General news

• Lagos expands rail master plan to 11 lines, signs MoU for railway training centre

  13-07-2026 14:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniThe Lagos State Government has expanded its Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP) from six rail lines to 11 rail lines and one monorail as part of efforts to improve mass transit and meet the transportation needs of its growing population.The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) announced the development following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to establish a Railway Training C
  
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• Navy sustains operational control over illegal refining hotspots

  19-07-2026 19:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigerian Navy has continued to assert persistent operational control under Operation DELTA SENTINEL over known illegal refining hotspots in Rivers, thereby frustrating repeated attempts to reactivate dismantled refining infrastructure.This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho on Sunday in Abuja.Folorunsho, in the report, recalled that on July 10, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER discovered and deactivated illega
  
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• Peter Obi reflects on service at 65, donates ₦10m to rural hospital

  19-07-2026 19:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Vincent UjumaduAWKA — Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has marked his 65th birthday with a message of gratitude to God, reflection on his journey and a renewed commitment to service to humanity.Obi, in a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate the milestone, said birthdays should serve as moments for sober reflection and an opportunity to consider how one’s life can be dedicated more meaningfully to
  
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• I will be president for every NBA member — Badejo-Okusanya

  19-07-2026 19:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ABUJA — President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to lead an inclusive administration that caters for the interests of all members of the association, saying her victory represents a collective achievement for lawyers committed to building a stronger Bar.Badejo-Okusanya made the commitment in a statement issued on Sunday after emerging winner of the NBA national election, where she thanked members for the confidence reposed in her lead
  
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• Full list: Badejo-Okusanya, others emerge winners in 2026 NBA elections

  19-07-2026 19:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The full list of winners in the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, national elections has been released following the conclusion of voting and the announcement of results by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, ECNBA, on Sunday.Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, emerged as the 33rd President of the NBA after defeating two other senior lawyers in the keenly contested presidential election.Chairman of the ECNBA, Aham Ejelam, SAN, announced the presi
  
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• 2027: Adeola, Iyabo Obasanjo clash over APC exit

  19-07-2026 19:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaThe governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, and former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo have exchanged accusations following her defection from the ruling party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Adeola accused some opposition politicians of pursuing the 2027 governorship contest for personal interests rather than the development of Ogun State, while Obasanjo dismissed the allegation, accusing him of lacking integ
  
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• IPMAN opposes rising petrol imports, warns of higher pump prices

  19-07-2026 19:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised concerns over the recent increase in petroleum product import licences, warning that the development could worsen price instability, increase pressure on the naira and push petrol prices higher.National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, who spoke on Sunday, said the association was worried that imported petrol was entering the market at prices above locally refined products, undermi
  
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• Drake places N2bn bet on Argentina to beat Spain in World Cup final

  19-07-2026 19:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Canadian rapper Drake has placed a $1.5 million (about N2.3 billion) bet on Argentina to defeat Spain in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final.The award-winning rapper, born Aubrey Drake Graham, shared a screenshot of the wager on his Instagram page ahead of the showpiece at the New York New Jersey Stadium.According to the betting slip, Drake stands to win more than $5.1 million if Argentina successfully defend their World Cup title by beating Spain.Sharing the screenshot with his millions o
  
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• ‘All people see online is character, I’m more mature privately’ — Peller

  19-07-2026 19:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Popular Nigerian content creator Peller has said the personality millions of people see on social media is different from who he is in private, describing himself as far more mature away from the cameras.The Tiktoker, in a snippet from an upcoming episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, said the energetic persona people see on social media is simply a character he portrays for entertainment, insisting those who know him personally see a much more mature side of him.“All people see online abo
  
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• NRS sets July 31 deadline for large taxpayers to adopt E-invoicing system

  19-07-2026 19:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ABUJA — The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has fixed July 31, 2026, as the deadline for all large taxpayers to fully comply with the mandatory adoption of the national e-invoicing and Electronic Fiscal System (EFS), also known as the Merchant Buyer Solution (MBS).The directive followed a public notice issued by the agency on February 17, 2026, outlining the implementation timeline and compliance requirements for the digital invoicing system.NRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, who signed the notic
  
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• ‘If Terry G fights me, he will rise again’ — Portable challenges singer to boxing match

