, respectively.

Screening of aspirants is slated for May 6 to May 8, with results to be announced on May 11. Appeals arising from the screening process will be entertained between May 12 and May 13.
The timetable further shows that primaries for the House of Representatives, Senate, State House of Assembly, and governorship positions will hold on May 18, May 20, May 21, and May 23, respectively, shortly after the presidential primary.

The party fixed May 25 for the conclusion of all election appeals, noting that the entire primary process across all categories will be completed within eight days.

In a move aimed at inclusivity, the APC granted concessions to female aspirants, youths, and persons living with disabilities, requiring them to purchase only the expression of interest forms and pay 50 per cent of the nomination fees.

The party stated that the timetable aligns with its constitution, the provisions of the Electoral Act, and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Retired personnel of the on Monday staged a protest at the Presidential Villa, blocking one of the entrance gates to press home their demands over pension reforms.

The demonstrators, alongside their families and under the umbrella of the (PROF), are protesting the continued inclusion of police officers in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they described as unjust, exploitative, and detrimental to their welfare.

The retirees said their action is aimed at compelling President to assent to the Police Exit Bill. The bill, passed by the on December 4, 2025, and forwarded to the Presidency on March 16, 2026, seeks to remove police personnel from the CPS.

According to the protesters, signing the bill into law would free police officers from what they termed a “harsh and life-threatening pension scheme.”

Leading the protest, the National Coordinator of PROF, , said their primary objective is to ensure the President signs the bill into law without further delay.

He expressed concern that while other security agencies—including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and intelligence services—have been exempted from the CPS, police officers remain under the scheme.

“Our mission is simple: to urge the President to sign the bill that exits the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme. Other security agencies have been removed, but the police are still subjected to this system,” he said.

The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations by retired police officers over pension concerns. In July 2025, they staged a similar protest at the National Assembly and also gathered at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to demand reforms.

During one of the earlier protests, the Inspector General of Police, , acknowledged concerns over retirees’ welfare but noted that exiting the scheme could not be achieved immediately. He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, assuring that the Force remains committed to addressing the needs of its retired personnel.

A 33-year-old woman, Olaide Adekunle, has been arrested for allegedly selling her infant in a desperate attempt to repay a ₦600,000 loan.

According to reports, Adekunle, a resident of Sango area in Ogun State, traveled to Lagos State with her baby girl, Mordiat Rasak, on March 15. Suspicion arose when she returned home without the child, prompting her husband to alert authorities.

Following her arrest, the suspect reportedly confessed to selling the baby to settle a debt owed to a microfinance bank. The case has since been escalated for further investigation, with efforts underway to trace and safely recover the child.

In a related development, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, uncovered a baby factory in the Okuju area of Ilado, Badagry. The operation, which spanned from Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday, led to the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children.

Two suspects, identified as Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu, were arrested in connection with the illegal facility.

The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed the details during a parade of victims and suspects at the agency’s Badagry office. He noted that the operation followed three weeks of actionable intelligence.

Some of the rescued victims revealed they had been promised payments ranging from ₦1 million to ₦1.8 million as part of arrangements tied to the illicit operation.

Stakeholders, community leaders, and young people in Jos have called for an end to mob lynching, urging adherence to justice, peace, and the rule of law as the only path to a stable society.

The call was the central focus of “Reflection to Action 3.0,” themed “Youth Against Mob Lynching: Choose Justice, Not Violence,” held on April 18, 2026, at A+ Hub, Hillstation Junction. The event was organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on Youth Mobilization, led by Hon. Safiyya Isa Muhammad, in collaboration with the Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan Memorial Foundation and A+ Hub.

Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the dangers of jungle justice, stressing the need for sustained youth engagement and community-driven approaches to addressing violence. They emphasized that mob lynching undermines societal order and often leads to the loss of innocent lives.

In her welcome address, Hajiya Safiyya Isa Muhammad warned that any society where the law loses its meaning risks descending into chaos. She condemned mob lynching, stating that no individual has the right to take another person’s life outside legal provisions. According to her, justice must be rooted in due process, fairness, and humanity.

