News – Page 5 – Democracy Radio

Civil society leaders in Abuja condemning Senate for weakening Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, calling for mandatory electronic transmission and realistic timelines.

Civil Society Condemns Senate Over Watered-Down Electoral Bill

By Julian Osamoto The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed concern over the Senate’s passage of a watered-down version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, warning that the changes could undermine transparency, credibility, and public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections. Briefing Journalists in Abuja, Celestine Odo, Co-Convener of the Situation Room, said the Senate’s amendments depart substantially from the progressive reforms agreed by the Joint National Assembly Committees on Electoral Matters, following extensive consultations with stakeholders. […]

February 6, 2026

Economy

House Queries ₦14.3bn Finance Ministry 2026 Budget Over Capital Spending

By Oluwakemi Kindness The House of Representatives has queried the ₦14.325 billion proposed 2026 budget of the Federal Ministry of Finance over alleged discrepancies in its capital expenditure component. Lawmakers raised the concerns during a budget defence session at the National Assembly with the committee on Finance, questioning the structure of the capital vote and describing some of the figures as inconsistent with standard budget projections. A breakdown of the proposal shows ₦4.5 billion allocated for personnel costs, ₦4.6 billion […]

February 6, 2026

Economy

Lawmakers Query ₦470m Foreign Travel Spending Despite Presidential Ban

By Oluwakemi Kindness Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have queried the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc over ₦470 million spe9nt on foreign travel and training in 2025, despite a presidential directive restricting overseas trips by government officials. The issue was raised on Thursday during the 2025 budget performance review of NBET by the House Committee on Finance, where members cited a directive issued by the Chief of Staff to the President banning non-essential foreign travels across government agencies. […]

February 6, 2026

Economy

House Threatens Arrest Over ₦100bn FCT Area Council Audit Infractions

By Oluwakemi Kindness The House of Representatives has threatened to order the arrest of the chairmen of the six Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and their Finance Directors over alleged financial infractions exceeding ₦100 billion. The threat followed the submission of an audit report by the Auditor-General for the FCT Area Councils to the House Public Accounts Committee (PAC), indicting Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali Area Councils. The audit report for the year ended 31 December […]

February 6, 2026

Security

Kalu Condemns Fresh Killings in Kwara, Katsina, Benue

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has condemned the recent killings in Kwara, Katsina and Benue states, describing the attacks as senseless, barbaric and unacceptable. In a statement on Thursday, Kalu expresses deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction of property caused by the violent incidents. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the affected communities. The statement by Udora Orizu, Special Adviser on Press Affairs, […]

February 6, 2026

Politics

Adopt House Version of Electoral Amendment Bill – CNPP to Senate

By Chinedu Echianu The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the National Assembly’s Conference Committee to adopt the House of Representatives’ version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026. A statement signed by CNPP's Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema on Thursday warns that failure to mandate electronic transmission of election results could undermine Nigeria’s democracy. CNPP, an umbrella body for registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria, says the House version of the bill, […]

February 6, 2026

Features

Minister Charges New Fire Officers on Proactive Disaster Management

By Sulyman Gobir The Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has emphasised the need for proactive disaster management and improved emergency response across the country. Tunji-Ojo, handed down the charge as the Federal Fire Service (FFS) graduated its largest officer training cohort in recent years. Represented by the Secretary to the Board, Major General A.M. Jibril (rtd), the Minister charged the newly trained officers to uphold discipline, […]

February 6, 2026

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Sport

CNS Spikers, Customs Shine on Day 3 of NVBF Super Cup

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso CNS Spikers and Nigeria Customs Service delivered standout performances on Day 3 of the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup in Abuja, with both sides emerging victorious in thrilling five-set encounters that highlighted the growing intensity of the competition. CNS Spikers were pushed to the limit before securing a dramatic 3–2 victory over Nigeria Correctional Service in one of the tournament’s most captivating matches. The Spikers set the tone early, claiming the opening set 25–18 […]

February 5, 2026 2

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Sport

NVBF Launches Anti-Doping Program, Plans League Testing

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has launched a comprehensive anti-doping education programme in Abuja and announced plans to introduce doping tests in the Premier League starting in 2026. The initiative, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, brought together players, coaches, and officials from over 10 clubs participating in the 2025 NVBF Super Cup. Athletes were reminded that ignorance of anti-doping rules is no excuse. “Early and continuous education is essential. Athletes must be mindful of everything […]

February 5, 2026 2