Prime Newsng, Abuja, Abuja (2026)

13/03/2026

"We heard money was given to Senator Ireti Kingibe from the national just before the election so that she can add whatever she wants to add and see how she can assist us during the election. But we did not see anything." — Omale Sule, AMAC ADC chairman

14/01/2026

NELFund Moves to Settle Nearly ₦928m in Student Arrears

The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund) has announced plans to clear outstanding arrears amounting to about ₦928 million owed to more than 11,000 students under its loan scheme. The unpaid sums relate mainly to upkeep allowances for beneficiaries during the 2024/2025 academic session.

According to NELFund, the delay in payments was caused by a series of operational and technical challenges, including network failures, unsuccessful transactions, and difficulties verifying bank account details submitted by some students. These issues left thousands of beneficiaries without their expected allowances despite being approved for the scheme.

The fund said it has been working closely with tertiary institutions to resolve the problem, urging affected students to update their information where necessary. Officials noted that responses from several institutions have already been received, paving the way for the clearance of the outstanding payments.

NELFund added that since the launch of the student loan programme, it has disbursed substantial funds to support students across the country, describing the scheme as a key intervention aimed at improving access to higher education. The fund said the identification of the arrears followed a reconciliation exercise to ensure transparency and accountability.

Reassuring beneficiaries, NELFund stated that arrangements are in place to settle all verified arrears promptly. It also pledged to strengthen its payment and verification processes to prevent similar delays in future disbursements and ensure smoother operations going forward.

14/01/2026

Labour Union Threatens Nationwide Action as Govt Halts Salaries of Striking Health Workers

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to stop the salaries of striking members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning that the move could lead to nationwide industrial action. The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, enforces a “no work, no pay” policy and orders the suspension of salaries for health workers participating in the ongoing strike.

TUC President Festus Osifo described the government’s action as provocative and counterproductive, accusing authorities of resorting to intimidation rather than constructive dialogue. He said the stoppage of salaries would worsen the economic hardship faced by workers and undermine morale in the already strained health sector. According to him, punishing workers for exercising their right to strike contradicts the principles of fair industrial relations.

The labour centre also criticised the use of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System to enforce the salary stoppage, calling it an abuse of government machinery. TUC maintained that genuine negotiations cannot take place in an atmosphere of coercion and warned that Nigerian workers have historically resisted attempts to force compliance through hunger and threats.

Osifo demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular authorising the salary stoppage and called for the restoration of all withheld wages. He issued an ultimatum to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to return to meaningful negotiations, cautioning that failure to do so could compel the TUC to mobilise its affiliates across the country for decisive action.

The dispute adds to growing industrial tensions in Nigeria’s health sector, where JOHESU and other unions remain on strike over unresolved welfare and salary issues. The standoff highlights ongoing friction between organised labour and the government over workers’ rights, negotiation processes, and the treatment of essential service providers.

14/01/2026

FG Signs Historic Renegotiated Agreement With ASUU, Aiming to End Years of University Strikes

The Federal Government has formally signed a long-awaited renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), signalling a major step toward resolving the persistent industrial disputes that have disrupted Nigeria’s public universities. The agreement was unveiled at a ceremony held at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) headquarters in Abuja.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said the new pact is the outcome of prolonged negotiations between the government and ASUU. According to them, the agreement addresses unresolved issues stemming from the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement, whose poor implementation had triggered repeated strikes over the years.

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, welcomed the development but urged the Federal Government to ensure full and timely implementation of all provisions in the agreement. He noted that while the union remains cautiously optimistic, its position has been shaped by past experiences where signed agreements were not fully honoured.

Dr. Alausa described the signing as a decisive turning point for Nigeria’s tertiary education system, stressing the administration’s commitment to improving working conditions for lecturers and guaranteeing uninterrupted academic calendars. He added that the agreement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to reposition public universities for quality teaching, research, and global competitiveness.

While detailed provisions were not fully disclosed at the event, the renegotiated agreement is understood to include a significant salary review for academic staff, improved allowances, and enhanced support for research and professional development. The measures are expected to take effect from January 2026 and are aimed at restoring stability and confidence in the country’s public university system.

14/01/2026

Niger State Government Orders Evacuation Around Kainji Lake Ahead of Security Operation

The Niger State Government has ordered residents of communities located around Kainji Lake and surrounding forest areas to vacate their homes within two months ahead of a planned security operation. Governor Umaru Bago issued the directive as part of efforts to combat rising insecurity and dismantle criminal hideouts believed to exist within the forests.

The governor made the announcement during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Dantoro. He explained that the temporary evacuation would allow security forces to carry out a thorough operation without endangering civilians. According to him, affected residents will be resettled by the state government in safer locations through arrangements coordinated with traditional authorities.

Governor Bago linked the decision to recent attacks in parts of Borgu and Agwara local government areas, where banditry and violent crimes have resulted in loss of lives and kidnappings. He said criminal elements have taken advantage of the difficult terrain around Kainji Lake to establish hideouts, making it necessary for government to take decisive action.

The governor also raised concerns about the influx of unverified individuals into the area, noting that such movements have complicated security efforts. He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies and assist in identifying informants or individuals aiding criminal groups.

