Standard Focus – Page 53 – Standard Focus News

Reps approve Tinubu’s request for $516m Deutsche bank loan for Sokoto–Badagry highway

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Halima Abubakar, Abuja The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved President Bola Tinubu's request to borrow $516.3 million syndicated loan facility from Deutsche Bank AG to finance a key segment of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project. In a letter dated April 20, 2026, and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the President sought legislative resolution... Read more

Tinubu Leads Race for APC Ticket, Picks N100m Nomination Form

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Chinedu Eze, AbujaPresident Bola Tinubu on Tuesday emerged as the first aspirant to obtain the presidential nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party officially commenced the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general election. The President, represented by the lawmaker for Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, paid the sum... Read more

UAE Announces Exit from OPEC, OPEC+ Effective May 1

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Zainab Lawal, Abuja The United Arab Emirates has announced plans to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the OPEC+ alliance effective May 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in its energy policy. The decision, disclosed in an official statement on Tuesday, followed what the country described as a comprehensive review of its oil production strategy... Read more

APC Primary: Edo Politician Declares to Challenge Tinubu, Insists on Constitutional Process

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Ibrahim Musa, Abuja Barely weeks to its scheduled May 23 presidential convention, the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be headed for an internal contest as an Edo-born politician, Osifo Stanley, has formally declared his intention to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the party’s 2027 presidential primary. Stanley’s declaration comes despite a wave of endorsements for Tinubu following the party’s... Read more

Ogun APC Warns Against Fund Misuse, Bans Unauthorized Screening of Aspirants

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Kunle Adeyinka, Abeokuta The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned party officials against misusing funds meant for grassroots activities and banned unauthorized screening of aspirants. The directive was issued at a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by State Chairman Yemi Sanusi.“These funds are designated solely for party activities and must not be diverted,” Sanusi warned. The... Read more

Telecom Complaints Drop by 80% as NCC Reforms Take Hold

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Favour Ekanem, Abuja The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported a sharp decline in consumer complaints, attributing the improvement to recent reforms and infrastructure upgrades. Executive Commissioner, Rimini Makama, said complaints dropped from 129,000 in March 2025 to 24,000 in March 2026.“This represents an 80.60 percent reduction,” she said. She urged consumers to utilise official complaint channels when necessary.“If... Read more

Plateau Tertiary Institutions Shut Down as Workers Begin Warning Strike

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Grace Daniel, Jos Academic and non-academic staff in seven Plateau State-owned tertiary institutions have commenced a three-day warning strike over unresolved salary issues. Chairman of the Joint Union, Cirfat Yaknan, said the action followed the government’s failure to implement agreed salary adjustments. “If nothing is done… we will proceed on an indefinite strike,” he warned.The union rejected a ₦100... Read more

Aviation Fuel Crisis: Regulator Sets New Jet-A1 Price Band, Proposes Credit Facility for Airlines

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Tunde Adebayo The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has introduced a new pricing framework for aviation fuel as part of measures to address rising costs in the sector. The regulator recommended that Jet-A1 should sell between ₦1,760 and ₦1,988 per litre, with slightly higher rates of ₦1,809 to ₦2,037 applicable in Lagos and Abuja. According to... Read more

Cashew Export Ban Will Cost 5 Million Jobs — NCAN Warns

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Ibrahim Yusuf, Abuja The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has warned that a proposed ban on raw cashew exports could trigger massive job losses across the country. NCAN President, Dr. Joseph Ajanaku, described the move as premature and harmful to farmers.“The ban will throw over five million Nigerians out of jobs,” he said. He argued that Nigeria lacks... Read more

Yobe Approves ₦59.8bn for Roads, Healthcare, Power, Markets

April 28, 2026 (updated April 28, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Sadiq Mohammed, Damaturu The Yobe State Executive Council has approved projects worth ₦59.8 billion aimed at accelerating infrastructure and economic development across the state.The approvals were ratified at a council meeting presided over by Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana on behalf of Governor Mai Mala Buni. Briefing journalists, Commissioner for Information, Abdullahi Bego, said the funds would cover key... Read more

Author: Standard Focus