The Historica Nigeria

Author name: The Historica Nigeria

National, News

Nigeria Signs $9m Deal With U.S Lobbyists Over Christian Persecution Allegations

The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a $9 million contract with a Washington-based lobbying firm, DCI Group, to counter claims of Christian persecution and influence the United States government’s perception of Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities. Documents filed with the United States Department of Justice and first reported by TheCable show that the agreement was facilitated by Kaduna-based law firm, Aster Legal, on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. Under the contract, DCI Group is mandated to assist the Nigerian government in “communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining U.S. support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilising elements.” The agreement stipulates a monthly fee of $750,000, amounting to $9 million over a 12-month period. It commenced with an initial six-month term set to expire on June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal clause for an additional six months. Read Also: Tinubu Says Nigeria to Generate Up to $3bn Yearly From Carbon Market Kano Govt Strengthens Digital Journalism Through Ethics-Focused Media Retreat US Delivers Military Supplies to Nigeria to Support Security Operations Records indicate that Nigeria made an upfront payment of $4.5 million on December 12, 2025, covering the first half of the contract, while the balance is expected to be paid upon completion of the initial term. The contract also provides that either party may terminate the agreement “for any reason without penalty” by giving a 60-day written notice. The lobbying move follows growing diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Washington over allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria. In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing violence against Christians. Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected the designation, arguing that insecurity in the country stems from terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than religious targeting. Tensions further escalated in November when President Trump suggested the possibility of direct U.S. intervention, including potential military action, to protect Christian communities. The situation intensified on Christmas Day when the U.S. military carried out airstrikes on terrorist targets in Bauni Forest, Sokoto State, signalling increased U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations. In response, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to engaging the United States through diplomatic and legal channels to address what it described as misconceptions surrounding the safety of Christian communities in Nigeria.

Jigawa, News

Kano Govt Strengthens Digital Journalism Through Ethics-Focused Media Retreat

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical, responsible and professional digital journalism, describing the media as a critical pillar of democratic governance. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated this on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day retreat for members of the Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Dutse, Jigawa State. The retreat, organised by the Kano Online Media Chapel with the support of the Kano State Government, is themed “Strengthening Digital Journalism Through Ethical Practice and Responsive Online Engagement.” Waiya said the training, the first of its kind for online newspaper publishers in Kano State, underscored the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recognition of journalism as a vital component of democratic practice. He commended Governor Yusuf for approving and sponsoring the retreat, noting that the gesture reflected the government’s commitment to manpower development across sectors, including the media. Read Also: 300-Year-Old Kano Farming Settlement Faces Extinction Over Sand Mining Kano Power Struggle Heats Up as Yusuf Reappears Without Kwankwaso Allies Kano Online Media Chapel Hosts AI-Focused Capacity Workshop for Digital Journalists The commissioner urged online media practitioners to uphold ethical standards, professionalism, accuracy and integrity in news gathering and dissemination, stressing that online journalism must be clearly distinguished from unregulated social media activity. “Online journalists are not the same as social media users. Digital journalism must be guided by legal and ethical decorum, not sensationalism or the rush for quick breaking news,” Waiya said. He noted that the rapid growth of digital platforms, coupled with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, has made continuous self-development and professionalism imperative for journalists seeking credibility at local, national and global levels. Waiya also acknowledged the role of the Kano State Council of the NUJ in supporting the establishment and growth of the Online Media Chapel, attributing the successes recorded so far to cooperation and unity within the union. He further disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs is advocating for the establishment of a state Freedom of Information law in line with the federal Freedom of Information Act, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and press freedom in the state. In his remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Kano State, Malam Usman Bello, said the government approved the retreat outside Kano State in recognition of the growing importance of online journalism. He explained that similar engagements had previously been organised for the Correspondents’ Chapel, adding that the retreat was aimed at equipping online journalists with the skills required to adapt to new trends in the profession and practice in line with modern global best practices. Bello noted that the impact of online media transcends state boundaries, stressing that capacity-building programmes of this nature would help shape journalism practice not only in Kano State but across the country. Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel thanked the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs for their support, describing the retreat as timely and impactful. He urged members of the chapel to continue operating within the laid-down ethical guidelines of the journalism profession and in line with the social and legal provisions of Kano State. The retreat drew participants from various online media organisations operating across Kano State. The retreat was attended by editors and publishers of various online newspapers operating in Kano State.

