Author: Opalim Lifted

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, unauthorised data modification and extortion, following an enforcement operation that resulted in several arrests and the seizure of illegal registration equipment. The operation, conducted by NIMC’s Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU), targeted suspected illegal enrolment activities in Gwagwalada, Abuja, and other locations. The commission said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate unauthorised registration practices and unethical activities capable of undermining the integrity, security and credibility of Nigeria’s National Identity Management System. NIMC warned that many challenges experienced by Nigerians…

The Federal Government has introduced a USSD-based consumer credit service that will allow Nigerians to access loans using basic mobile phones without internet access or smartphones. The service, known as SPARK, was unveiled by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to expand access to consumer loans, particularly for first-time borrowers with little or no formal credit history. CREDICORP announced *347*333# as the USSD code for accessing the service. However, nationwide availability has not yet been confirmed, with the corporation expecting a wider rollout before the end of 2026. The initiative is designed to help borrowers establish repayment records, strengthen their…

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted tentative approval to a cheaper generic version of a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, paving the way for wider access to the drug in 120 low- and middle-income countries. The generic version of lenacapavir, developed by Indian pharmaceutical company Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, is expected to cost $40 per person annually under a pricing agreement involving global health organisations. The announcement was made on Monday, November 2, 2026, by Dr. Reddy’s and Unitaid, a global health initiative. The development could significantly improve access to HIV prevention, particularly in countries where the high…

Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), says the portal for the 2026 petroleum licensing round will officially open on November 20. Eyesan spoke on Monday at the 2026 ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. On October 7, the NUPRC announced the commencement of the 2026 licensing round, with 40 oil and gas blocks on offer. Speaking at the conference, Eyesan said Nigeria was expecting investors to take advantage of the opportunities in its oil and gas sector. “We are going in for another licensing round and we will…

Nine people have died after a private Learjet crashed into a residential area in Palm Beach County, Florida, in the United States, triggering a massive explosion. The aircraft, a Learjet 60, crashed on Sunday afternoon, November 1, near Lake Worth Beach, according to US transportation officials. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the jet had departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. Videos circulating on social media showed the aircraft plunging towards the ground beside a road before bursting into flames. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine…

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, says the ruling party will not suppress protests against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that dissenting views are essential to democracy. Yilwatda said Nigerians and opposition groups must be allowed to express their political opinions without facing automatic arrest or intimidation. The APC chairman made the remarks at the weekend while receiving a pre-election fact-finding mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by former Sierra Leone Vice-President Victor Bockarie Foh. He said the APC’s position was informed by its understanding of democratic competition…

Binance has announced plans to begin restoring cryptocurrency withdrawal services in phases from November 1, after replacing approximately 95 per cent of funds affected by a security incident. The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by market capitalisation disclosed this in its fourth recovery update published on X on Sunday. Binance said deposits remain open and have not been affected by the incident, while the initial withdrawal restoration phase is scheduled to begin between 6am and 9am Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Additional networks and digital assets will become available as they pass security and operational readiness checks. “We are taking a phased…

Arsenal took advantage of Manchester City’s defeat by Brighton as they edged a thrilling encounter at Liverpool to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League. Back-to-back losses for City handed the Gunners the opportunity to seize control of the title race, but they faced a difficult task against a rapidly improving Reds. They broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Declan Rice’s ball across the face of goal was turned in by Kai Havertz at the back post. But after that Arsenal had to withstand wave after wave of Liverpool attacks for the rest of…

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has blamed North Korea for the theft of more than $6 billion in virtual assets from cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The FBI identified a North Korean-linked hacking operation known as TraderTraitor as responsible for the massive cryptocurrency theft, which occurred around October 29, 2026. In a statement released on Saturday, October 31, the agency said its investigations had linked the operation to North Korea. “The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is releasing information advising the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) was responsible for the theft of more than $6 billion USD…

Kemi Badenoch, leader of Britain’s Conservative Party, has rejected calls for a formal apology over the country’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, saying African kingdoms and merchants also participated in the trade. Badenoch said Britain should acknowledge the full history of slavery rather than focus on politically convenient aspects. She was reacting to comments by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who said he was open to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the country. In an opinion article published in The Guardian on Friday, Burnham described the slave trade as a “brutal and barbaric violation” against enslaved…