Defence Minister confirms alleged coup plot against Tinubu

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), has confirmed that an alleged plot to remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office was real. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Musa said those behind the alleged plan intended to take power.

The minister said security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency, are continuing investigations into the matter. He also said the investigation would establish the identities and roles of those allegedly involved. Reports have linked former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva to the investigation, although allegations against individuals remain subject to the ongoing inquiry.

Presidency clarifies US court case involving Tinubu

The Presidency has pushed back against reports suggesting that President Tinubu is facing a criminal trial in the United States.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the case before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is a civil dispute concerning access to government records under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act. He stressed that the proceedings do not constitute criminal charges against Tinubu and that the court has not found the president guilty of criminal wrongdoing.

The clarification follows growing political and media debate in Nigeria over the case and the records being sought from U.S. government agencies.

At least 37 die in Rivers oil-theft incident

At least 37 people have reportedly died in Rivers State after inhaling toxic fumes during an alleged attempt to steal crude oil. The incident occurred in the oil-producing Okrika area, where people were reportedly siphoning oil from an illegal tapping point.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said the victims were exposed to high-pressure toxic fumes. Several people were also reportedly missing. Police confirmed that an incident occurred but had not independently established the reported death toll as investigations continued.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the deadly consequences of illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, where crude-oil theft remains a persistent economic, environmental and security problem.

Nigeria deepens energy partnership with International Energy Agency

Nigeria and the International Energy Agency have signed a Joint Work Programme designed to strengthen cooperation in energy policy, data development, investment and energy security.

The agreement comes after Nigeria’s admission as an IEA Association Country. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said Nigeria could potentially double investment in its energy sector within five years, pointing to the country’s oil, gas and renewable-energy resources and its importance to global energy security.

The programme is expected to support better energy data and policymaking while encouraging investment across Nigeria’s energy value chain.

Federal Government orders temporary closure of First Niger Bridge

The Federal Government has announced another temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge for urgent maintenance work. The bridge linking parts of Anambra and Delta states is expected to undergo repairs, with motorists being directed toward the Second Niger Bridge during the closure.

The Works Ministry has cited the need to address damaged and vandalised components and improve security infrastructure around the bridge. The development is expected to affect traffic and transport operations along the busy Onitsha–Asaba corridor.

1,695 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa amid xenophobia concerns

A Nigerian diplomatic official says 1,695 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa this year amid renewed concerns about xenophobic threats.

The development follows a period of anti-foreigner sentiment and attacks targeting migrants in parts of South Africa. Nigerian authorities have been facilitating the voluntary return of citizens as concerns about their safety increase.

The issue remains sensitive because South Africa is home to a large Nigerian community and is an important destination for Nigerians seeking business and employment opportunities.

Calls grow for higher salaries and minimum wage

The Federal Workers Forum has called on the Federal Government to substantially increase the earnings of civil servants and review the national minimum wage.

The group is demanding an increase in the minimum wage from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, arguing that rising living costs have significantly reduced the purchasing power of workers. It also proposed a new federal civil-service salary structure, including a top salary of ₦1.5 million for Level 17 Step 1 officers.

The demand comes amid continuing debate over wages, inflation, household costs and the ability of Nigerian workers to cope with the country’s economic pressures.

Political parties intensify preparations for 2027

Political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections continues to gather momentum.

The Federal Government and ruling All Progressives Congress have rejected opposition claims that President Tinubu’s re-election prospects are already in serious trouble. At the same time, opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, are increasingly focusing on economic hardship, education, poverty and governance as major campaign issues.

Former Information Minister Lai Mohammed also said security and economic inclusion would be critical to credible elections in 2027.

Lagos introduces compulsory LASRRA registration for school enrolment

The Lagos State Government is introducing a requirement for LASRRA registration as part of school enrolment procedures for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The policy applies to public and private schools and is intended to strengthen the state’s population and identification records. The development is expected to affect parents and guardians enrolling children in schools across Lagos.

First Lady commissions ₦1 billion ICT centre in Cross River

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a new Information and Communication Technology centre at the University of Cross River State.

The facility, reportedly valued at about ₦1 billion and supported through TETFund, is intended to expand access to digital learning and technology resources for students and the wider academic community.

Nigeria’s naira and foreign-exchange market remain in focus

The naira-dollar exchange rate continues to attract attention as businesses and households monitor developments in Nigeria’s foreign-exchange market.

Rates remain different across official and parallel markets, underscoring the importance of developments in foreign-exchange liquidity, dollar supply and monetary policy for importers, businesses and consumers.

Overall, today’s Nigerian news agenda is dominated by politics and the 2027 elections, security investigations, the deadly Rivers oil incident, economic pressures, infrastructure repairs and Nigeria’s expanding international energy partnerships.