Some Republican members of the United States House of Representatives have introduced a bill seeking to designate Fulani ethnic militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) over alleged religious violence in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by Representative Riley Moore of West Virginia and co-sponsored by Representative Chris Smith and other Republican lawmakers.
The bill calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to determine whether Fulani militias meet the criteria for formal designation as a terrorist organisation. It also mandates the submission of annual reports to Congress detailing efforts to address what the sponsors describe as religious persecution in Nigeria.
In addition, the legislation urges a review of U.S. assistance to Nigeria to ensure that American support does not inadvertently contribute to religious persecution or systemic violence.
Announcing the bill on Tuesday via a post on X, Moore said he was proud to introduce the measure alongside Smith.
“Our legislation will build upon the momentum of President Trump designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the recent U.S.-Nigeria security framework agreement,” Moore stated, adding that the U.S. must stand with persecuted Christians globally.
The bill, listed as HR 7457, directs the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to the House and Senate foreign affairs committees outlining actions taken to combat what it defines as Christian persecution in Nigeria.
Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, said the U.S. has a duty to press Nigeria to address persistent violence.
He criticised what he described as the Nigerian government’s denial of religious persecution, arguing that such inaction has allowed violence to escalate, with increasing reports of attacks on Christians and churches.
Abuja, Nigeria — The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced a nationwide initiative offering free business name registration to 3,500 small businesses across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The intervention, unveiled as part of activities marking the Commission’s 35th anniversary, is aimed at reducing the financial burden on micro and small enterprises and encouraging formal business operations.
Registrar-General Hussaini Ishaq Magaji said the initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs transition from the informal sector into the formal economy, where they can access loans, open corporate bank accounts, bid for contracts, and enjoy legal protection for their businesses.
According to the Commission, beneficiaries will have their official registration fees waived, although they must meet standard registration requirements. The allocation of slots will be spread across all states to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are required to apply through the CAC official registration portal: 1. Visit the CAC registration portal at www.cac.gov.ng and create an account. 2. Conduct a name availability search to confirm that the desired business name is not already taken. 3. Reserve the approved name online. 4. Complete the Business Name Registration (BN1) form with accurate details, including business address, nature of business, and proprietor information. 5. Upload a valid means of identification (such as National ID, Voter’s Card, or International Passport). 6. Submit the application and indicate eligibility under the free registration initiative where applicable.
Successful applicants will receive their Certificate of Registration electronically.
The CAC urged entrepreneurs to monitor its official communication channels for updates on selection criteria and deadlines. The initiative is expected to further stimulate Nigeria’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and enhance ease of doing business nationwide.
The Nigerian Senate has approved a combination of electronic and manual methods for transmitting election results, adopting a hybrid approach in the ongoing review of the Electoral Amendment Bill.
Under the decision, presiding officers at polling units are to upload results electronically to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing (IREV) portal. However, where electronic transmission is hampered by network or technical challenges, the manually completed result sheet will be used as a fallback.
The development came amid heightened tension at the National Assembly on Monday, as protesters gathered at the main entrance around 9:30 a.m., demanding the passage of the Electoral Amendment Bill that guarantees real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units.
In response to the controversy surrounding the clause on electronic transmission, the Senate convened an emergency plenary session to deliberate on the matter.
During the session, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe invoked Senate rules to call for voting by division, citing provisions that allow any senator to challenge the ruling of the presiding officer where disagreements arise.
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North Senatorial District, subsequently moved a motion seeking to rescind the Senate’s earlier decision on Clause 60, Subsection 3 of the bill, which specifically addresses the electronic transmission of election results.
The motion triggered heated debate on the Senate floor, with particular concern raised over the continued reliance on Form EC8A as the primary reference document in cases of disputed election results.
More than 300 Nigerian Army personnel have been deployed to Bashar Chiefdom in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State in a renewed effort to curb terrorism, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the area.
The troops, deployed under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) and led by the Sector 2 Commander, Colonel Olugbenga Osuntuyi, arrived on Monday to a colourful welcome by traditional rulers, women, youths, students and other residents, who received them with folk songs, placards and cheers.
Addressing the gathering, the Magayakin Bashar, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, described the deployment as a timely and long-anticipated intervention, noting that the community had endured persistent security challenges.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) overseeing Plateau, Bauchi, Nasarawa and neighbouring states for approving the deployment, assuring the soldiers of the community’s full cooperation.
According to him, the people of Bashar were committed to peace and would not shield criminals, adding that recent incidents of kidnapping and killing underscored the urgency of the military presence.
Also speaking, the Madakin of Bashar and Acting Rekna, Alhaji Ali Nuhu, urged residents to work closely with the military and avoid any form of collaboration with criminal elements.
He warned that anyone found undermining security efforts would face the consequences, stressing that the community was determined to reclaim peace and stability. He also praised Colonel Osuntuyi’s professionalism and integrity, calling on traditional leaders to speak the truth and support security operations.
