News – Page 25 – Democracy Radio

SEC headquarters in Nigeria, where new minimum capital rules for brokers, fund managers, and fintech firms were announced.

SEC Sets Higher Capital Thresholds for Market Operators

By: Aremu Toyeebaht Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched the most significant revision of minimum capital requirements for capital market operators since 2015, in a move to strengthen market stability and protect investors. The new rules, outlined in a circular issued on January 16, 2026, give operators until June 30, 2027 to comply with the updated framework. According to the SEC, the reforms apply to brokers, dealers, fund managers, issuing houses, fintech firms, digital asset operators, and market […]

January 16, 2026

Portrait of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, Chief Imam of Yelwa, Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Local News

Heroic Imam Abubakar Abdullahi Dies in Plateau

By: Aremu Toyeebaht Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, has died, the state government announced on Friday. The late cleric gained national and international recognition in June 2018, when armed attackers stormed Barkin Ladi communities. Imam Abdullahi opened his mosque and home to shelter hundreds of Christians, reportedly saving nearly 300 lives, refusing to hand them over despite threats to his own life. His courage earned him global recognition, including the […]

January 16, 2026

World News

Ugandan Opposition, Bobi Wine on House Arrest after Election

By: Aremu Toyeebaht Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest on Friday, a day after national elections that early official results show heavily favour President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking to prolong his nearly four-decade rule. Museveni, in power since 1986, has been accused of “brutal repression” of opposition voices ahead of the vote. His government also enforced a nationwide internet blackout during the election period, drawing criticism from rights groups. According to the Electoral Commission, with […]

January 16, 2026

Education

Kaduna Advances Life Skills Education for Girls under AGILE Project

By Olorunyomi Adetinuyo Kaduna State is set to institutionalize life skills education across its public schools, aimed at equiping young people, particularly girls, with the tools to navigate life beyond the classroom. This initiative was highlighted at a recent media briefing in Abuja, organized by the Centre for Girls’ Education (CGE) in collaboration with the AGILE Project, supported by the World Bank. Speaking on behalf of CGE Executive Director Habiba Mohammed, Deputy Director Maryam Albashir emphasized that the meeting marked a […]

January 16, 2026

Security

Minority Caucus Urges FG to Boost Military Welfare, Equipment

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to urgently improve the welfare of the armed forces and provide enhanced security equipment to enable them effectively tackle rising insecurity across the country. The Caucus made the call in a statement on the occasion of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day to honour the sacrifices of past and present military personnel. They paid tribute to Nigeria’s gallant soldiers who “paid the ultimate prize” […]

January 16, 2026

Business

Kalu Urges United Action to Tackle Food Insecurity

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for urgent and coordinated action by stakeholders across the agriculture value chain to address Nigeria’s food security challenges. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) on Thursday in Abuja, Kalu stressed that agriculture must be treated as a national priority, not a peripheral sector, describing it as central to economic stability, job creation, and social cohesion. He said […]

January 15, 2026

Security

Speaker Abbas salutes Nigeria’s Armed Forces Sacrifice

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courage, discipline and commitment in defending the country against internal and external threats. In a message issued on Thursday to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Speaker paid tribute to officers and men who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as national heroes whose sacrifices must not be forgotten. The message, conveyed by his […]

January 15, 2026

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Economy

VAT on Bank Charges Not New – NRS

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) says Value-Added Tax (VAT) on bank charges is not a new policy and was not introduced by the Nigeria Tax Act. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Service describes claims of a fresh VAT burden on banking transactions as inaccurate. It clarifies that VAT has long applied to fees, commissions and charges for services provided by banks and other financial institutions under Nigeria’s existing VAT framework. According to the NRS, VAT […]

January 15, 2026 2

General

Reps Pledges Continued Support for Nigerian Armed Forces

By Oluwakemi Kindness The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing policies, legislation, and oversight measures that strengthen the welfare, capacity, and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The assurance came as the House joined Nigerians in commemorating the newly designated Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi Jnr, the legislature paid tribute to officers and men of the Armed Forces, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence […]

January 15, 2026