Abuja, Kano, News, Politics

Ganduje Rallies Kano APC Members for Strategic E-Registration Push

By Umar Idris Shuaibu The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for massive mobilisation of members to strengthen the ongoing e-registration exercise, describing it as a strategic move to secure victory in the next general elections. The call was made on Tuesday at the end of a marathon stakeholders’ meeting held in Kano. Speaking at the meeting, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, stressed that the e-registration exercise is critical to building a comprehensive, credible and verifiable membership database capable of enhancing the party’s electoral performance nationwide. Following briefings by the Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, and the state e-registration coordinator, Shafi’u Darma, the meeting resolved that all party members must ensure they are registered and actively encourage others to do so, especially given the party’s strong grassroots presence across the state. Read Also: Abba Yusuf’s Calculated Defection Leaves Old Loyalists Politically Exposed Kano Power Struggle Heats Up as Yusuf Reappears Without Kwankwaso Allies Group Backs Adamu Abdu Fanda for Kano Deputy Governorship, Cites Experience, Competence Stakeholders noted that accurate and comprehensive registration would further consolidate the APC’s political structure, expand voter outreach and maximise its chances in forthcoming elections, building on over one and a half decades of loyalty and organisational influence in Kano. Members were also urged to remain united and rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The meeting, chaired by Ganduje, was attended by several APC leaders, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South); Hon. Kabir Abubakar Bichi; Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa; Prince Abdullahi Abbas; Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna; and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, the party’s gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidates in the 2023 elections. Others in attendance included Ministers of State Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Housing Development) and Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure (Federal Capital Territory); former Deputy Governor and former Minister of Housing Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo; party elder, Alhaji Nasiru Aliko Koki; Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi; Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Hon. Baffa Babban Dan’Agundi; Arch. Aminu Dabo; Bashir Maisango, deputy state secretary; Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya; Hon. Ma’aruf Maiwake; Hon. Nasiru Aminu Bala Ja’oji; and Comrade Muhammad Garba.

Agriculture, Economy, National, News

FG Promotes Market-Driven Agriculture Under $500m AGROW Initiative

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that farmers are actively involved in policy decisions aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening national food security. The Manager, Research, Data and Impact Assessment at the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), Mr. Eniola Akindele, stated this during the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Programme (AGROW) Agroecological Zonal Workshop held in Kano. Akindele said the current administration is prioritising farmer-driven, market-oriented and results-based agricultural interventions, stressing that policies must respond to realities on the ground rather than follow a top-down approach. According to him, AGROW focuses on strategic value chains including rice, wheat, tomato, sesame and sorghum, which are critical to Nigeria’s food security and economic development. He explained that AGROW is a $500 million homegrown initiative led by Nigeria, co-created across the three tiers of government, and shaped in partnership with the private sector and development partners, with technical support from the World Bank. Read Also: Tinubu Says Nigeria to Generate Up to $3bn Yearly From Carbon Market 300-Year-Old Kano Farming Settlement Faces Extinction Over Sand Mining Govt Girls’ School Maga Reopens After Bandit Attack Akindele noted that past agricultural programmes were hindered by fragmented public spending, blanket input subsidies, government-driven implementation models, opaque land administration systems and multiple informal trade levies. He said the AGROW framework introduces a new approach centred on state-level agricultural support, financial incentives tied to market outcomes and targeted public investment. Other pillars include institutionalised private sector engagement, transparent and secure land administration, as well as efficient and predictable interstate agricultural trade. The PFSCU official added that the programme is built on three major components: strengthening private sector linkages with smallholder farmers, modernising on-farm production systems, and effective project coordination, monitoring and evaluation. He further outlined eligibility requirements for states seeking to participate in AGROW, including sustainable land-based investment processes, digital farmer registries, increased transparency in fees and levies for interstate trade, reduced reliance on input subsidies and stronger support for agricultural cooperatives. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Bashir Sunusi, said the workshop aligns with the Kano State Government’s agenda to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food systems. He disclosed that the state government has recruited 1,038 agricultural extension workers, provided farming equipment such as tractors and power tillers, and established three mechanisation centres in Gaya, Dambatta and Kadawa. Participants at the workshop were drawn from Sudan Savannah agroecological states of Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

