News Review

Tompolo and HOSTCOM Leaders Declare Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election, Applaud His Efforts in Combating Oil Theft, Revitalizing Niger Delta Economy, and Promoting National Stability ABUJA – The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), alongside Tantita Security Services founder Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, have declared their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The endorsement was announced on Monday at a press conference in Abuja by HOSTCOM National President Dr. Benjamin Tamaranebi, accompanied by key traditional rulers and community leaders. Advertisement Tamaranebi stated that stakeholders in the Niger Delta unanimously backed Tinubu due to his administration’s success in tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism, issues that had long crippled Nigeria’s economy. “No vacancy in Aso Rock,” he declared, emphasizing that Tinubu’s policies have revitalized the oil and gas sector and stabilized the nation. The HOS...

"BlackRock CEO Warns U.S. Dollar’s Global Reserve Status at Risk as Bitcoin and Digital Assets Gain Traction" In his 2025 annual letter, BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink cautioned that Bitcoin could threaten the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency. “If the U.S. doesn’t control its debt and deficits keep soaring, America risks losing its financial dominance to digital assets like Bitcoin,” Fink wrote in BlackRock’s March 2025 letter. The statement marks a major shift from the head of the world’s largest asset manager, who repeatedly referenced Bitcoin (seven times) and the dollar (eight times) in the letter, underscoring the rising influence of digital currencies. Advertisement BlackRock framed Bitcoin as both an innovation and a risk, warning that if investors see it as a more stable store of value than the dollar, it could weaken U.S. financial leadership. Fink emphasized that “two things can be true at the same time,” acknowledging both the promise ...

NAFDAC Reopens Bridgehead Medicine Market in Onitsha After Month-Long Closure for Sanitisation and Regulatory Compliance The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reopened the Bridgehead medicine market in Onitsha on March 7, following a month-long closure for sanitisation. Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC's Southeast Director, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday. The market, along with Ogbo Ogwu and three adjacent markets, had been shut from February 10 to March 7 to streamline the medicine distribution system. Advertisement Iluyomade clarified that all shop owners must meet administrative conditions before their previously sealed stores could be reopened. This measure, he said, aims to prevent future irregularities. He reiterated that the market was not permanently closed, as some reports suggested, but undergoing a structured reopening process. A special NAFDAC desk has been set up to expe...

President Tinubu Extends Kemi Nandap’s Tenure as Nigeria’s Immigration Chief Until 2026, Commends Leadership in Border Management and National Security President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap’s tenure until December 31, 2026. Nandap, who joined the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with her initial term set to end on August 31, 2025. Advertisement In a statement on Monday, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga announced the extension, highlighting Tinubu’s commendation of Nandap’s leadership. He praised her efforts in strengthening border management, modernising immigration processes, and enhancing national security. The president urged her to continue aligning the NIS’s strategic priorities with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the agency in securing Nigeria’s borders and ensuring safe, legal migration. Follow New...

  Governor Adeleke Issues Fresh Warning to Osun Monarchs, Threatens Removal of Traditional Rulers in Communities Where Violence Resurfaces Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday, issued a stern warning to traditional rulers in the crisis-prone communities of Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin-Osun, threatening removal if violence resurfaces in their domains. The governor had previously cautioned the traditional rulers over the spate of violent clashes in their towns before easing the curfew from 24 hours to 17 hours last week. However, following intelligence reports of plans by unidentified individuals to launch fresh attacks, Adeleke declared that any monarch whose community experiences renewed violence would be stripped of their title. Advertisement A statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, read in part: “In the midst of Sallah celebrations, I received reports of some people planning another round of conflict in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun. Security agencies have intensif...

