National News
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country, insisting that there is need for conceited efforts from all across the world to curtail the global drug problem.
The President also assured he would continue to provide necessary support and tools for the nation’s anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA to fulfil on its mandate.
Tinubu, gave the assurances on Tuesday while declaring open the 31st meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF) in Abuja.
Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the President said: “This administration will continue to provide the necessary support, motivation, and tools for the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate.”
He said: “We understand the connection between the success of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and the attainment of a number of goals on our socio-economic and security agenda.
“For us, the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. We recognize that a population at war with drugs is not a dividend but a liability. We believe that the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions, and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to eradicate this threat.
“So, I must appeal to you to see this gathering as an avenue for the exchange of novel ideas and the development of practical strategies. We must consolidate established contacts, operational partnerships, and cooperation to ensure that the outcomes of this four-day deliberation advance public safety and the emergence of drug-free African communities.”
He noted that: “Our strength has always been our proactive actions to prevent any individual or group from turning our countries into a minefield of drug trafficking. So, we must prioritize prevention, education, and rehabilitation to empower our youth with knowledge and opportunities. We must steer them away from the treacherous path of drug abuse and trafficking and protect our economy from the consequences of their actions.”
The President while emphasising the threat posed to countries by drug scourge, urged participants attending the conference to seize the opportunity of the gathering to come up with novel strategies to dismantle drug cartels across the African continent.
He said: “We are at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class. This threat has crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams. Without the moral commitment of the men and women in this room, this threat would have left cities, countries, and even civilizations erased. So, I must commend you for your sacrifices in the bid to keep our world drug-free, sane and safe.”
He said the choice of Nigeria to host the conference and its drug czar to chair the meeting is a profound recognition of the campaign and fight against illicit drugs led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“We are hosting the 31st HONLAF meeting here to reassure you of our promise to participate in building a world not threatened by the infiltration of illicit drugs. Over the decades, criminal organizations have attempted to breach our security measures in their business of polluting nations and minds. But while it’s a compliment that drug-law enforcement organisations are a threat to their criminal empires, their desperation must never be taken for granted,” he added.
The President stated that: “Without you as gatekeepers of healthy nations, humanity as we know it would have long been perverted. So, on behalf of the world, I say: thank you, thank you to all of you who have kept us from being polluted and destroyed.”
In his remarks, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) who was elected to chair the conference, while citing the details of the 2023 world drug report as a challenge for Africa, charged his counterparts across the continent to strengthen operational networks and raise the bar in the drug war.
He said: “Drug use disorders are harming health, including mental health, safety and well-being,” adding that the harms caused by drug trafficking and illicit drug use are enormous, insisting that they are also contributing to many of these threats, from instability and violence to environmental devastation.
He said: “Young people are using more drugs than previous generations, and the majority of people being treated for drug use disorders in Africa are under the age of 35. What is worse, the availability of treatment and other services has not kept pace with these developments, and women in particular are suffering from treatment gaps.
“The world drug problem, in all its forms and manifestations, affects all of us. The stakes are especially high for Africa. No one country can tackle a problem of this magnitude alone; just as well, the world drug problem cannot be tackled solely through international policymaking; it also requires effective implementation and collaboration among practitioners. This is where the HONLAF comes in. The meeting is very important, as it enables its parent body, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, to learn about current regional drug trends, threats, and emerging challenges from practitioners and law enforcement experts, from all parts of the continent.
“We need regional perspectives to enrich the global policy discussion, and HONLAF is the opportunity to bring the African perspective to the global level. The sessions provide a platform to share knowledge and practices and learn from each other.
“The 31st meeting will indeed provide an opportunity for us to raise the bar and break new ground in different areas of our operations and collaborative efforts. I am as excited as a lot of us in this hall are to make presentations, listen to others, and share experiences that will positively shape our operations and redefine our cooperation at the end of this conference.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Director, International Criminal Justice Cooperation, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Nkiruka Jones-Nebo said “It is imperative that this conference remains proactive in addressing the legal complexities that may impede seamless cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training. These barriers must be dismantled to prevent any loopholes that could potentially facilitate the activities of drug cartels operating across our borders.
