馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
IPCR Director-General urges urgent adoption of Nigeria's National Peace Policy
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution IPCR, has called for the immediate adoption and implementation of Nigeria's National Peace Policy. Speaking at the Second High-Level Expert Dialogue on the draft policy in Abuja, Dr. Ochogwu emphasized that peace in Nigeria is a "foundational imperative" and that the country's escalating security challenges, including insurgency, farmer-herder clashes, separatist tensions, banditry, and kidnapping, demand a coordinated and institutionalized response. He stated that the proposed policy aims to address gaps in current peacebuilding efforts by providing a unified framework to harmonize interventions from government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners, thereby moving beyond fragmented and ad hoc approaches. Dr. Ochogwu highlighted that the policy would enable evidence-based decision-making, shift the focus from reactive crisis management to preventive and strategic peacebuilding, and ensure peacebuilding is mainstreamed across key sectors like security, justice, education, and economic planning. He also noted that the policy aligns with global and regional peace frameworks from the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS. The Director-General urged stakeholders to generate the political will and inter-institutional consensus necessary for implementation, warning against bureaucratic delays and institutional rivalry. He added that the administration of President Bo
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Nigeria produced an estimated 295.18 million barrels of crude oil and condensate, valued at approximately $28.08 billion N41.74 trillion, in the first six months of 2026. This represents a modest recovery from the second half of 2025, with an average daily production of 1.63 million barrels. However, this output is a 1.23% decline compared to the first six months of 2025. Monthly production figures varied, with May recording the highest volume at 52.72 million barrels. Revenue generation was volatile, with a peak of $6.32 billion in April and a low of $3.01 billion in February. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission attributed the sustained rise in crude oil production to improved operational stability and the absence of major pipeline disruptions, marking the fourth consecutive month of production growth. The N41.74 trillion gross value represents a significant portion of the Federal Government's projected N60.97 trillion oil revenue for the full 2026 fiscal year, highlighting the importance of sustaining production above 1.7 million barrels per day to meet budget assumptions and improve foreign exchange inflows.
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing policies and programs for the inclusion and welfare of persons with deafblindness. This commitment was made during a policy roundtable, organized in collaboration with the Deafblind Inclusion and Advocacy Network, to mark the 2026 International Deafblind Awareness Week in Lagos. The event, themed "Leaving No One Behind: Enhancing Health, Education and Rehabilitation Training for Nigerians with Deafblindness," gathered government officials, disability rights advocates, and other stakeholders to review progress and strategize improvements in healthcare, education, and rehabilitation services. Tolani Ali-Balogun, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, represented by Azeez Aliu, the ministry鈥檚 Inclusive Education Desk Officer, stated the government's shift from integration to full inclusion in education. He highlighted that children with deafblindness often face limitations due to inadequate access to early diagnosis, assistive technology, trained specialists, and appropriate learning resources. The government is expanding inclusive education through curriculum adaptation, Braille materials, tactile sign language, teacher aides, capacity building for educators, and improved early screening and intervention programs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, represented by Kelani Akeem, Director of Social Development and
Must ReadThe Court of Appeal in Abuja has invalidated several sections of the Electoral Act 2026, ruling them unconstitutional. A three-member panel, led by Justice Balkisu Aliyu, unanimously allowed an appeal filed by the Zenith Party, overturning a previous Federal High Court judgment. The court declared Sections 775, 776, 777, and 842 of the Electoral Act unconstitutional, stating that the National Assembly cannot impose restrictions on political parties that conflict with their constitutional powers. The court emphasized that Sections 221 and 222 of the Constitution recognize political parties as responsible for sponsoring candidates and managing internal affairs. It held that the Electoral Act cannot introduce additional conditions that restrict qualified individuals from participating in party primaries when the Constitution already prescribes qualifications. Specifically, Section 775, which required only members on the submitted register to vote or be voted for in primaries, was deemed to unlawfully restrict parties' power to regulate membership. Section 776, prohibiting parties from using any other membership register, was also invalidated for giving excessive control to the electoral umpire. Section 777, which barred parties failing to submit registers from fielding candidates, was struck down for depriving parties of their constitutional right to sponsor candidates. Additionally, Section 842, limiting parties to direct primaries or consensus for candidate nomination, was dec