The Historica Nigeria

2026

News, Weather

NiMet Warns of Dust Haze and Reduced Visibility Across Regions

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and cloudy weather conditions across the country from Sunday to Tuesday. In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, the agency forecast moderate dust haze over the northern region on Monday throughout the forecast period. NiMet also predicted thick dust haze across the central region, while moderate dust haze is expected over the inland cities of the southern region. According to the agency, sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the coastal areas, with chances of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Lagos, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day. For Tuesday, NiMet forecast moderate dust haze over the northern region throughout the period. The central region is also expected to experience moderate dust haze, while inland cities in the southern region will witness similar conditions. Read Also: 300-Year-Old Kano Farming Settlement Faces Extinction Over Sand Mining The agency further stated that sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the coastal region, with prospects of isolated thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day. NiMet predicted thick dust haze over the northern region on Wednesday, with moderate dust haze anticipated across the central region throughout the forecast period. It added that dust haze is expected over inland cities in the southern region, while sunny skies with patches of clouds will prevail over the coastal cities. NiMet warned that dust particles are in suspension and advised the public to take necessary precautions, particularly individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions. The agency urged motorists to drive with caution during rainfall and advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective operational planning. Residents were also encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions through NiMet’s official platforms. (NAN)

National, News

Tinubu Heads to Abu Dhabi for 2026 Sustainability Week

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The President’s aircraft touched down at the Zayed International Airport at about 11:30 pm local time on Sunday, where he was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tinubu is in the UAE at the official invitation of the country’s President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week serves as a global forum that brings together world leaders, industry experts and civil society organisations to deliberate on critical issues bordering on energy innovation and the financial frameworks required to drive renewable energy transitions. Read Also: NARD Suspends Planned January 12 Strike APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf’s Possible Defection Redraws Kano Politics Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Back in Nigeria After Dubai Vacation According to an earlier statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly in the areas of green energy and economic cooperation. The statement noted that President Tinubu is expected to use the platform to position Nigeria as a key player in global sustainable development efforts, while seeking to attract foreign investment and forge partnerships aligned with the country’s national growth objectives. The 2026 edition of the summit, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” is focused on bridging the gap between climate ambition and concrete action through three core pillars of innovation, finance and people.

Health, National, News

NARD Suspends Planned January 12 Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its plan to commence a nationwide strike earlier scheduled for January 12. The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Secretary-General of the association, Shuaibu Ibrahim. NARD had earlier declared the strike following an update issued after its Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on January 2, citing unresolved demands with the Federal Government. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf’s Possible Defection Redraws Kano Politics Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Back in Nigeria After Dubai Vacation Wike to Critics: Only Tinubu Can Sack Me According to the association, the planned industrial action was intended to press home its demands and draw the government’s attention to issues affecting the welfare and working conditions of resident doctors.

Kogi, News

Scores of Bandits Neutralized, Networks Dislodged in Kogi Forest – Police

Scores of bandits have been neutralized, their criminal networks dislodged, while others were flushed out of forests in Kogi State during ongoing joint security operations involving the police and the military. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kogi State Police Command, CSP William Ovye Aya, who said the operation was supported by the Nigeria Police Force Airwing through precision air strikes. According to the statement, the sustained onslaught against bandit activities is being carried out with vigour, commitment, and professionalism, yielding significant success in degrading criminal elements operating within the state. The police command noted that the coordinated ground and aerial operations forced several bandits to flee their hideouts, while many were neutralized in the process. Read Also: Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Back in Nigeria After Dubai Vacation Wike to Critics: Only Tinubu Can Sack Me APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf’s Possible Defection Redraws Kano Politics The command also urged members of the public to be vigilant and report anyone seen with bullet wounds, injuries, or suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station, stressing that such information could aid ongoing operations. Residents were further encouraged to support security agencies with credible intelligence on the movement or presence of criminal elements in their communities, noting that security is a collective responsibility. The police provided emergency contact numbers for the public to report suspicious activities: 07038329084 and 08152195982.

