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FG to engage US on religious freedom blacklist
The Federal Government says it will open talks with the United States over the latter’s decision to include Nigeria among countries violating religious freedom.
It also rejected the US position that the Nigerian government was suppressing religious freedom.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr Ferdinand Nwonye, said the engagement would afford Nigeria the opportunity to demand the country’s removal from the blacklist.
The statement was in reaction to Monday’s decision by the US to add Nigeria to a religious freedom blacklist, which contains countries with severe religious violations.
It blacklisted Nigeria for “engaging in systematic, ongoing, egregious religious freedom violations.”
The Secretary of State, Mr Mike Pompeo, who announced the measure, said his country would continue to act when religious freedom is attacked.
He explained that the US law requires such designations for nations that either engage in or tolerate “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.”
Other nations on the blacklist are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, China, Iran, Eritrea, Myanmar, North Korea, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
The US State Department in its annual report published earlier this year took note of concerns both at the federal and state levels.
The allegation against Nigeria is that it engaged in mass detention of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, a Shi’ite Muslim group and for disregarding court orders asking it to release the leader of the sect Sheikh Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015 after a clash between the military and members of the sect in Zaria, Kaduna State.
But the Federal Government said Nigeria’s religious liberty had never been in doubt and expressed surprise that the US could designate the country as promoting religious intolerance.
The statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the nation remained multi-religious and multi-ethnic as defined by its constitution.
It said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria received the news with surprise, that a secular country under a democratic government would be so designated. Although the Nigerian state is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, the Nigerian constitution expressly states that the government shall not adopt any religion as state religion.
“Furthermore, section 38 of the Constitution [as amended] guarantees that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion including freedom to change his/her religion or belief and freedom to manifest and propagate his/her religion or belief.”
It reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring the respect and protection of citizens’ right to religious freedom as well as the promotion of religious tolerance and harmony.
Another statement by Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, described the allegation as a case of “an honest disagreement between the two nations on the causes of violence in Nigeria.”
“Nigeria does not engage in religious freedom violation, neither does it have a policy of religious persecution,” he said, explaining: “Victims of insecurity and terrorism in the country are adherents of Christianity, Islam and other religions.”
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Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping ₦3.3 trillion power sector bailout aimed at clearing long-standing debts and stabilising Nigeria’s struggling electricity industry.
The intervention, implemented under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, is designed to resolve liabilities accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, following a comprehensive verification process.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the ₦3.3 trillion electricity debt settlement represents a full and final agreement to restore financial stability across the sector. He explained that the debts, largely driven by unpaid invoices, tariff shortfalls, and subsidy obligations, had significantly weakened liquidity in the power value chain.
Implementation of the power sector debt repayment plan has already commenced, with 15 generation companies signing settlement agreements worth about ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion so far to fund the initiative, out of which ₦223 billion has already been disbursed, while additional payments are ongoing.
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The Nigeria electricity sector bailout is expected to inject much-needed cash into the industry, ensuring that gas suppliers receive payments, power plants can sustain operations, and electricity generation becomes more stable. With improved liquidity, officials say the country could begin to see gradual improvements in power supply, reduced grid disruptions, and better service delivery.
Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said the programme is not just about clearing debts but rebuilding trust across the industry. She noted that restoring confidence is critical to attracting investment, maintaining consistent gas supply, and ensuring that power plants operate efficiently.
She further explained that the initiative forms part of broader power sector reforms in Nigeria, including nationwide metering improvements and the introduction of service-based tariffs that align electricity costs with the quality of supply. According to her, the government is also prioritising electricity supply to businesses, industries, and small enterprises, recognising that reliable power is essential for job creation and economic growth.
The Tinubu administration believes the electricity sector stabilisation plan will reduce reliance on generators, lower the cost of doing business, and improve productivity across key sectors of the economy. Analysts say resolving the sector’s liquidity crisis could unlock new investments and strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic performance.
President Tinubu also commended stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing long-standing challenges in the industry and confirmed that the next phase of the reform programme, Series II, will commence within the current quarter. The phase is expected to deepen structural reforms and ensure long-term sustainability of the electricity market.
Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
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MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing him as a threat to religious harmony in Nigeria.
In a press release issued on April 6, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group accused the INEC chairman of authoring what it described as a “toxic 80-page legal brief,” allegedly used by the United States of America to indict Nigeria over claims of Christian genocide.
MURIC expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed the “graveyard silence” of the Federal Government over calls from Islamic organisations for Amupitan’s removal. According to the group, the government’s inaction reflects a lack of sensitivity to the concerns of the Muslim community.
The organisation further alleged that Amupitan’s continued leadership poses a risk to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system, claiming that a planned voter registration or revalidation exercise could disenfranchise Muslim voters.
“MURIC hereby declares a vote of no confidence in the current INEC boss,” the statement read, urging the Federal Government to replace him with what it described as a “tolerant Christian” to restore confidence and balance.
The group also accused the INEC chairman of failing to address the allegations against him, noting that his silence has raised concerns among observers. It argued that public officials in other countries often resign over similar controversies, citing examples of past resignations by international political figures.
MURIC warned that Nigeria’s progress could be hindered if individuals accused of misconduct remain in sensitive public offices, stressing that Amupitan’s continued stay in office represents what it called a “sit-tight syndrome.”
Describing the INEC chairman as an “electoral burden” and a “threat to religious harmony,” the group insisted that his resignation or removal is necessary to safeguard national unity and the integrity of the electoral process.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the Federal Government had issued an official response to the allegations.
MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
News
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to defeat banditry, terrorism, and insecurity across Nigeria, promising continued investment in the country’s security architecture. He made the declaration while commissioning the Gateway International Airport and several other federal projects in Ogun State on Saturday.
Speaking at a reception following the inauguration, Tinubu said his administration will intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the nation. “We will win over banditry and defeat insecurity. We will continue to invest more to strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to national safety.
The president described the Gateway International Airport as the economic nerve center of Nigeria’s corridor, highlighting its role in boosting the aviation sector, trade, and socioeconomic development in Ogun State and the wider region. The airport is integrated with independent gas and energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and operational efficiency.
Tinubu also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for using improved federal allocations to develop infrastructure capable of driving Ogun State to greater economic heights. He praised the state government’s focus on mobility, security, agriculture, and industrial development, noting that projects like the airport and new Gateway Airlines will enhance trade, logistics, and employment opportunities.
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Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, emphasized the transformative impact of the airport and related infrastructure on Ogun State’s economy. He noted that the state’s internally generated revenue has grown from ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually, while its GDP increased from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion over the past seven years. He added that the airport features a four-kilometre runway, modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities, making it a centerpiece of the state’s emerging aerotropolis.
The ceremony also saw the launch of Gateway Airlines, operating Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services designed to expand trade and logistics capacity. Beyond aviation, Ogun State has invested heavily in roads, healthcare, and housing, including over 1,600 km of rehabilitated roads, more than 7,000 affordable homes, and 140 primary healthcare centers, according to Governor Abiodun.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, state governors, lawmakers, captains of industry, and traditional leaders. Both praised the collaboration between federal and state governments in delivering critical infrastructure, with Tinubu’s leadership highlighted as key to Nigeria’s development and security progress.
Tinubu emphasized that the federal government’s reforms and infrastructure investments are people-centered, aimed at improving daily life, fostering prosperity, and ensuring national security. He added that these efforts are designed to overcome violence and terrorism while positioning Nigeria for sustained economic growth.
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
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