“The Federal Ministry of Justice stands committed to providing unwavering support and efficient systems to empower NDLEA in its mission.”
The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (UNODC), Oliver Stolpe on his part, said the drug problem has changed from what it used to be 20 years ago, noting that: “Today, the picture is different, local consumption is increasing, and increasingly problematic. We need a balanced approach to supply and demand reduction. We need to invest in prevention and in treatment. And, we need alternatives to imprisonment for drug users that are more effective and help decongesting prisons. At the same time, we need to strengthen cooperation between countries along drug trafficking routes with the aim of dismantling the ever more sophisticated trafficking networks.”
The Executive Director, UNODC, Ghada Waly and the Chairman, UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs who both spoke via video messages expressed support for the gathering and charged delegates to maximise the opportunities provided by the platform.
One of the highpoints of the ceremony was the presentation of a report on Organised Crime in Nigeria: A Threat Assessment (NOCTA) produced by the National Institute for Security Studies in collaboration with security agencies and supported by the UNODC. Speaking on the report, Commandant of NISS, Ayodele Adeleke said “With investigations to connect transit and production countries, the report is hoped to encourage other partnerships to create a coalition that fights organised crime in partnership and collaboration. We must not give up, let us give Nigeria the true future it deserves.”
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Federal Government, the minister urged Muslims to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which define the Ramadan period. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reflect on these virtues beyond the fasting season as part of efforts to build a more harmonious society.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, noting that collective responsibility remains key to the country’s stability.
He further encouraged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.
The declaration underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, as millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
Nigeria–UK Investment Surge to Generate Jobs, Deepen Economic Ties
By: Michael Mike
A new wave of multi-million-pound investments by Nigerian and British firms is set to create hundreds of jobs in both countries, reinforcing growing economic ties and positioning Nigeria as an emerging driver of global innovation and capital.
The investment push comes ahead of the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom, where both nations are expected to consolidate gains under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), a framework aimed at boosting cooperation across key sectors.
At the centre of the development is an aggressive expansion by Nigerian banks and fintech companies into the UK market, alongside renewed commitments by British firms to scale operations in Nigeria.
In a major boost to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, Twinings Ovaltine has unveiled a £24 million production facility in Lagos—its first on the African continent. The plant is projected to create over 100 direct jobs while strengthening export capacity across West Africa.
Nigeria’s financial institutions are also increasing their global footprint. Zenith Bank has launched a new branch in Manchester, with plans to generate dozens of jobs and deepen trade links between Africa and the UK. The bank is also considering a future listing on the London Stock Exchange as part of its long-term expansion strategy.
Likewise, Fidelity Bank is expanding its UK presence following the rebranding of Union Bank UK to FidBank UK, with plans to significantly grow its workforce and capital base. Other players such as FCMB are leveraging the UK as a strategic hub to roll out cross-border payment platforms aimed at facilitating trade between Africa and the global market.
The fintech sector is driving a substantial share of the new investments. LemFi has committed £100 million over five years, designating London as its global headquarters, while Moniepoint plans to expand its UK workforce to 100 employees by 2026. Digital bank Kuda Bank is also scaling up its UK operations as it eyes broader international growth.
Beyond finance and technology, the creative industry is emerging as another pillar of collaboration. EbonyLife is set to establish EbonyLife Place London, a move expected to create new jobs while amplifying African storytelling on a global stage.
Officials say the growing investment flows highlight increasing confidence in both economies. UK authorities point to the country’s stable regulatory environment and access to global capital, while Nigeria’s expanding digital and creative sectors continue to attract international interest.
Education and skills development are also receiving attention, with new partnerships between institutions such as the University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos focusing on cutting-edge fields including artificial intelligence, digital technology, and healthcare innovation.
With bilateral trade now estimated at £8.1 billion annually, analysts say the latest round of investments signals a shift in UK–Nigeria relations—from traditional trade to a more dynamic partnership driven by innovation, talent, and shared economic ambition.
