Standard Focus – Page 60 – Standard Focus News

Rising Data Use Strains Telecom Networks, Says NCC

April 26, 2026 (updated April 26, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Rosemary Nwanpka ABUJA — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has attributed ongoing Quality of Service (QoS) challenges in the telecom sector to the rapid surge in data consumption, noting that operators are intensifying investments to boost network capacity and coverage. Speaking at a media breakfast meeting in Abuja on Friday, the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, acknowledged that... Read more

Trump-Era Justice Department Moves to Reinstate Firing Squads, Expand Federal Executions

April 24, 2026 (updated April 24, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

The United States Department of Justice under President Donald Trump is pushing to broaden the use of capital punishment, including the reintroduction of firing squads as a method of federal execution. According to reports, the Justice Department announced new measures aimed at accelerating death penalty cases while expanding the range of execution methods beyond lethal injection. These options now include... Read more

US Freezes $344m in Cryptocurrency Linked to Iran Amid Sanctions Crackdown

April 24, 2026 (updated April 24, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

The United States has frozen about $344 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Iran, in a fresh move to tighten financial pressure on Tehran and curb its ability to bypass international sanctions.US officials said the targeted digital wallets were believed to be part of networks used to move funds through Iranian exchanges and evade restrictions imposed on the country. The... Read more

Benue: Fresh Attacks Force Returning IDPs to Flee Guma Communities Again

April 24, 2026 (updated April 24, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Vincent Ekpo Renewed attacks and arson have triggered fresh panic in parts of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, forcing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who recently returned to their homes to flee once more. The affected returnees, particularly in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward, have reportedly begun abandoning their communities amid fears of escalating violence following the re-emergence of suspected... Read more

EFCC Detains Ex-Skye Bank Chair Ayeni Over Alleged N36.5bn, $30m Fraud

April 24, 2026 (updated April 24, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Rosemary Nwanpka ABUJA — Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over alleged money laundering, misappropriation, and diversion of funds totalling N36.54 billion and $30 million. Ayeni was taken into custody in Abuja on Thursday and is currently being held at the commission’s facility. Sources... Read more

Police Bust Car Theft Ring in Kaduna, Recover 10 Vehicles

April 24, 2026 (updated April 24, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Vincent Ekpo The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against crime with the arrest of three suspected members of a notorious armed robbery syndicate and the recovery of 10 stolen vehicles in Kaduna State. The operation was carried out by the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS). Confirming the development on Friday, Force Public... Read more

Tinubu Inaugurates Darma as New Housing Minister

April 24, 2026 (updated April 24, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Clement John President Bola Tinubu on Friday swore in Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate. Dr. Darma, an indigene of Katsina State, takes over from Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently stepped down from the position. Speaking during the brief ceremony at the State House, the President congratulated... Read more

Rising Unrest in South Africa: FG Issues Safety Alert to Nigerians

April 24, 2026 (updated April 24, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Kingsley Ameh The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant and strictly observe safety guidelines amid a surge in anti-foreigner protests across parts of the country. The caution follows an advisory issued by the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg on April 22, 2026, highlighting that protests in cities such as... Read more

Teachers Launch Nationwide Movement to Reclaim Professional Voice and Drive Education Reform in Nigeria

April 24, 2026 (updated April 24, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Kingsley AmehA growing teacher-led movement is gaining traction across Nigeria, with educators and policy stakeholders pushing for a shift from policy rhetoric to grassroots action aimed at transforming the country’s education system. The momentum intensified in Abuja on Friday at the Let There Be Teachers Conference 2026, where participants unveiled plans to mobilise thousands of teachers nationwide as active... Read more

U.S. Revives Key Credit Guarantee Scheme to Expand Agricultural Trade With Nigeria as Bilateral Trade Nears $15 Billion

April 24, 2026 (updated April 24, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

The United States has strengthened its agricultural trade engagement with Nigeria through the expansion of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Export Credit Guarantee Program, known as GSM-102, aimed at improving access to financing for agricultural imports. The initiative, announced by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, provides U.S. government-backed credit guarantees that enable Nigerian banks... Read more

Author: Standard Focus