  19-07-2026 19:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has challenged fellow artiste Terry G to a celebrity boxing match, claiming the bout would revive the veteran singer’s career.Portable made the remarks during an interview on Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television, where he discussed his growing involvement in celebrity boxing and his plans for future fights.When asked who he would like to face next in the ring, the “Zazuu” crooner named Terry G without hesitati
  
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• Petrol imports surge 207% in June as domestic supply declines — NMDPRA

  19-07-2026 19:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaNigeria’s petrol imports surged by 207 per cent in June 2026, reversing earlier gains recorded in domestic refining as local supply declined sharply, according to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).An analysis of the authority’s monthly petrol supply data for the first six months of 2026 showed that while domestic refineries remained the major source of supply for most of the period, imports increased signif
  
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• Court okays request to sue AGF, Abia officials over use of LG funds

  19-07-2026 19:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission for an action to be filed for an order of judicial review of the utilisation of funds allocated to Local Government Areas in Abia State.The court’s decision followed an application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Civil Society Observatory for Constitutional and Legal Compliance (CSOCLC).The Applicant alleged that government officials in Abia State refused to accede to a series of requests i
  
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• 5 players in race for 2026 World Cup Golden Ball

  19-07-2026 19:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball will be decided after Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina, with several players staking strong claims to be named the tournament’s best performer.While lifting the World Cup remains the ultimate prize, the Golden Ball is awarded to the player judged to have made the biggest impact throughout the competition.Lionel Messi appears to be the frontrunner, but Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal could strengthen their case
  
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• Katsina 2027: Minister mobilises 1m votes for Tinubu, Radda’s re-election

  19-07-2026 18:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaka Rabe-Darma, has vowed to mobilise over one million votes for President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Dikko Radda ahead of the 2027 elections.The assurance was given on Sunday in Katsina by Mr Abubakar Tsanni, Director-General, Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu/Dikko (GMTD 2027), during an interactive session with youths and women’s groups.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rabe-Darma is the founder and Chairman of GMTD, a suppor
  
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• Solid Minerals Ministry, NIMC partner to boost digital governance, sector regulation

  19-07-2026 18:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Credible identity system will strengthen mining oversight — AlakeBy Gabriel EwepuABUJA — The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have commenced collaboration aimed at strengthening digital governance, improving security and accelerating reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.The partnership was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, La
  
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• Lamine Yamal shares Instagram post hours ahead of Argentina clash

  19-07-2026 18:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Spain winger Lamine Yamal has once again taken to social media with a cryptic message just hours before one of the biggest matches of his career.Ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, the 19-year-old shared an old photograph of himself as a child on Instagram, accompanied by the caption: “For you and for the streets.”The post quickly went viral as fans interpreted it as a message of confidence before the showdown at the Estadio Azteca.Yamal has become w
  
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• FG dismisses report of ISWAP attack on Girls College in Monguno

  19-07-2026 18:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Joseph Erunke, AbujaThe Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports alleging that suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists attacked the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State, killing students and attempting to abduct others.The ministry described the reports as false, saying its internal verification, including direct communication with the school principal, confirmed that the college remained safe and academic activities were ongoing.Th
  
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• Abia Govt pledges lasting solution over flooding on Owerri-Nta road

  19-07-2026 18:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ugochukwu AlaribeUMUAHIA, Abia State government has assured motorists and residents of Owerri-Nta in Isiala Ngwa South council area that it is committed to ending the flooding problem along the road, following the ongoing road reconstruction project.In a statement, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed that the government has taken note of a video circulating on social media showing flooding in a residential compound along the ongoing Owerri-Nta road, which is currently u
  
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• Police, corps members aid election rigging, says Deji Adeleke

  19-07-2026 18:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Warns Electoral Malpractices, Weak Rule of Law Scare Investors AwayBy Shina Abubakar, OsogboBillionaire businessman and founder of Adeleke University, Dr Deji Adeleke, has expressed concern over electoral malpractices and weak adherence to the rule of law, warning that such challenges are discouraging investors from doing business in Nigeria.Adeleke said continued loss of investor confidence could worsen unemployment and accelerate the migration of young Nigerians seeking better opportu
  
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• Troops kill two suspected terrorists, rescue three kidnap victims in Benue