The coming days are expected to yield further announcements as both governments seek to unlock new opportunities capable of delivering long-term growth and job creation for their citizens.
Nigeria–UK Investment Surge to Generate Jobs, Deepen Economic Ties
Babani assumes office as LCBC chief, pledges stronger regional security, cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
The newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Amb. Ibrahim Babani, has pledged to strengthen regional collaboration to tackle security and developmental challenges in the Lake Chad Basin.
In his inaugural address, Babani underscored the importance of strengthening the MNJTF, the regional military coalition tasked with combating insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin.
He called for increased collaboration among troop-contributing countries and greater support from international partners, noting that sustained joint operations remain essential to degrading terrorist networks operating across porous borders.
He expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the LCBC Summit of Heads of State and Government, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of Chad, for supporting his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as other member states for endorsing his emergence.
Babani emphasised that peace and security would remain a top priority of his administration, particularly through enhanced support for the MNJTF, a regional military coalition combating insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin.
He called on troop-contributing countries to sustain active participation in joint operations, while also urging international partners to scale up support for counter-terrorism efforts.
Babani’s emphasis on strengthening the MNJTF reflects growing concerns over renewed insurgent activities across the Lake Chad region, especially in border communities spanning Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
The new LCBC boss paid tribute to his predecessor, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, acknowledging his leadership in stabilising the commission and advancing its core mandates.
Babani pledged to sustain and build on these achievements, while introducing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and institutional performance.
He also disclosed plans to engage member states on the recovery of outstanding financial contributions, a move seen as vital for funding regional programmes and sustaining operations of the commission.
Babani has emphasised teamwork, dialogue and collaboration as guiding principles of his leadership, expressing confidence in the capacity of the LCBC and MNJTF teams to overcome prevailing challenges.
He also pledged to uphold due process and ensure inclusivity in decision-making, noting that collective ownership of the commission’s goals would drive its success.
Beyond security, Babani pointed out key priorities of the LCBC, including sustainable management of shared water resources, environmental conservation, regional economic integration and conflict prevention.
These areas are critical to addressing the root causes of instability in the Lake Chad Basin, where climate change, shrinking water resources and economic hardship have contributed to displacement and insecurity.
Development partners, including the European Union, the African Development Bank and the German development agency (GIZ), were acknowledged for their continued support to the commission’s programmes.
Babani’s investiture in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad, signals not just a change in leadership, but a renewed commitment by member states to confront the complex challenges confronting the basin through collective action and strengthened partnerships.
The Lake Chad Basin, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has for over a decade remained at the epicentre of insurgency driven by extremist groups, alongside the devastating impact of climate change and dwindling water resources.
These challenges have combined to displace millions, disrupt livelihoods and strain already fragile governance structures across the region.
The dual role of Babani as head of both the LCBC and MNJTF places him at the intersection of security coordination and development planning—two critical pillars for stabilising the region.
Stakeholders noted that effective coordination among member states and sustained international backing remain critical to consolidating recent gains against terrorist groups. They argue that enhanced intelligence sharing, logistics support and joint planning will be crucial in maintaining pressure on such groups.
Beyond security, Babani highlighted the need to tackle underlying drivers of conflict, including poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation and competition over shrinking natural resources. The LCBC’s mandate, which spans water resource management, ecosystem conservation and economic cooperation, is seen as critical in addressing these issues.
Stakeholders say aligning these interventions with security efforts will be key to achieving sustainable peace in the region.
As Babani takes over the reins, expectations are high that his tenure will consolidate gains in regional security while advancing development initiatives that address the root causes of instability.
The Lake Chad Basin remains a region of strategic importance, not only for its member states but for the broader Sahel and West African sub-region.
How effectively the LCBC under Babani navigates the interplay between security and development may well shape the future of millions of people whose lives depend on the restoration of peace, stability and economic opportunity.
Babani assumes office as LCBC chief, pledges stronger regional security, cooperation
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