Representing the Member for Wase Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Maje, his Senior Aide, Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Badu, said the deployment followed a motion of urgent public importance raised at the House of Representatives over worsening insecurity in Bashar Chiefdom.
He explained that although the lawmaker was absent due to an official engagement in Owerri, he had been actively involved in facilitating the establishment of the military base and supporting the troops.
Hon. Badu disclosed that Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Maje provided several logistics and welfare items to support the new military camp, including:
Motorcycles, 300 mattresses, 100 bags of rice, 100 bags of maize, 40 cartons of spaghetti, 2 bags of salt, and1 ram and 1 cow
He added that two boreholes had also been drilled to ensure steady water supply for the soldiers, assuring that further support would be provided as needed.
Speaking to journalists, Badu emphasized that community cooperation was critical to ending banditry, noting that informants within communities remained a major obstacle to lasting peace.
He described the deployment as a significant breakthrough and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for their commitment to addressing insecurity.
The visit also featured an inspection tour of the newly established military base, where Colonel Osuntuyi was shown the motorcycles, tents, mattresses and other facilities provided for the troops.
Residents of Bashar Chiefdom expressed optimism that the presence of the soldiers would significantly improve security and restore lasting peace in the area and surrounding communities.
A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has petitioned United States President Donald Trump over Nigeria’s electoral reforms, warning that the country’s democracy is under serious threat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an open letter dated February 7, 2026, Frank alleged that the ruling party and the leadership of the National Assembly are working to undermine electoral reforms in a bid to manipulate the 2027 polls. He warned that if the alleged plans are not halted, Nigeria could slide into unrest, anarchy, and a breakdown of law and order.
“Nigeria’s general elections scheduled for February 2027 are under serious threat. If current developments are not addressed, they may result in widespread unrest, possible anarchy, and a breakdown of law and order,” Frank stated.
He accused the Senate leadership of deliberately weakening provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 meant to curb electoral fraud, claiming that reforms supported by the majority of Nigerians were being systematically removed to facilitate rigging. Frank described the alleged moves as an attempt to entrench a one-party authoritarian state, which he termed “political genocide” against Nigerians.
According to him, similar provisions were ignored during the 2023 general elections, which he described as deeply flawed, and are now being dismantled again to consolidate political power.
Frank also criticised the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, citing voter turnout figures and reports by election observers to question its credibility. He noted that the declared winner secured victory with 36.61 per cent of votes cast from an eligible voter population of over 93 million.
He referenced reports by international observers, including the European Union Election Observation Mission, which highlighted transparency gaps and operational shortcomings, as well as calls by the U.S. State Department for improvements by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The former APC spokesperson urged the United States to consider measures against the Senate President, whom he accused of leading efforts to disenfranchise Nigerians and silence opposition voices. He further described the 10th National Assembly as one of the weakest in Nigeria’s history.
Frank, who currently serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and a Senior Adviser to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, alleged that key state institutions were being pressured to serve partisan interests.
He also accused the Federal Government of spending millions of dollars on lobbying firms in Washington to improve its international image rather than addressing insecurity and governance challenges at home.
“This administration has spent millions of dollars hiring lobbyists, not to improve governance at home, but to launder its international image and avoid accountability,” he alleged.
Frank cited comments attributed to former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, expressing distrust of the Nigerian government, and urged Trump and U.S. lawmakers to exercise caution in their engagement with Nigerian authorities.
He warned that international endorsement of the current process could legitimise what he described as illegality and oppression, calling for global support to ensure credible elections and prevent Nigeria from sliding into authoritarianism.
“Continued disregard for democratic principles may spell disaster for an already fragile nation, under the watch of the international community,” Frank cautioned.
The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) has announced that it generated ₦45.1 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR) in 2025, representing an 86 per cent performance against its ₦52.3 billion revenue target for the year.
The Executive Chairman of PSIRS, Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, disclosed this on Monday, February 9, 2026, while addressing journalists at the agency’s headquarters in Jos during a press briefing on the service’s 2025 performance and revenue outlook.
Dr. Wayas described 2025 as a challenging fiscal year due to significant changes in national tax policies and the introduction of new tax reform laws, noting that the year marked a transition period ahead of the full implementation of the reforms in 2026.
He presented a comparative overview of the state’s revenue performance over the last three years, highlighting steady growth in collections. According to him, Plateau State generated ₦15.9 billion in 2022 against a target of ₦24.1 billion, representing 58 per cent performance. In 2023, revenue rose to ₦25.8 billion from a ₦28.6 billion target, achieving about 90 per cent. In 2024, the state generated ₦31.1 billion out of a ₦38.8 billion target, while in 2025, revenue climbed to ₦45.1 billion, the first time the state crossed the ₦40 billion mark.
