General news

• NSITF becomes West Africa’s social security reference point

  12-07-2026 15:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …As Nigeria exports scheme expertise to GambiaBy Victor Ahiuma-YoungThe Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, has reaffirmed its growing role as a regional leader in social security administration, pledging sustained technical support to The Gambia as part of efforts to deepen workers’ protection and strengthen social security systems across West Africa.
  The commitment came at the close of a one-week study tour by the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund, IICF,
  
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• ADC senatorial candidate urges stronger security after deadly Otukpo attacks

  12-07-2026 19:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Dr David Olofu, African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Benue South Senatorial District, has urged government at all levels to strengthen security in vulnerable communities following renewed attacks in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA).Olofu made the call on Sunday while reacting to the early morning attacks on Apachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Okete District, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.The senatorial candidate decried the recurring attacks on comm
  
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• Tinubu to Soyinka at 92: You’re irrepressible advocate of good governance

  12-07-2026 19:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco AgbakwuruPRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nobel laureate and literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka as he marks his 92nd birthday, describing him as an irrepressible advocate of good governance.President Tinubu in his message recalled Prof. Soyinka’s courageous struggle against military dictatorship for decades, and his efforts in the June 12 struggle.The President in his message wrote: “Today, I celebrate a global icon and our nation’s literary star, Pr
  
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• List of countries that don’t need visa to enter Germany

  12-07-2026 19:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Germany will continue to grant visa-free access to citizens of 62 countries outside the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area for short visits in 2026, according to the German Federal Foreign Office.Under the policy, eligible travellers can enter Germany without a visa for tourism, business meetings or family visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, the visa exemption does not permit visitors to take up employment during their stay.The list includes several of Germany’
  
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• ‘Any small thing, billing – Whitemoney laments Nigeria’s dating culture

  12-07-2026 19:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Reality TV star and entertainer, Hazel Onou, popularly known as Whitemoney, has decried the rising financial expectations in dating in Nigeria, humorously asking fans for a “referral code” to help him find a compatible partner.The 34-year-old Big Brother Naija Season Six winner shared his frustration in a video posted on his Instagram page, @whitemoney_, on Sunday.“I can’t even lie, I’m getting old. Dating culture in Nigeria is becoming something else.“Abeg,
  
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• SSCE fee hike too high, says NAPTAN; NUT leaves decision to parents

  12-07-2026 19:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adesina WahabThe National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has described the proposed increase in registration fees for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) as excessive.Speaking with Vanguard, Chairman of NAPTAN’s Board of Trustees, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, said the increase was too steep, considering the financial burden already borne by parents.&ld
  
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• Video: Oyo school principal’s husband dances at thanksgiving service after wife’s return

  12-07-2026 19:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  There was an outpouring of joy in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as the husband of rescued school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, led a thanksgiving celebration following her release from captivity.In a video shared by Oyo Matters on Sunday captured Professor Alamu dancing exuberantly with members of his church during a special thanksgiving service held to celebrate the safe return of his wife and the other victims.
  Professor Alamu, Husband of Ahoro Esinle Principal, Breaks into Joyful Dance as Family Hold
  
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• Otukpo killings: Benue deputy governor demands justice for victims

  12-07-2026 19:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Benue Deputy Governor, Dr Sam Ode has strongly condemned the gruesome attacks on Akpachi community in Ugboju District and Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.Ode said innocent citizens were brutally murdered in the early hours of July 12 by suspected armed herders.The deputy governor’s condemnation was conveyed in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Godwin Ikyereve and issued to newsmen on Sunday in Makurdi.Ode described the attacks as
  
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• Group rejects hike in WAEC, NECO fees, urges FG to reverse decision

  12-07-2026 19:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter Duru, MakurdiThe Campaign for Equal Rights and Opportunities for All Nigerians (CERON) has condemned the Federal Government’s approval of an increase in the registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), describing the decision as insensitive to the prevailing economic hardship.The group said millions of Nigerian families were already struggling with rising living costs and worsening poverty, warning that the incre
  
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• FCC should adopt AI to strengthen fairness, transparency, says DBI

  12-07-2026 19:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Victor Ahiuma-YoungThe President and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), David Daser, has urged the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology and data-driven systems to enhance fairness, transparency and objectivity in public sector recruitment and compliance.Daser made the call while presenting a paper titled “Technology, Data and Institutional Effectiveness in Public Governance” at the FCC’s 202
  
