Ekiti Governorship Election: Police Restrict Movement, Deploy to All Polling Units

All eyes are on Ekiti State today as voters head to the polls to elect a governor for the next four years in a high-stakes off-cycle election that has drawn intense political attention nationwide. Governor Biodun Oyebanji faces challengers from ten political parties in a contest poised to test political strength, governance record, and voter sentiment across the state’s sixteen local government areas.

The Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced a restriction on movement ahead of the election.Security deployments and operational arrangements have been extended to all 2,545 polling units across the state.The Nigeria Police Force has concluded security deployments and activated emergency hotlines, assuring residents of adequate protection throughout the voting process.

The police have also warned individuals and groups against announcing unofficial results, declaring that anyone spreading unauthorized outcomes will face the full weight of the law.The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, has activated a Situation Room to monitor the safety of journalists and counter the spread of misinformation during the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited Nouvelle Perspective alongside 97 other organizations to observe the election.Voters in the state, which has 1,028,929 registered voters, will determine the next occupant of the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.

Tinubu Praises Wike As “Mr Project”, Declares Abuja’s Nightlife Returning

President Bola Tinubu on Friday heaped praise on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying he had justified the confidence reposed in him. Tinubu spoke during the inauguration of Collector Road CN2, also known as Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard, and other road networks in the Katampe District of Abuja. The President was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track record. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President,” Tinubu said. “From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason.”

The President said the newly completed road reflected the administration’s commitment to restoring confidence in governance through infrastructure. He added that solar-powered street lights installed along major corridors had improved security and revived Abuja’s nightlife.”We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” he said.

Nigeria’s Revenue Hits N15.8trn As Tax Reforms Begin to Yield Results

Economists have attributed Nigeria’s strong revenue performance in the first five months of 2026 to the impact of recent tax reforms, improved revenue administration and stronger earnings from the oil sector, following government collections of N15.8 trillion during the period.

According to data from the Nigeria Revenue Service, government revenue rose by 49 per cent year-on-year from N10.6 trillion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. The figure also exceeded the government’s baseline growth target of 11.6 per cent, providing early evidence of the gains from fiscal reforms.

Former Chief Economist at Zenith Bank, Marcel Okeke, said the performance reflects a combination of tax reforms, improved administration and better output from the oil sector. “The introduction of new tax laws is beginning to yield results by expanding the tax base and improving efficiency in collection,” Okeke told Saturday PUNCH.Even excluding revenues from newly introduced taxes, collections still rose by 15 per cent to N12.2 trillion, indicating stronger underlying efficiency in tax administration.

According to the report, oil-related taxes increased by more than 20 per cent to N3.96 trillion, supported by higher crude oil prices amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.Okeke said the improvement in oil-related revenue also reflects better performance in crude production and exports. “It’s been a long time since Nigeria consistently met its production quota in terms of oil output and exports. It will also mean that tax administration is improving,” the economist stated.

Another economist, Dr Aliyu Ilias, said the revenue increase reflects the effect of tax revisions, higher excise duties and broader policy measures. “If you look at taxes, they have been reviewed, so it is expected that you have an increase. In fact, if you look at excise duty also, you see there is a lot that has been done,” he said.Non-oil revenue rose by 12.3 per cent to N8.2 trillion, reflecting stronger collections across key economic activities.

While welcoming the improved fiscal performance, both economists cautioned that the sustainability of the gains would depend on whether increased revenues translate into infrastructure development, economic stability and broader improvements in living standards.

External Reserves Cross $51bn, Gain $13.3bn in One Year

Nigeria’s gross external reserves have crossed the $51 billion mark, gaining $13.3 billion over the past 12 months due to the country’s strengthening external position and growing confidence in its foreign exchange market.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that gross external reserves rose to $51.04 billion as of June 18, 2026, compared with $37.74 billion recorded on June 18, 2025. The latest figure represents a year-on-year increase of $13.30 billion, translating to a 35.2 per cent growth over the period.

Since touching $48.32 billion on May 6, 2026, Nigeria’s external reserves have recorded an unbroken upward streak, gaining roughly $2.72 billion over the past six weeks to cross the $51 billion mark.The most significant breakthrough occurred in June 2026. Reserves started the month at $49.80 billion, crossed the $50 billion mark during the first week and eventually reached $51.04 billion by June 18, establishing a fresh high.

