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Tinubu Declares Poverty, Insecurity National Emergencies

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"I Was Sitting on a Hot Burner" — Tinubu Defends Fuel Subsidy Removal
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Declares Poverty, Insecurity National Emergencies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally declared poverty and insecurity as national emergencies, warning that both challenges now pose serious threats to Nigeria’s stability, economic growth and social development.

The President made the declaration during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. He said Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful progress if citizens continue to face insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions, stressing that economic hardship and insecurity are directly undermining productivity across key sectors.

According to him, “There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives, where wages cannot feed a family, or where insecurity disrupts farms, factories, markets, and other economic activities.” He added that the Federal Government now treats both poverty and insecurity as national emergencies due to their impact on livelihoods, investor confidence and national development.

On security response, the administration said it has expanded its efforts through the Community Protection Guards Initiative, under which about 45,000 young Nigerians have been mobilised to support grassroots security operations. The government explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen local intelligence gathering, improve response to threats, and assist conventional security agencies in tackling banditry, kidnapping and rural violence. It added that the strategy forms part of wider reforms aimed at restoring safety in farming communities and major transport routes affected by insecurity.

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On social welfare, Tinubu referenced ongoing interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that the government has expanded its cash transfer scheme to 15 million households nationwide. According to the Presidency, the programme is aimed at cushioning the impact of inflation and reducing extreme poverty, with projections that about 7.5 million Nigerians could be lifted out of severe hardship. The administration also highlighted additional measures such as small business support schemes, micro-credit facilities and financial inclusion programmes targeted at vulnerable households and informal workers.

On infrastructure and job creation, the President pointed to major projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline as key drivers of economic recovery. He said ongoing infrastructure investments have generated an estimated 600,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, across construction, logistics and allied sectors. Tinubu added that improved infrastructure remains essential for attracting investment, boosting productivity and strengthening industrial growth.

On labour and welfare reforms, the President confirmed that the new national minimum wage is being implemented across government institutions, alongside efforts to clear outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees. He also announced the reintroduction of gratuity payments for public servants, which commenced in January 2026 as part of pension reforms. In addition, over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled into micro-pension schemes, while a ₦200 billion MSME support fund has been deployed to strengthen small businesses nationwide.

On agriculture and food security, the government said about 10,000 Agro-Rangers have been deployed under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect farmers in 19 states affected by insecurity. The initiative is being supported by financing from the Bank of Agriculture and mechanisation programmes aimed at increasing food production and reducing import dependence. Officials said the goal is to stabilise food supply chains disrupted by insecurity and improve rural livelihoods.

On industrial relations, Tinubu urged dialogue with organised labour, noting concerns raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over inflation and hardship. He called on labour leaders to prioritise negotiation over strikes, stressing that industrial action should remain a last resort. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving working conditions and ensuring fair wages, dignity and workplace safety for Nigerian workers.

The Presidency maintained that the declaration of poverty and insecurity as national emergencies reflects a renewed commitment to reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and improving citizens’ welfare. It added that the combination of security interventions, social protection programmes and infrastructure development is intended to reposition Nigeria for long-term sustainable growth.

Tinubu Declares Poverty, Insecurity National Emergencies

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Elderly Man Flung to Death as Truck Overturns in Lagos

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Elderly Man Flung to Death as Truck Overturns in Lagos

Elderly Man Flung to Death as Truck Overturns in Lagos

An elderly man has died after being flung out of a moving truck that overturned following a tyre burst around the TREM axis of Gbagada, inward Oshodi, Lagos State.

The fatal accident occurred around midnight on Sunday, November 8, 2026, involving a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz six-tyre truck conveying assorted goods, including sealed bags and newly branded event chairs.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed the incident in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.

According to the agency, preliminary findings indicated that the truck, with registration number ABJ 37 AC, was travelling at considerable speed when one of its front tyres suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

During the ensuing struggle to stabilise the truck, an elderly male passenger seated in the front cabin was thrown out of the vehicle.

He reportedly struck his head against a sharp object, sustaining fatal injuries and dying at the scene.

LASTMA said its Night Rescue Team, which was conducting surveillance along major traffic corridors, promptly mobilised to the accident location, cordoned off the area and evacuated the deceased from the busy carriageway.

The body was subsequently moved into an ambulance operated by the Lagos State Emergency Medical Services to prevent further exposure to approaching motorists and reduce the risk of another accident.

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Personnel of the Pedro Police Division and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also participated in the emergency response.

The traffic management agency said its operatives deployed traffic cones and emergency warning signals around the scene to alert approaching motorists and ensure the safe movement of other road users.

However, the overturned truck could not be immediately recovered because of the volume and nature of its cargo.

LASTMA explained that arrangements had to be made to transfer the goods into another empty truck before the accident vehicle could be removed from the road.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the fatality as a painful and avoidable loss.

Bakare-Oki condemned excessive speeding, warning that it reduces drivers’ reaction time, compromises vehicle stability and increases the severity of road accidents, particularly when unexpected mechanical failures occur.

