Alaafin of Oyo calls for enhanced inter-agency cooperation to combat terrorism
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, advocated for stronger inter-agency collaboration, timely intelligence sharing, and coordinated community engagement to prevent terrorism and other security threats during a courtesy visit to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Ilorin. Oba Owoade emphasized that effective security management requires synergy between communities and government authorities, integrating local knowledge with state capacity. He stressed the importance of a sustained security presence and rapid response mechanisms, especially in rural and border communities, asserting that their safety should be prioritized equally with major cities. The monarch called for deepened intelligence gathering and preventive intervention, noting that security threats are often organized and financed through networks that should be identified and disrupted. He also urged continuous communication between the government and traditional rulers to strengthen public trust, counter misinformation, and demonstrate visible leadership during uncertain times. The Alaafin expressed solidarity with Yoruba communities in Kwara State, highlighting their shared cultural and historical ties and stating that criminals must not exploit ancestral homes. Governor AbdulRazaq commended Oba Owoade for his commitment to peace and security, describing him as a "detribalised and visionary monarch," and assured that the state government would continue to prioritize security and involve traditional in
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MTN Nigeria announced its compliance with a Nigerian Communications Commission NCC directive to compensate subscribers affected by service shortfalls from November, December, and January. The company stated that this decision highlights the regulator's commitment to consumer protection and places customers at the core of regulatory decisions. MTN Nigeria affirmed that all consumers in the affected areas will receive compensation according to the applicable framework. Beyond compensation, MTN Nigeria emphasized its long-term goal of enhancing service quality and minimizing network disruptions. The telecommunications company plans to accelerate capital expenditure to strengthen infrastructure, including upgrading network equipment, improving resilience against outages, and fostering closer collaboration with tower infrastructure partners. MTN Nigeria acknowledged challenges such as infrastructure constraints and external disruptions but reiterated its dedication to working with regulators and stakeholders to address these issues. The NCC has increased enforcement actions in the telecom sector as Nigeria aims to improve digital connectivity and service reliability amidst growing internet usage.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its support for the 1,028-kilometer Lagos–Abidjan Corridor project but has expressed new concerns regarding its design standards, funding structure, and the unequal distribution of the highway's length among participating West African countries. Minister of Works, David Umahi, conveyed this during a meeting with delegations from the ECOWAS Commission and the African Development Bank in Abuja. Umahi emphasized that while Nigeria is fully committed, critical issues require resolution at the Heads of State level before the project can advance. He noted that President Bola Tinubu fully backs infrastructure development. Umahi highlighted unresolved technical and political issues, including the unequal distribution of corridor length, which he believes can only be resolved by Heads of State. Nigeria's portion of the corridor is approximately 79.5 kilometers, which Umahi stated would be constructed to a significantly higher standard than the original ECOWAS proposal, using reinforced concrete and three lanes on each carriageway instead of the two-lane ECOWAS design. He also mentioned rejecting aspects of the ECOWAS design due to a lack of consultation and impractical elements, and that Nigeria is developing its own design blueprint. Umahi stressed that agreeing on a funding model is a major hurdle, warning against premature procurement without political consensus. Despite these concerns, Nigeria remains committed, viewing the project
The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has directed banks and other financial institutions to submit monthly reports on failed electronic transactions across various digital channels. This directive is part of new compliance measures outlined in its revised Guide to Charges, issued via a circular on April 21, 2026. Chief Compliance Officers and Heads of Information Technology are required to jointly submit electronic reports of all failed transactions from Automated Teller Machines ATM, Point of Sale PoS terminals, mobile, web, and other electronic channels. These reports are to be sent to designated CBN email addresses. The revised guide, effective May 1, 2026, replaces the 2020 version and aims to promote a safe financial system, encourage innovation, and expand financial inclusion through lower tariffs on micropayments. It also introduces broader accountability, mandating top management to ensure strict adherence and proper configuration of banking systems to apply only approved charges. The guide caps several banking charges, requires clear disclosure of fees, and allows customers to negotiate charges where applicable. Any new product or service not covered must receive prior written CBN approval. The new structure applies to a wide range of institutions, including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and mobile money operators. To enhance consumer protection, non-credit-related charges can only be applied if funds are available, and unpaid charges must be deferred without accr
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC sealed Paradise Estate in Abuja due to allegations that the developer failed to deliver housing units to subscribers who had made full payments. This enforcement action followed numerous complaints from homebuyers and the developer's alleged non-compliance with regulatory directives. Marvin Nadah, FCCPC's Deputy Director of Surveillance and Investigation, stated that the Commission acted after administrative processes failed, citing a compliance notice issued on February 24, 2026, which the developer did not adhere to within seven days. Nadah emphasized the action's legality and necessity to protect consumers from exploitation, noting that multiple consumers had not received value for their money for over three years. He also mentioned ongoing investigations in the real estate sector and advised homebuyers to be vigilant. However, Paradise Estate's management, through Mr. Aloysius Ezengwa, disputed the FCCPC's action, claiming the issue is a contractual dispute with one subscriber and is pending before the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal. Ezengwa stated the company had appealed the FCCPC's decision, but the Commission maintains it has not received notice of any appeal. This incident highlights increased regulatory scrutiny in Nigeria's real estate sector, aiming to address issues like delays and non-delivery of properties.