News – Page 13 – Democracy Radio

Civil Groups Demand Police Reform Over Protest Handling, Media Intimidation

By Julian Osamoto Civil society organisations, media leaders and rights advocates in Nigeria have called for more professional policing of protests, warning that intimidation of demonstrators and journalists is narrowing the country’s democratic space. The demand came during a multi-stakeholder roundtable in Abuja organised by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), where participants raised concerns about clashes between security forces and protesters, as well as attacks on journalists covering demonstrations. Speakers said the way protests are managed has become a key […]

January 30, 2026

Economy

Reps Pass ₦58.4tn 2026 Budget for Second Reading

By Oluwakemi Kindness The House of Representatives has passed the ₦58.4 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill for second reading. The bill seeks authorisation to withdraw ₦58,472,628,944,759 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial year ending 31 December 2026. Spending Breakdown Raises Key Fiscal Issues The budget framework allocates: ₦4.09 trillion – Statutory transfers ₦15.91 trillion – Debt servicing ₦15.25 trillion – Recurrent (non-debt) expenditure ₦23.21 trillion – Capital and development projects The allocation highlights the continuing pressure of debt obligations, […]

January 29, 2026

General

Adegbite Charges Imo Pilgrims on Christlike Living

By Chinedu Echianu The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite has urged pilgrims from Imo State who recently returned from the Holy Land to see themselves as Ambassadors of Christ and live lives that reflect the spiritual lessons of their pilgrimage. The charge was delivered in Bethlehem on January 28, 2026, during a certificate presentation ceremony marking the successful conclusion of the pilgrimage exercise. The Executive Secretary was represented at the event by Mr. […]

January 29, 2026

Security

Faleye Inaugurates LOC for ISSSA West Africa Technical Seminar 2026

By Chinedu Echianu Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye, has inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the International Social Security Services Association (ISSSA) West Africa Technical Seminar 2026. The inauguration ceremony was held on Wednesday at the NSITF Board Room in Abuja. Speaking at the event, Faleye described the inauguration as a significant milestone in preparations for the seminar, noting that it holds strategic importance not only for the NSITF but also […]

January 29, 2026

General

House Honours Clerk Over Role in Safeguarding Parliamentary Process

By Oluwakemi Kindness Outgoing Clerk, Dr. Yahya DanzariaThe House of Representatives has held a valedictory session in honour of its outgoing Clerk, Dr. Yahya Danzaria, with lawmakers describing his retirement as a significant moment for Nigeria’s parliamentary system.Members across party lines said the recognition was not just ceremonial but a reflection on the critical role of legislative administration in sustaining democracy.Presiding over the session, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said the event marked more than the end of a tenure. He […]

January 29, 2026

Major General M.A. Etsu Ndagi addresses troops at the 17 Brigade Human Rights and Professional Conduct workshop, warning against arms sales and misconduct.

Security

Nigerian Army Warns Troops Against Arms, Ammunition Sale

By: Aremu Toyeebaht The Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to its personnel against selling arms and ammunition, stressing that officers caught engaging in such illegal activities would face strict disciplinary action. The directive came from the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major General M.A. Etsu Ndagi, during a sensitisation workshop on Human Rights and Professional Conduct for troops of the 17 Brigade and Sector 2 Joint Taskforce Northwest Operation at Natsinta Barracks, Katsina. “Let me warn you against […]

January 29, 2026

CAF has imposed bans and fines on Senegalese and Moroccan players, officials and football federations following incidents at the AFCON 2025 final.

Sport

AFCON 2025: CAF Bans Thiaw, Hakimi, Fines Senegal, Morocco

By: Aremu Toyeebaht The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a range of disciplinary sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, following incidents during and after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. In a statement published on its website late Wednesday, CAF said the penalties were issued by its Disciplinary Board for breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including violations of the principles […]

January 29, 2026

Business

NUPRC Opens 50 Oil, Gas Blocks for 2025 Licensing Round

By: Aremu Toyeebaht The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has launched the 2025 oil and gas licensing round, offering 50 blocks for bidding across five sedimentary basins, while making it clear that only technically sound and financially capable firms will qualify. The commission said the exercise is aimed at weeding out speculative bidders and repositioning Nigeria’s upstream sector as a transparent, rules-driven destination for long-term investment. Speaking on Wednesday during the 2025 licensing round pre-bid webinar, the Chief Executive […]

January 29, 2026

Makoko residents and activists protest ongoing waterfront demolitions in Lagos, carrying placards against forced evictions and displacement.

Local News

Makoko Demolition: Residents Protest, Demand End to Evictions

By: Aremu Toyeebaht Protests over the ongoing demolition of waterfront settlements in Makoko, Lagos, escalated yesterday as community leaders and displaced residents took their grievances to major public spaces, demanding an immediate halt to what they describe as unlawful and inhumane evictions. Marching through Underbridge, Ikeja, and the Lagos State House of Assembly, the protesters condemned the destruction of homes across several waterfront communities, including Owode Onirin, Tomoro, Ayetoro, Oko Agbon, Okobaba and Oworonshoki. They said the demolitions have rendered […]

January 29, 2026