Author: David Great

Nigeria’s passport has climbed to the 88th position in the latest Henley Passport Index, released on July 18, 2025 — its highest placement in five years. The country now ranks 88th out of 199 globally, marking a steady rise from 91st in January 2025 and 92nd in July 2024. Despite the upward trajectory, Nigerian passport holders continue to experience limited travel access, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to only 45 destinations. Nigeria now shares the 88th spot with Ethiopia, Myanmar — an improvement from 97th last year, when it trailed countries like Cameroon, Liberia, Burundi. According to the Henley Passport…

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration following the United States government’s decision to issue a Level 3 travel advisory for Nigeria, urging its citizens to “Reconsider Travel” due to escalating insecurity and a deteriorating healthcare system. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the development as a “national humiliation” and a clear indication of the government’s failure to ensure citizens’ safety and uphold Nigeria’s international image. The party further condemned the prolonged absence of Nigerian ambassadors in strategic global capitals, notably Washington D.C., accusing the Ministry of…

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Dr. Olufemi Martins Thomas, and a Bureau De Change operator, Kabiru Sidi, for fraud amounting to $2,198,900. Justice Ayokunle Faji delivered the judgment on Thursday, July 24, 2025, finding the duo guilty of offences bordering on money laundering and false statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Thomas, who was arraigned on a seven-count amended charge by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC, faced six counts related to money laundering and illegal cash transfers. Sidi…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a formal disclaimer concerning an audio recording circulating on social media. The audio recording falsely claims the agency shut down the Tummy Tummy noodles manufacturing facility in Anambra State. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that the viral recording was not only misleading but also a recycled falsehood. According to her, the same audio first appeared in Oct. 2023 and was thoroughly investigated at the time. “The claims made in the recording are entirely false. Trader sues NAFDAC, demands…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unanimously elected Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman, following the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje. The decision was reached during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting held on Thursday. Here are 10 key things to know about the new APC helmsman: He Replaces Ganduje as APC Chairman Yilwatda takes over the reins from Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned his position to attend to what the party described as “crucial private matters.” He’s Nigeria’s Current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Before his new role as APC Chairman, Yilwatda served as the Minister of…

The House of Representatives has approved a $347 million loan request from President Bola Tinubu to support ongoing national infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The approval was granted during Wednesday’s plenary session after Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the President’s correspondence to lawmakers in the Green Chamber. According to President Tinubu, the additional loan is necessary due to a $47 million increase in the total cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which has risen from $700 million to $747 million. “It is, therefore, necessary to increase the value of the financing for the project by $47m to ensure…

The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to immortalise the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, by naming a national monument in his honour. This resolution followed a motion moved during Wednesday’s plenary by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. The Senate also commended the Federal Government for organising a befitting state funeral for the late president and observed a minute of silence in his memory. While presenting the motion, Bamidele expressed sorrow over Buhari’s death and highlighted his contributions to Nigeria. “As I move this motion today, I am reminded of the transient nature of human life. However, our…

The Medical Guild, the body representing doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, has strongly criticised the recent deductions made from their July 2025 salaries, labelling the move as “clandestine, hostile, and illegal.” In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Guild’s Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Akinade, the doctors expressed shock and disappointment over the deductions, which they say were implemented without prior notice or justification. “The Lagos State Medical Guild has lamented the deduction in our July salary. The government’s action has breached the trust built over time between doctors and state authorities. With this singular action from…

A cholera outbreak has led to the deaths of at least 12 people and the hospitalisation of over 230 others across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Niger State, Nigeria. The outbreak, initially detected on Sunday in Shiroro LGA, has since spread to five other LGAs—Minna, Bosso, Magama, Bisa, and Munya. As of Wednesday, health officials confirmed that 239 individuals were receiving treatment in various primary healthcare centres. To combat the spread, the Niger State Government has opened an isolation centre at the old wing of the Late Sen. Idris Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna. Commissioner for Primary Healthcare,…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday increased its strength in the 10th Senate to 70 members following the defection of four senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The senators—Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South)—formally announced their resignation from the PDP during plenary. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read their letters on the Senate floor and directed the Clerk of the Senate to reflect the changes in the official records. With this development, the current composition of the Senate is as follows: APC – 70,…