Pipeline Security Boosts Oil Production, Nigeria Surpasses OPEC Quota

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has disclosed that securing oil pipelines in the Niger Delta Region has boosted oil production, thereby surpassing the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota.

The General Manager, Community and Stakeholders, Dr Apos Mezeh, who disclosed this during the stakeholders meeting with host communities in Bayelsa State, stated that figures from the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicated that crude oil production averaged 1.53 million barrels per day, surpassing Nigeria’s OPEC production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day for the first time in 2026.

Dr Mezeh noted that the increased oil production has reinforced Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil exporter, with key production streams such as the Bonny and Forcados terminals recording remarkable performance.According to Mezeh, the achievements did not occur by accident but were direct outcomes of improved pipeline security, enhanced stakeholder engagement, stronger community participation, and the collective determination of government, security agencies, host communities, and industry operators to reject crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining activities.

“We are particularly pleased to report that the Trans-Niger Pipeline continues to record remarkable operational stability. The increasing reliability of our production infrastructure, coupled with improved security across operational corridors, is contributing significantly to national economic growth, increased government revenue, enhanced energy security, and greater investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” Mezeh said.

“This success belongs to all of us. It is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, traditional institutions, government agencies, security services, and industry operators work together in pursuit of a common goal. Your vigilance, commitment, and cooperation have made these achievements possible,” he added.

DSS Rejects Foreign Funding for Proposed Security Trust Fund

The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked the House of Representatives to remove provisions allowing international organisations to contribute funds to the proposed DSS Trust Fund, warning that such funding could threaten Nigeria’s national security.

The position was presented on Thursday during a public hearing organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence on bills aimed at strengthening the operations of the DSS through dedicated funding, training and research. Represented by Emmanuel Duabry, the DSS supported the bill establishing the Trust Fund but called for key amendments, including the removal of provisions permitting grants, donations and endowments from foreign organisations.

The Service said foreign funding could expose sensitive intelligence operations to outside influence and compromise the agency’s independence. “Allowing foreign funding for a security-related trust fund raises concerns about sovereignty, operational confidentiality and institutional independence,” Duabry said.He noted that international donors may require reporting and disclosure obligations that could reveal sensitive information about intelligence operations, procurement activities and security strategies.

The DSS also warned that foreign funding could influence Nigeria’s security priorities, which may not align with the country’s challenges, such as terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. It, therefore, proposed that grants and donations to the Trust Fund should come only from local organisations.Despite its concerns, the Service described the bill as an important step towards ensuring sustainable funding for intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations and emergency security responses.

Oshiomhole: Tinubu Has Political Will “In Abundance” to End Insecurity

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said President Bola Tinubu does not lack the political will to end insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that the administration has provided the resources and leadership required to secure the country.

Speaking on Friday, Oshiomhole cited the President’s financial commitments and administrative actions as evidence of his resolve.He disagreed with arguments that the President lacks the political will to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

HURIWA Warns Against Politicising Insecurity, NUJ Links Malnutrition, Drug Abuse to Insecurity

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has warned against what it described as the politicisation of insecurity in the country, warning that the lives of citizens must not be treated as instruments of political communication or propaganda.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday identified malnutrition, drug abuse and the unchecked influx of foreigners to Nigeria’s media space as emerging factors fuelling insecurity in Nigeria.Abdullahi identified drug abuse as another major threat to national security, citing alarming statistics presented during the summit.

Court Sentences Nyanya Bombing Convict to Death, Terrorists’ Mother, Sister to 40 Years

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 37-year-old man, Zakaria Garba, to death by hanging over his involvement in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bomb explosions. No fewer than 70 people were killed in the attack, while several others were injured.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after Garba pleaded guilty to a five-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government. The court sentenced Garba to 35 years’ imprisonment on counts one and two, life imprisonment on count three, and death by hanging on counts four and five. “May God have mercy on you,” the judge said.

In a separate development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to slain terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo to 20 years imprisonment each for terrorism-related offences. The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are the mother and sister, respectively, of Battujo, who was killed by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, during an operation near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Protests Rock Kaduna After ‘Repentant’ Bandits Kill District Head’s Grandson

A protest broke out on Friday in Birnin Gwari town, headquarters of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following the killing of a commercial driver and the abduction of residents by suspected ‘repentant’ bandits.The protest was triggered by the killing of Mallam Ibrahim Adamu, who was reportedly shot dead along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road. Adamu was said to be a grandson of a traditional ruler in the Birnin Gwari Emirate.

