General news

• FRC tasks auditors, regulators on responsible AI use

  17-08-2026 01:31 via punchng.com
  
  The FRC urges auditors and regulators to ensure AI strengthens audit integrity and public trust in financial reporting, warning against ethical compromisesRead More: https://punchng.com/frc-tasks-auditors-regulators-on-responsible-ai-use/
  
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• Imports choke textile industry, rise to N1.1trn in two years

  17-08-2026 10:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ***MAN cautions against blanket restrictions***Textile manufacturers demand stronger protection
  By Yinka KolawoleNigeria’s dependence on imported textile materials has almost tripled with importation surging by 181 per cent in two years to N1.08 trillion in 2025 from N377.47 billion in 2023, despite repeated efforts to revive the oncethriving local textile industry.Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, also indicates further rise in import bills in 2026 as first quarter
  
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• Woman arrested for stealing newborn in Kebbi

  17-08-2026 09:48 via punchng.com
  
  A 19-year-old woman has been arrested in Kebbi State for newborn theft, after allegedly stealing a baby and presenting it as her own to her husband. PoliceRead More: https://punchng.com/woman-arrested-for-stealing-newborn-in-kebbi/
  
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• Army commander visits Sokoto community, pledges troops’ readiness to tackle terrorists

  17-08-2026 09:48 via punchng.com
  
  A Nigerian Army commander visited Sokoto community, pledging troops’ readiness to tackle terrorists and enhance security. Residents urged to provide intellRead More: https://punchng.com/army-commander-visits-sokoto-community-pledges-troops-readiness-to-tackle-terrorists/
  
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• Morning recap: Adeleke extends olive branch, Kwankwaso explains Obi alliance, other top stories

  17-08-2026 09:09 via punchng.com
  
  Catch up on the latest Nigerian news with our morning recap, covering Adeleke’s victory, Kwankwaso’s Obi alliance, Osun tragedy, and other top stories.Read More: https://punchng.com/morning-recap-adeleke-extends-olive-branch-kwankwaso-explains-obi-alliance-other-top-stories/
  
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• HBM Nigeria’s profit rises 57% to N208bn in H1’26

  17-08-2026 09:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter EgwuatuHBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc, recorded a 57 per cent increase in profit after tax (PAT) to N208 billion in the first half of 2026 (H1’26), from N132.677 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.The cement manufacturer, in its financial results released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), also reported a 31 per cent increase in net sales during the period.The growth was driven by an 11 per cent increase in sales volume, improved operatio
  
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• Nigeria-China trade hits $18bn in H1’26

  17-08-2026 08:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigeria’s aquatic products have secured zero-tariff access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion consumers under a new protocol, as bilateral trade between both countries reaches $18 billion in the first half of 2026 (H1’26).The development is expected to boost Nigerian exports and foreign exchange earnings, with Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosing that Nigerian exports to China rose by 80 per cent in the first half of the year.The Minister of Power, Jos
  
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• Why your bank might not pay dividends for years

  17-08-2026 08:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas EsiedesaPerhaps there is some truth in the statement that “when an old man dies, you lose a library”. At 82+ and 39 years writing on this page, I have been a media witness to four major banking upheavals – each occurring shortly after recapitalization was imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Almost invariably, each episode has brought about the decline of at least two of the leading banks prior to the CBN measure.  After reading the VANGUARD stor
  
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• DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest with over 2,300 deaths

  17-08-2026 08:36 via punchng.com
  
  The DR Congo Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with over 2,300 deaths. Learn about the fast-moving Bundibugyo strain and coRead More: https://punchng.com/dr-congo-ebola-outbreak-becomes-deadliest-with-over-2300-deaths/
  
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• Sanwo-Olu, CIBN urge youths to embrace innovation, skills, integrity

  17-08-2026 08:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Cynthia Alo & Kafayat KokumoLagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Dele Alabi, and other financial sector leaders have urged Nigerian youths to embrace technology, practical skills, discipline and integrity to become active contributors to economic development.They spoke at the fourth edition of the CIBN Generation Next Forum in Lagos, themed: “Building Tomorrow Today: Youth as Catalysts of a Digital
  
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• Tax Ombud set to launch taxpayer’s bill of rights, obligations