Focusing on PSIRS performance alone, Dr. Wayas said the agency recorded its highest achievement since inception in 2025 by generating ₦32 billion out of a ₦34 billion target, representing 94 per cent performance. He noted that this was the first time the service had achieved over 90 per cent of its budgeted target.
He added that revenue generated by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) also improved over the years, although performance varied. MDAs generated ₦12.5 billion in 2025 against a target of ₦17.9 billion, representing about 70 per cent performance.
Dr. Wayas attributed the improved revenue trajectory to institutional reforms, automation of revenue collection processes and the elimination of cash transactions, stressing that Plateau State is among a few states operating a fully cashless revenue system.
He also addressed concerns surrounding the new tax reforms, explaining that the changes were designed to reduce the burden on taxpayers through increased reliefs and allowances. According to him, the revised Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) structure now exempts the first ₦800,000 of income from tax, compared to the previous ₦300,000 threshold, while introducing rent relief allowances of up to ₦500,000.
“These reforms are actually designed to put more money in the hands of taxpayers. However, states must now improve efficiency and expand the tax net to prevent revenue decline,” he said.
Speaking on mining activities in Plateau State, the PSIRS chairman expressed concern over revenue losses resulting from illegal mining and the shipment of minerals to other states for registration and export, which deprives Plateau of royalties.
He explained that while mining falls under the exclusive legislative list and royalties are paid to the Federal Government, income earned by individuals involved in mining activities is taxable by the state.
Dr. Wayas said the service has begun collaborating with relevant federal agencies to obtain records of mining operators and trace income flows, particularly through banking transactions, in order to bring eligible individuals and companies into the state’s tax net.
He acknowledged the challenges of taxing informal and illegal mining operations but expressed optimism that ongoing collaboration and improved data access would enhance revenue from the sector.
The PSIRS chairman thanked taxpayers and stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to growing revenue without imposing hardship on residents, while ensuring transparency and accountability in revenue collection.
Prominent past and present leaders, institutions and public figures were honoured at the 11th edition of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA) 2025, held at the Usiju World Event Centre in Jos, for their outstanding contributions to leadership, service and development in Plateau State.
Those recognised included the late former Governor of Benue-Plateau State, CP Joseph Dechi Gomwalk; late former Governor of Plateau State, Solomon Lar; late former Senator representing Plateau North, Gyang Nyam Shom Pwajok; APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe; Ambassador Godwin Okoko of Bege Foundation; Usiju World Event Centre and its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Naomi Gadzama; and Hon. Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor.
The highlight of the ceremony was the emergence of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe as the Plateau Man of the Year, as the event celebrated excellence, legacy and transformative impact across generations.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of COA Media and organiser of the awards, Ambassador Cletus Akhimien, said the Plateau Man of the Year Awards were instituted to honour men and women who are contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Plateau State and society at large. He noted that the 2025 edition was particularly significant as it coincides with Plateau State’s 50th anniversary, adding that the awards celebrate individuals who have made the state proud over the past five decades.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of former Senator representing Plateau North, Sen. Istifanus Gyang, Barr. Sam Dido said the lecture focused on leadership, service and impact as key lessons from Plateau State’s 50 years of existence, describing the golden jubilee as a time for reflection and renewal. He stressed that leadership is about service and results, not titles, and urged leaders and citizens to embrace ethical governance, unity and measurable impact as the state looks to the next 50 years.
The event also featured the launch of Eminence Magazine, unveiled by the 2025 Plateau Man of the Year, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, who described the publication as rich and educative. In support of the initiative, a donation of ₦5 million was made on his behalf for the purchase of 10 copies, with other stakeholders also pledging support.
Receiving a Posthumous Award for Democracy and Nation Building on behalf of the family of the late Solomon Lar, Prof. Mary Lar thanked the organisers for recognising his enduring legacy, describing him as a leader committed to service, unity and good governance, and called on Plateau State to preserve and celebrate his contributions for future generations.
Also speaking, Ambassador Godwin Okoko, Executive Director of Bege Foundation and awardee for Peace Advocacy and Community Impact, commended the organisers for their consistency and urged future editions to recognise more grassroots and community stakeholders whose efforts often go unnoticed, while pledging support for Eminence Magazine.
Mrs. Naomi Gadzama, CEO of Usiju World Event Centre, who won CEO of the Year while her facility was named Best Event Centre of the Year 2025, described the awards as well-deserved and encouraged the organisers to sustain the initiative.
Vice Chairman of the Plateau State NUJ and Best Journalist of the Year, Mr. Pam Musa, dedicated his award to journalists across the state and called on media practitioners to continue promoting peace, development and responsible reporting.