Federal Government Shuts Down Marina-Bound Independence Bridge from April 1 to May 2025 for Major Repairs LAGOS – The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Marina-bound section of Independence Bridge starting April 1 for essential maintenance and rehabilitation. Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, confirmed the closure in a statement on Monday, noting that repairs will continue until the end of May 2025. Advertisement The shutdown will impact traffic from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan (Zone 2). Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to ease congestion. Kesha apologized for any inconvenience and urged public cooperation, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring road safety and stability. Follow News Review on Facebook and X

UK Implements Mandatory Entry Permit for European Travelers Starting Wednesday 2nd of April 2025, Aims to Strengthen Border Security and Streamline Immigration London, UK - In a significant shift to its travel regulations, the United Kingdom has implemented a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for European nationals, effective Wednesday. This new requirement, aimed at bolstering border security, necessitates that most European visitors obtain an online permit prior to arrival. The ETA, similar to the United States' ESTA system, is now obligatory for citizens of approximately 30 European countries, excluding Ireland, who are traveling to the UK. The permit, priced at £10 (12 euros) for the initial phase, will increase to £16 from April 9th. Advertisement "By digitizing the immigration system, we are paving the way for a contactless UK border," stated Migration Minister Seema Malhotra, highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing security through ...

Trump Confirms Upcoming Tariffs Will Apply to All Countries, Expanding Beyond Those with Trade Imbalances, as He Defends the Measures as a Fair Response to Unfair Global Trade Practices President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that his upcoming tariffs will apply to all countries, not just those with significant trade imbalances with the United States. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed speculation that the levies would target a select group, insisting, “You’d start with all countries, so let’s see what happens.” He reiterated that the tariffs, set to be unveiled on April 2 dubbed "Liberation Day"   aim to counter what his administration calls unfair trade practices. Advertisement Previously, reports suggested the tariffs would focus on a "Dirty 15" list of nations with persistent trade imbalances. However, Trump said his approach would be more “generous” than the treatment the U.S. has received, adding, "They ripped us off like no country has ever...

Rivers PDP Accuses Sole Administrator of Governance Disruption, Rejects Allegations Against Fubara, Challenges Tinubu’s Emergency Rule Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibom Ibas (retd.), of systematically dismantling governance structures established by suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubara. The party also strongly condemned allegations made by former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, labeling him a "serial betrayer" allegedly acting under the influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers PDP Chairman Nname Ewor criticized the federal government’s decision to impose a state of emergency in the state, arguing that it was unwarranted. Ewor maintained that there was no war, natural disaster, or security crisis severe enough to justify such a drastic measure. He accused the Sole Administrator of working...

EFCC Chairman Olukoyede Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Corruption, Says Nation Has the Strength to Overcome Financial Crimes ABUJA – The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed confidence that Nigerians possess the collective will and capacity to overcome corruption. In his Eid-el-Fitr goodwill message on Sunday, Olukoyede urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in the fight against economic and financial crimes, emphasizing that corruption cannot break the nation’s resolve. Advertisement  “Nigerians are stronger than corruption. No corrupt act can weaken our determination. We have what it takes to confront and conquer economic and financial crimes,” he stated. He encouraged Muslims to embrace the lessons of Ramadan—self-discipline, sacrifice, love, and purity using them as a foundation for rejecting corrupt practices. Olukoyede reassured the public that the EFCC’s anti-corruption fight is progressing, with the agency gaining ...

Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, Governors, and Religious Leaders Urge Nigerians to Sustain Ramadan’s Values of Unity, Compassion, and Good Governance As Muslims across Nigeria celebrated Eid-el-Fitr, prominent leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, state governors, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), urged citizens to uphold the values of peace, unity, and compassion fostered during Ramadan. Tinubu Urges Continued Acts of Kindness President Tinubu, speaking at the Eid Prayer Ground in Abuja, emphasized the importance of sustaining the virtues cultivated during Ramadan. He called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in acts of charity, empathy, and social responsibility beyond the fasting period. Advertisement “We said prayers for our country and our people; we should continue the good deeds as taught by the holy month of Ramadan—caring for the vulnerable, the orphans, and the less privileged. Everything that we...

NDLEA Arrests Lekki Businessman, Intercepts U.S. Drug Shipment, and Destroys Cannabis Farms in Nationwide Crackdown Lagos, Nigeria - A Lekki-based businessman, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, 43, owner of Damillionz Takeout, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for importing large quantities of high-grade cannabis, known as "Loud," from the United States. Ebenezer was apprehended at Bay Lounge on Admiralty Way, Lekki, on Monday, while awaiting a delivery of the illicit substance. The arrest followed the seizure of seven large cartons of cannabis, totaling 32.24 kilograms, at a Lagos logistics company on March 12. A subsequent search of his residence yielded an additional 94 grams of cannabis, a crusher, and other drug paraphernalia. Ebenezer admitted to initiating his drug trafficking operations in 2017. Advertisement In a separate incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, NDLEA agents intercepted Omoruyi Terry attempting to export 1,400 ...