  17-08-2026 08:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefThe Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) is set to launch a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and Obligations in the coming weeks as part of efforts to deepen taxpayer awareness, promote fairness and strengthen trust in Nigeria’s tax administration.The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer of OTO, Mr. John Nwabueze, disclosed this, yesterday, at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja.Nwabueze said the Bill would give taxpayers a clear understanding of t
  
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• Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, August 17, 2026

  17-08-2026 08:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigerian naira opened the week relatively strong against the United States dollar, with the local currency trading around N1,357.61 per dollar at the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) window and about N1,420 per dollar at the parallel market.Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the NFEM rate stood at N1,357.61 per US dollar as of the latest available official market data. The rate is based on the volume-weighted average of transactions in the official forei
  
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• Heroes, Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere dies at 36

  17-08-2026 08:05 via punchng.com
  
  Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died at 36. Details surrounding Hayden Panettiere’s death are under investiRead More: https://punchng.com/heroes-nashville-actress-hayden-panettiere-dies-at-36/
  
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• Oluwo congratulates Adeleke, urges alignment with FG

  17-08-2026 07:54 via punchng.com
  
  Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, congratulates Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and urges alignment with the Federal Government for OsRead More: https://punchng.com/oluwo-congratulates-adeleke-urges-alignment-with-fg/
  
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• US missionary kidnapped in Niger reunited with wife, returning home – Trump

  17-08-2026 07:48 via punchng.com
  
  American missionary Kevin Rideout, held captive in Niger for nine months, has been released and reunited with his wife, preparing to return home to the US.Read More: https://punchng.com/us-missionary-kidnapped-in-niger-reunited-with-wife-returning-home-trump/
  
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• Like Eagles, like Falcons: The dwindling fortunes of Africa’s 10-time champions

  17-08-2026 07:19 via punchng.com
  
  Nigeria’s Super Falcons face a challenging World Cup play-off route after their WAFCON quarter-final exit, mirroring the Super Eagles’ recent struggles. CaRead More: https://punchng.com/like-eagles-like-falcons-the-dwindling-fortunes-of-africas-10-time-champions/
  
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• Pointless debate on Tinubu’s certificate, by Suleiman A. Suleiman

  17-08-2026 04:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The ongoing debate about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s educational certificates is not and should not be the defining issue in a Nigerian presidential election. We cannot always reduce serious questions of governance in a presidential election to fitful hysteria about the academic credentials of candidates. For a sitting president, the certificate controversy is not very useful as a measure of presidential eligibility or performance.
  More importantly, the prominence being accorded th
  
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• Why your bank might not pay dividends for years, by Dele Sobowale

  17-08-2026 04:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Perhaps there is some truth in the statement that “when an old man dies, you lose a library”. At 82+ and 39 years writing on this page, I have been a media witness to four major banking upheavals – each occurring shortly after recapitalization was imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Almost invariably, each episode has brought about the decline of at least two of the leading banks prior to the CBN measure.  After reading the VANGUARD story by Peter Egwua
  
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• Concession of King’s College: Parents mobilise for protest

  17-08-2026 03:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The controversy over the concession of King’s College, Lagos, to the King’s College Old Boys’ Association, KCOBA, by the Federal Government may be far from over, as parents and other stakeholders are mobilising for a mass protest against the move.Speaking with Vanguard’s correspondent, the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, Mr Peter Oluwaseye, said the protest had become necessary because of the opposition to the concession by virtually all stakeholders.&ld
  
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• 2027: Accord, AAC, SDP presidential candidates join forces against Tinubu 

  17-08-2026 03:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The presidential candidates of  Accord Party, African Action Congress, AAC, and Social Democratic Party, SDP, have resolved to work together towards a common democratic force ahead of the 2027 presidential election, in what could become a significant realignment of Nigeria’s opposition politics.Read Also: Why Adeleke won again in OsunThe three candidates, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of Accord; Mr. Omoyele Sowore of AAC; and Prince Adewole Adebayo of SDP, reached the resolution after a
  
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• Manufacturers groan as rising credit, production costs threaten recovery

  17-08-2026 03:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Yinka KolawoleNigeria have warned that the high cost of credit and rising production expenses remain major threats to the recovery of the manufacturing sector, despite a renewed improvement in manufacturers’ confidence in the economy.Read Also: India-Nigeria trade hits $9bn, ties beyond oil — EnvoyThis was revealed by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in itsManufacturers’ CEOs Confidence Index (MCCI) for the second quarter of 2026 (Q2’26).Manufacturers&rs
  