Other award recipients at the ceremony included Sen. Simon Mwadkwon, Hon. Ubandoma Joshua Laven, Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, Rt. Hon. Fom Gwottson (Banga by Nature), Arin Izere, NASCO, Jay FM, Queen Stephanie Veirat Joseph, PLASCHEMA, 4wardwego, David Thomas, Abdulrashid Sani Waziri, Linghzi Global, Nanle Longsan and several others, all recognised for their exceptional leadership, service and community impact in Plateau State.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has warned that continued reliance on coastal logistics for fuel distribution could push petrol pump prices close to ₦1,000 per litre.
In a statement on Thursday, the refinery explained that coastal logistics — the transportation of petroleum products by sea rather than through pipelines or direct land evacuation — adds significant and avoidable costs to fuel distribution.
While noting that marketers are free to choose their preferred evacuation methods, the refinery cautioned that sustained dependence on coastal delivery could impose an additional cost of about ₦1.75 trillion annually on the economy.
“Reliance on coastal delivery, particularly within Lagos, may introduce avoidable costs with material implications for fuel pricing, consumer welfare and overall economic wellbeing,” the company said.
According to the refinery, coastal logistics could add roughly ₦75 per litre to the cost of petrol, which, if passed on to consumers, would push the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) close to ₦1,000 per litre.
Based on Nigeria’s average daily consumption of about 50 million litres of petrol and 14 million litres of diesel, the refinery estimated that the extra logistics cost would total approximately ₦1.752 trillion annually, a burden that would ultimately be borne by producers or consumers.
Reaffirming its commitment to affordable, high-quality petroleum products, Dangote Refinery urged marketers and policymakers to adopt more cost-effective logistics options that support price stability and protect consumers.
The company highlighted its investment in infrastructure, including a world-class gantry facility with 91 loading bays capable of dispatching up to 2,900 tankers daily. Operating кругл the clock, the facility can evacuate over 50 million litres of PMS, 14 million litres of diesel, and other refined products each day.
“While the refinery remains open to coastal loading where logistics make it necessary, gantry loading remains the most economically efficient and operationally effective option,” the statement noted.
The refinery added that direct gantry evacuation eliminates port charges, maritime levies, and vessel-related costs that do not add value to end users, thereby reducing costs and improving distribution efficiency. It also renewed calls for coordinated nationwide investment in pipeline infrastructure.
Addressing claims that it imports finished petroleum products, the refinery dismissed the allegations as misleading, clarifying that it only imports intermediate feedstock due to ongoing maintenance on its residue fluid catalytic cracking unit, in line with global industry practice.
It challenged anyone with evidence of finished-product imports to present it to relevant regulatory authorities, describing such claims as attempts to justify continued fuel importation.
The refinery further noted that since it began operations, diesel prices have dropped from about ₦1,700 per litre to around ₦980–₦990, while PMS prices have fallen from about ₦1,250 per litre to between ₦839 and ₦900.
According to the company, increased domestic fuel supply has reduced imports, eased foreign exchange pressure, improved market stability, and supported a stronger naira, currently trading at about ₦1,385 to the dollar.
The Nigeria Police Force has appointed CP Bassey Samuel Ewah as the new Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, following his redeployment by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. CP Ewah takes over from CP Emmanuel Adesina, who recently retired from active service.
CP Ewah formally assumed duty at the Plateau State Police Command Headquarters in Jos, where he was received by senior officers of the command. In his first address, the new police chief pledged to strengthen security, enhance professionalism, and foster cooperation between the police, other security agencies, and host communities across the state. He assured residents that his administration would be guided by intelligence-led policing and respect for the rule of law.
A seasoned officer with decades of experience in the Nigeria Police Force, CP Ewah hails from Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State. Before his posting to Plateau State, he served as the Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, where he played a key role in training and mentoring future police leaders.
His previous assignments also include serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, where he handled sensitive administrative and operational responsibilities in one of the country’s most complex policing environments. CP Ewah was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police in 2024 and has since held strategic command and training positions within the Force.
Security stakeholders in Plateau State have expressed optimism that his blend of field experience and leadership background will contribute positively to ongoing efforts to maintain peace and address security challenges in the state.
As he begins his tenure, CP Ewah is expected to build on existing security frameworks while introducing fresh strategies aimed at protecting lives and property and deepening public trust in the police.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as well as the Labour Party (LP) caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman.
INEC invited the PDP faction led by Abdulraham Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu to its political parties’ stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The faction represented the crisis-hit PDP at the meeting organised by the electoral body.
The development follows a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, which sacked the Barr. Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction.
Also in attendance at the meeting was the Labour Party caretaker committee chaired by Senator Nenadi Usman. The gathering featured other key political actors, including the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and representatives of the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC), among others.
Speaking earlier at a media stakeholders’ engagement on Wednesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the Commission was bound to respect court judgements, noting that it had recognised the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party in line with existing judicial decisions. He added that INEC would comply with any subsequent court rulings that may override the current verdicts.