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• NBA: No going back on July 18 polls, says electoral committee chairman Ejelam, SAN

  12-07-2026 19:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has doubled down on its plan to hold its 2026 national officers’ election on July 18, describing the date as sacrosanct.The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA, Chief Aham Ejelam, SAN, in a statement on Sunday, said the election date was fixed in accordance with the revised timetable earlier published by the ECNBA.Ejelam, SAN, also dismissed calls for the resignation of his committee, which he said remained f
  
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• Alleged fake agency scam: Police to arraign Adeniyi Adeyemi on Tuesday

  12-07-2026 18:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The police are to arraign Adeniyi Adeyemi, the Director-General (DG) of a non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) in the Federal High Court on Tuesday.The police, in a fresh court document marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, presently charged Adeyemi and two others with eight counts of forgery and impersonation, among others.The charge was filed on Nov. 27, 2025, by Wisdom Madaki, a police prosecutor.NAN reports that on June 16, when the case came up for the suspects to
  
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• Nwabali returns to Chippa United five months after mutual exit

  12-07-2026 18:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has completed a return to South African side Chippa United ahead of the 2026/27 season.The 30-year-old rejoins the Chilli Boys after spending the last seven months away from competitive football, a spell that affected his international career and saw him lose his place in Nigeria’s senior national team.Chippa United announced the goalkeeper’s return on Sunday through its official social media channels, expressing delight at welcoming him back
  
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• Agric Ministry adopts NIMC identity system to verify genuine farmers

  12-07-2026 18:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gabriel Ewepu, AbujaThe Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced plans to deploy the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)’s digital identity infrastructure to verify genuine farmers and improve the targeting of government agricultural intervention programmes.Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this while receiving the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her delegation at the ministry’
  
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• Troops repel ISWAP attack in Borno, recover camcorder linked to foreign operatives

  12-07-2026 18:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ndahi Marama, MaiduguriTroops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters into Cross Kauwa community in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.The military said the attackers suffered heavy casualties and were forced to retreat after encountering intense resistance from troops.Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Cap
  
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• INEC deadline: Parties report progress, raise concerns over candidates’ upload

  12-07-2026 18:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry Umoru, AbujaPolitical parties have given updates on the upload of their presidential and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal following the expiration of the July 11, 2026 deadline for submission.While the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) said they had made substantial progress, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presented differing accounts, reflecting the ongoing leadership dispute within
  
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• Gov Lawal unveils $200m Zamfara lithium processing plant

  12-07-2026 18:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Idris Salisu, GusauGovernor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has inaugurated a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Boko Village, Zurmi Local Government Area, describing the project as a milestone in the state’s drive for industrialisation and economic development.The Zamfara Lithium Mining and Processing Plant is a joint investment by ZAM Mining Company Ltd, Bima Mines Ltd, Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd and other partners.Speaking at the inauguration on Saturday, Lawal said the pr
  
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• Tank farm operators, unions responsible for Mile 2–Apapa traffic gridlock — Police

  12-07-2026 18:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeThe Ports Authority Police (Western Command) has distanced itself from the persistent gridlock caused by petroleum tankers along the Mile 2–Apapa–Kirikiri corridor, saying the root causes of the traffic congestion lie beyond the powers of the Police.Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, said the section of the expressway from Mile 2 towards Apapa Wharf d
  
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• 2026 World Cup: FIFA issues Golden Boot update as Mbappe, Messi chase award

  12-07-2026 18:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  FIFA has confirmed that France captain Kylian Mbappé currently holds the advantage over Argentina skipper Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The world football governing body clarified the standings on Sunday as the tournament heads into the semi-final stage, with both stars locked on eight goals.Despite being level on goals, Mbappe occupies the top spot because he has registered three assists during the competition, compared to Messi’s one.Norw
  
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• 2027: INEC portal becomes first test of parties’ readiness

  12-07-2026 17:50 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …PDP confirms upload of presidential, NASS candidates as INEC extends nomination deadline to July 14…ADC, PRP report smooth exercise…Other parties battle procedural hurdlesBy Luminous JannamikeABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has successfully uploaded the names of its presidential candidate, running mate and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Candidate Nomination Portal following the Commission’
  
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• US senator and Trump ally Lindsey Graham dies aged 71

