General news

• NBC scraps annual digital TV access fee

  15-07-2026 12:24
  
  The National Broadcasting Commission says Nigerians will no longer pay annual Digital Access Fees under the renewed Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.NBC Director-General, Mr Charles Ebuebu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja,Ebuebu said viewers only need to purchase an approved decoder and satellite dish which cost below N20,000 to enjoy free television permanently.“Previously, users paid an annual digital access fee of about N1
  
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• 2027: Christians now more comfortable with Muslim-Muslim ticket –  APC chieftain

  16-07-2026 10:39
  
  An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Farouk Aliyu, has said Nigerian Christians are now more comfortable with the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket than they were ahead of the 2023 general election, arguing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has disproved fears of religious marginalisation.Aliyu made the remarks during an appearance on ARISE Television’s The Morning Show on Thursday, following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice Pres
  
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• UK economy rebounds as nation awaits new prime minister

  16-07-2026 10:24
  
  Britain’s economy rebounded slightly in May with growth of 0.1 percent thanks to expansion in the services sector, official data showed Thursday as Britain awaits a new prime minister.Gross domestic product (GDP) had contracted by 0.1 percent in April as the US-Iran war pushed up inflation after oil prices soared.“The growth in May was because of a rise of 0.3-percent (output) in services,” the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.The data comes as Andy Burnham p
  
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• Nigerian newspapers review: Gunmen raid Kogi school, abduct principal, NECO official, students

  16-07-2026 10:04
  
  In today’s Nigerian newspapers review programme, Today in the News, Vanguard leads with gunmen raiding a school in Kogi State and abducting the principal, an official of the National Examination Council (NECO) and students.Another headline features the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, saying that safeguards will prevent governors from turning state police into their private army for personal gain.Vanguard also reports that a Nigerian Catholic priest took his own li
  
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• Why FIFA may sanction Argentina after World Cup win over England

  16-07-2026 09:49
  
  Argentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after several of its players celebrated their World Cup semi-final victory over England by displaying a banner supporting the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.The reigning champions came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta, booking a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain with two late goals.After the final whistle, a group of Argentinian players held up a banner reading “
  
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• Death of Physiotherapist in Umahi’s Residence: Family rejects autopsy as police insist on post-mortem

  16-07-2026 09:29
  
  By Jeff Agbodo, AbakalikiThe Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted on conducting a post-mortem examination into the death of Miss Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu community of the state.The command said preliminary findings showed that the deceased and a colleague were members of the medical team attached to the minister and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, where she died in a room within the compoun
  
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• US approves nearly $2bn in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia

  16-07-2026 09:27
  
  The US State Department said Wednesday it has approved the sale of an estimated $1.96 billion in weapons to bolster Saudi Arabia’s air defenses, as the war ramps up in the Middle East.“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region,” the State Department said in a release.Among the weapons
  
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• Navy foils pipeline vandalism network, recovers stolen pipelines in Imo

  16-07-2026 09:22
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Nigerian Navy, in furtherance of an operational campaign against economic sabotage, has intercepted suspected vandalised crude oil pipeline sections and arrested suspected members of a pipeline vandalism syndicate in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, while making this known, said, “The intelligence-led operation was conducted by personnel of Naval Base (NB) Oguta, leading to the interception of a Merce
  
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• 2027: Gwamna’s candidacy offers path to greater development for Gombe — Spokesman

  16-07-2026 09:20
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeThe spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, has described the 2027 governorship election as a defining moment for the state, urging residents to consider competence, vision and commitment to public service in choosing the next governor.In a statement issued on Wednesday in Gombe, Shawai said the election should be seen as an opportunity for citizens to determine the future dire
  
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• Tuchel defends tactics after England World Cup dream dies

  16-07-2026 09:17
  
  England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his tactics after the Three Lions’ World Cup dream ended in an agonising late defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.England appeared poised to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead early in the second half in Atlanta.But England then invited wave after wave of late pressure from the defending champions and goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez secured a famous 2-1 victory.Tuchel said his team h
  
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• Messi hails ‘special’ World Cup win over England

  16-07-2026 09:12
  
  Lionel Messi hailed a “special” win after Argentina beat England to reach the World Cup final, with the veteran at the heart of a come-from-behind 2-1 win.After Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, 39-year-old Messi provided the pass for Enzo Fernandez to smash in an 85th-minute equaliser and then also the cross for Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner in Atlanta.Messi said victory in the semi-final was “quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the h
  
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• Trossard completes move to Besiktas for reported £15.3m

