Author: Faith Babatunde

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel allegedly using Nigeria as a transit hub for moving drugs to the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. The agency also arrested Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as “KC Luxury,” who it identified as the alleged Nigerian arrowhead of the syndicate. NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa said the operation followed the seizure of 184.50kg of cocaine concealed in a consignment for export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos. He said the cartel hoped to make as much as N39bn from the shipment through its international distribution network.…

The Federal Government spent N9.39tn on wage adjustments, minimum wage increases and allowances for public workers between June 2023 and December 2025, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has disclosed. Oyedele made the revelation during a media conference on Nigeria’s reform scorecard, explaining how resources generated from economic reforms were utilised. According to him, the Federal Government generated N20.4tn in incremental resources during the 31-month period through subsidy-related savings, increased independent revenue and additional borrowing. However, the government’s additional expenses during the period reached N30.64tn, with wage-related spending accounting for the largest portion. Oyedele said…

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will begin the 2026/27 Premier League season as the leading contender for the Golden Boot, with several top forwards expected to challenge him. Haaland scored 27 league goals last season and has won the award three times in his four Premier League campaigns. He remains the favourite to finish as the division’s top scorer again. Liverpool’s Alexander Isak is among his strongest challengers after establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards, although his fitness will be crucial following an injury-hit campaign. Brentford striker Igor Thiago also enters the race after scoring 22…

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria has lifted its suspension on onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana with immediate effect. NOPPMAN President Aliyu Maitasamu announced the decision on Wednesday, saying it followed renewed consultations with relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and Ghana. The association had earlier suspended exports over difficulties faced by Nigerian and Nigerien traders in the Ghanaian market, particularly issues surrounding the reception, allocation and offloading of onion consignments at Kotoku Market. Maitasamu said subsequent engagements with the ministries of trade in both countries, diplomatic authorities, ECOWAS and other institutions had produced steps towards establishing…

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has commenced the demolition of houses and other structures built on designated waterways and flood channels in Abuja. The exercise began in Maitama on Tuesday, shortly after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered the immediate removal of structures obstructing natural water passages. Wike issued the directive after inspecting flood-affected areas in Maitama District, warning that the demolition would affect properties regardless of the status or political affiliation of their owners. The minister said some affected structures belonged to senators and other prominent individuals but insisted that no property built on a water channel would be spared.…

The Federal Government has expressed sorrow over the death of 23-year-old Nigerian medical graduate Nnani Adaobi Marian, who reportedly died from injuries sustained during a Russian aerial attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Marian, a graduate of Kharkiv National Medical University, was reportedly injured during the attack and later succumbed to her injuries. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government extended its condolences to Marian’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Nigerian community affected by the tragedy. The ministry said it was working with relevant Ukrainian authorities and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Ukraine and Germany to…

Pan-African media entrepreneur Adebola Williams has urged young Africans to move beyond protests and become active participants in governance, policymaking and institutional leadership. Williams made the call at the 13th Human Rights Forum of Essaouira in Morocco, where he discussed the importance of youth participation in Africa’s development. Reflecting on his involvement in civic campaigns in Nigeria, including the Enough Is Enough movement, Occupy Nigeria and the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, Williams said protests remain important but are not sufficient to achieve lasting systemic change. According to him, young people must translate civic activism into meaningful participation within public…

Independent petroleum marketers have called for the restoration of petrol importation rights, saying increased competition could push the price of Premium Motor Spirit below N800 per litre. The demand followed a Federal Government meeting with major players in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector to discuss the high cost of petrol despite a decline in international crude oil prices. The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in Abuja, brought together representatives of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, independent marketers, major oil companies and other industry stakeholders. National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of…

Veteran Nollywood actor Ricardo Agbor has opened up about his 18-year journey to parenthood, revealing that he and his wife waited nearly two decades before welcoming their twins. Agbor shared the experience during an interview with *AfricanAList*, where he reflected on his marriage, faith and the challenges the couple faced before becoming parents. According to the actor, he remained committed to his marriage throughout the long wait and continued to believe that he would eventually have children. Agbor said he specifically prayed for twins and was eventually blessed with a boy and a girl, who are now 14 years old.…

The three host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup the United States, Mexico and Canada have all been eliminated from the tournament after failing to reach the quarter-finals. The United States became the final host nation to exit after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in their Round of 16 clash in Seattle. Canada had earlier been knocked out by Morocco, losing 3-0 after the North African side produced a strong second-half performance. Mexico then suffered a 3-2 defeat to England at the Estadio Azteca in front of more than 80,000 supporters. Mexico had been hoping to reach the…