He said the consequences of the crash could potentially have been less severe if the truck had been travelling at a controlled speed, despite the sudden tyre burst.

The LASTMA boss urged operators of heavy-duty vehicles, commercial transporters and other motorists to observe speed limits and conduct regular mechanical inspections before embarking on journeys.

He specifically advised truck operators to pay attention to the condition of their tyres, braking systems and other critical vehicle components to reduce the risk of road crashes.

He also urged drivers to remain composed and apply appropriate vehicle-control techniques when confronted with sudden mechanical failures.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to traffic surveillance, prompt emergency response and collaboration with relevant authorities to protect lives and property across Lagos State.

Elderly Man Flung to Death as Truck Overturns in Lagos

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Zamfara: Bandits Allegedly Burn 13 Family Members Alive After Locking Them Inside Room

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Bandits Demand N30m Ransom for Six Abducted Clerics in Zamfara

Zamfara: Bandits Allegedly Burn 13 Family Members Alive After Locking Them Inside Room

 

By Newstrends Correspondent

 

MARADUN, Zamfara State – Tragedy has reportedly struck Gidan Taba community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State after suspected bandits allegedly killed 13 members of the same family by locking them inside a room and setting their house ablaze.

 

The victims were identified as Sani Ɗanwawo and 12 members of his family, who reportedly died in the inferno during an attack on Saturday night, November 7, 2026.

 

According to a report published by Daily Post on Sunday, November 8, the attackers allegedly confined all 13 occupants inside a room before setting the building on fire, leaving them with no opportunity to escape.

 

The incident was disclosed by Bakatsine, a security and conflict reporter who monitors banditry and other security developments in Nigeria’s North-West region, in a post on X.

 

The reported killing represents another disturbing incident in Zamfara State, which has continued to experience attacks by armed groups, including killings, kidnappings and destruction of property.

 

Maradun Local Government Area and other parts of the state have witnessed repeated security challenges, leaving residents exposed to violence and displacement.

 

However, details surrounding the latest incident, including the identities of all the victims and possible reactions from security agencies, remain unclear.

 

As of the time of filing this report, independent confirmation of the reported 13 deaths from the Zamfara State Police Command or other security authorities had not been established.

 

Zamfara: Bandits Allegedly Burn 13 Family Members Alive After Locking Them Inside Room

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[ICYMI] Lagos Summons DisCos, Regulators Over Persistent Power Outages, Seeks 24-Hour Electricity

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Is Nigeria's Electricity Tariff Going Up? FG Finally Breaks Silence

Lagos Summons DisCos, Regulators Over Persistent Power Outages, Seeks 24-Hour Electricity

 

By Newstrends Correspondent

 

The Lagos State Government has summoned electricity regulators, distribution companies (DisCos), power resellers and suppliers to a major energy summit aimed at addressing persistent electricity shortages and finding lasting solutions to the state’s unreliable power supply.

 

The initiative is part of efforts to develop a roadmap towards achieving reliable, round-the-clock electricity across Lagos State, amid growing complaints from residents and businesses over frequent power outages.

 

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 Lagos Energy Summit.

 

The summit, themed “Lagos Energy Evolution: Transforming the Future,” is scheduled for November 10 and 11, while a technical tour will take place on November 12 at selected energy infrastructure facilities.

 

Ogunleye said the gathering would bring together critical stakeholders across the electricity value chain to examine structural challenges affecting the sector and develop practical solutions capable of improving electricity supply.

 

He explained that discussions would focus on electricity sector reforms, energy efficiency, renewable energy, metering solutions and alternative sources of power.

 

According to the commissioner, the government intends to move beyond policy declarations and ensure that the summit produces practical outcomes that can improve electricity access and strengthen Lagos’ energy infrastructure.

 

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibilola Kasumu, said the summit would adopt a different approach from conventional industry gatherings by placing actual problems before experts for possible solutions.

 

She explained that the objective was to bring stakeholders together to identify challenges within the electricity value chain and develop workable strategies for addressing them.

 

Kasumu added that the government hoped to establish a framework for reliable electricity supply that could eventually serve as a model for other states.

 

Ogunleye also disclosed that the Lagos State Government was engaging the Federal Government on issues surrounding their respective regulatory responsibilities and the need to strengthen the state’s control over its electricity infrastructure.

 

The discussions are expected to cover the development of renewable energy, alternative power sources and other initiatives that could reduce dependence on conventional electricity generation.

 

The summit will also showcase clean-energy innovations by young Nigerians, including projects and prototypes developed by secondary school students.

 

The development comes amid persistent complaints by Lagos residents over erratic electricity supply, which has continued to affect households, commercial activities and small businesses across the state.

 

The Lagos government says achieving a more reliable energy system is essential to supporting economic growth, attracting investment and advancing its ambition of building a 24-hour economy.

 

However, residents will be watching closely to see whether the summit produces concrete measures capable of addressing the electricity challenges affecting communities across Lagos.

 

Lagos Summons DisCos, Regulators Over Persistent Power Outages, Seeks 24-Hour Electricity

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