馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
NCDC confirms single COVID-19 case in Cross River State, assures no community spread
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NCDC has confirmed a single case of COVID-19 in Cross River State, stating that the situation is under control with no signs of widespread transmission. The confirmed patient has been isolated and is receiving care, with the NCDC reporting the individual is in stable condition. Following the confirmation, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, in coordination with NCDC and partners, activated response measures including contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention and control. All identified contacts are being monitored, and there is no evidence of further spread. The NCDC highlighted that the detection demonstrates the effectiveness of Nigeria鈥檚 ongoing disease surveillance systems. The agency advised the public to remain vigilant, practice proper hygiene, stay home when unwell, and seek medical care if needed, while also urging reliance on official public health authorities for information. The NCDC reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation and providing updates. Nigeria first recorded COVID-19 in February 2020, and while cases have declined, surveillance systems remain active to detect and respond to sporadic infections, which public health experts note are not unexpected as the virus circulates globally.
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British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has expressed his readiness to face Tyson Fury in the ring, provided he first defeats Kristian Prenga on July 25. Joshua is scheduled for a comeback bout in Jeddah against Albanian fighter Prenga, who has a record of 20-1. Fury, who ended a sixteen-month retirement in April by defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov, will fight Mariusz Wach in Thailand one night earlier. Fury is expected to travel to watch Joshua's fight, potentially initiating their anticipated "Battle of Britain." Joshua stated, "If he wants to come in the ring when I win July 25th, feel welcome. Come into my territory. I am the landlord. I am going to welcome you into my home. You do not welcome me into your home." He added that he previously signed contracts with Fury and was on a "scouting mission" during Fury's last fight, observing both strengths and vulnerabilities. Joshua, 36, and Fury, 37, have not yet agreed on a date or venue for their domestic showdown. Las Vegas and New York are being considered as alternatives to a UK fight. Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is open to hosting the bout in Saudi Arabia, but at a later start time to accommodate American viewers. London currently lacks the necessary licensing for such a large-scale fight, while Cardiff鈥檚 Principality Stadium does not.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission NUPRC is set to open the commercial phase of the 2025 oil and gas licensing round today, July 21, 2026. A total of 143 companies have been invited to compete for 50 oil and gas blocks across Nigeria's hydrocarbon basins. These blocks include 16 in the Niger Delta Onshore, 18 in the Niger Delta Shallow Water, one in the Niger Delta Deep Offshore, three in the Benin Basin Onshore, four in the Anambra Basin Onshore, four in the Chad Basin Onshore, and four in the Benue Trough. The commercial bid conference, an invitation-only event, will take place in Abuja. This stage follows a rigorous prequalification process that began in November 2025, attracting 286 initial applications, with 196 companies prequalified. The 143 invited companies submitted 200 bids for the available assets. Bids will be assessed based on signature bonus, work programme commitments, and performance security, culminating in a weighted technical and commercial score. This licensing round is part of the Federal Government's efforts to boost crude oil and gas production, attract investment, and develop underdeveloped petroleum assets, aligning with reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
One year after President Bola Tinubu signed Nigeria's tax reform laws, the country is experiencing substantial growth in tax revenue, moving away from its historical dependence on crude oil. The reforms aim to simplify the tax system, eliminate double taxation, encourage compliance, and provide sustainable funding for development. Under the leadership of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, tax administration has seen remarkable improvements. Between January and June 2026, the Nigeria Revenue Service collected N21.6tn in tax revenue, a 49 percent increase over the N14.27tn collected in the same period in 2025. In June alone, Nigeria generated N799.75bn in Value Added Tax, with total statutory revenue reaching N3.701tn, resulting in a gross revenue of N4.501tn. This growth reflects a steady pattern, with tax revenue rising from N10.1tn in 2023 to N21.6tn in 2024, and then to N36.8tn in 2025. The reforms have been bolstered by improved tax administration, wider technology deployment, electronic invoicing, and stronger enforcement against leakages. This shift is strengthening Nigeria's economic security, boosting investor confidence, and providing greater capacity for government investment in public services, aligning Nigeria with other countries that have strengthened domestic revenue to fund development.