She described Plateau State as a land of peace and diversity, urging citizens to embrace their cultural, religious, and ethnic differences as strengths rather than sources of conflict. Addressing youths, she acknowledged their influence but called on them to act with restraint, promote peace, and uphold justice.

Nenpominyi Gofwan of the Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan Memorial Foundation shared a personal account of loss, revealing that the foundation was established after his younger brother was killed in a mob lynching based on an unverified accusation. He described the incident as a painful example of how quickly lives can be destroyed when due process is ignored, urging greater awareness, empathy, and responsibility among citizens.

Resource person Vivian Abana outlined four principles for peaceful coexistence, truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit, encouraging participants to reflect on the impact of their actions and words. She highlighted the importance of unity in diversity and cautioned against prejudice and assumptions.

Representing the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, U. C. Erhabo described mob lynching as a violation of human rights and a threat to public safety. He urged citizens to report suspected offenders to law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to violence, noting that such actions only fuel instability.

Grace Goyol, speaking on behalf of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), linked rising cases of mob violence to drug abuse, particularly among youths. She noted that substance abuse often leads to aggression and poor judgment, calling for responsible behavior and collective efforts to curb the trend.

Similarly, George Abi of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recounted a disturbing encounter with mob violence, describing it as barbaric and ineffective in addressing crime. He stressed that such acts only perpetuate disorder and called for greater compassion and lawful engagement with security agencies.

Delivering an emotional appeal, Guinness World Record holder Victoria Anya Ishaku condemned mob lynching and urged youths to resist retaliation despite feelings of anger and frustration. She emphasized that “speed without direction leads to destruction,” encouraging thoughtful action and commitment to justice.

Usman Yakubu Hassan, a participant described the programme as timely and enlightening, especially amid recurring violence in Jos. He noted that mob-related incidents have persisted for decades, but this initiative uniquely brought together potential victims and perpetrators alongside security agencies. He commended the organizers for fostering dialogue and practical solutions, adding that the series has consistently promoted awareness, understanding, and prevention.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to serve as ambassadors of peace, reject mob violence, and promote justice through lawful means in their communities.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially concluded the second phase of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, recording a total of 3,748,704 completed registrations as of Friday, April 17, 2026.

According to the Commission’s weekly update for Week 14 of the exercise, the figure comprises both online and physical registrations, reflecting sustained public engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections. Of the total number, 2,259,288 Nigerians completed their registration through the online pre-registration portal, while 1,489,416 finalized their registration at designated centres nationwide. INEC noted that the figures remain preliminary and subject to further verification.

With the registration phase now concluded, the Commission has shifted focus to the display of the Register of Voters for Claims and Objections—a critical step aimed at ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the voter database.

The exercise is scheduled to hold nationwide from April 20 to April 26, 2026, during which citizens are expected to verify their personal details and report any discrepancies. INEC urged registrants to take advantage of the window to identify errors and flag ineligible entries, including duplicate registrations, deceased individuals, and non-citizens.

The CVR exercise, conducted in phases, began with its first phase from August 18 to December 10, 2025. The second phase ran from January 5 to April 17, 2026. According to the Commission’s timeline, the third phase will commence on May 4 and continue until August 17, 2026, offering another opportunity for eligible Nigerians who are yet to register.

This will be followed by a third round of the voter register display for claims and objections from August 24 to August 30, 2026.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a clean and credible voter register as a foundation for free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, and Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali over alleged fraud involving $1.3 million and N746.6 million.

The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, issued the warrant on Thursday, April 16, 2026, following the defendants’ failure to appear in court for their arraignment. However, the third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, was present.

The defendants are facing a 21-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and diversion of public funds.

According to the EFCC, Farouq and Alkali allegedly misappropriated $1.3 million between May 2021 and September 2022 through the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO). The funds were reportedly tied to payments made to a contractor, Visual ICT Limited, for beneficiary validation under the Rapid Response Register.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) told the court that the defendants failed to appear despite assurances from their legal representatives, noting that earlier attempts to serve them had been unsuccessful.

In response, counsel to Farouq, Abdul Ibrahim (SAN), cited ill health as the reason for her absence. However, the court dismissed the explanation and proceeded to issue arrest warrants against the defendants.

Sadiya