International, National, News

Tinubu Says Nigeria to Generate Up to $3bn Yearly From Carbon Market

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria is mobilising climate finance through a newly activated carbon market framework expected to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually over the next decade. Tinubu made this known on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” where he told global leaders that Nigeria had taken decisive regulatory steps to strengthen its climate governance architecture. According to the President, these steps include the adoption of the National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of the National Carbon Registry to enhance emissions reporting, transparency and verification. “Nigeria feels at the heart of development opportunity. In this spirit, Nigeria has launched a climate and green industrialisation investment to unlock between $20 billion and $30 billion annually in climate finance,” Tinubu said. He also cited the 2023 Electricity Act, noting that it provides for decentralised and inclusive energy access to rural communities, off-grid health facilities, educational institutions, markets and other underserved areas across the country. Read Also: US Delivers Military Supplies to Nigeria to Support Security Operations Inflation to Fall Below 10% as Nigeria’s Economy Rebounds — Tinubu Islamic Month of Rajab Holds Spiritual Significance but No Exclusive Worship, Says Kano Cleric Tinubu said the Federal Government was modernising Nigeria’s energy architecture to deploy sustainable power nationwide, stressing the urgency of advancing green technologies to improve efficiency, modernise infrastructure and accelerate access to clean energy. “Nigeria recognises the urgent need to deploy and advance technologies to improve green efficiency, modernise infrastructure, and accelerate the delivery of sustainable energy to underserved areas,” he added. The President announced several financing initiatives, including a climate investment platform targeting $500 million for climate-resilient infrastructure, a national climate platform aimed at supporting $2 billion in capital investment, and a $50 billion sub-regional green bond, which he said was oversubscribed by 97.7 per cent. He further highlighted the World Bank’s involvement, revealing that the institution is implementing a $750 million programme to expand clean electricity access to over 17.5 million Nigerians. Tinubu said Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan integrates climate mitigation, industrial growth and social development into a single framework, with a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 while delivering universal energy access. He called for stronger partnerships with developed nations in technology transfer, innovation and knowledge exchange, noting that the adoption of artificial intelligence to optimise efficiency was no longer a futuristic concept. Nigeria approved the National Carbon Market Framework in October 2025. The framework provides guidelines for carbon credit registration, issuance and verification, and is designed to incentivise emissions reduction projects in forestry, renewable energy, clean cooking and agriculture. In November 2025, the Federal Government operationalised the Climate Change Fund and restored the National Council on Climate Change to the federal budget. Nigeria also submitted its updated climate commitments to the United Nations in September 2025.

Education, Kebbi, News

Govt Girls’ School Maga Reopens After Bandit Attack

The Kebbi State Government has announced the reopening of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, after 24 schoolgirls were abducted and later rescued in November 2025. According to Dr. Halima Bande, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, the government has put in place necessary security measures to guarantee the safety of students and staff. “Confidence has been restored among parents and students through counseling and deployment of security personnel,” Bande said. Read Also: 25 Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls Regain Freedom Kano Govt Probes Woman’s Death Over Alleged Scissors Left After Surgery US Delivers Military Supplies to Nigeria to Support Security Operations The government has also directed security awareness programmes for principals and school staff to prevent future incidents. Security agencies, including the Police and NSCDC, have been deployed to the school, and principals have been advised to maintain good relationships with host communities and remain vigilant. The move has strengthened the confidence of teachers and students to pursue their academic activities peacefully. (Channels)

Kano, Politics

Group Backs Adamu Abdu Fanda for Kano Deputy Governorship, Cites Experience, Competence

A political advocacy group in Kano State has thrown its weight behind Hon. Adamu Abdu Fanda for the position of deputy governor, describing him as a neutral, experienced and credible figure suited for the state’s evolving political landscape. The group, led by its Chairman, Mukhtar Dahiru Gora, made this known in a statement made available to The Historica Nigeria, noting that the current political moment in Kano demands leadership anchored on experience, competence and proven service. According to the group, Hon. Fanda represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative exposure, executive competence and national political experience, with a public service record defined by consistency, loyalty and tangible results. They highlighted his extensive public service career, which includes serving as Chairman of Albasu Local Government Area; Member of the House of Representatives for Gaya/Ajingi/Albasu Federal Constituency; Commissioner for Finance in Kano State; National Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Board Chairman of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA); and his current role as National Commissioner at the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). Read Also: 2027 Politics: Kabir Abubakar Bichi as alternative Kano guber candidate Kano Power Struggle Heats Up as Yusuf Reappears Without Kwankwaso Allies APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection The group further noted that Hon. Fanda is academically grounded, holding a degree in Political Science, which they said provides him with a strong intellectual foundation for governance and policy formulation. Beyond politics, they described him as a successful private-sector leader and entrepreneur, serving as Group Chairman of Fantel Nigeria Limited and Fantel Technology, a telecommunications firm with over 25 years of industry experience. Through these ventures, the group said he has facilitated the creation of over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, empowering youths across Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Katsina and other parts of Nigeria. “In an era where governance requires fiscal discipline, political maturity, grassroots acceptance and economic vision, Hon. Adamu Abdu Fanda stands out as a leader whose record speaks louder than rhetoric,” Mukhtar Dahiru Gora stated on behalf of the group. They added that Kano State deserves leadership that is experienced, balanced and forward-looking, stressing that Hon. Fanda embodies these qualities and remains a compelling figure in ongoing discussions about the future leadership architecture of the state.