National, Politics

Wike to Critics: Only Tinubu Can Sack Me

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the authority to remove him from office, insisting that critics calling for his sack have no such power. Wike made the remark on Sunday during the final leg of his “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. In recent weeks, pressure has mounted on the minister to resign or be removed from the federal cabinet amid renewed political tension between him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Addressing the calls for his removal, Wike said President Tinubu reserves the sole right to determine his continued stay in office. “Don’t bother about people who say, ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. It is not for anyone else to dictate,” he said. The minister added that both he and the people of Rivers State remain proud of his contributions in the federal cabinet, particularly in the FCT. “I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know that we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” Wike said. He explained that his visit to the area was to express gratitude for the support he received, describing appreciation as a core principle of leadership. “When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters,” he noted. Wike further remarked that politics is driven by interests rather than sentiments, stressing that power is earned, not given. Read Also: Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Back in Nigeria After Dubai Vacation According to him, Obio/Akpor plays a decisive role in determining political outcomes in Rivers State. “Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement, and nobody has become a senator in Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision,” he said. He warned political opponents against underestimating the political influence of the area, adding that voters ultimately decide who holds power.

Abuja, News, Politics

APC Cohesion Signals Victory in FCT Area Councils Polls – Bunkure

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano  The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, has declared that the unity and cohesion within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are clear indications that the party is on course for victory in the forthcoming Area Councils elections in the FCT. Dr. Bunkure made the assertion while attending the flag-off of the APC nationwide electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise at the Apo Community Town Hall in Abuja on Saturday. Addressing party stakeholders and members at the event, the minister expressed delight over the commencement of the exercise, describing it as a major milestone in the APC’s commitment to inclusiveness, innovation, and democratic consolidation. She explained that the e-registration exercise was not merely aimed at increasing membership figures, but at strengthening party structures, updating the membership database, and ensuring that every member has a voice in shaping the future of both the party and the nation. Read Also: Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Back in Nigeria After Dubai Vacation Mariya Bunkure: Abuja Records 200 Road Projects Completed Under Tinubu Wike Reinstates Suspended FCT Officials Dr. Bunkure reaffirmed the APC’s unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that unity, dynamism, and a people-oriented approach remain critical to the party’s continued success and effective governance. She further called on all eligible voters—men, women, youths, and persons living with disabilities—to take advantage of the seamless e-registration process to either enroll as new members or update their existing records, noting that broad participation would not only strengthen the APC but also deepen Nigeria’s democratic process. The minister reiterated that the successful conduct of the e-registration exercise reflects the party’s readiness to embrace modern technology in its internal processes while fostering greater engagement among its members.

National, News

Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Back in Nigeria After Dubai Vacation

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Abuja Immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has returned to Nigeria after spending several weeks on vacation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dr. Ganduje arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. aboard an Emirates Airline flight and has since departed for Abuja. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Muhammad Garba, Chief of Staff to the former APC National Chairman, which noted that Dr. Ganduje’s return would be followed by a series of consultations and stakeholders’ meetings centred on recent political developments in Kano State. According to the statement, the engagements are aimed at reviewing the evolving political landscape and enabling wide consultations with party leaders and other critical stakeholders. Read Also: Abba Yusuf’s Calculated Defection Leaves Old Loyalists Politically Exposed APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Kano Politics: Ganduje’s Leadership Remains APC’s Strongest Asset Dr. Ganduje is also expected to participate in the ongoing APC nationwide electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise. The initiative, which was introduced during his tenure as National Chairman of the party, is designed to modernise the APC’s membership database, improve internal planning, and ensure that membership records are comprehensive, credible, and easily accessible. The former governor, the statement added, remains committed to strengthening party structures and promoting inclusive dialogue in support of democratic consolidation within the APC, particularly in Kano State.

Kano, News

Waiya Urges Kano Information Officers to Amplify Publicity of Govt Projects

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has urged Information Officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state to intensify the publicity of developmental and people-oriented projects being executed by the government. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Sani Abba Yola of the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, following a meeting held at the ministry where the commissioner addressed Information Officers on strategies to improve performance and strengthen effective information dissemination. Waiya stressed the importance of professionalism, objectivity and commitment to the dissemination of accurate and credible information, noting that strict adherence to ethics and regulations guiding information management is essential to safeguarding public interest and promoting informed public participation. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of Information Officers through the provision of necessary working tools and continuous training programmes aimed at enhancing efficiency and output. Read Also: Abba Yusuf’s Calculated Defection Leaves Old Loyalists Politically Exposed Islamic Month of Rajab Holds Spiritual Significance but No Exclusive Worship, Says Kano Cleric APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf’s Possible Defection Redraws Kano Politics The commissioner also disclosed plans to organise a special engagement involving commissioners, heads of agencies and Information Officers to jointly explore ways of building a more cordial and productive working relationship among stakeholders in government communication. He further emphasised the need for closer collaboration between news editors and Information Officers to ensure the timely and effective dissemination of information on the policies, programmes and developmental projects of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration. In their separate remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Usman Bello, and the Director of Information, Aminu Kabir Yasser, underscored the importance of discipline among officers to guarantee efficient and effective service delivery. They also urged Information Officers to consistently seek feedback from beneficiaries of government projects and programmes as part of impact assessment and performance evaluation, stressing that such feedback would help improve service delivery and strengthen public trust.