  16-07-2026 09:06
  
  Leandro Trossard completed a permanent transfer from Arsenal to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas on Wednesday for a reported fee of £15.3 million ($21 million).The 31-year-old Belgium winger, who featured at the 2026 World Cup, joined the Gunners from Brighton in January 2023.The winger featured 174 times in all competitions for Arsenal, scoring 36 goals and providing 34 assists.He was part of Mikel Arteta’s side that won the Premier League title last season for the first time i
  
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• ‘History will be kind to you’ — Soludo thanks Tinubu over Southeast road projects

  16-07-2026 09:03
  
  Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the design and procurement of two major roads linking Anambra to neighbouring states, describing the development as part of the President’s deliberate effort to rebuild the Southeast.In a statement issued on Thursday, Soludo said the approval followed a meeting he had with the President on July 1, after which the Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Sen. Dave Umahi, requested details of the r
  
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• FG unveils new labour reform agenda, seeks employers’ support

  16-07-2026 09:00
  
  By Victor Ahiuma-YoungAs Nigeria continues to navigate sweeping economic reforms and the changing realities of the global workplace, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling the nation’s labour administration to make it more responsive, inclusive and investment-friendly. Read Also: Gunmen invade Kogi market, kill one, abduct anotherAt the heart of the reforms is a renewed emphasis on industrial peace, modern labour laws, workforce development and
  
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• Stock market experts optimistic on H2’26 but warn investors

  16-07-2026 08:58
  
  …Strong performance does not eliminate investment risk – CIS boss…Strong market performance should not lead to policy complacency – Uwaleke…Investors have made more money from the market than any other – Kurfi…Market will continue to rally upwards but… – Amolegbe…Uncertainties over 2027 election remain a possible headwind – AdonriBy Peter Egwuatu, Asst. Business EditorNigeria’s stock market is sustaining its bull ster
  
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• Iran army says struck US targets in Kuwait, Bahrain with drones

  16-07-2026 08:58
  
  Iran’s army said on Thursday it carried out drone attacks against US bases and facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, state TV reported, after the United States carried out strikes on the Islamic republic.Iran’s military said it targeted “radar systems, a Patriot air defense system, and fuel storage facilities at Ali Al Salem Air Base” in Kuwait and US military facilities at the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, IRIB reported.AFP
  The post Iran army says struck US targets in Kuw
  
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• UBA enlists Abaga, Egunjobi to speak on innovation at Business Series

  16-07-2026 08:57
  
  United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to host the latest edition of its quarterly UBA Business Series, turning the spotlight on how businesses can transform everyday customer feedback into technology that answers Africa’s real needs, Scheduled for Thursday, 16 July 2026 at 11:00 a.m., the event, themed “Building for Africa’s Realities: Turning Consumer Feedback into Technology-Driven Solutions”, will convene founders, investors and builders to share candid insight
  
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• Outgoing UK PM Starmer visits Ukraine

  16-07-2026 08:54
  
  Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer travels to Ukraine on Thursday for his final visit to the war-torn country before leaving office next week.Starmer, set to depart Downing Street on Monday, was to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Kyiv, the British government said in a statement.The premier was expected to tell Zelensky that the UK’s commitment to backing Ukraine will continue after he is replaced by Andy Burnham.“Our cast-iron support for Ukraine wil
  
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• How Nigeria can overcome hunger — BUA

  16-07-2026 08:51
  
  As BUA Foods posts N518.4 PATBy Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefThe Chairman of BUA Foods Plc, Alh. Abdul Samad Rabiu, has identified heavy investments in agriculture by both the government and private sector operators as a key factor necessary to tackle hunger in the country.He spoke at the 5th Annual General Meeting of the company in Abuja, yesterday, where the company declared a Profit After Tax of N518.4 billion for the year ended December 2025, as against the N265.9 billion recorded in t
  
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• 14 states face flood risk between July 14 and 20, NiHSA warns

  16-07-2026 08:49
  
  By Gabriel EwepuABUJA — As flooding continues to affect parts of the country, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) on Wednesday warned that 14 states face a medium flood risk between July 14 and 20, 2026.The warning was contained in a flood advisory issued by the Director-General of NiHSA, Arc. Umar Mohammed, who said the alert followed the agency’s latest hydrological forecast, which projects inland flooding along major river channels. He added that 16 monitoring statio
  
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• Oil price reverses gains, falls 0.8% despite escalating US-Iran hostilities

