Algeria Calls for Continued Development, Stronger Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to sustainable development and stronger ties with Nigeria.

He gave the commitment in Abuja at the commemoration of the 71st anniversary of the outbreak of the National Liberation Struggle and Algeria’s National Day celebration.

The event drew senior representatives of the Nigerian government, members of the diplomatic corps, legislators, and other distinguished guests.

In his address, Ambassador Mezoued paid homage to the more than five million Algerian martyrs who lost their lives during the 132-year anti-colonial struggle, noting that the November Revolution remains “an inexhaustible source of pride and patriotism” for the Algerian people.

He emphasized that Algeria’s victory in securing independence in 1962 laid the groundwork for a nation strongly focused on development. He said: “Since its independence, Algeria has implemented national strategies and major development projects that have yielded remarkable achievements in human, economic, social, and environmental spheres.”

The envoy while underlining the country’s economic strength, noted that Algeria is currently the third-largest economy in Africa, with a GDP estimated at around US$300 billion, and projections to reach US$400 billion by 2027, backed by positive macroeconomic indicators.

He stated that despite its economic ambitions, Algeria has maintained its social welfare commitments, claiming that citizens continue to enjoy free access to education and healthcare, along with government-supported efforts to ensure decent housing for all.

Mezoued’s message highlighted both the historical significance of Algeria’s struggle for independence and the nation’s forward-looking drive toward modernization and prosperity.

On his part, the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas expressed the country’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and parliamentary cooperation with Algeria as both nations continue to strengthen their longstanding ties.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Chairman of the Nigeria–Algeria Parliamentary Friendship Group Committee, Hon. Abubakar Babazango, in goodwill message described the anniversary as a moment of deep significance for Algeria and the entire African continent. He paid tribute to the courage and resilience of the Algerian people, whose struggle for liberation, launched 71 years ago, remains “an enduring symbol of hope” for oppressed peoples worldwide.

He said: “This day reminds us of the unity and sacrifice of the Algerian people who rose with determination to reclaim their freedom and dignity.”

He highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Algeria, noting that both countries share a history of solidarity and a common vision for peace, development, and prosperity in Africa. He emphasized the role of the Nigeria–Algeria Parliamentary Friendship Group in fostering collaboration across key sectors, including trade, education, energy, and cultural exchange.

He said: “As we mark this historic occasion, may the friendship between Nigeria and Algeria continue to grow in unity and progress.”

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, legislators, and other distinguished guests.

Algeria Calls for Continued Development, Stronger Ties with Nigeria

Vigilante in Yobe gunned down Fulani herder over alleged destruction of farmland

By: Zagazola Makama

A Fulani herder has been shot dead and a vigilante injured following a confrontation between herders and security operatives in Jakusko Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, a group of Fulani herdsmen were allegedly destroying farmlands in Lafiya, Saban, Garin, Sara, Jaba and Muguram villages.

According to him, a joint patrol team comprising the police, Joint Task Force (JTF) and vigilantes was immediately deployed to the affected areas.

“Upon arrival at the scene, one of the herders attacked a vigilante, Saidu Yau of Lafiya village, with a machete, inflicting a deep cut on his left thigh.

“The same herder also attempted to attack a soldier, Private Adamu Ismail, attached to the JTF. The soldier, in self-defence, fired at the attacker, leading to his death,” said the sources.

The sources said that both the injured vigilante and the herder were rushed to the General Hospital, Jakusko, for medical attention.

“The herder was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while the injured vigilante is responding to treatment,” the sources added.

Police sources said the remains of the deceased herder had been released to the Sarkin Fulani, Hon. Hassan Lamido Manu, pending the arrival of the family.

He said investigation into the incident was ongoing to ascertain the circumstances and prevent further clashes.

Vigilante in Yobe gunned down Fulani herder over alleged destruction of farmland

PEBEC Commends FRSC on Nationwide Clearance of Driver’s Licence Backlog

By: Michael Mike

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has commended the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for the improvement in the issuance of driver’s licences nationwide and clearance of the backlog.

A statement on Wednesday by Director General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu acknowledges the prompt and comprehensive actions taken by the FRSC in response to service delivery concerns regarding delays in the production of driver’s licences nationwide.

The statement read: “Following PEBEC’s formal communication on November 7, 2025, the FRSC initiated a full internal review and identified the delays within the national driver’s licence production system. PEBEC commends the Corps for swiftly restoring system functionality and implementing enhanced monitoring mechanisms to prevent future disruptions.

“The Council welcomes FRSC’s successful clearance of accumulated backlogs and its increase in daily production capacity to 15,000 licences, an important milestone in improving service efficiency. Of particular significance is the FRSC’s introduction of the Contactless Biometric Capture System, a forward-looking innovation that aims to deliver permanent driver’s licences within 48 hours, effectively eliminating the need for temporary licences. This aligns strongly with PEBEC’s mandate to drive regulatory efficiency, enhance transparency, and improve citizen experience in public service delivery.”

“PEBEC encourages all applicants whose licences have been produced to visit FRSC centres nationwide and pick up their permanent driver’s licences, in line with the nationwide sensitization campaign by FRSC for the collection of over 294,000 unclaimed licences. This will help decongest service centres, improve turnaround times, and support the Corps’ ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency,” the statement added.

“The Council reiterates its commitment to collaborating with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure seamless, responsive, and business-friendly service delivery across Nigeria,” the statement further stated.

PEBEC Commends FRSC on Nationwide Clearance of Driver’s Licence Backlog