International, News

Trump Acknowledges Muslims Are Also Killed in Nigeria

United States President Donald Trump has for the first time publicly acknowledged that Muslims are also victims of killings in Nigeria, slightly revising earlier statements that emphasized attacks against Christians. In an interview with The New York Times this week, Trump spoke about the U.S. military strike carried out on Christmas Day against Islamic State-linked militants in northwest Nigeria. He suggested that while he would prefer the action to remain a one-time strike, further military interventions could follow if attacks continue. “I’d love to make it a one‑time strike … but if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many‑time strike,” he said. When pressed on reports from his Africa adviser indicating that extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have also targeted Muslims, Trump stated: “I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria.” The Nigerian government has consistently refuted claims that any single religious group is being deliberately targeted, insisting that both Christians and Muslims have been affected by the violence. Authorities say attacks, kidnappings, and banditry in various regions of the country are consequences of broader security challenges and criminal activity rather than systematic persecution. Read Also: Explosion Hits Mosque During Maghrib Prayer in Maiduguri Gunmen Kill Seven in Fresh Attack on Katsina Village Jos Muslims Say Over 4,700 Members Killed Since 2001 Crises Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 230 million people, is almost evenly divided between Christians, who are mainly in the south, and Muslims, concentrated in the north. The ongoing security crisis, driven by extremist insurgencies and other armed groups, continues to cause widespread human suffering across religious and ethnic lines. U.S. Involvement and International Response Trump’s remarks come amid heightened debate over the role of the U.S. in Nigeria’s security situation. This includes discussions over possible additional strikes and previous measures, such as redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under U.S. law due to alleged failures to protect religious communities. The statements have reignited conversations about the nature of the violence in Nigeria and the international community’s response.

Health, Humanitarian, National, News

National Industrial Court Stops Doctors’ Strike Scheduled for January 12

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has temporarily stopped medical doctors across Nigeria from proceeding with their planned nationwide strike, originally scheduled to commence on January 12, 2026. Justice E.D. Subilim delivered the ruling yesterday in an ex parte application brought by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The suit, filed under case number NICN/ABJ/06/2026, lists the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation as the applicants, while the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), NARD President Mohammed Suleiman, and Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim are the respondents. The planned industrial action by NARD had been threatened last week, citing worsening welfare conditions and systemic neglect that, according to the association, have negatively affected morale and healthcare delivery nationwide. In granting the interim injunction, Justice Subilim restrained the respondents from calling, directing, organizing, participating in, or embarking upon any form of industrial action including strikes, work stoppages, go-slows, picketing, or any other form of protest or disruption. The order also prevents respondents from taking steps preparatory to any form of industrial action from January 12, 2026. Read Also: Abba Yusuf’s Calculated Defection Leaves Old Loyalists Politically Exposed Islamic Month of Rajab Holds Spiritual Significance but No Exclusive Worship, Says Kano Cleric APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf’s Possible Defection Redraws Kano Politics The court specified that the order will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, fixed for January 21, 2026. Justice Subilim also directed that the interim order be served on the respondents within seven days and that they are at liberty to apply to the court to discharge or vary the order within the same period. Prior to the court’s ruling, the Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, had publicly expressed support for the planned nationwide strike. In a statement issued by the FMC executive committee, led by Dr. Awuzie Chinemezu Donald, the doctors cited breaches of agreements, persistent neglect, and poor welfare conditions as reasons necessitating the industrial action, which they tagged TICS 2.0 (Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike). The statement highlighted key demands, including the reinstatement of five doctors dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, the implementation of outstanding promotions and salary arrears, and the payment of professional allowances with arrears included in the 2026 national budget. It also called for clarification by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Office of the Head of Service on skipping and entry-level issues, the reintroduction of specialist allowances, and the resolution of house officers’ salary delays. The FMC doctors emphasized that the strike was a last resort following the federal government’s failure to honor the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously signed with NARD. They reiterated their commitment to professional dignity and fair labor practices, urging authorities to address the pending issues immediately. The committee stressed that the healthcare system cannot function optimally when its workforce is consistently disrespected, overworked, and subjected to broken agreements.

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