  12-07-2026 17:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Senator Lindsey Graham, an influential ally of President Donald Trump and advocate of hawkish US foreign policy, has died unexpectedly aged 71, his office said on Sunday.Graham was a staunch supporter of the Iran war, and in recent years urged both Trump and the Biden administrations to back Kyiv’s fight against Russia’s invasion.He bitterly opposed Trump a decade ago, but came around to support him.Graham did so even after the 2021 Capitol insurrection in which lawmakers feare
  
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• Alledged wrong parking: Why Peter Obi may not apologise, pay N25,000 airport fine- Udim

  12-07-2026 17:26 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dickson OmobolaSenior Partner at Justice Chambers, Ekemini Udim, has identified reasons why the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, may not apologise to airport officials and pay a N25,000 fine over an alleged parking violation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, had made the demand in a statement on his X platform, Friday, following an internal inquiry he said was instituted to verify Ob
  
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• Nigeria cannot plan for population it does not count, says NPC

  12-07-2026 17:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Folarin KehindeThe National Population Commission (NPC) has stressed the importance of a credible, technology-driven Population and Housing Census, saying Nigeria cannot effectively plan or allocate resources without accurate population data.The Chairman of the Commission, Dr Aminu Yusuf, stated this in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 World Population Day.Yusuf said a technology-based census was essential for evidence-driven planning, especially given Nigeria’s youthful
  
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• Benue, Plateau communities hit by fresh attacks, 27 killed

  12-07-2026 17:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter Duru & Golok NanmwaNo fewer than 27 persons have been killed in separate attacks on communities in Benue and Plateau states, following fresh assaults by suspected armed groups that have left residents mourning and demanding urgent government intervention.In Benue State, at least 18 persons were killed in separate attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, while nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed in an attack on Kum and Wereng-C
  
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• Notorious Zamfara bandit kingpin Kachalla Yellow killed in gun duel

  12-07-2026 17:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A notorious bandit commander, identified as Kachalla Sani Yellow, has been killed in Zamfara State by local hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.The bandit kingpin was reportedly killed in Anka Local Government Area of the state after a gun battle between the vigilantes and a group of armed bandits who attempted to attack the area.Sources according to DailyTurst, said the security volunteers successfully repelled the attack, during which Kachalla Yellow, regarded as one of the i
  
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• 18 killed as suspected herdsmen attack Benue communities

  12-07-2026 16:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Youths protest at Och’Idoma’s palace, block roads with corpses, demand actionBy Peter Duru, MakurdiAt least 18 persons have been killed in separate attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, following fresh incursions by suspected armed herdsmen.The attacks, which occurred over the weekend, have heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in Benue South.It was gathered that the first incident occurred on Friday when the attackers inv
  
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• Car dealers express mixed reactions over lower vehicle import duties

  12-07-2026 16:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Some car dealers have expressed mixed reactions to the Federal Government’s revised tariff regime, which includes a reduction in import duties on vehicles.The dealers spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.They said that the policy would reduce vehicle prices, lower business costs and benefit buyers, but noted that its overall impact would depend on other economic factors, including exchange rates.NAN recalls that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Servic
  
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• Kogi bans roadside revenue collection, haulage fees

  12-07-2026 16:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has banned all forms of roadside revenue collection and haulage fees on highways, following the commencement of Nigeria’s new tax law on Jan. 1.The Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Dr Salihu Enehe, disclosed this on Sunday in Lokoja while speaking on  the implications of the tax reform for the state.Enehe said the new tax regime expressly prohibited unauthorised revenue collection on highways carried out under the guise of taxation.He warne
  
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• UniAbuja promotes 34 academics to professorial ranks

  12-07-2026 16:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Joseph Erunke, AbujaThe Governing Council of the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University, has approved the promotion of 34 academic staff to professorial ranks.The approval was granted under the leadership of the Council Chairman, Distinguished Senator Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso.Seventeen senior academics were promoted to the rank of Professor, while another 17 were elevated to Associate Professor across various disciplines.A statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director, Information
  
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• 5 things to know about Nehemiah Danjuma, Nigeria’s deaf lawyer called to bar

  12-07-2026 16:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nehemiah Danjuma has etched his name in Nigeria’s legal history after being called to the Bar, becoming the first deaf lawyer from Northern Nigeria.
  His remarkable journey has inspired many, highlighting resilience, determination and a commitment to disability inclusion.Here are five things to know about the new legal practitioner:1. He is the first deaf lawyer from Northern NigeriaDanjuma made history after successfully completing his legal training and being called to the Nigerian Bar d
  
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