  16-07-2026 08:47
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaGlobal oil prices eased by 0.82 per cent to $84.24 per barrel on Wednesday as investors took profits after the previous day’s sharp rally, although renewed military confrontation and escalating rhetoric between the United States and Iran continued to underpin fears of disruptions to global crude supplies.Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell to $84.24 per barrel from Tuesday’s $84.94, but remained significantly above Sunday’s $76.01 as geop
  
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• US unveils new 25% tariff on certain imports from Brazil

  16-07-2026 08:46
  
  The United States announced on Wednesday a new tariff on various imports from Brazil, following a year-long investigation into the Latin American giant’s trade and other policies.The 25 percent tariff is set to take effect on July 22, as the Trump administration seeks to rebuild its tariff agenda following legal setbacks.A range of products including beef, coffee and certain aircraft parts will be exempted, a senior US official told reporters.The exclusions also cover certain goods that t
  
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• Mid-year review: Real economy remain under pressure — CPPE

  16-07-2026 08:36
  
  By Yinka Kolawole
  Nigeria entered the second half of 2026 with its strongest macroeconomic fundamentals in several years, but the gains have yet to translate into broad-based improvements in the real economy, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf.Reviewing economic performance in the first half of the year, Yusuf said exchange-rate stability, moderating inflation, stronger external reserves, improved crude oil
  
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• NIP 2025: FG positions small businesses as engine of industrialisation

  16-07-2026 08:27
  
  By Yinka KolawoleThe Federal Government has positioned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the biggest beneficiaries of the Nigeria Industrial Policy (NIP) 2025, with a package of low-cost financing, preferential government procurement, industrial clusters and digital transformation initiatives aimed at accelerating industrial growth and reducing the country’s dependence on imports.The policy, unveiled earlier this year, places MSMEs at the centre of Nigeria’s industriali
  
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• Manufacturers sell below production cost to offload N2trn unsold inventory

  16-07-2026 08:24
  
  By Yinka KolawoleManufacturers in Nigeria are increasingly selling products below production cost in a desperate bid to clear nearly N2 trillion worth of unsold inventory, underscoring the severe cost pressures and weak consumer demand confronting the country’s industrial sector.Findings by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) show that while manufacturers have recorded modest improvements in sales volumes, the gains are largely driven by aggressive price cuts and thinner p
  
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• Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, July 16, 2026

  16-07-2026 08:06
  
  The naira traded relatively stable against the United States dollar in the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) on Thursday, July 16, 2026, while the parallel market continued to quote the greenback at a premium over the official rate.Available market data indicates that the official NFEM exchange rate hovered around ₦1,384 per US dollar, reflecting only marginal movement from recent trading sessions. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) publishes the NFEM rate as the official vo
  
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• Food inflation still rising despite drop in headline rate

  16-07-2026 07:57
  
  By Elizabeth AdegbesanThe National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, yesterday said headline inflation rate slowed Month-on-Month (MoM) by 0.02 percentage point to 15.91 percent in June 2026 from 15.93 percent in May.The decline is coming after a three consecutive months rise in headline inflation rate since March 2026.However, despite the moderation in inflation rate, the food index increased by 0.56 percentage points to 17.52 percent in June from 16.96 percent in May 2026 due to the rate of cha
  
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• Gunmen raid Kogi school, abduct principal, NECO official, students

  16-07-2026 06:53
  
  ***One student rescued— Police***Gov Ododo mobilises security agents to rescue abductees***It’s time to make Safe Schools Initiative work — NAPTANBy Adesina Wahab, Omeiza Ajayi & Boluwaji ObahopoLOKOJA— Gunmen on Tuesday attacked Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting four students, the principal and a National Examinations Council, NECO, ad-hoc staff. The attack, which occurred at about 5:25 pm while th
  
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• State Police: Govs can’t turn outfit into private army — Abbas

  16-07-2026 04:37
  
  By Gift ChapiOdekina, AbujaThe Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has defended the proposed State Police Bill, assuring Nigerians that adequate constitutional safeguards have been included to prevent governors and political actors from using state police as private security outfits.Abbas spoke on the issue yesterday at the National Security Roundtable held as part of activities marking the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja.The Speaker acknowledged concerns tha
  
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• AMLSN hails Senate’s passage of med lab varsity bill, urges Tinubu’s swift assent

  16-07-2026 02:46
  
  … Says new institution will boost medical training, research, health security
  By Chioma ObinnaThe Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, on Wednesday hailed the Senate’s passage of the bill establishing the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, describing it as a landmark decision that could transform healthcare education, strengthen Nigeria’s diagnostic capacity and expand opportunities for thousands of aspiring health
  
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