🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Judiciary and media crucial for Nigeria's 2027 election success, say Chief Justice and Attorney General
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized the vital roles of the judiciary and the media in sustaining Nigeria's democracy, especially leading up to the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the 2026 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents in Abuja, the CJN, represented by Babatunde Adejumo, stated that judiciary correspondents are key to public understanding of court processes and building confidence in the justice system. She stressed that accurate and responsible reporting is essential for public trust in justice administration. The CJN warned that misrepresentation and sensational reporting could erode trust in the rule of law, urging the media to approach judicial reporting with diligence and balance. She reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to independence, fairness, and transparency. The association's Chairman, Kayode Lawal, highlighted the conference's theme, "The Role of Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria," in light of developments before the 2027 elections. Lawal expressed concern over conflicting court orders, particularly in politically sensitive cases, citing a jurisdictional battle between the Federal High Court and the High Court of Oyo State regarding the 2025 Convention of the People’s Democratic Party PDP. He warned that such conflicts could undermine public confidence and cause political instability. Lawal also criticized impunity amon
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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.
Must ReadThe 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
Must ReadNigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has assured investors that the Federal Government will maintain its ongoing economic reforms, emphasizing policy consistency as central to Nigeria’s economic management. Speaking at the launch of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group Private Sector Outlook 2026 in Lagos, Oyedele stated that the administration is not looking back on its reform agenda and that consistency is critical for investor confidence. He warned against mixed signals or abrupt policy reversals, noting that businesses require certainty. Oyedele, who assumed office recently, indicated a shift from a stabilization phase to one focused on measurable growth, where reforms will be assessed by outcomes like job creation and improved living standards. He identified key priorities for investment, including policy consistency, predictability in fiscal and regulatory frameworks, reduced cost of doing business, and improved access to capital. The minister also highlighted efforts to expand credit across the economy and stressed the need for stronger real GDP per capita growth to combat poverty. While acknowledging risks such as reform fatigue, inflationary pressures, and political tensions, Oyedele expressed confidence in managing these challenges through discipline and cooperation, stating that the current phase demands focus, consistency, and accountability.
The Oyo State Government has approved a N650 million take-off grant for the Teaching and Research Farm at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH, Iseyin Campus. This grant is part of broader investments in infrastructure, ICT, healthcare, housing, and mobility support for the campus. Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy Bayo Lawal at the institution's 18th convocation ceremony, stated that the approval aims to elevate LAUTECH into a globally competitive center for innovation, research, and development. He emphasized that the campus's development aligns with the state's economic agenda, focusing on agriculture, food security, youth employment, and agribusiness. Makinde also highlighted the university's improved stability and uninterrupted academic calendars since the resolution of ownership issues. Prof Olu Aina, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission, recounted the diplomatic efforts that resolved the protracted ownership dispute between Oyo and Osun states over the institution. He urged graduates to prioritize character alongside their qualifications. Vice-Chancellor Prof Razaq Kalilu encouraged postgraduate graduands to continue seeking knowledge and striving for excellence, while Pro-Chancellor Prof Ayodeji Omole noted the university's sustained position as a leading state university despite operational challenges.