Traditional leaders, including the Emir of Borgu, expressed support for the government’s plan and pledged cooperation to ensure a successful operation. The state government reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace, assuring residents that the relocation process would be handled humanely and with their safety as a priority.

14/01/2026

US Halts Visa Processing for 75 Countries as Nigeria, Russia Among Those Affected

The United States has announced a temporary pause in visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Nigeria and Russia. The decision follows a directive from the US State Department instructing embassies and consulates worldwide to suspend the issuance of certain visas while a broader review of immigration screening procedures is carried out.

According to reports, the suspension is part of efforts to strengthen the enforcement of existing immigration laws, particularly provisions related to applicants who may become dependent on public assistance. US authorities say the review is aimed at tightening vetting standards and ensuring that visa applicants meet stricter eligibility requirements.

The countries affected span multiple regions across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. While Nigeria and Russia are among those listed, other nations reportedly impacted include Somalia, Iran, Afghanistan and several others. The full official list of the 75 countries has not yet been formally released by the US government.

For prospective travelers, students and workers from affected countries, the pause introduces significant uncertainty. Individuals who already hold valid US visas are generally not affected by the suspension, but new visa applications and renewals are expected to face delays until the review process is concluded.

The move represents another major shift in US immigration policy and signals a tougher stance on visa approvals. US officials have not indicated when normal visa processing will resume, leaving many applicants and governments awaiting further guidance as the review continues.

14/01/2026

Impeachment Push Weakens as Additional Rivers Lawmakers Withdraw Support, Urging Peaceful

Two more members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have publicly withdrawn their backing for the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The lawmakers, Barile Nwakoh (Khana Constituency I) and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II), appealed to their colleagues to suspend the impeachment process in favour of dialogue and peaceful resolution during a press briefing in Port Harcourt. Their announcement comes amid an escalating political crisis in the oil-rich South-South state.

This latest shift follows a similar decision by two other legislators, Sylvanus Nwankwo (Minority Leader, Omuma Constituency) and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency), who within the past 24 hours also distanced themselves from the impeachment move. These withdrawals now mean that four lawmakers out of the original 26 signatories have recanted their support for the impeachment notice, signaling internal divisions within the Assembly’s majority bloc.

While Nwakoh and Amadi acknowledged allegations that Fubara and his deputy may have breached constitutional provisions, they emphasised that recent interventions by respected state leaders and stakeholders influenced their decision to step back. Both lawmakers urged their colleagues to prioritise peace, stability and democratic governance over confrontation, suggesting there are still alternatives to removing the state’s top executive via impeachment.

The impeachment proceedings were formally initiated last week when the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced actions against the governor and his deputy over purported gross misconduct. The crisis reflects deepening tensions between the state executive and legislative arms, further complicated by factional loyalty and the broader political struggles within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

As the Assembly prepares to reconvene on January 15, 2026, attention is now on how the leadership will handle the widening rift and whether additional lawmakers might follow suit in withdrawing support. The evolving dynamics suggest growing calls among politicians and stakeholders for diplomatic engagement rather than prolonged impeachment battles that could further destabilise governance in Rivers State.

06/01/2026

“ I am giving my word now: if Peter Obi is running with anyone as a vice-presidential candidate in 2027, I will work against that ticket. Why are we always asking the best to be second?” — Aisha Yesufu

01/01/2026

VIDEO: Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu vows Israel will open new front to defend persecuted christian communities in Africa and the Middle East, with particular focus on Nigeria, in new year’s address

25/12/2025

VIDEO: Season’s greetings from the Super Eagles family to all Nigerians

24/12/2025

Afrobeats Star Davido Makes Official Entry Into Nigerian Politics, Joins Accord Party.

Afrobeats sensation David “Davido” Adeleke has taken a significant step into formal politics by announcing his decision to join the Accord Party in Nigeria. The globally popular musician disclosed on his verified X account that he plans to travel to Osun State to collect his party membership card, marking the beginning of his active involvement in partisan politics.

Davido’s move into politics is closely tied to the recent shift of his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who earlier this month left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and adopted the Accord Party as his political platform ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The governor’s defection was driven by internal leadership issues within the PDP at the national level and a desire to pursue his re-election under a new banner.

In the social media announcement, Davido wrote that he would be live in Osun to pick up his Accord Party membership card at Imole House in Osogbo, underscoring his readiness to formalize his political affiliation. His declaration has generated widespread attention across social media and traditional news outlets, highlighting how celebrity influence intersects with Nigerian politics.

Analysts and observers note that Davido’s registration with the Accord Party may offer fresh visibility and momentum to the party’s profile, especially as his uncle prepares for another electoral contest. The governor has already secured the party’s nomination for the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race, amplifying the significance of Davido’s political alignment.

Davido, widely known for hit songs like “Unavailable” and his leadership of the DMW record label, has historically supported his uncle’s political campaigns. His newly declared political affiliation continues a pattern of close family and political collaboration, marking an important shift from entertainment into formal civic engagement.

24/12/2025

VIDEO: The Moment Government Officials Welcome Seyi Tinubu on Arrival at the Airport

Prime Newsng

13/03/2026

14/01/2026

14/01/2026

14/01/2026

14/01/2026

14/01/2026

14/01/2026

06/01/2026

01/01/2026

25/12/2025

24/12/2025

24/12/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category