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• Itsekiri global homecoming

  17-08-2026 03:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A single stick breaks, but together we stand like a bundle of strength across the landBy Peter Ogbobine  Among the Itsekiri people, there is an enduring wisdom passed down from generation to generation: a lone tree in the forest easily falls to the storm, but a forest standing together withstands even the fiercest wind. This timeless philosophy is beautifully captured in the theme: “A single stick breaks, but together we stand like a bundle of strength across the land,&rdqu
  
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• India-Nigeria trade hits $9bn as firms deepen local production

  17-08-2026 03:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Yinka KolawoleIndia-Nigeria bilateral trade rose by 26 per cent to about $9 billion in 2025–26, from $7.13 billion recorded in 2024–25, as economic ties between both countries deepen beyond oil and commodities into manufacturing, healthcare, energy, technology and job creation.The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abishek Singh, disclosed that more than 200 Indian companies currently operate in Nigeria and have created nearly 100,000 jobs, making Indian businesses the sec
  
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• ABSU: Running a university as a local village contraption, by Owei Lakemfa

  17-08-2026 03:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Professor Nnamdi Chinwendu Nwaeze holds three degrees in economics, all with distinction. When, on August 11, 2026, lecturers of the Abia State University, ABSU, where he professes, went on strike, he applied his economics profession by comparing the N400,000 some of the lecturers are paid with the income of the commercial tricyclist who makes an average N15,000 daily. His simple calculation was that the tricyclist, who requires no educational qualification for his work beyond riding skill
  
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• The N159 trn question: When borrowing becomes betrayal

  17-08-2026 03:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Moshood OshunfurewaThere is a certain tragedy in watching a nation articulate its own contradictions in public. On one hand, the Debt Management Office tells us Nigeria’s total public debt stood at N159.35 trillion as of March 2026. On the other, the Federal Government insists that borrowings under President Bola Tinubu are “nowhere near” the N80 trillion being bandied about by commentators. The diagnosis is correct – Nigeria has a debt problem. The prescription,
  
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• Growing menace of infrastructure vandalism

  17-08-2026 03:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The perceived stripping of metal fittings from a flyover bridge around Alakija, Lagos, is another frightening reminder of the growing menace of infrastructure vandalism in Nigeria. The incident was serious enough to attract Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the scene, while the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, also weighed in on the danger posed by the criminal enterprise. Officials later debunked the report, insisting that contractors were still at work at the site. The misgiving would have been av
  
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• 30,356 FG retirees get N3.82bn backlog payment

  17-08-2026 03:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Victir Ahiuma-YoungThere is relief for 30,356 Federal Government retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme, DBS, as the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, has disbursedaa N3.82 billion in accrued pension arrears to them.The Directorate disclosed that it paid a total of N3,817,568,592.80 in pension arrears to affected DBS pensioners across the Parastatals Pension Department, PaPD, Defunct and Transferred Agencies Pension Department, DTAPD, and Tertiary, Education and Health P
  
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• Hope rises for Enugu retirees as govt approves N32,000 pension

  17-08-2026 03:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chinedu AdonuHope has risen among pensioners in Enugu State following the approval of a new minimum pension of N32,000 for local government retirees by the state government, with payments expected to begin once adminisatrative processes are completed.The government has also approved the enrolment of all local government pensioners into the state’s free health insurance scheme, which is scheduled to be launched on August 20, 2026, marking another major welfare intervention for retirees.
  
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• Lagos opens Nigeria’s first alternative school for girls

  17-08-2026 03:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Elizabeth OsayandeLAGOS — Lagos State has become the first state in Nigeria to establish an Alternative Secondary School for Girls.This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Affairs Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE), Elias Oladipo.The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday commissioned the first Alternative Secondary School for Girls in Nigeria, a landmark initiative designed to provide a second chance at quality education for
  
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• Millwall sweat over Azeez injury

  17-08-2026 03:16 via punchng.com
  
  Millwall faces an anxious wait over Femi Azeez’s hamstring injury sustained during their Championship opener. Get the latest on the Nigerian winger’s condiRead More: https://punchng.com/millwall-sweat-over-azeez-injury/
  
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