Author: Standard Focus

The United States has sanctioned Singapore-based oil trading company, Wellbred Capital PTE LTD, which maintains an office in Nigeria, as part of a broader crackdown on Iran’s financial, oil and shipping networks. The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the designation of Wellbred Capital and its affiliates alongside more than 59 other entities accused of links to... Read more

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has criticised the initial composition of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 elections, saying allegations surrounding some members could undermine confidence in the ruling party. Dalung made the remarks on Arise Television on Tuesday while discussing the credibility of the 2027 electoral process. He said the integrity... Read more

The United Nations Peace Ambassadors Foundation (UN-PAF), through its Office of the Africa High Commissioner, has appointed the Registrar of the University of Maiduguri, Ahmad Alhaji Lawan, as its Director for Borno State. The appointment was contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Africa High Commissioner of UN-PAF in Maiduguri on Tuesday. The foundation said the appointment... Read more

The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for commencing payment of outstanding gratuities to retired workers.The organisation described the move as a welcome development for pensioners who have waited for years to receive their entitlements. In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD said the identification of... Read more

Abia State Government has commenced payment of outstanding gratuities owed verified state and local government retirees, with the total liability put at N61.8 billion. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti. Kanu, who spoke alongside the Commissioner for Finance, Uwoma Ukandu;... Read more

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the Federal Government to expand its investigation into fake government agencies to include institutions and officials who allegedly facilitated their operations. CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, made the call while speaking on Channels Television on Monday.His reaction followed the announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission... Read more

The Sokoto State Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to enable residents commemorate Eid-el-Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Governor Ahmed Aliyu urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect on the teachings and virtues of the Prophet while praying for an end to insecurity in the state. He said the celebration should promote peace, unity... Read more

The security situation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State has reportedly improved following the deployment of armoured vehicles and increased security personnel to the area. Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Hashimu Dantudu, disclosed this at Tsamaye village while receiving a state government delegation led by APC leader and former governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. The delegation... Read more

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has backed the removal of petrol subsidy but criticised the Federal Government's handling of the savings generated from the policy. Obi said subsidy removal was necessary but argued that government should have introduced measures to cushion its impact on Nigerians. “I subscribe and I maintain that we need to remove subsidy.... Read more

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested two elderly men over the alleged attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Calabar South Local Government Area. The suspects, identified as 68-year-old Moris Monday, a shoe repairer, and 70-year-old Asuquo Effiom, were arrested following a complaint by the girl's father.The incident reportedly occurred around Thomas Henshaw Street, Calabar South. The... Read more