A community source told SaharaReporters that angry residents, mostly youths, took to the streets to protest what they described as continued attacks by so-called “repentant” bandits in the area. According to the source, some protesters chased herders and other Fulani residents from parts of the town, raising fears of reprisals and a possible breakdown of law and order. The situation was, however, brought under control following the intervention of security operatives, traditional rulers and community leaders.

Adamu was reportedly killed at Kwanan Giginya along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari highway when armed men opened fire on his commercial vehicle. The attackers were said to have killed him on the spot before abducting about five passengers. In a separate incident, four farmers were kidnapped while working on their farms in the Kurgi area of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

FG Considers Embedding Journalists with Troops for Transparency

The Federal Government is considering a policy that would permit journalists to accompany military personnel on selected operations as part of efforts to strengthen public understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges and improve the quality of conflict reporting.

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed the plan at an event in Abuja.The initiative aims to improve security reporting and give the public greater insight into the realities of counterinsurgency and other internal security efforts.

Tinubu Grants Customs CG Six-Month Tenure Extension

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday granted a six-month tenure extension to the Comptroller General of Customs, CG Adewale Adeniyi.Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed this in a statement, said the six-month extension is the final for Adeniyi.

Tension in Osun Over APC/PDP Council Takeover

Tension is building up in Osun State following a Federal High Court judgment dismissing an All Progressives Congress (APC) council chairmen “tenure elongation” suit and the subsequent forceful takeover of local government councils by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) council chairmen.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on behalf of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and concerned members of the APC, Adegoke Ogunsola warned that a directive by the Osun State government ordering security agencies to provide cover for those attempting to take over the councils could plunge the state into avoidable chaos.Ogunsola said the judgment being used to enthrone new council chairmen is currently a subject of an appeal, noting that an application for stay of execution dated and filed on June 16, 2026, has been served on the parties.

“Let it be stated categorically and without ambiguity that Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari has no connection whatsoever with any planned protest against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The allegation is false, mischievous, politically motivated and exists only in the fertile imagination of those whose stock-in-trade is misinformation and character assassination,” Tsafe said.According to him, there would be no reason for Yari to sponsor a protest against an administration he had consistently supported and worked to strengthen.

IPOB Leadership Crisis Deepens as Factions Issue Directives

The Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the indefinite suspension of the Office of the Leader of IPOB and the position of Director of Radio Biafra, both of which were previously occupied by Nnamdi Kanu.The group threatened disciplinary action against members it accused of undermining the authority of its detained leader amid efforts to resolve a growing leadership dispute within the organisation.

In a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group warned that any member or faction acting contrary to Kanu’s directives or the organisation’s Code of Conduct would face sanctions.

Odukoya Memorial Lecture Challenges Nigeria’s Leadership Deficit

Lagos is set to host what organisers call a direct challenge to Nigeria’s leadership deficit on Saturday, June 20, 2026, with the 3rd Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture at The Fountain of Life Church (TFOLC), Ilupeju.

This year’s theme, “One Life, Many Harvests: The Multiplier Effect of a People-Centered Life,” argues that true leadership cannot be measured by personal accomplishments alone. It is measured by lives transformed, systems built, and influence that multiplies across generations.

TFOLC has named former Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, as guest lecturer. A respected tech executive and corporate leader, Johnson is expected to draw from her experience in innovation, public service, and nation-building.

Speaking ahead of the event, Head of the Memorial Lecture Planning Committee and Pastor Odukoya’s daughter, Dr. Deborah Enuha, said the lecture was created to preserve values, not just memories. “This lecture is more than a remembrance event. It is a platform for preserving timeless leadership values and inspiring individuals to build lives that create lasting impact. It is a call to influence, serve, and leave a legacy that outlives us,” she said.

World Hydrography Day: Nigeria Focuses on Ocean Data Modernisation

Nigeria will today join the global maritime community to commemorate World Hydrography Day 2026, with a focus on modernising how ocean data is collected, managed, and shared to boost maritime safety, trade, and environmental sustainability.