  19-07-2026 18:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter Duru, MakurdiTroops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnap victims during an intelligence-led operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.The operation, which lasted two days, was carried out through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State and targeted suspected terrorist hideouts at Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Y
  
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• HURIWA urges transparency in management of recovered assets

  19-07-2026 18:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Commends EFCC’s recent court victoriesBy Chioma ObinnaThe Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) on Sunday called for greater transparency and public oversight in the management of assets recovered through anti-corruption efforts, saying Nigerians deserve to know how forfeited properties and funds are utilised.The group also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for securing a series of court-backed forfeiture orders involving cash, luxury veh
  
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• Badejo-Okunsanya’s NBA presidency historic, says Akinyede

  19-07-2026 18:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Says female heads of Bench and Bar have two years to restore confidence in judiciaryBy John AlechenuABUJA — Former Senator representing Ekiti South, Akinyede Sola, has described the election of Oyinlasola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as a historic development for the legal profession and Nigeria’s judiciary.Akinyede, who spoke in Abuja on Sunday while reacting to the outcome of the NBA election, said Badejo-Okunsanya’s emerg
  
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• CJN urges use of ADR to settle disputes, boost commercial confidence in Africa

  19-07-2026 18:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA— The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has called for the use of structured Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to strengthen commercial justice across Africa.She argued that effective utilization of ADR would help to protect the business environment and support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).The CJN, who spoke at the 3rd Africa Chief Justices’ ADR Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, further stressed that co
  
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• Can Agriculture Replace Crude? Experts reveal path to Nigeria’s export revival

  19-07-2026 18:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Cynthia AloFor more than five decades, crude oil has remained the dominant pillar of Nigeria’s economy, displacing agriculture from the position it once occupied as the country’s major source of revenue and foreign exchange.However, with the global shift towards cleaner energy and growing concerns over the sustainability of oil dependence, experts are urging Nigeria to return to agriculture — not merely as a subsistence activity, but as a competitive export-driven industry
  
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• Gunmen abduct Pastor’s wife, three children in Borno LGA

  19-07-2026 18:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ndahi Marama, MaiduguriGunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have abducted the wife of a Pastor incharge of COCIN Church, Moses G. Guguma, and his three (3) children in Damasak, the Headquarters of Mobbar local government area of Borno state.Damask, located in Northern Borno Senatorial District and is about 156kms drive from Maiduguri, the state capital.A source from the community said the incident happened on Saturday around 12 noon, when the family were traveling to
  
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• 2027 Elections: Church leaders mobilise voters, reject money politics, demand responsible participation

  19-07-2026 18:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olayinka LatonaAhead of the 2027 general elections, Christian leaders across Nigeria have intensified calls for massive voter participation, rejection of money politics and greater involvement of citizens in choosing leaders, while insisting that the Church must remain non-partisan but actively engaged in promoting good governance.From Pentecostal fellowships to the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, the message has been consistent: Nigerians must register, obtain their Perma
  
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• FG to Issue N729bn bond to clear GenCos’ debt

  19-07-2026 18:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe Federal Government is set to issue a second bond worth about N729 billion to electricity generation companies (GenCos) as part of efforts to clear verified legacy debts and improve liquidity in Nigeria’s power sector.The planned issuance will complete the first phase of the N4 trillion Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme approved by President Bola Tinubu to address longstanding financial obligations in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NES
  
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• Israel says Iran missile towards Jordan’s Aqaba intercepted

  19-07-2026 17:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Israeli and Jordanian forces intercepted an Iranian missile aimed at the Jordanian city of Aqaba on Sunday, the Israeli military said, after Amman denied the city’s airport and seaport were evacuated over a threat.When asked by AFP about reports of explosions near the Israeli city of Eilat, an Israeli military spokeswoman said both Israeli and Jordanian forces had intercepted a projectile.Minutes before the interception, the Israeli military said it had detected missiles launched from Ira
  
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• At 65: Peter Obi is an outstanding ally, principled voice — Kwankwaso

  19-07-2026 17:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has described Peter Obi as an outstanding ally and a principled voice committed to Nigeria’s progress.Kwankwaso stated this in a birthday message posted on his X platform on Sunday to mark Obi’s 65th birthday.He congratulated the former Anambra State governor, describing him as a man of exceptional enterprise, conviction and personal integrity.“On this au
  
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