National, News

US Delivers Military Supplies to Nigeria to Support Security Operations

The United States has delivered military supplies to Nigerian security agencies to support ongoing security operations across the country. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the delivery in a post on X on Tuesday, noting that the supplies were handed over in Abuja. “US forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM stated. Read Also: Trump Acknowledges Muslims Are Also Killed in Nigeria Nigeria has continued to grapple with rising insecurity in recent months, with incidents of banditry, terrorism, and mass kidnappings reported in several parts of the country. The development comes amid heightened military cooperation between both countries. On Christmas Day, US forces reportedly carried out airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in North-West Nigeria as part of efforts to degrade criminal and extremist networks threatening regional stability. (Channels)

Health, Kano

Kano Govt Probes Woman’s Death Over Alleged Scissors Left After Surgery

  The Kano State Government has ordered an investigation into the death of Aishatu Umar following allegations of medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano State. The Kano State Hospitals Management Board, in line with the directive, has commenced an immediate and thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding her death, assuring the public that the investigation will be conducted with professionalism and transparency. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, on behalf of the management under the authority of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda. According to the statement, the Board said it had taken note of the distressing report concerning the late Aishatu Umar and extended its deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. It added that the Executive Secretary had directed an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the alleged incident at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the matter. Read Also: Kano Family Cries Out After Woman Allegedly Dies with Scissors Left in Her Body Police Nab 25-Year-Old Drug Suspect, Five Others in Kano Kano Power Struggle Heats Up as Yusuf Reappears Without Kwankwaso Allies The Board assured members of the public that the investigation would be conducted with professionalism, transparency and impartiality. “The Board assures the public that the investigation will be transparent, impartial and professional, and appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any negligence be established,” the statement said. It further emphasised that patient safety remains its utmost priority, noting that the Board is committed to upholding the highest standards of healthcare delivery in Kano State. ‘The Historica Nigeria‘ had earlier reported that a family member of the deceased, Abubakar Mohammed, disclosed the incident in a social media post, alleging that Umar died at about 1 a.m. on Monday after suffering persistent abdominal pain since undergoing surgery at the facility in September 2025. Mohammed, who said the deceased was his sister-in-law, explained that Umar fell ill while living in Kano and was taken to the urology centre for surgical treatment. According to him, shortly after the operation, Umar began to complain of severe abdominal pain, which persisted for several months. “She suffered this pain for four months,” Mohammed said. He alleged that despite repeated visits to the hospital, medical personnel only administered pain relief medication and discharged her without conducting comprehensive medical investigations. Mohammed further claimed that it was only two days before her death that detailed tests and scans were carried out, which allegedly revealed that a pair of scissors had been left inside her body during the September surgery. “Efforts were being made to perform a corrective surgery, but her time had run out,” he said. Describing the incident as gross professional negligence, the family questioned how a surgical instrument could allegedly be left inside a patient’s body. “Is this not pure negligence? How can trained doctors forget scissors inside a patient?” Mohammed asked. He said Umar was survived by her husband and five children, adding that the incident had raised serious concerns about healthcare standards in the state. The family called on the Kano State Government and relevant health regulatory bodies to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure accountability, insisting that justice must be served.

Health, News

Kano Family Cries Out After Woman Allegedly Dies with Scissors Left in Her Body

A Kano-based family has alleged medical negligence following the death of a woman, Aishatu Umar, who reportedly died after enduring months of severe pain allegedly caused by a pair of scissors left in her body during a surgical procedure at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano State. A family member, Abubakar Mohammed, who disclosed the incident in a social media post, said Umar died at about 1 a.m. on Monday after suffering persistent abdominal pain since undergoing surgery at the facility in September 2025. Mohammed, who identified the deceased as his sister-in-law, explained that Umar fell ill while residing in Kano and was taken to the urology centre for surgical treatment. He said shortly after the operation, she began to complain of severe abdominal pain, which persisted for several months. According to him, despite repeated visits to the hospital, medical personnel allegedly administered pain relief drugs and discharged her without conducting comprehensive medical investigations. “She suffered this pain for four months,” Mohammed said. He further alleged that it was only two days before her death that detailed medical tests and scans were carried out, which reportedly revealed that a pair of scissors had been left inside her body during the September surgery. Read Also: Kano Power Struggle Heats Up as Yusuf Reappears Without Kwankwaso Allies NARD Suspends Planned January 12 Strike Arewa Health Promotion Initiative Enrolls 300 Children Back to School, Distributes Learning Materials in Kano Mohammed said arrangements were being made for a corrective surgery to remove the foreign object, but Umar died before the procedure could be carried out. “Efforts were being made to perform a corrective surgery, but her time had run out,” he said. The family described the incident as gross professional negligence, questioning how a surgical instrument could allegedly be left inside a patient’s body. Mohammed said the deceased is survived by her husband and five children, adding that the incident has raised serious concerns about healthcare standards in the state. The family called on the Kano State Government and relevant health regulatory authorities to investigate the matter and ensure accountability. As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre and Kano State health authorities had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

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