Petrol Prices Hit N960 Per Litre as MRS, Others Adjust Rates Following Dangote Refinery’s Naira-for-Crude Suspension Nigerians are set to pay more for petrol as MRS filling station has implemented a new pricing regime following the recent suspension of naira payments for crude oil by Dangote Refinery. Effective March 28, 2025 , the price of petrol at MRS stations has risen to N930 per litre in Lagos and N960 in northern states , reflecting an increase of N70 to N80 per litre compared to previous rates. The revised prices indicate that petrol will now be sold at N940 per litre in the South-West and Kwara, while the South-South and South-East regions, including Edo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Enugu, will pay N960 per litre . Meanwhile, in the North, states such as Abuja, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Nasarawa will pay N950 per litre , while residents of Zamfara, Kano, Jos, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe, and Yobe will ...

"Gospel Musicians Should Be Paid for Their Ministry, Not Just Applauded – Kas Beats Backs His Stance with Scripture" Renowned singer and evangelist Kas Shobayo, popularly known as Kas Beats, has called for proper compensation for gospel musicians, emphasizing that they are ministers, not mere entertainers. In an interview with Pot-pourri , Kas cited biblical references, including 1 Timothy 5:18 and 1 Corinthians 9:11, to support his stance that those who serve through music ministry should be financially supported. Advertisement “Musicians in the kingdom of God are ministers. Just as preachers use words, musicians use sound to bring people into God’s presence. If a gift strengthens faith and changes lives, it deserves to be honored,” he stated. However, Kas cautioned against those who exploit gospel music for personal gain, warning that such actions contradict true ministry. Sharing a personal experience, he admitted to being swept up by crowd energy in past performances, ...

FRSC Cautions Ogun Motorists Against Carrying Inflammable Items, Overloading, and Reckless Driving During Eid-el-Fitr to Prevent Accidents The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State has cautioned motorists against transporting inflammable substances, such as gas, to prevent fire explosions during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ota, FRSC Ota Unit Commander, Mr. Wasiu Ogunmefun, stressed that the warning was crucial for public safety during the festive period. Advertisement He emphasized that preventing fire outbreaks and explosions on the roads would help protect lives and property. Ogunmefun also urged motorists to drive cautiously on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, which remains under construction. “We urge motorists not to carry any item that could ignite a fire to avoid mishaps on the highway during this period,” he said, adding that drivers should also avoid overspeeding, wrong-way driving, and overloading. Add...

Aliko Dangote Retains Title as Africa’s Richest for 14th Consecutive Year with $23.9 Billion Fortune, as Forbes’ 2024 List Shows Record Wealth Surge Among the Continent’s Billionaires Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote has retained his title as Africa’s richest person for the 14th consecutive year, with his net worth surging to $23.9 billion, according to Forbes' 2024 Africa Billionaires list. His rise, fueled by the inclusion of his newly operational oil refinery, also places him among the world's top 100 richest individuals. Nigeria’s Femi Otedola reentered the rankings with a $1.5 billion fortune, while telecom and oil magnate Mike Adenuga secured the fifth spot in Africa at $6.1 billion. Fellow Nigerian billionaire Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, ranked sixth in Africa with $8.1 billion. Advertisement Africa’s billionaires collectively amassed a record $105 billion, benefiting from a global market rally and gains in cement, luxury goods, power, and telecommunic...

NJC Opposes House Bill Granting NBA Power to Sanction Judges, Cites Constitutional Violations and Risk of Abuse The National Judicial Council (NJC) has raised concerns over a proposed constitutional amendment by the House of Representatives that seeks to grant the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) the power to sanction and remove corrupt judges. On March 25, 2025, the House passed a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution, allowing the NBA to receive and review petitions against judicial officers, consider their defense, and take disciplinary action if necessary. Advertisement Reacting to the bill, NJC Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, questioned its legality, emphasizing that the Constitution assigns the responsibility of disciplining judges to the NJC. She stressed that removing a judge requires due process and credible evidence, warning against potential abuse if the NBA were to assume such powers. Ogedengbe further highlighted the role of public hearings and stakeholder e...